Lee-Jackson Militaria

NEW ARRIVALs are listed at the TOP of the Marine MAIN PAGE

Helicopter & Observation Squadrons: HMA        HMH        HML & HML/A        HMM        HMR        HMT        VMO

GO TO: VMA, VMAQ, VMC, VMCJ, VMR, VMT Squadrons Fighting Squadrons(VMF & VMFA) Helicopter & Observation Squadrons(H and VMO) Air Wings and Groups, Aircraft, Engines, Name Tags, Novelty, etc. Divisional, Radio Battalions, & Other Units Return To:       Home        Main Marine Patch page For Ordering information contact:   Jack@LJMilitaria.com

Marine Air Control Squadron-3 (MACS-3) ( see on VMA page at top )

Korean War Era Marine Novelty patch USMC Rotary-Wing Novelty Patch, circa 1950, Asian Made (Japan ?), Embroidered on Felt with cheesecloth backing, UnUsed......inquire

USMC Novelty Patch made in Japan, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, for 1967 - 1968, UnUsed.....inquire USMC Helicopter Novelty patch, "BE A HOVER LOVER", made in Japan, UnUsed...(sold)

HMA

Marine Attack Helicopter Squadrons

AH-1J (Two Engine) Sea Cobra, Japan made "SNAKE DRIVER" I cannot find this patch in Mr. Holmberg's latest DVD (dated May 2009) = I assume this is an UnCommon patch.   AH-1J (Twin Engine) SeaCobra made in Japan, scrapbook on back, UnUsed........inquire

HMA-169 ( UnUsual Cobra design on right - NO Spots on it's Hood ) (design not shown in Mr. Holmberg's New Book) HMA-169, Okinawa, Japan made, UnUsed...............inquire HMA-169, PI made, RFU, never washed, Used..........inquire

HMA-369 First Design Japan made insignia - circa 1972 - stationed: Futema, Japan and Vietnam ( later designs had a normal neck - not the "ladder" style used on this 1st design ) HMA-369, Japan made, minor stains above Heads, UnUsed.........inquire HMA-369, Japan made, UnUsed.........inquire ( see Mr. Holmberg's Latest Book )

HMA-773 "FIT VIA VI"   Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, plastic backing (circa late-1970s to early-1980s?), UnUsed.......inquire - - - - partial History (unedited from USMC site) HMLA-773's lineage began in June 1968 when Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 765 (HMM-765) arrived at Naval Air Station Atlanta with 7 officers, 12 enlisted men, and a single Sikorsky UH-34D helicopter.  The Squadron grew rapidly from this inauspicious beginning and in July of 1971 transitioning from the venerable UH-34 to the Bell UH-1E "Huey" and being re-designated Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 765 (HML-765).  During this period HML-765 was the lone Marine Helicopter Squadron selected to retain the Gunship mission. On 1 July 1976 the Squadron received its first single engine AH-1G "Cobra" (now on static display at the NAS Atlanta front gate) and the Squadron was re-designated Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMA-773).  In late 1978, HMA-773 transitioned to the twin engine AH-1J "Sea Cobra", an airframe that the unit would utilize for the next fourteen years.  Throughout the following decade HMA-773 refined its war fighting skills through a myriad of training and operational exercises. In November 1990 the Citizen-Marines of HMA-773 were the first Reserve helicopter squadron to be activated and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm.  While embarked aboard the USS New Orleans and USS Tripoli, the squadron distinguished itself with mine sweeping escort and combat missions during the war.  In recognition of their exemplary performance during the war HMA-773 received the Navy Unit Commendation. In the fall of 1992, the squadron received eight, state of the art AH-1W "Super Cobras".  With only a short time to transition to this radically improved weapons platform, HMA-773 embarked on an accelerated training regimen for all pilots and maintenance personnel in order to support two back to back regimental level Enhanced Combined Arms Exercises (ECAX's) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, CA.  In November 1993, HMA-773 began receiving UH-1Ns and personnel from other disestablished units.  In October 1994, having re-designated as Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA-773), the squadron mirrored the active duty HMLA structure enabling rapid total force integration for current and future combat and contingency operations. Since reorganizing, the "Red Dogs" of HMLA-773 have deployed on numerous counter narcotic operations throughout the United States, Caribbean, and West Indies.  In May 1995 the Squadron deployed to the island nation of Antigua for the first in a series of "Weed Eater" marijuana destruction missions.  Further eradication missions followed on the islands of St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad-Tobago, Grenada, and Nassau Bahamas.  HMLA-773 counter-narcotics missions in the United States included joint operations with the Army, Coast Guard and several US Law Enforcement Agencies in Kingsville and El Paso TX, Naco AZ, London KY, West Palm Beach FL, and El Centro CA.  In the space of two years, the Red Dogs aided in the destruction of over $20 billion worth of illegal narcotics.  Proving one of the Marine Corps mottos, "in any clime and place," in March 2002, the Red Dogs deployed with two Cobras, two Huey's, and 60 Marines and Sailors to Lundamo, Norway.  Participating in "Operation Battle Griffin," the Red Dogs took part in the second phase of NATO exercise Strong Resolve 2002.  During Battle Griffin, HMLA-773 was the only reserve unit to participate and demonstrated the unit’s ability to rapidly integrate with active components and NATO allies. In 2002, HMLA-773 and HMLA-773 Det A based at NAS Belle Chasse LA, combined in order to form one complete HMLA squadron capable of fulfilling any assigned HMLA mission in the Marine Corps.  The current squadron organization is structured to maintain 2/3 of the Squadron at NAS Atlanta and 1/3 of the Squadron at JRB Belle Chasse. Following the September 11th attacks, HMLA-773 prepared for action in the Global War on Terror.  The Squadron focused on preparations for combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq as training continued with an emphasis on desert and mountain combat techniques.  In October 2003, HMLA-773 answered the nation's call by deploying to Bagram, Afghanistan, and conducting combat operations along the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.  The Red Dogs served continuously in Afghanistan through April 2005, becoming the longest serving Marine squadron in a combat zone since the war in Vietnam.  In addition to combat operations the Red Dogs instituted ‘Operation Red Dog’, in which the Marines and Sailors of the unit gathered school supplies and other humanitarian items and distributed them to the local population.  Upon their return to CONUS the unit supported relief operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and was recognized with the ‘Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year’ award for 2005 as well as a Navy Unit Commendation.  During June of 2007 members of the squadron volunteered for further service in the Global War on Terror and were deployed to Al Asad Iraq from September through January of 2008.  The unit was recognized again as the 2008 winner of ‘Marine Light Attack Squadron of the Year’ and also received the Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Award.

