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F-5LH-16HS-2LT3M-2SC-2O2U-1PD-1/PM-1/PM-2PBY-2/5/5APB4Y-1

VPB-105 was a Patrol Bombing Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) on 29 May 1924, redesignated Patrol Squadron 2D-15 (VP-2D15)

on 21 September 1927, redesignated Patrol Squadron 2-S (VP-2S) on 1 July 1931, redesignated Patrol Squadron 2-F (VP-2F) on 17 July 1933, redesignated Patrol Squadron 2 (VP-2) on 1 October 1937, redesignated Patrol Squadron 31 (VP-31) on 1 July 1939, redesignated Bombing Squadron 105 (VB-105) on 15 May 1943, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 105 (VPB-105) on 1 October 1944 and disestablished on 27 June 1945.

Operational history

29 May 1924: Station aircraft supporting the Naval Base at Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, were designated by CNO as VP-10. The squadron consisted of six flying boats (F-5Ls and H-16s). The new designation placed the squadron under the Naval Coast Defense Forces, Panama Canal Zone Region.

20 May 1925: VP-10 received new HS-2L flying boats to replace the World War I vintage F-5L and H-16s. The new equipment was tested in formation bombing on targets off the entrance to Colón, Panama, achieving “excellent patterns.”

29 September 1925: VP-10 tested new radio equipment in areas of the Gulf of San Blas considered transmission dead spots.

1 Feb 1926: Two aircraft from VP-10 participated with Army aircraft in the Joint Army/Navy Problem No. I.

21 September 1927: VP-10 was redesignated VP-2D15, the D15 represented the 15th Naval District, Panama Canal Zone.

8 January 1928: Two T3M-2s and one SC-2 of VP-2D15 were converted to land gear-capable aircraft to provide an escort for Colonel Charles Lindbergh from the Gulf of Chiriquí, to the Canal Zone during his visit to the area.

13 May 1928: Two new O2U-1 seaplanes arrived aboard SS Cristobal and were assembled on station. The aircraft were used to make several flights to Haiti to transport vaccine and medical supplies for the Public Health Service in connection with an outbreak of meningitis.

3 January 1931: VP-2D15 received the first PM-1. Night flight training was conducted with the plane and squadron crew members praised the handling and ease of night landings in the new aircraft.

3 Apr 1931: Elements of VP-2D15 completed participation in Fleet Problem XII with Carrier Division One, while VP-8S and VP-10S held off the coast of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. VP-2D15 aircraft operated from the naval base, while VP-8S was supported by and VP-10S had support from and . The squadron’s return flight to Coco Solo, took 8 hours and 5 minutes.

1 July 1931: VP-2D15 was redesignated VP-2S, with the S representing the Scouting Fleet.

13 September 1931: VP-2S completed transition to new PM-2s after receiving a consignment of 20 aircraft from NAS Hampton Roads. The new seaplanes were flown to Coco Solo by squadron personnel, rather than shipping them and reassembling on station, saving the government approximately $250,000.

1 February 1932: VPs 2S and 5S were transferred temporarily from the Panama Canal Zone Region to Base Force command, with headquarters at NAS San Diego, California.

1 April 1933: VP-2S was redesignated VP-2F, with the F representing the Base Force. A detachment of nine aircraft operated with USS Wright, with the remainder of the squadron based at NAS San Diego.

7 April 1933: VPs 2F and 5F returned to the Panama Canal Zone and its former base at FAB Coco Solo.

21 April–28 May 1934: VPs 2F, 3F, 5F, 7F and 9F assembled at FAB Coco Solo to conduct a test flight of massed squadrons in support of fleet movements. Exercises extended through 28 May 1934, terminating at NAS San Diego.

1 January – 16 February 1935: VP-2F conducted exercises with VPs 3F and 5F in the Caribbean to evaluate support provided by tenders USS Wright, , and . Upon completion of the exercises on 16 February 1935 the squadron had covered approximately and crossed the Caribbean for the third time in one year.

1 October 1937: VP-2F was redesignated VP-2 when the fleet structure was reorganized and Patrol Wings were established. VPs 2, 3 and 5 at FAB Coco Solo came under the control of PatWing-3.

20 February 1939: VPs 2, 3 and 5 participated in Fleet Problem XX, with PatWing-3 aircraft serving under Black Force. Exercises against ships and aircraft of White Force in the Caribbean pointed out the extreme vulnerability of patrol aircraft to attack while at land bases, as compared to relative safety in dispersion using tender support. Results also indicated unacceptable loss rates of the slow-moving patrol aircraft in operations against antiaircraft (AA) fire from ships.

14 April 1939: VPs 2, 3 and 5 conducted photographic mapping of miles of South American coastline from Nicaragua to the Colombian border. The aerial photography was greatly impeded by bad weather conditions.

9 March – 1 April 1940: VP-31 was assigned to Neutrality Patrols, operating in conjunction with VP-53 out of NAS Key West, Florida. VP-31 returned to PatWing-3 operational control on 1 April 1940.

1 May 1940: A three-plane detachment from VP-31 was sent to NAS Key West; three aircraft were sent to NAS San Juan, Puerto Rico; and a four-plane detachment remained at Coco Solo.

8 July 1941: VP-31 pilots flew all of the squadron aircraft to NAS San Diego, Calif., for refitting with the newer PBY-5.

1 December 1941: Detachments of aircraft were maintained at NAS Guantanamo, Antigua, Grand Exuma, St. Lucia, British Guiana and Trinidad.

26 May 1942: Lieutenant Edward G. Binning, operating from NAS St. Lucia, located a submarine on the surface at 23:57 and dropped three depth charges on it in two diving attacks. The submarine appeared to settle slowly in the water in a sinking condition. was called to the scene and was also of the opinion that the submarine had been sunk. This attack deserved special notice because it was the first night attack carried out successfully in that area. Lieutenant Binning was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for this action. Postwar examination of German Navy records, however, did not record any loss of a U-boat on that date.

15 August 1942: VP-31 operated out of NAS San Juan and changed administrative control from PatWing-3, Panama Canal Zone, to PatWing-11.

1 October 1942: A VP-31 detachment was sent to NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, to serve with the Narraganset Air Patrol off the northeastern United States. The remainder of the squadron arrived at NAS Elizabeth City, North Carolina, for training in operation of the new PBY-5A.

1 January 1943: A VP-31 detachment was sent to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, serving under FAW-7’s operational control.

1 February 1943: VP-31 detachments were maintained at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, on Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrols; MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina; and NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

1 April 1943: VP-31 detachments rejoin the squadron at NAS Norfolk, Va., for refitting and familiarization training on the new Liberator PB4Y-1 land-based long-range bombers.

15 May 1943: VP-31 was redesignated VB-105 in

preparation for its transition from patrol flying boats

(VP) to land-based bombers (VB). Fifty percent of the

squadron’s assets, flight crews and ground support

staff were supplemented by VP-52. During the four

months of training detachments were sent to KindleyField, Bermuda, for operational long-range training

flights.

1 Aug 1943: VB-105 aircraft were ferried by

squadron aircrews to RAF St. Eval, Cornwall, England.

The squadron, while nominally under the control of

FAW-7, came under the operational control of 19

Group, RAF Coastal Command.

24 Sep 1943: The 19th USAAF squadron departed

Dunkeswell, England, to join the 8th Air Force, followed

by the 22nd USAAF on 28 September. Three

Navy patrol squadrons (VBs 103, 110 and 105) tookover the ASW role previously assigned to the Army in

England. The USAAF ASW squadrons were phased out

and their equipment, similar to that on VB-105 aircraft,

was turned over to the Navy. The USAAF flew its last

ASW mission from Dunkeswell on 31 October 1943

and the 4th USAAF squadron departed on 6 November.

12 Oct 1943: VB-105 relocated to RAFB

Dunkeswell, UK. Within a few months of the

squadron’s arrival, control of a portion of the airbase

was turned over to the Navy and designated NAF

Dunkeswell. Principal duties of the squadron were

convoy escort and ASW patrols.

10 Nov 1943: VB-105 was a participant in one of

the longest surface battles of aircraft against a U-boat

in WWII. At 0800, a VB-105 aircraft piloted by

Lieutenant L. E. Harmon, was alerted by an RAF aircraft

of a radar contact near the coast of Spain.

Harmon located the surfaced U-966, Oberleutenant

Eckehard Wolf commanding and made two strafing

attacks. Heavy AA fire damaged his aircraft and

forced him to break off the attack. An RAF fighter

then dove to attack the submarine. Harmon made a

third strafing attack but had to break off afterwards

due to a fuel shortage. Lieutenant K. L. Wright, of

VB-103, located U-966 near Ferrol at 1040 and delivered

a strafing and depth charge attack. Intense AA

fire drove him off and he had to depart the target

due to lack of fuel. Lieutenant W. W. Parish and crew

then arrived on the scene. A depth charge attack was

conducted in cooperation with a rocket-firing RAF

Liberator at 1230. The submarine was abandoned by

its crew after running aground at Oritiguiera, Spain,

with eight of its crew of 49 killed in action. The

German crewmen were quickly picked up by nearby

Spanish fishing vessels and interned by the Spanish

government.26 Feb 1944: One of the squadron aircraft was attacked

by German Ju-88s and shot down, with the loss

of all hands. A Ju-88C-6 Werk No. 750941 from 3/ZG1

piloted by Lieutenant H. Baldeweg was also shot

down, with the loss of its crew.

1 Jun 1944: VB-105 participated in operations in

support of the landings in France, maintaining 15 aircraft

in an operational status for the duration of the

landings.

10 Aug 1944: A squadron aircraft encountered a

heavily armed twin-engine German DO-217. In the ensuing

combat, the German aircraft was heavily damaged

and turned for home.

30 Aug 1944: A squadron aircraft attacked a

German U-boat in coastal waters off Brest. Sufficient

evidence of the submarine’s destruction was present to

justify a claim of sunk by the squadron. Postwar

German records indicate no U-boat losses on this date.

17 May 1945: Operational missions were reduced

and sight-seeing tours for VIPs were conducted over

the captured territories ranging from Normandy to

Holland.

4 Jun 1945: VPB-105 was en route from

England to continental United States to prepare for its

disestablishment.

