Images and information about VMB-413

VMB-413, nicknamed, The Flying Nightmares, was the first squadron to see combat beginning in March 1944. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Galatian, VMB-413 began operations from Stirling Island in the Treasury Group. The primary job was heckling Japanese installations at Kavieng on New Ireland and Rabaul on New Britain.

The squadron's primary mission was heckling Japanese installations at Kavieng on New Ireland and Rabaul on New Britain. Losses were exceptionally heavy during the first two months of operation with VMB-413 losing five aircraft and 27 men, mostly through enemy action. VMB-413 Patch courtesy of Robert J. Yanacek.