Marine Fighter Squadron 441 (United States)

Marine Fighter Squadron 441 (Abbreviated as VMF-441) was a Marine Fighter Squadron in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War

Joe McPhail was one of the members of this squadron

Formation and history

1 October 1942 - Organization

On 1 October 1942 Marine Fighter Squadron 441 (VMF-441) was organized on Samoa. Major Daniel Wellington Torrey Jr as the CO and Captain Walter J Meyer as Executive Officer. At the time, the total roster of the unit was 20 officers, 1 Marine gunner, and 98 enlisted men who were equiped with F4F-3 as well as a SNJ trainer plane.

4 December 1942 - Meyer assumes command of the squadron

On 4 December, Captain Meyer assumed command of the whole squadron.

26 January 1943 - 441 gives some F4Fs to 111

On 26 January of the new year, 7 F4F-3 Wildcats were transferred from 441 to VMF-111and18 F4F-4s were received in return. 9 pilots and 139 enlisted men joined the squadron.

4 March 1943 - Lt Tegrat is killed

During a training hop, Second Lieutenant Robert Leland Tegart was killed along with the F4F-4 being destroyed.

18 March 1943 - 7 pilots transferred from squadron

On 18 March 7 pilots were transferred from 441 to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. 7 inexperienced pilots joined in their place in the squadron. A flight training schedule started immediately that day.

22 March 1943 - Men transferred to Funafuti

6 enlisted men, 6 pilots, and 6 F4F-4s were transferred to Funafuti for detached duty.

27 March 1943 - Interception of 2 Japanese planes

On 27 March Captain William P Boland and 2nd Lt Ralph H Spanjer were sent out to intercept reported Japanese planes. They were able to make contact with 4 Japanese planes 20 miles out of where they took off. Cpt Boland shot down one plane and damaged another. Unfortunately Spanjer's guns jammed on his first run, so didn't do damage. When they reached the contact point the Japanese bombers turned to which Boland chased them until his ammunition was expended. The two pilots returned safely to base.

15 April 1943 - More enlisted men go to Funafuti

On 15 April 9 enlisted men and 6 F4F-4s were transferred to Funafuti on detach duty.

16 April 1943 - 3 pilots return from Funafuti

The following day 3 pilots returned from Funafuti

22 April 1943 - Funafuti bombed

Funafuti was alerted of incoming enemy planes, and the airfield was bombarded by 9 enemy planes. Every one of the planes received minor damage, with one being destroyed. No one suffered injuries.

23 April 1943 - Funafuti warned again

The next day, Funafuti was alerted again of reported Japanese planes. All of the airfield's planes were in the air within 15 minutes, although no contact was established, despite the Japanese planes coming within 85 miles of the airfield.

31 May 1943 - The rest of 441 transferred to Funafuti

Finally the rest of the squadron was transferred to Funafuti on detach duty.

4 June 1943 - 8 planes intercept Japanese planes

On 4 June, 8 planes scrambled off the airfield to intercept reported enemy planes. Despite the Japanese planes coming within 85 miles of the airfield, but the squadron made no contact with them.

Unfortunately, while on the operational search, 1st Lt. George C. Westerlind was killed along with an F4F-4 being destroyed.

23 June 1943 - Joe McPhail has to land in the water

A division of airplanes reported themselves lost while on a training flight. All of them were given bearings and all returned safely save for one. The plane made an emergency water landing because it was low on gas, and the plane was destroyed. The pilot was rescued by a PT boat uninjured.

30 June 1943 - Missions to Nukufetau island

4 planes were sent on a special mission to Nukufetau (Nukufeteu) to try and intercept reported Japanese aircraft. They weren't able to bring a result and they returned to base safely.

3 July 1943 - Another 8 plane search to intercept

Some unidentified planes were reported to be 90 miles from base. 8 planes went on search but made no contact and the target retired.

Bibliography

• https://catalog.archives.gov/id/77647007