Books, Dennis :: PORTER, HANK ...2 (combat insignia)

"BLACK CATS" deal out bad luck

Artist: HANK PORTER (All)

3 Comments - 1,611 Views - 1 Like

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Artwork Details

Title:	"BLACK CATS" deal out bad luck
Artist:	HANK PORTER (All)
Media Type:	Paint - Watercolor
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	1,611
Likes on CAF:	1 2
Comments:	3
Added to Site:	12/20/2013
Comic Art Archive:

Description

In June 1944 this Disney designed insigne was sent to Lt. Richard Gump of Squadron 71, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Air Patrol. He was a member of a cross-sectional group of young American Naval flyers and air-crewmen gathered to train and somewhat to their surprise to fight, in PBY-5A's-Catalinas (long range flying boat and amphibious aircraft)originally designed for patrol and air-sea rescue, but now called upon to attack heavily armed enemy units at the closest possible range. Navy Catalinas used in the Pacific against the Japanese for night operations using radar were painted flat black overall, and as a result were sometimes referred to locally as "BLACK CATS". The Catalina airmen called their aircraft the "Cat" on combat missions and "Dumbo" in air-sea rescue service. Frequently experimenting with weapon setups, to do the maximum damage they carried bombs or torpedo racks accompanying a variety of different caliber machine guns placed to fire at all angles from the aircraft. Also engaged in convoy escort, weather reconnaissance, cargo transport, antisubmarine warfare, attacking shipyards, warehouses and other land objectives in enemy held waters and sea lanes they provided "BAD LUCK" to the Japanese.
"PB" represented "Patrol Bomber" and "Y" being the code assigned to Consolidated Aircraft as its manufacturer. "5-A" refers to the model with its specific design and armament.

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	Dennis Books Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	January 2006
Last Login:	September 2025
On CAF:	Dennis's Classifieds Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Will Cox
Member Since 2006

Posted on 12/20/2013

Wow. What a fantastic piece of history!

Johnny C.
Member Since 2010

Posted on 12/20/2013

Great example! Love it!

Eric F
Member Since 2009

Posted on 12/21/2013

Incredible piece. Thanks for the story.

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