VP-28 was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Bombing Squadron 108 (VB-108) on 1 July 1943, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 108 (VPB-108) on 1 October 1944, redesignated Patrol Squadron 108 (VP-108) on 15 May 1946, redesignated Heavy Patrol Squadron (Landplane) 8 (VP-HL-8) on 15 November 1946, redesignated Patrol Squadron 28 (VP-28) on 1 September 1948 and disestablished on 1 October 1969. It was the second squadron to be designated VP-28, the first VP-28 had that designation in 1944 and 1946.
Operational history
1 July 1943: VB-108 was established at NAS San Diego, California, with an initial “on paper” complement of 12 PB4Y-1 aircraft. Within a few days, the squadron was relocated to NAAS Camp Kearney, California, where it received an increase to 15 aircraft, with 57 officers and 148 enlisted personnel organized into 18 flight crews. During the training period the squadron came under the operational control of FAW-14. 3 October 1943: With its training completed in late September 1943, the squadron began preparations for its trans-Pacific flight to NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The first aircraft departed on 2 October 1943, with all arriving safely at Kaneohe on the 3rd. Routine patrols and combat training commenced immediately. The squadron came under the operational control of FAW-2. 23 October 1943: Nine of the squadron’s 15 aircraft were flown to Kanton Island to provide an escort cover for photographic planes of VD-3. This was unusual as the PB4Y-1 aircraft previously had lacked nose turrets and could not have provided the firepower to protect themselves. All of the early Liberators received for Navy use were Army versions (B-24D) without a powered nose turret. Reports from the combat zone showed that Liberator squadrons with 30-caliber nose guns sustained very high casualty rates. PB4Y-1 Liberators destined for Navy use did not get the refit with the ERCO 250 SH-1 powered turrets with twin 50-caliber gun mounts until after May 1943. Retrofits with the new turrets were completed at Litchfield Park, Arizona. VB-108 was among the first group of squadrons to be equipped with the newer, more heavily armed aircraft. 4 November 1943: The Kanton detachment flew its first combat mission against light opposition over the enemy-held Mili Atoll. 11 November 1943: VB-108 was relocated to Nukufetau Airfield, Ellice Islands. Its primary mission was reconnaissance of enemy-held territories, with authorization to attack any targets of opportunity. Generally, six missions were flown each day with photographic coverage of the designated patrol sectors. 3 December 1943: Lieutenant Ackerman, flying “Pistol Packing Mama,” returned to Mili at wave-top height catching the enemy gunners by surprise. He strafed the runway and aircraft revetments before turning his attention to the harbor. There he located and sank an enemy transport and headed for home. On departure from Mili “Pistol Packing Mama” was attacked by six fighters. Lieutenant Ackerman and his crew fought off the enemy aircraft, possibly shooting down two and damaging a third. This form of low-level attack was to become the specialty of VB-108 throughout the central Pacific. It featured approach at no more than above the wave tops, then a “pop up” to for precise dropping of bombs, all the while blasting at every target and enemy gun site. Surprise was the key element to success, and the fact that the squadron suffered few casualties proved the utility of the tactic. 6 December 1943: Lieutenant Daley and crew strafed the length of Jaluit Atoll sinking a landing barge filled with Japanese sailors, and exploding two Depth charges on top of a Kawanishi H8K seaplane. Later, several squadron aircraft led by their commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Renfro, bombed and strafed Jaluit, sinking two ships and damaging two others. 12 December 1943: Lieutenant John H. Stickell and his crew conducted a solo raid on the enemy facilities at Jaluit. Although the aircraft arrived over the atoll at tree top level, the Japanese defenders were not caught off guard. Lieutenant Stickell flew through heavy anti-aircraft fire to reach the buildings inland, dropping his bombs squarely on target. During the attack a machine gun bullet hit Stickell. Despite a severe wound, he flew his aircraft safely out of the target area. He elected to continue on to a base with a long enough runway for a safe landing rather than risk the lives of his crew landing on a closer, but shorter emergency strip. During the four hour trip to the airfield Lieutenant Stickell bled to death. As a result of his sacrifice and his earlier bravery during previous attacks on enemy installations Lieutenant Stickell was awarded the Navy Cross.