Final Flight: The Story of a WWII Corsair Intrepid Museum

On March 18, 1945, a young, newly married naval aviator flew from the USS Intrepid on his first combat mission; it would be his last. He and his F4U-1D Corsair were shot down near the city of Saiki on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu. Fifty years later, a Japanese fisherman found what is thought to be the remnants of his Corsair.

Through artifacts, photos, and a visually... Show more

On March 18, 1945, a young, newly married naval aviator flew from the USS Intrepid on his first combat mission; it would be his last. He and his F4U-1D Corsair were shot down near the city of Saiki on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu. Fifty years later, a Japanese fisherman found what is thought to be the remnants of his Corsair.

Through artifacts, photos, and a visually engaging installation of the aircraft’s engine and a section of the wing, this exhibit tells the story of the discovery of the aircraft elements, the story of the young pilot, and the science and technology of the artifact preservation.

This exhibit has been made possible thanks to generous support from The Kislak Family Foundation, Inc., Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust and The Ng Family. The exhibit price is included in the ticket.