VH-5 (Rescue Squadron)

VH-5 (Rescue Squadron 5) was one of six dedicated (VH) Rescue Squadrons of the U.S. Navy during WWII. A more comprehensive write-up on the VH squadrons can be found in the history of Rescue Squadron 3 (VH-3), which was the US Navy's most active VH squadron. VH-5 rescued 8 air crewman, assisted in the rescue another 2 aviators, and assisted in the capture of 4 Japanese adrift on a raft. VH-5 was established in September 1944 and disestablished in June 1946.[1] The squadron employed the Martin PBM Mariner during its operations.

Operational history[1]
  • September 1944: VH-5 was established at NAS Alameda, California.
  • April 1945: VH-5 commences rescue operations headquartered out of Ebeye Island in the Kwajalein Atoll. Detachments are also stationed at Majuro and Enewetak Atoll.[2]
  • May 1945: VH-5 rescues 4 survivors from 2 downed SB2C and 1 downed F4U, assists in the rescue of another 2 survivors of a downed SB2C, and assists in the capture of 4 Japanese adrift on a raft.[3][4][5]
  • June 1945: VH-5 rescues 2 survivors from a downed SB2C from VMSB-331.
  • July 1945: VH-5 rescues 2 survivors from an SB2C downed after a strike against Wotje Atoll.[6]
  • 19-28 August and 5 September 1945: VH-5 participates in the negotiations, formal surrender, and American occupation of Japanese-held Mili Atoll and Jaluit Atoll.[7][8]
  • June 1946: VH-5 was disestablished.

See also

References
  1. Gintner, Steve (2013). Martin PBM Mariner (Naval Fighters Number 97). Simi Valley, Ca: Steve Gintner, First Edition. p. 146. ISBN 0989258327.
  2. "Page 1 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  3. "Page 2 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  4. "Page 3 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  5. "Page 4 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  6. "Page 3 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  7. "Page 3 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  8. "Page 2 WWII War Diaries - Fold3". Fold3. Retrieved 2017-01-26.


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