Description
The Corsair was designed and principally operated as a carrier-based aircraft, and entered service in large numbers with the U.S. Navy and Marines in World War II. It quickly became one of the most capable carrier-based fighter-bombers of the war. Some Japanese pilots regarded it as the most formidable American fighter and U.S. naval aviators achieved an 11:1 kill ratio. Early problems with carrier landings and logistics led to it being eclipsed as the dominant carrier-based fighter by the Grumman F6F Hellcat, powered by the same Double Wasp engine first flown on the Corsair’s initial prototype in 1940. The Corsair’s early deployment was to land-based squadrons of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.
This coin honors the important role played by the Corsair during World War II and commemorates the aircraft’s enduring legacy of freedom. The obverse features a Corsair in-flight below the words “American Airpower.” The reverse features the historic emblem of U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Aviation.
Minted in a brass alloy and given an antique bronze finish, the coin’s reverse is imbued with rich enamel accents.
Each coin measures 1 1/2 inch (39mm) in diameter.
