Goodyear FG-1D Corsair Ruthless II (BuNo 92095, NX67HP) arrived at Ezell Aviation in Breckenridge, Texas, on October 14, 2026, for restoration to flying condition. The arrival marks a homecoming for the former Howard Pardue aircraft, which was based at Stephens County Airport from 1977 to 1990. “We’re thrilled to have it back here and to get it back to flying condition,” Ezell Aviation said.
Built by Goodyear and accepted into U.S. Navy service in 1945, the Corsair initially served with Fighter-Bomber Squadron 80 before being assigned to Marine fighter squadrons. By late 1947, it had moved into reserve service. Training duties followed in 1951, and the aircraft was stricken from Navy records in 1957. The Corsair subsequently served with the Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña, El Salvador’s air force, and saw combat during the 1969 “Soccer War” between El Salvador and Honduras. A patched bullet hole in its right wing bears evidence of its combat history.
Aircraft collector and airshow pilot Howard Pardue purchased the aircraft from the Salvadoran Air Force in 1975. It later underwent a restoration completed in 1984, returning the veteran fighter to the skies. Evergreen acquired the Corsair in May 1990, and it was subsequently displayed at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, until approximately 2015.
Ruthless II carries markings representing an aircraft flown by U.S. Navy ace Oscar Chenowith Jr., who served with VF-17, the famed “Jolly Rogers,” during World War II and was credited with 8.5 aerial victories. Born in Salem, Oregon, Chenowith grew up in McMinnville, giving the Corsair’s years on display there a local connection. Now back in Breckenridge, the Corsair begins another chapter in a history spanning U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service, combat over Central America, and decades of civilian preservation.
(Image credit: Ezell Aviation)
