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 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). 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 back to hospitals in the rear areas. 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. The unit remained on the island for the rest of the war and was decommissioned on November 16, 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

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.