Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3)
U.S. Navy (USN)

Background
Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3) was part of the U.S. Navy (USN). During December 1941, VB-3 was based at NAS North Island in San Diego under the command of Lt. Commander W. M. Leslie.

Wartime History
On December 8, 1941 embarked aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3) and departs for Pearl Harbor. On December 15, 1941 the squadron took off and lands at Luke Field on Ford Island and the next day returns to the carrier and proceeds westward until recalled back to Hawaii. On December 30, 1941 returns to Pearl Harbor with the squadron landing at Luke Field and the next day returns to the carrier and conducts patrol missions.

On January 11, 1942 aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3) when torpedoed and returns to Pearl Harbor. On January 20, 1942 the squadron is again disembarked at Luke Field as damaged USS Saratoga (CV-3) returns to the United States for repairs. On February 15, 1942 moves to NAS Kaneohe and continues to fly patrols and training.

On April 10, 1942 embarked aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6) and performs escort duties for USS Hornet (CV-8) steaming westward bound for Japan to B-25 Mitchells for the "Doolittle Raid". At the end of the month, returns to NAS Kaneohe.

On May 29, 1942 embarked aboard USS Yorktown (CV-5) with VT-3, VB-5 and VF-3 and proceeds westward bound for Midway Atoll. On June 4, 1942 the squadron participates in the Battle of Midway. Lost is SBD-3 Dauntless 4551 pilot Lt. Osborne B. Wiseman (MIA) and SBD-3 Dauntless 4538 pilot Ensign John C. Butler (MIA) who earned the Navy Cross, posthumously.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On December 1, 1942 embarked aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3). On December 5, 1942 the squadron SBDs fly to Tontouta Airfield near Nouméa on New Caledonia. On December 5, 1942 lost is SBD-3 Dauntless 06603 pilot Lt(jg) Liston R. Comer (KIA) crashed into Mount Mou.

On January 21, 1943 embarked aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3). On January 23, 1943 part of the squadron operating from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal and conducts a mission against Kolombangara. On January 23, 1943 the same mission is repeated against Kolombangara. On February 15, 1943 the squadron returns to Tontouta Airfield and divides into three groups and the planes that remain in New Caledonia fly training missions.

On February 18, 1943 sixty planes from the Saratoga Air Group including a portion of VB-3 fly via Efate and Espiritu Santo then northwest to Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. Between February 20, 1943 until March 9, 1943 the portion of the squadron at Henderson Field fly dive bombing missions against Munda Airfield on New Georgia and Vila Airfield on Kolombangara. During this period, squadron pilots and planes were photographed by Frank J. Scherschel for Life Magazine

On February 20, 1943 the squadron strikes Munda Airfield. Damaged by anti-aircraft fire and ditched is SBD-3 Dauntless pilot Ensign Kramer (rescued) and his gunner who ditched and were rescued and returned to duty.

On March 9, 1943 the portion of the squadron at Henderson Field returns to Tontouta Airfield.

During the remainder of March 1943 until the end of July 1943, the squadron alternates between being land based at Tontouta Airfield and operating from USS Saratoga (CV-3). On April 15, 1943 LtCdr H. S. Bottomley assumes command of the squadron. On July 31, 1943 the squadron personnel embark aboard HMS Victorious (R28) and are returned to the United States.

PARTIAL HISTORY

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Lt. Commander W. M. Leslie (December 1941–April 14, 1943)
LtCdr H. S. Bottomley (April 15, 1943–

References
NARA "History of Bombing Squadron Three / Bombing Squadron Three History Through December 1944"
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Jim Sawruk for additional research and analysis