| Lieutenant Commander John S. Thach (April 19, 1905 – April 15, 1981), United States Navy, Commanding Officer, Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3), in the cockpit of a Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter plane. Note victory markings painted below the cockpit. Admiral Noel A. M. Gayler (December 25, 1913 – July 14, 2011) later wrote about his time with VF-3, “Though I didn’t have any desire for a specific fighter squadron, I was pleased to go to Fighting Three, particularly because I had heard of Jimmy Thach’s reputation. He was such a remarkable man, a remarkable officer, and a remarkable leader in so many ways; it’s hard to know where to start. He was farsighted beyond most people, a really thoughtful and analytical guy, and yet the sort of fellow who could be almost a father figure, even to some hardened old man of the world with five years’ fleet experience, as I was.” “He led by leading. He was the first guy off the deck. He led by precept. He clearly understood what he was doing, and yet he invited participation, invited ideas. He gave encouragement at the right time, occasionally the stick as well as the carrot. His method was both gentle and effective. He would reward by handing out responsibility, and he would use a stick by withdrawing it gently until you learned the business better. He was very helpful in bringing me along.” | |
| Image Filename | wwii1864.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.60 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 5674 x 4412 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | May 5, 1942 |
| Location | Pearl Harbor |
| City | Oahu |
| State or Province | Hawaii |
| Country | United States |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | 80-G-64822 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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