"530" F4U-1D CORSAIR

AVIATION ARCHIVE COLLECTION "THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA"

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" is the definitive scale model collection charting the history of flight and commemorating significant military and civil aircraft and events from the early pioneering years to the present day. Using original plans and rare archive material, each aircraft and livery has been meticulously researched and authenticated to bring you, the aviation enthusiast the finest range of collectible model aircraft. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the models feature rubber tires, interchangeable undercarriage and high quality livery details. Beautifully packaged, each replica comes with a sturdy display stand and certificate of authenticity.

HISTORICAL NOTE:    Okinawa was the largest amphibious invasion of the Pacific campaign and the last major campaign of the Pacific War. More ships were used, more troops put ashore, more supplies transported, more bombs dropped, more naval guns fired against shore targets than any other operation in the Pacific. More people died during the Battle of Okinawa than all those killed during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Casualties totaled more than 38,000 Americans wounded and 12,000 killed or missing, more than 107,000 Japanese and Okinawan conscripts killed, and perhaps 100,000 Okinawan civilians who perished in the battle. The battle of Okinawa proved to be the bloodiest battle of the Pacific War. Thirty-four allied ships and craft of all types had been sunk, mostly by kamikazes, and 368 ships and craft damaged. The fleet had lost 763 aircraft. Total American casualties in the operation numbered over 12,000 killed [including nearly 5,000 Navy dead and almost 8,000 Marine and Army dead] and 36,000 wounded. On April 12th, 1945 VMF-312 had its first contact with the enemy. While flying CAP, a flight of four Corsairs, led by Capt. Dan H. Johnson, intercepted 20 Mitsubishi Zeros and four Jills (single engine torpedo-equipped attack aircraft). The outcome was a incredible 8 Zeros downed and six others damaged, while not one Corsair was lost.

INFO:    1ST LT. M. O. CHANCE, OKINAWA, 1945
SCALE:    1:72
WING SPAN:   6.0  INCHES

Item Number: AA33009                                                                                                                                                                   Price:  $29.95