1/72 FALCON-MODELS (FA7221011) GRUMMAN F9F-5 PANTHER U.S.N. VF781-SQDN U.S.S. ORISKANY CV-34 R.C.N.A.S EXCHANGE PILOT Lt. Joeseph J. MacBRIEN D.F.C. R.C.N.A.S. KOREA 1952-1953 (LIMITED EDITION)

1/72 FALCON-MODELS (FA7221011) GRUMMAN F9F-5 PANTHER U.S.N. VF781-SQDN U.S.S. ORISKANY CV-34 R.C.N.A.S. EXCHANGE PILOT Lt. Joeseph J. MacBRIEN D.F.C. R.C.N.A.S. KOREA 1952-1953 (LIMITED EDITION) . Lt. Joseph J. MacBrien RCN, an exchange pilot from the Royal Canadian Navy, serving with the U.S. Navy fighter squadron VF-781, lands his Grumman F9F-5 Panther (BuNo 126034) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) off coast of Korea on 15 November 1952. VF-781 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 101 for a deployment to Korea from 15 September 1952 to 18 May 1953 Although the achievements of the 22 Royal Canadian Air Force exchange officers flying USAF F-86 Sabres in the Korean conflict are relatively well documented, not well known is the fact a Canadian Naval Pilot also participated in the conflict. Lt Cdr J.J. MacBrien, RCN, was an exchange pilot flying a Panther aircraft from the American carrier, USS Oriskany. He was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Leading a flight on an interdiction mission against supply and storage targets near Pukchong on 01 February 1953, he was cited for "extraordinary achievement" in accomplishing the mission. "Despite marginal flying weather, heavy anti-aircraft fire, he displayed courageous leadership and outstanding pilot skill...in the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service". .