Joining the Navy in 1941, Richard Bertelson became a carrier-based fighter pilot and distinguished himself as a fighter ace. During 1944 and 1945 he flew a total of 88 combat missions with VF-29, Flying Hellcats off the deck of the USS Cabot. His big day came on April 13, 1945 when VF-29 took part in a fighter sweep to Tokuno and Wan airfields north of Okinawa. As the Hellcats were attacking the airfields, they came under attack from some 25 Zekes and Tojos that came diving out of the sun. The pilots of VF-29 managed to down 10 of the enemy fighters, Bertelson getting 3 personally. Richard Bertelson has hand signed this Vintage B&W 8.5x11 Photo on paper with To Lonna Best Wishes and may the good lord bless you and your entire family inscription. JSA Authentication #II11081 & JSA Certificate of Authenticity