Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 233 (VMSB-233)
Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 233 (VMTB-233)
"Bulldogs / Rainbow"
United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
On May 1, 1942 commissioned at Ewa Field as Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 233 (VMSB-233). Nicknamed "Bulldogs" or "Rainbow". On May 22, 1943 reorganized as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 233 (VMTB-233) for releasing aerial torpedo attacks or mining missions.

Wartime History
On January 31, 1943 twelve SBD Dauntless led by Captain Williamson took off on a dive bombing mission against Japanese transports bound for Vila on Kolombangara Island. The formation is escorted by eight F4F Wildcats from VMF-112 but two abort due to mechanical issues. Departing, intercepted by Zeros [Ki-43 Oscars] and F1M2 Petes that engage the Wildcats while the SBDs return safely.

On September 16, 1943 lost TBF Avenger 06452 pilot 1st Lt. Edward Albert Croker (pilot POW, 2 crew MIA) on a bombing mission against Ballale Island.

On February 14, 1944 at night, thirty TBF Avengers from VMTB-233 (twenty-eight with two spares) were scheduled to participate in a aerial mining mission against Simpson Harbor off Rabaul. Three did not get off with only twenty-seven proceeded on the mission. The formation was divided into three groups. "Group A" led by Major Coln with nine Avengers, "Group B" led by Captain Milling with eight Avengers with one aborting the mission and "Group C" led by Captain Voyles with ten Avengers. Over the target, diversionary raids were conducted by a PV-1 Ventura over Vunakanau Airfield and B-24s bomb Rabaul. As the Avengers approached the target area, the Avengers were targeted by searchlights and intense anti-aircraft fire. At 4:15am, "Group C" was the last over the target area, approached at an altitude of 6,000' to 7,000' then dove down to 600' flying from east to west, crossing Crater Peninsula north of Mother Volcano then over the mouth of Sulphur Creek over the eastern edge of Simpson Harbor. Each aircraft was to release their aerial mine at a speed of less than 180 knots / 207 mph at an altitude of roughly 600'. Six were lost including TBF 24264 pilot 1st Lt. James W. Boyden (3 MIA), TBF 47506 pilot 1st Lt. Hugh L. Cornelius (2 POW / 1 MIA), TBF 06311 pilot 1st Lt. John F. Bartholf, Jr. (3 MIA), TBF 24340 pilot 1st Lt. Robert William Sherman (2 MIA, 1 POW), TBF 25327 pilot 1st Lt. James L. Fowler (3 MIA) and TBF 25316 pilot 1st Lt. Alonzo N. Hathway, Jr. (3 MIA).

References
NARA VMSB-233 War Diary January 1, 1943 Through January 31, 1943
NARA VMTB-233 War Diary 1 February 1944 Through 29 February 1944" pages 53, 80-82
History of Marine Corps in World War II pages 200 (January 30, 1944 late afternoon strike by 18 TBFs from VMTB-233 sink water tender Iwate Maru 2,984 Tons), 464 (VMTB-233 squadron summary)

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