Hobby Master 1/48 HA8223 F4U-1A Corsair White 18 VMF323 Death Rattlers USS Sicily

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 “Whistling 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.

On June 25, 1950 South Korea was invaded by the North and soon VMF-323 Death Rattlers and their F4U-4 Corsairs’ were flying support of Pusan. The squadron got its name when pilots killed a 6 foot diamond-backed rattlesnake and hung it in their ready room. VMF-323 also flew support of the Inchon landing, the Chosin Reservoir breakout as well as all other major efforts. Flying alternately from Navy carriers and airfields their mission changed to interdiction and armed reconnaissance so in June 1952 they became VMA-323. In July 1953 they left Korea.