I'd like to share some great photos I just recently found of my grandfather from WWII and to also ask a question that the military membership on this board might be able to provide some guidance on.

First, my grandfather. He was a USN fighter pilot during WWII and Korea. He flew mostly Wildcats and Hellcats, but also has time in Corsairs and Skyraiders. I don't know much about his service beyond this other than that he was a part of VX-1 and VF-185 (I can't find anything about VF-185) at some point. He is the man responsible for hooking me on aviation when I was a little boy!

Second, the question: Is there any channel in which I can seek out the service record/information about my grandfather? I am highly interested in finding out more about his service with the USN, but, while he is still with us, his mental health at 90 years old has deteriorated greatly due to dementia and as such, his memory sadly no longer holds the answers to my questions.

Anyways, enjoy the photos!

Can anyone ID this aircraft? I know it isn't a Stearman, but I can't figure it out.