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HistoryVP-118 HistoryHistory

Circa 1949

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1949 "...Bombing Squadron 118 - Page 20 - 21 - Naval Aviation News - July 1949..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1949/jul49 [12JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News April 1949 "...VPB-118 Photos Needed - Page - 26 - Naval Aviation News - April 1949..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1949/apr49 [14JUL2004]

VP History Thumbnail

Circa 1947

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News June 1947 "...Three VP Squadrons Get Award - Page 16 to 17 - Naval Aviation News - June 1947..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1947/jun47.pdf [17JUL2004]

Naval Aviation News

Circa 1945

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera History "...Okinaa - Rear Admiral John Dale Price (seated left), Commander of FAW-1, chats with pilots of PB4Y-2 at their Okinawa Base. LCDR Arthur E. Farwell, Jr. of NAS Pensacola, Florida (seated facing camera), is CO of the VPB-118 the first Privateer squadron to operate in the Pacific - Circa 05JUL1945..." WebSite: EBay http://www.ebay.com/ [26APR2015]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Full Text Citations For Award of The Navy Cross - To U.S. Navy Personnel - World War II - (2,889 Awards) - Navy Cross Citations U.S. Navy - World War II..." WebSite: Home of Heros http://www.homeofheroes.com/ valor/ 1_Citations/ 03_wwii-nc/nc_06wwii_navyH.html [19NOV2007]

KEISER, NORMAN M.

Synopsis:

The Navy Cross is presented to Norman M. Keiser, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in action on 7 May 1945, while serving with Patrol Squadron 118 (VP-118) and deployed over Korea. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...This gear bag, or parachute bag, belonged to Comander Carl W. Rinehart, Commanding Officer of U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron 118 (VPB-118) from 21 July 1945 to decommissioning in December 1945. The Bag has his last name stenciled, squadron identifier, and Bureau Number of the PB4Y-2 Privateer 59764..." EBay http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZauthor109QQhtZ-1 [06JUN2007]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPB-118: The Old Crows (January-August 1945) The first squadron to serve in the Pacific with the PB4Y-2..." WebSite: U.S. Navy Pacific-Based PB4Y Squadrons in World War II http://www.alanc.carey.freeservers.com/custom4.html [26NOV2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...01JUL45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), flying from Okinawa, conclude aerial mining of waters of Korean archipelago, sowing mines in fields off Chin-To. VPB 118 wraps up its mining operations this date having sown 195 mines. The aircrew notice an absence of shipping in the areas mined, leading to the conclusion that the effort "has effectively stopped the movement of enemy ships in theinner channels around the southwest coast of Korea."..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...24JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), flying from Okinawa in a repeat of mission carried out the previous day, continue aerial mining of waters of Korean archipelago, sowing mines in waters north of Iion-To and Gantai-To, and off Ninshi-To and Chi-To. The Privateers, upon completion of the mining operation, strafe targets of opportunity that include railroad facilities, airports and Japanese shipping, sinking merchant ship Pluto Go off Mokpo..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...21-23JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), flying from Okinawa, continue aerial mining of waters of Korean archipelago, sowing mines in waters in channel between Hikin-To, Iion-To, and Gantai-To; one plane encounters antiaircraft fire from Japanese warship in vicinity. Waters north of Roka-To are mined again as well..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...20JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), continue aerial mining of waters of Korean archipelago in a repeat of the mission of the previous day, but on this occasion encounter heavy antiaircraft fire from Japanese warships in the vicinity..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...19JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), continue aerial mining of waters in Korean archipelago, sowing mines in the waters north of Roka-To, in a repeat of the mission flown the previous day. On this occasion, however, all planes are damaged by antiaircraft fire when they strafe a ship encountered in the vicinity..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...18JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), continue aerial mining of waters in Korean archipelago, sowing mines in the waters north of Roka-To..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...14JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), flying from Okinawa, mine waters between Gyuji-To, Toso-To and Jobai-To, Korean Archipelago, encountering antiaircraft fire from nearby anchored shipping. The same waters are mined each day over the next three days, but the Privateers encounter no further antiaircraft fire on those occasions..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...12JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), using radar, mine the waters off Chin-To, Korean Archipelago. The same waters are mined again the following day..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...10JUN45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118), flying from Okinawa, commence mining waters of the Korean archipelago. The intent is to drive Japanese shipping, forced by the work of PB4Ys and PBMs to carry out nocturnal operations (sheltering by day in small protected anchorages) out into the open sea to facilitate mast-head attacks. The mines thus planted could sink undiverted shipping and place an additional burden on the already overtaxed Japanese minesweeping force. On this initial mission, the first aerial mining using Privateers, however, the PB4Ys encounter intense antiaircraft fire from Japanese warships in Tsushima Strait during the run-in to the objective, Pusan harbor. The PB4Ys mine the waters along the Korean coast between Shinchi-To and Seigan-To instead (see 11 June-1 July)..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...11MAY45 - PB4Y-2s (VPB-118) operating against Japanese shipping off coast of Korea, sink merchant cargo ships Seiri Maru, 34°17'N, 126°50'E, and Shinzan Maru, 34°15'N, 127°10'E..." HyperWar http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1945.html [11SEP2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Arthur Rosen, Petty Officer Third Class, United States Navy, tail gunner in a PB4Y-2, during the Korean conflict, Machinist's Mate Third Class Rosen awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aircrewman of a Patrol Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron One Hundred Eighteen during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Korea on May 15 and June 24 and 26, 1945. Participating in attacks against enemy shipping and shore installations in the face of intense Japanese anti-aircraft fire, Rosen aided in obtaining valuable information concerning hostile forces and contributed materially to the sinking of two enemy freighters, the crippling of five Japanese vessels and to the damaging of radar installations and a lighthouse. His courage and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Arthur Rosen is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society..." WebSite: Distinguished Flying Cross Society http://www.dfcsociety.org/citation_detail.asp?ID=2558 [15AUG2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: PB4Y ThumbnailCameraVP-118 PB4Y BUNO: 59482 "...Miss You - Late 1945 to 1946 - Nose Art taken at NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii loaded onto bardges and taken out to sea!..." Contributed by COLLINS, MCPO WM H. Collins Retired mcpousnrret@aol.com [26JUN2004]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: PB4Y ThumbnailCameraVP-109 or VP-118 PB4Y BUNO: Unknown "...PB4Y from either VPB-109 or VPB-118 at Miramar, June 1945. Photo from the TailHook Association http://www.tailhook.org/..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [16FEB2002]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: PB4Y ThumbnailCameraVP-109 or VP-118 PB4Y BUNO: Unknown "...PB4Y from either VPB-109 or VPB-118 at Miramar, June 1945. Photo from the TailHook Association http://www.tailhook.org/..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [16FEB2002]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPB-118 Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]

