Fighting Squadron Five on the Flightdeck of an Unidentified Aircraft Carrier
Description
Photograph of Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5) on an unidentified aircraft carrier. Jimmy Flatley can be seen on the second row, 3rd from the left. Leslie Gehres can be seen holding the squadron insignia.
Context
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.