VMO-7

Marine Observation Squadron 7
No known insignia
Active	15 December 1944 – 16 November 1945
Country	United States
Branch	USMC
Type	Observation squadron
Garrison/HQ	Inactive
Engagements	World 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.

History

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

Awards

•   Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star
•   World War II Victory Medal

See also

• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• List of United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons
• List of decommissioned United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

References

Notes

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.

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