Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Patrol Squadron Forty-Four
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2023
1. Patrol Squadron Forty-Four Marker
Patrol Squadron Forty-Four
from Victory at Midway to the End of the Cold War
We served with Pride
Ensign Jack H. Reid - Pilot/Navigator Ensign Gerald Hardeman - Co-Pilot Ensign Robert Swan - Navigator/1st Pilot AP1c (NAP) John F. Gammell - 3rd Pilot AMM2c Raymond J. Derouin - Plane Captain AMM3c Patrick A. Fitzpatrick - 2nd Mechanic ACRM Francis Musser - 1st Radioman/Gunner AMM3c George Goovers, JR passenger earning monthly flight pay..
U.S. Navy VP-44 found the Japanese Fleet approaching Midway - The Most Important Patrol Plane Contribution of WW2. This action resulted in victory over the Japanese at Midway and turned the tide of WW2 to the favor of the USA. During WW2, VP-44 sought out, identified, and attacked enemy surface vessels, submersibles and engaged when required, in air-to-air combat. VP-44 meritoriously performed during Korea, the Cuban Campaign, and the war in Vietnam. VP-44 Aircraft included the PBY Catalina, PBM Mariner, P5M Marlin, P2V Neptune, and P3 Orion. The Squadron's various designations were VP-44, VPB-204, VP-204, VPMS-4.
Recognition and appreciation is given to The Inn on Barons Creek for their support of our reunions and financial donations for this historical plaque and to the following
this page online
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 30° 16.361′ N, 98° 52.019′ W. Memorial is in Fredericksburg, Texas, in Gillespie County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and North Washington Street on East Main Street. The marker is located in the central section of the WWII Veterans Memorial Courtyard which is a part of the National Museum of the Pacific War. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 340 E Main St, Fredericksburg TX 78624, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Hill Country. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: U.S.S. Clinton (here, next to this marker); USS Oklahoma City (here, next to this marker); Rear Admiral Walter N. "Buck" Dietzen Jr. (here, next to this marker); USS Cabot (here, next to this marker); U.S.S. Ozbourn (DD 846) (here, next to this marker); U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13) (here, next to this marker); USS Oklahoma City CL-91 (here, next to this marker); Dedicated to All Who Served Aboard the USS Steinaker DD/DDR-863 (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Also see . . . VPB-44 (Patrol Squadron Forty-Four). Wikipedia (Submitted on March 18, 2024.)
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2023
2. Patrol Squadron Forty-Four Marker
The marker is the first large marker on the left side.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
