Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11)
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
On August , 1941 organized as Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11) in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) at Quantico in Virginia after existing under various designations since 1926. On July 7, 1941 while still designated 1st Marine Air Group 1 (MAG-1) as the highest echelon in Marine aviation. When combined with newly formed Headquarters Squadron became the nucleus of the Marine Air Wing 1 (MAW-1).

Wartime History
After the U.S. entry into World War II, Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11) had six squadrons and departs for the west coast and became the air defense group for the San Diego area. On March 1, 1942 personnel were transfered to create four new Marine Air Groups including Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12). By November 1942 arrives Espiritu Santo and provies s, gunners, ground crews for the Solomon Islands and was responsible for air-sea rescues and searches.

In August 1944 assigned was Marine Fighting Squadron (Night) 541 when they arrived at Espiritu Santo.

On September 15, 1944 the forward echelon landed on Peleliu Airfield and pilots covered U.S. Marine landngs on Ngesebus and close support for Marines fighting on Bloody Nose Ridge on Peleliu. Afterards, units shuttled to Ulithi, netralized Babelthuap, Yap and other Japanese island garrisons. Marine Fighting Squadron (Night) 541 / VMF(N)-541 was was first Marine squadron to serve in the Philippines. MAG-11 remained at Peleliu Airfield until the end of the Pacific War.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Lt Col Harold D. Campbell (August 1, 1941–April 1, 1942)
Maj Frank H. Lamson-Scribner (April 2, 1942–May 3, 1942)
Col Lewie G. Merritt (May 4, 1942–September 6, 1942)
LtCol William O. Brice (September 16, 1942–December 16, 1942)
LtCol Samuel S. Jack (December 17, 1942–December 31, 1942)
Col Lawson H. M. Sanderson (January 1, 1943–March 7, 1943)
Col Christian F. Schilt (March 8, 1943–March 31, 1943)
LtCol John C. Munn (April 1, 1943–July 12, 1943)
LtCol Joe A. Smoak (July 13, 1943–December 11, 1943)
Col William G. Manley (December 12, 1943–June 7, 1944)
Col John S. Holmberg (June 8, 1944–August 5, 1944)
Col Caleb T. Bailey (August 5, 1944–December 22, 1944)
Col Clarence J. Chappell (December 23, 1944–August 2, 1945)
Col Edward L. Pugh (August 3, 1945–September 2, 1945)

References
Also listed as 1st Marine Air Wing (1st MAW) or Marine Air Wing One.
History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1952) pages 443 (MAG-12)

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