Country United States | Type Dive Bomber squadron | |
 | ||
Active – July 1, 1943 - October 10, 1944 Allegiance United States of America Branch United States Marine Corps Role Reconnaissance
Air Interdiction
Close air support | ||
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 342 (VMSB-342) was a dive bomber squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron, also known as the “Bats from Hell”, was active during World War II but never saw combat in the Pacific Theater. They were decommissioned on October 10, 1944.
History
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 342 was commissioned on July 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. In April 1944 they transferred to Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Atlantic. Some of the squadron's pilots would go for follow on training to Boca Chica Key, Florida at the site of what today is Naval Air Station Key West. In August 1944, the squadron again transferred, this time to Marine Corps Air Station Newport, Arkansas where they remained until they were decommissioned on October 10, 1944.