VMO-4 | Marine Observation Squadron Four

VMO-4 | Marine Observation Squadron Four

Commissioned: 1.12.44
Deactivated: 10.21.45
Aircraft: OY- 1

VMO-4 was activated on 20 December 1943 at Quantico, VA. It initially carried the designation (ASD)VMO-951, but this was changed to VMO-4 on 15 January 1944. The squadron began initial VMO-training at Quantico, then moved to the West Coast for advanced training prior. Further training took place in Hawaii with the 4th Marine Division, then VMO-4 deployed with the Division and participated in the assault and capture of Saipan and Tinian.

After refitting in Hawaii, VMO-4 sailed for Guam in January 1945 in preparation for the Iwo Jima operation. VMO-4 flew missions over Iwo Jima from 26 February to 19 March 1945, then returned to Hawaii, where it remained through the end of the war. After the war's end, VMO-4 relocated to San Diego, and deactivated on 21 October 1945. The squadron had earned a Presidential Unit Citation (Saipan/Tinian operations) and a Navy Unit Commendation (Iwo Jima), in addition to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer with two bronze stars, and the World War Two Victory Streamer.

Insignia

Artist: S/Sgt. F. F. Lobeck
Date of Insignia: 1944
Authorization: HQMC

Remarks: The significance of the design was derived from the nickname for the artillery spotting airplanes which were called "Grasshoppers" due to their ability to fly in and out of improvised fields. The field glasses and artillery shell denote their primary mission of artillery spotting.

Embroidered on cotton cloth

Millstein, Jeff.  U. S. Marine Corps Aviation Unit Insignia 1941-1946. p 17