The Limited Edition Fine Art Print Home to the "Bonnie Dick" USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 By David Lee Sample Countersigned by LCDR David W. Longworth Print Size 17X21  Image Size12X17 The Print...         After completing a bombing mission over North Korea, LT(jg) David W. Longworth flying an F4U-4 Corsair returns to  the ship USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), nicknamed the "Bonnie Dick." The Pilot...         David W. Longworth enlisted in the Navy as Aviation Electronic Technician on August 2, 1947.  On July 18, 1949 he was accepted into Pre-Flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, as a Naval Aviation Cadet.  Flying F8F Bearcats he qualified in carrier landings and on February 28, 1951 he was commissioned an Ensign and received his wings.  He continued his training by attending Fleet All Weather Training Unit Atlantic (FAWTULANT), later becoming an instructor there.  In January 1952 he joined VC-4 All Weather Night Fighting Squadron where he first became qualified in the night fighting version of the Corsair, the F4U-5N.  February 1952 he volunteered to join VF-74, Air Group Seven (CVG-7) an F4U-4 squadron.  David flew his first combat mission off the Aircraft Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) on June 24, 1952.  Nineteen days later while flying a bombing mission over North Korea he encountered enemy action and was shot down just three miles off the North Korean coast.  Spending 2 hours in enemy waters, he was rescued by the Destroyer USS Hollister (DD-788) and later was returned to the USS Bon Homme Richard.  LT(jg) David Longworth went on to fly 65 combat missions and received the following awards; Three Air Medals, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Combat Distinguishing Device, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.  He later qualified in F9F Panthers and Helicopters while flying with the Naval Reserves in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of  Dentistry in June 1959, and on January 5, 1963 he flew his last flight as a Naval Aviator and was transferred to the Dental Corps.  Dr. David W. Longworth and his wife Jackie live in Watertown, South Dakota, where he practices Orthodontics.  They have seven children and seven grandchildren.  He is also the Uncle to the artist, David Lee Sample.   The Aircraft...          Built by Vought Aircraft, the F4U-4 was considered the “Ultimate Corsair” because it had benefited from all the lessons learned in WWII.  It featured a four-blade propeller, turned by a 2,100hp R-2800-18W water injected engine capable of a maximum speed of 451mph at over 26,000 feet.  The F4U-4 was 34.5 feet in length and a wing span of 41 feet 11 inches and had six .50 caliber guns.  In addition it could carry eight 5 inch rockets and two 1,000lb bombs.  SIZE OF EDITION: 926   Artist signed and consecutively numbered         This limited edition lithographic print has been personally approved and signed by the artist.  It is printed on the finest quality lithographic print paper; acid free, neutral pH, 100lb. stock, Quintessence Gloss Cover.  All printing plates and negatives used in the process of printing the edition have been destroyed and this image has never been, or ever will be, reproduced in any other art print form. Pricing Home to the "Bonnie Dick" SKU # Price Limited Edition Print HBD-1 $100   Artist's Proof HBD-2 $175 Email for information         Information Request Form Please fill in the information below to let us know how to contact you regarding the artwork of David Lee Sample. Name Title Company Address E-mail Phone