VMR-153

VMR-153 was a United States Marine Corps transport squadron that provided logistical support, including cargo and personnel transport and aeromedical evacuation, to forward units during World War II as part of Marine Aircraft Group 25 and the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT).

History
VMJ-153 arrived overseas at Tontouta, New Caledonia, in March 1943, joining SCAT prior to the invasion of New Georgia. SCAT provided rapid transport of personnel and cargo, including munitions, food, replacement parts, and medical supplies, to and from forward areas. On rearward flights SCAT frequently provided aeromedical evacuation of wounded or sick personnel. These missions continued under MAG-25 and, until February 1945, Solomons Combat Air Transport Command, after the dissolution of SOPAC Combat Air Transport Command in July 1944. Like other Marine Corps utility squadrons in-theater, VMJ-153 was redesignated as a Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) in July 1944. As a component of SCAT, VMR-153 received a Navy Unit Commendation for its operations in the South Pacific from December 1942 to July 1944.

In October 1945, MAG-25 began moving to Tsingtao, China, where VMR-153 participated in the evacuation of liberated prisoners from the Weixian Internment Camp.

Personnel
Notable former VMR-153 personnel include:
 * John Otis Carney, navigator, who authored numerous screenplays and books.
 * William K. Lanman, executive officer of VMJ-153 and later of MAG-25, who became a millionaire benefactor of Yale University.