27 Jun 1945: VPB-105 was disestablished at NAS

Norfolk, Va. Aircraft assignments

The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown:

F-5L - May 1924

H-16 - May 1924

HS-2L - May 1925

T3M-2 - 1927 SC-2 - 1927

O2U-1 - May 1928

PD-1 - 1930

PM-1 - July 1931

PM-1/PM-2 September 1931 PBY-2 - 1939

PBY-5 - July 1941

PBY-5A - September 1942

PB4Y-1 - April 1943

Home port assignments

The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown:

NAS Coco Solo, Panama - 29 May 1924

NAS San Diego, California - 1 February 1932

FAB Coco Solo - 7 April 1933

NAS San Juan, Puerto Rico - 15 August 1941

NAS Elizabeth City, North Carolina - 1 October 1942

NAS Norfolk, Virginia - 1 April 1943

RAF St. Eval, England - 1 August 1943

RAF/NAF Dunkeswell, England - 12 October 1943

NAS Norfolk - June 1945

See also

United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons

Maritime patrol aircraft

List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

History of the United States Navy

References

VPB-105LineageEstablished as Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) on 29May 1924.Redesignated Patrol Squadron TWO D-15 (VP-2D15)on 21 September 1927.Redesignated Patrol Squadron TWO-S (VP-2S) on 1July 1931.Redesignated Patrol Squadron TWO-F (VP-2F) on 17July 1933.Redesignated Patrol Squadron TWO (VP-2) on 1October 1937.Redesignated Patrol Squadron THIRTY ONE (VP-31)on 1 July 1939.Redesignated Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDFIVE (VB-105) on 15 May 1943.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED FIVE (VPB-105) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 27 June 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameThe first squadron insignia appeared after its redes-ignation from VP-2D15 to a patrol squadron of theScouting Fleet in 1931. It is possible the squadron mayhave used the insignia prior to 1931 and maybe evenas far back as 1924. VP-2, in line with its function inthe fleet, adopted the insignia of a patrolman chasingan unseen wrongdoer. Colors: hat, black with yellowbadge and white band; face, shaded pink; eye, whiteoutlined in black with a black pupil; hair, black; lips,red; hands, pink outlined in black; uniform, black withyellow stripes on sleeves, pants and buttons; whitebelt with yellow buckle; sleeves and pants outlined inwhite. The same insignia was used in successivechanges of designation until the disestablishment ofVPB-105 in 1945.Nickname: Patrolmen, circa 1931–1945.Chronology of Significant Events29 May 1924:Station aircraft supporting the NavalBase at Coco Solo, Panama, C.Z., were designated byCNO as VP-10. The squadron consisted of six flyingboats (F-5Ls and H-16s). The new designation placedthe squadron under the Naval Coast Defense Forces,Panama Canal Zone Region.20 May 1925:VP-10 received new HS-2L flyingboats to replace the WWI vintage F-5L and H-16CHAPTER 4513The squadron’s well-known insignia.An F-5L in flight.An HS-2 in flight.

squadron aircraft. The new equipment was tested information bombing on targets off the entrance toColon, Panama, achieving “excellent patterns.”29 Sep 1925:VP-10 tested new radio equipment inareas of the Gulf of San Blas area considered transmis-sion dead spots.1 Feb 1926:Two aircraft from VP-10 participatedwith Army aircraft in the Joint Army/Navy ProblemNo. I.21 Sep 1927:VP-10 was redesignated VP-2D15, theD15 represented the 15th Naval District, Panama CanalZone.8 Jan 1928:Two T3M-2s and one SC-2 of VP-2D15were converted to land gear-capable aircraft to pro-vide an escort for Colonel Lindberg from Chiriqui,Panama, to the Canal Zone during his visit to the area.13 May 1928:Two new Corsair O2U-1 seaplanesarrived aboard SS Cristobaland were assembled onstation. The aircraft were used to make several flightsto Haiti to transport vaccine and medical supplies forthe Public Health Service in connection with an out-break of meningitis.3 Jan 1931:VP-2D15 received the first PM-1. Nightflight training was conducted with the plane andsquadron crew members praised the handling andease of night landings in the new aircraft.3 Apr 1931:Elements of VP-2D15 completed partic-ipation in Fleet Problem XII with Carrier Division One,while VP-8S and VP-10S held off the coast ofGuantanamo, Cuba. VP-2D15 aircraft operated fromthe naval base, while VP-8S was supported by Wright(AV 1) and VP-10S had support from Swann(AM 34)and Whitney(AD 4). The squadron’s 700-mile returnflight to Coco Solo, C.Z., took 8 hours and 5 minutes.1 Jul 1931:VP-2D15 was redesignated VP-2S, withthe S representing the Scouting Fleet.13 Sep 1931:VP-2S completed transition to newPM-2s after receiving a consignment of 20 aircraft fromNAS Hampton Roads. The new seaplanes were flownto Coco Solo, C.Z., by squadron personnel, rather thanshipping them and reassembling on station, saving thegovernment approximately $250,000.1 Feb 1932:VPs 2S and 5S were transferred tem-porarily from the Panama Canal Zone Region to BaseForce command, with headquarters at NAS San Diego,Calif.1 Apr 1933:VP-2S was redesignated VP-2F, withthe F representing the Base Force. A detachment ofnine aircraft operated with Wright(AV 1), with remain-der of squadron based at NAS San Diego.514DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2A formation ofsquadron PD-1s inflight, circa 1930.A squadron PM-2 in flight, note the policeman insignia on the bow.

7 Apr 1933:VPs 2F and 5F returned to the PanamaCanal Zone Region and its former base at FAB CocoSolo, C.Z.21 Apr–28 May 1934:VPs 2F, 3F, 5F, 7F and 9F as-sembled at FAB Coco Solo, C.Z., to conduct a testflight of massed squadrons in support of fleet move-ments. Exercises extended through 28 May 1934, ter-minating at NAS San Diego.1 Jan–16 Feb 1935:VP-2F conducted exerciseswith VPs 3F and 5F in the Caribbean to evaluate sup-port provided by tenders Wright( AV 1), Lapwing(AM1), Teal(AM 23) and Gannet(AM 41). Upon comple-tion of the exercises on 16 February 1935 thesquadron had covered approximately 4,000 miles andcrossed the Caribbean for the third time in one year.1 Oct 1937:VP-2F was redesignated VP-2 when thefleet structure was reorganized and Patrol Wings wereestablished. VPs 2, 3 and 5 at FAB Coco Solo, C.Z.,came under the cognizance of PatWing-3.20 Feb 1939:VPs 2, 3 and 5 participated in FleetProblem XX, with PatWing-3 aircraft serving underBlack Force. Exercises against ships and aircraft ofWhite Force in the Caribbean pointed out the extremevulnerability of patrol aircraft to attack while at landbases, as compared to relative safety in dispersionusing tender support. Results also indicated unaccept-able loss rates of the slow-moving patrol aircraft in op-erations against antiaircraft fire from ships.14 Apr 1939:VPs 2, 3 and 5 conducted photo-graphic mapping of 1,076 miles of South Americancoastline from Nicaragua to the Colombian border.The aerial photography was greatly impeded by badweather conditions.9 Mar–1 Apr 1940:VP-31 was assigned toNeutrality Patrols, operating in conjunction with VP-53out of NAS Key West, Fla. After the invasion of Polandon 3 September 1939, President Roosevelt declared theneutrality of the United States and directed the Navy tobegin a Neutrality Patrol in the Atlantic. It extendedCHAPTER 4515A squadron PM-2 being refueled at Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, 1937.A squadron PBY-2 in flight.

from the high latitudes of the North Atlantic to thenortheast coast of South America to 300 miles outfrom the coastline. VP-31 returned to PatWing-3 opera-tional control on 1 April 1940.1 May 1940:A three-plane detachment from VP-31was sent to Key West, Fla.; three aircraft were sent toSan Juan, P.R.; and a four-plane detachment remainedat Coco Solo, C.Z.8 Jul 1941:VP-31 pilots flew all of the squadronaircraft to NAS San Diego, Calif., for refitting with thenewer PBY-5.1 Dec 1941:Detachments of aircraft were main-tained at Guantanamo, Antigua, Grand Exuma, St.Lucia, British Guiana and Trinidad.26 May 1942: Lieutenant Edward G. Binning, oper-ating from NAS St. Lucia, B.W.I., located a subma-rine on the surface at 2357 hours and dropped threedepth charges on it in two diving attacks. The sub-marine appeared to settle slowly in the water in asinking condition. Tarbell(DD 142) was called tothe scene and was also of the opinion that the sub-marine had been sunk. This attack deserved specialnotice because it was the first night attack carriedout successfully in that area. Lieutenant Binning wassubsequently awarded the Navy Cross for this ac-tion. Postwar examination of German Navy records,however, did not record any loss of a U-boat onthat date.15 Aug 1942:VP-31 operated out of NAS San Juan,P.R., and changed administrative control fromPatWing-3, Panama Canal Zone, to PatWing-11.1 Oct 1942:A VP-31 detachment was sent to NASQuonset Point, R.I., to serve with the Narraganset AirPatrol off the northeastern United States. The remain-516DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2Squadron aviation machinist’s mates work on the starboard engine of their PBY-5A, circa 1942, 80-G-K-15310.

CHAPTER 4517Crew members in front of their PB4Y-1, Quonset Point, 17 June 1943, 80-G-383758 (Courtesy Captain Jerry Mason, USN).der of the squadron arrived at NAS Elizabeth City,N.C., for training in operation of the new PBY-5A.1 Jan 1943:A VP-31 detachment was sent toArgentia, Newfoundland, serving under FAW-7’s opera-tional control.1 Feb 1943:VP-31 detachments were maintained atArgentia, Newfoundland, on ASW patrols; MCASCherry Point, N.C.; and NAS Jacksonville, Fla.1 Apr 1943:VP-31 detachments rejoin the squadronat NAS Norfolk, Va., for refitting and familiarizationtraining on the new Liberator PB4Y-1 land-based long-range bombers.15 May 1943:VP-31 was redesignated VB-105 inpreparation for its transition from patrol flying boats(VP) to land-based bombers (VB). Fifty percent of thesquadron’s assets, flight crews and ground supportstaff were supplemented by VP-52. During the fourmonths of training detachments were sent to Kindley

