Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 235 (VMSB-235)
"Death Angels"
United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 235 (VMSB-235). Nicknamed "Death Angels" operated the SBD Dauntless dive bomber in the South Pacific (SoPAC).

Wartime History
On July 3, 1944 at 8:10am thirty-six SBDs took off from Green Island Airfield (Nissan) each armed with a single 1,000 pound bomb and two 100 pound bombs led by Captain Edward C. Willard on a dive bombing and strafing mission against "Target J" anti-aircraft guns west of Tobera Airfield. Two SBDs failed to take off and one aborted due to a magneto cut out and rough engine, leaving only thirty-three that proceeded to the target. Lost is SBD-5 Dauntless 54383 pilot 2nd Lt. Edward J. Becker (MIA).

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Captain Edward C. Willard

References
NARA Marine Scout Bombing Squadron Two Thirty Five (VMSB-235) War Diary 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944
History of Marine Corps in World War II page 456 (VMSB-235 squadron summary)

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?