Known as "The Flying Deuces," they fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) and fought in many areas of the Pacific War, including the Philippines campaign (1944–45) and the Battle of Okinawa.

[4] The squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii, in April 1942 and remained until September 1942 when they returned to the United States.

At 0940 AM on 24 January 1945, while taking off, 1stLt Karl Oerth hit a lump in the runway, blew a tire, and his Corsair careened wildly into his own squadron's revetment area, which was shared with VMF-212.

[10] Following the surrender of Japan the squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and placed in a cadre status while its gear was used to form the new VMF-912.

They regained their flying status in January 1947 but were deactivated at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, on 31 December 1949[11] A unit citation or commendation is an award bestowed upon an organization for the action cited.