VMFA-334

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334 (VMFA-334) was a United States Marine Corps fighter squadron. Known as the “Falcons”, it was part of Marine Aircraft Group 15 and Marine Aircraft Group 33. The squadron participated in action during World War II and the Vietnam War and was decommissioned in 1971.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334
VMFA-334 Insignia
Active
  • Aug 1, 1943 - Oct 10, 1944[1]
  • May 31, 1952 - Dec 30, 1971
CountryUnited States
AllegianceUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
TypeAttack
RoleClose air support
Air interdiction
Aerial reconnaissance
Part ofDeactivated
Nickname(s)Falcons
Death Dealers (WWII)
Tail CodeWU
EngagementsVietnam War
Aircraft flown
BomberSBD Dauntless
FighterF9F Panther
FJ Fury
F-8 Crusader
F-4J Phantom II

History

Early years
Squadron logo during WWII when they were VMSB-334

Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 334 (VMSB-334) was commissioned on August 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point flying the Douglas SBD Dauntless.[2] The squadron traveled around the United States for a year training until it was decommissioned on October 10, 1944, a day that many other scout bomber squadrons were deactivated.[3][4]

Post World War II years

Marine Attack Squadron 334 (VMA-334) was reactivated on May 31, 1952 at Marine Corps Air Station Miami as part of the general increase in the United States military brought on by the Korean War.[4] At this time they were equipped with the F6F Hellcat, later with the F4U Corsair, then the F9F Panther. Less than two years later, on January 23, 1954, the squadron transitioned to the FJ Fury and was redesignated Marine Fighter Squadron 334 {VMF-334}.[4]

VMF-334’s first overseas deployment came in early 1957 when it was sent to Naval Air Station Atsugi for more than a year.[4] The squadron returned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in January 1958 where it became the first West Coast squadron to transition to the F8U-1 Crusader.[2]

A F-8 Crusader from VMF-334 on the ramp at MCAS El Toro in 1966.

Vietnam War

The Falcons were re-designated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334 (VMFA-334) on August 1, 1967 and again transitioned airframes to the F-4J Phantom II.[4] The Falcons departed MCAS El Toro on August 20, 1968. The squadron arrived at Da Nang Air Base on September 1 and combat operations began almost immediately. VMFA-334 relocated to Chu Lai early in 1969. VMFA-334 remained in Vietnam until September 1969 when they were relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. From there they flew air support over the US Navy intelligence ship the USS Pueblo, which had been attacked and captured by North Korea.

In March 1971 VMFA-334 returned to MCAS El Toro and was deactivated later that year on December 30, 1971.[4]

See also

Citations
  1. Rottman 2002, pp. 444.
  2. Ginter 1989, pp. 49.
  3. Sherrod 1952, pp. 468.
  4. Crowder 2000, pp. 142.

References
 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
Bibliography
  • Crowder, Michael J. (2000). United States Marine Corps Aviation Squadron Lineage, Insignia & History - Volume One - The Fighter Squadrons. Paducah, KY: Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-926-9.
  • Ginter, Stephen (1989). Vought's F-8 Crusader Marine Fighter Squadrons. ISBN 0-942612-18-3.
  • Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0313319065.
  • Sherrod, Robert (1952). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II. Washington, D.C.: Combat Forces Press.
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