Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, commonly identified by the designation VMFA-212 and the nickname “Lancers,” was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit whose history extended from the Pacific campaigns of World War II to the modern expeditionary era. The squadron was activated as Marine Fighting Squadron 212, or VMF-212, at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii, on 1 March 1942. Its original nickname was “Hell Hounds.” Equipped initially with Grumman F4F Wildcats, it deployed to the South Pacific and supported the Guadalcanal campaign from a network of forward airfields and detachments. It later participated in operations around the Solomon Islands, Bougainville, the Treasury Islands, the Philippines, and Okinawa. The squadron claimed substantial numbers of Japanese aircraft during World War II, and its first commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Harold W. Bauer, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his combat leadership and sacrifice. After the war, the unit was reactivated and sent to the Far East during the Korean War. It flew close-air-support and strike missions first with F4U Corsairs and later with AU-1 Corsairs. During the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, elements of the squadron operated from the light carrier USS Bataan while supporting United Nations and Marine forces attempting to break out of Chinese encirclement. The unit subsequently operated from bases in South Korea and returned to the United States after its Korean deployment. In 1952 it was redesignated Marine Attack Squadron 212, or VMA-212. The post-Korean period was marked by repeated aircraft and mission changes. The squadron moved from Corsairs to Douglas Skyraiders, then to North American FJ-4B Fury jets, Douglas A-4 Skyhawks, and Vought F-8 Crusaders. Its identity also evolved: it adopted the “Devil Cats” nickname during the Korean War and later became the “Lancers,” a name associated with its Crusader era. In 1964 it received the all-weather designation VMF(AW)-212, and in 1968 it became a Marine fighter attack squadron, VMFA-212, after transitioning to the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II. The squadron’s Pacific mobility was demonstrated during Operation Cannonball in 1958, when it and another Marine unit ferried single-seat aircraft from Hawaii toward Japan using aerial refueling. VMFA-212 deployed aboard USS Oriskany during the Vietnam War and flew combat missions from Yankee Station in 1965 with F-8 Crusaders. It later deployed to Da Nang Air Base in 1972 with F-4 Phantoms during the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive. The squadron conducted more than 1,000 combat sorties during that deployment and received a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Its Vietnam service also included combat losses and personnel captured or listed as missing in action. From the 1970s through the 1980s, VMFA-212 conducted repeated deployments to the Western Pacific and Japan. It completed its final Unit Deployment Program rotation as an F-4 Phantom squadron in 1987, accumulated more than 23,000 accident-free hours after 1978, and transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet around 1988. During the Gulf War, the squadron deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Desert Shield and flew air-interdiction and close-air-support missions during Operation Desert Storm beginning in January 1991. It also participated in later Marine Corps expeditionary operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom. Its final period was associated with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, under Marine Aircraft Group 12 and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. VMFA-212 was deactivated in 2008 as part of a reorganization of Marine aviation.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 began as Marine Fighting Squadron 212 at MCAS Ewa, Hawaii, on 1 March 1942. Flying F4F Wildcats, the newly formed unit moved to the South Pacific and contributed detachments to the Guadalcanal air campaign. Its pilots also operated from New Caledonia, Efate, Espiritu Santo, and other forward bases as Allied forces advanced through the Solomon Islands. During the later Pacific campaign, VMF-212 supported operations around Vella Lavella, Bougainville, the Treasury Islands, the Philippines, and Okinawa. The squadron’s World War II record included a large number of claimed aerial victories. Lieutenant Colonel Harold W. Bauer, its first commanding officer, became one of its best-known figures and received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Reactivated after the war, VMF-212 was among the Marine squadrons sent to the Far East after fighting began in Korea in 1950. It flew F4U-4 Corsair missions from Japan and Korea, then operated from the USS Bataan while providing close air support during the Chosin Reservoir campaign. The squadron later moved to land bases in South Korea and eventually returned to the United States. Its aircraft changed to AU-1 Corsairs, specialized for ground attack, and the unit was redesignated VMA-212 in June 1952. During the 1950s it adopted the “Devil Cats” identity and moved through a succession of piston and jet aircraft, including Skyraiders and FJ-4B Furies. The squadron’s postwar history was defined by technological transition and overseas readiness. It flew A-4 Skyhawks beginning in 1961 and F-8 Crusaders from 1963. The Crusader era produced the “Lancers” name and insignia, which became the squadron’s enduring identity. The unit was redesignated VMF(AW)-212 in 1964 after receiving the all-weather F-8D. It deployed aboard USS Oriskany in 1965 and flew combat operations over Vietnam. In 1968 it became VMFA-212 and began receiving F-4J Phantom IIs, including radar-equipped aircraft as those systems became available. In 1972 the Lancers deployed to Da Nang with F-4 Phantoms during the North Vietnamese spring offensive. They conducted more than 1,000 combat sorties, suffered aircraft and personnel losses, and earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. The squadron returned to a long cycle of Pacific deployments during the 1970s and 1980s. It completed its final F-4 Unit Deployment Program rotation in 1987 and transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet around 1988. VMFA-212 deployed to Bahrain during Operation Desert Shield in late 1990 and flew air-interdiction and close-air-support missions in Operation Desert Storm after the coalition air campaign began in January 1991. It later remained part of the Marine Corps expeditionary aviation structure and participated in combat operations including Operation Enduring Freedom. During its final years the squadron was associated with MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and fell under MAG-12 and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. It was deactivated in 2008 during a Marine aviation reorganization.