HMH

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) - - - - First design insignia at New River circa 1968 flying CH-53As   USA made, UnUsed.......inquire - - - - HMH-361 Helicopter Squadron,  "WESTPAC 86-87" "Flying Tigers", Philippine(PI) made, UnUsed........inquire HMH-361, Japan made, UnUsed.....(sold)

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362) "Ugly Angels" Designated HMM-362 circa RVN era - - - - "HELO SQUADRON OF THE YEAR 1977"   4 x pigtails, pebble backing material, scrapbook residue on back, Unused.........inquire - - - - partial History HMH-362 was activated on April 30, 1952 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (See HMM-362 for more History and patches)

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462) "HEAVY HAULERS" - - - - HMH-462 2nd Design, CH-53A era, circa 1969 Japan made with a very-fine mesh backing   Large patch removed from a uniform(RFU), soiling, Used......inquire - - - - HMH-462 Looks like the 3rd Design from Mr. Holmberg's dBase, he does not have it dated probably from the 1990s (possibly from the late-1980s), UnUsed......inquire

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-463 (HMH-463) Green background variation of the 1st Design patch circa 1966 to 1969 era flying CH-53As, not shown in Mr. Holmberg's dBase   from the "Burns" collection, cheesecloth backing, Unused........inquire - - - - HMH-463 Left patch is similar to the 4th Design but with a Blue background that was used a Kaneohe Bay circa early-1990s flying CH-53Ds HMH-463, "MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON", Asian made, UnUsed....inquire HMH-463 Japan made Large patch, "Vietnam 1967-68", Unused..........(sold) - - - - partial History Operated in Vietnam from 1966 - 1975 Participated in Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind during evacuation of Cambodia and Saigon March - May 1975

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 (HMH-772)   HMH-772, UnUsed.......inquire

UI#221 - Marine CH-46 Helicopter Novelty patch click on picture

HML & HML/A

HML-167 HML-167, glue residue on back, (similar backing material goes back to the 1970s(?)), UnUsed..........inquire HML-167, Japan made, (found with a VMO-2 patch listed below), UnUsed.......inquire - - - - HML/A-267 and HML-267 HML/A-167 (Light Attack), cheesecloth backing, flew Cobra Gunships, UnUsed.......inquire "ANY TIME ANYWHERE", Japan made, minor soiling from incorrect storage, small puckers from the maker's shop(common with partially embroidered Japan made patches), UnUsed...........inquire

