Marine Fighting Squadron 512 (VMF-512) / VMF(CVS)-512
United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Wartime History
Marine Fighting Squadron 512 (VMF-512) was established on February 15, 1944 at MACCF Oak Grove, NC as part of Marine Air Group 51 (MAG-51). Around April 1944, selected as one of five Marine Squadrons to participate in "Project Danny" to train to attack German V-1 sites in Europe until the project was canceled. On September 5, 1944 transferred to Mojave. On November 5, 1944 designated VMF(CVS)-512. On December 8, 1944 transfered to Santa Barbara for additional training.

Wartime History
During March 1945 embarked with Marine Scout Bomber Squadron  143 "Rocket Raiders" VMTB-143 aboard USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107). The two squadrons formed Marine Carrier Air Group 2 (MCAG-2).

On June 8, 1945 steaming with Task Unit 32.1.3 with her carrier aircraft performing 25 sorties including Combat Air Patrol (CAP) and anti-submarine patrols plus strikes against the Sakishima Gunto armed with bombs and rockets. Corsairs strafed five to six camouflaged ships in the bay off Funaki on the west coast of Iriomote Shima were strafed, leaving them burning and smoking. Lost was FG Corsair 87913 pilot 2nd Lt. Logan Millard White, Jr. (MIA).

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Major Edward V. Finn (February 15, 1944–March 17, 1944)
Major Blaine H. Baesler (March 17, 1944–September 2, 1945)

References
History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1952) page 472 (VMF-422 squadron summary)
AdamsPlanes.com - VMF-512

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