During World War II, VF-41 deployed on supported the Allied invasion of Northwest Africa, downing 14 Vichy French aircraft in the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat on 8/9 November 1942. The squadron lost 7 F4Fs in action over the same period. In October and November 1943 while operating from USS "Ranger", VF-41 attacked targets in German-occupied Norway.