VP-81 Notice
NOTICE:   LT(jg) M. E. HIMMELBERG "...I am reaching out in hopes that your incredible archive and community might help me learn more about my late grandfather, Marvin Eugene Himmelberg, who served as a Naval Aviator with VP-81 and possibly VPB-121 during World War II, flying PBY-5A Catalina aircraft..." Contributed by Benjamin Brock Himmelberg bbhimmel@gmail.com [21MAY2026]
From the research I have done, I understand that VP-81 conducted anti-submarine warfare patrols in the Atlantic and Caribbean from 1941 to 1943, before deploying to the South Pacific for Black Cat nighttime combat operations. The squadron served at NAB Henderson/Carney Field, Guadalcanal beginning in November 1943, then moved to Munda in the New Georgia Islands in February 1944, and finally to Piva Yoke on Bougainville in May 1944 — before returning stateside in July 1944. My grandfather served during this period and I believe he was part of these combat deployments.
My grandfather passed away when I was only five years old, so I never had the chance to hear his stories firsthand. He has, however, had a profound impact on my life — I became a pilot myself, inspired largely by him. When I passed my private pilot checkride, my father gave me my grandfather's Navy wings on a bracelet, which I treasure deeply.
I am now working to piece together his full service history to preserve it for our family. I would be enormously grateful for any assistance your community might offer, including:
• Any mention of Marvin Eugene Himmelberg in VP-81 / VPB-121 records, muster rolls, or crew lists
• Photographs from VP-81's deployments to Guadalcanal, Munda, or Bougainville
• Contact information for any surviving VP-81 veterans or their families
• Any mission logs, action reports, or unit histories that reference individual crew members
• Guidance on any other archives or resources that may hold VP-81 personnel records or any other squadron he may have been in.
NOTICE: "...My Cousin, Roy Tabeling, served with VP-81. I have lost contact with Roy - can anyone help me locate him? Thanks..." Contributed by BURDETT, David F. w2sar@q.com [21SEP2008]
"VP-81 Summary Page"
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