Corsair and Tarawa Diorama
The central Leatherneck Gallery in the National Museum of the Marine Corps is intended to bring to mind feelings of courage, determination, compassion, innovation and the tight bonds that are formed between comrades in arms. The artefacts, vignettes, testimonials, and images in this space are intended to honour the contributions of every Marine.
Above, the diorama on the gallery floor features an LVT-1 amphibious tractor breaching the defensive log wall on the Pacific island of Tarawa during the 20-23 November 1943 battle for the atoll at the beginning of America's offensive in the central Pacific.
Suspended above that is a Vought Corsair. This aircraft type did not come into Marine Corps service until 1943 and F4U-4 variants, like 97369 above, did not enter service until late 1944. However, Marine Corps squadrons equipped with this variant participated in the Battle of Okinawa and other parts of the later Pacific campaign. They also participated in the Korean War.
Corsair and Tarawa Diorama
The central Leatherneck Gallery in the National Museum of the Marine Corps is intended to bring to mind feelings of courage, determination, compassion, innovation and the tight bonds that are formed between comrades in arms. The artefacts, vignettes, testimonials, and images in this space are intended to honour the contributions of every Marine.
Above, the diorama on the gallery floor features an LVT-1 amphibious tractor breaching the defensive log wall on the Pacific island of Tarawa during the 20-23 November 1943 battle for the atoll at the beginning of America's offensive in the central Pacific.
Suspended above that is a Vought Corsair. This aircraft type did not come into Marine Corps service until 1943 and F4U-4 variants, like 97369 above, did not enter service until late 1944. However, Marine Corps squadrons equipped with this variant participated in the Battle of Okinawa and other parts of the later Pacific campaign. They also participated in the Korean War.