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| VMA-131 | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Marine Attack Squadron 131 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Attack squadron |
| Role | Close air support, interdiction |
| Garrison | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort |
| Nickname | "Diamondbacks" |
| Battles | World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War |
| Aircraft attack | Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, Grumman F4F Wildcat, Vought F4U Corsair |
VMA-131 is a United States Marine Corps attack squadron that served as a reserve and active component aviation unit, known for close air support and interdiction missions. The squadron operated a succession of carrier-capable and land-based attack aircraft across multiple conflicts, participating in major campaigns and deployments in the Pacific, Korea, and Southeast Asia. VMA-131 trained with and supported units from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and collaborated with carrier air groups associated with United States Navy aircraft carriers such as USS Enterprise (CV-6) and USS Franklin (CV-13).
VMA-131 traces its lineage to earlier Marine fighter and attack squadrons activated during World War II when the United States expanded aviation assets for the Pacific War, including operations in the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal Campaign, and support for landings at Bougainville. Postwar reorganization during the Cold War put the squadron into reserve status at facilities like Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. During the Korean War and later the Vietnam War, the unit rotated personnel and aircraft to forward-deployed squadrons engaged in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, Operation Starlite, and interdiction missions over the Demilitarized Zone (Korea). In peacetime the squadron participated in NATO exercises, joint training with United States Air Force units, and humanitarian support during crises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, including coordination with U.S. Southern Command and U.S. European Command taskings.
The squadron adopted the "Diamondbacks" nickname, reflected in an insignia featuring a stylized rattlesnake motif coiled around a diamond shape, echoing heraldic traditions found in other United States Marine Corps emblems. Insignia variations appeared on flight jackets, squadron patches, and aircraft nose art, influenced by popular culture references such as World War II nose art, and commemorative designs tied to anniversaries honoring veterans of the Battle of Midway and Iwo Jima campaigns. The squadron's colors and insignia were registered with Marine Corps Aviation records and displayed during unit ceremonies at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
VMA-131 flew a progression of Marine aircraft reflecting technological shifts: early piston-engine fighters like the Grumman F4F Wildcat and the Vought F4U Corsair during World War II; postwar transitional types including the Grumman F6F Hellcat; jet-era attack aircraft such as the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk during Vietnam War deployments; and other support types used in reserve training aligned with Marine Corps Reserve aviation standards. Aircraft markings and Bureau Numbers were recorded in squadron logs and cross-referenced with Naval Aviation registries maintained by National Naval Aviation Museum archives.
The squadron's combat operations encompassed carrier and expeditionary support in the Pacific Theater of World War II, including escort and ground-attack sorties tied to campaigns like the Solomon Islands campaign and New Georgia campaign. In the Korean War era, pilots from the squadron augmented active units flying combat sorties during United Nations Command operations around the Chosin Reservoir and coastal interdiction missions. During the Vietnam War, VMA-131 airframes and aircrews conducted close air support and armed reconnaissance in support of III Marine Amphibious Force operations, participating in actions such as Operation Double Eagle and interdiction missions near Da Nang Air Base. The squadron also deployed detachments on U.S. Navy carriers for power-projection missions and participated in multinational exercises including Exercise Teamwork and Exercise Bright Star.
Notable personnel associated with the squadron include decorated aviators and leaders who later served in senior Marine Corps aviation roles, participants in Navy Cross and Silver Star actions, and alumni who contributed to Naval Aviation Hall of Honor recognition. Several squadron members transitioned to positions within Marine Aircraft Group 31, Marine Aircraft Group 14, and served on staff at Headquarters Marine Corps and Marine Corps Aviation command billets. Alumni networks connect veterans with organizations like the Marine Corps Association and commemorative efforts associated with Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances.
Organizationally the squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Groups and wings including Marine Aircraft Group 31, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at different periods. Home stations included Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and reserve centers at facilities such as Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Air Station Atlanta. The squadron's administrative and operational records were maintained in coordination with Fleet Marine Force logistics and supply chains, and its training syllabus aligned with standards issued by Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Naval Air Training Command authorities.