HMH-362 Ugly Angels Patch - Sew On
4 inch patch
HISTORY
The squadron, known as the "Ugly Angels," was activated on April 30, 1952 as a Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California, under the designation of Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 362 (HMR-362), Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), Air Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
The squadron was redesignated on December 31, 1956, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 362 (HMR(L)-362), and deployed to Yokosuka, Japan in May 1959, with subsequent deployments to Futema, Okinawa in May 1960 and July 1961.
The squadron was again redesignated on February 1, 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362). HMM-362 originally flew the Sikorsky UH-34 as a medium lift capable platform and the squadron holds the proud distinction of being the first Marine aircraft unit to deploy to the Republic of Vietnam. Supporting Operation SHUFLY and subsequent missions, the squadrons first deployment to Vietnam lasted from April 1962 to July 1962. In 1962, HMM-362 was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Archie Clapp and the squadron earned the nickname "Archie's Angels." It was that nickname that evolved to become the Squadron's subsequent call sign, the "Ugly Angels."
On July 31, 1962, HMM-362 returned to Santa Ana, and on October 3, 1962, was designated as the West Coast Helicopter Transition Squadron with the mission of transitioning fixed-wing Marine pilots, with no previous helicopter training, into rotary-winged trained pilots. The squadron continued in this function until July 1, 1964, when it again reverted to operational status.
During its second deployment to Vietnam, from September 1965 until August 1969, the Ugly Angels deployed to Soc Trang, Ky Ha, Hue/Phu Bai, and Marble Mountain. HMM-362 additionally served as the Landing Force Squadron on board the USS VALLEY FORGE, USS PRINCETON, USS OKINAWA and USS IWO JIMA. During this time