"The Purple Foxes"
(HMM/VMM-364)

Sliver Star to Navy Cross

YOUR help requested

There is an effort on-going to have JV Johnson's Silver Star upgraded to a Navy Cross. We need individuals to corroborate what took place on his flight when Joe Devlin was killed on March 8, 1970.

Two CH-46's were launched on a resupply mission to the Coal Mines. The weather was awful, the aircraft had to resort to low-level flight at less than 100 feet (AGL). Devlin (history index) was killed by a single AK-47 round, Maj Locke (history index) was struck in the right arm by the same round. Crew chief JV Johnson was able to save the flight and get the aircraft safely back to DaNang, where they landed at NSA. We are looking for the names of the two gunners who were on JV's aircraft. We are also looking for any information on the second aircraft that launched on this mission. If you still have your Aviators Flight Log Book, look up any flights that you made on March 8, 1970. The Mission code for this flight would have been 1R9 (resupply).

Forward any information that you might have to: Walt Wise, Pat Kenny, or Hal Walker.

The Purple Foxes Are Off To Combat Again!

An email from LtCol Walker, CO VMM-364

Fellow Foxes,

A brief note of correspondence to update the family. The flag will be moving to Kuwait in a couple weeks to take on the mission of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC 19.2) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. From there we will leap frog aircraft north throughout Iraq and Syria as tasking dictates. We are well prepared and ready to execute.

The Marines have performed tremendously over the past several months and I would like to highlight a few stand out performances for you:

1. September 2018: Maintenance Department Scores a 97.8% (#1 of any Type/Model/Series Aircraft in 3d MAW) on the ALMAT Inspection.
2. December 2018: Maintenance Department Scores a 98.2% (Top Ten of all Navy and all Marine Corps Squadrons of an Type/Model/Series Aircraft) on the CNAF Inspection.
3. January-February 2019: Squadron performs superbly by supporting the Marine Corps' Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) for 5 weeks at 29 Palms.
4. For Fiscal Year 2019, October to present, The Purple Foxes are #1 in Aircraft Readiness and #1 in most Flight Hours of any V-22 squadron not currently deployed. Of the 8 squadrons that are currently deployed at various places around the globe, only one of those squadrons is producing more flight hours and readiness than VMM-364 and they are FAD II status for parts while the Foxes remain FAD III until we take over the mission forward.
5. Four Meritorious Promotions for our Marines that have been won at the Wing level in the last four months.

The Marines are humble and hungry to make you all proud and add to the legacy you have built for us.

We'll be back in late October and look forward to hosting some of you if you are in the San Diego area during the holidays. Feel free to stop on by at any time to the Fox Den. The coffee pot is on the stove and we'll leave the light on for you.

Semper Fi & Give A Shit!
-Sticks

LtCol Bill "Sticks" Walker USMC
Commanding Officer VMM-364
The World Famous Purple Foxes
(email address and phone omitted)
"G.A.S.!"

"Another Purple Fox pilot, Richard "Rich" Bianchino (BIO Narratives), has been named as a Golden Eagle. The total from HMM 364 who have been chosen is now at six (6). The other Foxes are Colonel Brady, Ernie Cunningham , Pat Donovan, Dave Legas, and John Harris. We all should be exceedingly proud that the Golden Eagles, a very selective and extraordinary group of noted Naval Aviators, has repeatedly chosen new members from the ranks of HMM 364. It is a remarkable accomplishment to be chosen and I feel very comfortable in saying that no other rotary wing Marine squadron is as represented as is HMM 364." - Alan T. Robillard

The Golden Eagles are...
The "Early and Pioneer Naval Aviation Association", better known as "The Golden Eagles" was established in 1956 as a living memorial to Naval Aviation, and is the most prestigious group of Naval Aviators. Its membership includes admirals, generals, astronauts, aces, innovators, inventors and leaders, who during their service were pioneers in the development of new concepts, received special recognition for outstanding performance, or who otherwise warrant special consideration for meeting select criteria. Their careers are defined by continuously exhibiting performance as the best of the best. Membership is limited to only 200 active members.

PURPLE FOXES ARE INVITED
(Hill 881S)
3d Bn, 26th Marines 2019 Reunion Cruise
10-17 NOVEMBER 2019