"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
- British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, commenting on the British airmen in the Battle of Britain
Its gull-wing shape made it instantly recognizeable. 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 USMC Chance-Vought F4U Corsair fighter that was piloted by Captain Philip Delong, who was attached to VMF-312, then embarked upon the USS Bataan. Sold Out!
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 10 inches
Length: 8.25 inches
Release Date: April 2009
Historical Account: "Day's Knights" - Phillip DeLong was assigned to VMF-212 and sent to the Solomon Islands late in 1943. After arriving on the Solomons he was promoted to First Lieutenant. Phillip gained his first aerial victories on January 9th, 1944, with two confirmed Zero’s and damaging a third over Kabanga Bay. It happened with a flight after lunch when Phillip and the squadron's skipper pulled in behind five Zero's. He was flying wing on this mission with the commanding officer of the squadron, Hugh Elwood. Elwood fired first and knocked out the first enemy fighter. Phillip was able to hit and burn another to make his first aerial victory. The flight broke up and Phillip pulled in behind another Zero who was trying to sneak up on a Navy F6F Hellcat. Phillip fired into the Japanese fighter, mortally damaging the aircraft and pilot. Just eight days later on January 17th, Phillip claimed two more Zeros over Blanche Bay.
Phillip’s best day was February 15th. He was part of an umbrella of Marine Corsairs, covering troops from New Zealand landing on Green Island. Disregarding heavy anti-aircraft fire from the invasion fleet, He shot down three Val dive-bombers, which were attacking the allied invasion.
Phillip DeLong was the "Top Gun" of VMF-212, credited with 11.166 aerial victories, one probable and two damaged. He flew a total of 69 combat missions. During the Bougainville Campaign, he was promoted to Captain. |
