VMFA-235

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235
VMFA-235 Insignia
Active	January 1, 1943 – June 14, 1996
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Attack
Role	Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance
Part of	Deactivated
Nickname(s)	"Death Angels"
Motto(s)	“Ride Nunc” “Laugh Now”
Tail Code	DB
Engagements	'World War II * Operation Cartwheel * Battle of Bougainville Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235 (VMFA-235) was a United States Marine Corps squadron that most recently flew F/A-18 Hornets. Known as the "Death Angels", the squadron participated in action during World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and was decommissioned on June 14, 1996.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron was commissioned on January 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California as Fixed Wing Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 235 (VMSB-235). During World War II they flew the SBD Dauntless and participated in Operation Cartwheel, the Battle of Bougainville and operations in and around Rabaul. The squadron was decommissioned on November 10, 1944.

The squadron was recalled to active duty in September 1950 as part of Marine Aircraft Group 15 at MCAS El Toro flying the F4U Corsair. In September 1952 they transitioned to the F9F Panther and in March 1954 they again transitioned to the FJ Fury. In 1957 the squadron relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter (All Weather) Squadron VMF(AW)-235 deployed to Vietnam on February 1, 1966 flying the F-8E Crusader. Between February 2 and November 15, 1966 the “Death Angels” flew over 6,000 combat sorties in support of over 22 major operations. They returned to Vietnam on February 15, 1967 this time for over a year until May 11, 1968. They were the last active duty Crusader squadron. Upon leaving Vietnam, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. On September 6, 1968 they were redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-235 and equipped with the F-4 Phantom.