Never was that saying truer than for the first Blue Angel, Navy Capt. Roy M. “Butch” Voris, who was selected in 1946 to lead the newly created Navy flight exhibition team. Voris was involved with the team until his death Aug. 10, 2005, and the 2006 show season is dedicated to his memory.

Voris served in the Navy for 22 years and retired in 1963 as a captain.

Known for his coolness in the cockpit, Voris cheated death many times, including a 1952 midair collision during a Blue Angels demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas. One Blue Angel was killed, but Voris miraculously brought his severely damaged plane to the ground.

Though there were some tragedies, most of the times were good. The nation quickly embraced Voris and the team of skilled pilots performing the most dangerous stunts ever seen.

When the team was formed, Voris was a 25-year-old combat ace and flight instructor at Jacksonville Naval Air Station. He was given little direction about what was expected of him—only that then Chief of Naval Operations Chester W. Nimitz wanted a team to perform at air shows and other public events and serve as a Navy recruiting tool.

He set about choosing the exhibition aircraft—the Grumman F6F Hellcat—and his teammates. Because he knew the team would be completing dangerous stunts and traveling often, Voris wanted single men with combat experience.

Al Taddeo was one of the original Blues chosen.

“It was a very plum assignment, believe me,” said Taddeo, 87, of Newport Coast, Calif. “All carrier pilots, I don’t care who they were at that time, wanted to get in on the program. Literally thousands of aviators wanted to be on the team.”

Blue Angels beginning

“They didn’t know what to expect from us,” Taddeo recalled, remembering the spectators and air show organizers during the team’s first public performance June 15, 1946, at Craig Field in Jacksonville. “We put on the show that we had practiced and unbeknownst to us, we were a tremendous hit. The announcers really went wild over what we were doing.”

The team only had been practicing a month. At the time, three planes in a slow roll formation close to the ground was an incredibly dangerous stunt.

“It was a very foolhardy stunt you might say. But we thought we could do it, and we did it,” Taddeo said.

They practiced what Voris preached: “Get it up, get it on and get it down.”

Raleigh “Dusty” Rhodes, 88, of San Jose, Calif., the third team leader of the Blue Angels remembers the first time he saw the Blue Angels in 1946. He knew Voris from the war but the two hadn’t seen each other in several years.

He immediately wanted to join the team and was selected the following year.

“We were pioneers at that time,” he said. “No one else was doing anything like this.” The efforts of Voris and early team members forged the way for the Blue Angels of today, laying the foundation for the next 60 years and the development of a treasured Navy symbol of honor and dedication.

Documenting the ‘First Blue’

Voris never looked for recognition or praise for his role in creating the Blue Angels. But for years, his son-in-law, Hank Nothhaft, has wanted to make sure Voris’ place in history would be sealed.

He had to persuade Voris several years before his death to sit down with author Robert K. Wilcox. The result was “First Blue,” a 352 page book that details Voris’ military career and the formation of the flying squadron.

“No one had really documented the detailed story of how humble and how chaotic and how dramatic the founding of the Blue Angels was, “Nothhaft said. “Butch never imagined in his wildest dreams that the team would reach the heights that it has. He was very proud of it. He kept in touch with the team through the years. He kept his hand in right up until the end,” he said.

Nothhaft said Voris was an entertaining speaker who liked to make fun of himself in his stories.

“His stories had people rolling on the floor,” Nothhaft said.

Nothhaft’s wife Randie, Voris’ younger daughter, was born after her father served his second stint with the Blue Angels in 1952. He returned to reform he team after it had served in the Korea Conflict.

For a man who already had spent more than a decade in the military, adjusting to life with three women—wife Thea and daughters Jill and Randie—couldn’t have been easy, Randie Nothhaft said.

“He was very strict,” she said. “I always thought growing up that if he had boys I would feel sorry for them because he would have made them undergo constant inspections. He was just that kind of character.”

Death of an aviation icon

Watching him deteriorate near the end of his life was difficult. He was still alert, his mind sharp as ever, but he was declining physically and was likely in a lot of pain, Randie Nothhaft said. Doctors told her Voris died of congestive heart disease.

After his death, it became even clearer to her that her father had made history.

“He touched a lot of people,” she said. “I never knew it until he passed away how many people whose lives he had touched.”

Blue Angels team members remember Voris as a determined leader who pushed for perfection, but was always “one of the gang.”

“He was very easy to work with,” Taddeo said. “I think he was the best qualified man at the time to be the leader of that team.”

