Chance-Vought F4U-4 Corsair

Warbirds in Review is brought to you by ScottsMiracle-Gro, Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, Warbirds of America, and the following media partners. NATA, the North American Trainer Association “Korean War Hero” Monday, July 20, 2026, 1 pm While the Korean War ushered in the jet age, one of its most effective combat aircraft was a World War II veteran—the legendary Vought F4U Corsair. Built in 1945, the Corsair known today as "Korean War Hero" flew more than 200 combat missions from the decks of USS Boxer and USS Valley Forge, delivering bombs, rockets, napalm, and machine-gun fire in support of United Nations forces. Rugged and reliable, it became one of the Navy and Marine Corps' most respected close-air-support aircraft. After military service, the aircraft found a second life thanks to Joe and Jim Tobul, who discovered it disassembled in a Florida barn and spent a decade restoring it to flight. Following Joe's tragic death in 2002 while flying the Corsair to an airshow, Jim fulfilled his father's dream by restoring the aircraft once again. Today, "Korean War Hero" remains one of the few flying Corsairs with documented Korean War combat history—a powerful tribute to the pilots, crews, and veterans of America's Forgotten War.