Rare 1954 USN VF-54 Far East Cruise Book with Section on the Hainan Incident
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Rare 1954 USN VF-54 Far East Cruise Book with Section on the Hainan Incident

Code: usnb20008fsf

$465.00




Product Description

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ARTIFACT: Rare 1954 United States Navy VF-54 Far East Cruise Book with section on the Hainan Incident, aka The Hainan Turkey Shoot. The cover shows a propeller with blades that read: "FIFTY FOUR FIGHTER SQUADRON" and surrounding it reads: "FAR EAST CRUISE 1954". The cruise book contains many photos of crew and activities, and provides a detailed account of the Hainan Incident. The incident occurred on July 23rd, 1954 when a Communist Chinese plane shot down a Douglas C-4 Skyraider carrying 17 passengers. The pilot of the C-4 managed to maneuver a swift crash-landing on the water off the coast of Hainan. Shortly after, VF-54 naval pilots were dispatched to assist with the rescue attempt and were on orders from President Eisenhower not to show aggression towards Chinese planes that may arrive on scene, but to retaliate only in self-defense. Sure enough, two Communist Chinese aircraft surprise attacked the group, but once they began shooting at the naval pilots, the two Chinese planes were shot down in self-defense. It was later said by the Air Group's Commander Duncan that, "the pilots who participated in this fight are not familiar with air-to-air combat, they joined battle without hesitation, demonstrating a willing aggressiveness equal to the most experience fighter pilots." The inside cover shows a handwritten inscription that reads: "To Jack, One hell of a nice guy with all my best wishes for lots of good luck." and signed, "Joe E. Rosenthal".

VINTAGE: Circa 1954

SIZE: Approximately 10-3/8" x 8-5/8"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Treated canvas cover, ink, magazine print, sewn binding, paper

ATTACHMENT: Sewn binding

MARKINGS: "PRINTED BY TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN"

ITEM NOTES: This is from a US Navy collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VEM16 LDEJX8/16 PsLDFEX10/20

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The cruise book shows minor to moderate wear, some bubbling to the canvas wrapped cover that does not detract much, all the pages and binding are intact, overall excellent condition.

GUARANTEE: As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.