CAPT. TOM BLACKBURN'S BIG HOG F4U CORSAIR
Each print autographed by pilot Capt. Tom Blackburn and artist Jerry 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 under 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 print 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. Tom
Blackburn's USN (Ret,) account of this famous US Navy Fighter Squadron, "JOLLY ROGERS',
is highly recommended.
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 under 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 print 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. Tom
Blackburn's USN (Ret,) account of this famous US Navy Fighter Squadron, "JOLLY ROGERS',
is highly recommended.
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints mainly
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All sales are subject to availability.
All sales are subject to availability.
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be reproduced
without their consent.
without their consent.
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