HML-367 "Scarface" callsign first used by VMO-3 in Summer of 1967 Made in Thailand patch HML-367 (formerly VMO-3) U. S. Marine Corps' Scarface Huey patch made in Thailand, UnUsed....inquire - - - - HML-367 Pilot's Black Leather Name Tag, with metal UH-1 HUEY single post on HUEY pin bent-over in back (like beret DIs are attached), Used.....Inquire - - - - partial History VMO-3 used the callsign Oakgate until switching to Scarface in Summer of 1967 VMO-3 Redesignated HML-367 in March 1969

HMM

HMM-162 Japan made, circa 1964, UnUsed.......inquire HMM-162, cheesecloth backing, 2nd design for HMM-162, UnUsed......inquire

HMM-163 "Ridge Runners" - - - - UH-34D, 1960s Vietnam with the "Evil Eyes" on the Nose Sikorsky Seahorse HMM-163 "MARINES", Japan made, UnUsed..(sold) ( By far, my favorite USMC Rotary Patch!  I have never seen another patch similar to this one ) - - - - "NIGHT CRAWLERS" Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 ( anyone know the reason for the name "Night Crawlers"? ) Notice the smoking cigar - maybe the CO smoked cigars? ( anyone know the reason for the cigar on the patch )   made on Okinawa, RFU, puckered from being washed, Used.......(sold) - - - -   HMM-163 "RIDGERUNNERS",  large patch RFU, Used.........inquire HMM-163 "SOUTH VIETNAM 1962-63", Japan made, (older UH-34 shown), UnUsed..........inquire - - - - partial History of Vietnam Service August 1962 - January 1963 February - October 1965 January - July 1966 October 1966 - August 1968 Operating from: Soc Trang Da Nang Marble Mountain Air Facility Hue/Phu Bia Quang Tri "Evil Eyes" - started circa October 1965 while on Okinawa waited for deployment again to the RVN Some Asian cultures thought the "Evil Eye" cast a spell upon them Originally known as "Genie Eyes" The Evil Eye was first painted on the old H-34s the Marines flew in Vietnam

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164) - - - -   HMM-164 per Mr. Holmberg this is the 1st Design in 1964, flying CH-46 Sea Knights scanned at 200dpi   HMM-164, First Pattern patch(1964), CH-46 Sea Knights, RFU, Used......(sold) (patch is Sun-faded - originally they were a dark shade of brown) ( some of the 1st Pattern patches had the "HMM-164" in same-shade of blue as the shield ) - - - - Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM-164) This variation is not shown in Mr. Holmberg's dataBase, Okinawa (Japan) made 1960s   RFU, puckered from being washed, Used.....inquire - - - - partial History, circa 1964 - mid-1975 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164) activated July 1, 1964 at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36 Transferred in August 1965 to Marine Wing Support Group 37 at MCAS, El Toro, CA; Equipped with CH-46 Sea Knights January 1966 HMM-164 Relocated to Marble Mountain, RVN via the USS Valley Forge (LPH-8) circa March 1966; Assigned to MAG-16 until circa 1969 Relocated to Okinawa in 1969 and was Assigned to MAG-15; supported Combat Operations in SEA until 1973 Transfered to MAG 36 supported Operations in the Pacific after the main U.S. Forces left Vietnam Participated in Operation Eagle Pull (Cambodia) and the lift of Americans out of Vietnam during Operation Frequent Wind Still active

HMM-165 & HMM-261     HMM-165 "WHITE KNIGHT" "DESERT STORM", UnUsed......inquire HMM-261, "VIET NAM 1963", Japan made, UnUsed........inquire

HMM-262 "Flying Tigers" Mr. Holmberg's Book 2(Helicopters/STOL/etc.), page 35, lists this patch as being used in Vietnam, circa 1970    "The Chosen Few", Japan made, designed for service in Vietnam during 1969 -  1970, Used......(sold) ( has 6-7 stitch-holes that show on the reverse side=from the tailor shop ) - - - - partial History  Activated as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 262 (HMR-262) in September 1951 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina In February 1952 HMR-262 was assigned to MAG-26 Relocated to MCAS New River, NC in July 1954 Redesignation HMM-262 February 1, 1962 Participated in Operation Powerpack in the Dominican Republic from April to June 1965 Deployed to the RVN in December 1966; Assigned to MAG-36, 1st MAW Operated from: Ky Ha, Marble Mountain Air Facility, Quang Tri, Phu Bai and the USS Tripoli while supporting operations in Vietnam Departed Vietnam in May 1971

