Edward L. Feightner
Edward L. Feightner | |
---|---|
Navy Commendation Medal Congressional Gold Medal | |
Other work | Aerospace Industry |
He was an early member of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron and flew the lead "solo" position. His work as a test pilot included aircraft, electronic systems, and operational tactics such as developing techniques for delivering nuclear weapons from small fighter aircraft. He commanded increasingly larger air units including VF-11 and Carrier Air Group Ten as well as training organizations that helped the Navy transition from propeller to jet aircraft. He commanded two Navy ships, served as the head of Navy Fighter Design, and was a key contributor to fighter studies that resulted in the development of jet aircraft that as of 2015[update] are still in active service.
Feightner was the only pilot to land the dash-1 variant of the Vought F7U Cutlass aboard a carrier. He led VF-11 to become the first Atlantic fleet unit in which every pilot received the coveted "E" award (excellent) in a single exercise. After retiring from the Navy, Feightner promoted aviation and shared his experiences with others.
Early life
Feightner was born on October 14, 1919, in
World War II service
With war approaching and because of his strong desire to fly, Feightner attempted to sign up with the
VF-10 Grim Reapers
In October 1942, Feightner was assigned to
"You're a fighting fool, aren't you!"
J. Flately, VF-10 CO to Feightner after shooting down three planes in one day[15]
After several weeks of repair, Enterprise sortied to oppose an
On January 30, 1943, the second day of the Battle of Rennell Island, Feightner shot down three Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" torpedo bombers in a single engagement.[15][24] In this engagement, a force of twelve Bettys approaching Enterprise were intercepted by VF-10 aircraft.[22] The Bettys turned away from Enterprise and went after USS Chicago (CA-29), a heavy cruiser that had been disabled the night before. VF-10 destroyed six of the Bettys before they could reach the cruiser, but the remaining aircraft released their torpedoes with devastating effect—Chicago sank within minutes. Two more of the Bettys were dispatched by the pursuing VF-10 Wildcats as they passed the ring of destroyers that had been protecting the cruiser. Flatley shot down another and the remaining three fell to his wingman, Feightner, who had been delayed due to a balky engine but arrived at just the right time.[25][26] Feightner was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and an air medal for downing three aircraft on that day and ended his first combat tour with four confirmed kills.[25]
VF-8
In May 1943, Feightner received orders to VF-8 flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Pungo—a satellite airfield near Naval Station Norfolk.[27] This second squadron to be designated VF-8 was established on June 1, 1943, and led by Lt Cdr William M. Collins Jr. who would himself become a nine-victory ace.[28][29] Fighting Eight was initially assigned to the new carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) that had been launched just weeks prior.[30][31] During Intrepid's sea trials in the fall of 1943, Feightner performed initial takeoffs, landings, and catapult shots flying the F6F.[32]
In March 1944,
As TF 58 followed the U.S. strategy of
In June 1944, the U.S. initiated the
As U.S. forces pushed toward the
Fighter Instructor
Upon returning to the United States in November 1944, Feightner was assigned as a fighter instructor with
Victory credits
The following table summarizes Feightner's aerial victories and provides the date, number of aircraft destroyed, types of aircraft destroyed, and the battle at which the victory occurred. In total, he was assessed with 9 destroyed and 4 probables.[5] However, another source claims two probable kills for Feightner.[44]
Date | No | Type | Battle/Location | Aircraft flown | Unit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 26, 1942 | 1 | D3A "Val" | Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands | F4F Wildcat | VF-10 |
January 30, 1943 | 3 | G4M "Betty" | Battle of Rennell Island | F4F Wildcat | VF-10 |
March 30, 1944 | 1 | A6M "Zeke" | Raid on Peleliu | F6F Hellcat | VF-8 |
April 29, 1944 | 1 | A6M "Zeke" | Raid on Truk | F6F Hellcat | VF-8 |
October 12, 1944 | 3 | A6M "Zeke" | Aerial Battle of Taiwan–Okinawa
|
F6F Hellcat | VF-8 |
9 |
Post-war service
Flight test
After serving for several years in staff assignments, Feightner received orders to attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland.[9] He graduated in July 1949 with the school's second class and served with the Flight Test Division at the Naval Air Test Center where he flew a variety of aircraft including helicopters and the Navy's largest transport, the Lockheed R6V Constitution. Feightner also tested the Grumman F8F Bearcat, the Vought F4U Corsair, and the Grumman F7F Tigercat.[45] When Colonel Charles Lindbergh came to evaluate the Tigercat, Feightner, as F7F project pilot, provided the pre-flight instruction.[46]
Feightner was assigned as the Navy's project pilot for the
Blue Angels
In January 1952, Feightner received orders to the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron—the Blue Angels. The squadron had been directed to add the Cutlass to their performance although neither Feightner nor Blue Angels commander
At the start of the 1952 show season, fuel control problems grounded the team's
Maintenance issues and additional near-fatal accidents put an end to Blue Angel Cutlass performances.
