Originally commissioned during World War II, the squadron fought during the Battle of Okinawa.

Marine Fighting Squadron 441 (VMF-441) was activated on 1 October 1942, at Tutuila on American Samoa from elements of VMF-111 and flew the F4F Wildcat.

Shortly thereafter, the squadron was alerted for occupation duty in mainland Japan as part of Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31).

Maj Paul T. Johnston, then commanding officer of the squadron, piloted the first Marine plane to land in mainland Japan when his F4U Corsair touched down at Yokosuka.

They returned to the United States in April 1946 and were deactivated at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California on 11 July 1946.