Medium Helicopter Squadron-263 (HMM-263) "The Thunder Eagles"   Medium Lift Helicopter Squadron-263, Japan made, UnUsed....inquire - - - - partial History HMM-263 was first Activated as HMR-263 June 16, 1952 flying HO5S Helicopters Stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina HMR-263 relocated to Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, North Carolina July 7, 1954 and stayed for 11 years In December 1956 HMR-263 was Redesignated HMR (L) 263 and Re-equipped with HUS-1 (UH-34) helicopters Served in Vietnam Anyone know the date HMR-263(L) was Redesignated HMM-263

HMM-264 "BLACK KNIGHTS" 2nd design, per Mr. Holmberg's dBase    flew CH-46s, RFU, Used......inquire

HMM-265   HMM-265, PI made, UnUsed.........inquire (served in Vietnam 1966-69; deactivated in 1970)

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265) Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (HMM-266) HMM-265, Large size "Dragons" patch, Japan made, no stitch marks, puckered from washing, Used.......inquire (served in the RVN from 1966-69, deactivated in 1970) HMM-266, "Fighting Griffins", from "Burns" collection, UnUsed.....inquire

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-361 (HMM-361) "SOUTH VIETNAM '63-'64"   Made in Japan, "ROSS RICE RUNNERS" for Operation SHUFLY flying H-34s, UnUsed......inquire

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362) - - - - HMM-362 "Archie's Angels" "Archie's Angels" = LTC Archie Clapp (USMC), CO of HMM-362 in Vietnam, circa 1962 CTE 79.3.3.6, Operation SHUFLY in Viet Nam, circa 1962     HMM-362, "SOUTH VIET NAM 62  ARCHIE'S ANGELS", Japan made, UnUsed............inquire - - - - "INDOCHINA JUNGLE FIGHTERS" used by CTE 79.3.3.6 Made in Thailand, UnUsed.......inquire Made in Japan, UnUsed......(sold) - - - - HMM-362 CTE 79.3.3.6 Operation Shufly which supported the Ground War , circa 1962 - 1965   Task Element 79.3.3.6 circa mid-1962, made in Japan, , Unused......inquire I was told CTE 79.3.3.6 broke-down as follows: "7" = 7th Fleet "9" = unknown first "3" = unknown  last "3." = Operation SHUFLY "6" = HMM-362 ( anyone know the complete and/or correct break-down of "CTE 79.3.3.6"? ) - - - - Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362) "UGLY ANGELS" "OLAF" of HMM-362, circa 1965-69, Japan made   Japan made, Unused.....(sold) - - - - partial History for HMM-362 in Vietnam circa 1962 HMM-362 relocated to Soc Trang, RVN April 15, 1962 supported by MABS-16 and other personnel. Primary mission was airlifting ARVN/VNMC Infantry units to their AOs in IV Corps.

HMM-365 ( 2 x Patches from the late-1964 - 1965 era ) - - - - Colonel Koler's Flying Circus "SEMPER ROTATUS" ( always rotating (?) ) 3rd pattern circa 1965 per Mr. Holmberg's book     HMM-365 "The Flying Clowns", made in Vietnam, minor puckering (very common), UnUsed.....inquire - - - - Combat Recovery Team "CROW"    ( scanned at 240dpi ) HMM-365 CRT "CROW", circa 1965, made in Vietnam, UnUsed.......inquire ( I have corresponded with the Marine that designed this patch; he was also a member of CRT "CROW" ) ( Combat Recovery Teams were: CROW, EAGLE, and FALCON ) ( CRT Team members were taught: Combat Rappelling into unsecured areas to rescue Personnel or salvage Sensitive Equipment and etc.;  to prevent capture or re-use by the enemy ) - - - - Unit went to Danang under the command of LTC Koler Operations: Assault, ReSupply and General support to I Corps Units ( Squadron has an Excellent Veterans Web Site )

HMM-774  ( First Design )   HMM-362 "UGLY ANGELS", Japan made, UnUsed..(sold) HMM-774, (1st design), glue residue on back, UnUsed........inquire

