​​​FLIGHTGEAR.CH

After being active in South Vietnam flying Sikorsky H-34 CHOCTAW from 1964 to 1966, MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 364 (HMM-364) “PURPLE FOXES” received their new VERTOL CH-46 A SEA KNIGHT (or PHROG) in October 1966.

 

After a serie of accidents, CH-46As were temporary grounded and all machines underwent structural modifications.

 

In November 1967 the PURPLE FOXES were again sent to Vietnam, flying from Santa Ana, California to PHU BAI airbase just South West of HUE CITY under MAG-36 command.

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In December 1968, HMM-364 was relocated under MAG-36 at MARBLE MOUNTAIN AIR FACILITY (MMAF) South of Da Nang from where the unit would intensively operate until March 1971, when the PURPLE FOXES were returned to CONUS and decommissioned, after having flown circa 70'000 flight hours in the Republic of Vietnam from 1964 to 1971.

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This APH-5 flight helmet belonged to MAJ JOHN D. FRISKE, Executive Officer of HMM-364 in 1967. The helmet has been updated with Sierra oxygen mask receivers, APH-6 visor cover and earphones system.

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On December 20, 1967 while flying supply missions for the 3rd Marine Division, CH-46A coded YK-2 piloted by MAJ FRISKE and LT J.J. SMITH was ordered to fly an emergency troop extraction (code name Sparrow Hawk) East of HUE.

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The difficult rescue was successfully executed under heavy enemy fire and nine men plus a scout dog were brought to safety. For this action, USMC CPL JOHN W. ALLEN, crewmember of YK-2, received an Official Citation for the Air Medal.