The Grim Reapers with their Banner

Name/Title

The Grim Reapers with their Banner

Description

Photograph of Fighting Squadron Ten (VF-10), also known as The Grim Reapers squadron. Squadron members are seen standing and seated in front of a banner with the squadron's motto, "The Grim Reapers Mow'Em Down." From left to right, Back row: Greene, Harman, Coalson, Boren, Kilpatrick, Rhodes, Reding, Mead, Leppla, Kona, Fulton, Davis, Pollock. Middle Row: Feightner, Slagle, Gordon, Long, Faulkner, Caldwell, Billo, Blair, Edwards, Packard, Kanze, Voris, Ruehlow. Front row: Barnes, Leder, Dowden, Harris, Vejtasa, Miller, Wickendoll, Eckhardt, Kane, Axelrod, Witte, Reiserer, Flatley.

Context

Fighting Squadron Ten (VF-10) were known as the grim reapers and adopted the image of a winged reaper as their mascot. James H. Flatley served as the commanding officer of VF-10 during their time aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). James H. Flatley was an accomplished aviator and Navy ace who served during the Second World War. Having served aboard three different carriers, including the USS Yorktown (CV-10), Flatley was an early innovator in carrier aviation. Flatley continued to be an advocate for the importance of carrier aviation throughout his career. Flatley retired in 1958 with the rank of Vice Admiral.

Collection

James H. Flatley Jr. Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2005.00806

Source or Donor

Patriots Point Development Authority

Acquisition Method

Produced by Staff

Made/Created

Date made

1941 - 1945

Update Date

June 16, 2025