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SPOTLIGHT ON MARINE HEROES #8
As an advisor to the Vietnamese Air Force from 1964–1968, Gunny Moore earned his rating as a pilot with that service. From 1973–1987, Gunny Moore served on Okinawa as a senior technical representative on the CH-53 helicopter with MAG-36. During this assignment, he participated in Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind. While in MAG-36, Gunny Moore deployed all over the Pacific, including Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. He currently lives in Hawaii, where he spends his time keeping in touch with old buddies and travelling to reunions. First activated as VF-3M on 1 September 1925, the Squadron went through numerous reorganizations in the years leading up to 1941. The Red Devils served from the earliest days of World War II to VJ-Day. As Marine Scout Bombing Squadron-232, they flew the Douglas Dauntless. On 7 December 1941, the Red Devils were based at Ewa Field, Hawaii. They lost many Marines and aircraft during the infamous Japanese surprise attack that day. A forward detachment of 25 Marines from the Squadron shipped out to Wake Island to support the defense there, but they were captured when Wake fell to the enemy.
Returning to MCAS El Toro in October 1942, the squadron was reequipped with the Grumman TBF-1C Avenger and received the designation VMTB-232. It returned overseas in 1944 and participated in the island hopping battles which culminated in the campaign for Okinawa. On Okinawa, aviators of VMTB-232 flew a wide variety of missions. Among them were close air support of Marine and Army ground units, ship strikes, resupply missions and aerial recon. The Red Devils were credited with 12 aerial kills. Among these was the first confirmed kill of an enemy aircraft with air-to-ground rockets. In addition, the Squadron was credited with sinking 36 Japanese ships. One of the few squadrons to be so honored, VMTB-232 received two Presidential Unit Citations in the war; one for Guadalcanal and the other for Okinawa. Following VJ-Day, the Red Devils returned stateside to MCAS, Miramar in October 1945. On 16 November, the Squadron colors were furled for the last time for the World War II era. But, the call to duty came again soon and VMTB-232 was reactivated in 1948. With combat service in Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedon, the Red Devils currently fly the FA-18 Hornet. They wear the proud distinction of the oldest and most decorated Marine Aviation squadron.
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GySgt Paul Moore of West Virginia enlisted in the Marine Corps on 6 April 1942. During World War II the Gunny served in 
In August 1942, VMSB-232 deployed to Guadalcanal in support of Operation PESTILENCE. Flying from Henderson Field, the Red Devils were assigned to Marine Air Group-23. Short of everything but courage and determination, the Squadron was the first Marine unit to fly the Dauntless in offensive operations against the Japanese.