  • Presidential Unit Citation
    26 Apr 45 - 08 Aug 45

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Presidential Unit Citation April 26 to August 8, 1945..." [19MAY2000]

    VP-118


    THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
    WASHINGTON, D.C.


    The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to PATROL BOMBING SQUADRON ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

    "For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in East China, Korean and Japanese home waters during the Okinawa Campaign, from APril 26 to August 8, 1945. The first squadron to operate heavy bombers ffrom still-insecure Okanawa, Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN opened a three-week campaign on April 26, sending United States planes for the first time into the Sea of Japan and confined waters around Korea to sink 24 enemy ships and damage 30 others in one of the most successful operations of this kind. Braving fire from the shore, the targets, escorting warships and enemy fighters, the Squadron attacked hostile shipping at every opportunity; executed strikes against heavily fortified air bases and airfields in Kyushu and Korea; and on June 7 began its intensive campaign of mining the waterways and harbors along the coast of Korea while continuing to wreak havoc on enemy land and shipping targets. With the sea blockade forcing more traffic overland, the Squadron organized a raid to cripple land communications between Japan and China and, during missions in eastern Korea, against Shanghai, and along the coastal waters of northern Honahu, inflicted extensive damage on railroad, airfield and shipping installations. Highly successful in effecting the air-sea blockade of the Japanese homeland, Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN achieved a superb record of service which reflects the highest credit upon its officers and men and the United States Naval Service."

    For the President

    James Forrestal
    Secretary of the Navy

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Arthur Rosen. As a tail gunner in a PB4Y-2, during the Korean conflict, Machinist's Mate Third Class Rosen was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aircrewman of a Patrol Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron One Hundred Eighteen during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Korea on May 15 and June 24 and 26, 1945.   Participating in attacks against enemy shipping and shore installations in the face of intense Japanese anti-aircraft fire, Rosen aided in obtaining valuable information concerning hostile forces and contributed materially to the sinking of two enemy freighters, the crippling of five Japanese vessels and to the damaging of radar installations and a lighthouse.  His courage and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service..." WebSite: The Distinguised Flying Cross Society http://www.dfcsociety.org/page3.htm [08DEC2000]


