U.S. MARINES HMA-369 Helicopter Attack Squadron Patch by COMMANDO

HMA-369 was activated on April 1, 1972, at Marine Corps Air Station Futema, later Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Two months after being activated, the squadron was deployed to Vietnam to participate in Operation MARHUK (Marine Hunter Killer). "Pistol Pete" as the squadron was then known, had the distinction of being the first attack helicopter squadron in Marine Corps history to conduct offensive air operations. This occurred on June 20, 1972 when HMA-369 AH-1J Seacobras, operating from the USS Denver (LPD-9), began interdicting enemy barges and ferries and acting as low lying FACs for Navy carrier strikes. The squadron subsequently transferred to USS Cleveland (LPD-7) and finally USS Dubuque (LPD-8) while conducting MARHUK operations. The Marine Corps Aviation Association honored HMA-369 with their Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award in 1972. HMA-369 was also awarded a Navy Unit Citation for this period. The squadron redeployed to Okinawa in January 1973, but remained active in the conflict through Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, flying numerous sorties supporting the evacuation of Saigon.

110x110mm Woven Patch