The Virtual Wall, memorializing Vietnam casualties since 1997
The Virtual Wall, memorializing Vietnam casualties since 1997
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HMM-364

HMM-364

HMM-364 - a United States Marine Corps helicopter unit - flew support missions in Vietnam for those Marines who refer to themselves as "Grunts". It is with a great deal of respect and admiration that we say, "HMM-364 supported the Grunts at the platoon level and below in Vietnam."

Nicknamed the "Purple Foxes", HMM-364 utilized two basic types of aircraft to render this support. Beginning in 1964, the Purple Foxes utilized first the UH-34 and then - after returning to the States in October of 1966 for training on the CH-46D helicopter - the Foxes returned to Vietnam to be stationed in Phu Bai in November of 1967.

In the fall of 1968 HMM-364 was in a state of transition. Personnel who had come over with the unit and completed their tours were now going home. Faced with a shortage of pilots and maintenance personnel and with too many assigned aircraft, HMM-364 found itself struggling. Pilots who never dreamed they would be flying CH-46Ds ended up doing exactly that because of these shortages. The "Grunts" at the senior commands, III MAF and 1st Marine Air Wing, could have cared less why any unit was having a hard time. They wanted aircraft available twenty-four hours a day ... period. Then, for some mysterious but wonderful reason, these new faces along with the pilots and crews who had not rotated back, started to make a real name for the Purple Foxes.

Just after Christmas 1968 the unit moved south to Marine Aircraft Group 16 at Marble Mountain. Flying re-supply, troop-lifts, and medevacs primarily, the unit operated twenty-four hours a day in all weather. Frequent missions resulted in casualties both killed and wounded. As adversity increased the spirit of the squadron never lagged, it only became stronger. The men became closer and more dedicated. When things were really bad through the spring of 1969 the troops (especially the maintenance people) would pull off miracles every night. The aircraft would always come up when needed. Aircrews who needed rest would be in the briefings absolutely bone tired from a long tiring mission the previous day.

The Purple Foxes always knew how to laugh. When they were at the O Club or E Club, other pilots and aircrew like to sit with them because of their spirit, playfulness, and when Foxes were around ... something (fun) always happened! The hallmark of this squadron was its outstanding men and their dedication to each other, the squadron, and the Corps. Over thirty years later, the loyalty, dedication and love for HMM-364 is as strong and vibrant as ever ... as it always will be.

Those who support the Purple Foxes will never forget those we lost during those years in Vietnam. We are proud to tell their stories on The Virtual Wall to insure they will never be forgotten.

The following men died while serving with HMM-364:
10/11/1965
H-34
UH-34D
(Combat loss)
10/27/1965
H-34
UH-34D
(Combat loss)
12/03/1965
H-34
UH-34D 148762
(Combat loss)
12/08/1965
H-34
UH-34D 145768
(Non-combat loss)
12/13/1967

Ground casualty
(Non-combat loss)
02/05/1968
CH-46
CH-46A 153986
(Combat loss)
05/26/1968

Ground casualties
(Combat loss)
01/26/1969
CH-46
CH-46D 153997
(Combat loss)
02/07/1969
CH-46
CH-46A 153334
(Combat loss)
04/11/1969
CH-46
CH-46A 153332
(Non-combat loss)
04/14/1969
CH-46
CH-46A 153361
(Combat loss)
06/07/1969
CH-46
CH-46D 153397
(Non-combat loss)
07/27/1969
CH-46
CH-46A 154018
(Combat loss)
10/05/1969
CH-46
CH-46A
(Combat loss)
11/29/1969
CH-46
CH-46D 153996
(Combat loss)
12/28/1969
CH-46
CH-46A 153379
(Non-combat loss)
03/08/1970
CH-46
CH-46A
(Combat loss)
08/07/1970
CH-46
CH-46D 152576
(Combat loss)

The following men died after serving with HMM-364:
04/20/1971
CH-46
CH-46D 154839
(Non-combat loss)

VISIT
HMM-364
the Purple Foxes

and

the ladies who remember and support them,
Purple Foxy Ladies
the Purple Foxy Ladies

This page was written by
Frank Gulledge and Courtney Payne of HMM-364
and
Purple Foxy Lady Stephanie Hanson.



Honoring our losses since 1997

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Last updated on 09/16/2003