 VP-117 History
Circa 1949
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Patrol Bombing Squadron 117 - Page 22 to 23 - Naval Aviation News - April 1949..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1949/apr49 [14JUL2004]
Circa 1947
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...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]
A BIT OF HISTORY:   VP-117 Presidential Unit Citation "...This picture shows the presentation of the Presidential Unit Citation to Cpt. E. O. Rigsbee, Jr. by Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air John Nicholas Brown in Brown's office on April 17, 1947. The only people identified by the information that came with the picture in 1947 were the three people in the front. Cmdr Harold W. McDonald on the left; Cpt E. O. Rigsbee, Jr. accepting the citation; and Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air John Nicholas Brown..." Contributed by Shirley J. Strickland Shirley.J.Strickland@swf.usace.army.mil [10JUN99]
Circa 1945
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History of FAW-17 - History from 28JAN45-17AUG45 - Submitted September 11th, 1945. Squadron's Assigned: VP-111 and VP-117..." Official U. S. Navy Records (National Archives and Records Administration) via Fold3 http://www.fold3.com/ [09DEC2012]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW-18 - VPB-23, VPB-117, VPB-152 - War Diary - October 1945..." Official U. S. Navy Records (National Archives and Records Administration) via Fold3 http://www.fold3.com/ [23OCT2012]
A 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_navyL.html [22NOV2007]
MCGAUGHEY, HAROLD M.
Synopsis:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harold M. McGaughey, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in action on 29 January 1945, while serving as Executive Officer and a pilot with Patrol-Bombing Squadron 117 (VPB-117) on a reconnaissance patrol between Leyte and Okinawa, where he destroyed five enemy ships. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Circa 1944-1945
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Personal Collection of G.C. FRENCH who was a waist gunner on LT Doogan's aircraft..." Contributed by Eric Corse acleric@embarqmail.com [08NOV2023]
Circa 1944 - 1949
A BIT OF HISTORY:  PB4Y-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
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photographs from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944 - most photographs taken at Mindoro Island, Philippines and Jinamoc Seaplane Base, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippines..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [12MAR2017]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photographs from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944 - Presidential Unit Citation (October 4, 1944-August 11, 1945)..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [08MAR2017]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photographs from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944 - Cocktail Hour (which was in the 43rd BG, Army), P-38, wrecked PB2Y that was on Mindoro and PB4Y taking off from Jinamoc Seaplane Base, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippines..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [08MAR2017]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photographs from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [08MAR2017]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photographs from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944 - Presidential Unit Citation (October 4, 1944-August 11, 1945) - one caption notes that 15 aircraft were destroyed in a japanese air raid (I think on Leyte). One photograph maybe a stock photo..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [08MAR2017]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photographs from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944 - recon photos..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [08MAR2017]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VPB-117 History "...Photograph from the scrapbook owned by AOM3 (Gunner) Cecil H. Fondren of VPB-117 Circa 1944..." Contributed by John Bur jburbear@earthlink.net [08MAR2017]
A 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]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPB-117: The Blue Raiders (October 1944 to August 1945) Commanding officers: Commander E.O. Rigsbee Jr., (August to December 1944); Commander Harold W. McDonald (December 1944 to January 1945); Lieutenant Commander Thomas P. Mulvhill (January to April 1945); Lieutenant Commander Roger J. Crowley Jr., (April 1945 to August 1945). Based at Tinian Island, Marianas Islands from October 1944 to December 1944); Tacloban, Leyte from December 1944 to February 1945; Maguire Field, Mindoro from February to August 1945). Assined to FAW-1, Commander Task Group 30.3 and 5 from October to December 1944; FAW-10 from December 1944 to February 1945; FAW-17, Group 1 from February 1945 to August 1945. Awarded Presidential Unit Citation..." WebSite: U.S. Navy Pacific-Based PB4Y Squadrons in World War II http://www.alanc.carey.freeservers.com/custom4.html [26NOV2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Air-to-Air Shoot Downs by Navy and Marine Corps Patrol Type Aircraft During World War II - This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-vol2/Appen4.pdf [12FEB2004]
 Air-To-Air Shootdowns 118KB
A BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Historical Center, Department Of The Navy, Washington, D. C http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/dictvol2.htm [28APR2001]
VPB-117 40KB
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Location of U. S. Naval Aircraft - Dated 11 Jan 1944..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [29SEP2006]
VP SQUADRONS MENTIONED
VD-1, VD-2, VD-3 and VD-4
VJ-1, VJ-2, VJ-3, VJ-4, VJ-5, VJ-7, VJ-8, VJ-9, VJ-10, VJ-11, VJ-12, VJ-13, VJ-14, VJ-15, and VJ-16
VP-6 Coast Guard
VP-11, VP-12, VP-13, VP-14, VP-15, VP-16, VP-17, VP-18 and VP-19
VP-20, VP-23 and VP-24
VP-32, VP-33 and VP-34
VP-43, VP-44 and VP-45
VP-52 and VP-54
VP-61 and VP-62
VP-71, VP-72, VP-73 and VP-74
VP-81 and VP-84
VP-91, VP-92 and VP-94
VP-101, VP-102, VP-103, VP-104, VP-105, VP-106, VP-107, VP-108 and VP-109
VP-110, VP-111, VP-112, VP-113, VP-115, VP-116 and VP-117
VP-126, VP-127, VP-128 and VP-129
VP-130, VP-131, VP-132, VP-133, VP-134, VP-135, VP-136, VP-137, VP-138 and VP-139
VP-140, VP-141, VP-142, VP-143, VP-144, VP-145, VP-146, VP-147, VP-148 and VP-149
VP-150 and VP-151
VP-201, VP-203, VP-204, VP-205, VP-208 and VP-209
VP-210, VP-211, VP-212, VP-213, VP-214, VP-215 and VP-216
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...BROOKS, BRADFORD MAITLAND - Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve - Patrol Bombing Squadron 117 (VPB-117), Date of Action: December 10, 1944..." WebSite: Home of Heroes http://www.homeofheroes.com/verify/1_Citations/nc_06wwii_navy.html [29DEC2005]
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Bradford Maitland Brooks, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy. Lieutenant Commander Brooks on 10 December 1944, as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Search Liberator, with fearless determination pressed home the war against the enemies of the United States, causing the destruction of three enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Because he had flown his lone plane on many long, grueling missions deep into enemy territory, often under the most hazardous conditions and in the face of enemy fire, his deep devotion to duty was inspiring. Having destroyed two enemy fighters, though severely wounded he continued to fight until his plane was so badly crippled that it would no longer remain in the air. Then, with his instrument panel shattered, three engines shot out, and the right rudder control useless, he landed without flaps with such superb skill that the lives of the majority of his crew were saved. His actions on this occasion showed the highest degree of professional skill, heroic courage under fire and determined devotion to duty, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
VPB117/P15, Serial 0184 (February 9, 1945)
Home Town: Pacific Beach, CA
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPB-104 Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]
Presidential Unit Citation
04 Oct 44 - 11 Aug 45
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-117 Presidential Unit Citation "...This is a picture of the squadron's score card erected on one of the islands. I believe Dad said this shows only about half of their total..." Contributed by Shirley J. Strickland Shirley.J.Strickland@swf.usace.army.mil [10JUN99]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-117 Ground Crew "...The original 18 VPB-117 and Ground Crew Photos. These pictures were taken in 1944 at Camp Kearney, California sometime between February 1, 1944, when the squadron was commissioned...Back Row: LT(jg) Cummings, LT Gison, LT Meade, Ens. Heard, and LT Reide...Front Row: Chief "Benny" Lakasky, Chief Marion, Chief Hall, Chief Buck Rogers, and Chief Jamieson..." Contributed by Susan ShrtStff44@aol.com [09FEB99]
 "...My father is R. C. Strickland of Crew 17. When I showed him the crew pictures from this web site, we discovered that the picture that is titled "VP-117 Ground Crew" is actually that of Crew 17. Here is a list of Crew 17 members names that correspond with that picture. Back Row: Forkner, Engh, Strickland, Anderson & Self, Middle Row: Larson, Fondren, Hansfield & Latham, and Front Row: Lt(jg) Kittrell, Ens. Bloomquist & Ens. Simonich..." Contributed by Shirley J. Strickland Shirley.J.Strickland@swf.usace.army.mil [19MAY99]
"...We are still looking for the following crew members: E. L. Latham, P. E. Anderson, M. L. Engh, F. W. Hansfield, B. Self and C. H. Fondren. We already know that Lt Kittrell and Ens Bloomquist are deceased. If anyone has any information about them, please contact us..." Contributed by Shirley J. Strickland Shirley.J.Strickland@swf.usace.army.mil [110JUN99]
Circa 1941 - 1945
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FLIGHT LOG VPB-117 BLUE RAIDERS SQUADRON..." WebSite: EBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ NAMED-WWII-USN-FLIGHT-LOG-VPB-117-BLUE-RAIDERS-SQUADRON_W0QQitemZ6585965905QQcategoryZ4718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem [06DEC2005]
Several pages of logged flights, beginning in November 1941 through September of 1945.
It is named to a Wilburn V. Watts.
Although not unit marked, the chronological order of the bases this crew flew from and the PB4Y-1 serial numbers that are logged, this is a log book from the USN bomber squadron VPB-117.
Also known as the "BLUE RAIDERS" (A name given to the unit by Tokyo Rose), this Patrol Bombing Squadron consisted of 18 twelve member crews with 15 PB4Y-1 aircraft and supporting ground personnel.
