Hobby Master 1/48 HA8212A F4U-1D Corsair No.188, flown by 1st Lt. Dean Caswell of VMF-221, USS Bunker Hill, 1945 with pilot's signed name plates.
Hobby Master 1/48 F4U-1D Corsair No.188, flown by 1st Lt. Dean Caswell of VMF-221, USS Bunker Hill, 1945 with pilot's signed name plates. HA8212A
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.
Dean Caswell was assigned to the USMC VMF-221. On April 28, 1945 a 6-aircraft Corsair flight from VMF-221 was operating from the USS Bunker Hill in the vicinity of Okinawa when they encountered approximately 30 Japanese aircraft. The Japanese were trying to stop the U.S. landings on Okinawa. 1st Lt., Dean Caswell and group immediately attacked and Caswell scored 3 victories and 1 probable, this action turned back the Japanese attack. In WWII Caswell had 7 victories and did two tours in Korea and time in Vietnam.