F4F-3 Wildcat fighter, VF-9 US Navy Squadron, Operation Torch (French North Africa invasion), Nov. 1942
African Wildcat
US Navy F4F-3 "Wildcat" fighter of VF-9 Fighter Squadron engaged in first American European theater offensive Operation Torch : Nov. 1942 invasion of French North Africa.
1.48 1970s-era Monogram F4F model kit, painted upper navy grey and bottom gull sea grey.
Large yellow rings around US national insignia part of invasion marking for easy aerial recognition since majority of US servicemen were "green" and tended to shot at any aerial target before proper identification.
Success of Allied invasion fragmented pro-German Vichy French forces, some joined Allied cause, others remained loyal to Vichy France.
It also enabled Allies to pincer Axis forces into Tunisia - North Africa, with Americans advancing from west and British advancing from east. Axis forces collapsed and surrendered in-masse by Summer 1943.
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