Marine Observation Squadrons
A Short History of Marine Observation Squadrons
1922-43
The first Marine Observation Squadrons were formed in 1922.
Although designated "Observation" squadrons, they were
mainly used for scouting and close-air support for the Marine
Expeditionary Brigades in Haiti, Nicaragua, and China. On July 27
1927, Marine Observation Squadron 7 (VO-7M) made the first
organized dive-bombing attack in history, routing a bandit force
surrounding a Marine garrison at Ocotal, Nicaragua. Six months
later, Lt Christian F. Schilt, from VO-7M, earned the Medal of
Honor when he flew into Quilahi, Nicaragua, under fire, to rescue
wounded Marines. In the course of three days, Schilt made ten
round-trips, bringing in over 1,400 lbs of supplies, and flying
out 18 seriously wounded Marines.
The 1930s saw a reduction in Marine aviation units and the five
Observation squadrons were either deactivated or consolidated. In
July 1937, all Marine Corps squadrons were reorganized and the
three surviving Observation squadrons became Scouting squadrons.
One observation squadron, VMO-1, was formed in 1941,
redesignating as VMO-151 in July. Though it carried the
"Observation" designation it was really a Scout-Bombing
squadron.
For the first two years of WW2, there were four
"Observation" squadrons. These units were equipped with
fighters and were used primarily as photographic squadrons. All
became fighter or dive-bomber squadrons by 1943.
1943-49
In December 1943 the first of nine true observation squadrons was formed. Each Marine Division would have a squadron assigned to it to provide spotting for the artillery. The VMOs could also carry messages, scout enemy positions, evacuate wounded, and perform search and rescue of downed pilots. Seven of the nine VMOs saw combat during the war; VMO-3 was awarded a well-deserved Presidential Unit Citation for its service at Okinawa. Following the war, VMO-2 and -5 performed occupation duty in Japan; VMO-3 and -6 operated in Northern China until 1946; VMO-1 relocated to Cherry Point. At the end of 1949 only VMO-1 at Cherry Point and VMO-6 at Camp Pendleton were in service.
1950-68
1950 saw the introduction of helicopters to the VMOs. VMOs-1
and -6 operated a mix of Sikorsky HO3S, HO5S, Bell HTL, and Kaman
HOK helicopters, as well as the new Cessna OE "Bird
Dog" observation planes. In 1950, VMO-6 was ordered to
deploy to Korea for combat duty. 4 Sikorsky HO3S light
observation helicopters, along with pilots and maintenance
personnel from HMX-1 were attached to the squadron. VMO-1
remained on the East Coast, and VMO-2 was reactivated on the West
Coast. All operated a mix of helicopters and fixed-wing
aircraft.
In April 1962, Task Element 79.3.3.6 ("SHUFLY") began operations in South Vietnam. VMO-2 was tasked with furnishing a small detachment of O-1Cs to the unit. When Marine forces were fully committed in March 1965, VMO-2 transferred all of its O-1Cs to H&MS-16. In 1968 the O-1Cs and O-1Gs (ex-Army) transferred to VMO-2. The O-1 detachment joined VMO-6 in 1968 and remained until 1969 when VMO-6 redeployed to Futenma, Okinawa.
In 1964, VMO-1 became the first squadron to operate the
turbine-powered UH-1E. The "Huey" would be a mainstay
of VMO squadrons for the next 10 years. In 1965, VMO-2 and VMO-6
both deployed to South Vietnam with UH-1Es. They initially performed gunfire
spotting missions, as well as liason and medevacs. Soon, with the
addition of the TK-2 weapons kit (1 M60 machinegun and a 7 or 19
shot rocket pod mounted on either side of the aircraft) they
became gunships. The TAT-101 (2 M60s in a chin turret) was later
added. The three VMOs in Vietnam (VMO-3 was activated and
deployed in 1966) served with distinction throughout their time
in country. In 1967 Captain (later Major) Steven Pless, a gunship
pilot with VMO-6, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his daring
rescue of American troops.
1968-94
In 1968, the OV-10 joined the VMOs and the decision was made
that VMO-1,2,and 6 would revert to fixed-wing squadrons. VMO-3
& VMO-5 (Camp Pendleton) retained their UH-1Es and became
HMLs. Reserve squadron VMO-4 traded in its UH-34Ds for OV-10s;
VMO-8 was reactivated at El Toro and equipped with the
"Bronco". VMO-1 and VMO-6 briefly operated the AH-1J
"Sea Cobra" (as training units), but after 1972 were
completely fixed-wing units, ending the VMO use of
helicopters.
In 1969 VMO-6 relocated to Okinawa, where it operated in support
of the 3d Marine Division until deactivating in 1976. VMO-2 left
Vietnam in 1971 and was based at Camp Pendleton until 1992. VMO-2
and VMO-1 rotated aircraft and personnel to Okinawa on a regular
basis. In 1976, VMO-4 relocated to Atlanta, GA and VMO-8 was
deactivated.
In 1990, VMO-1 and VMO-2 were deployed to Kuwait for Operation
"Desert Shield/Storm". Each squadron lost an aircraft
to enemy fire; three crewmen were captured, one was killed in
action. This was the last hurrah for the VMOs. First VMO-2, and
then VMO-1 were deactivated, leaving Reserve VMO-4 as the last of
the VMOs. On 31 March 1994, VMO-4, the last VMO left in the
Marine Corps was deactivated.
Last updated 6 Sept 2006
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