VP-14, VP-102, VPB-102 Collection Finding Guide, bulk 1939-2013

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Summary

Title:
The Descriptive Finding Guide for VP-14, VP-102, VPB-102 Collection
Dates:
bulk 1939-2013
Abstract:
This collection covers the wartime operations of squadron VP-14, VP-102 and VPB-102 1938-1944, as well as reunion ephemera and photos. The materials were removed from the original binders and placed in archival folders with reference to the original binder numbers. Original order was maintained during processing. The collection contains documents, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Extent:
10.34 Cubic Feet This collection covers the wartime operations of squadron VP-14, VP-102 and VPB-102 1938-1944, as well as reunion ephemera and photos. The materials were removed from the original binders and placed in archival folders with reference to the original binder numbers. Original order was maintained during processing.
Language:
English .

Background

Biographical / historical:

Established as Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21) on 1 Sep 1938 at Sand Point, Seattle, this squadron went through several designations before sticking to VP-14. VP-45 in August of 1939

VP-14 November 1939

VP-26 15 April 1941 through 1 July 1941

VP-14 again 1 July 1941 VP-14 were located at Kaneohe Bay T.H when the Japanese sneak attack occurred on 7 Dec 1941. Three of VP-14's aircraft were airborne at that time. VP-14 operated under the authority of Patrol Wing One, and served in many location throughout the Pacific Theater during the early years of World War II and often supported the Pacific Fleet. Overall, the squadron was stationed at four home bases: Camp Kearney (Miramar, Calif.), Kaneohe Bay (TH), NAS San Diego, Calif.), and Palawan. The squadron was widely dispersed to accommodate their mission and flew regularly from many other airfields, including Tinian, Mindoro, and Samar. The Wolverators performed long-range patrol and interdiction missions against Japanese shipping and land targets. During their first tour, the squadron claimed 16 enemy aircraft and 43 ships damaged or destroyed. VP-14 began with six P2Y-2 aircraft, forerunner of the PBY, and on 15 Feb 1943 the PBY's the fleet used were replaced with the PB4Y-1 Liberator, faster and more heavily armed. These aircraft along with most of the members of VP-14 were transferred to the newly commissioned Bombing Squadron 102 (VB-102) on 15 Feb 1943 at Kaneohe Bay. VB-102 were the first in the Navy operational squadron to receive the B-24 aircraft they designated as PB4Y-1. Led by Commanding Officers CDRs J.T. Hayward and William S. Sampson, the squadron conducted hundreds of dangerous missions, earned numerous awards, and was vital to success in the pacific. Post war, the squadron continued their operations in the south Pacific, until disestablished on 5 October 1946.

Acquisition information:
The materials in this collection were donated to the San Diego Air Space Museum by the VP-14, VP -102 Reunion Association.
Physical description:
Description: This collection is housed in seven boxes, measuring 10" x 12.75" x 16.75". Content notes: This collection covers the wartime operations of squadron VP-14, VP-102 and VPB-102 1938-1944, as well as reunion ephemera and photos. The materials were removed from the original binders and placed in archival folders with reference to the original binder numbers. Original order was maintained during processing. The collection contains documents, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Physical facet:
The collection contains documents, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Dimensions:
This collection is housed in seven boxes, measuring 10" x 12.75" x 16.75".

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
AR
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-02-04 15:36:44 +0000 .

Access and use

Terms of access:

The collection has been processed and is open for research with no restrictions.

Location of this collection:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 234-8291
archives@sdasm.org
Website