Return to testing
In September 1952, Feightner returned to flight test as the development officer for Air Development Squadron Three (VX-3).[61] VX-3 was located at NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was responsible for testing fighter aircraft, systems, and munitions.[62] In this new role, he tested aircraft systems (rather than the airplanes themselves) and determined what tactics would most effectively utilize those systems.[61]
On December 3, 1953, Feightner participated in the first public demonstration of the
Feightner contributed to the development of weapon delivery tactics for the McDonnell F2H Banshee.[64] The F2H-2B was modified for the attack role and had strengthened wings and pylons to accommodate a heavy weapon such as the Mark 7 or Mark 8 nuclear bomb.[65] The F2H-2B testing on which Feightner worked included the longest non-stop, round trip flight from a carrier—more than 2,800 miles. He also participated in an 18-hour, low-level, non-stop, round-trip flight from a carrier with weapon delivery in a Douglas AD-3 Skyraider.[64]
Aviation commands
VF-11 Red Rippers
In January 1955, Feightner assumed command of VF-11 also known as The Red Rippers.[66] Flying the McDonnell F2H-4 Banshee, he led VF-11 to top honors in toss bombing during the annual fleet competition in 1956. All fourteen VF-11 pilots received the Navy's Battle Effectiveness Award for precision accuracy with this unusual and difficult technique used to deliver nuclear weapons. With this award, VF-11 became the first Atlantic fleet unit to have all of its pilots receive an "E" in the same exercise.[67][68]
In August 1956, VF-11 embarked as part of Carrier Air Group Ten on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and deployed to the Mediterranean. Just two months into the cruise, the Suez Crisis provided tense moments for all personnel as the carrier prepared for battle and to evacuate American citizens that might be caught in the conflict.[69]
In March 1957, Feightner was assigned as officer in charge of the Jet Transitional Training Unit (JTTU) at Naval Air Station Olathe in Gardner, Kansas.[70] Established on April 4, 1955, the mission of the JTTU was to train pilots of propeller-driven aircraft to operate jets and to provide refresher training for aviators transferring from shore to sea duty.[71]
Carrier Air Group Ten
Feightner received orders in February 1959 to relieve the air wing commander of Carrier Air Group Ten (CVG-10) on the
Fighter Design
In July 1961, Feightner was assigned as the project officer for the
Senior leader
From 1964 to 1967, Feightner served as captain of two U.S. Navy ships—the
in 1967, Feightner was assigned to the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for Air in the Pentagon under Noel Gayler.[82] In this role, Feightner was responsible for supervising and coordinating the efforts of CNO air warfare program officers. Between 1969 and 1970, he also served as the director of Naval Aviation Weapons Systems Analysis Group.[6] In June 1970, Feightner was promoted from captain to the two-star rank of rear admiral.[83]
In September 1970, Feightner served his final tour with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) where he participated in several fighter studies that resulted in the development of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.[84] He also served as assistant commander for Logistics/Fleet Support responsible for incorporating test program modifications into production aircraft, ensuring the fleet obtained maximum effectiveness of air assets, and supporting the aircraft throughout their operational life.[85] On May 20, 1972, former VF-11 skipper Feightner delivered introductory remarks at the Red Rippers change of command ceremony commemorating 45 years as the Navy's oldest continuous fighter squadron.[86] After 33 years of service, Feightner retired from active duty on June 30, 1974.[87]
Later years
Feightner remained active in aviation after his retirement from the Navy. He shared his flight experiences at many events including:
