Class of ’45 – F4U Corsair & P-51 Mustang Quick Silver

The Class of ’45 was founded in 2013 by Scott Yoak and Jim Tobul. Their mission is to preserve and honor the service of American military men and women, both then and now.

Both the Corsair and the P-51 Mustang made their mark during WWII and have gone down in history as two of the most iconic aircraft from that time. Thanks to the mark they made during WWII, both aircraft types also saw action during the Korean War.

During their performance, you will see these aircraft side-by-side as they soar through the air performing different maneuvers that show off the strengths of each aircraft.

The “Class of ‘45” got its name because both the Corsair “Korean War Hero” and the P-51 “Quick Silver” were built in 1945.

General Corsair History

Development for the Corsair began in early 1938 and entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1943. This aircraft quickly became well-known for it’s gull wings, speed, and the ability to land and take off from aircraft carriers. The Navy quickly placed an order for more Corsairs and by the time production ended in 1952, nearly 13,000 Corsairs had been built. The Corsair saw action in WWII, mainly in the Pacific theater. It also saw action during the Vietnam and Korean War.

About “Korean War Hero”

During its service, this aircraft served two tours on two different aircraft carriers and flew over 200 combat missions.

From December to May 1951, it served on the USS Valey Forge with VF653 Naval Reserve Squadron from Akron, Ohio. Then from June to October 1951, it served on the USS Boxer with the VF884 Naval Reserve Squadron known as the “Bitter Birds,” from Olathe, Kansas.

The Corsair left the United States in 1960 and flew with the Honduran Air Force until 1970, when it was sold to an American Airline pilot and brought back to the U.S.

Joe and Jim Tobul bought the aircraft in 1981 and spent the next 10 years restoring it. On Dec. 8, 1991, it took its first post-restoration flight. Today, Jim Tobul flies this corsair at air shows all across the country.

Learn more: https://koreanwarhero.com/index.html

P-51 Mustang Quick Silver

In 1957, the P-51 Mustang “Quick Silver” was declared surplus and sold into private use. It changed owners several times over the years, before being purchased by Bill Yoak. It underwent restoration and joined the air show circuit. Scott Yoak, Bill’s son, currently owns and flies this aircraft all over the country each year at air shows.