VH-4 (Rescue Squadron 4) was one of six dedicated (VH) rescue squadrons of the U.S. Navy during World War II. VH-4 made 42 rescues of downed aviators, nine rescues of Filipino civilians and assisted in the rescue of another aviator. VH-4 was established in September 1944 and disestablished in November1946.[1] The squadron employed the Martin PBM Mariner during its operations.

Operational history[1]

  • September 1944: VH-4 was established at NAS San Diego, California..
  • March 1945: VH-4 commenced operations in support of the Invasion of Luzon in the Philippines. Seven survivors from two downed planes were rescued as well as nine Filipino women survivors from a capsized outrigger.[2]
  • 22 April 1945: Lt Norvell of VH-4 rescued five survivors from a downed B-25 off Formosa.[3]
  • June 1945: VH-4 relocated to Okinawa Island to join Rescue Squadron VH-3, which had been there since April. In the last two months of the war, VH-4 made 30 rescues of downed aviators and assisted in the rescue of another.[4]
  • 4 September 1945: VH-4 moved to Tokyo Bay.
  • October 1945: VH-4 moved to new seadrome at Sasebo, Nagasaki.
  • 1 March 1945: VH-4 detached to task force participating in Operation Crossroads atomic tests.
  • November 1946: VH-4 was disestablished.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Gintner, Steve (2013). Martin PBM Mariner. Naval Fighters. Vol. 97 (First ed.). Simi Valley, California: Steve Gintner. p. 145. ISBN 0989258327.
  2. ↑ "Page 3 WWII War Diaries". Fold3. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
    - "Page 4 WWII War Diaries". Fold3. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  3. ↑ "Page 3 WWII War Diaries". Fold3. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  4. ↑ "Page 12 WWII War Diaries". Fold3. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
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