Satan’s Playmate – Creation of an ace

Flying over the Pacific, the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing F6F-5 Hellcat, N1078Z, proudly carries the markings of Cdr. David McCampbell, commanding officer to pilot Jim Duffy during World War II. (Photo by John Dibbs/Facebook.com/theplane picturecompany)

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In late 1943, I was accepted into an elite fraternity of naval aviators as an original member of “Satan’s Playmates,” formed in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the time, I was just about the lowest form of life in the Navy hierarchy: an ensign; yet here I was, a freshman attending “Clobber College.” My mentor and professor was the legendary David McCampbell, CO of the Fighting 15 (VF-15). Dave McCampbell was a very fair and...

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