In this publication the history of Marine Attack Squadron 311 is traced from its commissioning in December 1942 through three wars and several evolutions during which the unit made the transition from a fighting squadron flying propeller-driven planes to a modem attack squadron equipped with high-performance jet aircraft. The history was prepared principally from primary sources such as command diaries and chronologies, published historical works, and recollections of Marines involved. Marine Attack Squadron 311 was conceived as a ''Fighting Squadron'' during the rapid buildup of forces which followed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The squadron participated in World War II and was assigned occupational duty in Japan upon cessation of hostilities. During the Korean conflict, the squadron again saw combat, this time as a jet fighter squadron. When Marine air was committed in Vietnam, VMA-311 was one of the first attack squadrons to deploy to Vietnam and one of the last to leave. While this history deals with one particular squadron, it exemplifies the many Marine squadrons whose development and employment parallel that of VMA- 311.

This history, which traces Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 from 1925 to the present, is one in a series of Marine squadron histories in which we hope to bring to light the achievements of individual squadrons and relate them to the general development of Marine aviation. The history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 is a narrative account of the "Red Devil" squadron in action since its beginning in 1925. The brief history shows the early structure of the squadron from its fledgling start as VF-3M when it was flying primitive VE-7s to the present day VMFA-232 flying Phantom F4-Js. It outlines in chronological order the battles undertaken during World War II and Vietnam, and tells briefly of the pilots and crewmen and the hardships they endured to carry out their missions. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 is steeped in tradition and continually holds its standards high. It is hoped that this brief history adequately sketches the story and prompts others to contribute their insights, remembrances, records, photographs, and other memorabilia so that the complete history may someday be written.

During the early stages of helicopter development, when helicopters were able to lift just slightly more than their own weight, the military services were eagerly seeking to obtain a variety of larger, more useful helicopters. The youthful helicopter industry expressed optimism, although at times unrealistic, in its ability to meet the military requirements. The development of the helicopter program within the Marine Corps was sparked by the foresight and imagination of the officers of the period. While early helicopters provided stepping stones for an orderly progression of the program, the slowness of the technical advances and the periods of financial austerity after World War II and Korea prevented the Marine Corps from developing the vertical envelopment concept as rapidly as desired. The program gained interest and momentum, however, as a result of the success of helicopters in Korea. As Lieutenant General Gerald C. Thomas stated: "Indeed, the helicopter gave clear evidence, from its first tactical employment, that a major advance in combat was at hand." This history, which traces the development of helicopters in the Marine Corps from 1946 to 1962, offers a tribute to the creative vision and planning of a handful of Marine officers who conceived of the vertical assault concept in amphibious operations at a time when suitable aircraft to make it work did not exist. The story of the subsequent struggle to procure and develop those aircraft, to refine a doctrine for their employment, and to familiarize the Marine Corps with their use is an interesting and vital part of modern Marine Corps history. The documentary basis for this monograph was primarily the official records of the Marine Corps and Navy Department, but considerable use was made of interviews and correspondence with key individuals involved in all phases of helicopter development.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, the Checkerboard squadron, enjoys a fine reputation among Marine aviators. This volume, one of a new series of brief histories on famous aviation squadrons, is offered as a tribute to the pilots and crewmen who have contributed so significantly to Marine aviation. The history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 is a narrative account of the famed Checkerboard squadron in action. VMFA-312 saw its first action in the skies over Okinawa during World War II, and later the squadron was used extensively throughout the Korean conflict. The Checkerboards were one of the first Marine squadrons in Vietnam and today maintain their combat proficiency by constant training and hard work. VMFA-312 is a proud squadron with a rich and deep heritage and has passed along its traditions to the pilots and crewmen who presently fly Marine aircraft with the Checkerboard markings.