800 Missions: Four Marine Attack Squadron 311 [VMA-311] pilots return to Marine Aircraft Group 12 at Chu Lai, after completing a total of 800 aerial combat missions over Vietnam. Each pilot flew his 200th aerial combat missions over Vietnam. Each pilot flew his 200th aerial combat mission last week. The aviators are, from left: Major Ron Merrihew, 37 (Benton Harbor, Michigan); Major Donald E. Kirby, 37 (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida); Major Norman E. Pridgen, 32 (Wilson, North Carolina); and Major A. Herber, 35 (Bothell, Washington) (official USMC photo by Staff Sergeant Jim Mims).

From the Jonathan Abel Collection (COLL/3611), Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections.