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{{Infobox actor
{{Infobox Military Unit
|unit_name= Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212
| name = Simon Pegg
|image= [[Image:VMFA-212.png|200px]]
| image = Simon Pegg 02.jpg
|caption= VMFA-212 Unit insignia<br />Courtesy of www.military-graphics.com
| imagesize = 250px
|dates= March 1, 1942 - March 11, 2008
| caption = Pegg with ''[[Spaced]]'' co-star [[Jessica Hynes]] in the background, 2008
|country=[[United States]]
| birthname = Simon John Beckingham
|allegiance=
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|1970|2|14|df=yes}}
|branch=[[United States Marine Corps|USMC]]
| birthplace = [[Gloucester]], [[England]]
|type=
| deathdate =
|role=
| deathplace =
|size=
| othername = Dr. Russel Fell / The Fresh Pegg
|command_structure=Inactive
| occupation = [[Actor]], [[Comedian]], [[Writer]], [[Film producer|Producer]], [[Singer]], [[Film director]]
|current_commander=
| yearsactive = 1995-present
|garrison=
| spouse = Maureen McCann (2005-present)
|ceremonial_chief=
| domesticpartner =
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
| website =
|nickname= "Lancers"<br />Hell Hounds (WWII)<br />The Musketeers (WWII)<br />Devil Cats (Korea)
| academyawards =
|patron=
| baftaawards =
|motto= "Train to Fight, Fight to Win!"
| emmyawards =
|colors='''[[Tail Code|WD]]'''
| awards = '''[[Bram Stoker Awards|Bram Stoker Award - Screenplay]]'''<br />2005 ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' - Shaun<br />'''[[British Independent Film Awards|British Independent Film Award - Best Screenplay]]'''<br />2004 ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' - Shaun<br />'''[[Evening Standard British Film Awards|Peter Sellers Award for Comedy]]'''<br />2005 ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' - Shaun<br />'''[[National Movie Awards|National Movie Award - Best Comedy]]'''<br />2007 ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'' - Sgt. Nicholas Angel
|colors_label=Tail Code
|march=
|mascot=
|battles= '''[[World War II]]'''<br />* [[Battle of Guadalcanal]]<br />* [[Philippines campaign (1944–45)]]<br />* [[Battle of Okinawa]]<br />'''[[Korean War]]'''<br />* [[Battle of Chosin Reservoir]]<br />* [[Attack on the Sui-ho Dam]]<br />'''[[Vietnam War]]'''<br />'''[[Operation Desert Storm]]'''<br />'''[[Operation Desert Storm]]'''<br />'''[[Operation Southern Watch]]'''<br />'''[[Operation Noble Eagle]]'''<br />'''[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]'''
|notable_commanders= [[Harold W. Bauer|LtCol Harold "Indian Joe" Bauer]]
|aircraft_attack= [[A-1 Skyraider|AD-1 Skyraider]]
|aircraft_fighter= [[F4F Wildcat]]<br />[[F4U Corsair|F4U-4 Corsair]]<br />[[F-4 Phantom II]]<br />[[F/A-18 Hornet]]
|anniversaries=
}}
}}


'''Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 212''' (VMFA-212) was a [[United States Marine Corps]] [[F/A-18 Hornet]] squadron. Known as the "Lancers", the squadron was last based at [[Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni]], [[Japan]] and fell under the command of [[Marine Aircraft Group 12]] (MAG-12) and the [[1st Marine Aircraft Wing]] (1st MAW). Due to a re-organization within [[United States Marine Corps Aviation|Marine aviation]], the squadron was placed in a cadre status in 2008.<ref name="">{{cite paper
'''Simon John Beckingham''' (born [[14 February]] [[1970]]), better known as '''Simon Pegg''', is an award-winning [[England|English]] [[actor]], [[comedian]], [[writer]], [[Film producer|producer]], [[stand-up comedy|stand-up comedian]], and [[Film director|director]]. He is best known for his starring roles in ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' and ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'', and for the sitcom ''[[Spaced]]''. Much of his major work has been in collaboration with some combination of [[Nick Frost]], [[Jessica Hynes]], [[Dylan Moran]] and [[Edgar Wright]]. Pegg has a close friendship with [[United States|American]] [[actor]] [[David Schwimmer]]. The two have worked together in ''[[Band of Brothers]]'', ''[[Big Nothing]]'' and ''[[Run, Fat Boy, Run]]''. His likeness was also used for the character of Wee Hughie in the comic book series ''[[The Boys (comic book)|The Boys]]'' (while this was done without Pegg's permission, he quickly became a fan of the title, and even wrote the introduction to the first bound volume).<ref>{{cite book
| last = Ennis
| author = LtGen John Castellaw
| title = 2007 Marine Aviation Plan
| first = Garth
| authorlink = Garth Ennis
| version =
| publisher = Headquarters Marine Corps
| title = The The Boys Volume One: The Name of the Game (Introduction)
| date = 2007
| publisher = [[Dynamite Entertainment]]
| url = http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/AVN/Documents/Signed%20AvPlan.pdf
| series = The Boys
| year = 2007}}</ref>
| format =
| accessdate = 2007-11-18 }}</ref>


