VMD-154

Kinston, NC 1945

Near the end of World War II, VMD-154 was stationed at Kinston, NC because Cherry Point did not have room for the squadron. VMD-154 was decommissioned in Kinston on September 10, 1945. The aerial photo of Kinston Air Base at right was taken in 1945.

Kinston was the last confirmed location of the documentary film, "VMD-154 Goes to War". The movie was made from 35mm movie camera films shot by VMD-154 photographers. Sam Mizer and John Armonia took the negatives on board an aircraft carrier near Espiritu Santo Island and printed the negatives, with a printer like Hollywood used at the time. Sam Mizer took the exposed films back to the Santo Lab where he developed them, spliced them together, and made the movie "VMD-154 Goes To War". The movie was shown one time on the island. It showed flights to Munda and elsewhere, scenes of Espiritu Santo Island, activities on Camp Elrod, etc.

After the war, squadron property was moved from Kinston to Cherry Point, NC; however, a careful search for the movie was unsuccessful. If anyone knows the location of this unique film, please contact the squadron at vmd154.reunion.assn@insightbb.com

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