From Our Archive

'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'

Margaret Mead (1901-1978)

This trio of Marine fighter pilots of VMF-221 based at Guadalcanal's Henderson Field in June 1943 would between them shoot down eight Japanese warplanes by war's end.  Lieutenant Donald L. Balch (left) became an ace with five victories, Lieutenant Howard K. Winfield (center) claimed one, and Lieutenant Wallace H. Hallmeyer, two. Note the rare tail art on Winfield's F4F-4 Wildcat depicting the comic book hero Captain Marvel.

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