• 2008

  Deactivation

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron was deactivated as part of a reorganization of Marine aviation.

• 1990

  Bahrain deployment

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  VMFA-212 deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and later flew combat missions in Desert Storm.

• 1988

  F/A-18C transition

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron began operating the F/A-18C Hornet after completing its F-4 Phantom period.

• 1972

  Da Nang deployment

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The Lancers deployed to South Vietnam and flew more than 1,000 combat sorties during the Easter Offensive.

• 1968

  Redesignated VMFA-212

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The unit received the Marine fighter attack designation and began its transition to the F-4 Phantom II.

• 1964

  All-weather fighter designation adopted

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron became VMF(AW)-212 after transitioning to the F-8D Crusader.

• 1963

  Crusader era begins

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The unit received the Vought F-8 Crusader and adopted the Lancers identity.

• 1958

  Operation Cannonball

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron participated in a long-distance, aerial-refueled ferry operation from Hawaii toward Japan during the Quemoy-Matsu crisis.

• 1952

  Redesignated VMA-212

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron changed from a fighter designation to Marine Attack Squadron 212.

• 1950

  Korean War combat

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  VMF-212 entered Korean operations and flew close-support missions during the advance and subsequent withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir area.

• 1942

  Squadron activated

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  Marine Fighting Squadron 212 was established at MCAS Ewa, Hawaii, on 1 March.

• 1942

  South Pacific deployment

  [1]VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org

  The unit deployed with F4F Wildcats and supported the Guadalcanal campaign and surrounding South Pacific operations.

An expeditionary Marine Corps fighter attack squadron organized to provide air-to-air combat, close air support, interdiction, fire support, and related aviation capabilities for Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders.

• Carrier-based fighter · 1942

  Grumman F4F Wildcat

  The squadron’s first combat aircraft. Wildcats were used during its early South Pacific deployments and the Guadalcanal campaign, primarily for air defense, fighter sweeps, and support of forward Allied airfields.

• Fighter-bomber and ground-attack aircraft · 1943

  Vought F4U Corsair and AU-1 Corsair

  Corsairs formed the core of the squadron’s World War II and early Korean War combat capability. The AU-1 variant added protection and ground-attack adaptations, allowing the unit to deliver heavy ordnance while supporting forces close to the front.

• Attack aircraft · 1954

  Douglas AD-2 and AD-3 Skyraider

  After Korea, the squadron operated Skyraiders as a high-endurance attack unit. The aircraft supported the Marine Corps transition from piston-engine attack aviation toward jet-powered fighter and attack platforms.

• Jet fighter · 1958

  North American FJ-4B Fury

  The Fury marked the squadron’s transition into the jet age. VMF-212 used the aircraft for fighter operations and demonstrated long-distance, aerial-refueled movement across the Pacific during the 1958 crisis response.

• Supersonic carrier fighter · 1963

  Vought F-8 Crusader

  The Crusader defined the Lancers identity and supported the squadron’s Vietnam deployments. The unit operated day, all-weather, and ground-attack versions, including the F-8E used for combat missions from USS Oriskany.

• Multirole fighter-bomber · 1968

  McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

  VMFA-212 received F-4J Phantoms beginning in 1968 and later used them in Vietnam, Pacific deployments, and the unit’s final Phantom-era Unit Deployment Program rotations. Radar-equipped aircraft were introduced after initial delivery delays.

