Squadron Insignia

Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen

SQUADRON INSIGNIA

Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen's squadron insignia has an interesting history, and was shrouded in mystery for over sixty years.

Upon the commissioning of VMB-613, RKO studio artist Hank Porter submitted a proposed design for the squadron's insignia. This design, set on a circular red background, depicted a bumble-bee standing atop a cloud and dropping a bomb (below left). This insignia was never officially adopted and was subsequently reassigned to VPB-139 on November 29, 1944.

The official squadron insignia (below center), was selected from designs submitted by squadron members and forwarded to the Bureau of Aeronautics for approval in early 1944. Set on a red circular background, it depicted a winged gorilla sitting atop a bomb, firing a machine gun. The actual artwork for this insignia was most likely the product of Disney Studio artists.

The official squadron insignia was not popular with the men of the squadron, especially once its role changed from medium-level horizontal bombing to anti-shipping and close air support. One morning on Kwajalein, it was discovered that some enterprising Marine had taken the matter of the squadron insignia into his own hands. Outside the Officers' Club, a new squadron insignia (below right) proudly hung! This "new" squadron insignia was set on a circular red background. Centered on the background were Naval Aviator wings with a globe and anchor. Above the wings were three maces. The main feature was a 75mm cannon tube with a skull in the muzzle, proudly denoting VMB-613's unique status as only Marine Bombing Squadron to utilize the cannon-armed PBJ-1H in combat.

Efforts by the squadron to officially change its insignia through the Bureau of Aeronautics to this "new" one were subsequently disapproved. Nonetheless, the "unofficial insignia" remains the one that the Marines of the squadron associate with VMB-613.

As for the Marine who took the initiative to design it—his identity remained a mystery until 2006 when he was identified as the squadron's utilities officer, First Lieutenant James R. Edmunds III.

Proposed Insignia

Official Insignia

Unofficial Insignia

PROPOSED INSIGNIA

Image: Brian French

OFFICIALLY APPROVED INSIGNIA

Image: Bureau of Aeronautics

UNOFFICIAL INSIGNIA

Image: VMB-613 Association

Squadron Sign

SQUADRON SIGN: A close-up of the VMB-613's squadron insignia that hung outside the Officers' Club in the squadron area on Kwajalein. The squadron insignia on the sign was designed by the squadron Utilities Officer, First Lieutenant James R. Edmunds III.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Officer's Club

OFFICER'S CLUB: In this view of the Officers' Club, VMB-613's squadron insignia can be clearly seen. The identity of the Marine that designed the insignia remained a mystery to most until his identity was discovered in 2006.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Proposed Insignia Artwork

PROPOSED INSIGNIA ARTWORK: Hank Porter's original artwork for the proposed VMB-613 insignia. Although Porter was a talented artist, his proposal was rejected by the officers and men of VMB-613.

Photograph: Bureau of Aeronautics

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