Vought F4U-1 Corsair 02576 United States Marine Corps

These are 1/72 scale decals for the Vought F4U-1 Corsair, BuNo 02576, "Marines Dream", assigned to VMF-214, the legendary "Black Sheep Squadron" of the United States Marine Corps — one of the most celebrated fighter units in American military history.

The F4U-1 Corsair was one of the finest carrier-capable fighters of World War II, powered by the massive Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine driving an enormous three-bladed propeller that necessitated the Corsair's distinctive inverted gull wing — designed to provide ground clearance while keeping the landing gear short and sturdy. Fast, powerful, and heavily armed with six .50-caliber machine guns, the Corsair was initially deemed too difficult for carrier operations and handed to the Marines, who turned it into a devastating weapon in the skies over the Solomon Islands. Japanese pilots came to call it "Whistling Death" for the distinctive sound of air rushing through its cooler intakes.

VMF-214, the "Black Sheep," was formed in the Solomon Islands in September 1943 under the command of the charismatic and controversial Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, himself one of the top American aces of the war. Assembled from replacement pilots and aviators pulled from various units — the "misfits" who became the Black Sheep — VMF-214 flew aggressive combat operations from Munda and Vella Lavella, shooting down 97 Japanese aircraft in just 84 days of combat during their first tour. "Marines Dream" was one of the Corsairs that carried the Black Sheep into battle during this extraordinary period, its nose art embodying the irreverent spirit that defined the squadron.

One of the most iconic subjects in Pacific War aviation — a must for any Corsair or Marine Corps collection. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.