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VH-6 (Rescue Squadron)

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VH-6 (Rescue Squadron 6) was one of six dedicated Rescue Squadrons of the U.S. Navy during WWII. In the final week of the war, VH-6 rescued 13 aviators off the coast of Japan. VH-6 was established in January 1945 and disestablished in February 1946.[1] The squadron employed the Martin PBM Mariner during its operations.

Operational history

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  • January 1945: VH-6 was established at NAS San Diego, California..
  • 27 July 1945: VH-6 commences rescue operations around Okinawa, joining Rescue Squadron VH-3 which has been there since April.[2]
  • 8-10 August 1945: VH-6 rescues 13 downed aviators off Japan.[3][4]
  • 14 August 1945: While on a standby mission for a USAAF bomber strike, a PBM from VH-6 is harassed by three Zero Fighters. The Lockheed P-38 Lightning escort is called for assistance. In the ensuing melee, one attacking Zero is shot down and another is listed as a probable. The third Zero escapes after shooting down one of the P-38's (whose pilot does not survive).[5]
  • November–December 1945: VH-6 performs operations in the Yellow Sea.
  • February 1946: VH-6 was disestablished.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Gintner, Steve (2013). Martin PBM Mariner (Naval Fighters Number 97). Simi Valley, Ca: Steve Gintner, First Edition. p. 146. ISBN 0989258327.
  2. ^ "Page 12 WWII War Diaries", Fold3, retrieved 26 January 2017
  3. ^ "Page 16 WWII War Diaries", Fold3, retrieved 23 January 2017
  4. ^ "Page 60 WWII War Diaries", Fold3, retrieved 26 January 2017
  5. ^ "Page 15 WWII War Diaries", Fold3, retrieved 26 January 2017


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