by Mark Carlson

Finally, there is a book that reveals the truth about the worst air disaster to strike a Marine Corps fighter squadron during the Second World War. Marine Fighter Squadron 422 was a group of twenty-four typical young Americans trained to fly the famous F4U Corsair into combat with the legendary Japanese Zero. When they arrived in the Pacific, they suddenly found that not all their enemies carried guns in savage Banzai charges. Their two most dangerous and merciless adversaries were the fury of a tropical typhoon and the cold heartless whims of a Marine Corps general. Together, these two foes seal the fate of VMF-422 and cause the greatest disaster ever to strike a Marine squadron. 

Aviation historian Mark Carlson has written the first full account of a group of ordinary young men who were suddenly challenged beyond their experience and which forever changed the lives of the survivors. The Marines’ Lost Squadron is the dramatic true story of a desperate and courageous fight for survival against the forces of nature and a conspiracy of silence. The Marines’ Lost Squadron is a saga of courage and conspiracy, patriotism and pride, fate and futility in a struggle to survive the ferocity of a huge typhoon in the midst of the Second World War.

What Others Are Saying: 

“Mark Carlson does it again, this time with a fast-moving revelation of a forgotten Second World War tragedy, one that should be remembered by all! Excellent! A compelling read.” -- Colonel Walter J Boyne, USAF, (Retired), world-renowned author and historian, former curator of the National Air & Space Museum 

"This book was extensively researched and should be the final word on the Flintlock Disaster. The technical elements regarding the Corsair and the weather will appeal to certain readers as well. The author’s descriptive narrative is very readable and one can easily visualize being in the desperate situation in which those young pilots found themselves. An intriguing tale that carries you along on their uncertain mission, plus the subsequent, inevitable investigation to determine the cause and assign blame. I am glad it has finally been told. Well done!" -- Robert Lehnert, Colonel, USMC (Retired) VMF-422, The Last Living Eyewitness to The Marines Lost Squadron And Doris Lehnert

"I have heard this story from my dad from the time I was 7 years old and it is written exactly like it was told to me for over 60 years. This book was right on! I was with him when he was interviewed by movie producers in the early 2000s. One review mentioned the absence of air collision stories. Well, in all the years of hearing this story, seeing it written about in Naval magazines, there was never a mention of an air collision. My husband, son, and I also attended some of his Squadron reunions and met the few men who were still alive. They all had the same recollection of this tragedy, and, they all put the blame on the one single person. Was this critic there? My dad, Lt. Kenneth E. Gunderson, WAS!" -- Sandra Lynde 

"This is an incredible story, and Mark Carlson does an excellent job of bringing to light the facts surrounding the treacherous circumstances these Marines endured. An excellent writer, with keen attention to detail, telling a compelling story. Bravo, Mark! Thank you for so eloquently capturing this moment in history!" -- Amazon customer 

"An important but little known Marine Corps aviation story has finally been told. Thoroughly researched, this book represents Mark Carlson's excellent ability to tell a story at its best. Carlson weaves the personal lives of those involved in this World War II tragedy into an outstanding read. "Lost" is the horrible result of an unbelievable sequence of failed military actions, but it is exciting to read. I couldn't put it down once I started. It is a "must" read for those interested in aviation and World War II history. Highly recommended!" -- Robert E. Johnston