Background
Marine Fighting Squadron 218 (VMF-218) operated the F4U Corsair in the South Pacific (SOPAC) during World War II.
Wartime History
On February 6, 1944 Corsairs from VMF-218 took off from Piva Uncle on a mission over Rabaul. Lost is F4U Corsair 55916 pilot 2nd Lt. Robert S. Thompson (MIA).
On February 10, 1944 Corsairs from VMF-218 took off from Piva Uncle on a mission to escort for B-25 Mitchells on a bombing mission against Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. The formation included other escorting USN, USAAF and RNZAF fighters. Lost is F4U Corsair 02566 pilot 2nd Lt. Jack G. Morris bailed out and landed safely.
On February 18, 1944 pilot 2nd Lt. Jack G. Morris who bailed out eight days earlier was rescued by Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Catalina NZ4013.
On February 21, 1944 sixteen F4U Corsairs took off as high roving cover for SBD Dauntless dive bombers, TBF Avengers and B-24 Liberators on a bombing mission over Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. Inbound, two F4Us aborted the mission due to mechanical issues. Returning, ditched is F4U Corsair
56132 pilot Major H. A. Pehl who was later rescued by RNZAF PBY Catalina NZ4014.
On September 17, 1944 Corsairs from VMF-218 took off from Green Island (Nissan) each armed with a 1,000 pound bomb on a strike against Rabaul. Lost is F4U Corsair 56045 (MIA) pilot 1st Lt. Glenn W. Rosenboom.
References
History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1952) page XXX (VMF-218)
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