Marine Aviation – Part 2

After World War II, the opinion on the usefulness of aircraft in the Corps started to change. Studies concluded that aircraft were vital in combat operations, and the Marine Corps began to develop strategies for multiple types of crafts, including helicopters. This episode sums up the history of Marine aviation, and we cover the accomplishments of Marines during the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We also take a look at a lot of firsts accomplished by Marine pilots.

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References:

  • Asprey, R.B., USMC. "Close Air Support” Army, v. 12, no. 4 (Nov 1961)

  • Board to Reexamine the Adequacy of Present Concept of Mission and Functions of the Marine Corps. An Evaluation of Air Operations Affecting the U. S. Marine Corps in World War II. Quantico, Virginia: Marine Corps Schools, 1945.

  • Chant, D. C. J. (1947). Devilbirds: The Story of United States Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1st ed.). Harper.

  • Fisher, E. F., & Weinert, R. P. (1963). Combat Data Concerning the Effectiveness of Close Air Support. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF MILITARY HISTORY (ARMY) WASHINGTON DC.

  • Keller, R. P. (1954). Trained for Support. Marine Corps Gazette, 38(5), 28–31.

  • Marine Aviation -- It Provides Air Support for the Corps Ground Forces. (1964). Navy, The Magazine of Sea Power, 7(6), 20–23.

  • Marine aviation in the Philippines. (1951). Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • McClure, G. C. (1962). Take Cover in the Air. Marine Corps Gazette, 46(4), 52–53.

  • Miller, J., & Heinl, R. D. (1965). Soldiers of the Sea: The United States Marine Corps, 1775–1962. Military Affairs, 29(2), 96. https://doi.org/10.2307/1983968

  • MajGenCmdt, Annual Report, 1913.

  • Order from MajGenCmdt to lstLt A . A. Cunningham, dtd 10 May 1912, Cunningham Bio File .

  • Pixton, A. G. (1953). Close Air Support in Amphibious Operations. Military Review, 23(5), 27–34.

  • Rowell, "Nicaragua Report, 1928" p. 254; Schilt 's Flight Log, (Collections Unit, Marine Corps Museum).

  • Sherrod, R. (2022). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1st ed.). Combat Forces Press.

  • The Chambers Board's findings are summarized in Turnbull & Lord, History of US Naval Aviation, pp. 33-34.

  • Tutton, M. R. (1961). Marine Corps Aviation. United States Naval Institute Proceedings, 87(5), 48–53.

  • United States Marine Corps. (1948, November). Amphibious Operations-Employment of Helicopters (PHIB-31).