| Marine Fighting Squadron 213 | |
|---|---|
 VMF-213 Insignia | |
| Active | 1 July 1942 – 24 April 1946[1] Unknown - mid-1970s |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Fighter squadron |
| Role | Air interdiction |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | Hell Hawks |
| Tail Code | EF |
| Engagements | World War II * Philippines Campaign (1944–45) * Battle of Iwo Jima * Battle of Okinawa |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F4U Corsair F9F Panther |
Marine Fighting Squadron 213 (VMF-213) was a reserve fighter squadron in the United States Marine Corps. Nicknamed the "Hell Hawks", the squadron fought during World War II in the Philippines and at the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. With its assignment to the USS Essex (CV-9) and Air Group 4, VMF-213 along with VMF-124 was one of the first two Marine squadrons to augment carrier air groups during World War II.[2] The squadron was credited with downing 117 enemy aircraft during the war.
- ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 441.
- ^ Fredriksen, John C. (2011). The United States Marine Corps a Chronology, 1775 to the Present. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. p. 175. ISBN 9781598845433.