Profile Photo
Jeff Groves
49 articles

Dragon Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat of LTJG Arthur Brassfield

September 10, 2024 · in Aviation · · 6 · 219

LTJG Arthur Brassfield opened his account on 05MAY42 while defending USS Lexington (CV-2) during the Battle of Coral Sea. On that day he was credited with downing an H6K “Mavis” flying boat, a kill he shared with two other VF-42 Wildcat pilots. Later in the battle on 08MAY42 he added two more to his tally, an A6M2 Zero and an D3A “Val”. Brassfield was awarded the Navy Cross and a Purple Heart for his actions during the Coral Sea battle.

Lexington was sunk at Coral Sea, but Brassfield survived and was reassigned to VF-3 operating from USS Yorktown (CV-5) for the Battle of Midway. On 04JUN42 he led a section of four Wildcats in defending against a formation of 18 D3A “Val” dive bombers from Hiryu setting up for an attack against Yorktown. Brassfield splashed three in the initial attack and later added a fourth which was strafing the crew of an Avenger which had ditched nearby. For his actions at Midway, he was awarded a second Navy Cross. Arthur Brassfield survived the war and was credited with 6.33 aerial victories, eventually rising to the rank of Captain.

The model depicts the F4F-4 Wildcat of LTJG Arthur Brassfield of VF-3 aboard USS Yorktown (CV-5) during the Battle of Midway.

Construction here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2024/08/30/dragon-grumman-f4f-wildcat-build-in-1-72-scale-part-i/

Reader reactions:
16  Awesome 3  1 

10 additional images. Click to enlarge.


6 responses

  1. Excellent result of Arthur Brassfield's Wildcat, Jeff @inchhigh
    The folded wings and the little diorama does make it look very realistic.

  2. Very nice - excellent wing-fold work for 1/72 scale! Well done.

  3. Well done, Jeff (@inchhigh). The detail and finish on this Wildcat really makes it look like a larger scale.

  4. Excellent model, Jeff! Hard to believe it is only 1/72!
    Great information, too!

  5. Excellent build, Jeff! This is a great looking Wildcat.

  6. Thanks for all the kind words!

Leave a Reply