Pilots of USS Lexington CV16 Poster

Fighting Squadron Sixteen (VF-16) F6F Hellcat pilots on board the USS Lexington (CV 16) celebrate after shooting down 17 of 20 Japanese planes heading for Tarawa in November of 1943. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Paul D. Buie, would be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions at Tarawa: "The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16) during interception of a large formation of Japanese fighter aircraft in the vicinity of Mille Island on 23 November 1943. "He led a combat air patrol of twelve Hellcats against a force of 21 to 23 Japanese fighter planes and personally shot down two Zeros in this action. In a similar action off Mille Island on 24 November 9143, he led his twelve Hellcats in aerial combat against 15 to 20 fighters and 2 bombers and personally shot down one fighter in combat. "His leadership, courage, and aggressiveness throughout these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." Cmdr. Buie would also receive the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and 2 more Distinguished Flying Crosses by the war's end. The second pilot from the right, with his fist in the air, is Dick Johnson, who shot down his third Japanese plane that day and overall, would have 3 confirmed destroyed, and 1 to 4 probably destroyed planes. On December 4, 1943, he would be listed missing in action in a mission to Kwajalien (Roi-Namur). Dick's plane is likely one of over 150 airplanes that rest in the waters surrounding the island. The Pistol Packin' Airedales VF-16 squadron would produce 7 aces during World War 2. Pilots are L - R: Ens. William J. Seyfferle; Ltjg. Alfred L. Frendberg; Lcdr. Paul D. Buie; Ens. John W. Bartol; Ltjg. Dean D. Whitmore; Ltjg. Francis M. Fleming; Ltjg. Eugene R. Hanks; Ens. E.J. Rucinski; Ltjg. R.G. Johnson and Ltjg. Sven Rolfsen.