Voris influences the Blue Angels to this day. Members who never knew him are taught the principles of team work, safety and perfection he preached 60 years ago.

Writes Blue Angel Commanding Officer Stephen R. Foley in the team’s 2006 yearbook: “He is still very much alive in our squadron. He was a true American patriot. A leader. A visionary. A legend. Our hero. His contributions to our naval service were epic.”

About Voris

The Naval career of Ro M. “Butch” Voris spanned 22 years. He flew everything from biplanes to jets, many of them in combat. His status as an ace was earned in the early years of World War II when he shot down eight Japanese fighter planes.

Flying from the carriers USS Enterprise and USS Hornet, he took part in the battles of Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Central Pacific Islands, Philippine Sea, the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, and the “Mission into Darkness’ in which air wing pilots had taken off near dusk to pursue the Japanese fleet knowing many probably wouldn’t have enough gas to return.

In 1952, Voris was brought back to reform the Blue Angels after the team’s stint as a fighter squadron in the Korean conflict. Voris was a two-time Blue Angel flight leader, the skipper of Fighter Squadrons VF 113 and 191, and commanding officer of Carrier Air Group 5.

Post Navy career

After retiring from the Navy in 1963, he went to work as an executive at Grumman Aircraft Corp. in Bethpage, N.Y., where he had been instrumental in the early development of the F-14 Tomcat. He ended his aviation career as a spokesman for NASA during the momentous 1970 moon shots.

Awards

Voris was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 air medals, three Presidential Unit Citations, and a Purple Heart when he was almost killed by a Japanese Zero that shot his cockpit as he defended Guadalcanal.

Voris was inducted into the Naval Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Air Show Hall of Fame. An aircraft bearing his name is outside Jacksonville Naval Air Station, and the passenger terminal at the station is named for him. In 1993, he was honored by the Air Force in a “Gathering of Eagles” ceremony as one of 20 pilots worldwide who had made significant contributions to aviation.

Died in 2005

Voris died Aug. 10, 2005, at his home in Monterey, Calif. Voris was preceded in death by his wife Thea.

by: KrisThom@pensacolanewsjournal.com

Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Rodney P. Rempt unveiled a memorial plaque alongside a display F/A-18 Hornet, painted in the Blue Angels’ unmistakable blue and gold color scheme, at Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.

The aircraft’s canopy rails display the names of Cmdr. Stephen Foley, the Blue Angels’ current commanding officer, and Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron’s first commanding officer, retired Capt. Roy M. Voris.

Voris passed away in August 2005. His son-in-law, Hank Nothhaft, a 1966 Naval Academy graduate, attended the ceremony on Voris’ behalf.

“The timing is nearly perfect – 60 years ago, almost to the day, was the first flight demonstration. This is a fitting place for a memorial, reminding midshipmen of those who have fallen before them,” said Nothhaft.

In 1946, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Chester W. Nimitz ordered the creation of a flight exhibition formation to demonstrate naval air power and generate public support for the armed forces. Nimitz tasked Rear Adm. Ralph Davison with selecting the flight leader for what would become the Blue Angels. Voris, a World War II fighter ace with eight confirmed enemy kills off USS Enterprise (CV 6) and USS Hornet (CV 8), was tapped to assemble and train an exhibition squadron.

The Blue Angels’ first demonstration took place May 10, 1946.

Since then, the military’s premier flight demonstration squadron has had 213 pilots. Out of those 213, 26 have graduated from the Naval Academy. The Blue Angels have performed at Naval Academy graduations for more than 30 years.

Members of the current Blue Angels team were on hand for the memorial dedication.

“Like many of the missions of our naval service, flying jet aircraft in demonstrations is dangerous business,” said Foley. “Yet, as dangerous as our profession is, it is not nearly as dangerous as not doing what we do. The risk we take pales in comparison to the enormous pride and privilege that we feel in being part of such a noble endeavor, or participating in something so much larger than ourselves.”

The National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla., donated the F/A-18 Hornet to the Naval Academy in April 2005. The aircraft is on display in dedication to all Blue Angels aviators who have sacrificed their lives.

“It is fitting that today on these hallowed grounds here at Annapolis, in which our naval heritage is rooted, that we remember the sacrifice of these 25 Blue Angels,” Foley said.

The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

“The purpose of the Blue Angels is to stir the patriotism locked away in the hearts of all Americans,” said Foley, “to encourage in the young men and women of this country the belief that they can attain anything they may dream of and that through training, discipline, and hard work, they may glean the skills to realize their aspirations.”

The Blue Angels have performed for more than 367 million spectators since their inception and have nearly 70 air shows scheduled for the 2006 flight season.

