37th ARRS

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 37th ARRS

The 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (37th ARRS) was a distinguished United States Air Force unit established during the Vietnam War. Activated in 1967, the squadron was primarily tasked with combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, utilizing HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters to extract downed airmen and personnel from hostile territory. Stationed at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, the 37th ARRS played a crucial role in rescuing hundreds of allied aircrew under extremely dangerous conditions. The squadron earned numerous commendations for valor and was inactivated in 1972 following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia.

Unit Members

Jeffrey Miller

U.S. Air Force

37th ARRSView Profile

Richard Mannix

U.S. Air Force

37th ARRSView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About 37th ARRS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Vietnam War Origins: The 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) was activated in 1967 at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, to provide combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations during the Vietnam War. • “Jolly Green Giants”: The 37th ARRS flew the iconic HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters, which became synonymous with daring rescue missions under fire. • Heroic Rescues: The unit rescued thousands of downed airmen and wounded soldiers, often flying into heavily defended areas under enemy fire to save lives. • Medal of Honor Missions: Members of the 37th ARRS were involved in missions that resulted in the awarding of the Medal of Honor to Air Force pararescuemen William H. Pitsenbarger and Duane D. Hackney. • Nickname “Jolly Greens”: The squadron’s call sign “Jolly Green” is still used today by modern Air Force rescue units, a testament to the unit’s legacy. • Innovative Tactics: The 37th ARRS pioneered new CSAR tactics, including the use of the “hover jump” for pararescuemen and the employment of air-to-air refueling for helicopters. • High Risk, High Reward: The 37th was one of the most decorated rescue units, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. • Notable Aircraft: Besides the HH-3E, the squadron also operated the HH-53 “Super Jolly Green Giant,” which offered greater power and range for deep rescues. • Post-Vietnam Service: After the war, the 37th ARRS was relocated and redesignated several times, continuing rescue training and operations, including peacetime missions. • Enduring Motto: The 37th ARRS lived by the motto “That Others May Live,” a phrase that continues to inspire today’s Air Force pararescue and rescue units.