Alexander Vraciu

Vraciu in June 1944

Alexander Vraciu (November 2, 1918 – January 29, 2015) was a United States Navy fighter ace. He was a Medal of Honor nominee. He served during World War II. He once shot down six Japanese dive bombers in eight minutes. Vraciu was born in East Chicago, Indiana.

Vraciu died on January 29, 2015 in his sleep at the age of 96 at his home in Danville, Illinois.

Alexander Vraciu Media

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  Captain E. W. Litch presenting Lieutenant Junior Grade Alexander Vraciu with the Distinguished Flying Cross on June 5, 1944

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  Lt. Alex Vraciu uses his hands to indicate his downing of six aircraft on June 19, 1944. All were Yokosuka D4Y "Judies".

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  Alex Vraciu's most famous Grumman Hellcat, an F6F-3, survived the war and now flies with The Fighter Collection in the UK.*It was restored using parts from multiple aircraft (taking on the serial number of an F6F-5K for convenience according to TFC) and painted in the markings it wore when serving with VF-6.

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  Alexander Vraciu being interviewed, Hayward, California, 1989

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  Navy Cross