    Circa 1944 - 1949

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraPB4Y-2 Squadron Assignments "...PB4Y-2 Squadron Assignments 1944 - 1949 by W. T. Larkins 5-11-1984. A review of the aircraft history cards for the 740 aircraft 59350-60009 and 66245-66324 allows the following squadrons with one or more aircraft. Unfortunately the original assignment on many in 1944 is simply "PAC" for Pacific area. No card was found to verify VB-200 as the first squadron delivery or any Marine Corps squadrons. Squadrons listed include VP-12, VP-21, VP-22, VP-23, VP-25, VP-26, VP-27, VP-28, VP-29, VPB-100, VPB-101, VPB-10, VPB-102, VPB-104, VPB-106, VPB-107, VPB-108, VPB-109, VPB-111, VPB-114, VPB-115, VPB-116, VPB-117, VPB-118, VPB-119, VPB-120, VPB-121, VPB-122, VPB-123, VPB-124, VPB-143, VPB-197, VPB-200, VP-HL-1, VP-HL-2, VP-HL-4, VP-HL-6, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-8, VP-HL-9, VP-HL-10, VP-HL-11, VP-HL-12, VP-HL-13, VPM-1, VPW-1, VPW-2, VPW-3, VX-1 and VX-2..." Contributed by Bill Larkins wtl@earthlink.net [01AUG2010]


    Circa 1944 - 1945

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Historical Center, Department Of The Navy, Washington, D. C http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/dictvol2.htm [28APR2001]
    Get Adobe Reader
    Open VP History Adobe FileVPB-118 22KB


    Circa 1944

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...NAB Tinian Island, Marianas Islands 1944 - VPB-118. They are in an album that was accumulated by Glen W. White, a member of Crew-11 who was the plane captain and Bow Turret gunner, the father of Darrel White..." Contributed by Darrel A White darrelwhite350@gmail.com [20DEC2020]

      ROW ONE - LEFT TO RIGHT: Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944 6, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944

      ROW TWO - LEFT TO RIGHT: Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944 unknown

      ROW THREE - LEFT TO RIGHT: Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45

      ROW FOUR - LEFT TO RIGHT: Guadalcanal 1944-45, Guadalcanal 1944-45, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, GTinian Marianas Islands 1944

      ROW FIVE - LEFT TO RIGHT: Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944, Tinian Marianas Islands 1944 B 24, Tinian Mariannas Islands 1944

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    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...History of FAW-14 - History from 15OCT42-01DEC42 - Submitted December 22nd, 1944. Squadron's Assigned: VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-11, VP-12, VP-13, VP-14, VP-15, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-33, VP-44, VP-53, VP-54, VP-71, VP-72, VP-81, VP-91, VP-101, VP-102, VP-103, VP-104, VP-106, VP-109, VP-111, VP-115, VP-117, VP-118, VP-119, VP-121, VP-122 and VP-202..." Official U. S. Navy Records (National Archives and Records Administration) via Fold3 http://www.fold3.com/ [06DEC2012]

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    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraNAAS Crows Landing "...Historic California Posts - Naval Auxilary Air Station, Crows Landing - History..." WebSite: The California State Military Museum http://www.militarymuseum.org/NAASCrowsLanding.html [06NOV2005]

    Photograph: Title: Crows Landing - Image Number: A92-0471-4 - Date: 1992 - Keywords: aerial - Crows Landing - historical - Description: Aerial photo, NAAS Crows Landing; Photographer: US Navy; Date: August 5, 1947 WebSite: http://ails.arc.nasa.gov/Images/Historical/A92-0471-4.html

    NAAS Crows Landing, located 2-1/2 miles northwest of the town of the same name, began in late 1942 as an auxiliary air station to NAS Alameda, California. It was used to train Navy fighter pilots. Pilots of F4F Wildcats, TBF and TBM Avengers trained here first in Link and Panoramic trainers then eventually in actual planes. Later, pilots in R4D Skytrains and R5D Skymasters (Navy versions of the Army's C-47 and C-54) trained here. After the war the station was placed in caretaker status.

    History
    by M.L. Shettle, Jr.
    Historical works by M. L. Shettle, Jr.


    In late 1942, the Navy chose a site in the San Joaquin Valley, 71 miles southeast of Alameda, for an auxiliary air station. An 804-acre parcel of land was purchased for $86,708 and ground broken on December 1, 1942. The site was located near the agricultural community of Crows Landing, 1940 population of 363, that consisted of a gas station, country store, and a freight train stop. During con struction, the project was known as NAAF Patterson for the nearest post office, six miles to the north. After the Navy decided to include a post office on the station, the base commissioned on May 25, 1943, as NAAF Crows Landing.

    On June 18, 1943, VC-36 became the first unit assigned. A detachment of Alameda's CASU 6 also arrived in support. For the next nine months, Crows Landing hosted various carrier units. These units included VC-65, and elements of CAG 28, CAG 18, and CAG 11. In the meantime, a detachment of CASU 37 replaced CASU 6 and Crows Landing was upgraded to an NAAS. Up to the spring of 1944, multi-engine patrol aircraft were based at NAAS Vernalis, 18 miles to the northwest. The Navy real ized that Crows Landing's 7,000-ft. concrete run ways would be better suited for the heavier weight multi-engine aircraft than Vernalis's asphalt run ways; thereafter, Vernalis was designated for carrier units and Crows Landing for multi-engine types.

    In March 1944, the first multi-engine squadron, VPB-137 arrived from Alameda with PVs. From June to November, the station embarked on an expansion project that added housing, a hangar, and other improvements. The runways were widened from 150 to 200 ft. The station's ramp that initially was 200 x 400 ft. was enlarged by a 1200 x 200-ft. and a 1890 x 260-ft. section. In August 1944, the first PB4Y-2 Privateer squadron, VPB-118, arrived from NAAS Camp Kearny, California. In January 1945, Crows Landing added six enlisted barracks, a warehouse, and a 100-man ground training building. From February 2, to March 27, 1945, a VRE-1 Detach ment with 12 R4Ds was based at the station. VRE-1 was one of the Navy's three evacuation squadrons that transported wounded men from combat areas in the South Pacific to the various Naval Hospitals in the U.S. In addition, Oakland's VR-4 and VR-11 used Crows Landing for training throughout the sta tion's existence.

    Crows Landing's isolated location prompted the Navy to run 10 liberty buses a day to Modesto and Patterson. Navy men were allowed to use the swim ming pool at Patterson High School. In June 1945, the station's complement stood at 27 officers and 185 men -- squadron personnel added an additional 245 officers and 1220 enlisted men. Available billeting accommodated 268 officers and 2116 men. Patrol squadrons that passed thought the station during the war included VPB-115, VPB-122, VPB-101, VPB-103, VPB-107, VPB-133, VPB-140, VPB-118, and VPB-108. The PV operational training squadron, VPB-198, also spent time aboard. Patrol squadrons were supported by PATSUs 8-2, 8-4, 8-5, and 8-7. Other units that operated and trained at Crows Landing were VJ-12 and ABATU 105. By war's end, the station was valued at $4 million.

    Crows Landing decommissioned on July 6, 1946, becoming an OLF to NAS Alameda, California and later NAS Moffett Field, California. In recent years, the Navy maintained a perma nent detachment at the field that supplied crash equipment and refueling services for Naval aircraft from the stations in the area. With the closing of Moffett, the Navy turned Crows Landing over to NASA's Ames Research Center in 1993.

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPB-118 was commissioned on 1 July, 1944 at the Naval Air Station, Camp Kearney, Calif. Shortly thereafter it was transferred to NAS Hutchinson, Kansas. After a short stay there, it was transferred to Crows Landing, California on 8 Aug., 1944 ( 25 miles from Modesto, Calif.). Crows Landing was responsible for the squadron's logo, a familiar Old Crow (symbol of Old Crow Bourbon) but with a bomb in place of a bottle under its wing. Thereafter the personnel of the squadron sometimes referred to themselves as "Old Crows". Following a training period at Crows Landing, the squadron was transferred to MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. On Dec. 9, 1944, the squadron moved to NAS Midway Island to conduct anti submarine patrols for a brief period. The squadron then returned to Hawaii and was reassigned on 6 Jan., 1945 to Tinian (Mariana Islands) and then to Okinawa until the end of the war ..." Contributed by MARSHALL, Marion mmlm5@flash.net [18MAR2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "00DEC44--The first combat flights by a Privateer were accomplished by VPB-118 in late Dec '44 or early Jan '45. At that, they were only flying off the coast of Hawaii and out to Midway as I recall..." Contributed by Ron PB4YGuy@aol.com

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX44--The Privateer entered Navy service during the late summer of 1944. VPB-118 and VPB-119 were the first Fleet squadrons to equip with the Privateer. The first overseas deployment began on January 6, 1945, when VPB-118 left for operations in the Marianas. By the end of the war, thirteen Navy squadrons were equipped with Privateers, and a further five squadrons had a combination of Privateers and Liberators flying with them..." http://www.csd.uwo.ca:80/~pettypi/elevon/baugher_us/b024-37.html


