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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Photo # NH 97594: Curtiss SOC aircraft -- World War II recognition drawing.

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY AIRCRAFT -- 1922-1962 DESIGNATION SYSTEM --

Curtiss SOC Scout-Observation Planes --
Miscellaneous Views


This page features miscellaneous views related to Curtiss SOC scout-observation airplanes.

For additional views of SOC aircraft, see:

  • Curtiss SOC "Seagull" Scout-Observation Planes.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: NH 97594

    Curtiss SOC "Seagull" floatplane


    World War II era recognition drawing, produced by the Air Intelligence Group (OP-16-1-V), Technical Air Intelligence Section. The original print is dated 16 February 1944.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

    Online Image: 50KB; 550 x 765 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 50945

    Marshalls Islands Raid, 1 February 1942


    Lieutenant Wilson R. Bartlett, Senior Aviator of USS Chester (CA-27), walks forward on the cruiser's well deck to make his report, after returning from a flight spotting gunfire for the ship's bombardment of Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll.
    In the background is damage from the bomb hit sustained during a Japanese air attack at 0820 hrs. Also visible are the port wingtips of one of a SOC "Seagull" aircraft, with the open hangar beyond. The ship's port catapult "silo" is at right, dented by the bomb's blast.
    Note the pilot's uniform, "Mae West" life vest, binoculars and plotting board.

    U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

    Online Image: 106KB; 590 x 765 pixels

     
    Photo #: 80-G-48243

    USS Louisville (CA-28)


    Ensign William C. Orr, USNR, (left) pilot of one of the ship's SOC "Seagull" scout-observation planes, and his crewman, Aviation Radioman 3rd Class Thomas D. Everett, pose by the damaged wingtip of their aircraft. The plane had been damaged by Japanese fire.
    Photo is dated 26 February 1945, but was probably taken earlier.
    Note inflatable life jackets, helmets & goggles, and Ens. Orr's revolver and ammunition.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 72KB; 740 x 585 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-48246

    USS Louisville (CA-28)


    Pilots of the cruiser's SOC "Seagull" scout-observation planes receive Air Medals from the ship's secretary. They are (from left to right): Ensign William C. Orr; Ensign Arnold Sheiner and Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Austin J. Trinkle.
    The unidentified Pharmacist's Mate, in the right background, has just received the Purple Heart medal.
    Photo is dated 26 February 1945.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 88KB; 740 x 605 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-302115

    Cruiser Scouting Squadron Seven (VCS-7)


    VCS-7 pilots are briefed before flying a gunfire spotting mission over the Normandy beach heads, circa June-July 1944. The squadron had temporarily switched from its SOC floatplanes to British "Spitfire" fighters for this operation.
    Those present are (from left to right):
    Wing Commander Robert J. Hardiman, RAF, Commanding Allied Spotter Pilots;
    Ensign Robert J. Adams, USNR;
    Major Noel East, British Army Intelligence;
    Lieutenant Harris Hammersmith, Jr., USNR; and
    Captain John Ruscoe, Royal Artillery, Gunnery Liaison Officer.
    Photo was received by the Naval Photographic Science Laboratory on 17 February 1945.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 74KB; 740 x 610 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     


    For additional views of SOC aircraft, see:

  • Curtiss SOC "Seagull" Scout-Observation Planes.


    NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


    Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.

    Page made 21 April 2001
    Coding updated 7 May 2009