Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) received the Department of the Air Force’s Gallant Unit Citation for actions between March 15 and October 7, 2025, in the Middle East. The award recognizes extraordinary heroism in combat against an opposing foreign force, equivalent to a Silver Star at the unit level. It has been presented only a handful of times, most recently to units involved in the 2021 Kabul evacuation.
The Marine Corps squadron deployed to U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility in spring 2025, flying more than 1,099 combat sorties. While the Marine Corps did not detail specific operations, it noted VMFA-542 supported regional maritime security, deterrence, and combined training with allied air forces. The squadron conducted Close Air Support, Armed Overwatch, and Defensive Counter-Air missions for Marine, Navy, Army, coalition, and partner forces.
The award period overlaps with major U.S. military engagements in 2025, including airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, intercept missions during the Israel-Iran conflict, and Operation Midnight Hammer targeting Iranian nuclear sites. VMFA-542 operated as an additional participating unit to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, which also received the citation in October 2025.