==Biography==
==Mission==
===Early life===
Pegg was born '''Simon John Beckingham''' in [[Gloucester]], England, the son of Gillian Rosemary ([[married and maiden names|née]] Smith), a [[civil servant]], and John Henry Beckingham, a jazz musician and keyboard salesman.<ref name="telegraph">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/portal/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/portal/2007/06/02/nosplit/ftdetective102.xml Family detective - Telegraph<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> His parents divorced when he was seven.<ref name="Guardian">[http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,,2005313,00.html A fair cop | Interviews | guardian.co.uk Film<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He attended many schools including [[Dene Magna Community School|Dene Magna Secondary School]] and [[Brockworth Enterprise School|Brockworth Comprehensive Secondary School]] and later [[Stratford-upon-Avon College]] to study English Literature and Performance Studies. Pegg finally studied drama at the [[University of Bristol]] and wrote his undergraduate thesis on "A [[Marxism|Marxist]] overview of popular Seventies cinema and [[cultural hegemony|hegemonic]] discourses".<ref name="Guardian"/>


Support the [[Marine Air-Ground Task Force]] commander by destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations.
===Career===
* Conduct sea and air deployment operations.
In 1993 he moved to [[London]] and performed on the [[stand-up comedy]] circuit. In 1995 he took his acclaimed one-man show to the Edinburgh Festival, which led to his being invited to perform at festivals in [[Adelaide]] and [[Melbourne]] in [[Australia]] and [[Auckland]], [[Wellington]] and [[Christchurch]] in [[New Zealand]], which he did in 1996 and 1997. His work as a stand up attracted the attention of several TV producers, leading to appearances in ''[[Asylum (television)|Asylum]]'', ''[[Six Pairs of Pants]]'', ''[[Faith in the Future]]'', ''[[Big Train]]'' and ''[[Hippies (TV comedy)|Hippies]]''. From 1998 to 2004, Pegg regularly featured on [[BBC Radio 4]]'s ''[[The 99p Challenge]]''. In 1999, he created and co-wrote the [[Channel 4]] sitcom ''[[Spaced]]'' with [[Jessica Stevenson]]. For this project Pegg brought in [[Nick Frost]], his best friend. For his performance in this series, Pegg was nominated for a [[British Comedy Awards|British Comedy Award]] as Best Male Comedy Newcomer. Pegg co-wrote (with ''Spaced'' director [[Edgar Wright]]) and starred in the "romantic [[zombie]] comedy" film (or "RomZomCom") ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'', released in [[April 2004]]. At [[George A. Romero]]'s invitation, Pegg and Wright made cameo appearances in Romero's film, ''[[Land of the Dead]]''. In 2004 Pegg also starred in a spin-off of the television show ''[[Danger! 50,000 Volts!]]'' called ''Danger! 50,000 Zombies!'', in which he played a zombie hunter named Dr. Russel Fell.
* Conduct fire support.
* Conduct [[close air support]].
* Conduct [[Air interdiction|interdiction operations]].
* Conduct [[SEAD|joint suppression of enemy air defenses]].
* Conduct [[Dogfight|air to air operations]].
* Coordinate battle space maneuver and integrate with firepower.


==History==
Pegg's other credits include the [[World War II]] [[miniseries]] ''[[Band of Brothers]]'', guest appearances on ''[[Black Books]]'', ''[[Brass Eye Special]]'', ''[[I'm Alan Partridge]]'' , ''[[The Parole Officer]]'' and in the [[Factory Records]] story ''[[24 Hour Party People]]''. He also played the [[mutant]] [[bounty hunter]] Johnny Alpha, the [[Strontium Dog]], in a series of [[Big Finish Productions]] [[radio drama|audio play]]s based on the character from British [[comic book]] ''[[2000 AD (comic)|2000 AD]]'' and featured in ''[[Guest House Paradiso]]'', a film based on the sitcom ''[[Bottom (TV series)|Bottom]]''.
===World War II===
[[Image:VMF-212 WWII logo.jpg|thumb|left|150px|VMF-212 logo during World War II]]
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 was activated as Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212), the "Hell Hounds", at [[Marine Corps Air Station Ewa]], [[Hawaii]] on March 1, 1942. Deploying in May to the [[Pacific Ocean|South Pacific]] in their [[F4F Wildcat]]s, the squadron was stationed at Tontouta on the island of [[New Caledonia]], and later moved up to the island of [[Efate]]. As preparations for the invasion of [[Guadalcanal]] increased, the squadron operated a detachment at [[Espiritu Santo]] until the arrival of VMO-251 ensured that the island was provided with adequate aerial defense. During the early part of the [[Battle of Guadalcanal|Guadalcanal campaign]], VMF-212 sent detachments to operate with [[Cactus Air Force]] squadrons deployed to [[Honiara International Airport|Henderson Field]] until the entire squadron was committed to the battle in mid-October. The squadron acquired an enviable record by destroying 64 1/2 enemy planes including that of [[Toshio Ohta]], a Japanese ace. Of this number, [[Harold W. Bauer|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.