HMR

HMR-161 First Design Insignia "EQUITATUS CAELI"  =  CALVARY FROM THE SKY ( redesignated HMM-161 in 1962 )   HMR-161, the first Marine Transport Helicopter Squadron, maker's imperfection along the left border by the EGA-embroidery does not butt-up to the black border correctly, UnUsed........inquire - - - - HMR(L)-161 with MAG 13, 1st MAW circa 1956 to 1957     Japan made Blue Pegasus with 4-blade rotor, storage stains, Unused.......(sold) - - - - partial History Activated January 15, 1951 at El Toro, California, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 (HMR-161) Air Fleet Marine Force Pacific; the Greyhawks moved a month later to MCAF Santa Ana, California to train on their new helicopter, the Sikorsky HRS-1 Chickasaw. The Squadron then deployed in August of 1951 to Korea and attached to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), where it operated in the central and western fronts. After becoming the first helicopter squadron to deploy troops into combat, HMR-161 successfully flew from the USS Sicily (CVE-118) to test new concept of combining vertical envelopment with amphibious assault during Operation "Marlex-5" off the coast of Inchon on September 1, 1952. This was the first ever ship to shore helicopter flight with Marines aboard. The Greyhawks then participated in the defense of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from July 1953 to March 1955. Relocated to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and attached Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13. While in Hawaii, HMR-161 worked to develop the Marine Corps' new Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Concept. Redesignated on December 31, 1956 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light)-161 (HMR(L)-161), MAG 13, 1st MAW. Redesignated HMR(C)-161 in 1957 flying: HRS, HOK-1 helicopters and OE-1 "Bird Dogs" tail draggers. Attached October 1, 1958 to 1st Marine Brigade; Attached March 1, 1959 to MAG 13, 1st Marine Brigade. In May of 1960, the Squadron received the new Sikorsky H-34 Seahorses becoming a Transport squadron again. Redesignated February 1, 1962 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM-161), MAG 13, 1st Marine Brigade. On October 3, 1962 assisted NASA by recovering Astronaut Wally Schirra and his Friendship Seven Capsule out of the Pacific. The rest of the early 1960s were spent conducting anti-guerilla training in preparation for deployment to Vietnam. HMM-161 deployed to Vietnam in May of 1965 to Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam; attached to MAG 16, 1st MAW. Before leaving Hawaii the aircraft had pineapples painted on their noses; giving rise to the squadron's nickname "Pineapple Squadron". Relocated in January of 1966 to Futema, Okinawa to receive its new Vertol CH-46 Sea Knights. By April of 1966 the squadron had Redeployed to Da Nang, RVN  and moved to Phu Bai in June. Relocated in November 1966 to Futema, Okinawa and Attached to MAG 15, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Returned to CONUS Attached to MAG 26, 2d MAW at MCAS New River, North Carolina. HMM-161 Redeployed in May of 1968 to Quang Tri, RVN; Attached to provisional MAG 39, 1st MAW. Deployment to Phu Bai in October 1969 and Attached to MAG 16, 1st MAW

HMR-162, circa 1950s, made in Japan Flew  HRS Helicopters ( HRSs were known as H-19s in the Army and USAF ) HRS = Sikorsky Transport Helicopters   Border is puckered (I have checked with several Dealers/Collectors and all of this maker's patches were puckered), UnUsed........inquire