• Multirole fighter attack aircraft · 1988

  McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet

  The Hornet was the squadron’s final aircraft type. It supported the unit’s modern fighter-attack mission, including air-to-air combat, close air support, interdiction, and expeditionary operations, before the squadron was deactivated.

• 1991Operation Desert Storm

  Bahrain · Persian Gulf region

  From Bahrain, the squadron conducted air interdiction and close air support in support of coalition forces after the start of the Gulf War air campaign.

  Outcome. The unit completed its assigned combat role as part of the Marine aviation contribution to Desert Storm.

  Source
• 1972Vietnam War Easter Offensive

  South Vietnam · Thailand

  F-4 Phantom crews deployed to Da Nang and attacked ground targets during the North Vietnamese offensive.

  Outcome. VMFA-212 flew more than 1,000 combat sorties and received a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

  Source
• 1965Vietnam War

  Vietnam · Western Pacific

  Operating from USS Oriskany, the squadron flew F-8 Crusader missions against targets in North and South Vietnam from May through December.

  Outcome. The deployment produced 3,018 combat hours and 1,588 sorties.

  Source
• 1950Korean War

  Korean Peninsula · Japan

  VMF-212 flew Corsair and later AU-1 attack missions in support of United Nations forces, including Marine ground units during the Chosin Reservoir fighting.

  Outcome. The squadron provided sustained close air support before returning to the United States after its Korean deployment.

  Source
• 1945Philippines and Okinawa campaigns

  Philippines · Okinawa

  From Samar and later Okinawa, the squadron flew close air support and other combat missions over the Philippines and the Ryukyu Islands.

  Outcome. The unit continued operations until the end of World War II in the Pacific.

  Source
• 1943Solomon Islands and Bougainville operations

  Solomon Islands · New Guinea region

  The squadron operated from successive island airfields and conducted sweeps and support missions around Vella Lavella, the Treasury Islands, Choiseul, Bougainville, and Rabaul.

  Outcome. It supported the Allied advance through the northern Solomon Islands and surrounding Japanese-held areas.

  Source
• 1942Guadalcanal campaign

  South Pacific

  VMF-212 supplied detachments to the Cactus Air Force and later committed the squadron to the Guadalcanal air campaign.

  Outcome. The squadron contributed fighter defense and combat air support during the Allied effort to seize and hold Guadalcanal.

  Source
• Operation Enduring Freedom

  Afghanistan region

  The squadron’s published history identifies participation in Operation Enduring Freedom during its later F/A-18 period.

  Source

• 2008

  Deactivation during force reorganizationStrategy

  Background

  The Marine Corps reorganized its aviation structure.

  Action taken

  VMFA-212 was deactivated.

  Aftermath

  The Lancers ceased operating as an active Marine Corps squadron.

  Source

• 1988

  Transition to the F/A-18C HornetGeneration change

  Background

  After its final F-4 Unit Deployment Program rotation, the squadron moved to a newer multirole fighter attack platform.

  Action taken

  VMFA-212 began receiving and operating the F/A-18C Hornet.

  Aftermath

  The Hornet was the squadron’s final aircraft type and supported its Gulf War and later expeditionary roles.

  Source

• 1968

  Transition to the F-4 Phantom IIGeneration change

  Background

  Marine aviation was moving toward multirole, radar-equipped jet aircraft.

  Action taken

  The squadron received F-4J Phantom IIs and was redesignated VMFA-212.

  Aftermath

  The Phantom became the squadron’s principal aircraft through the Vietnam and later Pacific deployment eras.

  Source

• 1963

  Adoption of the F-8 CrusaderGeneration change

  Background

  The squadron required a faster jet fighter for its evolving Pacific and expeditionary role.

  Action taken

  It accepted the Vought F-8B Crusader and adopted the Lancers name.

  Aftermath

  The Crusader period shaped the unit’s long-term identity and supported its Vietnam combat deployment.

  Source

• 1952

  Shift to dedicated attack designationStrategy

  Background

  The unit’s Korean War employment emphasized close air support and ground attack.

  Action taken

  It was redesignated Marine Attack Squadron 212, or VMA-212.

  Aftermath

  The designation remained in use until later fighter and fighter-attack transitions.

  Source

1. 1VMFA-212en.wikipedia.org