The squadron returned to the United States in November 1942 and remained on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] until June 1943 when they sailed for [[Midway Atoll]]. The squadron remained on Midway for two months and then returned to Espiritu Santo. By August 1943, VMF-212 was back in the [[Solomon Islands]] where they participated in the campaigns to retake [[Vella Lavella]] and [[Battle of Bougainville|Bougainville]]. From October 20 through November 27, 1943 the squadron was based out of [[Barakoma]] and supported operations in the [[Treasury Islands]], [[Choiseul Island|Choiseul]] and Bougainville. By December 1943 they moved to [[Torokina]] and remained there until they moved again on January 20, 1944 this time to [[Piva]]. Another move came on March 20 when they transited to [[Green Island]] and later back to Vella Lavella. 212 remained in the vicinity of the Solomons and [[Bismarck Islands]] for the remainder of 1944 running fighter sweeps against the Japanese garrison on [[Rabaul]] and providing [[close air support]] for ground forces on Bougainville. On January 8, 1945, VMF-212 landed on [[Samar]] and provided close air support for [[United States Army]] troops during the campaign to retake the Philippenes. During this time they flew over [[Mindoro]], [[Luzon]], [[Visayas]] and [[Mindanao]]. It was also during this time that the squadron was a part of one of the worst aviation accidents of the war. At 0940 AM on January 24, 1945, while taking off, 1stLt Karl Oerth of [[VMF-222]] hit a lump in the runway, blew a tire and his Corsair careened wildly into his own squadron's revetment area, which was shared with VMF-212. It completely wiped out the tents housing the intelligence, oxygen, parachutes and materiel departments. Many men attempted to rescue the pilot but while they were making this brave effort the plane exploded and set off all its .50 cal ammunition. 14 men were killed and over 50 wounded during this incident<ref name="Walsh"> {{cite web
Pegg appeared in the [[Big Finish Productions]] ''[[Doctor Who]]'' audio story ''[[Invaders from Mars (Doctor Who audio)|Invaders From Mars]]'' as Don Chaney, and portrayed [[List of Doctor Who villains#E|the Editor]] in the 2005 ''[[Doctor Who]]'' episode "[[The Long Game]]". He also narrated the first series of the documentary series ''[[Doctor Who Confidential]]''.
| month =
| url = http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/lab/5428/galle212.html
| title = JOHN GALLE'S 212 HISTORY PAGE
| work =
| publisher =
| accessdate = December 16
| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>. In June of 1945 the squadron arrived at [[Battle of Okinawa|Okinawa]] on the [[USS Hillsborough County (LST-827)]] and conducted operations from there until the end of the war<ref>Sherrod ''History'', p. 460-461.</ref>. During the duration of World War II, VMF-212 was credited with shooting down 132 1/2 enemy aircraft<ref>Sherrod ''History'', p. 430.</ref>


=== Korean War ===
Upon completion of ''Shaun of the Dead'', Pegg was questioned on whether he would be abandoning the British film industry for bigger and better things, to which he replied "It's not like I'm going to run off and do ''[[Mission: Impossible III]]''!" He then promptly went on to do just that, playing Benji Dunn, an [[Impossible Mission Force|I.M.F.]] technician who assists [[Tom Cruise]]'s character, [[Ethan Hunt]].<ref>[http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2005306,00.html A fair cop] observer.co.uk</ref> In 2006 he played an American character, Gus, in ''[[Big Nothing]]'' alongside [[David Schwimmer]].
[[Image:F4U-4 VMF-212 CVE-114 NAN2-52.jpg|thumb|150px|VMF-212 F4U-4s on ''[[USS Rendova]]'' in 1951]]
[[Image:VMF-212 Korea Logo.jpg|left|thumb|140px|Squadron logo during the Korean War]]


VMF-212, nicknamed the ''Heavy Haulers'' at the time, was one of the first squadrons sent to Far East at the outbreak of the war. They remained in [[Japan]] until Marines were able to capture [[Kimpo Airfield]] after the [[Battle of Inchon]]. The squadron finally touched down in [[Korea]] on September 18, 1950 and were flying their first strikes by the 20th of September. The squadron was later moved to Yonpo Airfield in [[North Korea]] as the [[United Nations]]' forces continued their advance in the early winter of 1950. After the [[China|Chinese]] counterattack in late November 1950, VMF-212 aircraft flew almost continuous [[close air support]] missions supporting the [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]] as they fought they way out of encirclment during the [[Battle of Chosin Reservoir]]. After the fighting at Chosin, the squadron was ordered to operate from the [[USS Bataan (CVL-29)]] where they remained until March 5, 1951.
In 2006, Pegg and Wright completed their second film, ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'', released in [[February 2007]]. The film is a police-action movie homage and also stars Nick Frost. Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, a London policeman who is transferred to rural Sandford, where grisly events take place.
[[Image:Simon Pegg Run.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Pegg attends the premiere of ''Run, Fat Boy, Run'']]
In 2007, Pegg starred in ''[[The Good Night]]'' (directed by [[Jake Paltrow]]) and ''[[Run, Fat Boy, Run]]'' directed by [[David Schwimmer]] and co-starring [[Thandie Newton]] and [[Hank Azaria]].


