VMM-261 Raging Patch- Sew On, 4.5 inch

4.5 inch patch

Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (HMR) 261, the “Raging Bulls”, was activated on 5 April, 1951 at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. Throughout its history, the squadron has carried the tail code of “EM” on its aircraft.
In 1954, the squadron moved from Cherry Point to MCAS New River. Two years later, it was redesignated Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) (HMR(L)) to reflect the acquisition of HUS helicopters to replace its HRS-1 helicopters. The squadron was, during this period, the first helicopter squadron to conduct troop lifts on the East coast. In 1959, the Bulls deployed to Okinawa, Japan before returning to New River the next year.
The squadron returned to Japan in 1961 and received its designation as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 261. By that time the Bulls were flying the H-34 helicopter. In 1963, the Bulls were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, based in DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. During their time at DaNang, HMM-261 conducted combat operations and delivered troops and supplies throughout the operating area. Over 80 Bulls received Air Medals for actions during this tour in Vietnam. In 1964, the squadron deployed aboard the USS Valley Forge as part of the Ready Landing Force in the Western Pacific, and was afterwards shore-based at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. Following an active West PAC tour, HMM-261 returned to New River.
The squadron returned to Vietnam a year later for the second of three eventual tours. During this tour and the subsequent tour in 1965-1966, the Bulls operated from DaNang, Marble Mountain, ChuLai, and the USS Valley Forge. The squadron continued to fly the H-34 helicopter throughout both tours, and participated in several major offensives including: OPERATIONS DOUBLE EAGLE, UTAH, NEVADA, TEXAS, and HOT SPRINGS.
Throughout the 1965-1966 tour, the Bulls flew over 11,589 combat hours, 38,090 combat sorties, transported 47,522 troops into combat and 2,315 wounded. Many of the aircraft were shot up during troop insertions. The helicopters were hit 273 times. Because of their actions, the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Award (1st MAW) and the Navy Unit Commendation. Many of the pilots also received awards for their heroism which included the Navy Cross, Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals, Bronze Stars, Navy Commendations, Purple Hearts and Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry.
In 1966 the Bulls came home to New River again. During the late 1960’s the squadron accepted their first brand-new CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. Throughout the 1970’s, the Bulls participated in various training exercises in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean regions. It was during this time that the squadron added to their nickname and became the “Raging Bulls”.
In 1982, the Raging Bulls deployed to Beirut, Lebanon. In October 1982, the squadron was about to be deployed again to Beirut, but was diverted to the Caribbean for the invasion of Grenada, code-named OPERATION URGENT FURY. There, the squadron provided assault support during the initial landings and subsequent operations ashore. Two AH-1 Cobras were shot down and three squadron pilots killed during the invasion. Two CH-46 helicopters were also shot down. Several hundred American students received their rides to safety aboard Raging Bull aircraft. Following this operation, HMM-261 deployed to war-ravaged Beirut. While stationed off Beirut, the squadron conducted missions in support of the 22D Marine Amphibious Unit ashore following the bombing of the Marine Barracks, and flew over 800 American and Lebanese citizens to safety.
From 1983-1990, the Raging Bulls continued to make Mediterranean cruises as part of Marine Amphibious Units (MAU), and later Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU). In 1990, while part of a 22D MEU, the squadron took part in OPERATION SHARP EDGE which consisted of the evacuation and pro