Corsairs and legends gather

Flight Journal, Feb 2003 by Kaplan, Ron

From September 6 to 8, the 2002 Indianapolis Air Show at Mt. Comfort, Indiana, was also the venue for the Gathering of Corsairs and Legends. Spectators braved a scorching sun to see a variety of aerial performances that included Jimmy Franklin and his jet-enhanced WACO, the venerable Red Baron Squadron, the U.S. Army Golden Knights and demos by a Marine Corps Harrier and Air Force A-10.

Clearly, the main attraction was the opportunity to see seven flyable Chance Vought Corsairs in one place at one time. Mint Moore III, the Gathering's organizer and an admitted Corsair nut, lamented that more than twice that number had been slated to appear, but mechanical difficulties-and the whimsy of fall tropical storms-were unpredictable. In any case, the enthusiasm of "bent-- wing bird" admirers and casual air-- show fans alike remained high.

For many, the show's highlight was the chance to meet the Corsair "Legends," the veterans who flew these legendary fighters into combat some 50-- plus years ago. Among those participating were 11 pilots from the late Pappy Boyington's famed Black Sheep Squadron, VMF-214, including aces Bob McClurg and Hank McCartney. Other Corsair aces attending included Archie Donahue, Dean Caswell, Sheldon Hall, Roger Conant and Medal of Honor awardee James Swett.

Many of these gentlemen spent several hours in a tent on the warbird flight-- line, patiently signing photos, books and artwork for long lines of admirers-some from as far away as New York and Alaska.

A Corsair symposium and dinner were held on Friday night at a nearby hotel and sold out well in advance. The audience of 800 saw and heard personal perspectives from many of the combat vets feted onstage along with Super Corsair racer Cook Cleland. Among the audience were two cast members from TV's "Baa Baa Black Sheep" series.

This long-anticipated airshow and symposium combination was deemed a success and served as a benefit for the Riley Hospital for Children. It also provided a fitting tribute to a great airplane and those who built and flew them. Moore is already at work on plans for the 2003 show, so stay tuned for details.

-Ron Kaplan