Hobby Master 1/48 HA8216 F4U-1 Corsair No.475 flown by 1st/Lt John F.Bolt Jr., VMF-214, Russell Islands 1943

The Vought F4U Corsair was literally built around the Pratt & Whitney 2,000 HP radial engine. The engine was so massive and produced so much energy that a Hamilton Standard 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the largest of WWII, was required. The F4U was the first American fighter aircraft to exceed 400 MPH. The Corsair was referred to by the Japanese as Whispering Death and became a legend in its own time. This aircraft was one of the most distinctive designs with it bent wings making it an icon.
John F. Bolt Jr. arrived at Espiritu Santo in 1943 and was placed in a pool of officer meant to replace injured or killed pilots. In August 1943 a decision was made to revive the VMF-214 Squadron Black Sheep led by Major Gregory Boyington. Bolt was one of 27 men assigned to VMF-214 and in September 1943 they moved to Russell Islands where Bolt was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Bolt scored six victories in WWII and six more in Korea flying jets and is the only Marine to do so.