VMF-512 | Disney design

[walika]

VMF-512

Established at MCAAF Oak Grove on February 15, 1944
DEPLOYMENTS: USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-108) March to September, 1945 (FG-ID and F6F-5N)
Deactivated: March 10, 1946
Artist: Walt Disney Studios
Date of Insignia: 1944
Authorization: HQMC
Aircraft Employed: F4U-1, FG-1, F4U-1D, FG- 1 D, F6F-3P

 

Often copied, below is the only authentic example of this short-lived unit (which is probably why it is so rare) I have seen. I was fortunate to acquire it. It was formerly in the Millstein Collection and pictured on page 94 of his book.

American embroidered on wool. | Design by Walt Disney Studios.

 

Another of the abortive Project Danny squadrons, VMF-512 was initially led by Maj E. V. Finn at Oak Grove upon its establishment in February 1944. He was replaced by Maj Blaine Baesler the following month, and the latter would command VMF-512 through to war's end. Eventually assigned to MCVG-2 (whose CAG, Lt Col William R. Campbell, had formerly served with VM0-251 on Guadalcanal) for escort carrier duty in the Pacific, the squadron was teamed up with VMTB-143.

 

While at Santa Barbara undergoing further training, VMF-512 had at least two of its pilots detached from the unit and sent by Pan American clipper to Hawaii, where they requalified aboard carriers before being sent on to Guam. Joining three other carrier-qualified Marines, Lts Morris Hitson and Joe Janusewski rode a CVE to the fleet off Okinawa, then joined CVG-85 in USS Shangri-La (CV-38).

Gilbert Islands (CVE-108) supported the Okinawa softening-up strikes in May. Capt Thomas Liggett splashed a "Dinah" on the 31st for the squadron's only victory. Next, Gilbert Islands attacked the Sakishima Retto in June before departing for replenishment at Leyte. While there the wandering Hitson and Janusewski and their three companions were able to return to the leatherneck fold, finishing their deployment under Campbell's command. Subsequently, the baby flattop steamed to Balikpapan to support the Australian landings in Borneo during July. For Operation Oboe Gilbert Islands was teamed with MCVG-1 aboard Block Island and a US Navy unit aboard USS Suwannee (CVE-27). VMF-512 was still aboard Gilbert Islands on VJ Day.

 

 

VMF-512 Vought-F4U-1D-Corsair Mad-Cossack (Note squadron insignia above the plane's name.)

 

 

Millstein, Jeff. U. S. Marine Corps Aviation Unit Insignia 1941-1946. p 94.

Tillman, Barrett. U. S. Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons of World War II. pp 142-143.

 

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Corrected topic heading, in case you missed it.