During the Korea War, USMC VMA-212 was one of the first squadrons sent to Far East at the outbreak of the war. They remained in Japan until Marines were able to capture Kimpo Airfield after the Battle of Inchon. The squadron finally touched down in Korea on September 18, 1950 and were flying their first strikes by the 20th of September. The squadron was later moved to Yonpo Airfield in North Korea as the United Nations' forces continued their advance in the early winter of 1950. The squadron adopted the name "Devil Cats" and a new patch was designed. After the Chinese counterattack in late November 1950, VMA-212 aircraft flew almost continuous close air support missions supporting the 1st Marine Division as they fought their way out of encirclement during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. After the fighting at Chosin, the squadron was ordered to operate from the USS Bataan (CVL-29), where they remained until March 5, 1951. VMA-212 moved to being land based, first just south of Wonson Harbor, where it was too close to enemy fire for landings and take-offs. It then moved to K-6 at Pyongteak as a part of MAG-12, which also included VMA-323 flying F4U Corsairs and VMA-121 flying AD Skyraiders. VMA-212's F4U Corsairs were replaced by upgraded AU-1 Corsairs in 1952. The AU-1 Corsair had armor plate around the cockpit and the oil coolers that were moved up to behind the engine. The squadron dropped more ordnance during the Korean War than any other Marine Corps squadron. The AU-1 Corsair had an additional center bomb rack which carried a 2000 lb. bomb until the rough Marston Matting, which was laid over the old pock-marked Japanese landing strip at K-6, caused the center bomb rack to break off. The AU-1 Corsair could carry a 2000 lb bomb on its center rack, two 1000 lb. bombs on the wing root bomb racks and 100 or 260 lb. bombs on its wing racks. It struggled up to enemy territory at approximately 140 knots. After releasing its bombs, the AU-l again became a fast fighter in close support of the front lines and a fighter capable of up to 600 knots in a dive. Colonel Robert Galer, a Marine Corps Ace from World War II, was the Commanding Officer of MAG-12 in 1952, when he was shot down behind enemy lines and protected by VMA-212 pilots until rescued by a Marine Corps helicopter. VMA-212 remained in Korea until the end of the war in July 1953. From April 1951 to May 1953, VMA-212 lost ten pilots.

For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund (less S&H fee). For more selection, please visit our eBay store. Thanks!