The Deadliest Squadron the US Navy Never Wanted Yet Needed

February 19, 1944. Lieutenant Ike Kepford zooms over the South Pacific in his F4U Corsair. US Navy doctrine dictates that when his wingman’s smoking engine forced him to abort, he should have gone with him.

But Kepford doesn’t much care for doctrine. He’s already been reprimanded for his bad attitude. Kicked out of flight school. Caught dogfighting US Army aircraft during training exercises. And now the impetuous fighting ace is chomping at the bit to claim some more victims.

Below him, he’s picked out an irresistible target - a lone Japanese seaplane, oblivious to his presence. Kepford swoops down for the attack, his six machine guns blasting the unsuspecting enemy aircraft, sending it plummeting into the waves.

Yet the seaplane wasn’t alone. Looking up, Kepford’s eyes widen as he sees twenty Japanese Zero fighters swarming above him.

Most aviators would panic. Yet Kepford relishes the opportunity. He's part of Fighter Squadron 17 - the infamous Jolly Rogers - and he’s about to show the enemy the true meaning of the skull-and-crossbones painted on his tail…



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