Marine Aviation E97 From Wildcats to F-35s: The Marine Airpower Revolution
This episode is the final chapter in the story of Marine aviation and how it matured into one of the most advanced and reliable combat arms of the U.S. military. We’ll follow the journey from the skies over Guadalcanal to carrier ops, the Korean mountains, and the jungles of Vietnam. From humble beginnings, Marine aviation became a force that could strike anywhere, anytime, with precision, speed, and overwhelming firepower.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
Thanks to Audible, we can give you a free audiobook! I have included my book recommendation at the end of each episode, but don’t feel obligated to select my suggestion. This offer is available to any of the tens of thousands of audiobooks offered by Audible. Regardless if you decide to continue your membership with audible, this book is yours to keep forever.
References:
Asprey, R.B., USMC. "Close Air Support” Army, v. 12, no. 4 (Nov 1961)
Board to Reexamine the Adequacy of Present Concept of Mission and Functions of the Marine Corps. An Evaluation of Air Operations Affecting the U. S. Marine Corps in World War II. Quantico, Virginia: Marine Corps Schools, 1945.
Chant, D. C. J. (1947). Devilbirds: The Story of United States Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1st ed.). Harper.
Fisher, E. F., & Weinert, R. P. (1963). Combat Data Concerning the Effectiveness of Close Air Support. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF MILITARY HISTORY (ARMY) WASHINGTON DC.
Keller, R. P. (1954). Trained for Support. Marine Corps Gazette, 38(5), 28–31.
Marine Aviation -- It Provides Air Support for the Corps Ground Forces. (1964). Navy, The Magazine of Sea Power, 7(6), 20–23.
Marine aviation in the Philippines. (1951). Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
McClure, G. C. (1962). Take Cover in the Air. Marine Corps Gazette, 46(4), 52–53.
Miller, J., & Heinl, R. D. (1965). Soldiers of the Sea: The United States Marine Corps, 1775–1962. Military Affairs, 29(2), 96. https://doi.org/10.2307/1983968
MajGenCmdt, Annual Report, 1913.
Order from MajGenCmdt to lstLt A . A. Cunningham, dtd 10 May 1912, Cunningham Bio File .
Pixton, A. G. (1953). Close Air Support in Amphibious Operations. Military Review, 23(5), 27–34.
Rowell, "Nicaragua Report, 1928" p. 254; Schilt 's Flight Log, (Collections Unit, Marine Corps Museum).
Sherrod, R. (2022). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1st ed.). Combat Forces Press.
The Chambers Board's findings are summarized in Turnbull & Lord, History of US Naval Aviation, pp. 33-34.
Tutton, M. R. (1961). Marine Corps Aviation. United States Naval Institute Proceedings, 87(5), 48–53.
United States Marine Corps. (1948, November). Amphibious Operations-Employment of Helicopters (PHIB-31).