The squadron, also known as the "Flying Goldbricks", fought in World War II during the Battle of Bougainville and later in the Philippines campaign (1944–45).

[1] On 18 January 1943 the squadron departed San Diego for Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii.

The squadron remained here until the end of the year when they began moving for the Philippines to take part in the campaign to retake the country.

The squadron fought through the entire campaign as part of Marine Aircraft Group 32 and later MAGSZAM.

The squadron ended World War II in the Philippines and deployed back to MCAS Santa Barbara in September 1945 and were decommissioned shortly after that.