 A
former member of HMM-364 ( also known as the world famous Purple Foxes),
Stephen E. Russo, was reviewing the list of Marines on the Purple Fox roster
dedicated to those Marines and Navy Corpsmen who served with HMM-364 from
1962 until the squadron was temporarily deactivated in early 1971.
He noticed that Col. William H. "Bill" Dabney, USMC (Ret) was listed as
an honorary Purple Fox and clicked on that name to find out why he had
been bestowed with the honorary designation. He recalled that the
few other "honorary Purple Foxes" he had seen were relatives of those who
died while serving their country and fellow Marines on the battlefields
of Vietnam.
He found links to Dabney's various personal awards for heroism and to a web site titled "The Warriors of Hill 881S." Russo, having served as an Aerial Gunner from mid year 1968, recalled hearing the stories of the siege of Khe Sanh, Super Gaggles, and Hill 881S. He proceeded to read the entire history as written by Col. Dabney, his Marines and Navy Corpsmen, collectively known as the Warriors of Hill 881S who held that hill from 26 December 1967 until 17 April 1968. He was, as he said, "Tremendously impressed by the historical account and by the leadership and tenacity of Capt. Dabney who was the senior Marine commanding a reinforced rifle company on that regimental hilltop outpost. He also found that Dabney and his Warriors many times referred to the support rendered them by the Purple Foxes under some extreme conditions of inclement weather and enemy fire. Russo contacted the webmaster for HMM-364 to inquire what formal activity had led to Colonel Dabney's name being placed on the Purple Fox roster. He was miffed to learn that nothing other than listing Colonel Dabney had taken place. Russo decided to correct what he considered an oversight on behalf of all the Purple Foxes. After considering several ways to accomplish this he decided on the following: He purchased a genuine G-1 US Navy flight jacket like the Purple Foxes were issued.
He removed the original 67-68 Purple Fox squadron patch
and the Boeing Vertol patch from his flight jacket and had them reproduced
by a firm that specializes in producing embroidered patches. Next
he ordered a leather name tag, 26th Marines patch, a ball cap and an American
flag patch. When all were in hand he possessed the following items
that were sewn onto the G-1 flight jacket.
The flight jacket that was now a replica of the ones worn by the Purple Foxes when they supported the Warriors of Hill 881S was mailed to LtCol. Michael R. Hudson, CO of HMM-364 who was leading the active squadron during their second deployment to Iraq. LtCol. Hudson flew the jacket on a combat mission and returned it along with this letter addressed to Colonel Dabney.
Steve contacted Colonel Dabney to advise him he had
something for him and asked for an appropriate time to deliver it.
On 12 November 2005 Steve arrived at the Dabney's home in Lexington, Virginia.
He was welcomed by the Colonel and his gracious wife, Virginia Puller Dabney,
who had prepared a light snack for all. After eating and much small
talk, Steve presented the Colonel with LtCol. Hudson's letter, the jacket
and ball cap as illustrated below.
After the two photos were taken the Colonel sat down
and appeared to be trying to catch his breath (he has breathing problems
and uses an oxygen bottle as required). Colonel Dabney looked up
at Steve and said, "Steve, you might think I am having a breathing problem,
I assure you I am not. I am simply trying to compose myself after
this honor you have bestowed upon me. I shall wear this jacket with
pride!" |
Water
repellent goatskin. 