    Circa 1942 - 1944 - 1945 - 1946

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Circa 1942, 1944, 1945 and 1946: PATROL BOMBING SQUADRON 118 ID'ed Grouping 1945 - from Euclid Lano Williams, Jr. - Aviation Radioman First Class - Large grouping of items from Euclid Lano Williams, Jr. - Aviation Radioman First Class who served in the Pacific with Patrol Bombing Squadron 118 and was from Springfield, Mo...." WebSite: EBay http://cgi.ebay.com/PATROL-BOMBING-SQUADRON-118-ID-ed-Grouping-1945_ W0QQitemZ180083285591QQihZ008QQcategoryZ4724QQss PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem [07FEB2007]


    History ThumbnailCameraVP-118 History His medals and ribbon bar. Medals are not engraved. These 3 photos show the Temporary Citations from the Commander Fleet Air Wing One for the Distinguished Flying Cross and Gold Star for the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Permanent Citations from the Secretary of the Navy. Also other letters from the Navy Department, Bureau of Naval Personal having to do with these Citations. Citation: "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aircrewman of a Patrol Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Korea and Kyushu on May 3 and 6, 1945. Participating in armed reconnaissance missions, WILLIAMS aided in obtaining valuable information concerning hostile forces and contributed materially to the sinking of an enemy tanker and a freighter. In addition, he took part in a daring twilight attack on an enemy airfield. By his courage and devotion to duty, WILLIAMS upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

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    History ThumbnailCameraVP-118 History Letter from Navy Department, Bureau of Naval Personal, Subject: Presidential Unit Citation awarded Patrol Bombing Squadron One Hundred Eighteen and a Facsimile of the Citation. The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to PATROL BOMBING SQUADRON ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN for service set forth in the following CITATION: "For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in East China, Korean and Japanese home waters during the Okinawa Campaign, from April 26 to August 8, 1945. The first squadron to operate heavy bombers from still-insecure Okinawa, Patrol Bombing Squadron 118 opened a three-weeks campaign on April 26, sending United States planes for the first time into the Sea of Japan and confined waters around Korea to sink 24 enemy ships and damage 30 others in one of the most successful operations of this kind, Braving fire from shore, the targets, escorting warships and enemy fighters, the Squadron attacked hostile shipping at every opportunity; executed strikes against heavily fortified air bases and airfields and Etc."
    History ThumbnailCameraVP-118 History Letter from The Secretary of the Navy. March 26, 1946. My Dear Mr. Williams: I have addressed this letter to reach you after all formalities of your separation from active service are completed. I have done so because, without formality but as clearly as I know how to say it. I want the Navy's pride in you, which it is my privilege to express, to reach into your civil life and to remain with you always. You have served in the greatest Navy in the world. It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrenders only four months apart. It brought our land-based airpower within bombing range of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory. And etc. James Forrestal.
    History ThumbnailCameraVP-118 History Photos are: ARM AR-7 SEC. E N.A.T.T.C. MEMPHIS "43" with the men identified on back. Photo of Williams stamped on back: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, Euclid L. Williams, Jr., 20, Aviation Radioman First Class, USNR, 807 South Hampton Ave., Springfield, Mo., now back in the States for leave and reassignment after taking part in strikes at the Japanese homeland as a radioman-gunner of a Navy Privateer Search Plane. Photo of Williams and 4 other sailors. Photo of Williams and his buddies taken at the Patio Grill and Terrace Room, Hotel Roosevelt, Jacksonville, Florida.
    History ThumbnailCameraVP-118 History This photo shows Williams and a friend at Sherman's Dine and Dance, State and C Sts., San Diego, Calif. and is dated Feb 26 1944.
    History ThumbnailCameraVP-118 History Night School Certificate from Springfield, Missouri Public Schools to Williams for completing one term in Radio Communications in 1942. Three large brown mailing envelopes from the Navy Department to Williams, and probably held his citations. All items are in very good condition.

    Circa 1941-1944

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...History of FAW-8 - History from 08JUL41-31DEC44 Submitted April 12th, 1945. Squadron's Assigned: VP-16, VP-18, VP-19, VP-20, VP-21, VP-22, VP-25, VP-26, VP-27, VP-28, VP-43, VP-61, VP-62, VP-63, VP-72, VP-81, VP-82, VP-83, VP-84, VP-92, VP-118, VP-123, VP-133, VP-137, VP-140, VP-142, VP-144, VP-148, VP-150, VP-153, VP-198, VP-205, VP-208 and VP-216..." Official U. S. Navy Records (National Archives and Records Administration) via Fold3 http://www.fold3.com/ [01DEC2012]

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