Salute to the Jolly Rogers by Domenic DeNardo 102/850 AVATION ART

The Jolly Rogers, having shot down 127 Japanese aircraft in 75 days of combat, became one
of the most famous fighter squadrons in the U.S. Navy. VF-17 was credited with 15 aces, and
is shown here with Lt. Ira "Ike" Kepford. Kepford, was the leading ace at the time with 16
victories, and is seen here flying number Corsair 29.

The U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron VF-17 was established on Janurary 1, 1943 under the command of
Lieutenant Commander John T Blackburn.  It was the first U.S. Navy squadron to see action using the
F4U-1 Corsair. Powered by the 2,000 hp Pratt and Whitney R-2800 engine, the F4U -1 had a maximum
speed of 417 mph and a service ceiling of 36,900 feet.  The squadron was initially attached to the USS
Bunker Hill, but in September, 1943 it became a land-based unit on New Georgia Island in the
Northern Solomons.
Known as the Jolly Rogers, they were readily identifiable by the skull and crossbones pirate flag
insignia.  The Jolly Rogers became known as one of the greatest fighter squadrons in U.S. Navy
history, having shot down 127 Japanese aircraft in 75 days of combat.  In one five day period, the
pilots with their Corsairs shot down 60 enemy aircraft.  The VF-17 was credited with fifteen aces, more
than any other Pacific fighter gruop. Ira C. "Ike" Kepford, with sixteen victories, was the Navy's
leading ace at the time. On November 11, 1943, during the carrier strikes on Rabaul, the land-based
Corsairs of  VF-17provided high cover for the carriers USS Essex, USS Bunker Hill, and USS
Independance.  In the course of protecting the carriers, the Corsairs landed aboard the carriers to
refuel and rearm, becoming the first F4Us of the US Navy to operate from a carrier in combat.
"Salute to the Jolly Rogers" depicts a unit of VF-17, with "Ike" Kepford flying Corsair Number "29",
near the Solomon Islands.  The artist's dramatic visualization of the Corsair captures the forceful
beauty of this exciting aircraft.

SIZE 36" X 24"