VMA-212 moved to being land based, first just south of Wonson Harbor, where it was too close to enemy fire for landings and take offs. It then moved to K-6 at Pyongteak as a part of MAG-12, which also included [[VMA-323]] flying F4U Corsairs and [[VMA-121]] flying AD Skyraiders. VMA-212's F4U Corsairs were replaced by upgraded AU-1 Corsairs in 1952. The AU-1 Corsair had armor plate around the cockpit and the oil coolers that were moved up to behind the engine. The squadron dropped more ordinance during the Korean War than any other Marine Corps squadron{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. The AU-1 Corsair had an additional center bomb rack which carried a 2000 lb. bomb until the rough Marston Matting, which was laid over the old pock marked Japanese landing strip at K-6, caused the center bomb rack to break off. The AU-1 Corsair could carry a 2000 lb bomb on it's center rack, two 1000 lb. bombs on the wing root bomb racks and 100 or 260 lb. bombs on it's wing racks. It stuggled up to enemy territory at approximately 140 knots. After releasing it's bombs the AU-l again became a fast fighter in close support of the front lines and a fighter capable of up to 600 knots in a dive. Colonel [[Robert Galer]], a Marine Corps Ace from World War II, was the Commanding Officer of MAG-12 in 1952, when he was shot down behind enemy lines and protected by VMA-212 pilots until rescued by a Marine Corps helicopter. VMA-212 remained in Korea until the end of the war in July 1953. From April, 1951 to May 1953 VMA 212 lost ten pilots. (This paragraph by former VMA 212 squadron historian)
Pegg confirmed in an interview on ''[[Friday Night with Jonathan Ross]]'' that he will be co-writing and starring in another film with Frost. The title will be ''Paul'', and will revolve around Pegg and Frost road tripping across America.{{Fact|date=October 2008}} Pegg also announced that he and Wright had the idea for "the concluding part in what we are calling our 'Blood and Ice Cream' trilogy" (the first two being ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' and ''[[Hot Fuzz]]''). It is provisionally called ''[[The World Ends]]''<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7642129.stm|title=Interview with Simon Pegg |accessdate=2008-10-01 |work=BBC Website }}</ref>. The trilogy has also been referred to by Pegg and Wright as their 'Three Flavours Cornetto' trilogy. Each film in this trilogy features characters eating a [[Cornetto (ice cream)|Cornetto]] ice cream and the flavour generally represents an aspect of the film: ''Shaun of Dead'' uses strawberry (red package to signify blood), ''Hot Fuzz'' featured a blue package, signifying police officers, and ''The World Ends'', a science-fiction spoof, is rumored to feature mint green package, signifying aliens.{{Fact|date=October 2008}}


=== The Vietnam War & the 1980s ===
In those movies and in ''Spaced'', Pegg typically plays the leading hero while Frost plays the sidekick. However, he has revealed that ''Paul'', an upcoming film written by Pegg and Frost will reverse this dynamic. Pegg has also stated that Wright will not direct, ''Paul'' not being part of their 'Blood and Ice Cream' trilogy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/paul/news/simon-pegg-and-nick-frost-do-america.html|title=Simon Pegg and Nick Frost Do America|publisher=JustPressPlay.net|accessdate=2007-09-24|date=2007-09-21}}</ref>
[[Image:F-8E VMF-212 CVA-34 1965.jpg|left|thumb|VMF(AW)-212 F-8E in 1965]]
[[Image:VMFA-212 F4 Phantom.jpg|thumb|right|An F-4 Phantom II from VMFA-212 preparing to take-off at MCAS Kanehoe Bay in 1983.]]


In April 1965, the squadron, now known as the "Lancers" sailed aboard the [[USS Oriskany (CVA-34)|USS Oriskany]] becoming the first Marine jet squadron to be deployed aboard an aircraft carrier in combat. As part of [[Carrier Air Wing 16|Carrier Air Group 16]] (CVW-16) they arrived off the coast of [[Vietnam]] and began operating from [[Yankee Station]]. From May 10 to December 6, 1965 the Lancers flew missions against targets in [[North Vietnam|North]] and [[Republic of Vietnam|South Vietnam]]. During this tour they conducted more than 12,000 combat sorties and delivered nearly 10,000 tons of ordinance. Of note, during a mission on September 9, 1965 they became the first squadron to deliver 2,000lb [[Mark 84 bomb|MK-84 bombs]] from an F-8 Crusader that had launched from an aircraft carrier. Also on that day the [[Commander, Air Group]] (CAG) of CVW-16 Commander [[James Stockdale|James Stockdale's]] [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4E Skyhawk]] was shot down over North Vietnam<ref> {{cite web
In its [[October 12]], [[2007]] issue, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that Pegg will play the part of engineer [[Montgomery Scott|Montgomery "Scotty" Scott]] in a new film adaptation of ''[[Star Trek (film)|Star Trek]]'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117973913.html?categoryid=13&cs=1|title=Simon Pegg to play Scotty in "Star Trek"|publisher=Variety|accessdate=2007-10-11|date=2007-10-12}}]</ref> now due to be released [[May 8]], [[2009]].
| month =
| url = http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/project/POW/pow_s.htm
| title = POW S
| work =
| publisher = Project Get Out and Walk
| language =
| accessdate = 2008-06-25}}</ref> making the commanding officer of VMF(AW)-212 the acting CAG until a replacement arrived. <ref>{{Citation
| last = White-Hoffman
| first = Nancy Lee
| author-link =
| last2 =
| first2 =
| author2-link =
| title = VMF(AW)-212 - First Crusader Squadron to Deliver 2,000 Pound Bombs in Combat
| newspaper = Leatherneck
| pages = 52-53
| year = 2008
| date = May 2008
| url = }}</ref> Later, in April of 1972, the squadron deployed from [[Hawaii]] to [[Da Nang]], South Vietnam in an effort to blunt the massive North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam. VMFA-212 earned a [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] for its effort in Vietnam.


