C through G
Chance Vought F4U Corsair Carrier Based Fighter-Bomber. One of the US Navies most advanced carrier based Fighter bombers of World War 2 and the first US warplane to exceed 400 mph in level flight. Although everyone knows about the North American P-51 Mustang, the Corsair had superior statistics. The Corsair had greater range than the Mustang, both carried the same armament. The Corsair was slightly larger and heavier, as were most carrier aircraft compared to land types, but nonetheless, the Corsair was the superior fighter.
Although the US Navy had its doubts with earlier versions of the Corsair, mainly with the severe "bounce" when it landed and the "birdcage" style cockpit which restricted vision. Another reason was the Corsairs mammoth propeller which had the "Bent winged bastard from Connecticut" off carrier decks until January 1944, when it was eventually allowed on American carrier decks it was given the role of night fighter, which it excelled in. This aircraft was more rugged than the P-51 and the P-38 Lightning and was far more versatile, being able to land on the crushed coral runways haistly laid down by the SeeBees on Pacific Islands while the P-51 and P-38 required either grass or compressed dirt runways.
Like the P-51 Mustang that saw service in Korea, the Corsair was still an integral part of the United States Navy.
Charleston, Flight Officer Henry. Pilot apart of the 23rd Fighter Group, wingman to the groups head pilot, Commander Ross Manuel. Despite the often odds against the group, F/O Charleston could always be found flying in close company to his head pilot.
Colossus, USS. Light Cruiser apart of the Independence Carrier Task Force. Class and registry unknown.
Cleveland class Light Cruiser. One of the two classes hastily converted to the Independence class Light Carriers in 1943. The other was the Baltimore class.
Charmers, Flight Officer Gregory. Wildcat Pilot in the 42nd Escort Fighter group on the Independence. After his carrier was severely damaged, the 42nd transferred to the Ranger.
Conway, 2nd Lieutenant Donald. Commanding officer, 1st Army, 29th Battalion on the D-Day landings. While he only saw brief action on D-Day, he later proved his worth in the Battle of the Bulge.
Campbell, Chief Petty Officer Samuel. Helm officer of the USS Essex during Wold War 2. This young sailor was giving the daunting task of helming one the the largest ships in the ocean, but under the guidence of Captain Griffith, he excelled in this task.
CAP. Acronym for Combat Air Patrol. A very important part of carrier warfare both now and in World War 2, although now CIWS (Close-In Weapons Systems) mounts take care of it instead of aircraft in some cases, but aircraft are still integral in the defence of the home carrier.
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