VMF-215

Marine Fighting Squadron 215
VMF-215’s Insignia
Active	March 1, 1942 – November 6, 1944 November 21, 1944 – November 13, 1946 Unknown – January 30, 1970
Country	United States
Branch	USMC
Type	Fighter squadron
Role	Air interdiction Close air support
Part of	Inactive
Nickname(s)	"Fighting Corsairs"
Engagements	World War II * Battle of Empress Augusta Bay
Aircraft flown
Bomber	SBD Dauntless
Fighter	F4F Wildcat F4U Corsair F6F Hellcat

Marine Fighting Squadron 215 (VMF-215) was a fighter squadron of the United States Marine Corps that was activated and fought during World War II. Known as "The Fighting Corsairs", they fought in many areas of the Pacific War, including the Battle of Bougainville. During their four-and-a-half month tour, the squadron was credited with shooting down 137 enemy aircraft, fourth most in Marine Corps aviation history.

Following the surrender of Japan, the squadron was deactivated on November 13, 1946 . The squadron was reactivated in the Marine Forces Reserve and was based out of Naval Air Station Olathe, Kansas until its deactivation on January 30, 1970.

The squadron was activated on March 1, 1942, as Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 244 (VMSB-244). On September 14 of that same year they were re-designated Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 242 {VMSB-242} only to be changed again the next day to its final name, Marine Fighting Squadron 215. They trained at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California prior to deploying and during this time transitioned from the SBD Dauntless dive bomber to the F4F Wildcat.

The squadron departed the United States on February 23, 1943, and was first sent to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii. During their time at MCAS Ewa they again transitioned aircraft, this time receiving the F4U Corsair. The squadron departed Hawaii on May 12 for Midway Atoll where they stayed for two months flying combat air patrols and escorting Allied shipping in the area. In mid-June 1942 they left Midway for the South Pacific.