For related news, visit the U.S. Naval Academy Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/usna/.

By Naomi Sullivan, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

Voris died at his home in Monterey, Calif., Aug. 10. He was 86.

Full military honors were conducted outside the chapel following the memorial ceremony, which included a 21-gun salute and the traditional folding and presentation of the American flag. The service ended with the Blue Angel flyover at approximately 2:15 p.m.

“Butch Voris’ contributions to naval aviation history were epic,” said Cmdr. Steve Foley, flight leader and commanding officer of the 2005 Blue Angels. “Concluding his memorial service with a fly-by by the 2005 Blue Angel team will be a highlight of not only this season, but our careers as naval aviators as well. It truly reinforces our responsibility to preserve the legacy and ideals Boss Voris bestowed upon us 59 years ago.”

The service commemorated Voris’ life and his passion for naval aviation. It was peppered with notable speakers from his historic career as a World War II flying ace, the first Blue Angel, carrier air group commander, air show supporter and loyal friend.

“It was a fitting thrill and great comfort to our family,” said Hank Nothhaft, Voris’ son-in-law. “I know Butch was looking down at the proceedings with a twinkle in his eye and the thrill and pride that he always experienced whenever he watched the team perform.”

Voris, a World War II flying ace in the Pacific theater, was hand-picked by Adm. Chester Nimitz in 1946 to organize a flight demonstration team to showcase naval aviation. June 15 of that year, Voris led the newly-named Blue Angels and their Grumman F-6F Hellcats in the team’s first public performance at Craig Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Voris’ Navy career spanned 33 years, flying everything from biplanes to jets, many of them in combat. His status as an ace was earned in the early years of the Pacific War when he shot down eight Japanese fighter planes. Flying from the carriers USS Enterprise (CV 6) and USS Hornet (CV 8), he had taken part in the battles of Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Central Pacific Islands, Philippine Sea, the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, and “The Mission into Darkness,” in which air wing pilots had taken off near dusk to pursue the Japanese fleet, knowing many probably wouldn’t have enough gas to return.

In 1952, Voris was brought back to re-form the Blue Angels following their stint as a fighter squadron in the Korean War known as “Satan’s Kittens.” Voris was a two-time Blue Angel flight leader, the skipper of Fighter Squadrons (VF) 113 and 191, and commanding officer of Carrier Air Group 5.

After retiring from the Navy in 1963, he went to work as an executive at Grumman Aircraft Corporation, in Bethpage, NY, where he had been instrumental in the early development of the F-14 Tomcat. He ended his aviation career as a spokesman for NASA during the momentous 1970 moon shots.

Voris was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 air medals, three Presidential Unit Citations and a Purple Heart, when he almost was killed by a Japanese Zero that shot up his cockpit as he defended Guadalcanal.

Voris was inducted into the Navy Aviation Hall of Fame in Pensacola, Fla., and the International Air Show Hall of Fame. An aircraft bearing his name is outside Jacksonville Naval Air Station, and the Passenger Terminal at the station is named for him. In 1993, he was honored by the Air Force in a “Gathering of Eagles” ceremony as one of 20 pilots worldwide who had made significant contributions to aviation.

For more information on the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.

By Lt. Garrett Kasper, Blue Angels Public Affairs

He had a few favorite sayings that tell a lot about his character.

One in particular was “Get it up, get it on, and get it down.” Though originally applied to his philosophy of Blue Angel Air Show performances, it became a broader philosophy statement later in life. His strong personality, insistence on excellence through pilot debriefs and commitment, and through teamwork, established a tradition that continues with the Blues today.

He also would joke about having used up at least 8 of his 9 lives through his exploits, and how looking back he wouldn’t have changed a thing. “I wish I could do it all over again.”

In a sense, the format for the Butch Voris Memorial Service is an attempt to do it all over again. The speakers chosen represent various facets of Butch’s life from WWII fighter ace, Blue Angels founder and leader, Air Group Commander, loyal friend, air show supporter and dedicated parent and grandparent. Included in the ceremony are his grandsons Hank and Ryan, his biographer Robert Wilcox, the author of “First Blue”, Russ Reiserer, a WWII Ace in his own right who joined the Navy the very same day that Butch joined, Dusty Rhodes, a WWII colleague, POW, who Butch chose to join the Blues and became their third leader, Wayne Handley, a former Navy pilot who is a famous stunt flier from the Air Show circuit, George Whisler, who commanded a fighter squadron in Butch’s Air Group, RADM Winston Copeland USN (Ret), fellow aviator to read a letter from Captain Dobson, CO NAS JAX, and Al Cheney, a close personal friend from the Santa Cruz area where Butch grew up. All emceed by Kathy Eby who met Butch through his support of the California Air Show in Salinas.

