Warbird Information Exchange

Having a hard time finding pics of VMF-214 Blacksheeps' F4U-4 Corsairs prior to them receiving F4U-4B Corsairs in the mid to late 1940s, anyone help me out? The tail code was RE with the underline. I've only been able to find two photos from that period. One is of RE1 and the other is of RE4 in a book I have. One question I have, are the red stripes present in the national insignias in this time frame?



Don't know who to credit for the photo.

Thanks for any help guys,
V.C.

IIRC, the red stripes were added in late 1947. I have the date somewhere but don't have it off the top of my head.

The red stripes were authorized for use "after January 14, 1947" according to The Official Monogram US Navy & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, Vol 2, 1940-1949. Hope that helps.

Randy

Yeah... I just don't know the date of this picture, or when the squadron actually flew the F4U-4.

*bump*

A "shout out" to Mr. Mark Allen for some help. If anyone would have any reference for this topic, you would!

V.C.

Circumstantial - Started fresh in 1948, by 1950 they had the -4B.

http://mofak.com/Blacksheep_History.htm

"After World War Two, 214 squadron was decommissioned. However, it was re-commissioned in 1948 at MCAS El Toro, California, again with F4U Corsairs. Over the years, the Blacksheep were stationed many locations and operated several different aircraft. 214 deployed frequently for major exercises, training, carrier cruises and cold war contingencies. The squadron flew combat missions with distinction in Korea and Vietnam. The Blacksheep courage and fighting spirit has prevailed throughout the squadron history."

Could the "RE" be when aboard the USS Rendova (CV-114)?

http://www.3rdmaw.marines.mil/Units/MAG ... 14/History

"VMF-214 was reorganized on 29 January 1944 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Goleta, near Santa Barbara, California. They deployed aboard USS Franklin (CV-13) on 4 February 1945. Their mission was to join in operations against Japan and Okinawa. On 19 March, a Japanese bomber hit USS Franklin. The explosion and resulting fire caused 772 deaths aboard Franklin including 32 Black Sheep. Many Black Sheep aircraft were launching for a strike on mainland Japan at the time. One, First Lieutenant Ken Linder, was given half credit for shooting down the Japanese bomber that struck Franklin. This ended VMF-214's involvement in World War II. In April 1945, the Black Sheep were relocated to MCAS El Centro, California, and then to MCAS El Toro, California, in October. In the next few years, the Black Sheep deployed for operations onboard USS Rendova (CVE-114), USS Baroko (CVE-115), USS Badoeng Straight (CVE-116), and USS Boxer (CV-21)."

USS Rendova & VMF-214

http://books.google.com/books?id=sSkllR ... 14&f=false

_________________
45-47=-2

See what I can find for you. I trust this to accurate though.

_________________
Zero Surprise!!...

Thanks for the info & links guys!

V.C.