Warbird Information Exchange

Commander Alex Vraciu, passed away January 29, 2015, at the age of 96 ... Rest in Peace warrior ...

http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/hist ... e/?pid=481














VF-6 pilots pose in front of a F6F Hellcat aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11) 1944. Vraciu second row, second from the right


F6F Hellcat of Fighting Squadron (VF) 6 catches an arresting wire on board the carrier USS Intrepid (CV 11) operating in the Pacific on February 1, 1944


F6F Hellcat fighters of Fighting Squadron 6 warming up aboard USS Intrepid, 1944


F6F Hellcat fighters of Fighting Squadron 6 warming up aboard USS Intrepid, 1944


USS Intrepid early 1944


Flying Legends F6F in Vraciu's markings


Flying Legends F6F in Vraciu's markings


Alex Vraciu being interviewed Hayward, CA, 1989 (B Larkins photo)

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

God speed aviator.

Thank you for your service.

Andy Scott

VF-6 pilots roster on board USS Intrepid (CV-11)

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

Yes ... Should have read " TFC's F6F Hellcat at (2008 I believe) Flying Legends in the markings of Lt (jg) Alexander Vraciu".
Figured most already knew some of that.

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

I thought I read somewhere that the Fighter Collection Hellcat was the real deal...Alex's actual bird. Is that true?

-Tom

I think you're right Tom. At least a substantial part of this airframe, including it's identity.

Andy

I've heard conflicting reports leaning towards not much truth to it. But I'd love to be proven wrong as it would be quite cool if true.

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

Heck, if the pilot relief tube was his, I'M IN! ha ha ha

Honestly, though, I'm just happy they're honoring the guy with his colors.

BUT...it definitely would be superwham-o-dyne goodness if some of the bird t'were the real thing.

-Tom