- A Conversation with Whitey Feightner—A speech at the National Air and Space Museum where Feightner shared the experiences of his Navy career. The event was held on November 16, 2007, and was one of the Donald D. Engen Lecture and Flight Jacket Night lectures held that year at the museum.[88]
- Memoirs from an Aviator's Logbook—A speech at the National Air and Space Museum where Feightner recounted his experiences as a fighter pilot, an early Blue Angel, and a Navy test pilot. The event was held on May 24, 2011, and was the Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial lecture held that year at the museum.[89]
- 100 years of U.S. Naval Aviation—A discussion where Feightner and fellow panelists RADM George M. "Skip" Furlong, Jr., Mr. Hill Goodspeed, Capt. Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Capt. Kenneth Wallace, and RADM Patrick McGrath discussed the past, present, and future of naval aviation. The panel was part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame's presentation of the 2011 Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" Award to the Blue Angels on July 15, 2011. The Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" award recognizes exceptional contributions to the advancement of flight.[90]
- 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day—Feightner participated in the United States Capitol flyover on May 8, 2015, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Allies of World War II Victory in Europe Day flying as a passenger in one of the vintage aircraft.[91]
In addition to attending seminars, Feightner helped lead groups including the American Fighter Aces Association and the Golden Eagles.[92] The Golden Eagles are also known as the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association—a group founded in 1956 to provide a living memorial to early naval aviators.[93]
in 2017, Feightner was one of five veterans presented with a handmade quilt created by volunteers of the North Idaho chapter of the Quilts of Valor organization. The quilts were presented in honor of each veteran's service to their country.[94]
Feightner died on April 1, 2020, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where he had lived since 2016 with his nephew and family at age 100. He was buried in Section 31 of Arlington National Cemetery in October 2021.[95][96][97][98]
Awards and decorations
Feightner was awarded the following decorations for his military service.[92][99]
Badge | United States Naval Aviator
| |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st Row | award star
|
Distinguished Flying Cross with three gold stars | ||||||||||
2nd Row | Air Medal with two silver and one gold star | Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal | Combat Action Ribbon | |||||||||
3rd Row | Navy Presidential Unit Citation with three service stars
|
China Service Medal | American Defense Service Medal | |||||||||
4th Row | American Campaign Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with eleven campaign stars
|
World War II Victory Medal
| |||||||||
5th Row | Navy Occupation Service Medal | National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star | Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star |
Distinguished Flying Cross (first of four)
While in a combat patrol over the USS Chicago 30 January 1943 east of Rennell Island they intercepted a force of twelve Japanese torpedo bombers which were preparing to raid the cruiser. In the ensuing engagement ... Lieutenant (jg) Feightner downed three.[100]
Other honors
On October 7, 1998, Feightner was inducted into the Carrier Aviation Test Pilot Hall of Fame.
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States military
- List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft wings
- List of World War II aces from the United States
- World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft
Notes
- ^ a b c Wooldridge (1993), p. 78.
- ^ Department of Defense Appropriations for 1974. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. 1973. p. 510. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ^ a b Astor (2005), p. 3.
- ^ Eanett (2005). Interview Transcript. p. 2.
- ^ a b c d Eanett (2005). Interview Transcript. p. 3.
