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VMO-6

U.S. Marine Corps•10 members

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About this Unit

VMO-6

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit with a distinguished history dating back to its formation in 1920. Originally established as Division 6, Squadron 1 at Quantico, Virginia, VMO-6 operated observation and reconnaissance aircraft in support of Marine ground forces. The squadron saw significant combat during World War II at Guadalcanal, in the Korean War—where it gained fame for its use of helicopters in casualty evacuation—and later during the Vietnam War, conducting aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting. VMO-6 was deactivated in 1977 after nearly six decades of service.

About VMO-6

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) was originally commissioned on December 1, 1920 as Division 6, VO-6M, making it one of the oldest aviation units in the Marine Corps by the time of World War II.
Guadalcanal Campaign: VMO-6 played a crucial role in the Battle of Guadalcanal, performing artillery spotting, reconnaissance, and liaison duties under extremely hazardous conditions.
First to Use Helicopters in Combat: During the Korean War, VMO-6 pioneered the use of helicopters in combat, particularly with the HO3S-1 and later the H-13 Sioux, revolutionizing battlefield medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
Chosin Reservoir Evacuations: In December 1950, VMO-6 helicopters evacuated over 800 wounded Marines and delivered 20 tons of supplies during the famous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
Korean War Heroism: VMO-6 pilots, including Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt. John Kelvin Koelsch, demonstrated extraordinary bravery flying rescue missions behind enemy lines.
Vietnam War Service: VMO-6 deployed to South Vietnam in 1965, operating UH-1E "Huey" helicopters and OV-10 Bronco aircraft for aerial reconnaissance, close air support, and MEDEVAC missions.
Call Sign "Cherry Six": The unit's iconic call sign, "Cherry Six," became well known during the Vietnam War and was used for both air and ground communications.
Final Deactivation: VMO-6 was deactivated on January 1, 1977, after more than five decades of distinguished service in the Marine Corps.
Decorations: The squadron was highly decorated, earning Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and several campaign streamers for its actions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Mascot: VMO-6 adopted a bulldog as its mascot, in line with Marine Corps tradition, symbolizing their tenacity and fighting spirit throughout their operational history.

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VMO-6

U.S. Marine Corps•10 members

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About this Unit

VMO-6

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Robert Crutcher

U.S. Marine Corps · 1966 - 1968

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Michael Donatacci

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1967 - 1968

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Leticia Spitzer

U.S. Marine Corps · 1962 - 1965

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George Torinese

U.S. Marine Corps Military Retiree · 1969 - 1970

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About VMO-6

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) was originally commissioned on December 1, 1920 as Division 6, VO-6M, making it one of the oldest aviation units in the Marine Corps by the time of World War II.
Guadalcanal Campaign: VMO-6 played a crucial role in the Battle of Guadalcanal, performing artillery spotting, reconnaissance, and liaison duties under extremely hazardous conditions.
First to Use Helicopters in Combat: During the Korean War, VMO-6 pioneered the use of helicopters in combat, particularly with the HO3S-1 and later the H-13 Sioux, revolutionizing battlefield medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
Chosin Reservoir Evacuations: In December 1950, VMO-6 helicopters evacuated over 800 wounded Marines and delivered 20 tons of supplies during the famous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
Korean War Heroism: VMO-6 pilots, including Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt. John Kelvin Koelsch, demonstrated extraordinary bravery flying rescue missions behind enemy lines.
Vietnam War Service: VMO-6 deployed to South Vietnam in 1965, operating UH-1E "Huey" helicopters and OV-10 Bronco aircraft for aerial reconnaissance, close air support, and MEDEVAC missions.
Call Sign "Cherry Six": The unit's iconic call sign, "Cherry Six," became well known during the Vietnam War and was used for both air and ground communications.
Final Deactivation: VMO-6 was deactivated on January 1, 1977, after more than five decades of distinguished service in the Marine Corps.
Decorations: The squadron was highly decorated, earning Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and several campaign streamers for its actions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Mascot: VMO-6 adopted a bulldog as its mascot, in line with Marine Corps tradition, symbolizing their tenacity and fighting spirit throughout their operational history.