Field, Bermuda, for operational long-range trainingflights.1 Aug 1943:VB-105 aircraft were ferried bysquadron aircrews to RAF St. Eval, Cornwall, England.The squadron, while nominally under the control ofFAW-7, came under the operational control of 19Group, RAF Coastal Command.24 Sep 1943:The 19thUSAAF squadron departedDunkeswell, England, to join the 8thAir Force, fol-lowed by the 22ndUSAAF on 28 September. ThreeNavy patrol squadrons (VBs 103, 110 and 105) tookover the ASW role previously assigned to the Army inEngland. The USAAF ASW squadrons were phased outand their equipment, similar to that on VB-105 aircraft,was turned over to the Navy. The USAAF flew its lastASW mission from Dunkeswell on 31 October 1943and the 4thUSAAF squadron departed on 6 November.12 Oct 1943:VB-105 relocated to RAFBDunkeswell, UK. Within a few months of thesquadron’s arrival, control of a portion of the airbasewas turned over to the Navy and designated NAFDunkeswell. Principal duties of the squadron wereconvoy escort and ASW patrols.10 Nov 1943:VB-105 was a participant in one ofthe longest surface battles of aircraft against a U-boatin WWII. At 0800, a VB-105 aircraft piloted byLieutenant L. E. Harmon, was alerted by an RAF air-craft of a radar contact near the coast of Spain.Harmon located the surfaced U-966, OberleutenantEckehard Wolf commanding and made two strafingattacks. Heavy AA fire damaged his aircraft andforced him to break off the attack. An RAF fighterthen dove to attack the submarine. Harmon made athird strafing attack but had to break off afterwardsdue to a fuel shortage. Lieutenant K. L. Wright, ofVB-103, located U-966near Ferrol at 1040 and deliv-ered a strafing and depth charge attack. Intense AAfire drove him off and he had to depart the targetdue to lack of fuel. Lieutenant W. W. Parish and crewthen arrived on the scene. A depth charge attack wasconducted in cooperation with a rocket-firing RAFLiberator at 1230. The submarine was abandoned byits crew after running aground at Oritiguiera, Spain,with eight of its crew of 49 killed in action. TheGerman crewmen were quickly picked up by nearbySpanish fishing vessels and interned by the Spanishgovernment. 518DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2A squadron attack against a U-boat on 3 July 1943. The attack didnot result in the sinking of the submarine, 80-G-451454a (CourtesyCaptain Jerry Mason, USN).A PB4Y-1 flying over theEnglish countryside enroute to a mission overthe Bay of Biscay, circa1943, 80-G-K-14056.

26 Feb 1944:One of the squadron aircraft was at-tacked by German Ju-88s and shot down, with the lossof all hands. A Ju-88C-6 Werk No. 750941 from 3/ZG1piloted by Lieutenant H. Baldeweg was also shotdown, with the loss of its crew. 1 Jun 1944:VB-105 participated in operations insupport of the landings in France, maintaining 15 air-craft in an operational status for the duration of thelandings.10 Aug 1944:A squadron aircraft encountered aheavily armed twin-engine German DO-217. In the en-suing combat, the German aircraft was heavily dam-aged and turned for home.30 Aug 1944:A squadron aircraft attacked aGerman U-boat in coastal waters off Brest. Sufficientevidence of the submarine’s destruction was present tojustify a claim of sunk by the squadron. PostwarGerman records indicate no U-boat losses on this date.17 May 1945:Operational missions were reducedand sight-seeing tours for VIPs were conducted overthe captured territories ranging from Normandy toHolland.4 Jun 1945:VPB-105 was en route fromEngland to continental United States to prepare for itsdisestablishment.27 Jun 1945:VPB-105 was disestablished at NASNorfolk, Va.Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAS Coco Solo, C.Z.29 May 1924NAS San Diego, Calif.1 Feb 1932FAB Coco Solo, C.Z.7 Apr 1933NAS San Juan, P.R.15 Aug 1941NAS Elizabeth City, N.C.1 Oct 1942NAS Norfolk, Va.1 Apr 1943RAFB St. Eval, England1 Aug 1943RAFB/NAF Dunkeswell, England*12 Oct 1943NAS Norfolk, Va.Jun 1945*RAFB Dunkeswell came under U.S. Navy control and was redesig-nated NAF Dunkeswell on 23 March 1944.Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandUnknown1924–1931LT Harry F. Carlson1 July 1931LT Dolph C. Allen1931LCDR Ricco Botta1932LCDR D. P. Johnson1935LCDR B. E. Grow1937LCDR J. B. Dunn1939LCDR C. A. Bond1940LCDR A. SmithApr 1942Commanding Officers—ContinuedDate Assumed CommandLCDR F. E. Nuessle1 Nov 1942CDR D. Gay, Jr.Nov 1943CDR J. K. Sloatman, Jr. (actg.)Sep 1944CDR L. E. Harmon18 Oct 1944CDR J. K. Sloatman, Jr.May 1945CHAPTER 4519A squadron PBY being serviced by a tender.Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedF-5LMay 1924H-16May 1924HS-2LMay 1925T3M-21927SC-21927O2U-1May 1928PD-11930A squadron PD-1 in flight with a formation of fighter aircraft in theupper part of the photo.

Aircraft Assignment—ContinuedType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPM-1July 1931PM-1/PM-2Sep 1931PBY-21939Aircraft Assignment—ContinuedType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPBY-5July 1941PBY-5ASep 1942PB4Y-1Apr 1943520DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2A squadron PBY-2 with the policeman insignia on the bow (Courtesy John M. Elliott Collection).Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType of Area ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperations1 Jan 193516 Feb 1935ScoForKey WestPM-2Carib9 Mar 19401 Apr 1940PatWing-5Key WestPBY-2Carib 1 May 19408 Jul 1940PatWing-5Key WestPBY-2Carib1 May 19408 Jul 1940PatWing-5San JuanPBY-2Carib1 Dec 194115 Aug 1941PatWing-5Multi. IslandsPBY-5Carib15 Aug 19421 Oct 1942PatWing-11San JuanPBY-5Carib1 Jan 19431 Apr 1943FAW-7ArgentiaPBY-5NorLant 1 Aug 194312 Oct 1943FAW-7St. EvalPB4Y-1NorLant 12 Oct 19436 Jun 1945FAW-7DunkeswellPB4Y-1NorLant

Air Wing AssignmentsAir WingTail CodeAssignment DateNaval Coast Defense Forces,Panama Canal Zone Region29 May 1924Naval District, Panama Canal Zone21 Sep 1927Scouting Force, U.S. Fleet AirBase, Coco Solo1 Jul 1931Aircraft Squadrons, Base Force, U.S. Fleet1 Apr 1933PatWing-31 Oct 1937Neutrality Patrol9 Mar 1940PatWing-31 Apr 1940PatWing-1115 Aug 1941Air Wing Assignments—ContinuedAir WingTail CodeAssignment DatePatWing-5/FAW-5†30 Sep 1942Group 19, RAF CoastalCommand/FAW-71 Aug 1943FAW-5Jun 1945†Patrol Wing 5 (PatWing-5) was redesignated Fleet Air Wing 5(FAW-5) on 1 November 1942.Unit Awards ReceivedNone on record.CHAPTER 4521A squadron PM-2being refueled atSaint Thomas, VirginIslands, March 1937,note the policemaninsignia on the bow.A PB4Y-1 heads out over the Bay of Biscayon an antisubmarine mission, circa 1943,80-G-K-13687.

VPB-109LineageEstablished as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDNINE (VB-109) on 2 August 1943.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED NINE (VPB-109) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 12 October 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameNone on record. Chronology of Significant Events2 Aug–30 Oct 1943:VB-109 was established at NASSan Diego, Calif., as a heavy bombing squadron flyingthe PB4Y-1 Liberator and under the operational con-trol of FAW-14. Fifteen aircraft were assigned to thesquadron with 18 flight crews. During this training pe-riod emphasis was upon familiarization with theLiberator, instruments, navigation and night flying,with some gunnery and bombing. Training was com-pleted on 30 October and preparations were begunfor the transpac to NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii.4 Nov 1943:VB-109 completed the transpac to NASKaneohe, coming under the operational control ofFAW-2. The advanced combat phase of training wasbegun in conjunction with operational patrols over theapproaches to the Hawaiian Islands.28 Dec 1943–13 Jan 1944:The squadron wastransferred to Apamama, Gilbert Islands and con-ducted its first combat patrol on 31 December 1943.On 1 January 1944, Lieutenant John F. Bundy madethe squadron’s first kill, sinking a 2,000-ton cargo ves-sel near Mille. The squadron’s arrival was greeted thenext evening by an enemy air raid that destroyed oneaircraft, damaged two others and wounded three per-sonnel. Throughout the month of January thesquadron continued attacks on enemy shipping withgood results; dropped mines at Maloelap Atoll, Wotjeand Kwajalein; and served as fighter escort for photo-graphic planes from VD-3 on low-level missions. On13 January 1944, Lieutenant Samuel E. Coleman andhis crew failed to return from a patrol.3–28 Feb 1944:Numerous photographic missionswere flown over the islands of Eniwetok and Wotje,some in conjunction with VD-3. Bombing missionswere conducted over Wotje, Kusaie and Wake Island.On 13 February 1944, Lieutenant (jg) John H. Herronand his crew failed to return from patrol. 7 Mar 1944:VB-109 was relocated to a newly es-tablished base on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.From this location the squadron made attacks andphotographic sorties on enemy installations at Ponapeand Pakin. Numerous successful masthead attackswere conducted on shipping throughout the patrolarea.5–29 Apr 1944:VB-109 was moved from Kwajaleinto Eniwetok. From this location the squadron con-ducted several mining missions in the Truk Atoll.Attacks were conducted on enemy installations atOroluk, Ponape and Puluwat.1–16 May 1944:Attacks against surface shippingcontinued with good results, but after the middle ofthe month enemy shipping was no longer to befound. The emphasis was shifted to attacks on groundinstallations at Wake Island, Truk and Puluwat.16 May 1944: On this date, Commander Norman M.Miller, the squadron’s commanding officer and hiscrew took part in what must rank as one of the mostsuccessful and certainly most destructive single-planeraids in the squadron’s history. During a long-range re-connaissance flight to Truk, Commander Miller spotteda 5,000-ton freighter anchored in the lagoon. He madea beam attack, releasing three bombs at mastheadheight, heavily damaging the vessel. Miller then spot-ted a 10,000-ton ship that immediately exploded afterhis bomb run, destroying a large portion of the vessel.He then proceeded on to Puluwat, arriving over theJapanese airfield at minimum altitude, surprised andstrafed a formation of 30 enemy soldiers. In this attackhe destroyed one truck, an aircraft revetment anddropped two bombs on a radio station. In his lastbomb run on the radio station the Liberator was hitfour times by AA fire, one exploding directly abovethe cockpit, wounding both Miller and his secondpilot. Despite his wounds and damage to the aircraft,Commander Miller flew the Liberator 800 miles backto base for a safe landing. For his cool courage andflying skill, Commander Miller was awarded the NavyCross.Jun 1944:Most of the squadron’s activities in Junewere spent flying patrols covering the task force mov-ing to attack Saipan. Daily reconnaissance patrolswere flown over Wake Island to ensure no enemy at-tacks would endanger the task force from that quarter.Low level photographic runs were made over Saipanand Tinian during the landings. Occasional bombingand strafing runs on Saipan were made in conjunctionwith naval vessels offshore.17 Jun 1944:Lieutenant Bridgeman and crew sankthe Japanese submarine RO-117, Lieutenant Comman-der Yasua Enomoto commanding, which had left Trukon 5 June bound for a position off Saipan. The sink-ing, originally claimed by the squadron as possibledamaged, was confirmed as sunk by Japanese recordsafter the war.12 Jul–10 Aug 1944:An advanced echelon detach-ment was sent to operate from Isley Field, Saipan. Asecond detachment arrived on 29 July, remaining until10 August.522DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2

