FM-2 Wildcat action in the battle of Leyte Gulf

IN MID-1943, the Grumman Aircraft Corp. began to deliver the F6F Hellcat-its latest and greatest fighter-to the U.S. Navy. It was fast, maneuverable, heavily armed and armored. It was built "Grumman tough" and soon earned the nickname "Ace Maker." As a replacement for its little brother, the F4F Wildcat, the Hellcat was everything the F4F wasn't.

- JAMES P. BUSHA B&W 

During this period, the Navy began to use a one-two-punch technique against the Japanese. First, it used a full fleet and light carriers to attack Japan's warships and other vessels landbased airstrips, and troop concentrations. At the same time, a combination of TBM/TBF torpedo planes and Curtiss Helldiver bombers destroyed targets of opportunity, and the Hellcats were unleashed on Japan's aircraft. 

The second punch" was delivered in the form of small jeep carriers” that moved in quickly and established air superiority and close air support for ground troops as the larger, faster carriers moved ahead and pushed the Japanese farther north. These smaller carrier vehicle escorts CVEs) were aided by the F4F Wildcat.

Following the Hellcat’'s success in the Pacific, Grumman was committed to increased production, so Wildcat and Avenger production was transferred to the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors. While being produced by General Motors, the F4F Wildcat was given anew name and anew set of claws: the FM-2 Wilder Wildcat” carried alarger engine and less gross weight, so the stubby cat became a real tiger. And during the battle of Leyte Gulf, in the hands of one particular pilot, it tore into Japanese forces with a vengeance!

Joe McGraw relates: