Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series
HA8222
F4U-1A Corsair 915, VMF-214 "Black Sheep", Jan 3rd, 1944 "Major Greg Boyington's last mission" 
 
General Background
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.
 
The Aircraft 
VMF-214 squadron was led by Greg “Pappy” Boyington and because it was comprised of pilots gathered from other squadrons it became known as the “Black Sheep”. Boyington and his pilots earned a reputation as being unconventional on the ground and in the air. On January 3, 1944 as part of a 46 aircraft sortie the “Black Sheep” headed for a fighter sweep of Rabaul with Greg Boyington in command. Boyington shot down 1 Zero and but his 915 was shot down and he became a POW until September 1945.