Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) "Fighting Falcons"
United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
On July 11, 1941 organized at San Diego as Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Nicknamed "Fighting Falcons".

Wartime History
On December 8, 1941 departs for Pearl Harbor on Oahu. On December 15, 1941 a detachment of F2A-3 Buffalos and pilots were embarked aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3) as relief bound for Wake Island. On December 22, 1941 the relief force diverted to Midway Atoll. On December 25, 1941 fourteen F2A-3 Buffalos from VMF-221 took off from USS Saratoga (CV-3) and land at Midway Airfield as the first fighter planes based at Midway Atoll.

On June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway the squadron took off from Midway Airfield on an intercept mission and engaged A6M2 Zeros northwest of Midway Atoll. Lost is F2A-3 Buffalo 01518 pilot Major Floyd B. Parks (MIA), F2A-3 Buffalo 01525 pilot John R. Alvord (MIA), F2A-3 Buffalo 01537 pilot 2nd Lt. John M. Butler (MIA), F2A-3 Buffalo 01548 pilot 2nd Lt. Eugene P. Madole (MIA) and F2A-3 Buffalo 01569 pilot 2nd Lt David W. Pinkerton, Jr. (MIA). In total, the squadron lost fifteen planes during the Battle of Midway.

Afterwards, moves to Ewa Field on Oahu. On February 11, 1943 the forward echelon departs for the South Pacific.

First Tour
The squadron operating F4F Wildcats operated from Guadalcanal flying Combat Air Patrols (CAP) over the area.

On April 7, 1943 the squadron scrambled to intercept incoming Japanese air raid including F4F Wildcat 12084 pilot 1st Lt. James E. Swett who claimed seven D3A Vals and a probable shot down and later earned the Medal of Honor and returning ditched off Florida Island and was rescued.

Second Tour
The squadron converted to the F4U Corsair operated from Guadalcanal supporting the landings on New Georgia.

On June 30, 1943 the squadron took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal and fly a Combat Air Patrols (CAP) as part of a dawn to dusk "Rendova Patrol" to provide air cover over the U.S. landing on Rendova Island. The formation included F4U Corsairs from VMF-221, VMF-122, VMF-121 and VMF-213.

Third Tour
The squadron operated from Barakoma Airfield on Vella LaVella Island.

On October 18, 1943 the squadron flew a fighter sweep over Kahili Airfield on southern Bougainville. Lost is F4U Corsair 17557 pilot 1st Lt. Milton E. Schneider (MIA).

On October 27, 1943 covers the landings in the Treasury Islands. During November 1943 covers the American landings at Torokina on Bougainville.

On November 4, 1943 moves to Munda Airfield on New Georgia. On November 11, 1943 supported the U.S. Navy carrier strike on Rabaul. On November 19, 1943 moves to Havannah Harbor Airfield (Fighter Strip) on Efaté. On December 14, 1943 departs the South Pacific across the Pacific bound for San Francisco.

On January 2, 1944 reorganized at Miramar. On January 10, 1944 moves to Santa Barbara for carrier training. During December 1944 embarked aboard USS Bunker Hill (CV-17).

Fourth Tour
On January 24, 1945 the squadron began their third tour of duty operating aboard USS Bunker Hill (CV-17). The squadron participated in the first Navy mission against Tokyo and covered the landings on Iwo Jima. During April and early May supported the landings on Okinawa. On June 6, 1945 their third tour of duty ended. On June 9, 1945 moves to El Centro until the end of the Pacific War.

Postwar
On April 1, 1946 reactivated as part of the Marine Corps Reserve at NAS Columbus. During March 1959 moved to NAS Memphis. On October 31, 1965 decommissioned.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Major William G. Manley (July 11, 1941–October 5, 1941)
Major Verne J. McCaul (October 6, 1941–April 18, 1942)
Captain James L. Neefus (April 19, 1942–May 17, 1942)
Major Floyd B. Parks (May 8, 1942–June 3, 1942)
Captain Kirk Armistead (June 4, 1942–July 31, 1942)
Captain Robert R. Burns (August 1, 1942–August 7, 1942)
Lt. Col Luther S. Moore (August 8, 1942–October 5, 1942)
Major Harold J. Mitchener (October 6, 1942–February 18, 1943)
Captain John S. Payne (August 17, 1943–August 24, 1943)
Major Nathan T. Post, Jr. (August 25, 1943–October 11 1944)
Major Edwin S. Robers, Jr. (October 12, 1944–July 31, 1945)
Captain Frank B. Baldwin (August 1, 1945–August 17, 1945)
Lt Harry Pierkowski (August 18, 1945–August 28, 1945)
Lt. Franklin T. Hovore (August 29, 1945–deactivation)

References
History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1952) page 462-463 (VMF-221)

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