HMR-261, First East Coast Squadron (1950-51 era) From the Oldest to the most Modern.....VMM-261 flying MV-22 Ospreys   Stain on top border where it was hung on a display board by a thumbtack, UnUsed.......inquire - - - - partial History (NOT Edited) ( narrative history from Wikipedia - they publish my Picfiles so I figture I can borrow their verbage ) Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 261 (HMR-261) was activated on April 5, 1951 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. From 1951 through 1956, HMR-261 carried the tail code of "HM." Since then, it has carried the tail code of "EM" on its helicopters. In 1954, the squadron moved from MCAS Cherry Point to its current home, MCAS New River, North Carolina. In 1956, the squadron was redesignated Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 261 (HMR(L)-261) to reflect the acquisition of the H-34 Choctaw to replace its HRS-1 helicopters. The squadron was the first helicopter squadron to conduct troop lifts on the East coast. In 1961, the squadron was redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261). The squadron was, by then, flying the UH-34D helicopter. During 1962, HMM-261 was embarked aboard the USS Boxer (CV-21) and subsequently the USS Thetis Bay (CVE-90) for support during the Cuban Blockade. Returning to MCAF New River, HMM 261 was deployed in the south in support of the civil rights freedom marches in the spring of 1963. Returning to MAG-26, MCAF New River, HMM-261 prepared to stand down for subsequent transfer of its colors to the Western Pacific. In 1963, the Bulls were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, and as part of "Operation Shufly" they were based in Danang, Republic of Vietnam. During their time at Danang, HMM-261 conducted combat operations and delivered troops and supplies throughout the operating area. In 1964, the squadron, deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) as part of the Ready Landing Force in the Western Pacific, participating in training exercises in the Philippine Islands and Taiwan and was afterwards shore-based at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa until returning the squadron colors to MCAF New River. During the 1965-66 tour, the Bulls operated from Danang, Marble Mountain, Chu Lai, and the USS Valley Forge. The squadron continued to fly the H-34 helicopter throughout both tours, and participated in several major offensives including: Operations Starlight, Harvest Moon, Double Eagle, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Hot Springs. During its 1965-66 tour HMM-261 flew 11,859 combat hours, MEDEVAC-ed 2,315 wounded, flew 38,090 combat sorties, ferried 47,522 troops into battle and expended 32,610 rounds of ammunition. Throughout its three combat tours in Vietnam, many of the units' helicopters were badly shot up while performing medevacs and troop insertion missions; during 1965-1966,its helicopters were hit 273 times with many aircraft destroyed. Squadron members were awarded personal decorations from the Navy Cross on down. In 1966, the Bulls came home to New River again. During the late 1960s, the squadron accepted their first, brand new CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. The squadron still flies an updated model of the same helicopter, the CH-46E. Throughout the 1970s, the Bulls participated in various training exercises in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean regions. It was during this time that the squadron added to their nickname and became the "Raging Bulls". A CH-46F of HMM-261 lands on Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury, Oct. 1983. In 1982, the Raging Bulls deployed to Beirut, Lebanon. In October 1983, the squadron was about to be deployed again to Beirut, but was diverted to the Caribbean for the invasion of Grenada, codenamed Operation Urgent Fury. There, the squadron provided assault support during the initial landings and subsequent operations ashore. Two AH-1 Cobra and two CH-46 helicopters were shot down and three squadron pilots were killed during the invasion. Several hundred American students received their rides to safety aboard Raging Bull aircraft. Following this operation, HMM-261 deployed to war-ravaged Beirut. While stationed off Beirut, the squadron conducted medevac missions in support of the Marine Amphibious Unit ashore following the bombing of the Marine Barracks, and flew over 800 American and Lebanese citizens to safety. In 1990, the squadron took part in Operation Sharp Edge, which consisted of the evacuation and protection of American citizens in Liberia. In January 1991, following a quick turnaround in New River, the squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. With the ground war in full swing, the Raging Bulls flew numerous medevac and assault support missions in support of 2nd Marine Division. The squadron returned home to New River on May 13, 1991. April 15, 1997 saw HMM-261 prepared for a pending Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in the country of Zaire, leaving behind a detachment of (4) CH-46's and (2) UH-1N's to board the USS Ponce. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Forward, which included HMM-261 (REIN) Det. A departed on time and entered the Mediterranean Sea to cover the 22nd MEU's commitments. During the deployment, the main body of the 22nd MEU participated in two major operations: Operation Guardian Retrieval, operating out of Brazzaville, Congo; and Operation Noble Obelisk, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which resulted in the evacuation of more than 2,500 American citizens and foreign nationals. Meanwhile, HMM-261 (REIN)'s Det. A participated in Operation Silver Wake in Tirana, Albania. A year later, in October 1998, HMM-261 was called upon to help provide hurricane relief in Puerto Rico. In July 2002, the MEU was called upon to conduct operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Once off the coast of Pakistan, the MEU continued to plan for interdiction operations in Afghanistan. Concurrently AV-8’s flew the MEU’s first reconnaissance flights over the country. Advanced parties were dispatched into Pakistan to conduct liaison with host nation agencies. 2003 brought about pre-deployment planning for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Upon arriving in the Persian Gulf, HMM 261 flew into 1st Marine Expeditionary Force’s Area of Operation, where it was attached to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Al Asad Airbase. This was the first such integration of this scale in Marine Corps History, and the Raging Bulls were integral to its success. While in Iraq, HMM-261 was fully engaged in various operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The squadron continued to perform direct support missions in the form of Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), Command and Control (C&C) standby, general support, re-supply, troop movements, VIP lifts and Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP)/Quick Reaction Force (QRF) during the day and night. In September 2004, HMM-261 returned to MCAS New River, where it was attached to Marine Aircraft Group 29. During the deployment, HMM-261 successfully completed over 2,000 Aviation Support Requests (ASRs), transported 8,358 passengers and 815,274 lb of cargo, flew 3,058.2 hours and executed 1,941 sorties, with zero combat casualties or loss of any aircraft. On November 8, 2005, HMM-261 (REIN) conducted their onload to the USS Nassau to begin their current deployment as part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. They were based at Al Asad air base in western Iraq and on their third tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.[1] The squadron finished its latest tour in Iraq in late March 2006, accomplishing 1,845 sorties and over 3,000 combat flight hours providing medevacs and close air support.[2] In late 2007, the squadron served as the aviation combat element for the 22nd MEU. From September 25 to October 11, 2007, AV-8B Harrier II's attached to HMM-261 flew 70 combat missions over Afghanistan providing aerial reconnaissance, close air support and convoy escort in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[3] Following the impact of Cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007, helicopters from the squadron operating from the USS Kearsarge off the coast of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal provided humanitarian assistance to those affected by the cyclone[4]. On April 10, 2008, VMM-261 transitioned to the MV-22 Osprey after 42 years of flying the venerable CH-46 Sea Knight[5]. VMM-261 deployed to Afghanistan in November 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It marked the first deployment of the MV-22 Osprey to Afghanistan and in early December the squadron supported their first major combat operation when they lifted troops and supplies in support of Operation Cobra's Anger.