- ^ a b c d e Eanett (2005). Interview Summary.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 128.
- ^ Tillman (1995), p. 15.
- ^ a b c Veronico (2005), p. 46.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 43.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 127.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 129.
- ^ a b Astor (2005), p. 134.
- ^ Lundstrom (2005), p. 413.
- ^ a b Ewing (2002), p. 168.
- ^ Ewing (2002), p. 147.
- ^ a b Ewing (2002), pp. 151–3.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 150.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 151.
- ^ Ewing (2002), pp. 155–6.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 152.
- ^ a b Astor (2005), p. 155.
- ^ Ewing (2002), p. 156.
- ^ Tillman (1995), p. 54.
- ^ a b Ewing (2002), pp. 165–8.
- ^ Astor (2005), p. 158.
- ^ Linder (2005), p. 191.
- ^ Tillman (1996), p. 8.
- ^ "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Washington, D. C.: Naval History & Heritage Command. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW 8)". Alexandria, Virginia: GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
- ^ "CV 11 Intrepid". Alexandria, Virginia: GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
- ^ Mersky (2014), pp. 47–8.
- ^ a b c Tillman (2000), p. 64.
- ^ Tillman (2000), p. 52.
- ^ Hammel (1998), p. 335.
- ^ a b Tillman (1996), p. 21.
- ^ Tillman (1996), p. 20.
- ^ Tillman (1996), p. 22.
- ^ Tillman (2005), p. 1222.
- ^ Tillman (1996), p. 49.
- ^ Stanaway (2006), p. 19.
- ^ Tillman (1996), p. 50.
- ^ "USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)". Washington, D. C.: United States Navy. September 24, 2001. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ Tillman (1995), p. 92.
- ^ Eanett (2005). Interview Transcript. p. 12.
- ^ Eanett (2005). Interview Transcript. pp. 14–15.
- ^ a b Powell (2008), p. 37.
- ^ Gardner (2010), p. 72.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 82.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 83.
- ^ Grossnick (1995), p. 481.
- ^ a b Wilcox & Lovell (2006), p. 239.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 47.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 50.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 49.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 51.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 52.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 53.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 86.
- ^ Veronico (2005), p. 56.
- ^ a b Eanett (2005). Interview Transcript. p. 6.
- ^ Lurie & Mappen (2004), p. 48.
- ^ "From David to Brown" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. Washington, D.C.: United States Navy: 1–2. February 1954. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 1, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
- ^ a b Mersky (2014), p. 98.
- ^ Francillon (1990), p. 81.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 103.
- ^ "'Red Rippers' Establish Aerial Bombing Mark". Jax Air News. Jacksonville, Florida: United States Navy. June 14, 1956. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
- ^ "Red Rippers Fighting 11 Top Bombers" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. Washington, D.C.: United States Navy: 14. August 1956. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 19, 2006. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "USS Coral Sea". Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center. Archived from the original on October 13, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 108.
- ^ Grossnick (1997), p. 206.
- ^ Tegler (2006), p. 60.
- ^ Grossnick (1995), p. 525.
- ^ Mersky (2014), pp. 124–5.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 126.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 130.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 134.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 145.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 147.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 148.
- ^ "Okinawa". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Washington, D.C.: United States Navy. Archived from the original on March 3, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 150.
- ^ "Thirty Captains Selected for Two-Star Promotions". Jax Air News. Jacksonville, Florida: Holt Publishing Company. June 4, 1970. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
- ^ Mersky (2014), pp. 152–3.
- ^ Benjamin, Dick (July 1971). "The Hardware Store" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. Washington, D.C.: United States Navy: 16–17. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 31, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
- ^ Taylor, J.E. (December 17, 1973). "VF-11 Command History Report" (PDF). Washington, D. C.: United States Navy. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 166.
