A History of Marine Attack Squadron 311

In this publication the history of Marine Attack 311 is traced from its commissioning in December 1942 through three wars and several evolutions during which the unit made the transition from a fighting squadron flying propeller-driven planes to a modern attack squadron equipped with high-performance jet aircraft. The history was prepared principally from primary sources such as command diaries and chronologies, published historical works, and recollections of Marines involved.


Marine Attack Squadron 311 is one of many commands which were established during this rapid expansion in World War II. This squadron, originally commissioned as Marine Fighting Squadron 311, was born of war and baptized in the islands of the Pacific. It later met the challenge of Korea and carried forth its legend to Vietnam.