HMR(L)-262 "Made in Japan" Label still on reverse 2nd Design, circa 1961 at New River flying HUS Helicopters per Mr. Holmberg's dBase   RFU, Used...........Inquire

HMR-361 "SEMPER VERSATILES EQUITES" = Always the Versatile Knight(cavalryman)? Tailcode HN circa 1951 - 1956 ( I think this patch design was used prior to the Unit being Commissioned in 1952(?) ) A "Salty" patch but an UnCommon find; Mr. Holmberg has one in his May 2009 updated database 240dpi                                                                                                                                 150dpi   Was on a uniform for many years, notice that it has several lines of heavy wear marks, RFU, Used........(sold) ( After checking the patch in Mr. Holmberg's database I believe the base material was an off-white color ) "Wear lines" are circled in red - I assume it was on a G-1 or a Lightweight Flyer's Jacket - - - - partial History HMH-361 Established as Marine Transport Squadron 361 February 25, 1952 at MCAS Santa Ana, CA, attached to MAG(HR) flying 3 x OY-2s & an HRS Supported Atomic Test Exercise in 1953 Received HRS-3s Redesignated HMR(l)-361 December 31, 1956 Participated in 2 x Atomic Test Exercises circa 1957 - 1958 Transitioned to H-34s in September 1958 Redesignated HMM-361 February 1, 1962

HMR(L)-362, made in Japan "HOT TO GO" Little Red Devil standing in Flames holding a Trident (formerly UI#378) Not in Mr. Homes database, I have seen one HMR(L)-362 patch from a Veteran's Grouping that was similar but it had a bottom scroll with "HMR(L)-362" embroidered on it. This patch may have had a scroll (see the bottom edge of the disc). The patch I saw had a Tail Rotor spinning at the tip of the Devil's tail. It was also made in Japan but looked like it was made a few years later.   RFU, Used......inquire

HMR-363 Per Mr. Holmberg's dBase this design is circa 1952 at Tustin fly HRS Helicopters   From the Burns Collection, UnUsed........inquire

HMT

HMT-301 HMT-301, Philippine made, (Marine Rotary Training Squadron), UnUsed..............(sold)

Observation Squadrons(VMO)

VMO O-1 Detachment   VMO Unit in Vietnam circa 1966-68 "TACTICAL AIR CONTROL  AIR BORNE  O-1 DETACHMENT", Japan made, Unused.............inquire - - - - Marine Observation Squadron 1 (VMO-1) "CAN DO" 3rd Design   cheesecloth backing, UnUsed.......inquire - - - - partial History Circa 1946 VMO-1 Relocated to Cherry Point; Trained replacement pilots for the Korean War; Supported 2nd MARDIV: in 1952 Relocated New River & Received Helicopters; Supported the 6th Fleet TF in Lebanon in 1958; Supported US Forces in the DOMREP. In 1968 they transitioned to OV-10 Broncos; by 1971 all the Rotary aircraft were gone; Deployed to Japan and participated in Exercises throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Northern Europe in the 1980-90s. In December 1990, the squadron boarded Carriers: America & Theodore Roosevelt and sailed for Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield; Supported OPs in Desert Storm; Deactivated July 31, 1993.

Marine Observation Squadron Two (VMO-2) - - - - VMO-2 Aircraft circa 1953- 54 with 3rd MARDIV click on pictures for book & other pictures - - - - VMO-2, 4th design, circa 1966 - Vietnam Large patch made in Japan ( per Mr. Holmberg's book this 4th Pattern Design was used in Vietnam in 1966; a 5th pattern was used in 1967 ) 4th Design circa 1966 made in Japan, flying HUEYs and other aircraft, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire - - - - 4th design - circa 1966 - Vietnam   Marine Observation Squadron Four, UnUsed.........(sold) - - - - 6th design - circa 1969 - Vietnam Insignia depicts the Horse (OV-10 Broncos) and the Snake (AH-1G Cobras Large 5 1/2" (vertical) Japan made patch   VMO-2 "MARINE OBSERVATION SQUADRON 2" "THE ANGRY TWO", UnUsed........(sold) - - - - partial History  VMO-2 was flying OV-10 Broncos when it acquired AH-1G Cobra Gunships in April 1969 while still flying a couple of UH-1Es  Squadron lost it's Rotary aircraft in December 1969 and retained the OV-10s Relocated from Marble Mountain to Da Nang February 2, 1970; at that time the Patch Design was changed

