VF-74 Hellcat pilots are briefed for a ground attack mission over southern France while sitting in the Ready Room on board the USS Kasaan Bay in August 1944 during Operation Dragoon. 

Pilot Briefing

A close-up of an F6F-5 Hellcat of VOF-1 as it is waved off from landing aboard USS Tulagi (CVE-72) after a ground attack sortie during the first day of Operation Dragoon.

F6F Hellcat in Europe

On August 19, 1944 Ens. Alfred R Wood shot down two German planes while flying an F6F-5 from VOF-1 off the USS Tulagi over southern France. On August 20 Lt Edward Olszewski scored two more kills flying the same plane.

