VMO-951
VMO-4
WW2
1960s
via "Mule" Holmberg
OV-10s
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
- Activated 20 December 1943 at Quantico, Virginia, as (Artillery Spotting Division) Marine Observation Squadron 951 ((ASD) VMO-951).
- Redesignated 15 January 1944 as Marine Observation Squadron 4 (VMO-4).
- Assigned to V Amphibious Corps, Ewa, Territory of Hawaii, 28 January 1944.
- Assigned to 4th Marine Division in Maui, April 1944.
- Participated in operations on Saipan, 17 July 1944 - 10 August 1944.
- Detachment participated in invasion of Tinian, 24 July 1944.
- Relocated to Hawaii, 10 August 1944.
- Departed for Guam 10 January 1945.
- Participated in Iwo Jima operations, 26 February - 19 March 1945.
- Relocated to Maui during April 1945.
- Deactivated 21 October 1945 at San Diego, California.
1966-94
- Reactivated 1 September 1962 at Grosse Ile, Michigan as Marine Observation Squadron 4, Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment, Marine Air Reserve Training Command.
- Relocated during 1969 to NAS Detroit, Michigan.
- Relocated 1 October 1976 to Atlanta, Georgia.
- Deactivated 31 March 1994 at Atlanta, Georgia.
HONORS
- PRESIDENTIAL
UNIT CITATION
STREAMER*
SAIPAN - 14 June-1 August 1944 - JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER
- NAVY UNIT
COMMENDATION STREAMER
IWO JIMA - 19-28 February 1945 - MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star
- ASIATIC-PACIFIC
CAMPAIGN STREAMER with two
bronze
stars
SAIPAN
IWO JIMA - WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
- NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER
*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.
- Nicknames:
- ID Code: 7Y
1966-68*; 5Y
1968-72*; MU 1972-94
* Station Code MARTD Grosse Ile/Detroit - Aircraft: OY-1 (WW2); SH-34J; UH-34D; OV-10A/D
- Squadron Web Page:
Last updated: 8 Jan 2013.
© 2000-2013
Send comments to: hma1369