Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31)

Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31) was commissioned at Cherry Point, North Carolina, in February 1943. From October 1943 until 12 October 1945, MAG-31 operated throughout the Pacific Area and played an integral part in the battle for Okinawa. Subsequent to the seizure of Okinawa, MAG-31 squadrons continued their part in the war conducting operations from Yantan Airfield on the island. While on Okinawa, MAG 31 was commanded by Colonel John C. Munn, who was later promoted to Lieutenant General and served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. On 12 October 1945, MAG-31 departed Okinawa for Yokosuka, Japan, becoming the first Marine land-based MAG to operate in the Japanese homeland. The MAG was transferred from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on 12 February 1946, and then to the Fleet Marine Force Pacific on 13 March 1946.

MAG-31 returned to the United States on 5 July 1946, and was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California until it was decommissioned on 31 May 1947. MAG-31 was reactivated on 17 March 1952, at Cherry Point North Carolina, and transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Miami, Florida, operating as a part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, until it was again decommissioned in 1958.

On 1 November 1961, MAG-31 was again reactivated and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, as part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.