Marine Photographic Squadron 154 (VMD-154)
United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
Marine Photographic Squadron 154 (VMD-154) was part of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC).

Wartime History
On December 29, 1942 a solo mission is flown by PB4Y-1 Liberator 31940 pilot 2nd Lt. Gordon E. Gray took off from Bomber 2 Airfield (Pekoa) on Espiritu Santo on a solo photographic reconnaissance over under construction Munda Airfield on New Georgia. Over the target, intercepted by A6M3 Zeros from 204 Kōkūtai (204 Air Group) and damaged but returned to landed at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.

On February 7, 1943 lost is PB4Y-1 Libeator 31958 pilot Captain Benjamin C. Y. Fuller and crashed shortly after take off with PB4Y-1 Liberator 31959 on a flight bound for Guadalcanal.

During May 1944 part of Marine Fleet Air, West Coast based at NAAS Camp Kearney in San Diego.

During June 1945, personnel transfered to VMD-954 and the squadron was placed on inactive status.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Major William G. Thrash (February 1, 1944–May 1944)
Lt. Col. Michael Sampas (May 1944–January 12, 1945)

References
NARA Marine Photographic Squadron 154 (VMD-154) War Diary May 1944
History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1952) pages 460 (VMD-154), 467 (VMD-254)
(Page 460) states in October 1942 VMD-154 and VMD-254 exchanged designations exchanged, but VMD-254 was in SoPAC in early 1944.
VMD-154 Association

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