Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series
HA8223
F4U-4 Corsair White 18, VMF-323 "Death Rattlers", USS Sicily, June 1951
 
General Background
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.
 
The Aircraft
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.