About this Unit
HMM-364, known as the "Purple Foxes," is a distinguished United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron originally activated in 1961. The unit first saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, providing crucial assault support and medevac missions with their CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. Renowned for their bravery, HMM-364 participated in numerous major operations, including the Siege of Khe Sanh and Operation Dewey Canyon. After Vietnam, the squadron continued to serve in various global conflicts and humanitarian missions, exemplifying the Marine Corps' commitment to rapid-response aviation support. The unit was redesignated as VMM-364 in 2012, transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
Historical Facts
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Nickname "Purple Foxes": HMM-364 is famously known as the "Purple Foxes," a moniker inspired by the purple paint on their helicopters' tails, making them one of the most recognizable helicopter units in the US Marine Corps.
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Vietnam War Legacy: Activated in 1961, HMM-364 played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, conducting troop insertions, medevacs, and resupply missions under intense enemy fire.
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"Give a Shit" Patch: The unit is known for their unofficial "Give a Shit" morale patch, symbolizing the care and commitment of the crews to each other and the mission.
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Operation Frequent Wind: HMM-364 participated in Operation Frequent Wind in April 1975, the largest helicopter evacuation in history, helping evacuate Americans and South Vietnamese from Saigon.
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Aircraft Flown: The squadron originally flew the Sikorsky UH-34D "Seahorse" before transitioning to the Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight, and later becoming VMM-364 with the MV-22B Osprey.
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Unit Deactivation and Reactivation: HMM-364 was deactivated in 1971 after the Vietnam War, but the unit was later reactivated in 1984 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California.
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Motto "Give a Shit": Their unofficial motto reflects their ethos of never leaving a fellow Marine behind, even under the most dangerous conditions.
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Decorations: HMM-364 received multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and other awards for extraordinary heroism and service.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The squadron served in Iraq, providing critical assault support, casualty evacuations, and resupply missions during the Iraq War.
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Transition to Tiltrotor: In 2014, HMM-364 was redesignated as VMM-364 and began flying the MV-22B Osprey, becoming part of the new era of Marine Corps aviation.
