File:F4F-4 VF-3.gif

Summary
Grumman F4F-4 with six kill markings (1942). This is a cropped Navy publicity picture of LCDR John S. Thach, famed developer of the "Thach Weave" (aka beam defense) tactic, when he was commander of VF-3. The picture was taken immediately following the Battle of Midway where Thach scored his final kills protecting Yorktown aircraft en route to smash the Imperial Japanese striking force. The full original picture shows 7 kills, Thach's high point for the war. Thach went on to command carriers in the Korean War, made the cover of Time magazine, and eventually rose to the rank of full Admiral (four star) before retiring in the late 1960's. Refer to the book "Thach Weave", published by the U.S. Naval Institute Press for further information.

Colour F4F