VF-10

The original Grim Reapers were activated on June 3, 1942, as VF-10 at NAS San Diego flying the F4F Wildcat. The first commanding officer was James H. Flatley fresh from the Battle of the Coral Sea. The Grim Reapers deployed with USS Enterprise (CV-6) to the Southern Pacific in 1942 where they participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal. After their return to the U.S. and NAS Sand Point they transitioned to the F6F-3 Hellcat and once again deployed to the South Pacific aboard Enterprise. During their second combat tour, VF-10 participated in operations in the Marshall Islands, Jaluit, Emirau, Western Caroline Islands, Hollandia, Truk Lagoon and the Battle of the Philippine Sea (Marianas Turkey Shoot). The squadron returned to the States, transitioning to the F4U Corsair in January 1945 at NAS Atlantic City. VF-10 returned to the Pacific and took part in strikes against Ryukyu Islands, Kyūshū, Okinawa and the Wake Island. Finally, VF-10 returned to NAS Alameda where it was deactivated in November 1945.