Despite having only one combat veteran in its roster, the USS Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18 was credited with shooting down more than 170 planes during its 81-day tour of duty. This remarkable record earned the squadron the nickname “Two-a-Day 18” in newspapers nationwide. How did a novice unit accomplish such a feat? And, why did one of the Navy’s highest-scoring fighter squadrons of World War II fade into obscurity while others—such as the Black Sheep and Jolly Rogers—became immortalized in books, TV shows, and movies?

In this Scholars evening, Mike Fink, author of the new book, Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18: Flying High with Harris’ Hellcats, reveals the personalities of the men and the binding friendships they built. He will showcase the powerful impact of war on those who fight it and of those men on the war itself. Fink will take us along in his research to the homes of squadron families, where he learns from objects passed down through the generations and can deepen our understanding of the historical record.

Mike Fink is a fundraising professional at the Intrepid Museum in New York City, home of the aircraft carrier Intrepid, and was formerly the Museum’s senior tour guide. His book, Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18, is now available through Naval Institute Press. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Delaware. Fink is a Wilmington native and currently lives in the “Donut Hole” between the Ardens.

The Scholars Gild, a part of the Arden Club, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September through June. We usually use a hybrid Live-Zoom model. There are sometimes technical glitches so your patience is appreciated.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89018127886?pwd=dIPlIZUmh3FYZ9dsUaNDq5mjxiDQRm.1
Meeting ID: 890 1812 7886 Passcode: 504221

There is no fee to attend Scholars Gild discussions.  We would like to encourage all to make a donation live or at http://ardenclub.org/donate/.  Your support helps keep the virtual and in-person lights on at the Club and makes possible dynamic programming like concerts, theater, dance, and of course, our Scholars Gild evenings. 

If you would like to receive email notifications about this or future Scholars Gild events, contact the Scholars Gild via ScholarsGild@gmail.com.  Plus, follow the “Arden Scholars’ Gild” on Facebook to get all the updates.