VMSB-342

Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 342 (VMSB-342) was a dive bomber squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron, also known as the “Bats from Hell”, was active during World War II but never saw combat in the Pacific Theater. They were decommissioned on October 10, 1944.

Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 342
VMSB-342 insignia
Active– July 1, 1943 - October 10, 1944
CountryUnited States
AllegianceUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
TypeDive Bomber squadron
RoleReconnaissance
Air Interdiction
Close air support
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)Batts from Hell
Aircraft flown
BomberSBD Dauntless

History

Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 342 was commissioned on July 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. In April 1944 they transferred to Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Atlantic. Some of the squadron's pilots would go for follow on training to Boca Chica Key, Florida at the site of what today is Naval Air Station Key West. In August 1944, the squadron again transferred, this time to Marine Corps Air Station Newport, Arkansas where they remained until they were decommissioned on October 10, 1944.[1]

See also

Notes
  1. Sherrod, Robert (1952). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II. Washington, D.C.: Combat Forces Press. pp. 469. OCLC 1261876.

References
Books
  • Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle - Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War, 1939 - 1945. Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.
  • Shettle Jr., M. L. (2001). United States Marine Corps Air Stations of World War II. Bowersville, Georgia: Schaertel Publishing Co. ISBN 0-9643388-2-3.
Web
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