by Michael Boss
Alkyd on Panel
20" X 30"
From the Collection of Fred Pratt, Hill City, Kansas
Henry Pratt flew for the United States Navy from the carrier USS Saratoga, CV-3.¬ÝIn 1943, he was one of the first pilots of FS-12 to fly the Chance-Vought F4U Corsair from the "Sara." Landing gear deficiencies with the Corsair caused their removal from carrier service and were replaced by the Grumman F6F Hellcat.
During January through April of 1944, Pratt flew Close Air Support missions for the invasions of numerous South Pacific islands including Enewetak, Engebi, the New Hebrides and the Marshall Islands. For these actions, Henry was awarded the Gold Star and Distinguished Flying Cross in 1948.
A few years later, Pratt was called into Korean War service and flew the Navy's Grumman F9F Panther jet.