Its gull-wing shape made it instantly recognizable. Its characteristic sound while in an attack dive led the Japanese to call it "The Whistling Death." Combined with its high speed, agility and toughness, the Vought F4U Corsair was one of the finest fighters ever built. Originally thought to be too powerful to fly from a carrier, the Corsair weaved a path of destruction in battle after battle during WWII, totally outclassing the much-feared Zero. The last of the great piston-engine fighters, the Corsair went on to become an important component of the US naval air power during the Korean War. Even while it was being replaced by jet aircraft, pilots flying this tough warbird were credited with downing a few MiG-15 jet fighters.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USMC F4U-1A Corsair fighter attached to VMF-214 "Black Sheep Squadron", which was flown by Major Greg "Pappy" Boyington during his tour at Vella Lacava in December 1944. Comes with decorative display base and numbered certificate of authenticity. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-1/2-inches
Length: 5-inches

Release Date: June 2005

Historical Account: "Baa, Baa Black Sheep" - VMF-214 was arguably the most famous Marine Corps fighter squadron of WWII, forever linked with its second CO, Pappy Boyington. The unit actually went through three incarnations as three entirely different units, all of which used the same squadron number.

The first VMF-214, nicknamed the "Swashbucklers", fought in mid-1943 in the Solomons campaign, under Major George Britt. Flying Wildcats and then Corsairs, this team claimed 20 aerial victories and boasted two aces.

The second incarnation, the famed "Black Sheep" squadron, fought above the Northern Solomons and Rabaul, from August 1943 through January 1944. They shot down 94 Japanese planes, while raising 8 aces, among them Boyington.

The third VMF-214 was a carrier-based squadron that flew from the USS Franklin (CV-13) against Japan in late 1944-1945.