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"F-4F Wildcat - Study 1" |
F4-F Wildcat number 77 (specifications), was flown by Colonel James E. Swett, USMC. He was assigned to VMF-221, the “Fighting Falcons”, and soon after reporting to the squadron, the squadron was sent to Guadalcanal, arriving on the Pacific Island on March 16, 1943. On April 7, 1943, he attacked a large formation of Japanese Aichi D3A1 Vals over Tulagi Island, and quickly shot down three before his plane was hit by friendly anti-aircraft fire. Although damaged, he continued the attack, shooting down four more Vals, and one listed as probable. Wounded, James Swett had to ditch his plane in the Pacific Ocean, but was soon rescued. For this mission, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He ended the war with 15.5 aerial victories, and was also decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross with five gold stars, Purple Heart with one gold star, Air Medal with 21 gold stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation with 2 bronze stars. |
| Click on aircraft for progressive study. |
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Original Painting 10" x 8" - Acrylic on Masonite |
| Signed by James Swett - F-4F Wildcat Ace (15.5 air to air) |
| James Swett is a member of our Rogue's Gallery |
| Original painting displayed in the private collection of Mr. John Doughty |
| Progressive stages of painting development. | |
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| 1. Painted black on wheels and propellers, off-white on fuselage and wing. Added blue and shadows to give fuselage a rounded look. Painted US insignia on fuselage, added number 77, and completed the cockpit. | 2. I completed the painting by adding more shadows, highlights, and panel lines. and signed it. I then took the painting to an Aces symposium, where I met with Colonel Swett, and he signed the painting. |
3. After learning more about Col. Swett and his many awards and accomplishments, | |
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