Return to Gallery > F4U Corsair
F4U Corsair
Big Hog by Crandall
The Painting: VF-17 was known as the "Jolly Rogers", the "Skull and Crossbones", and "Blackburn's Irregulars". Between the end of October 1943, and early March 1944, they downed 154 Japanese aircraft producing 13 aces in less than 5 months. Skipper Tom Blackburn recorded 11 confirmed, 5 probables, 3 damaged and was awarded the Navy Cross, 2 D.F.C.'s and 3 Air medals.
The scene depicted in the prints is just before Blackburn pulled the trigger on the JAAF Tony from the 68th Fighter Regiment based at Rabaul. Tom waited until he was very close to fire making sure the Tony did not escape. Doug Gutenkunst flew as wingman to Blackburn in number 2 Corsair until his tragic death in a mid-air collision a few months later.
The F4U-1A was often taped around the fuel cell in the fuselage and also on the wing panels due to leakage and was continually re-taped as needed. The Corsairs of VF-17 had their tail hooks re-installed for this carrier operation as they had been land-based and had them removed earlier. Blackburn's flight had their prop hubs painted red for ID reasons. Capt.
Each print is individually signed by Jolly Rogers ace Skipper Tom Blackburn
Approximate Print size: 30"w X 23"h
Image size: 27"w X 19 1/2"h
Limited edition of: 950 signed and numbered
