The Ace of Spades of the Marine Aviation represents some of the greatest exploits and most outstanding names in the Marine Corps. The Ace of Spades insignia of VMA – 231 relatively embodies the story of the Marine Aviation.
Coming from the remnants of the Northern Bombing Group that served in 1918 in France, the group transferred to old Curtis Flying Field in Miami Florida and there emerged what came to be known as the VMA – 231 1st Division Squadron 1 on February 8, 1919. Before the month ended, the newly activated squadron arrived in Santo Domingo for duty along with the Second Brigade under several redesignations and served until July 1924.
The squadron travelled from Santo Domingo to San Diego, California as VO – 1M and became the first Marine Aviation unit that served on the West Coast. It was the oldest organized air unit in the Marine Corps as well and became the first aviation outfit to accompany a Marine Expeditionary Force. During the interim of the West Coast, the late Major General Ross E. Rowell who was then a Major and Commanding Officer of VO – 1M later VO – 8M focused on training in dive bombing tactics. These tactics proved to be priceless to the personnel of the squadron on July 1927 in Nicaragua which they were ordered previously in February. During the Battle of Ocotal ten personnel of the VO – 8M came to rescue the besieged Marine garrison at Ocotal and executed the first recorded dive bombing attack against an organized enemy that dispersed the insurgents and saved the garrison. Major Rowell and Lieutenant Hayne Boyden were the first Marine aviators to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross that was awarded to them during their participation in the Battle of Ocotal.
The squadron carried the VO – 8M designation for ten years and was redesignated as VMS – 2 until July 1941 before it became VMSB – 231. Whatever designation the unit carried it had always been identified by the Ace of Spades that had appeared on most plane types from Curtiss Jennys and DH – 4B Liberty Planes in 1920 to the sleek Corsairs used in the Marshalls in 1944 as dive bombers.
The Ace of Spades symbolizes many names like Mulcahy, Rowell, Wodarzcyk, Munsch and Boyden in Nicaragua. It also symbolizes Lofton B. Henderson and Richard E. Fleming who both dived to their deaths to cripple the Japanese fleet at Midway. It means Guadalcanal and Major Glidden as well and a remembrance of Captain Ruben Iden who lied on the faraway Rennell Island in a grave prepared and cared for by friendly natives. It also stands for NAP named Blass and means months of ‘milk runs’ in the backwash of the war in the Marshalls in 1944. It reminisce Ocotal and El Chipoto and the bandits who captured two Marine aviators in 1927 in Nicaragua torturing them to death.
VMA – 231 was deactivated on August 31, 1962 after serving in reserve status in Akron, Ohio and Grosse Ille, Michigan with its historic insignia being set aside.
The Ace of Spades, Marine Attack Squadron 231 flew for the last time on December 15, 2003 from the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The AV – 8B Harrier II Squadron had gained significant amount of experience. VMA – 231 participated in various training exercises throughout their stay at the Station and in their deployments in other areas.
Currently, Marine Attack Squadron-231 is equipped with a Hawker-Siddeley AV-8A Harrier, the latest Marine Corps close air support aircraft. It is a high performance, high speed jet aircraft that is capable of vertical and short take – off and landing (V/STOL) operations.
The VMA – 231 is the third AV – 8A squadron to be formed and is an integral part of the Marine Corps Air and Ground Team.
U.S. Challenge Coins shows off a uniquely designed 1.5″ round challenge coin for the “Spades of Japan.” This antique brass token is designed for the Marine Attack Squadron VMA – 231 and displays painted designs on both sides with not epoxy and edging.
