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VMFA-212, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, was originally activated as VMF-212, the "Hell Hounds", at Ewa Territory of Hawaii on 1 March 1942. Deploying immediately to the South Pacific in their F4F Wildcats, the Hell Hounds engaged the Japanese at New Hebrides, New Caledonia and later Guadalcanal as part of the "Cactus Air Force" at Henderson Field. The Hell Hounds acquired an enviable record by destroying 64 1/2 enemy planes. Of this number, LtCol Harold "Indian Joe" Bauer , the squadron's first Commanding Officer, was credited with 11 kills and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor.
VMFA-212, now the "Lancers", is part of Marine Aircraft Group 12 , stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Flying F/A-18C Hornets, their motto is TRAIN TO FIGHT, FIGHT TO WIN!