Butch led a long and full life, and accomplished a great deal, but the creation of the Blue Angel tradition was his crowning achievement. He was so proud of the Blue Angels and the personnel who maintain this tradition. He met with nearly every team leader and member during the lifetime of the team. He always looked forward to attending the pre air show and post air show briefings and the Team reunions. He meant so much to the Team and they meant so much to him. It is only fitting and a great thrill and comfort to his family, that after full military honors are rendered that the Blue Angels will participate in the Memorial Service by doing a missing man formation flyover. I know Butch will be looking down at the proceedings with a twinkle in his eye, and the thrill and pride that he always experienced when he watched the Team perform. His family will be ever grateful that The Blue Angels Flyover provided a fitting and official end to this remembrance. However, we great take pride and joy in the thought that Butch’s legacy will live on through the world’s greatest fliers and flight demonstration team, The Navy’s Blue Angels.

Voris, a World War II flying ace in the Pacific theater, was hand-picked by Adm. Chester Nimitz in 1946 to organize a flight demonstration team to showcase naval aviation. On June 15, Voris led the newly named Blue Angels and their Grumman F-6F Hellcats in the team’s first public performance at Craig Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Voris’ Navy career spanned 33 years, flying bi-planes to jets, many of them in combat. His status as an ace was earned in the early years of the Pacific War when he shot down eight Japanese fighter planes. Flying from the carriers USS Enterprise and USS Hornet, he had taken part in the battles of Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Central Pacific Islands, Philippine Sea, the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, and “The Mission into Darkness,” in which air wing pilots had taken off near dusk to pursue the Japanese fleet knowing many probably wouldn’t have enough gas to return.

Voris had survived numerous accidents and emergency situations in the air, including a midair collision during a Blue Angel demonstration at Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1952 in which one Blue Angel was killed and he miraculously brought his plane in despite lack of control and a severed tail.

In 1952, Voris was brought back to reform the Blue Angels following their stint as a fighter squadron in the Korean War known as “Satan’s Kittens.” Voris was a two-time Blue Angel flight leader, the skipper of Fighter Squadrons 113 and 191, and commanding officer of Carrier Air Group Five.

After retiring from the Navy in 1963, he went to work as an executive at Grumman Aircraft Corporation, in Bethpage, NY, where he had been instrumental in the early development of the F-14 Tomcat. He ended his aviation career as a spokesman for NASA during the momentous 1970 moon shots.

“Butch Voris’ contributions to naval aviation history were epic,” said Cmdr. Steve Foley, flight leader and commanding officer of the 2005 Blue Angels. “The legacy Boss Voris bestowed upon the Blue Angels has had a profound impact on our team’s 59-year history. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Voris family during this challenging time.”

Voris was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 air medals, three Presidential Unit Citations and a Purple Heart when he almost was killed by a Japanese Zero that shot up his cockpit as he defended Guadalcanal.

Voris is a member of the Navy Aviation Hall of Fame in Pensacola, Fla., and the International Air Show Hall of Fame. An aircraft bearing his name is outside Jacksonville Naval Air Station and the Passenger Terminal at the station is named for him. In 1993, he was honored by the Air Force in a “Gathering of Eagles” ceremony as one of 20 pilots worldwide who have made significant contributions to aviation.

Voris is survived by daughters Randie and Jill, sons-in-law Hank and Joe, and grandsons Hank Jr., Ryan and Todd. In addition, he is survived by brothers Robert and Richard. His wife of more than 50 years, Thea, passed away in 2003.

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Capt. (Retired) Roy Marlin “Butch” Voris, creator of the famed Navy Blue Angels air demonstration team and a World War II flying ace from the Pacific War, died Tuesday, August 9 at his home in Monterey, CA. Voris, 86, had been ill for several years but was still drawing huge crowds at air shows whenever he attended. The 2004 California Air Show at Salinas, CA had been dedicated in his honor.

A fighter pilot’s fighter pilot, he shared the pantheon with other American military aviation greats like Chuck Yeager, Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, and the “Right Stuff” astronauts, all of whom made their marks after Voris had helped pave the way. He himself had ended his active aviation career as a spokesman for NASA during the momentous 1970 moon shots.