14 Jul 1944:VB-109 made the first shore-based air-craft attack on Iwo Jima, damaging ships, airfields andparked aircraft. On 16 July the squadron’s command-ing officer flew Marine battalion commanders and in-telligence officers over the proposed landing areas atTinian, giving them an on-site view of the approachesand obstacles they would soon face on the ground. 19 Jul 1944: The squadron made the first land-based aircraft attacks on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima,destroying several ships, aircraft and damaging numer-ous shore installations.5 Aug 1944:Lieutenant Elmer H. Kasperon and hiscrew failed to return from a night bombing missionover Chichi Jima.14 Aug–12 Sep 1944:VB-109 departed Eniwetokand returned to NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii. On 23 Augustthe squadron began the return to NAS San Diego, Calif.,with the last crew arriving on 12 September 1944. Allsquadron aircraft were turned over to the HEDRON,FAW-14 and all personnel were given home leave.5 Oct 1944–Feb 1945:VPB-109 was reformed atNAAS Camp Kearney, Calif., with 15 PB4Y-2 Privateerbombers and 18 crews. Training on the new aircraftwas completed on 30 January 1945 and preparationswere begun for the transpac to NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii.The ground echelon departed on 30 January for PearlHarbor aboard Fanshaw Bay(CVE 70). Aircrewsbegan their departures in elements of three on 11February 1945, with the last aircraft arriving atKaneohe on 20 February.11 Feb–18 Mar 1945:As crews continued to arrive,the squadron was put into the training syllabus forcombat patrols, bombing, gunnery and ground school.On 18 March, an RY-2 (the cargo version of the PB4Y-1) was assigned to the squadron’s complement byHEDRON, FAW-2.1 Apr 1945:VPB-109 was selected to employ theSWOD Mark 9 (Bat) guided bomb. The Bat guidedmissile was in essence a bomb with wings and controlsurfaces guided to its target by a mother ship. TheGermans had successfully employed similar ordnancein the Mediterranean with great effect. The Bat offeredthe advantage of being a standoff weapon that al-lowed the bomber crew to remain out of effective AArange of a surface target while launching the wingedbomb at the vessel. The Bat could guide itself to itstarget by means of target echoes of pulsed microwaveradiation emitted by the missile’s built-in radar system.CHAPTER 4523A PB4Y-2 at NAAS Camp Kerney, December 1944, 80-G-K-2678.

It could see its target under any condition of visibility.The weapon presented such a small cross-section thatit was nearly impossible for AA fire to destroy it beforeimpact. Unfortunately, the Bat suffered from problemsrelating to the high humidity of the tropics and thepoor characteristics of electronic devices of that pe-riod. Three squadrons were equipped to handle thenew weapon. Testing and training on its use contin-ued through the end of the month.10–23 Apr 1945:VPB-109 deployed to PuertoPrincessa, Palawan, coming under the operational con-trol of FAW-10. On 23 April 1945, LieutenantCommander Hicks and Lieutenant Kennedy droppedthe first Bat weapons employed on a combat missionagainst shipping in Balikpapan harbor. Both deviceswere defective and did not strike any targets.Conventional bombing missions by the rest of thesquadron were carried out with great success againsttargets on Soebi-Ketjil, Tambelan, South Natoena,Djemadja, Mukah, Pandanseri Refinery and Cape Bilaharbor.28 Apr 1945:Two of the Bat-equipped Privateersflown by Lieutenant Commander Hicks and LieutenantChay again attacked shipping in Balikpapan harbor.Three Bats were released in an attempt to sink a largetransport. Two of the Bats went to either side of thevessel, sinking two smaller freighters, while the thirdexecuted a sharp right turn to strike a large oil storagetank a quarter of a mile away in the PandanseriRefinery.30 Apr 1945:Enemy aircraft attacked WestbrookeField AAFB, Puerto Princessa, at night damaging threesquadron aircraft and injuring one enlisted crewman.1–6 May 1945:Attacks against enemy targets in thearea of Borneo and Celebes continued unabated withgreat success, sinking 45 vessels of all types and de-stroying numerous ground installations in one week.7–16 May 1945:It soon became obvious that largeship targets justifying the expenditure of Bats were nolonger available in the operational area of thesquadron outside of Singapore, which was too far forthe Bat-equipped bombers to fly and return. A basecloser to the Japanese homeland was required, soVPB-109 was relocated to West Field, Tinian, underthe operational control of FAW-1. Three days later, on10 May, the squadron moved to Yontan Field,Okinawa Shima. Four days later, VPB-109 found outhow close they were to the enemy homeland whenthey were greeted by the Japanese with a night bomb-ing attack that damaged one squadron aircraft. A simi-lar attack on 18 May destroyed one aircraft and dam-aged two others. The frequent enemy night foraysprecluded night patrols by the squadron, as thebombers could not be serviced or landed duringalerts. It was also too dangerous to fly at night, be-cause the fleet shot at anything with wings. The firstBat attack by the squadron while based at Okinawatook place on 13 May with negative results. Attacks onshipping on the 15th and 16th with three Bats wasalso unsuccessful. The sensitive equipment in the de-vices was too prone to corrosion and warping in thetropical environment. No test equipment for the Batshad been sent forward with the squadron to permit di-agnostics before they were used in combat.17 May 1945:In a demonstration of the Privateer’ssurvivability and heavy fire-power, LieutenantFairbanks and Lieutenant Warren’s aircraft were at-tacked on patrol by 12 enemy interceptors. Two of theJapanese fighters were shot down with only minordamage to Lieutenant Fairbank’s aircraft and twowounded crewmen.24 May 1945:The Japanese considered the activi-ties of the squadrons based at Yontan Field to be im-portant enough to merit the expenditure of a special-ized suicide attack force. The commandos were flownin under cover of darkness aboard three Ki-21 Sallymedium bombers. Two were shot down in flames,along with five of their fighter escorts. The remainingSally landed wheels up on the airstrip. The attackersquickly dispersed throughout the area, throwingsatchel charges and grenades into parked aircraft andengaging the Marine perimeter defense forces infirefights. One VPB-109 aircraft was destroyed and an-other damaged beyond repair before the commandoswere eliminated. Three squadron enlisted personnelwere wounded in the crossfire or by shrapnel fromthe explosions.27 May 1945:Lieutenant Leo E. Kennedy and hiscrew obtained honors for the squadron with the sink-ing of a Japanese destroyer in the first successful Batattack on the open sea, blowing the entire bow off thevessel. In the same attack, using conventional bombs,Kennedy sank a 2,000-ton freighter and four smallfreighters and damaged two smaller vessels. For thisrecord-setting action Lieutenant Kennedy was awardedthe Navy Cross. Three days later Kennedy was killedby AA fire during a conventional bombing attack onshipping off the mouth of the Yangtze River.29 May 1945:Lieutenants Turner and Warren re-ceived reports of large shipping near Shanghai. Theydropped two defective Bats with no results on a 6,000-ton and a 4,000-ton freighter located at the mouth ofthe Yangtze River.31 May 1945:VPB-109 was relocated to West Field,Tinian, with a detachment remaining at Yontan Field,Okinawa. In early July all of the squadron’s SWODpersonnel were transferred to CASU-7, Yontan Field,Okinawa. The new unit combined the SWOD func-tions previously performed by VPBs 109, 123 and 124.1–27 Jul 1945:The squadron established a three-aircraft detachment at Central Field, Iwo Jima, joinedby the entire squadron on 8 July. Primary missions as-signed during this period involved barrier patrols be-tween the U.S. Third Fleet and the Japanese home is-524DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2

lands and air-sea rescue missions for USAAF B-29crews returning from bombing missions over Japan.28 Jul 1945:VPB-109 returned to Yontan Field,Okinawa. Missions were assigned to conduct barrierpatrols off the Shantung Peninsula and air-sea rescuepatrols for downed aircrews. 5 Aug 1945:Lieutenant Keeling and crew were shotdown with the loss of all hands during a strafing at-tack on a tanker while on patrol east of Korea.8 Aug 1945:Lieutenants Vadnais and Challis madenegative Bat attacks on a large enemy tanker. This wasprobably the last such attack using this weapon inWWII. The last combat mission by the squadron oc-curred two days later when Lieutenant Chay andLieutenant (jg) Moyer sank five small freighters withconventional weapons in the Tsushima Straits.15–24 Aug 1945:Orders were received to cease at-tacks on the enemy. Armament was carried for defen-sive purposes only. On 24 August all patrol activityceased, and the primary mission assigned to thesquadron was that of weather reconnaissance for vari-ous elements of the fleet.Sep 1945:VPB-109 returned to NAS San Diego,Calif., and was disestablished on 12 October 1945.Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAS San Diego, Calif.2 Aug 1943NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii4 Nov 1943NAS San Diego, Calif.Sep 1944NAAS Camp Kearney, Calif.5 Oct 1944NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii11 Feb 1945NAS San Diego, Calif.Sep 1945Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandCDR Norman M. Miller2 Aug 1943LT(jg) Leland P. Russell16 Sep 1944LCDR George L. Hicks6 Dec 1944Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPB4Y-1Aug 1943PB4Y-2Dec 1944RY-2Mar 1945CHAPTER 4525Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType ofArea ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperations4 Nov 1943*FAW-2KaneohePB4Y-1EastPac28 Dec 1943*FAW-1ApamamaPB4Y-1SoPac7 Mar 1944*FAW-1KwajaleinPB4Y-1SoPac5 Apr 1944*FAW-1EniwetokPB4Y-1SoPac12 Jul 1944*FAW-1SaipanPB4Y-1SoPac10 Aug 194414 Aug 1944FAW-1EniwetokPB4Y-1SoPac11 Feb 1945*FAW-2KaneohePB4Y-2EastPac10 Apr 1945*FAW-10PalawanPB4Y-2SoPac10 May 1945*FAW-1OkinawaPB4Y-2WestPac31 May 1945*FAW-1TinianPB4Y-2SoPac1 Jul 1945*FAW-1Iwo JimaPB4Y-2WestPac28 May 1945Sep 1945FAW-1OkinawaPB4Y-2WestPac*Continued combat deployment in the Pacific, moving from base to base.Wing AssignmentsWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-142 Aug 1943FAW-24 Nov 1943FAW-128 Dec 1943FAW-214 Aug 1944FAW-1412 Sep 1944FAW-211 Feb 1945FAW-1010 Apr 1945Wing Assignments—ContinuedWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-110 May 1945FAW-14Sep 1945Unit Awards ReceivedUnit AwardInclusive Date Covering Unit AwardPUC 31 Dec 194314 Aug 1944

526DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2The squadron used Bat missiles in the Pacific during the latter part of the war. This photo shows a Bat missile being placed in position on a PB4Y.

