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If
you want something done, simply ask a Marine! Our brothers,
USMC Vietnam/Helicopter
Association, when asked to help they jumped in with both
hands! Here are some of the responses. Be certain to thank
these heroes and are helping us deal with our questions and
giving us so much support!
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We
Asked Our Marines About The Combat Aircrew Insignia...their
reply!
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"The
tradition of the Combat Aircrew Insignia goes back to
WW II when the Marine Corps awarded it to aircrew members
who participated in aerial combat and did not rate other aircrew
insignia. The Marine Corps has continued in the use of
this insignia during the Vietnam Conflict. |
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“It can be awarded to any
enlisted Marine of any military occupational specialty
who qualifies for assignment to a combat aircrew and performs
such aircrew duties in combat, such as helicopter door gunner.
“The Combat Aircrew
Insignia is distinct from other Marine Aviation Insignia
because it is the sole insignia that can only be earned
in a combat environment. It has proved to be a prestigious
distinguishing device. The insignia is awarded only to those
individuals who have satisfactorily participated in combat
during aerial flight.
“Combat stars represent
an engagement of an enemy aircraft, an engagement of an enemy
vessel, or participation in offensive or defensive operations
against enemy fortified positions. A maximum of three stars
may be awarded for display on the Combat Aircrew Insignia.
“Combat Action Reports
in excess of three stars are credited on the individual’s
Service Record only.
“A strong tradition is
associated with the Combat Aircrew Insignia. Therefore,
it does not appear to be a practical course of action to arbitrarily
change the style and color of the insignia.”
Semper Fi,
LtCol H. J. Blaha,
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Air), HQMC
(This was sent in by J.D. Barber, popasmoke@earthlink.net)
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"But
what is the average earned stars for Combat Aircrew Insignia
during conflict?"
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| "The
questioner should be advised not to judge the Aircrew
by the number of AMs, but rather by the type missions
flown. I received 36 AMs with HMM-363 in the 34Ds mostly
due to TET and only 14 with HML-367 flying "SOG".
These two years do not compare. TET was hell but SOG was
Mega dangerous. SOG missions only went off every few days
and we spent a lot of time standing by like a lot of MEDEVAC
crews did. |
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As you know, there were no computers then, so no totals
list was kept.
If I were two different
Crew Chiefs and you compared my 36 with HMM-363 to my
14 with HML-367
you would think the guy with 36 AMs did more, NOT true.
So I believe that
the numbers awarded are just that numbers. They do not
tell the story.
Think of the fix wing drivers
flying over North Vietnam dodging SAMS and getting one
mission a
day and they would get about one AM a month. Hence 12
for a year. There 12 would be much
more dangerous in total than my 36.
This is why I am thrilled
that they do not awarded second and third awards for
Combat Aircrew
Wings. We do not judge each other by the number of AMs,
or tours, just that we volunteered
and went in harms way.
Semper Fidelis
"CURT"
Master Gunnery Sergeant
USMC Retired 66-91
VIETNAM SERVICE
HMM-363 UH-34D Crew Chief 67-68 (LCPL)
HML-367 UH-1E Huey Gunships Crew Chief 68-69 (CPL.)
HML-367 AH-1G & J Cobra Quality assurance 69-70
(SGT.)
HMM-364 CH-46 Gunner 70 (SGT.)
(This was sent in by J.D. Barber, popasmoke@earthlink.net)
For
more information rearding metals!
See who earned their wings during Operation
Iraqi Freedom!
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This was in response to an article featured called
Flying high, with trust
4/18/03
Foxy Ladies,
The attached picture is of the aircraft I crewed in
1970 before going to Vietnam. I saw this aircraft at
an airshow up here in Massachusetts about 5 or 6 years
ago, and I took this picture of it a couple of years
ago while attending a 50 anniversary celebration of
the founding of HMM-261 at New River Air Station
in No. Carolina. |
All those
aircraft that you've seen are the same aircraft that
we worked and flew on way back when. For the most part,
the aircraft are older than most of the Marines that
are flying in them today. That says alot for the aircraft
and the Marines that are maintaining them! I'll bet
if you ask him he'll remember the Bureau Number. The
aircraft I crewed were 157663, 154817 and 153382. I
could never forget those numbers!
John "J.D." Barber
President
USMC/Vietnam
Helicopter Association
HMM-263, 70-71
www.popasmoke.com
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Someone
sent me this window decal. It tells it all. "Never
trust a helicopter under 30"
John "J.D." Barber |
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4/12/03
12:07:44 AM Central Daylight Time
Dear Foxy Ladies Society,
I've watched this site start from day one. Saw a bit of
hesitation as the original "Foxettes" seemed
to be testing the waters of how to form a group who are
connected to some old crusty "Purple Foxes".
It seemed like only in a matter of days this site has
not only blossomed but has burst into full bloom. You
have established a support group for our present day "Foxes"
and their family members. Are posting photos that maybe
less than 24 hours old. Have media coverage on the West
coast which I can pick up off the internet with live coverage
from Iraq. Have children writing letters to our guys.
Have a Care package network in effect. And are trying
to put together a cookbook. Ladies, I salute you. You
are AWESOME!
It took me 30 + years before I managed to send "Uncle
Frank" (364 webmaster) a few dog eared photos
of some real estate in RVN. I will take the liberty to
encourage our "new" fox family members to draw
from the ladies with some experience of yesteryear. I'm
certain they have walked the walk and are a tremendous
support system. They understand the anxiety you are experiencing
and probably remember a few hints in supporting our men
and women. From my point of view, I think it's easier
being over there rather than sweating it out over here.
You, and your loved ones, are in my prayers. May God
bless you all.
Semper Fi,
Tom "TJ"
Miller,
(67 -68 crew chief)
See
TJ's HMM-364 Bio! |
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4/4/03 7:01:10 AM Central
Standard Time
I have an active duty,
full bird Colonel working on my squadron's address and
he hasn't gotten back to me. I just spent an hour searching
for MAG-39 and HMM-364 but couldn't come up with anything
about their current location. They could possibly be
a part of the 11th MEU (SOC). Another thought I had
on finding an address. If you have a recruiting office
nearby, maybe they can find it through the military
intranet.
JD(John "J,D, Barber,
USMC/Vietnam
Helicopter Association"
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4/3/03 9:39:34 PM Central
Standard Time
Catchy title for your
group! I now a place in Rhode Island
called the Foxy Lady! I'm not sure where to go for help
with email addresses
for our boys in Iraq, I've bben trying to get the email
address for HMM-263
and haven't had much luck as yet. What you could do
is put something on our
"NOTAM
Board", possibly someone can help you out.
There are two catagories
you can try, Ask our members and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
John "J.D." Barber
President
USMC/Vietnam
Helicopter Association
781-337-3239
HMM-263, 70-71
http://www.popasmoke.com
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