F6F-3
Unit: VF-27, US Navy
Serial: 17
Pilot - Lt.Richard Stambook. CVL-23 USS Princeton, October 1944. Battle at Leyte Gulf.
Lieutenant Richard E. Stambook, United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VF-27), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), over the Marianas Islands in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 19 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Photo by Chris Smallman