VPB-110LineageEstablished as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDTEN (VB-110) on 18 July 1943.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED TEN (VPB-110) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 1 September 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameThe insignia for VPB-110 was approved by CNO on3 February 1945. A fox holding a pair of binoculars inhis left paw and a bomb in his right straddled a 50-cal-iber Browning machine gun. In the background was awinged V enclosed within a circle. The significance ofthe design was not stated in the records but sinceVPB-110 was a PB4Y-1 Liberator squadron stationed inEngland, it may be assumed that the V stood forChurchill’s famous “V for Victory.” The bomb and ma-chine gun were the principal weapons of the PB4Y-1,while the binoculars were the primary device for spot-ting its prey, German U-boats. Colors: field, blue; cir-cle, white; fox, rust with white ears and tail markings;wings, white; fox tongue, red; machine gun, blackoutlined in gray and white; bomb, green with yellowshading; binoculars, black with white lens.Nicknames: None on record.Chronology of Significant Events18 Jul–9 Sep 1943:VB-110 was established at NASNorfolk, Va., as a heavy bombing squadron flying thePB4Y-1 Liberator under the operational control ofFAW-5. Most of the flight crews came from VP-203 andother PBM squadrons and required a thorough check-out in the Liberator aircraft. These check flights werecompleted at NAS Norfolk by 27 July. VB-110 movedfrom NAS Norfolk to NAAS Elizabeth City, N.C., on 1August for its shakedown phase of training. On 4August, the training was briefly interrupted while thesquadron’s aircraft were flown to NAS San Diego tohave the new Erco nose turrets installed. At the end ofthe month, these aircraft were turned over to VB-105,because they were scheduled to depart for England on1 September. VB-110’s replacement aircraft were sixArmy B-24s with no radar or Erco nose turrets. Threeof the modified PB4Y-1 aircraft were received on 9September, equipped with APS-15 radar, LORAN,sonobouys and provisions to carry the Mark 24 hom-ing torpedo (nicknamed Fido and Zombie).DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I527The squadron’s cartoon design insignia.A PB4Y-1 en route to a mission over the Bay of Biscay, circa 1943,80-G-K-14057.

15 Sep–20 Oct 1943:VB-110 departed for RAF St.Eval, Cornwall, England, becoming operational with12 aircraft aboard on 15 October 1943. Ground per-sonnel and support staff departed aboard the tenderAlbemarle (AV 5). The squadron joined VB-103 and105 at this station, under the joint operational controlof FAW-7 and 19 Group, RAF Coastal Command. Thesquadron flew its first mission in the Bay of Biscay on20 October 1943. VB-110 was one of 20 squadrons,American and British, operating under the 19 Group,Coastal Command. Flights over the Bay of Biscay werecalled Barrier Patrols, running from Fastnet Rock insouthern Ireland to Cape Finisterre, Spain, and back toBrest and Lands End. German FW-190 fighters fromBrest or Bordeaux and Ju-88 interceptors from variousFrench bases posed the greatest danger to thesquadrons. These German aircraft were specifically as-signed the mission of hunting for the Allied ASW air-craft that endangered the German U-boats.30 Oct 1943:The 19thUSAAF squadron departedDunkeswell to join the 8thAir Force, followed by the22ndUSAAF on 28 September. Three Navy patrolsquadrons (VBs 103, 110 and 105) were assigned theASW role previously flown by the Army Air Force inEngland. The USAAF squadrons were phased out andtheir equipment, similar to that on the VB-110 aircraft,was turned over to the Navy. The USAAF flew its lastASW mission from Dunkeswell on 31 October 1943and the 4thUSAAF squadron departed on 6 November.VB-110 moved aboard RAF Dunkeswell, Devon,England, on 30 October 1943. The three squadrons atDunkeswell came to be known by several names overthe next year: Dunkeswell Air Group, Land Plane AirGroup and finally to Patrol Air Group One. Eachsquadron had the luxury of being assigned its ownPATSU.8 Nov 1943:Lieutenant W. E. Grumbles and crewfailed to return from a mission over the Bay of Biscay.A message intercepted by another aircraft indicatedthat the crew was under attack, followed a while laterby an SOS. Nothing further was ever learned aboutthis crew and they were listed as missing in action.The next day, Lieutenant Joseph P. Kennedy and hiscrew were attacked by a pair of Me-210 aircraft but es-caped into the clouds. The Germans were aware ofthe three Navy bombing squadrons and the threat theyposed to the U-boats. When submarines were goingout, special Me-210 and Ju-88 interceptor squadronsbased in France would scour the skies ahead search-ing for the Navy patrol bombers.10 Nov 1943:VB-110 was a participant in one ofthe longest surface battles of aircraft against a U-boatin WWII. At 0800, a VB-105 aircraft piloted byLieutenant L. E. Harmon was alerted by an RAF aircraftof a radar contact near the coast of Spain. Harmon lo-cated the surfaced U-966, Oberleutenant EckehardWolf commanding, and made two strafing attacks.Heavy AA fire damaged his aircraft and forced him tobreak off the attack. An RAF fighter then dove to at-tack the submarine. Harmon made a third strafing at-tack but had to break off afterwards due to a fuelshortage. Lieutenant K. L. Wright, of VB-103, locatedU-966near Ferrol at 1040 and delivered a strafing anddepth charge attack. Intense AA fire drove him off andhe had to depart the target due to low fuel. LieutenantW. W. Parish and crew from VB-110 then arrived on528DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2A PB4Y-1 flying over Englanden route to a patrol over theBay of Biscay, November1943, 80-G-407694 (CourtesyCaptain Jerry Mason, USN).

the scene. A depth charge attack was conducted in co-operation with a rocket-firing RAF Liberator at 1230.The submarine was abandoned by its crew after run-ning aground at Oritiguiera, Spain. The German crew-men were quickly picked up by nearby Spanishfishing vessels. 24–28 Dec 1943:A flotilla of 12 German destroyersattempted to provide cover for a blockade runner,Alstereufer. Several missions were run against theenemy ships over a period of five days. The blockaderunner was sunk on 27 December by a Czechsquadron, leaving the destroyers fleeing for port. Theenemy lost three destroyers to British surface units butin the action shot up several squadron aircraft. Whilereturning to base on 28 December after looking fortargets, Lieutenant Commander Reedy encounteredfour He-177 aircraft. In the resultant melee, Reedy’screw managed to damage one of the enemy, sendingit back towards France trailing smoke from a fire in itsstarboard engine. Postwar examination of Germanrecords indicated that He-177A3 Werk No. 5557 from11/KG40, flown by Hauptman B. Eidhoff, was unableto return to base and crashed into the sea. Eidhoff andhis crew of 5 were subsequently reported missing bythe Luftwaffe. On the same mission, Lieutenant Parrishand his crew were killed when their aircraft crashedinto high ground near Okehampton, Devon.26 Feb 1944:Lieutenant J. L. Williams crashed intoGreat Skellig Rock off the coast of Ireland and the air-craft fell into the sea. All hands were lost.12 Mar 1944:Lieutenant (jg) W. H. Ryan and crewbecame lost during foul weather conditions and failedto establish a fix from the H/F and D/F stations.Subsequent searches found nothing and the crew waslisted as missing in the line of duty.23 Mar 1944:RAF Dunkeswell came under Navycontrol. The facilities under the RAF had been ex-tremely spartan but with the change of Dunkeswell toa Naval Air Facility, conditions improved dramatically.27 Mar 1944:In one of the squadron’s all-timeclose calls, Lieutenant (jg) R. B. Meihaus was prepar-ing to land in very poor visibility and with only threeengines after completing a mission near the Spanishcoast. He hit telephone wires and a house on his ap-proach, knocking out two more engines. He contin-ued his landing approach for another two and a halfmiles on one engine, making a successful crash land-ing on the field with no injuries to any of his crew.31 Mar 1944:Two squadron aircraft were attackedby German fighter interceptors within 30 minutes ofeach other in the same position in the Bay of Biscay.Lieutenant H. Barton and crew and Lieutenant (jg) O.R. Moore and crew were all listed as missing in action.Within the first six months of their arrival in England,VB-110 had lost one-third of its flight crews and one-half of its aircraft complement to a combination ofenemy action and weather.6 Jun 1944:During the Normandy invasions thesquadron provided patrols over the southern entranceto the channel to prevent U-boats from approachingthe invasion fleet. Aircraft patrolled the area at 30-minute intervals. The squadron flew 420 operationalsorties during the months of June through August1944. During patrols several small surface vessels weresunk, with only minimal damage from return gunfire.Eight attacks were made on suspected submarine tar-gets with negative results, including one of which avery clear picture was taken of a schnorkel andperiscope. The effectiveness of Allied air cover duringthe invasion was worthy of note. It was anticipatedthat the three Navy patrol squadrons might have sev-eral losses from enemy fighter interceptors during theNormandy coverage, but in fact very few enemy air-craft were sighted during the three-month period.12 Aug 1944:Lieutenant Joseph P. Kennedy volun-teered to serve as pilot aboard a worn-out PB4Y-1loaded with explosives and equipped with terminalradio control systems. The concept was that the pilotand copilot would take off in the aircraft and place iton the correct heading toward the target. Once lockedunder positive radio control by an accompanyingmothership, the pilot and copilot would bail out of theaircraft. The explosive-laden bomber would then beguided into its target by the accompanying plane. Thetarget for this mission was one of the V-1 missilelaunching sites on the mainland. Halfway to the targetthe aircraft exploded, killing both Kennedy and hiscopilot. For his bravery in volunteering for such a dan-gerous mission, Lieutenant Kennedy was posthu-mously awarded the Navy Cross.24 Aug 1944:Lieutenant (jg) J. G. Byrnes and crewwere killed while on a routine night familiarizationtraining flight after crashing into high ground nearBreckon, South Wales.CHAPTER 4529A PB4Y-1 being refueled for a mission, September 1944, 80-G-282241(Courtesy Captain Jerry Mason, USN).

