B-17 FLYING FORTRESS - Flying into Hawaii en route to the Philippines, a squadron of B-17s witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor. The plane continued to see action in the Pacific. But it was in Europe where it acquired its reputation and nickname, The Flying Fortress. Flying at high altitude in tight formation, often without fighter escort, it conducted daylight raids against enemy targets.

F-4U CORSAIR - Designed around an engine, a 2000-hp, air-cooled, 18-cylinder engine, the F-4U was capable of a top speed of 425 mph and could fly at 37,000 feet. Still, initially the U.S. Navy wasn't interested in the F-4U. But then Pappy Boyington's Black Sheep squadron's success in this single-seat fighter led to its service throughout the Pacific.

P-47 THUNDERBOLT - She was big, heavy, powerful and fast. Armed with eight 50caliber machine guns she had the armaments to shoot anything out of the sky. Plus, she was capable of carrying 2,500 lbs of bombs. Originally assigned duty as an escort fighter in Europe, she also proved to be an effective fighter in the Pacific.