Description

HMR-363 Squadron Patch –Sew On

A 3.5 to 4.5 inches squadron patch of the HMR-363.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363
HMH-363
Lucky Red Lions
In the 1950s HMH-363 participated in Operation “Redwing” (Pacific Ocean Atomic tests), and was one of three squadrons to briefly be designated as “Reconaissance” squadrons. It served two combat tours in Vietnam, with the UH-34D (1965-66) and the CH-53A (1967-69). The “Red Lions” fly the CH-53D at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

LINEAGE
Activated 2 June 1952 at Santa Ana, CA, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 36, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

Reassigned during January 1953 to Marine Aircraft Group 16, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

Reassigned during July 1953 to Marine Aircraft Group 36, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

Reassigned during September 1955 to the 3d Marine Aircarft Wing, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

Redesignated 31 December 1956 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 363.

Redesignated 30 June 1958 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Composite) 363.

Reverted to HMR(L) designation 29 February 1960.

Redesignated 1 February 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363.

Redesignated 23 January 1969 as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363.

UNIT HONORS
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER
VIETNAM
1965 – 1967

JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER
SOMALIA
1993

NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER WITH 1 BRONZE STAR
VIETNAM
1965 – 1966
1968

MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER WITH 3 BRONZE STARS
VIETNAM
1968

1981
1985 – 1986
1996 – 1998

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER WITH 3 BRONZE STARS

VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER WITH 1 SILVER AND 3 BRONZE STARS

VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY WITH PALM STREAMER

Nicknames: “Lucky Red Lions”
ID Code: HZ 1952-56 YZ 1956-
Aircraft: HRS (CH-19E); HOK (OH-43); HUS (UH-34D); CH-53A/D
Squadron Web Page: HMH-363(Official site); HMM-363 “Lucky Red Lions”