F6F "Minsi III" Utility crossbody bag

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This design is based on the F6F Hellcat nicknamed “Minsi III” flown by Captain David McCampbell of Fighter Squadron 15 (VF-15). Captain McCampbell was the United States Navy's all-time leading flying ace (aka “Ace of the Aces” in the Navy) and top F6F Hellcat ace with 34 aerial victories. He was the third-highest American-scoring ace of World War II and the highest-scoring American ace to survive the war. He also set a United States single-mission aerial combat record of shooting down nine enemy planes in one mission on October 24, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. He retired from the Navy after 31 years of service, during which time he was awarded the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with "V" device, Distinguished Flying Cross x3, and Air Medal x 2. Captain David McCampbell passed away June 30th, 1996 aged 86.

Interestingly, there is some conjecture of the correct color and location of the name “Minsi III” as it is often shown as white. In the book “F6F Hellcat in detail and scale” (Bert Kinzey) there is an interview with McCampbell confirming the color.

Interviewer: “Then came Minsi III, which was your best-known aircraft. I have a color photograph that shows that the name was in yellow. Was it on both sides, and were the kills on both sides? I've never seen an actual photograph of the left side."
McCampbell: “Yes, both the name and the kills were on both sides as they had been on Minsi II. The kills were stickers rather than being painted on. Also, I had "CAG" added in black at some time to the white tail band.”

Some truly unique Warbird merch that I absolutely love. I bought a Thunder Bird bag to match my T-bird shoes and tumbler :-)

Cassidy R

Wish I could have found these years ago.

"Fender"

A great tribute for my grandfather.

Lorraine D