Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15) “Fabled Fifteen"
U.S. Navy (USN)

Background
On September 1, 1943 commissioned in the U.S. Navy (USN) as Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15) at NAS Atlantic City under the command of LtCdr David McCampbell. The squadron was assigned F5F Hellcats and assigned to Carrier Air Group 15 (CAG-15) with Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15), Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15) and Night Fighter VF(N)-77. During December 1943 moved to NAS Norfolk. The squadron conducted carrier qualifications aboard USS Long Island (CVE-1) in Chesapeake Bay.

Wartime History
On January 1, 1944 embarked aboard USS Hornet (CV-12) for a shakedown cruise and continued training but CAG-15 was considered unfit for combat. On March 4, 1944 when the carrier arrived at Pearl Harbor, CAG-15 was removed and underwent six weeks of additional training. On April 29, 1944 embarked aboard USS Essex (CV-9) with the rest of CAG-15.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On September 9, 1944 the squadron flew a on a fighter sweep against Mindanao in the Philippines. Lost is F6F Hellcat 41772 pilot Lt John E. Barry Jr. (MIA).

PARTIAL HISTORY

Commanding Officer
LtCdr David McCampbell (September 1, 1943–February 9, 1944)
Commander Charles W. Brewer (February 9, 1944–June 19, 1944)
Lieutenant Commander James F. Rigg (June 19, 1944–January 15, 1945
Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan: (January 15, 1945–February 25, 1945)
Lieutenant Commander Gordon E. Firebaugh (February 25, 1945–October 20, 1945)

References
NARA War Diary Fighting Squadron Fifteen (VF-15) 1 September 1943–6 December 1944, 10 January 1945–20 October 1945

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