III MEF VIDEOS

On August 20, 1942, the first allied air units, to include 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, landed at Guadalcanal. They became known as the “Cactus Air Force,” one of the most innovative, hybrid units of WWII. By September 11th, 1,014 aviation personnel were operating on Guadalcanal. Of these, 33 were Army, 64 Navy and 917 were Marines. The battle of Guadalcanal would become the defining point for Marine Corps aviation in WWII and for the next fifty years. In this multimedia package, Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley, 1st MAW commanding general, speaks about their role during the battle of Guadalcanal.

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1st MAWGuadalcanal1st Marine Aircraft Winglaura gaunaUnites States Marine CorpsGuadalcanal: The Cactus Air ForceMarinesair forceaviationUSMCair