Douglas SBD-1 1621 USMC Marine Aircraft Group 11 MAG-11 MCAF Quantico

These are 1/72 scale decals for Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless 1621, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia, wearing overall Non-Specular Light Gray (NS Light Gray) with bold "MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP ELEVEN" fuselage titling.

The SBD-1 was the initial production variant of the Dauntless, and the U.S. Marine Corps was its first operator — the Navy's initial SBD deliveries went to Marine squadrons before the fleet received the improved SBD-2 and SBD-3. MAG-11 at Quantico was one of the Marine Corps' primary aviation organizations in the pre-war period, responsible for developing the doctrine and tactics that Marine dive bomber crews would carry into combat at Midway, Guadalcanal, and across the Pacific.

The overall NS Light Gray scheme with full unit titling on the fuselage reflects the pre-war Marine Corps practice of clearly identifying aircraft by unit — a peacetime convention that would give way to tactical camouflage schemes as war approached. The pre-Pearl Harbor national insignia with red center dot and the clean, uncluttered markings make this a striking representation of the Marine Corps at the threshold of its greatest trial. Includes two serial options.

A great companion to the USS Wolverine SBD-1 listing, and an essential subject for any pre-war USMC or Dauntless collection. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.