Coral Sea (CV 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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VMFA -323 MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON- 323 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron- 323 CVMF-3235 was formed in August 1943 at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Shortly after commissioning the Squadron's F4U Corsairs began intensive combat training at Camp Pendleton, California. The Death Rattlers saw their first combat action in April 1945 during the battle for Okinawa. It was their only combat action of the war but in two months 124 enemy aircrafts were downed by the squadron without the loss of one F4U to the japanese pilots. Twelve VMF-323 pilots gained ACE status in 60 days. The RATTLERS returned to the U.S. in 1946 and continued a rigorous schedule of land and carrier based operations. With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, VMF-323 was carrier bound with their newer F4U-4B Corsairs . During their three years in Korea, 323 flew close air support for many major operations including the Kaesong Turkey Shoot , the Inchon Landing, and the 1st Marine Division's withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir. One DEATH RATTLER pilot downed a MIG-15 jet with his propeller driven Corsair . Returning home in 1953, the squadron entered a new era as VMA-323 and received their first jets: the F9F-5 Panther . In 1957 the F14 Fury were the RATTLER colors. The squadron made an overseas tour in the F14 and another in 1963 with their F-8U Crusaders . . The DEATH RATTLERSH transitioned to F-4B Phantoms in 1964 and shortly thereafter were flying fighter cover and armed reconnaissance missions during the 1965 Dominican crisis. In 1965 VMFA-323 crossed the Pacific and joined the lst MAW at Danang, South Vietnam. The squadron later joined MAG-13's Fighter Town at Chu Lai. With few breaks for R and R , the RATTLERS flew thousands of missions providing close air support for Allied ground forces until 1969 when the squadron colors were returned to MCAS EL Toro. The Death Rattlers have continued to set a demanding and rigorous pace in order to provide the best training possible for its fighter aircrew and ground crew in all missions required- of the F-4 Phantom . Particular emphasis is placed on air combat tactics. The squadron has flown against virtually every fighter and interceptor in the United States inventory. The squadron strives to perpetuate Marine Fighter Aviation wherever it goes, and keep the tactical call sign Snake synonymous with professionalism, sound tactics and unmatched maintenance personnel. VMFA-323 continues to eagerly and realistically prepare to meet all challenges and give credence to our motto: COME TO FIGHT- COME TO WIN . Denton, D.V. Co Wellman, T XO Aldrian, F.

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