The Grim Reapers were formed by Jimmy Flatley and accounted for 217 Japanese aircraft and created 13 Aces. Aces that will be presente include Capt Roy “Butch” Voris, Capt Don “Flash” Gordon, Cmdr Rob Kanze, Capt Russell Reiserer, Cmdr Raleigh “Dusty” Rhodes, and Capt Stanley W. “Swede” Vejtasa.

Admission rates are $25 for NCF members and $30 for non-NCF members. Doors open at 12:00pm. Alameda Point, Building B-77 (the former airport terminal building).

For questions and to register, please contact NCF at 408-725-8095 or 925-609-9222.

Two of Butch’s WW II shipmates attended the luncheon. Russ Reiserer, who enlisted in the Navy in Alameda, CA, on the same day as Butch’s induction. As a result, Russ is a couple numbers senior to Butch on the Navy seniority list. Russ went on to become a WW II Ace in his own right. He flew F4F Wildcats aboard the USS Enterprise during the Battle of Santa Cruz, October 1942. He was posted as Executive Officer of VF(N)-76 and shot down five aircraft on June 19, 1944, becoming an Ace-in-a-Day. He worked on the development of the steam catapult, bringing aircraft carriers into the jet age. He retired from the Navy in 1969. Dusty Rhodes was also present. Dusty and Butch served aboard the Enterprise in VF 2 in 1942. During the Battle of Santa Cruz, Dusty was shot down. After surviving in the water for a number of hours he was taken captive by the Japanese and spent 35 months as a prisoner of war. He was chosen by Butch to serve with the Blue Angels and became the third leader of the team during his tour, from 1947 to 1950.

Butch served on the Hornet with VF2 Naval Fighter Squadron Rippers during his second tour in combat during WWII. VF-2 was the top fighter squadron in the Pacific with more total victories and more ace pilots than any other fighter squadron. Life magazine called them the Hottest Squadron in the Pacific. The “Rippers” set a record that still stands: out of 50 pilots, 27 were confirmed aces. He recounted his involvement in the Battle of the Philippine Sea that took place on June 19th and June 20th, 1944. This Battle involved a major air engagement known as the Marianas Turkey Shoot due to the large number of Japanese airplanes that were shot down. The continuation of the engagement led to the Mission beyond Darkness. Butch modestly described his involvement in this hair raising series of events. The Hornet’s log, still on board, clearly outlines Butch’s heroic accomplishments during this period where he served as operations officer of VF2.

Butch graciously signed autographs as all copies of “First Blue” that were on hand quickly became keepsakes for those in attendance.

Saturday, January 22nd from 2:00pm-3:30pm at the Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108, 206-764-5700. Read More.

Besides the current Blue Angel Team, the Canadian Snowbird Aerobatic Flight Team and a significant number of former Blue Angels attended and participated in the ceremonial festivities. Al Taddeo, the other living member of the first team attended, along with Dusty Rhodes, the third team leader of the Blue Angels. Russ Reiserer, who was inducted into the Navy with Butch and a noted WWII Navy Ace also was on hand. Other former Bosses of the Blue Angels in attendance were Zeb Knott, Bob Aumack, and Denny Wisely. Other former team members present were ,Nello Pierozzi Herb Hunter, Bill Rennie, Doug McCaughy and Dayl Crow. RADM Winston “Mad Dog” Copeland, USN (retired), who’s Air Group was the subject of an earlier Wilcox book, attended as well. A huge, striking painting by Art Siordia, depicting many elements of Butch Voris’ remarkable life was unveiled as part of the ceremony. The title of the painting is “The Boss on Point”.

In a humorous incident during Butch’s storied Naval flying career, he had to resort to a large football helmet painted yellow since no flight helmet would fit him. Butch was presented an exta large Blue Angels Flight Helmet by the current Blue Angels team so he wouldn’t have to resort to these measures in the future. There is a photograph of Butch in “First Blue” with his football helmet which earned him the nickname “Old Yellow Hat.”

Nearly 500 copies of “First Blue” were available for sale at the Air Show and sold out in a short period of time. Lithographs of Art Siordia’s painting of Butch were also a popular item.

This event was an amazing and appropriate kick off of “First Blue”. Many photographs of the Weekend’s happenings can be found in the Gallery Section of FirstBlueAngel.com under First Blue Launch. Any one who can provide the names of additional former Blue Angels who were in attendance, please send them to Hank@firstblueangel.com so they can be included in the list of attendees.

The mission of the site is to generate funds for The Navy Marine Corps Relief Fund and the Naval Academy Foundation. This will be accomplished by selling autographed copies of “First Blue”. All costs for operating FirstBlueAngel.com have been underwritten by members of Butch’s family, all net proceeds from the sales of “First Blue” and the Blue Angels photographs will be donated to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Fund and the Naval Academy Foundation.

“First Blue”, the story of WWII Ace Butch Voris and the creation of the Blue Angels is the rollicking saga of a true American hero—part Rocket Boys, part military history, part the Right Stuff. According to Jim Lovell, Commander of multiple Apollo Lunar Missions, this book should appeal to anyone who has felt the thrill of aviation in their veins. With a great story to tell, Wilcox has crafted a stirring naval action narrative that often reads like an adventure novel covering Voris’ remarkable life. The story ranges from heroic, tragic and humorous to inspirational, but is always spellbinding.

Anyone can enjoy the extensive Blue Angels memorabilia on display at FirstBlueAngel.com, acquire an autographed copy of “First Blue” and support a good cause all at the same time.

The official launch event for “First Blue” will take place at The California Air Show in Salinas, California October 2d and October 3d (www.salinasairshow.com). He will also be feted at the Jacksonville NAS Air Show October 30-31. Photographs for publication and interviews with Butch can be scheduled by contacting hank@firstblueangel.com.

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Contact:
hank@firstblueangel.com
courtney@firstblueangel.com

This year’s show will feature none other than the Navy’s World Famous Blue Angels ( www.blueangels.navy.mil) in their only appearance in Northern California in 2004. Also performing are the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds, Sean Tucker ( www.poweraerobatics.com), and The Red Baron Squadron (www.redbaron.com) among others. This combination bodes well for the potential of setting some new air show attendance records.

All the exact plans for promoting “First Blue” at the show have not been finalized at this time. However, some items have been decided. A substantial portion of the Air Show program will be dedicated to Butch and the book. Also, “First Blue” will be for sale at various locations on the show grounds. It is also certain that both Butch Voris and Bob Wilcox will be on hand and will make time to personalize copies of “First Blue” for air show attendees.

If you are not planning on attending the show this year, “First Blue” can be preordered on most online book venues at this time. If you are looking for a special gift for an aviation enthusiast or just want to obtain a unique collectable while contributing to a good cause, order an autographed or personalized copy of “First Blue” (www.firstblueangel.com).