Jim Tobul F4U-4 Corsair
General Corsair History
Development for the Corsair began in early 1938 and entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1943. This aircraft quickly became well-known for it’s gull wings, speed, and the ability to land and take off from aircraft carriers. The Navy quickly placed an order for more Corsairs and by the time production ended in 1952, nearly 13,000 Corsairs had been built. The Corsair saw action in WWII, mainly in the Pacific theater. It also saw action during the Vietnam and Korean War.
About “Korean War Hero”
During its service, this aircraft served two tours on two different aircraft carriers and flew over 200 combat missions.
From December to May 1951, it served on the USS Valey Forge with VF653 Naval Reserve Squadron from Akron, Ohio. Then from June to October 1951, it served on the USS Boxer with the VF884 Naval Reserve Squadron known as the “Bitter Birds,” from Olathe, Kansas.
The Corsair left the United States in 1960 and flew with the Honduran Air Force until 1970, when it was sold to an American Airline pilot and brought back to the U.S.
Joe and Jim Tobul bought the aircraft in 1981 and spent the next 10 years restoring it. On Dec. 8, 1991, it took its first post-restoration flight. Today, Jim Tobul flies this corsair at air shows all across the country.
Learn more: https://koreanwarhero.com/index.html
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