From 1974 until 1987, VMFA-212 deployed numerous times to Japan and the West Coast earning the CNO Aviation Safety Award, the Robert M. Hanson Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. During October 1988, VMFA-212 completed its seventh and final rotation in the UDP as an [[F-4 Phantom]] squadron. With the last F-4 sorties flown in August 1988, over 23,000 accident-free hours had been accumulated. The [[F/A-18C Hornet]] was received at this time.
===Personal life===
[[Image:Simon Pegg 01.jpg|thumb|150px|Pegg in NYC]]
Pegg married [[Maureen McCann]] on [[23 July]] [[2005]] in [[Glasgow]]. [[Nick Frost]] was the best man. Along with [[Jonny Buckland]], Pegg is godfather to close friends [[Chris Martin]] and [[Gwyneth Paltrow]]'s daughter, Apple.<ref>[http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/martin%20paltrow%20name%20pegg%20as%20godfather_1043099 Chris Martin - Martin + Paltrow Name Pegg As Godfather<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Pegg's parents and sister briefly appeared in ''[[Spaced]]'' while his mother alone appeared in both ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' and ''[[Hot Fuzz]]''.


=== The Gulf War & the 1990s ===
His favorite film is ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back| The Empire Strikes Back]]'', and his favorite television shows are ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' and ''[[The X-Files]]''.<ref>{{cite news|author=Simon Reynolds|title=Ten Things You Never Knew About Simon Pegg|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=2008-10-01|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a131398/ten-things-you-never-knew-about-simon-pegg.html|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref>
[[Image:USMC FA-18 Hornet.JPEG|thumb|F/A-18 Hornet over the South China Sea]]


In December 1990, the squadron deployed to [[Bahrain]] in support of [[Gulf_War#Operation_Desert_Shield|Operation Desert Shield]]. From there, they flew [[air interdiction]] and [[close air support]] missions in support of coalition forces during [[Operation Desert Storm]] after January 17, 1991. On August 13, 1996 the Lancers took off for the final time from [[NAS Miramar]] enroute to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. After a successful six month cycle the Lancers became a permanent resident of MCAS Iwakuni.
==Television credits==
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|[[1995 in film|1995]] || ''[[Six Pairs of Pants]]'' || Various Characters || TV Series
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[1996 in film|1996]] || ''[[Asylum (TV series)|Asylum]]'' || Simon || TV Series
|-
|''[[Faith in the Future]]'' || Jools || TV Series
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[1997 in film|1997]] || ''[[I'm Alan Partridge]]'' || Steve Bennett || episode "Watership Alan"
|-
|''[[We Know Where You Live]]'' || Various Roles<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/w/weknowwhereyouli_7776760.shtml|title=We Know Where You Live|work=BBC Comedy|accessdate=2007-06-18|format=HTML}}</ref> || TV Series
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[1998 in film|1998]] || ''[[Is It Bill Bailey?]]'' || Various Roles || TV Series
|-
|''[[Big Train]]'' || Various Roles || TV Series
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[1999 in film|1999]] || ''[[Spaced]]'' || Tim Bisley || TV Series
|-
|''[[Hippies (TV series)|Hippies]]'' || Ray Purbbs || TV Series
|-
|[[2000 in film|2000]] || ''[[Jam (TV series)|Jam]]'' || Various Characters || Radio and TV series
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[2001 in film|2001]]
|''[[Brass Eye Special]]'' || Gerard Chote || episode "Paedophilia"
|-
| ''[[Band of Brothers]]'' || First Sergeant William Evans || TV Series
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[2002 in film|2002]] ||rowspan="2"| ''[[Look Around You]]'' || Sleeping Queen's Guard || episode "Maths"
|-
|Handsome Man || episode "Health"
|-
|rowspan="2"| [[2004 in film|2004]] || ''[[Black Books]]'' || Evan || episode "Manny Come Home"
|-
|''[[I Am Not an Animal]]'' || Kieron the cat || TV Series
|-
|rowspan="3"| [[2005 in film|2005]] || ''[[Derren Brown]]'' || as himself, guest || TV Series
|-
|''[[Doctor Who]]'' || The Editor || episode "[[The Long Game]]"
|-
|''[[Doctor Who Confidential]]'' || as himself, voiceover || Tv Series"
|-
|rowspan="3"| [[2008 in film|2007]] || ''[[Top Gear (current format)|Top Gear]]'' || as himself, guest || TV Series
|-
|''[[Mind Control with Derren Brown]]'' || as himself, guest || TV Show
|-
|''[[Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway]]'' || [[Celebrity]] [[voiceover]] || TV Show
|}


=== The Global War on Terror ===
==Filmography==

{| class="wikitable"
Due to a re-organization within [[United States Marine Corps Aviation|Marine aviation]], the squadron was placed in a cadre status in 2008.
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
==Squadron aces==
|-

|[[1999 in film|1999]] || ''[[Guest House Paradiso]]'' || Mr. Nice ||
The following members of VMF-212 were credited with shooting down at least five Japanese aircraft and earned the right to be called an [[Flying ace|Ace]]. The numbers after their name represents the number of enemy aircraft they were credited with shooting down.
|-

|[[2001 in film|2001]] || ''[[The Parole Officer]]'' || Deflated Husband ||
[[Image:Bauer HW USMC.jpg|thumb|left|LtCol Hank Bauer was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] while serving with VMF-212 in [[World War II]]]]
|-