- ^ "A Conversation with Whitey Feightner". Washington, D.C.: National Air and Space Museum. Archived from the original on March 4, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
- ^ "Memoirs from an Aviator's Logbook". Washington, D.C.: National Air and Space Museum. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
- ^ "National Aviation Hall of Fame Prepares to Fete Blue Angels and 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation" (PDF). Dayton, Ohio: National Aviation Hall of Fame. June 22, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 25, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
- ^ Tedeschi, Diane. "The Tale of Whitey Feightner". Washington, D.C.: National Air and Space Museum. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- ^ a b c Mersky (2014), p. 161.
- ^ "Early and Pioneer Naval Aviator's Association 'Golden Eagles' Chronology". Washington, D.C.: Naval History and Heritage Command, Archives Branch. May 2, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
- ^ Heilman, Devin (February 18, 2017). "Quilts for the Courageous". Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: Coeur d'Alene Press. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ^ "Edward Lewis Feightner Obituary". Yates Funeral Home. Hayden Lake, Idaho. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
- ^ Goldstein, Richard (April 4, 2020). "Edward Feightner, Test Pilot and World War II Ace, Dies at 100". New York Times. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Krumel, Jim (April 4, 2020). "WWII ace Feightner dies". The Lima News. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ "Burial Detail: Feightner, Edward Lewis (Section 31, Grave 7074)". ANC Explorer. Arlington National Cemetery. (Official website). Retrieved June 16, 2022.
- ^ Wooldridge (1993), p. 79.
- ^ "Distinguished Flying Cross" (PDF). Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin (320). Washington, D.C.: United States Navy: 65. November 1943. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ^ "SETP Honorary Fellows". Lancaster, California: Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
- ^ Mersky (2014), p. 157.
- ^ Raun, Vicki (September 2, 2005). "USNA Class Of '42 Remembers The Battle Of Midway". Coronado Eagle and Journal. Coronado, California. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- ^ Hankinson, Charlene (June 1, 2013). "World War II Flying Ace Rear Admiral Edward L. Feightner ('41) Honored". Findlay, Ohio: The University of Findlay. Retrieved December 25, 2014.
- ^ Patterson, Brianna (September 13, 2013). "The University of Findlay Honors Alumni During Homecoming". Findlay, Ohio: The University of Findlay. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
- ^ Reed, Alan (June 4, 2015). "Feightner, original Blue Angel, honored". Mount Vernon News. Mount Vernon, Ohio. Archived from the original on June 4, 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
References
- Astor, Gerald (2005). Wings of Gold: The U.S. Naval Air Campaign in World War II (Kindle ed.). New York, New York: Presidio Press. ISBN 0-345-47252-7.
- "Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships". Washington, D.C.: Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- Eanett, J. D. (October 17, 2005). "Interview with Admiral Edward Feightner (Summary)". Cold War Oral History Project. Lexington, Virginia: Virginia Military Institute. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
- Eanett, J. D. (October 17, 2005). "Interview with Admiral Edward Feightner (Transcript)" (PDF). Cold War Oral History Project. Lexington, Virginia: Virginia Military Institute. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 4, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
- Ewing, Steve (2002). Reaper Leader: The Life of Jimmy Flatley. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-205-6.
- Francillon, René J. (1990). McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-550-0.
- Gardner, Tom (2010). Vought F7U Cutlass: A Developmental History (Illustrated ed.). Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-0-7643-3232-6.
- Ginter, Steve (1982). Chance Vought F7U Cutlass. Naval Fighters Number Six (Illustrated ed.). Simi Valley, California: Steve Ginter. ISBN 0-942612-06-X.
- Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons. Vol. I. Washington, D.C.: United States Navy. ISBN 0-945274-29-7. Archived from the originalon September 15, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
- Grossnick, Roy A. (1997). Part 8, The New Navy, 1954–1959 (PDF). Washington, D. C.: Naval Historical Center. ISBN 0-945274-34-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 7, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2011.)
{{cite book}}
:|work=
ignored (help - ISBN 1-890988-10-3.