24 Dec 1944:Submarine activity since the invasionof Normandy and capture of the submarine pens atBrest had decreased significantly. It was extremely frus-trating for Lieutenant F. M. Nunnally and his crew whenthey obtained a positive sonobouy contact near the har-bor of Alderney Island and were driven off by the har-bor AA defenses before being able to make an attack!10 Jan 1945:VPB-110 initiated its first searchlightpatrols. The searchlights, or Leigh lights, named aftertheir British inventor, had been used with some suc-cess by the RAF. By March, one patrol with a search-light-equipped aircraft was being made each night.Only six of the crews had received training with thisequipment.14 Jan 1945:Lieutenant Ralph D. Spalding, Jr., andcrew were killed in a crash near Igoudar while enroute to Dakar for detached duty.9 May 1945:With the surrender of Germany the U-boats at sea also began to surrender. Lieutenant F. L.Schaum and crew sighted and accepted the surrenderof the first enemy U-boat to give up to the Allies. Asecond U-boat surrendered on 13 May. Both sub-marines were escorted to the nearest port in theUnited Kingdom.1 Jun 1945:VPB-110 received orders to report toNAS Norfolk, Va. Squadron aircraft were turned overto HEDRON-7 at NAF Dunkeswell as the squadron de-parted for the U.S. aboard the tender Albemarle(AV 5)on 4 June and arrived at Norfolk on 14 June 1945.25 Jun 1945:VPB-110 was detached from NASNorfolk and FAW-5 and ordered to report to NASSeattle, Wash., under the operational control of FAW-6,with a 30-day delay in reporting. 1 Sep 1945:The squadron had been scheduled forreforming at NAS Seattle, Wash., as a PB4Y-2 Privateersquadron on 15 September. The cessation of hostilitiesand subsequent surrender of Japan ended the neces-sity for the continued existence of large numbers ofNavy patrol squadrons. VPB-110 personnel were givennew orders for either demobilization or extension ofduty, and on 1 September 1945 the squadron was dis-established at NAS Seattle, Wash.530DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2A squadron PB4Y-1 on patrol, September 1944, 80-G-282243 (Courtesy Captain Jerry Mason, USN).

Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAS Norfolk, Va.18 Jul 1943NAAS Elizabeth City, N.C.1 Aug 1943RAFB St. Eval, England15 Sep 1943RAFB/NAF Dunkeswell, England*30 Oct 1943NAS Norfolk, Va.14 Jun 1945NAS Seattle, Wash.25 Jun 1945*RAFB Dunkeswell came under the control of the U.S. Navy andwas designated an NAF on 23 March 1944.Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandLCDR J. R. Reedy18 Jul 1943CDR Page Knight28 Apr 1944LCDR Duncan A. Campbell12 Jan 1945Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPB4Y-118 Jul 1943CHAPTER 4531An overhead view of NAF Dunkeswell, England, showing the hangars and several PB4Y-1s, June 1944, NH-96258.Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType ofArea ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperations15 Sep 194330 Oct 1943FAW-7St. EvalPB4Y-1NorLant30 Oct 19431 Jun 1945FAW-7DunkeswellPB4Y-1NorLant

Unit Awards ReceivedUnit AwardInclusive Date Covering Unit AwardNone on record.532DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2A PB4Y-1 on patrol, 80-G-K-5175.On 29 January 1944 Lt. N. H. Rudd and his PB4Y-1 crew attacked a U-boat in the Bay of Biscay. The attack was not successful, 80-G-286G(Courtesy Captain Jerry Mason, USN).Wing AssignmentsWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-518 Jul 1943FAW-7/19 Group,RAF Coastal Command15 Sep 1943FAW-514 Jun 1945FAW-625 Jun 1945

VPB-112LineageEstablished as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDTWELVE (VB-112) on 8 August 1943.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED TWELVE (VPB-112) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 1 September 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameNone on record.Chronology of Significant Events8 Aug–2 Nov 1943: VB-112 was established at NASNorfolk, Va., under the operational control of FAW-5,as a heavy bombing squadron flying the PB4Y-1Liberator. Personnel were given ground and flighttraining at NAAS Oceana, Va., through the end ofSeptember. The squadron’s first PB4Y-1 arrived on 2October, with nine more arriving by 7 October. On 10October flight crews were sent to NAS Quonset Point,R.I., for advanced ASW training. The crews returned toNAS Norfolk on 2 November.5 Nov 1943:Orders were received to proceed toNAF Port Lyautey, F.M., via Morrison Field, Fla.;Borinque, P.R.; Waller Field, Trinidad; Belem andNatal, Brazil; and Dakar. The squadron departedNorfolk and arrived by elements at Port Lyautey on 25November, coming under the operational control ofFAW-15. The squadron was based at the former Frenchairfield, Craw Field, with VPB-111, which had arrivedtwo weeks earlier. The two squadrons were replacingan Army unit, the 472ndBombardment Group. Patrolscommenced immediately. Armor was stripped fromthe aircraft since the threat from enemy aircraft in theassigned patrol zones was judged minimal. The lessen-ing of weight also made full-combat load takeoffs lessdangerous in the dry, thin air of the desert. The pri-mary mission of the squadron was safeguarding thesupply routes for the invasion forces going into Italy.CHAPTER 4533Crew members from VB-112 beside their PB4Y at Quonset Point, 20 October 1943, 80-G-383783 (Courtesy Captain Jerry Mason, USN).

To do this effectively, the antisubmarine screen had tobe established out beyond the Straits of Gibraltar andapproximately 700 miles west of Port Lyautey.Unfortunately, neither squadron at Port Lyautey wasequipped for operations at night with the Leighsearchlight. U-boat captains during this phase of com-bat made few daylight runs, doing most of their travelat night.30 Nov 1944:The squadron had its first operationallosses when Lieutenant R. L. Trum crashed after be-coming lost off Faro, Portugal, during an antisubma-rine patrol. Five crew members were killed. The sur-vivors returned to base on 10 December. A secondaircraft, piloted by Lieutenant (jg) John M. Hill,crashed on the same day five miles northwest of PortLyautey after running out of fuel while trying to landin heavy fog. Six crew members, including the pilot,were killed in the crash.2 Mar 1944:Three crews and one aircraft were de-tached and sent to FAW-7 in England, reducing thesquadron complement to 10 aircraft and 15 flightcrews.29 Apr 1944:A six-aircraft detachment was sent toRAF Gibraltar. From this location aircraft only had topatrol a zone approximately 100 miles in circumfer-ence to cover the area used by German U-boats at-tempting a surface transit of the straits. Two aircraftwere constantly on station and in communication withsurface units below. This effectively “put the cork inthe bottle” and kept all U-boats out of theMediterranean. The following months resulted in littleor no activity for the squadron since the U-boat threathad been contained.1 May 1944:Four more crews were detached toFAW-7 in England.Oct 1944:For the first time in months, German U-boat activity in the Mediterranean began to pick up.Very few sightings were made because a new devicewas being employed by U-boats, the schnorkel. Thisinvention allowed U-boats to run submerged usingtheir air-breathing diesel engines. Tests with thesquadron’s radar against a “tame” British submarinefitted with a dummy schnorkel showed that it pre-sented an almost invisible radar target. The schnorkelthreat was seen as a greater problem for the ASW ef-forts in the waters around Britain. Vast quantities ofshipping were arriving daily in preparation for thecoming invasion set for June.9 Jan 1945:VPB-112 received orders to cease oper-ations and prepare to transfer from Port Lyautey toUpottery, Devon, England. Operations began from thisbase on 15 February. Upottery was a satellite field ofNAF Dunkeswell, where VBs 103, 105 and 110 werebased. VPB-107 later joined VPB-112 at Upottery afterbeing transferred from Natal, Brazil. The airfield hadbeen unoccupied since June 1944, and a detachmentof SeaBees quickly made it habitable.27 Feb 1945:Lieutenant O. B. Denison and crewspotted an oil slick and directed destroyer escorts tothe location. Subsequent attacks by the combinedforce resulted in a claim for a confirmed kill. Postwarexamination of German records does not indicate anyU-boat losses at that locale or date.9–11 May 1945:With the surrender of Germany theU-boats still at sea began to surrender to the Allies. On9 May U-249, Kapitänleutnant Uwe Kock command-ing, surrendered to Lieutenant D. P. Housh and crew.On 10 May U-825, Oberleutenant Gerhard Stoelkercommanding, surrendered to Lieutenant J. A. Murchand crew. On 11 May U-516,Oberleutenant FriedrichPetran commanding, surrendered to Lieutenant S. T.Gillmor and crew.1 Jun 1945:VPB-112 received orders to departEngland and return to the United States. Squadron as-sets and aircraft were turned over to HEDRON-7. On 5June all personnel boarded the tender Albemarle (AV5), arriving at Norfolk, Va., on 14 June. All personnelwere given orders to report to NAS Seattle, Wash., toreform the squadron after 30 days of leave.27 Jul 1945:Squadron personnel arrived at NASAult Field, Whidbey Island, Wash., and VPB-112 beganreforming in August. Conversion training to the PB4Y-2 Privateer was conducted for all hands. On 13August, Lieutenant R. H. Barden and one other officer,a flight surgeon, were killed while he was attemptingto land his crippled aircraft. Fourteen other crewmembers had bailed out and one of those was killedwhen his chute failed to open. With the cessation ofhostilities in the Pacific in August and the subsequentsurrender of Japan, there was no longer a need for thesquadron. Formal disestablishment of the squadrontook place at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., on 1September 1945.Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAS Norfolk, Va.8 Aug 1943NAF Port Lyautey, F.M.Nov 1943NAF Upottery, EnglandJan 1945NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.Jun 1945Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandLCDR Josef M. Gardiner8 Aug 1943LCDR A. Y. Parunak17 Feb 1944LCDR J. B. Wayne4 Apr 1945Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPB4Y-1Oct 1942PB4Y-2Jul 1945534DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2

Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType ofArea ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperations5 Nov 194329 Apr 1944FAW-15Port LyauteyPB4Y-1Med29 Apr 19449 Jan 1945FAW-15GibraltarPB4Y-1Med9 Jan 19451 Jun 1945FAW-7DevonPB4Y-1LantCHAPTER 4535Wing AssignmentsWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-58 Aug 1943FAW-155 Nov 1943FAW-79 Jan 1945FAW-614 Jun 1945Unit Awards ReceivedUnit AwardInclusive Date Covering Unit AwardNone on record.

