Academy 1/72 F4 Wildcat. Lt Wilmer. E. Rawie
Lt. Wilmer E. Rawie
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, Junior Grade Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . As a pilot of Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), engaged in combat patrol, he attacked enemy aircraft approaching the U.S.S. YORKTOWN during the Battle of Midway, 4 - 6 June 1942. At great personal risk, he assisted in destroying at least one enemy airplane. His flying skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: June 4 - 6, 1942Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Company: Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6)
Regiment: Air Group 6 (AG-6)
Division: U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)
When it became clear that the Devastator would not be ready in time, I turned to this little kit which I had almost finished several years ago. I did want to be able post something commemorating the battle even if strictly speaking it wasn't part of the group build. So I got it off the shelf and finished off the bits and pieces, and here it is.
Hope that is O.K.
Wilmer ("Bill") E Rawie was credited with the US Navy's first Victory in the Pacific.
He served throughout the Pacific war and finished it with just the one official victory, I believe. However he was awarded the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross and three gold stars.His victory came during the raid on Taroa while flying from USS Enterprise.
In many ways for me he represents all those who turned up and got on with the fight. They might not have enjoyed the conspicuous success of others but their contribution was no less vital.
The kit is out of date and outclassed by the new Airfix kits ( show you how long ago I started building it) and has its accuracy issues. However it goes together quite well and is a fun build if you happen to have one in the stash
And it turned out well! Looks good!
Thank you Bernard, its amazing how long dormant projects can come back to life!
Outstanding workmanship (especially in that "small" scale)...great job!
Cheers Craig, am very pleased with how it came out after feeling pretty lukewarm about it for so long.
That's a great-looking little Wildcat - a 1/72 kit with decent engraved lines is a good start, no matter the "inaccuracies," as you can at least get a good representation of an aircraft. Nice job!
Thanks Greg, I also have the 1/72 Revell one which I'll post shortly when I sort out the missing canopy. Its the old one with the raised detail and removeable cowling.
Thanks for posting your Wildcat David. It really turned out great. I'm glad that you decided to go ahead and post it. When you get you Devastator finished, please post it in the headlines section too.
Your story about Lt Rawie is a good one...the picture of him is a bonus too. Very cool...
Thanks again.
Thanks very much Louis - was particularly attracted by the wildcat generally but also by Bill Rawie's story which I picked up on in the Superscale decal sheet.
Looks good David.
Thank you Allan, Pleased with how it turned out in the end. Also enjoyed using the Lifecolour paints which can be a bit tricky but have some nice colours
Sure looks like a Wildcat to me David! Very nicely done.
Thank you Rick, when I started it it was one of the first models I built when I came back in to model building, so it feels a little bit strange finally completing it so long after!
Nice! great job , looking forward to the Revell build.
Thanks Rob, just got to sort out a missing canopy, but will have it up shortly!
Looks great, David. Thanks for sharing!
Many thanks Jeff, the Wildcat is one of my favourite aircraft.