Daniel Knueppel

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.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462), known as the "Heavy Haulers," was originally activated during World War II in April 1944 as Marine Fighting Squadron 462. The unit was re-designated and reactivated several times, ultimately becoming HMH-462 and flying heavy-lift helicopters such as the CH-53 series. HMH-462 has participated in numerous operations, including the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and humanitarian assistance missions. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, the squadron continues to provide assault support and heavy-lift capabilities for the United States Marine Corps.

**Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 301 (HMT-301)** was a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron activated in 1966 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California. The unit’s primary mission was to provide advanced training to Marine pilots and crew in the operation of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. HMT-301 played a vital role in preparing aircrews for combat and operational deployments during the Vietnam War and throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The squadron was deactivated in 1990 as part of a broader restructuring of Marine Corps aviation training assets.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164), also known as the "Knightriders," was activated on July 1, 1964, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California. The squadron quickly deployed to Vietnam, where it played a vital role in troop transport, medevac, and resupply missions using CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. HMM-164 participated in major operations throughout the Vietnam War, earning multiple unit commendations for its distinguished service. Following Vietnam, the squadron continued to support Marine Corps operations worldwide until it was redesignated as VMM-164 in 2015, transitioning to the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.