F4U-1 Corsair Lucybelle Socks

 Inspired by the legendary Vought-Sikorsky F4U-1 Corsair, specifically the "Lucybelle" piloted by Medal of Honor recipient Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, commander of the VMF-214 "Black Sheep" squadron.

The plane was originally christened Lucybelle, named for Lucy Malcolmson. The relationship was the fuel for Boyington’s fire during his early tours, but it ended in a betrayal that cost him $15.000, his life savings while he was suffering in a Japanese POW camp. Upon his return, the legal battle that followed was so bitter that Boyington spent the rest of his life insisting the plane’s name was Lulubelle. He even went so far as to re-paint restored Corsairs with the "Lulu" name for television and airshows.

It wasn't until the 1970s that private photographs taken by fellow Black Sheep pilots surfaced, showing the name Lucybelle in clear, unblocked lettering.