Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this unique history covers Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, the Checkerboard squadron, which enjoys a fine reputation among Marine aviators. This volume, one of a new series of brief histories on famous aviation squadrons, is offered as a tribute to the pilots and crewmen who have contributed so significantly to Marine aviation.

The author, Major William J. Sambito, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Colby College, Maine, and is an experienced helicopter pilot who served with HMM-262 and -165 during the Vietnam War. After attending the Armed Forces Staff College, he was assigned in January 1975 to the History and Museums Division.

The history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 is a narrative account of the famed Checkerboard squadron in action. VMFA-312 saw its first action in the skies over Okinawa during World War II, and later the squadron was used extensively throughout the Korean conflict. The Checkerboards were one of the first Marine squadrons in Vietnam and today maintain their combat proficiency by constant training and hard work. VMFA-312 is a proud squadron with a rich and deep heritage and has passed along its traditions to the pilots and crewmen who presently fly Marine aircraft with the Checkerboard markings.

Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312), Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31), 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (3d MAW), Fleet Marine Force was commissioned, without ceremonies, at Page Field, Parris Island, South Carolina, on 1 June 1943. The unit had a strength at the time of commissioning of 8 officers and 102 enlisted men under the command of Major Richard M. Day. During the month, additional Marines joined and by the 30th the total squadron complement consisted of 29 officers and 117 enlisted men. Of the officers, 25 were second lieutenants who had been transferred from VMF-311 at Page Field or Headquarters Squadron 31 at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Among those young aviators was a Second Lieutenant Victor A. Armstrong who later rose to general officer rank.