If else using date

I am attempting ue this script, and beleive I have an issue with how I have the date formatted. Any assit would be appreciated.

David

<script type="text/javascript">
function vmoc()
{
with (document.forms[0])
{
var stat = VM_Date_Returned.value;
{

if (stat = 1/1/1999)

{
VM_OC.value = "Open";
}
else
{
VM_OC.value = "Closed";
}
}
}
}
</script>

 

At a glance:

if (stat = 1/1/1999)

Code (markup):

should be:

if (stat == '1/1/1999')

Code (markup):

 

That did it.

Thanks