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VMO-7

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Marine Observation Squadron 7
No known insignia
Active15 December 1944 – 16 November 1945
CountryUnited States
BranchUSMC
TypeObservation squadron
Garrison/HQInactive
EngagementsWorld War II
* Battle of Okinawa

Marine Observation Squadron 7 (VMO-7) was an observation squadron of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. They were active for a year and a half during which time they saw action during the Battle of Okinawa. The squadron was quickly deactivated following the end of the war.[1]

History

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VMO-7 was commissioned on December 15, 1944 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. After a short period of training, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa on February 27, 1945, sailing on board the British escort carrier HMS Ranee (D03).[2] Another two months of training in Hawaii saw the squadron depart Pearl Harbor on April 17, 1945, and sail for Okinawa. The squadron filtered onto the island from May 7-11 and quickly began flights spotting targets for III Amphibious Corps’ artillery. During the period between June 11-22 the squadron made 271 CASEVAC flights from a dirt strip in Naha taking 369 casualties[2] back to hospitals in the rear areas.[3] VMO-7 aircraft were engaged in combat operations on Okinawa until June 21, 1945. During the battle, the squadron flew 300 combat hours without losing a pilot or plane.[2] The unit remained on the island for the rest of the war and was decommissioned on November 16, 1945.

Awards

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See also

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Citations

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  1. ^ Sherrod 1952, pp. 453.
  2. ^ a b c Sherrod 1952, pp. 378.
  3. ^ De Chant 1947, pp. 242.

References

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Bibliography
  • De Chant, John A. (1947). Devilbirds - The Story of United States Marine Aviation in World War II. New York: Harper & Brothers.
  • Sherrod, Robert (1952). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II. Washington, D.C.: Combat Forces Press.