| Marine Attack Squadron 236 | |
|---|---|
 VMSB-236's WWII insignia | |
| Active |
|
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Attack Squadron |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | Back Panthers |
| Tail Code | 7P |
| Engagements | World War II * Bougainville Campaign * Philippines Campaign (1944–45) |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber | SBD Dauntless |
| Fighter | F4U Corsair F9F Cougar F2H Banshee |
Marine Attack Squadron 236 (VMF-236) was an attack squadron in the Marine Corps Reserve. The squadron, also known as the "Black Panthers", was part of the Marine Forces Reserve for a short time following World War II and were based at Naval Air Station Anacostia, Washington, D.C. until their decommissioningt. Originally established during World War II, the squadron fought in the Pacific War most notably during the Bougainville Campaign and the campaign to liberate the Philippines. The squadron conducted the first dive bombing attack against Bougainville and was credited with downing 4 Japanese aircraft during the course of the war.[1] VMSB-236 was discommissioned on 1 August 1945 at Mindanao, Philippines two weeks before the surrender of Japan[2] The unit was reactivated as part of the reserves but were again deactivated in the late 1960s. No other Marine Corps squadron has carried VMA-236's lineage and honors since that time.