page_title: VMA-311
section_title: The Korean War, 1950–1955
hierarchical_section_title: VMA-311 / History / The Korean War, 1950–1955
caption_attribution_description: English: Two Grumman F9F-2B Panthers (BuNo. 123602 in the foreground) of Marine fighter squadron VMF-311 Tomcats being refueled at K-3 (Pohang) airbase during the Korean War. The F9F-2B 123602 was shot down by ground fire near Hyon-ni on 18 June 1951. The pilot, Captain (USMC) Jack E. Perry, ejected successfully.
context_page_description: Marine Attack Squadron 311 is a United States Marine Corps ATTACK squadron consisting of AV-8B Harrier jets. Known as the "Tomcats", the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 13 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
context_section_description: Arriving in Korea on December 7, 1950, VMF-311 was the first land-based Marine jet squadron to be used in combat providing close air support for the Marines and Soldiers on the ground. In late-June 1952 the squadron participate in the attack on the Sui-ho Dam. Additionally, the squadron pioneered strip-alert tactics still practiced today. Legendary pilots during this era included later astronaut and Senator John Glenn and baseball star Ted Williams. In over ​2 ¹⁄₂ years of action in Korea the squadron amassed 18,851 combat sorties. In 1957, the squadron finally was re-designated Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311). The nickname "Tomcats" was also bestowed during this era.
caption: Two VMF-311 F9F-2Bs at Pohang during the Korean War
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