US NAVY VICTORY SQIUADRON

[John Kerr]

Recent conversation with a few aviation friends brought forth mention of the US Navy Victory Squadron. I had never heard of it, but according to friends it was a squadron of aircraft formed in 1946 to show the navy might that helped win the war in the Pacific. Squadron consisted of all the major types of USN aircraft used in the Pacific Theater and consisted of two of each type. Aircraft were painted with multiple kill markings and were displayed at several bases in the United States during the 1946-1947 time frame. Does any one out there have any more information, and more important any photos. Thanks in advance.

PS: Understand the aircraft were flown by US Navy and Marine Aces.

[Jack Cook]

THe CO was CDR Bill Eder. The unit was compristed of all manner of combat a/c including a Kate. The pilots weren't necessary aces all were combat pilots and each had his own a/c painted with the pilots combat record of missions flown and planes and ship destroyed. They basically showed up and buzzed the cr*p out towns then landed visited with the folks. Besides Eder another ace involved was Wilbur Thomas flying a F7F. Tailhook magazine had a large story about the sqd a few years back and the Osprey F6F Aces book has a coor profile of Eder's F6F-5.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

THe CO was CDR Bill Eder. The unit was compristed of all manner of combat a/c including a Kate. The pilots weren't necessary aces all were combat pilots and each had his own a/c painted with the pilots combat record of missions flown and planes and ship destroyed. They basically showed up and buzzed the cr*p out towns then landed visited with the folks. Besides Eder another ace involved was Wilbur Thomas flying a F7F. Tailhook magazine had a large story about the sqd a few years back and the Osprey F6F Aces book has a coor profile of Eder's F6F-5.

CDR William Eder was known as Mr Carrier Aviation!