VMA(AW)-121

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121
VMFA-121 insignia
Active	June 24, 1941 - present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Fighter/Attack
Role	Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance
Part of	Marine Aircraft Group 12 1st Marine Aircraft Wing III Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
Nickname(s)	Green Knights Combat (Call Sign)
Motto(s)	"Have Gun Will Travel"
Tail Code	VK
Engagements	World War II * Battle of Guadalcanal * Battle of New Georgia Korean War * Attack on the Sui-ho Dam Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom * 2003 invasion of Iraq
Commanders
Commanding Officer	LtCol. James T. Bardo
Executive Officer	Maj. M.D. Wyrsch
Sergeant Major	SgtMaj. Michael S. Burke
Aircraft flown
Attack	AD-2 Skyraider A-4 Skyhawk A-6 Intruder
Fighter	F4F Wildcat F4U Corsair F8F Bearcat F9F-8B Cougar F/A-18D Hornet F-35B Lightning II

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), also known as the "Green Knights", is a United States Marine Corps aircraft squadron operating the F-35B Lightning II. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). Their tail code is VK and their radio call sign is "Combat".

Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) was activated on June 24, 1941. The Green Knights began combat operations flying the F4F Wildcat and later the F4U Corsair as charter members of the Cactus Air Force and throughout the Battle of Guadalcanal. The squadron also fought from the forward air bases of Espirito Santo, Turtle Bay, Bougainville, and Emirau. On September 15, 1944, the Green Knights landed on Peleliu and fought there until July 25, 1945. They returned to the United States to be deactivated on September 9, 1945. During the Pacific War, VMF-121 produced fourteen fighter aces, more than any other squadron, including Medal of Honor recipient, Major Joseph J. Foss. VMF-121 downed 208 Japanese aircraft (165 flying Wildcats and another 44 flying Corsairs) in aerial combat.

After World War II, the squadron was reactivated in the United States at Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois where the squadron's designation was changed to Marine Attack Squadron 121 (VMA-121). During this time they flew a variety of aircraft including the F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat and A-1 Skyraider.