- Linder, Bruce (2005). Tidewater's Navy: An Illustrated History. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-59114-465-5.
- Lundstrom, John B. (2005). First Team And the Guadalcanal Campaign: Naval Fighter Combat from August to November 1942. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-59114-472-8.
- Lurie, Maxine N.; Mappen, Marc, eds. (2004). Encyclopedia of New Jersey. Piscataway, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press. p. 48. ISBN 0-8135-3325-2.
- Mersky, Peter B. (2014). Whitey: The Story of Rear Admiral E. L. Feightner. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-61251-791-9.
- Powell, R. R. "Boom" (August 2008). "Cutlass Tales: Quirks of the Ensign Eater". Flight Journal. 13 (4). Wilton, Connecticut: Air Age Media.
- Stanaway, John (2006). Nakajima Ki.43 "Hayabusa": Allied Code Name "Oscar" (2nd ed.). Bennington, Vermont: Merriam Press. ISBN 1-57638-141-2.
- Tegler, Jan (April 2006). "34 Hours With Old Shakey". Flight Journal. Wilton, Connecticut: Air Age Media.
- ISBN 0-87021-789-5.
- ISBN 1-85532-486-5.
- ISBN 1-85532-596-9.
- ISBN 1-55750-991-3.
- ISBN 978-0-451-21956-5.
- "U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aces". Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center. March 31, 1997. Archived from the original on December 29, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- Veronico, Nicholas A. (2005). The Blue Angels: A Fly-By History: Sixty Years of Aerial Excellence (Illustrated ed.). Minneapolis, Minnesota: Zenith Imprint. ISBN 0-7603-2216-3.
- Wilcox, Robert K.; Lovell, James A. (2006). First Blue: The Story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels. New York, New York: Macmillan. ISBN 0-312-32250-X.
- Wooldridge, E. T. (1993). Carrier Warfare in the Pacific: An Oral History Collection (Illustrated ed.). Washington, D. C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1-560-98264-0.
External links
- Media related to Edward L. Feightner at Wikimedia Commons
- "Air Group Officers Receive Awards" (PDF). The USS Bunker Hill Monument. 2 (21). Cantonment, Florida: U.S. Navy/Bluejacket: 1. June 17, 1944. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
- Anft, Torsten. "VF-11 Photo from 1956". Red Rippers Unofficial Homepage. Aachen, Germany: anft.com. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
- Anft, Torsten. "VF-11 Squadron". Red Rippers Unofficial Homepage. Aachen, Germany: anft.com. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- "'Dash-1' Carrier Qualifications". midwaysailor.com. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
- "Edward L. Feightner". Gulfport, Mississippi: Veteran Tributes. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- "Edward L. Feightner, RADM, USN (Ret.)" (PDF). Golden Eagles. Cardiff, California: Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
- Freeman, Paul (June 6, 2010). "Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Pungo Naval Outer Landing Field, Virginia Beach VA". Sterling, Virginia. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
- Lewis, Henry P. (1980). "Continuing History 1956–2008" (PDF). Cardiff, California: Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators' Association. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- Miller, Jerry. "Sea Story - Rear Admiral "Whitey" Feightner". Annapolis, Maryland: U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- Prince, Thomas. "USS Midway in the 1950s". Saint Louis Park, Minnesota: midwaysailor.com. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
- Rose, Scott. "Cutlass Gallery - Taking Off". Boston, Massachusetts: Warbirds Resource Group. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
- Sherman, Stephen (July 1, 2011). "Lt. Edward L. "Whitey" Feightner". Scarsdale, New York: Ace Pilots. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
- Shettle, M. L. "Naval Air Facility Thermal". Sacramento, California: The California State Military Museum. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- "Valor Awards for Edward Lewis Feightner". Military Times. Springfield, Virginia: Sightline Media Group. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- Wagner, Ray. "Navy Fighters F2H, F9F". La Mesa, California: AmericanCombatPlanes.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2020.