VMF 452
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Marine Fighting Squadron 452 (VMF-452) was a fighter squadron of the United States Marine Corps that was commissioned and fought during World War II. Known as the “Sky Raiders”, they flew the F4U Corsair, and the Grumman TBF Avenger, fell under the command of Marine Carrier Group 5 (MCVG-5) and fought in the Battle of Okinawa. The squadron is best known for being aboard the
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USS Franklin (CV-13) when she was severely damaged by Japanese kamikaze planes of the coast of Okinawa on March 19, 1945. VMF-452 was deactivated on December 31, 1949 and has remained in an inactive status since.
VMF-452 was commissioned at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California.
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On February 7, 1945, the squadron departed San Francisco on board the aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13). From there they sailed to Pearl Harbor and then moved west to join up with Task Force 58 which was heading to support the invasion of Okinawa. On March 18 they flew their first combat missions against airfields on Kyūshū Island. The following day, the Franklin was attacked by a Japanese Yokosuka D4Y Judy dive bomber. Both of its two 500-pound bombs stuck the Franklin. 33 members of VMF-452were killed in the ensuing devastation and the squadron was no longer combat effective. They transferred to the USS Bunker Hill and set sail for the United States.
Upon returning to the California, the squadron was sent to Marine Corps Air Station El Centro to refit and rearm in April 1945. They remained there until the end of the war.
Every page in the USMC series is unique revealing a piece of information about the United States Marine Corp. On these pages you’ll read some of the interesting history from its people, bases and battles.
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Some things to remember when doing this series
* This is a hiking series. There are dirt roads/washes that will get you close.
* There are 421 caches. 401 prescription bottles hanging in bushes & 20 ammo cans.
* The Geoart is approximately 6 x 6 miles (36 sq miles) – count on being out here a while.
* Let someone know you are out here and when to expect to hear from you.
* This is the desert; home to many animals. Please take care of it.
* Carry out what you take in, don’t leave anything behind.
* Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.
* Don't rely on good cell phone coverage.
* Most important of all --> Have fun! <--