by Usmc Major William J. Sambito (Author)
This history, which traces Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 from 1925 to the present, is one in a series of Marine squadron histories in which we hope to bring to light the achievements of individual squadrons and relate them to the general development of Marine aviation. The history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 is a narrative account of the "Red Devil" squadron in action since its beginning in 1925. The brief history shows the early structure of the squadron from its fledgling start as VF-3M when it was flying primitive VE-7s to the present day VMFA-232 flying Phantom F4-Js. It outlines in chronological order the battles undertaken during World War II and Vietnam, and tells briefly of the pilots and crewmen and the hardships they endured to carry out their missions. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 is steeped in tradition and continually holds its standards high. It is hoped that this brief history adequately sketches the story and prompts others to contribute their insights, remembrances, records, photographs, and other memorabilia so that the complete history may someday be written.