Fighter Squadron 32 "Swordsmen" VF-32
United States Navy (USN)

Wartime History
U. S. Navy (USN) Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) was descended during the 1930s from CVW-3 Fighter Squadron 3 (VF-3). On February 1, 1945 VBF-3 was created from VF-3 aboard the USS Yorktown and participated in the first carrier strikes against Japan.

Korean War
On August 7, 1948 the squadron was redesignated as Fighter Squadron Thirty-Two (VF-32). During the Korean War, the squadron operated the F4U Corsair aboard USS Leyte CV-32. Nicknamed the "Swordsmen".

On December 4, 1950 six Corsairs from VF-32 took off from USS Leyte (CV-32) on a strike mission over the Chosin Reservoir (Changjin). Over the target, F4U Corsair 97231 piloted by Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown crash lands and wingman F4U Corsair 82050 piloted by Lt(jg) Thomas J. Hudner crash landed beside him in an attempt to rescue his flight leader. Brown was pinned in the cockpit and he was unable to free him but spoke with Brown until he expired. Later, Hudner was rescued by helicopter and returned to duty.

Cold War
During 1951, the first squadron to operate the F9F Cougar. During 1956 operated the F8 Crusader. In 1958 participated in the Lebanese conflict. During the Cuban Missile Crisis flew 96 support missions and began operating the F-4B Phantom II. Three line patrols during the Vietnam War totaling 940 combat sorties. Starting in 1974 operated the F-14 Tomcat. During 1984 flew missions in support of Grenada and Lebanon.

Today
Known as VFA-32 with the nickname "Fighting Swordsmen" operating the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

References
The US Leyte CV, CVA, CVS-32, AVT-10 [PDF]

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