Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12)
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
On March 1, 1942 organized as Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12) in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) at Camp Kearney in California. On December 29, 1942 the forward echelon embarked on transports departs bound for the South Pacific (SoPAC).

Wartime History
By January 28, 1943 the entire group is assembled on Efate. On April 4, 1943 arrives Guadalcanal. On September 4, 1943 departs for Auckland New Zealand for rest and recuperation. During November 1943 returns to Efate and remains until April 1944.

During April 1944 moves to Emirau Airfield and participates in the Bismarck campaign.

On November 26, 1944 a request by General Douglas MacArthur was made to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz to loan a Marine night fighter squadron to defend Leyte in exchange for the loan of a P-61 night fighter squadron to defend Palau. On the recommendation of Admiral Halsey, Nimitz also offered Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12).

On December 3, 1944 sixty-six F4U Corsairs from Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12) including VMF-115, VMF-211, VMF-218 and VMF-313 led by a PBJ Mitchell took off from flying from Emirau via Hollandia and Peleliu before landing at Tacloban Airfield on Leyte. Their ground personnel were transported aboard 5th Air Force C-47 Skytrains.

On December 7, 1944 Corsairs from MAG-12 covered the U.S. landings at Ormoc Bay on western Leyte. Next, covered the U.S. landings on Mindoro. During January 1945 covers the U.S. landings at Lingayen Gulf. During February 1945 supports U.S. and guerillia landings at Capul and Biru. On March 10, 1945 coers the U.S. landings at Zamboango on Mindanao. During March and April covers U.S. landings at Masbate, Burias, Basilan, Panay, Cebu, Negros, Sanga Sanga, Bongao and Jolo.

During March 1945 and April 1945 provided close support for Macajalar Bay operation. During June 1945, provides close air support for U.S. Army 24th Division, 31st Division and 41st Infantry Division at Davao, Malaybalay and Agusan. During July 1945 and August 1945 continues to provide close air support until the end of the Pacific War. In Philippines operations, MAG-12 planes flew 8,462 combat missions, supported 25 Army landings and destroyed 60 planes at a cost of 18 pilots lost.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Captain John P. Condon (March 1, 1945–March 5, 1942)
Major Samuel S. Jack (March 6, 1942–March 10, 1942)
Lt Col William O. Brice (March 11, 1942–September 7, 1942)
Lt Col Samuel S. Jack (September 8, 1942–September 28, 1942)
Lt Col Edward L. Pugh (September 28, 1942–January 28, 1943)
LtCol Luther S. Moore (January 29, 1943–May 5, 1943)
Lt Col Edward L. Pugh (May 6, 1943–July 24, 1943)
Col William G. Manley (July 25, 1943–September 2, 1943)
Major Wyatt B Carneal Jr. (September 3, 1943–November 3, 1943)
Col Vernon M Guymon (November 4, 1944–September 25, 1944)
Col William A. Willis (September 26, 1944–February 26, 1945)
Col Verne J. McCaul (February 27, 1945–August 15, 1945)

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

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