The F4F and FM Wildcat aircraft was the US Navy’s front-line fighter in the early days of WWII. This iconic aircraft was designed and produced by Grumman, as well as the newly-formed Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors. As larger and more powerful fighters joined the fleet in the later stages of the war, the Wildcat remained in the fray, flying from the decks of escort carriers, which were too small to permit the operation of the later aircraft. The Wildcat was remarkable not only because it served through the duration of the war, but also because it was the mount of some of the nation’s most distinguished aces, including Butch O'Hare and Joe Foss. AUTHOR: Author of over 100 books, David Doyle was presented the Bart Vanderveen Award, recognizing, the individual who has contributed the most to the historic preservation of military vehicles worldwide in 2015 by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. SELLING POINTS: . Design, development, and deployment of the Wildcat, America’s naval fighter during the early days of WWII . The mount of some of the nation’s most distinguished aces, including Butch O'Hare and Joe Foss . Scarce archival photographs of the US Navy’s iconic front-line fighter throughout WWII 242 colour and b/w photographs