Charles Mallory was one of Fighting 18’s photo reconnaissance specialists. September 21st 1944 was a milestone for the Third Fleet and for Intrepid’s air group. For the first time since the Philippines fell to Japan in 1942, the carriers were going to strike Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago. Charles Mallory was assigned photo duty that day alongside Picken, with Beatley and George Eckel flying as escorts. These photographic missions were deemed so important that Mallory and company had orders not to engage enemy aircraft unless directly attacked themselves. Charles Mallory has hand signed this 8x10 Photo of the USS Intrepid on August 16 1943. JSA Authentication Sticker #SS17642 & JSA Certificate of Authenticity