VPB-113LineageEstablished as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDTHIRTEEN (VB-113) on 18 August 1943.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED THIRTEEN (VPB-113) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 28 May 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameThe insignia for the squadron was approved byCNO on 28 February 1944. The design featured afrowning “flat hat” octopus with a depth charge undereach tentacle. The depth charges represented thesquadron’s ASW role, while the numerous tentaclestypified its long reach. Colors: tentacles, blue withwhite and black highlights; hat and face, white;bombs, black; neckerchief, black.Nickname: None on record.Chronology of Significant Events18 Aug–Dec 1943:VB-113 was established at NAASOceana, Va., under the operational control of FAW-5,as a heavy bombing squadron flying the PB4Y-1Liberator. During the squadron’s first few months ofexistence its personnel received ground training using536DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2The squad-ron’s octo-pus insigniadesign.

the Link trainer, gunnery instruction and radio ba-sics. Flight training commenced on 5 November withthe arrival of the squadron’s first PB4Y-1. Aftershakedown, 12 aircraft were ferried to FAW-7,Dunkeswell, England. On 28 December one of theferry crews of 12 personnel aboard were killed in acrash at St. Mawgan, England. The war-wearyLiberator that crashed was being brought back to theU.S. for disposal.18 Jan 1944:VB-113 was relocated from NAASOceana, Va., to NAAS Elizabeth City, N.C., and adetachment was sent to NAAS Boca Chica, Fla., foradvanced ASW training.18 Mar 1944:The squadron crews ferrying aircraftto England rejoined the squadron at NAAS ElizabethCity, N.C., after an absence of four months. They hadnot been aboard long when orders came to relocate toNAS Norfolk. VB-113 pulled up stakes once more andreturned to Virginia, arriving on 1 April 1944.11 Apr 1944:The squadron was ordered to transfer14 more replacement crews to FAW-7. On 18 April oneof the crews crashed at Waller Field, Trinidad, with theloss of all hands.8 May 1944:VB-113 was relocated to NAAS BocaChica, Fla. After 30 May most squadron personnel hadbeen sent as replacement crews to other squadrons.The squadron’s primary mission was changed fromfleet operations to training and maintenance. From thistime until its disestablishment, VB-113 trained 145 re-placement crews in antisubmarine warfare using air-craft assigned to the squadron.28 May 1945:VPB-113 transferred its aircraft toHEDRON-5 and was disestablished at NAAS BocaChica, Fla.Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAAS Oceana, Va.18 Aug 1943NAAS Elizabeth City, N.C.18 Jan 1944NAS Norfolk, Va.1 Apr 1944NAAS Boca Chica, Fla.8 May 1944Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandLCDR Louis W. Mang18 Aug 1943LCDR William R. Bailey6 Jun 1944Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPB4Y-1Nov 1943CHAPTER 4537Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType ofArea ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperationsNo overseas deployments.Wing AssignmentsWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-518 Aug 1943FAW-128 May 1944Unit Awards ReceivedUnit AwardInclusive Date Covering Unit AwardNone on record.

VPB-117LineageEstablished as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDSEVENTEEN (VB-117) on 1 February 1944.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED SEVENTEEN (VPB-117) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 15 November 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameThe squadron utilized one of the Walt Disney de-signs for its insignia. After obtaining the copyright re-Chronology of Significant Events1 Feb–Jul 1944:VB-117 was established at NAASCamp Kearney, Calif., under the operational control ofFAW-14, as a heavy bombing squadron flying thePB4Y-1 Liberator. These aircraft were equipped withthe latest AN/APQ-5 low-altitude radar bombing gear.Ground school and flight training continued throughthe end of July 1944. In August the squadron beganpreparations for its transpac to NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii.The training period was marred by the crash ofLieutenant (jg) Golden and crew at NAAS CampKearney. The aircraft crashed into the supply hut ofVB-102, resulting in the death of nine VB-117 person-nel and nine VB-102 personnel and injuries to 11 oth-ers. The destruction of VB-102’s supplies set back thesquadron’s planned transpac by one month.11 Aug 1944:VB-117 flew the transpac to NASKaneohe, Hawaii, with the last aircraft arriving on 13August. Upon arrival the squadron came under the op-erational control of FAW-2. After a period of six weekstraining in ASW techniques and operational searches,the squadron received orders for deployment to thecombat zone in the South Pacific.Sep 1944:VB-117 transferred to North Field, Tinian,coming under the operational control of FAW-1. Thesquadron conducted operations from Tinian alongwith VBs 102, 116, 150 and 151. Operational patrolsearches were flown southwest toward thePhilippines, west toward the Nansei Shoto Islands andnorth along the Nanpo Shoto Islands, ranging out to1,000 miles. Use of the night bombing low-altituderadar was discontinued due to the presence of friendlysubmarines in all search areas. Patrolling in the vicinityof Iwo Jima was done in two aircraft elements. 12 Nov 1944:The aircraft flown by LieutenantHerbert G. Box and crew was severely damaged byAA fire from Muko Jima Retto. Lieutenant Box’s crip-pled aircraft made it to within 30 miles of Tinian be-fore being forced to ditch. Seven survivors were res-cued the next morning.1 Dec 1944:VPB-117 was transferred to TaclobanAir Strip, Leyte, Philippines, coming under the opera-tional control of FAW-10. Unfortunately, most of thesquadron’s gear and personal effects were lost or dam-aged in the transfer from Tinian to Leyte. Search mis-sions were conducted over Cebu, Negros Islands,French Indochina and Chinese ports. Considerablesuccess was obtained during this one month. Claimswere submitted for 22 enemy aircraft shot down and14,750 tons of shipping sunk.10 Dec 1944:Lieutenant Bradford M. Brooks andcrew were attacked by four A6M Zeke fighters offNegros Island. During the ensuing engagement theyshot down two Zekes but lost three of their enginesand Brooks was forced to ditch. Although badlywounded, Brooks landed without flaps or right rudder538DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2The squadron’s Disney designed insignia.lease, the squadron forwarded the insignia to CNO,who approved the design on 14 August 1944. The in-signia contained a caricature of a horse diving onto aship. A silhouette of a tropical island appeared to theleft of the horse and a huge bomb was in the back-ground, in the shape of a triangle with rounded cor-ners. Colors: background, light blue; bomb, yellow;horse and ship, black with white outlines; island,light green.Nickname: Blue Raiders, 1943–1944.Exterminators, 1945.

control. Seven of the crew of 12 were able to exit theaircraft and were later returned by guerilla forces op-erating in the area. For his courage under fire and su-perb skill in landing his badly damaged aircraft,Lieutenant Brooks was awarded the Navy Cross.31 Dec 1944:Lieutenant Harold Stang ran out ofgas while on his final approach to the runway. Theaircraft crashed into the bay 300 yards from the stripand sank immediately. All of the crew except the copi-lot managed to exit the aircraft before it sank.1–28 Jan 1945:During January search missionswere deemed so crucial to fleet intelligence gatheringthat the squadron was not permitted to carry bombs incase any of its aircraft were lost in attacks on shippingor ground targets. On 28 January Lieutenant (jg)Robert E. White, Jr., and crew were shot down whileon a patrol to Formosa and the China Coast. The copi-lot and five crew members survived the crash and re-mained prisoners-of-war until after V-J Day.29 Jan 1945: Lieutenant Commander Harold M.McGaughey, squadron executive officer, conducted asuccessful raid along the coast of the Japanese main-land sinking five merchant ships and damaging fiveothers. McGaughey and his crew were not contentwith only naval targets on their scorecard and pro-ceeded inland to strafe and destroy numerous shoreinstallations and supply dumps in the face of intenseAA fire. For his courage under fire and aggressive pur-suit of the enemy, Lieutenant Commander McGaugheywas awarded the Navy Cross.Feb 1945:The squadron was moved to McGuireField, Mindoro, Philippines, under the operationalcontrol of FAW-17. From this location searches wereconducted over the northwest coast of Borneo, thecoastline of Indochina and the waters in between.The squadron was responsible for tracking enemyships and task forces attempting to enter the searchsectors. Close cooperation was maintained with thesubmarine forces during this period. Frequently, at-tacks by squadron aircraft would force enemy de-stroyers to break off depth charge attacks against U.S.submarines, permitting them to get on with theirdeadly work. On one occasion, an enemy battlegroup formed around the battleships Iseand Hyuguwas tracked below the tip of Indochina and keptunder surveillance both day and night until it reacheda point north of Formosa. The enemy battle grouphad used a heavy weather front to cover its move-ments; however, this did not prevent the squadronfrom tracking the force using radar and the skill of itsaircrews.17 Feb 1945:Lieutenant Commander Harold W.McGaughey and crew were shot down over PuertoPrincessa, Palawan Island, with the loss of all hands.25 Mar 1945:Patrol restrictions the squadron hadoperated under were completely lifted during Marchand all patrols went forth fully armed. Shore installa-tions, such as railroads, oil storage tanks, trains, vehi-cles and river shipping, were given special attention.Lieutenant Arthur J. Elder returned from one of thesemissions with his aircraft riddled, one crewman deadand five others injured. They had conducted an attackon shipping in Saigon Harbor, French Indochina, andsank three large merchant vessels. Two escort vesselsand 20 small merchant vessels were also heavilystrafed by intense AA fire thrown up by the escort ves-sels. Although Elder’s aircraft was badly hit and severalcrewmen wounded, he managed to return to base,shooting down one enemy fighter on the way home.It was the third time this crew had returned with in-juries, and it was decided to evacuate them back tothe States. Lieutenant Elder was awarded the NavyCross for his courage in pressing home the attack inthe face of heavy enemy fire.Jun 1945:Credible targets in the squadron’s searchsectors had dwindled to nothing. The squadron re-ceived its first PB4Y-2 Privateer during this period andgladly exchanged the beat-up PB4Y-1 Liberators forthe more heavily armed bomber.14 Jun 1945:Lieutenant (jg) J. P. Dougan and hiscrew of 11 failed to return from a mission. All 11 menwere listed as missing in action.22 Jun 1945:Lieutenant (jg) S. W. Sayre crashedinto the sea shortly after takeoff for a patrol. All 12crew members perished.1 Jul 1945:Lieutenant (jg) Robert E. Hepting andcrew were shot down while on a patrol. Three mem-bers of the crew survived the crash and remained pris-oners of war until V-J Day.30 Jul 1945:Aircraft Machinist’s Mate Second Class(AMM2C) Frederick F. Thomas became the squadron’slast combat casualty when he was killed by AA fireduring a mission over French Indochina.11 Aug 1945:VPB-117 aircraft flew their last com-bat mission of the war. Operations were suspended atMcGuire Field, Mindoro, Philippines. Preparationswere begun to ferry the squadron aircraft and person-nel back to Tinian.16 Aug 1945:VPB-117 was transferred to Tinian toprovide weather flights for the fleet under the opera-tional control of FAW-18. On 19 September a detach-ment of five crews and four aircraft was sent toPelelieu, Palau Islands, for special weather flights.During its combat tour from September 1944 to August1945 the squadron was credited with completing 1,617combat missions, 58 enemy aircraft claimed (55verified by postwar review of enemy records), 236enemy ships of all sizes claimed sunk or damaged,and destruction of innumerable ground targets. VPB-117 had five of the eight U.S. Navy multienginebomber crews that shot down five or more enemy air-craft from in the air: the crews for LieutenantCommander Harold W. McGaughey, five; LieutenantDan Moore, five; Lieutenant Tom Hyland, six;CHAPTER 4539

