Marine Corps Aviator

• Birth of Marine Aviation: The first Marine Corps aviator was Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham, who earned his wings in 1912, just nine years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight. • First Combat Deployment: Marine aviators first saw combat in 1914 during the occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, conducting reconnaissance and observation missions. • Guadalcanal Heroics: During the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II, Marine aviators formed the legendary "Cactus Air Force," providing crucial air support and defense despite limited resources. • First Jet Ace: Marine Captain John F. Bolt became the only Marine Corps jet ace of the Korean War, scoring six confirmed kills in his F-86 Sabre. • Harrier Jump Jets: The Marine Corps became the first U.S. military branch to operate the AV-8B Harrier II, a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet that revolutionized close air support. • Space Pioneers: Several Marine aviators became NASA astronauts, including John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and Charles F. Bolden, who later served as NASA Administrator. • Women in Marine Aviation: In 1993, Sarah Deal became the first female Marine Corps aviator, paving the way for more women pilots in the Corps. • “The Black Sheep” Squadron: VMF-214, commanded by Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, became famous in WWII for their daring tactics and high kill counts over the Pacific. • Osprey Innovation: Marine aviators are the primary operators of the MV-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical lift of a helicopter with the speed of a plane. • Medal of Honor Aviators: Several Marine aviators have received the Medal of Honor, including Captain Henry T. Elrod, who defended Wake Island in 1941 and destroyed multiple enemy aircraft and ships before being killed in action.