In this publication the history of Marine Attack Squadron 311 is traced from its commissioning in December 1942 through three wars and several evolutions during which the unit made the transition from a fighting squadron flying propeller-driven planes to a modem attack squadron equipped with high-performance jet aircraft. The history was prepared principally from primary sources such as command diaries and chronologies, published historical works, and recollections of Marines involved. Marine Attack Squadron 311 was conceived as a ''Fighting Squadron'' during the rapid buildup of forces which followed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The squadron participated in World War II and was assigned occupational duty in Japan upon cessation of hostilities. During the Korean conflict, the squadron again saw combat, this time as a jet fighter squadron. When Marine air was committed in Vietnam, VMA-311 was one of the first attack squadrons to deploy to Vietnam and one of the last to leave. While this history deals with one particular squadron, it exemplifies the many Marine squadrons whose development and employment parallel that of VMA- 311.

A definitive technical guide to one of the icons of mid-20th century military aviation, with over 12,500 produced. It was as a Marine Corps aircraft that the Corsair was to become famous, fighting through World War II and Korea. Able to outperform its contemporaries, notably the A6M Zero, the Corsair combined speed, resilience and firepower. It also served in Indochina and Algeria, and in 1969's 'Soccer War' between Honduras and El Salvador, Corsairs were flown by both sides and fought the last propeller-aircraft dogfights in history. This highly illustrated volume recounts the design and development history of one of the most iconic fighters in military aviation history.