Officially Licensed USMC HMH-362 Ugly Angels 1996 Patch — Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 CH-53 Embroidered Patch
The Ugly Angels — one of the most combat-tested helicopter squadrons in Marine Corps history.
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362), the "Ugly Angels," holds a legendary place in Marine Corps aviation history. Originally commissioned as HMM-362 on April 1, 1952, the Ugly Angels were the first Marine helicopter squadron to deploy to Vietnam, arriving in April 1962 as part of Operation Shufly — the initial commitment of Marine aviation to Southeast Asia. The squadron flew thousands of combat assault, resupply, and medevac missions during the Vietnam War, establishing the helicopter assault tactics that would define Marine Corps operations for decades.
This 1996-era patch represents the Ugly Angels during their CH-53 era, when the squadron operated the Sea Stallion and Super Stallion variants in the heavy-lift mission. From their Vietnam origins through Cold War deployments, Desert Storm, and operations in Somalia and the Middle East, the Ugly Angels maintained a reputation for aggressive, reliable helicopter support in the toughest conditions. The squadron's "Ugly Angels" nickname became one of the most recognizable callsigns in Marine aviation — a badge of honor worn by the crews who flew the heaviest missions into the most demanding environments.
Perfect For:
HMH-362 Ugly Angels members and veterans, HMM-362 Vietnam-era alumni, CH-53 community members, Marine helicopter aviation historians, and USMC squadron patch collectors.
Ugly Angels. First to Vietnam. Always in the fight.
