October 26, 1942, The Battle of Santa Cruz. The Japanese have
deployed major land and naval forces to retake Henderson Field and
Guadalcanal. Included are 4 carriers and 199 carrier based aircraft.
Opposing is Task Force 61, carriers Hornet and Enterprise, and 136
aircraft. Today, Ensign Donald “Flash” Gordon is flying an F4F-4
Wildcat off the Enterprise with VF-10. The entire morning has been a
bloody brawl between the opposing air groups. Ens. Gordon, while
flying CAP at around 0940, encounters a formation of Kate’s attempting
to torpedo Hornet, who has already been badly hit. “Flash” disrupts
this attack by flaming 2 of the Kate’s and damaging a 3rd.
For the American’s the day ended a strategic victory as Henderson Field
is not retaken, but with the loss of Hornet, a damaged Enterprise and
the loss of 24 aircrew. Japan, the tactical victor, never recovered
from the loss of her 148 experienced aircrew. Donald “Flash” Gordon
will finish the war with 5 victories, 1 probable, and 2 damaged.
300 Limited Edition S&N
lithographs signed by Ace Donald "Flash" Gordon and Roy Grinnell - Size:
17" x 22" $95.00
100 S&N fine art giclees on heavy
art paper or canvas are available in the following sizes and price
ranges:
12x18 - $175.00
16x24 - $265.00
20x30 - $375.00
We also have available a high quality 9x12 giclee on canvas of the
Pilot's sepia portrait for $125.00