Lieutenant (jg) Jan Carter, six; and Lieutenant (jg)Sheldon Sutton, seven.Sep 1945:VPB-117 was relieved at Tinian and re-turned to the United States.Oct–Nov 1945:Squadron personnel were given or-ders for demobilization or extension of duty withother squadrons. On 15 November 1945 VPB-117 wasofficially disestablished.Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAAS Camp Kearney, Calif.1 Feb 1944NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii11 Aug 1944NAS San Diego, Calif.Sep 1945Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandCDR Everett O. Rigsbee, Jr.1 Feb 1944CDR Harold W. McDonald25 Dec 1944LCDR Thomas P. Mulvihill25 Jan 1945LCDR Roger J. Crowley, Jr.8 Apr 1945CDR Cole L. Windham6 Sep 1945Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPB4Y-1Mar 1944PB4Y-2Jun 1945540DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType ofArea ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperations11 Aug 1944*FAW-2KaneohePB4Y-1WestPacSep 1944*FAW-1TinianPB4Y-1SoPac1 Dec 1944*FAW-10TaclobanPB4Y-1SoPacFeb 1945*FAW-17MindoroPB4Y-1/2SoPac16 Aug 1945Sep 1945FAW-18TinianPB4Y-1/2SoPac*Continued combat deployment in the Pacific, moving from base to base.Wing AssignmentsWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-141 Feb 1944FAW-211 Aug 1944FAW-1Sep 1944FAW-101 Dec 1944FAW-17Feb 1945FAW-1816 Aug 1945Wing Assignments—ContinuedWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-14Sep 1945Unit Awards ReceivedUnit AwardInclusive Date Covering Unit AwardPUC4 Oct 194411 Aug 1945

VPB-118LineageEstablished as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDREDEIGHTEEN (VB-118) on 1 July 1944.Redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUN-DRED EIGHTEEN (VPB-118) on 1 October 1944.Disestablished on 11 December 1945.Squadron Insignia and NicknameNone on record.Chronology of Significant Events1 Jul–15 Nov 1944:VB-118 was established atNAAS Camp Kearney, Calif., as a heavy bombingsquadron flying the PB4Y-1 Liberator under the opera-tional control of FAW-14. After completing a four-weekground school and limited flight training on threeweary PB4Y-1 Liberators, the squadron was relocatedto NAAS Crows Landing, Calif., for advanced flighttraining. On 20 August, VB-118 began receiving its firstPB4Y-2 Privateers. The squadron stood down from thetraining syllabus in mid-November to prepare for theupcoming transpac to Hawaii. On 15 November theground support personnel boarded SS General Howzefor transportation to Hawaii.20 Nov–Dec 1944:VPB-118’s aircraft departedCalifornia for NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, arriving by 21November. During the next month the squadron cameunder FAW-2 while undergoing further training inpreparation for combat. On 10 December a detach-ment of aircraft was sent to Midway Island to conductoperational patrols, returning on 22 December. 6 Jan–Apr 1945:VPB-118 departed NAS Kaneohefor the combat zone, arriving at Tinian, MarianasIslands, on 10 January. Operational control of thesquadron passed to FAW-1. Routine operational patrolscontinued from Tinian through mid-April. Squadrontargets attacked included Truk, Iwo Jima, YawataShima and Okinawa.22 Apr 1945:VPB-118 was transferred to YontanAirfield, Okinawa Shima. Administrative headquartersstaff of the squadron remained on Tinian. Patrols andantishipping sweeps commenced upon the squadron’sarrival. Positioning the squadron on Okinawa had be-come necessary due to the lack of sufficient targets inthe patrol sectors around Tinian. 2 May 1945:The squadron was taken off patrols toconduct a special attack on the airfield at Kanoya, insouthern Japan. Third Fleet intelligence had indica-tions that a large attack force of G4M-1 Betty bomberswas being formed to transport Baka bombs in an at-tempt to wipe out U.S. combat vessels located offOkinawa. The six remaining Privateers of VPB-118were the only aircraft available on short notice. Thestrike caught the enemy totally by surprise. The dam-age inflicted on the airfield and assembled aircraft pre-vented the enemy’s intended operation from beingcarried out.6 May 1945:Lieutenants Montgomery and J. A.Lasater were patrolling an area off the southern coastof Korea when they encountered a number of enemydestroyers and a small tanker. In the attack, the tankerexploded just as Montgomery’s Privateer was enteringits bomb run. Twenty feet of the ship’s hawser and theking post strap were imbedded in the starboard wing.Montgomery managed to return to Okinawa on threeengines but Lasater elected to continue the patrolalone. He and his crew never returned and were listedas missing in action. 7 May 1945:Five aircraft were sent on a patrol offthe coast of Korea. After shooting down one Japaneseobservation plane, Lieutenant Farwell and his crew at-tacked a 2,000-ton tanker. While completing a bombrun that finally sank the ship, Farwell’s Privateer wasstruck repeatedly by heavy AA fire. He ditched the air-craft with no casualties. As their squadron mates flewair cover above, a PBM landed within 30 minutes andretrieved the crew. One of the other Privateers flownby Lieutenant Norman M. Keiser sank a 4,000-tonfreighter despite fire from its two destroyer escorts. Inthe same action Keiser and his crew strafed a secondvessel, forcing it to beach ashore. Later on the samepatrol, Keiser and his crew strafed and set on fire athird vessel. For his courage under fire and determina-tion at pressing home the attack, Lieutenant Keiserwas awarded the Navy Cross.11 May 1945:The pace of combat left the squadronwith only three serviceable aircraft which were inneed of major repairs. It became necessary for thesquadron to return to Tinian for refit and maintenanceof the aircraft and crew rest. The squadron remainedat Yontan Airfield until mid-May when it was relievedby VPB-109. Prior to the squadron’s departure it pro-vided support to VPB-109 to familiarize them withmission requirements. In the first two days of VPB-109’s stay on Okinawa, a VPB-118 Privateer accompa-nied them on patrol to familiarize them with the terri-tory. On one of these missions, Lieutenant Lloyd’saircraft had an engine shot out and was pocked with180 bullet holes.2 Jun 1945: The squadron was ready to return toOkinawa from Tinian when disaster struck. One air-craft caught fire while undergoing last-minute mainte-nance, and one more was destroyed and two othersdamaged when a crippled B-29 crashed into the park-ing area. All the squadron welfare and recreation gearplus most of the personal baggage was lost. The air-craft were quickly replaced and after only a few days’delay, VPB-118 was back on Okinawa by 7 June 1945CHAPTER 4541

continuing its antishipping patrols, conducting strikeson land targets and dropping mines in harborsthroughout the Korean coastline and Kamine Shima.8 Aug 1945:Lieutenant (jg) J. R. Park and crewwere killed during an attack on an enemy freighter inthe Tsushima Straits. The vessel had been set on fireby strafing, and when Park made his final bombingpass the ship’s cargo detonated when the aircraft wasdirectly above it. The ship apparently was carryingmunitions and nothing remained of the ship or aircraftafter the explosion.10 Aug 1945:Offensive patrols ceased. Regular pa-trols continued but the aircraft still carried defensive ar-mament and instructions “not to attack, unless attacked.”1 Sep–Nov 1945:VPB-118 was relocated toYonabaru, Okinawa. Several aircrews were sent toTinian for R&R. The airfields at Yonabaru were in suchbad shape that the squadron was not able to resumepatrols until 24 September. A sudden typhoon on 9October compounded the miserable conditions. It waswith great relief that VPB-118 received orders to reportto Tinian on 24 October for aircraft overhaul andmaintenance. The work at Tinian was completed on 3November, and the squadron returned to Yonabaru. 14 Nov–3 Dec 1945:The squadron received ordersto begin packing for the return to the States. VPB-118began its journey homeward with departure on 18November from Yonabaru bound for NAS Kaneohe.On 27 November the squadron boarded PrinceWilliam(AVG 19) en route to NAS San Diego, Calif.,arriving on 3 December.11 Dec 1945:VPB-118 was disestablished at NASSan Diego, Calif.Home Port AssignmentsLocationDate of AssignmentNAAS Camp Kearney, Calif.1 Jul 1944NAAS Crows Landing, Calif.Aug 1944NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii20 Nov 1944NAS San Diego, Calif.3 Dec 1945Commanding OfficersDate Assumed CommandCDR C. K. Harper14 Jul 1944LCDR Arthur F. Farwell, Jr.11 May 1945LCDR Carl W. Rinehart25 Jul 1945Aircraft AssignmentType of AircraftDate Type First ReceivedPB4Y-2Aug 1944542DICTIONARYOFAMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2Major Overseas DeploymentsDate of Date ofBase ofType ofArea ofDepartureReturnWingOperationsAircraftOperations20 Nov 1944*FAW-2KaneohePB4Y-2WestPac6 Jan 1945*FAW-1TinianPB4Y-2SoPac22 Apr 1945*FAW-1YontanPB4Y-2SoPac11 May 1945*FAW-1TinianPB4Y-2SoPac7 Jun 1945*FAW-1YontanPB4Y-2SoPac1 Sep 194514 Nov 1945FAW-1YonabaruPB4Y-2SoPac*Continued combat deployment in the Pacific, moving from base to base.Wing AssignmentsWingTail CodeAssignment DateFAW-141 Jul 1944FAW-220 Nov 1944FAW-16 Jan 1945FAW-143 Dec 1945Unit Awards ReceivedUnit AwardInclusive Date Covering Unit AwardPUC26 Apr 19458 Aug 1945