USMC Helicopter Squadrons
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HMM-163 Ridge Runners 1970 Patch
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM-163), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM-163), the "Evil Eyes" and "Ridge Runners," traces its origins to 1 December 1951 when Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 163 (HMR-163) was formed and assigned to Air Fleet Marine Force Pacific. After completing initial training in the mountains of Southern California, the squadron deployed in August 1953 to Hanshin, Japan to fly in support of the Korean conflict. It was during typhoon rescue and relief operations in the rugged mountainous terrain surrounding Hanshin that the squadron earned its legendary nickname "Ridge Runners."
HMM-163's fame skyrocketed during the Vietnam War. From February to October 1965, the Ridge Runners became internationally recognized when LIFE magazine documented the combat death of Marine H-34 pilot 1st Lt James E. Magel and the rescue of wounded pilot 1st Lt Dale Eddy—the first time many Americans became aware of the extent of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. On 1 January 1966, HMM-163 flew to Phu Bai and took over H-34 helicopters from HMM-161. Captain Al Barbes proposed painting eyes on the aircraft based on Asian cultural beliefs, and these "Genie Eyes" soon became known as "Evil Eyes" by ground units. The squadron flew over 2,000 flight hours in ten days during the Battle of A Shau, rescuing 190 survivors from enemy capture.
Through the 1990s, HMM-163 served as the Aviation Combat Element for five Marine Expeditionary Units, participating in Operations Fiery Vigil (1991), Continue Hope and Distant Runner (1994), Desert Strike (1996), and Resolute Response (1998). In 2001, the Evil Eyes planned and executed the longest amphibious assault in American military history with the seizure of a forward operating base in southern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron received the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award seven times and was named MCAA Helicopter Squadron of the Year in 1979, 1981, 1985, 1990, and 2002.
Perfect For: HMM-163 Evil Eyes and Ridge Runners veterans, VMM-163 personnel, Vietnam War-era Marine helicopter aviators, 3rd MAW service members, and collectors of historic Marine aviation squadron memorabilia.
The Evil Eyes—from the ridge lines of Japan to the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Afghanistan, flying where others dared not follow since 1951.
If you want to swap patches on/off gear, choose hook & loop (velcro). If you’re attaching permanently to uniforms or fabric, choose sew-on. If you want quick application on compatible fabric, choose iron-on / heat seal (when offered). Backing options are shown on the page and update based on the variant you select.
Size is shown on the product page and updates with the variant you select (example: 3"). If you’re mounting on a hat or small panel, choose smaller sizes; for plate carriers and display boards, larger sizes fit better.
If the product is officially licensed, it will say “Officially Licensed” in the title and/or in the product details. If it doesn’t, it’s still a legitimate product—just not part of a licensed program.
Yes. If you see a note like “bulk reruns available,” that means we can support group orders or reruns. If you don’t see it, contact us with the unit/squadron and quantity and we’ll confirm options.
Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.