| [[2004 in film|2004]] || ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' || Shaun || co-wrote
|-
{|
|- valign=top
|rowspan="2"| [[2005 in film|2005]] || ''[[The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse]]'' || Peter Cow ||
|-
|
* [[Harold W. Bauer]] - 11.0
| ''[[Land of the Dead]]'' || Photo Booth Zombie ||
* William A. Carlton - 5.0
|-
* Jack E. Conger - 10.0
|rowspan="3"| [[2006 in film|2006]] || ''[[Mission: Impossible III]]'' || Benji Dunn ||
* Phillip Cunliffe DeLong - 11.2
|-
* Frank C. Drury - 6.0
| ''[[Big Nothing]]'' || Gus ||
* Hugh Elwood - 5.2
|-
* Loren D. Everton - 12.0
| ''[[Free Jimmy]]'' || Odd || wrote English script
|-
|
* Henry B. Hamilton - 7.0
|rowspan="5"| [[2007 in film|2007]] || ''[[Grindhouse (film)|Grindhouse]]'' || Cannibal || segment "Don't"
* John McManus - 6.0
|-
* Donald C. Owen - 5.0
| ''[[The Good Night]]'' || Paul ||
* Frederick R. Payne - 7.5
|-
* Francis E. Pierce Jr. - 6.0
| ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'' || Sergent Nicholas Angel || co-wrote
* George H. Poske - 5.0
|-
* Robert F. Stout - 6.0.<ref>
| ''[[Run, Fat Boy, Run]]'' || Dennis Doyle || co-wrote
{{cite web
|-
| last =
| ''[[Diary of the Dead]]'' || Voice-over Cameo ||
| first =
|-
| authorlink =
| rowspan="1"| [[2008 in film|2008]] || ''[[How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (film)|How to Lose Friends and Alienate People]]'' || Sidney Young ||
| coauthors =
|-
| title = List of WW2 Marine Aces
| rowspan="1"| [[2009 in film|2009]] || ''[[Star Trek (film)|Star Trek]]'' || [[Montgomery Scott|Montgomery "Scotty" Scott]] || post-production
| work =
|-
| publisher = www.Acepilots.com
| rowspan="1"| [[2010 in film|2010]] || ''[[The World Ends]]'' || N/A || In development with [[Edgar Wright]]
| date =
| url = http://www.acepilots.com/usmc_aces_list.html
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate = }}</ref>
|}
|}
{{clear}}


==References==
==MIA information==
In May 2008, a team from the ''Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command'' found the wreckage of an F4U Corsair (BuNo 55908) and the remains of 1stLt Allan S. Harrison III in the vicinity of [[Warangoi]], [[Papua New Guinea]].<ref name="">{{cite web
{{Reflist}}
| last =Bender
| first =Bryan
| authorlink =
| coauthors =Baron, Kevin
| title =
| work =U.S. searches for missing World War II pilots
| publisher =[[International Herald Tribune]]
| date =
| url =http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/28/asia/papua.php
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate = 2008-06-02 }}</ref> 1stLt Harrison was shot down by a Japanese aircraft on February 11, 1944 while taking part in a raid on the Japanese garrison at [[Rabaul]].<ref name="">{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title =USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List February 1944
| work =
| publisher =Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research
| date =
| url =http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/USN/LLFeb44.htm
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2008-06-02 }}</ref>


==External links==
==See also==
{{portal|United States Marine Corps|USMC_logo.svg}}
{{commons}}
* [[United States Marine Corps Aviation]]
*[http://www.peggster.net/ Peggster.net]
* [[List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons]]
*[http://www.alliancefilms.com/en/89/details/display/11333/ Run, Fat Boy, Run Official Trailer]
* [[List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons]]
*{{imdb name|id=0670408|name=Simon Pegg}}
*{{memoryalpha}}
{{clear}}

*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/entertainment/kermode_archive_h.shtml#hotfuzz Mark Kermode's review of Hot Fuzz on BBC Radio Five Live - includes Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright interview]
== References ==
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/content/articles/2007/02/21/rockley_with_simon_pegg_feature.shtml BBC Radio Gloucestershire interview with Simon and John Beckingham (his father) - from the set of "Run Fat Boy Run"]

;Notes
:{{Marine Corps}}
{{reflist}}

;Bibliography
{{refbegin}}
* Crowder, Michael J. (2000). ''United States Marine Corps Aviation Squadron Lineage, Insignia & History - Volume One - The Fighter Squadrons''. Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-926-9.
*{{cite book
|title=U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle - Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War, 1939 - 1945."
|author=Rottman, Gordon L.
|date=2002
|publisher=Greenwood Press
|id=ISBN 0-313-31906-5
}}
*{{cite book
| last = Sherrod
| first = Robert
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| year = 1952
| chapter =
| title = History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II
| publisher = Combat Forces Press
| location = Washington, D.C.
| id = }}
{{refend}}


;Web
{{Works of Pegg/Wright}}
{{refbegin}}
*[http://www.1maw.usmc.mil/index.asp?unit='VMFA-212' VMFA-212's official website]
*[http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/5428/ Unofficial Lancers Homepage (hasn't been updated in a while)]
{{refend}}


{{US Marine Corps navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pegg, Simon}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:2000 AD creators]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Bristol]]
[[Category:English comedians]]
[[Category:English film actors]]
[[Category:English television actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mission: Impossible]]
[[Category:People from Crouch End]]
[[Category:People from Gloucester]]


[[Category:United States Marine Corps fixed wing squadrons]]
[[de:Simon Pegg]]
[[Category:Inactive units of the United States Marine Corps|cadre]]
[[es:Simon Pegg]]
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[[fr:Simon Pegg]]
[[ko:사이먼 페그]]
[[it:Simon Pegg]]
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[[no:Simon Pegg]]
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[[fi:Simon Pegg]]

