Marine Aircraft Group MAG-39 Quang Tri — USMC Embroidered Patch
Born in the Fire of Quang Tri
This isn't just a patch — it's a piece of Vietnam War history. MAG-39 was born out of necessity in the crucible of northern Quang Tri Province in 1968, when the demands of combat outpaced the capacity of existing command structures. This Quang Tri variant patch represents the original provisional group that fought in some of the war's most intense operations.
In the spring of 1968, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing established Provisional MAG-39 at Quang Tri Combat Base to reduce the span of control for MAG-36. Three squadrons — VMO-6, HMM-163, and HMM-262 — were detached to form the new group under Colonel John E. Hansen. Prov MAG-39 supported the 3rd Marine Division in numerous combat operations including Operations Scotland II, Lancaster, Kentucky, Mameluke Thrust, and Dewey Canyon. In April 1975, MAG-39 was reactivated once more for Operation Frequent Wind — the evacuation of Saigon — extracting 7,000 American citizens and South Vietnamese nationals. Now permanently based at Camp Pendleton with AH-1Z Vipers, UH-1Y Venoms, and MV-22 Ospreys, MAG-39 remains combat-ready under the 3rd MAW.
Perfect For:
MAG-39 Vietnam veterans, Operation Frequent Wind participants, 3rd MAW rotary wing aircrew, Camp Pendleton Marines, and Vietnam War aviation collectors.
Forged in Combat at Quang Tri.