The Grim Reapers: Story of James Flatley and the VF-10 Hellcats

A winged skeleton and scythe soaring through the air serves as the fearsome mascot of the “Grim Reapers”. Established in 1942, the US Navy’s Fighting Squadron 10, the Grim Reapers, participated in major battles throughout the Pacific. Flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat, James H. Flatley lead the squadron as their “Reaper Leader”. Flatley developed aerial tactics that helped the F4F Wildcat compete against the Japanese Zero. He attributed the success of the Zeros to their pilots rather than the aircraft, and he identified ways to beat them.

James H. Flatley became the Commander of Air Group 5 on board the USS Yorktown (CV-10) where he introduced the F6F Hellcat into combat. A decorated Navy fighter ace, Flatley received the Navy Cross, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Flatley once said of Naval leadership, “…your first and greatest responsibility - your first and greatest challenge - Is how to inspire your men.”

The Flatley family has a long and admirable Naval history, with James H. Flatley’s sons becoming Naval aviators. In continuing his father’s legacy with the Yorktown, Rear Admiral James H. Flatley, III served as the Executive Director of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum from 1994-2000.