Physically a big man with a shaved head, Voris was known for his even-temperedness and coolness in the cockpit, as well as great skill. He had survived numerous accidents and emergency situations in the air, including a midair collision during a Blue Angel demonstration at Corpus Christi, TX, in 1952 in which one Blue Angel was killed and he miraculously brought his plane in despite lack of almost all control and a nearly severed tail. For all his accomplishments, he was unpretentious and had a humorous streak that kept him in demand as a speaker.

Voris’ career spanned 33 years. He had been instrumental in the early development of the F-14 “Tomcat,” one of the navy’s greatest fighter-bombers. He had flown everything from bi-planes to jets, most of them in combat. His status as ace was earned in the hard early years of the Pacific War when he shot down a confirmed eight (8) Japanese fighter planes. Flying from the carriers Enterprise and Hornet, he had taken part in the battles of Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, numerous Central Pacific islands, the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, and “The Mission into Darkness,” in which air wing pilots had taken off near dusk to pursue the Japanese fleet knowing many probably wouldn’t have enough gas to return.

But Voris was most known for having forged in 1946 a handful of navy fighter pilots, veterans of the Pacific War, into the navy flight demonstration team that became known world-wide as the Blue Angels, today’s foremost ambassadors of American flight know-how and prowess. It was the first such official venture by any of the services. With the war over, the navy needed a recruiting tool and something that would help attract congressional dollars. Voris, back from the war and a Jacksonville Naval Air Station flight instructor, was given the job.

“My frame of mind was they didn’t offer this to me to come in second to the army,” he recalls in “First Blue,” a book published by St. Martins Press last year about his life. “I felt that if we weren’t the best, it would be my naval career.”

What he forged was the first of its kind: a show about 15 minutes long with three Hellcats, the fighters he’d flown mostly in the Pacific, roaring almost wingtip to wingtip in unison, doing rolls and maneuvers experienced often in dogfights but seldom ever seen by the public. The first show was a sensation, and by the end of the year, the team had found a name based on a New York nightclub and Butch had hand-picked leaders who would succeed him. His strong personality, insistence on excellence through pilot debriefs and commitment, and through teamwork, established a tradition that continues with the Blues today. At Salinas this past year, current as well as former Blues honored him at attention with a red carpet and salutes as he passed them by.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he’s quoted in First Blue. “I wish I could do it all over again.”

In 1952, Voris was brought back to reform the Blue’s following their stint as the nucleus of a fighter squadron in the Korean War. They had not performed for several years. As such he was one of only two Blue leaders ever to lead the group twice. This time he did it in Panther jets. Additionally, he was twice the skipper of fighter squadrons – VF-113 and VF-191 – and commanding officer of a carrier air group, CAG-5. After retiring from the navy as a captain in 1963, he went to work as an executive of Grumman Aircraft Corporation, Bethpage, New York – the company whose many airplanes he had flown and loved until 1973, when he joined NASA.

Moved by the sight of airplanes as a youngster, Voris, who was born in Los Angeles, was considering a career as a mortician after graduating from high school in Santa Cruz, CA and Salinas Junior College. He didn’t think he’d have enough money to learn to fly. Then he saw a recruiting poster and realized the navy might teach him for nothing. He was still finishing flight training when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Shipped out to war when things looked bleakest, he served in VF-10 “The Grim Reapers,” under Jimmy Flatley, and later, as the carriers began to take back the Pacific, with VF-2, “The Rippers,” commanded by Bill Dean. At one point, the Rippers had more aces than any other squadron in the Pacific.

He was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 air medals, and three Presidential Unit Citations and the Purple Heart received when he almost was killed by a Japanese Zero on his tail that shot up his cockpit as he defended Guadalcanal. He was in a less-maneuverable F4F Wildcat and figured it was over until he dove in a last-ditch maneuver and escaped. That was his first real dogfight.

Butch is a member of the Navy Aviation Hall of Fame in Pensacola, FL, and the International Air Show Hall of Fame. An aircraft bearing his name is outside Jacksonville Naval Air Station and the Passenger Terminal at the station is named for him. In 1993, he was honored by the air force in a “Gathering of Eagles” ceremony as one of 20 aviators worldwide who have made significant contributions to aviation. The gathering is an annual event. In 2003, his wife of over 50 years, Thea passed away. They had been married since 1947.

Butch is survived by daughters Randie and Jill, sons-in-law Hank and Joe, and grandsons Hank Jr., Ryan and Todd. In addition, he is survived by brothers Robert and Richard.

A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations in Butch’s name to Hospice of the Central Coast 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite D-210, Monterey, CA 93940-5730.

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.