VMA-331
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Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331) was an attack squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron, also known as the “Doodlebugs” and “Bumblebees,” was part of Marine Aircraft Group 32, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and were based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. They squadron fought in World War II, the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. They were deactivated as part of the post Cold War drawdown of the US Military on October 1, 1992.
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Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 331 (VMSB-331) was formed on January 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. On June 1, 1943, the squadron's personnel and aircraft were divided to form VMSB-332. Also in June of that year they were moved and became the first squadron to arrive at Bogue Field, North Carolina. This was followed by a move to San Diego in September to prepare for movement to the South Pacific. The squadron deployed overseas, finally arriving at Nukufetau on November 15, 1943. They operated from
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that island during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. On November 30, 1943 they sent a detachment to Tarawa to aid in patrol operations until December 26, 1943. In October 1944, the squadron was re-designated Marine Fighter Bomber Squadron 331 (VMBF-331), but they reverted back to VMSB-331 on December 30, 1944. The squadron remained the Pacific and carried out air strikes against by-passed Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands for the remainder of the war.
Following the war, VMSB-331 returned to the United States in October 1945 and were deactivated quickly thereafter on November 21, 1945
Every page in the USMC series is unique revealing a piece of information about the United States Marine Corp. On these pages you’ll read some of the interesting history from its people, bases and battles.
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Some things to remember when doing this series
* This is a hiking series. There are dirt roads/washes that will get you close.
* There are 421 caches. 401 prescription bottles hanging in bushes & 20 ammo cans.
* The Geoart is approximately 6 x 6 miles (36 sq miles) – count on being out here a while.
* Let someone know you are out here and when to expect to hear from you.
* This is the desert; home to many animals. Please take care of it.
* Carry out what you take in, don’t leave anything behind.
* Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.
* Don't rely on good cell phone coverage.
* Most important of all --> Have fun! <--