The Descriptive Finding Guide for the VPB-106 Collection SDASM.SC.10223

San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
2019
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego 92101


Language of Material: English
Contributing Institution: San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: VPB-106 Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10223
Physical Description: .75 Cubic Feet This collection covers the wartime operations of VPB-106 from June 1943 to October 1946. 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. This collection is housed in two boxes, one measuring 10” x 12.75” x 16.75” and another measuring 5” x 10.5“ x 15.5”. The photos from this collection have been digitized. This collection is housed in two boxes, one measuring 10” x 12.75” x 16.75” and another measuring 5” x 10.5“ x 15.5”. The photos from this collection have been digitized.
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: This collection covers the wartime operations of VPB-106 from June 1943 to October 1946. 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.

Biographical / Historical

Established as Bombing Squadron 106 (VB-106) on 1 June 1943 and later designated VPB-106 (Patrol Bombing Squadron) on 1 October 1944. VPB-106 operated until 5 October 1946. A common nickname used by this squadron was “Wolverators”. VBP-106 utilized two primary aircraft during their three-year existence: the Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator and P4BY-2 Privateer. 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. 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.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to reseaerch. Some restrictions may apply.

Scope and Contents

This collection is housed in two boxes, one measuring 10” x 12.75” x 16.75” and another measuring 5” x 10.5“ x 15.5”. The photos from this collection have been digitized.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Patrol Bombing Squadron 106 (VPB-106)
Consolidated PB4Y Privateer
World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Area

 

BOX 1 of 2 SERIES I: Documents

 

Folder 1 -- Muster rolls, June 1943 - December 1943.

 

Folder 2 -- Muster rolls, January 1944 -September 1944.

 

Folder 3 -- Muster rolls October 1944 - October 1946.

 

Folder 4 -- Muster rolls October 1944 - October 1946.

 

Folder 5 -- Squadron activities and navy interviews June 1943 - October 1946. Consists of war diaries.

 

Folder 6 -- Article and book reprints.

 

Folder 7 -- Index to squadron crews lost.

 

Folder 8 -- CDR. J.T Hayward-Squadron CO (photo and biography history).

 

Folder 9 -- Squadron war diary and crew list October 1, 1943 - June 1944.

 

Folder 10 – Privateer in the Coconut Navy by Robert P. Hastings.

 

Folder 11 – Privateer in the Coconut Navy by Robert P. Hastings.

 

Folder 12 -- Action reports. Contains action reports varying from #12 thru #54. Some are missing. Dates range from May 1945 to August 1945.

 

Folder 13 -- Action reports. Contains action reports #1 thru #12. Dates from February to April 1945.

 

Folder 14 -- Squadron history.

 

Folder 15 -- Squadron war diary and crew list October 1, 1944 - June 1945.

 

Folder 16 -- Action reports. Dates range from October 1943 – April 1944.

 

Folder 17 -- Cruise book June 1943-1944. List of the crews of VB-106 as well as anecdotal stories and pictures.

 

Folder 18 -- Squadron reunions 1999-2003.

 

Folder 19 -- Squadron reunions 2003.

 

Folder 20 -- 1997 reunion photos.

 

Folder 21 -- Association newsletters.

 

Folder 22 -- Guest List. Contains names and addresses of people that are on the list to attend squadron reunion events. Dates range from 1973 – 2006.

 

Folder 23 -- 2006 reunion.

 

Box 2 of 2

 

Series I: Documents A 1946 summary of the squadrons wartime experiences, entitled Privateer in the Coconut Navy.

 

Series II: Photographs

 

Folder 2 – Photos and documents. The items in this folder are from their original envelope. Photos scanned range from 0001- 0017.

 

Folder 3 -- News clippings and photos. The items in this folder are from their original binder. No photos scanned Folder

 

Folder 4 -- Mueller photo album- Scanned photos 0018 – 0112. Features photos of an assortment of planes, pictures on base in places such as Miramar, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Documents VPB-106 in Hawaii.

 

Folder 5 -- Mueller photo album- Scanned photos 0113 – 215. Features photos of an assortment of planes, pictures on base in places such as Miramar, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Documents VPB-106 in Hawaii.

 

Folder 6 – Mueller photo album- Unscanned photos and documents. Contains Manfred Mueller’s certificates, different currency’s, and letters.

 

Folder 7 -- Mueller photo album- Unscanned photos and documents. Contains certificates and news clippings.