"Lieutenant Colonel Owen provides a thoroughly professional account of Marine Fighter Squadron 221's career from establishment in 1941 to the end of World War II, both ashore and afloat. His depth of research is exceptional, with an impressive blending of primary and secondary sources. Squadron histories seldom match the standard of Fighting Falcons ."-- Barrett Tillman, author of On Yankee Station and Dragon's Jaw "A masterful blend of unit history and operational analysis. Peter F. Owen brings the reader on a journey from Midway to Tokyo, highlighting the growing pains, contributions, and contexts of Marine Corps aviation during some of the most critical moments in the Pacific War." -- Mike Fink, author of Intrepid's Fighting Squadron 18 "In Fighting Falcons: The Campaigns of VMF-221 in the Pacific , Peter F. Owen does it all: the good, the bad, the successes and hardships of a Marine Combat unit in the Second World War.

While demonstrating the accomplishments and struggles of VMF-221's pilots, Owen does not forget the oft-overlooked subjects of maintenance and logistics functions of aerial units. From strategic setbacks to tactical victories, Owen deftly weaves the complicated war in the Pacific into a damn fine read that informs and sheds new light on our understanding of the Second World War. This is Marine and aerial combat history at its finest!" -- Brian D. Laslie, author of The Sundowners, Pegasus, and Little Butch: Carrier Air Group 11 and the War in the Pacific, 1943-1945.