The PB4Y-1 was originally an Army Air Corp B-24 Liberator, that was modified by the U.S. Navy for long bombing patrols and was mainly used in the Pacific against the Japanese.
A few of the early logged entries are flights in experimental PB4Y's as designated by the "X" in front of a number. (see scans)
Other log entries dictate: night training, photographic and gunnery training.
The pilot of this particular air crew appears predominately to be a Lt.(JG) F.W. Kimball.
According to the log, this PB4Y-1 crew had it's 1st combat mission on Christmas day in 1944 and their first enemy contact was 3 days later on December 28th 1944, where they sighted and strafed two Japanese ships off the coast of China.
After this date there are many logged patrol entries describing enemy contact.
The combat record of this squadron is as follows:
Combat Patrols - 1,617
Combat Hours Flown - 18,459
Combat Patrols Each Day - 5
Average Hours Each Patrol - 11.4
Japanese Ships Sunk - 210 - 109,700 tons
Japanese Ships Damaged - 274 - 96,085 tons
Japanese Aircraft Shot Down - 63
Japanese Aircraft Probably Shot Down - 5
Japanese Aircraft Damaged in Air - 9
Japanese Aircraft Destroyed on Ground - 16
Japanese Aircraft Damaged on Ground - 4
Japanese Shore Installations Attacked - 300(approximately)
THE COMBAT LOSSES OF WORLD WAR II
Aircraft - 17
Personnel - 72
Circa Unknown
Can you identify the Month and or Year?
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VPB-117 History "...The results of a masthead attack by a Patrol Bombing Squadron (VPB) 117 PB4Y-1 Liberator are evident in this view taken from the aircraft. This photograph was taken at Saigon, Indochina - Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library World War II Era..." Association Of Naval Aviation http://broadcast.illuminatedtech.com/display/story.cfm?bp=128&sid=8294 [02APR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Navy Patrol Plane Aces of WW2 aboard the PB4Y..." [01APR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VPB-117 History "...Philippines..." Contributed by John Lucas JohnLucas@netzero.com [29JAN2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW's Flying PB4Y-1 (Liberator) and PB4Y-2 (Privateer) Aircraft: - FAW-18: VPB-103 (Tinian), VPB-108 (Tinian, Iwo Jima), VPB-117 (Tinian, Okinawa), VPB-118 (Tinian, Iwo Jima), VB/VPB-102 (Iwo Jima) and VB/VPB-116 (Tinian, Iwo Jima)..." WebSite: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum http://www.pwam.org/ [10APR2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW's Flying PB4Y-1 (Liberator) and PB4Y-2 (Privateer) Aircraft: FAW-17: VPB-109 (Palawan), VPB-117 (Leyte, Mindora), VPB-119 (Los Negros), VB/VPB-101 (Guadalcanal, Morotai), VB/VPB-104 (Morotai, Leyte, Luzon), VB/VPB-106 (NAF Biak Atoll, Schouten Islands, Dutch New Guinea) and VB/VPB-115 (Los Negros)..." WebSite: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum http://www.pwam.org/ [10APR2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW's Flying PB4Y-1 (Liberator) and PB4Y-2 (Privateer) Aircraft: - FAW-10: VPB-117 (Lyautey, Mindora), VPB-119 (Leyte, Luzon. Tawi-Tawi) and VB/VPB-115 (Owi-Moratai)..." WebSite: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum http://www.pwam.org/ [10APR2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW's Flying PB4Y-1 (Liberator) and PB4Y-2 (Privateer) Aircraft: - FAW-1: VD-1 (Guadalcanal, Guam, Okinawa), VD-3 (Canton), VD-4 (Marshalls, Gilberts), VD-5 (Guam), VPB-108 (Iwo Jima), VPB-109 (Tinian, Okinawa), VPB-111 (Marshalls, Gilberts), VPB-117 (Tinian), VPB-118 (Tinian, Okinawa), VPB-123 (Marianas, Guadalcanal), VPB-101 (Guadalcanal), VPB-102 (Tinian), VB/VPB-104 (Guadalcanal), VB/VPB-115 (Munda) and VB/VPB-116 (Peleliu)..." WebSite: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum http://www.pwam.org/ [10APR2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-117 History "...Doc's Delight PB4Y BUNO: 38746..." Contributed by John Lucas JohnLucas@netzero.com [11MAR2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:       "...some more photos, mostly lanscapes, buildings and some people (don't know who)...can anyone identify them?..." Contributed by Larry Eichenberg B572673@aol.com [30OCT97]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPB-117 lost 26 A/C during the war. I have most of the information on them..." Contributed by Ted Darcy wreck1@omega.cntn.net WEBSITE: http://wfirg.com/
"VP-117 History Summary Page"
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