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.[1]
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).[2] 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[2] back to hospitals in the rear areas.[3] 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.[2] The unit remained on the island for the rest of the war and was decommissioned on November 16, 1945.
