| Rescue Squadron 3 (VH-3) | |
|---|---|
| Active | August 1944 - April 1946 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | squadron |
| Role | Dumbo (air-sea rescue) |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Decorations | Navy Unit Commendation |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Patrol | Martin PBM-3R Mariner |
Rescue Squadron VH-3 was one of six dedicated (VH) Rescue Squadrons of the U.S. Navy during WWII. The squadron was established on 1 August 1944 and disestablished in April 1946.[1]
In the closing 5 months of World War II, the VH-3 squadron rescued 185 downed aviators and aircrewmen in the open seas, some while under fire.[2] VH-3 assisted in the additional rescue of 54 men when the seas were too rough for a landing, and a surface ship or submarine was required to complete the rescue.[3]
Rescue Squadron 3 (VH-3) was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation award for the period from 29 March 1945 to 30 June 1945.
Operational history[3][1][2][4] edit
- August 1944: VH-3 was established at NAS Alameda, California.
- October 1944: VH-3 flew to NAS Kaneohe Bay to continue training.
- December 144: VH-3 flies to Eniwetok Atoll and then onto Saipan.
- January 1945: VH-3 commences rescue operations based out of Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.
- 28 March 1945: VH-3 flies to Kerama Retto and immediately commences rescue operations in support of the Okinawa Campaign and the ongoing air campaign against the Japanese home islands and other occupied territory. Rescue operations continue through the end of the war.
- 13 August 1945: VH-3 flies back to Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.
- October 1945: VH-3 returns to NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
- April 1946: VH-3 was disestablished at NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Map of Operations edit
VH-3's rescues spanned deep into the Inland Sea of Japan (not shown in map below), down the entire Ryukyus chain, out to China and approaching Korea. An interactive and more comprehensive map annotating each of VH-3's rescues has also been created in the "See Also" external links section below.
Home port assignments edit
The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown:[1]
- NAS Alameda, California - August 1944
- NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - October 1945
See also edit
- VH-3 squadron [1]
- VH squadrons [2]
- Maritime patrol aircraft
- Dumbo (air-sea rescue)
Reference edit
- ^ a b c Gintner, Steve (2013). Martin PBM Mariner (Naval Fighters Number 97). Simi Valley, Ca: Steve Gintner, First Edition 2013. pp. 143–144. ISBN 0989258327.
- ^ a b Galdorisi, George (2008). Leave No Man Behind - The Saga of Combat Search and Rescue. Minneapolis, MN: Zenith Press. pp. 87–96. ISBN 9780760323922.
- ^ a b Sweet, Donald (1999). Seaplanes at War. Burnsville, North Carolina: Celo Valley Books. pp. 101–103. ISBN 0923687513.
- ^ Sweet, Donald (2000). The Forgotten Heroes: The Story of Rescue Squadron VH-3 in World War II. Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey: DoG0. ISBN 0967988985.