F4U-4 Corsair 1/48 Die Cast Model John Glenn, VMF-155, China 1945,

F4U-4 Corsair, John Glenn, VMF-155, China 1945, 1/48 Die Cast Model - HA8227

Features

• Model is approximately 8.25" long with a 10" wingspan
• Die cast metal construction with some plastic components
• Includes pilot figure
• Optional-position landing gear
• Detachable ordnance loads
• Opening Canopy
• Display stand included
• Rotating Propeller

The Vought F4U Corsair was one of the most effective and iconic American fighter aircraft of World War II. First flown in 1940 and entering combat in 1943, it featured a unique inverted gull-wing design to accommodate its large propeller and powerful 2,000-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine. Capable of speeds over 400 mph, the Corsair was armed with six .50 caliber machine guns and could carry bombs or rockets for ground-attack missions. Initially rejected for carrier use due to visibility and landing issues, it found great success with the U.S. Marine Corps operating from island airstrips. Carrier modifications eventually made it fully carrier-capable. Nicknamed "Whistling Death" by Japanese forces, the Corsair proved itself in dogfights against the Mitsubishi Zero and was credited with an 11:1 kill ratio. Its rugged construction, speed, and firepower made it a favorite among pilots and a key contributor to Allied air superiority in the Pacific.

John Glenn began his military career during World War II as a U.S. Navy aviation cadet before transferring to the U.S. Marine Corps. He flew the F4U Corsair in the Pacific Theater, completing 59 combat missions over the Marshall Islands and other areas. Glenn provided close air support and conducted bombing runs against Japanese positions, earning a reputation for precision and courage under fire. His wartime service earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and ten Air Medals. Glenn's dedication to aviation continued after the war, leading him to fly combat missions in the Korean War and later serve as a test pilot. His combat experience, exceptional flying skill, and technical knowledge made him an ideal candidate for the newly formed NASA space program. In 1962, John Glenn made history as the first American to orbit the Earth, marking the beginning of a new era in space exploration and American achievement.