VMO-3 2nd design - circa 1966 - Vietnam Large 5 5/8" (vertical), made in Japan 2nd design worn while flying UH-1Es in Vietnam, circa 1966 ( see successor unit, HML-367 "SCARFACE" on this page ) VMO-3 "Hieu duoc", probably Japan made, machine attached scroll, UnUsed.......(sold) VMO-3, Japan made......(sold) - - - - VMO-3 circa 1966 - Vietnam   2nd design VMO-3 "Hieu duoc", collector ID'd it on back, UnUsed.......inquire - - - - partial History Used Callsign Oakgate until switching to Scarface in the Summer of 1967 VMO-3 Redesignated HML-367 in March 1969

VMO-6 nicknames(?) = "CHERRY-6er" and "Klondiker" callsign = "KLONDIKE" per Mr. Holmberg's dBase several other VMO-6 patches have a cherry illustrated on the insignia, circa 1960s during RVN Service. He lists this patch as circa 1966.   circa 1966, wool and cotton 3-layer cherry-patch made in Japan, UnUsed......inquire ( ask for dimension if serious )

Marine Observation Squadron 8 (VMO-8) - - - - VMO-8 "LARSON'S LOSERS" (They) "SIMPLY FORGOT US" - insignia depicts a Vulture about to hang himself This patch is supposed to be for a contigent/detachment that served in Vietnam. Can anyone verify the Squadron (or part thereof) served in the RVN?   Bullion wire and embroidery on white felt, UnUsed........inquire - - - -   VMO-8,  Japan made, UnUsed........inquire Made in Japan, design circa 1970 per Mr. Holmberg's book, UnUsed......inquire - - - - partial History Activated December 28, 1944 at Quantico, Virginia Relocated to the West Coast and then went overseas to Guam Attached to MAG-21 under the OPCON of the 5th Amphibious flying ARTY spotting missions Deactivated November 30, 1945 in San Diego, California Reactivated circa 1968 at Los Alamitos, California and Assigned to MAG-46, 4th MAW Equipped with the OV-10A Broncos; Relocated to El Toro circa 1970 Deactivated August 1, 1976

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Viewers Disregard this Section: HMH-462 Heavy Haulers "SCREW" combo patch with the Army's 271st Aviation (Assault) Helicopter Company "INNKEEPERS" "HUMPIN TOGETHER" OPERATION, Korean made, pre-1988 insignia,  UnUsed......(sold) HMH-462, UnUsed.......(sold) HML-367   HML-367, made in Okinawa, UnUsed............(sold) HMM-161    HMM-161 (Phrog Phylers), Japan made, (flew CH-46s), UnUsed.......(sold) HMM-163 Ridge Runners ( mate to the HMM-163 UH-34 above )   HMM-163, Japan made, Pegasus, UnUsed...(sold) HMR-163        HMR-163 "RIDGE RUNNERS", 1953-56 era, Japan made, UnUsed..(sold) First Design - circa 1950 - 1951   HMR-261, First East Coast Squadron (1950-51 era), from the "Burns" collection...(sold) HMR-363 First H-Bomb Test - Operation Redwing Insignia   HMR-363, Mid-1950s, from the Burns Collection, Unused......(sold) HMR-161, First Marine Transport Helicopter Squadron, UnUsed........(sold) ( see this patch:  http://www.scarface-usmc dot org/1975_the_evacuation.htm ) ( RARE Prototype, "one-of-a-kind" sample Patch ) Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-365, Okinawa, Japan made, RFU, has a "45" on his belly(?), some mis-spelling, border damage (right-side of scroll), Used....(sold) should read  UH-34D versus "UH-340"    should read "Aerial Gunner" versus "Areial Gunner" ( Patch designs were often rough pencil sketches sent to Embroidery Shops which resulted in mistakes; this Unique Patch was seen in Danang in early 1965 by a Squadron member) Do you know era and who wore this design? Not in Mr. Holmberg's book VMO-8,  Japan made....(sold) VMO-8,  Japan made,  circa 1970 per Mr. Holmberg's book, UnUsed......(sold) HMR-261............(SOLD)