Revision as of 06:44, 12 October 2008

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212
VMFA-212 Unit insignia
Courtesy of www.military-graphics.com
ActiveMarch 1, 1942 - March 11, 2008
CountryUnited States
BranchUSMC
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)"Lancers"
Hell Hounds (WWII)
The Musketeers (WWII)
Devil Cats (Korea)
Motto(s)"Train to Fight, Fight to Win!"
Tail CodeWD
EngagementsWorld War II
* Battle of Guadalcanal
* Philippines campaign (1944–45)
* Battle of Okinawa
Korean War
* Battle of Chosin Reservoir
* Attack on the Sui-ho Dam
Vietnam War
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Enduring Freedom
Commanders
Notable
commanders
LtCol Harold "Indian Joe" Bauer
Aircraft flown
AttackAD-1 Skyraider
FighterF4F Wildcat
F4U-4 Corsair
F-4 Phantom II
F/A-18 Hornet

Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 212 (VMFA-212) was a United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet squadron. Known as the "Lancers", the squadron was last based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). Due to a re-organization within Marine aviation, the squadron was placed in a cadre status in 2008.[1]

Mission

Support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations.

History

World War II

VMF-212 logo during World War II

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 was activated as Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212), the "Hell Hounds", at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii on March 1, 1942. Deploying in May to the South Pacific in their F4F Wildcats, the squadron was stationed at Tontouta on the island of New Caledonia, and later moved up to the island of Efate. As preparations for the invasion of Guadalcanal increased, the squadron operated a detachment at Espiritu Santo until the arrival of VMO-251 ensured that the island was provided with adequate aerial defense. During the early part of the Guadalcanal campaign, VMF-212 sent detachments to operate with Cactus Air Force squadrons deployed to Henderson Field until the entire squadron was committed to the battle in mid-October. The squadron acquired an enviable record by destroying 64 1/2 enemy planes including that of Toshio Ohta, a Japanese ace. 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.

The squadron returned to the United States in November 1942 and remained on the West Coast until June 1943 when they sailed for Midway Atoll. The squadron remained on Midway for two months and then returned to Espiritu Santo. By August 1943, VMF-212 was back in the Solomon Islands where they participated in the campaigns to retake Vella Lavella and Bougainville. From October 20 through November 27, 1943 the squadron was based out of Barakoma and supported operations in the Treasury Islands, Choiseul and Bougainville. By December 1943 they moved to Torokina and remained there until they moved again on January 20, 1944 this time to Piva. Another move came on March 20 when they transited to Green Island and later back to Vella Lavella. 212 remained in the vicinity of the Solomons and Bismarck Islands for the remainder of 1944 running fighter sweeps against the Japanese garrison on Rabaul and providing close air support for ground forces on Bougainville. On January 8, 1945, VMF-212 landed on Samar and provided close air support for United States Army troops during the campaign to retake the Philippenes. During this time they flew over Mindoro, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It was also during this time that the squadron was a part of one of the worst aviation accidents of the war. At 0940 AM on January 24, 1945, while taking off, 1stLt Karl Oerth of VMF-222 hit a lump in the runway, blew a tire and his Corsair careened wildly into his own squadron's revetment area, which was shared with VMF-212. It completely wiped out the tents housing the intelligence, oxygen, parachutes and materiel departments. Many men attempted to rescue the pilot but while they were making this brave effort the plane exploded and set off all its .50 cal ammunition. 14 men were killed and over 50 wounded during this incident[2]. In June of 1945 the squadron arrived at Okinawa on the USS Hillsborough County (LST-827) and conducted operations from there until the end of the war[3]. During the duration of World War II, VMF-212 was credited with shooting down 132 1/2 enemy aircraft[4]

Korean War

VMF-212 F4U-4s on USS Rendova in 1951
Squadron logo during the Korean War

VMF-212, nicknamed the Heavy Haulers at the time, was one of the first squadrons sent to Far East at the outbreak of the war. They remained in Japan until Marines were able to capture Kimpo Airfield after the Battle of Inchon. The squadron finally touched down in Korea on September 18, 1950 and were flying their first strikes by the 20th of September. The squadron was later moved to Yonpo Airfield in North Korea as the United Nations' forces continued their advance in the early winter of 1950. After the Chinese counterattack in late November 1950, VMF-212 aircraft flew almost continuous close air support missions supporting the 1st Marine Division as they fought they way out of encirclment during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. After the fighting at Chosin, the squadron was ordered to operate from the USS Bataan (CVL-29) where they remained until March 5, 1951.

VMA-212 moved to being land based, first just south of Wonson Harbor, where it was too close to enemy fire for landings and take offs. It then moved to K-6 at Pyongteak as a part of MAG-12, which also included VMA-323 flying F4U Corsairs and VMA-121 flying AD Skyraiders. VMA-212's F4U Corsairs were replaced by upgraded AU-1 Corsairs in 1952. The AU-1 Corsair had armor plate around the cockpit and the oil coolers that were moved up to behind the engine. The squadron dropped more ordinance during the Korean War than any other Marine Corps squadron[citation needed]. The AU-1 Corsair had an additional center bomb rack which carried a 2000 lb. bomb until the rough Marston Matting, which was laid over the old pock marked Japanese landing strip at K-6, caused the center bomb rack to break off. The AU-1 Corsair could carry a 2000 lb bomb on it's center rack, two 1000 lb. bombs on the wing root bomb racks and 100 or 260 lb. bombs on it's wing racks. It stuggled up to enemy territory at approximately 140 knots. After releasing it's bombs the AU-l again became a fast fighter in close support of the front lines and a fighter capable of up to 600 knots in a dive. Colonel Robert Galer, a Marine Corps Ace from World War II, was the Commanding Officer of MAG-12 in 1952, when he was shot down behind enemy lines and protected by VMA-212 pilots until rescued by a Marine Corps helicopter. VMA-212 remained in Korea until the end of the war in July 1953. From April, 1951 to May 1953 VMA 212 lost ten pilots. (This paragraph by former VMA 212 squadron historian)

