VMF-542 Vets

Comments: I'm looking for anyone who served with VMF(N),VMF(AW),or VMFA-542. I served with VMA-542 metalshop from 88-91 and was in Desert Storm. I want to get a reunion together for all former Tigers. I know the 75th anniversary of the squadron is still nine years away but I figure if I start now then it will make the planning easier. I would like to see something before then and that is why I'm looking for all former members. Please contact me so we can get this put together.

Keywords:

TAD to 542

Comments: I was TADed to 542 because I had worked on F7Fs (VMF-N-533). My parent Squadron was SMS-33 (Marine Service Squadron 33, We Called it Secret squadron 33!). The Main thing I rememberis a shot up B-29 was headed for the oops end of the runway the pilot ground looped it,and wiped out 4of our F7s. The wing of the 29 hit the tails of the planes and twisted the fuselages. resulting parts galore! for the other 4 F7s.We were angery until we found out they had wounded aboard the 29. Aircraft you can replace, lives no. I can't recall what month this occured but it was late 1950.

Keywords: Pancho-- Al Alcaro And afew others Ican't remember

FIGHTER SQDN VMF213

Comments: IF I HAD STAYED IN THE CORPS I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN ONE OF THE FIRST MARINE UNITS INTO KOREA.

Keywords: I WAS IN VMF 213 ON GUADALCANAL, MARCH 1943 -OCTOBER 1943. WE CAME BACK TO THE STATES AND WERE REASIGNED TO TRAINING SQDS. I WENT TO MECH SCHOOL IN MEMPHIS, TN. THEN WAS ASSIGNED TO VMF 314 IN JAPAN. THEN REOGANIZED THE AIR GROUP. TRANSFERED TO VMF 224 TILL 7/44, THEN TO VMF542(N) TILL MAY 1947. THEN OUT.

NEW EMAIL, IF INTERESTED

Comments: Still kicking around--in contact with Marty Lachow, Geo Cullins, etc, from our vacation in Korea 8/50-7/51. Just wanted to publish my revised email.

Keywords: VMFN542, VMFN513, F7F-3N,

My First Squadron out of PISC

Comments:

Keywords: My first assignment out of PISC in Aug 1952 was VMF(N) 542 at El Toro. I was a hard charging PFC 0100 File Clerk. I went on to spend about half of my career in aviation and loved every minute of it. Even had the good fortune to serve in HMX-1, MAG-16 in Danang, MARTD Seattle, 1stMAW in Iwakuni, MCAS El Toro

VMF(N) 542

Comments: I was in VMF(N)542 from 1952 till 1954 I would like to say hello to "Buck" Rogers

Keywords:

Member VMF(N)-542

Comments: Wish to hear from 542 members. I was a clerk in the Squadron office from Sept 52 through Dec 53. Our SgtMaj was SgtMaj Brooke, Adjutant was Captain White. We had a couple of El Toro Football players in the squadron - Riggs and Allen Rizer. Admin Chief was Sgt Lorch. I also worked at the E-Club at night cleaning off tables. Robert Rogers if you see this drop me a note as I remember you well. I made the Corps a career and retired in 76 as a Major.

Keywords:

542 Vets

Comments: I'm an author with seven published books on USN and USMC-related aviation history. I'm looking for veterans who served with VMF(N)-542 between 1950-51 who can provide stories and/or photographs for a book on USN and USMC Night Fighter Operations of the Korean War.

Keywords: F4U-5N, F4U-5NL, F7F-3

USMC VMFN 542 night fighters World War II

Comments: My dad now turning 91 was in the 542nd in World War II on Okinawa approximately 1944 or 1945 to 1946. I am looking for some photos or movies I could transfer to DVD. He's wanting to tell his great grandchildren of his experiences. He was an aircraft mechanic that kept you great guys in the air. Would love info if you know any others that go back farther than Korea. God Bless.

Keywords:

Jim Nelson, Captain USMC

Comments: Comments: My father, Jim Nelson, was a USMC Captain who was lost in a combat mission on March 1-2, 1951 while flying an F-7F. He continues to be listed as MIA. I never knew my dad. I am interested in learning more about him from those who remember him.

Keywords: James W. Nelson, MIA March 1-2, 1951, F-7F pilot

Writng a dated book-VMF-542 Korea

Comments: I kept a diary and did take pictures. I am, at present, finishing the project. The events and dates are correct. Bent rudder pictures and many others during that time at Kimpo, Korea. Went in just after the Inchon Invasion. I am going to try to enhance some group pictures. Would not mind E-Mail. Dave Larson USMC A. Discharged.

Keywords: F7F-2N Tigarcat at El Toro and Kimpo

Unit Contacts

Comments: Any other 542/513 1950-51 folks around? Drop a line, etc.

Keywords: Inchon through wherever 1950-51

USMC F7F Tigercat Squadrons

Comments: Comments: I'm Alan C. Carey, an author of several books on USN and USMC Aviation. I'm searching for veterans who served with USMC Squadrons that flew the F7F Tigercat. The purpose is to include information and photos for a book on USMC Tigercat Squadrons.

Keywords:

Info re 542 at El Toro 51-53

Comments: The squadron shipped out the F7Fs shortly after I came on board in spring of 1952, and began testing the F3D Skyknights. We lost some pilots and planes. I do not remember many names, but if there is anyone who was part of that time at El Toro, I would like to compare notes then and since. Captain Smith was in charge of my area, and I remember one name, Captain Burke. Burke crashed somewhere near the base (old Saddleback?). I remember him because I flew with him at least once. I enjoyed being up with the pilots when an RO was not available. We finally shipped a cadre of sixteen planes and crew to Korea in summer of 1953. I was too close to discharge to go. I had also just gotten married. I attended First Church of the Nazarene in Santa Ana.

Keywords: Intelligence NCO

Astronaut Walter Cunningham

Comments: I am interested in any recollections regarding the service of Astronaut Walter Cunningham (Apollo 7) with either VMF-513 or 542 during the Korean War. I am especially interested in the types of aircraft he flew in combat (F4U, F7F, F3D?)

Keywords: Astronaut Cunningham vmf 513 542

Comments: VMF(N) 513

Keywords:

Father MIA

Comments: My father, Jim Nelson, was a USMC Captain who was lost in a combat mission on March 1-2, 1951 while flying an F-7F. He continues to be listed as MIA. I never knew my dad. I am interested in learning more about him from those who remember him.

Keywords: USMC FMF 542 Fall 1950 thru February 1951 Kimpo Field F-7F Pilot

Before August 1950 VMF(N)542MAG-12,1stMAW,FMF

Comments: I'm the eldest daughter of SSgt Paul D. Ellis(dec) I'm looking for anyone who may have know him from 1947 thru 1950 or even after that, he is missed greatly and I would wish to correspond with anyone who may have known him...Thank you Deniece

Keywords:

Spt 1950 - July 51

Comments: My father Ernest R. Clifton Jr. was assigned to VMF(N)-542 while in Korea from about Sept 1950 until July 1951. I believe he was a Captain at the time. He currently lives in Arlington, TX.

Keywords: