VMFA-212

• Formation and WWII Service: Marine Fighter Squadron 212 (VMFA-212), originally formed as VMF-212 in March 1942, saw action in the Pacific during World War II, including the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal. • Nickname "Lancers": VMFA-212 was known as the "Lancers," a name that became synonymous with their aggressive fighting spirit across multiple conflicts. • First Deployment: The squadron's first deployment was to Efate Island in the New Hebrides in 1942, from where they provided crucial air support in the Solomon Islands campaign. • Ace Pilots: During WWII, VMF-212 produced several flying aces, including Major Harold W. Bauer, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Guadalcanal campaign. • Korean War Participation: VMFA-212 flew F4U Corsairs during the Korean War, conducting ground attack and close air support missions in support of United Nations forces. • Vietnam War Operations: The squadron transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II and participated in extensive combat operations in Vietnam, flying thousands of sorties from Da Nang Air Base. • Aircraft Transitions: Throughout its history, VMFA-212 operated a variety of aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, F-8 Crusader, and F-4 Phantom II. • Last Active Duty: The squadron was one of the last Marine Corps units to fly the F-4 Phantom II before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet in the 1980s. • Global Deployments: VMFA-212 participated in numerous exercises and deployments throughout Asia and the Pacific, including stints in Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. • Deactivation: After over 60 years of distinguished service, VMFA-212 was deactivated in 2008 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, marking the end of an era for the "Lancers."