VMF-215

Marine Fighting Squadron 215
VMF-215’s Insignia
Active
  • 1 Mar 1942 – 6 Nov 1944
  • 21 Nov 1944 – 13 Nov 1945
  • 1 Jul 1946 – 30 Jan 1970
CountryUnited States
BranchUSMC
TypeFighter squadron
RoleAir interdiction
Close air support
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)"Fighting Corsairs"
EngagementsWorld War II
* Battle of Empress Augusta Bay
Aircraft flown
BomberSBD Dauntless
FighterF4F Wildcat
F4U Corsair
F6F Hellcat

Marine Fighting Squadron 215 (VMF-215) was a fighter squadron of the United States Marine Corps that was commissioned and fought during World War II. Known as "The Fighting Corsairs", the squadron fought in many areas of the Pacific War, including the Battle of Bougainville. During its four-and-a-half month tour, the squadron was credited with shooting down 137 enemy aircraft, fourth most in Marine Corps aviation history.[1][2]

Following the surrender of Japan, the squadron was decommissioned on 13 November 1946.[3] The squadron was reactivated in the Marine Forces Reserve and based out of Naval Air Station Olathe, Kansas until being decommissioned again on 30 January 1970.

  1. ^ Sherrod 1952, pp. 430.
  2. ^ Mersky 1993, pp. 35.
  3. ^ Crowder 2000, pp. 75.