VMO-951


VMO-4

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WW2


vmo4_detroit.gif (8K)
1960s
via "Mule" Holmberg


OV-10s
vmo4a.gif

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vmo4a_insig (8K)

vmo4.gif (7K)

Marine Observation Squadron 4
VMO-4

VMO-4 was activated on 20 December 1943 at Quantico, VA. It initially carried the designation (ASD)VMO-951, but this was changed to VMO-4 on 15 January 1944. The squadron began initial VMO-training at Quantico, then moved to the West Coast for advanced training prior. Further training took place in Hawaii with the 4th Marine Division, then VMO-4 deployed with the Division and participated in the assault and capture of Saipan and Tinian.

After refitting in Hawaii, VMO-4 sailed for Guam in January 1945 in preparation for the Iwo Jima operation. VMO-4 flew missions over Iwo Jima from 26 February to 19 March 1945, then returned to Hawaii, where it remained through the end of the war. After the war's end, VMO-4 relocated to San Diego, and deactivated on 21 October 1945. The squadron had earned a Presidential Unit Citation (Saipan/Tinian operations) and a Navy Unit Commendation (Iwo Jima), in addition to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer with two bronze stars, and the World War Two Victory Streamer.

On 1 September 1962, VMO-4 was reactivated at Grosse Ile, Michigan, as a squadron within the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Air Reserve Training Command. The squadron was initially equipped with SH/UH-34Ds shared with the Navy Reserve squadrons at Grosse Ile, but later got it's own aircraft.

In 1968, the helos were replaced by OV-10A "Broncos". VMO-4 relocated to Detroit in 1969, then moved again in 1976 to Atlanta, Georgia.

During the first Gulf War (1990-91), VMO-4 was activated for possible deployment and attached to MAG-29, but ended up not deploying. On 1 March 1994, the last Marine Observation Squadron, VMO-4 was deactivated at Atlanta.


LINEAGE

1943 - 1945

1966-94


HONORS

*A Presidential Unit Citation was also awarded to VMO-4 Pilots and Observers only for service with V Amphibious Corps at Iwo Jima, 19-28 Feb 1945.