The Vietnam War & the 1980s

VMF(AW)-212 F-8E in 1965
File:VMFA-212 F4 Phantom.jpg
An F-4 Phantom II from VMFA-212 preparing to take-off at MCAS Kanehoe Bay in 1983.

In April 1965, the squadron, now known as the "Lancers" sailed aboard the USS Oriskany becoming the first Marine jet squadron to be deployed aboard an aircraft carrier in combat. As part of Carrier Air Group 16 (CVW-16) they arrived off the coast of Vietnam and began operating from Yankee Station. From May 10 to December 6, 1965 the Lancers flew missions against targets in North and South Vietnam. During this tour they conducted more than 12,000 combat sorties and delivered nearly 10,000 tons of ordinance. Of note, during a mission on September 9, 1965 they became the first squadron to deliver 2,000lb MK-84 bombs from an F-8 Crusader that had launched from an aircraft carrier. Also on that day the Commander, Air Group (CAG) of CVW-16 Commander James Stockdale's A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam[5] making the commanding officer of VMF(AW)-212 the acting CAG until a replacement arrived. [6] Later, in April of 1972, the squadron deployed from Hawaii to Da Nang, South Vietnam in an effort to blunt the massive North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam. VMFA-212 earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its effort in Vietnam.

From 1974 until 1987, VMFA-212 deployed numerous times to Japan and the West Coast earning the CNO Aviation Safety Award, the Robert M. Hanson Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. During October 1988, VMFA-212 completed its seventh and final rotation in the UDP as an F-4 Phantom squadron. With the last F-4 sorties flown in August 1988, over 23,000 accident-free hours had been accumulated. The F/A-18C Hornet was received at this time.

The Gulf War & the 1990s

F/A-18 Hornet over the South China Sea

In December 1990, the squadron deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Desert Shield. From there, they flew air interdiction and close air support missions in support of coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm after January 17, 1991. On August 13, 1996 the Lancers took off for the final time from NAS Miramar enroute to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. After a successful six month cycle the Lancers became a permanent resident of MCAS Iwakuni.

The Global War on Terror

Due to a re-organization within Marine aviation, the squadron was placed in a cadre status in 2008.

Squadron aces

The following members of VMF-212 were credited with shooting down at least five Japanese aircraft and earned the right to be called an Ace. The numbers after their name represents the number of enemy aircraft they were credited with shooting down.

LtCol Hank Bauer was awarded the Medal of Honor while serving with VMF-212 in World War II
  • Harold W. Bauer - 11.0
  • William A. Carlton - 5.0
  • Jack E. Conger - 10.0
  • Phillip Cunliffe DeLong - 11.2
  • Frank C. Drury - 6.0
  • Hugh Elwood - 5.2
  • Loren D. Everton - 12.0
  • Henry B. Hamilton - 7.0
  • John McManus - 6.0
  • Donald C. Owen - 5.0
  • Frederick R. Payne - 7.5
  • Francis E. Pierce Jr. - 6.0
  • George H. Poske - 5.0
  • Robert F. Stout - 6.0.[7]

MIA information

In May 2008, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command found the wreckage of an F4U Corsair (BuNo 55908) and the remains of 1stLt Allan S. Harrison III in the vicinity of Warangoi, Papua New Guinea.[8] 1stLt Harrison was shot down by a Japanese aircraft on February 11, 1944 while taking part in a raid on the Japanese garrison at Rabaul.[9]

See also

References

Notes
Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
  1. ^ LtGen John Castellaw (2007). "2007 Marine Aviation Plan" (PDF). Headquarters Marine Corps. Retrieved 2007-11-18. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ^ "JOHN GALLE'S 212 HISTORY PAGE". Retrieved December 16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Sherrod History, p. 460-461.
  4. ^ Sherrod History, p. 430.
  5. ^ "POW S". Project Get Out and Walk. Retrieved 2008-06-25. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help)
  6. ^ White-Hoffman, Nancy Lee (May 2008), "VMF(AW)-212 - First Crusader Squadron to Deliver 2,000 Pound Bombs in Combat", Leatherneck, pp. 52–53{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  7. ^ "List of WW2 Marine Aces". www.Acepilots.com. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  8. ^ Bender, Bryan. U.S. searches for missing World War II pilots. International Herald Tribune http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/28/asia/papua.php. Retrieved 2008-06-02. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List February 1944". Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research. Retrieved 2008-06-02. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Bibliography
  • Crowder, Michael J. (2000). United States Marine Corps Aviation Squadron Lineage, Insignia & History - Volume One - The Fighter Squadrons. Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-926-9.
  • Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle - Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War, 1939 - 1945.". Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.
  • Sherrod, Robert (1952). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II. Washington, D.C.: Combat Forces Press. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Web