Thursday, June 13, 2019

History: 40th ARRS / Jolly Green / HH-3E / HH-53 / Squatty Patch

40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron / Jolly Green / HH-3E / HH-53 / Squatty Patch
This is a patch that was made when one of the crewmembers of the 40th ARRS, the Pararescueman Larry P. who made this custom version with his nickname (Squatty). Larry was serving with the 40th ARRS at Udorn during 1967 and his group was the first one that brought the HH-53's to Udorn. This patch will have been made locally and as a one-off and I would like to thank Larry for sharing this to the collection.

PJ Larry "Squatty" P. in Udorn, Thailand. Circa 1967. The 40th ARRS was one of the crews that made the first rescue on this HH53B. Note the single parachute decal by the hoist. "When we first got to Udorn, Thailand so the HH53B's the maintenance crews were allowed to name their birds.  The maintenance crew named this one Big Berths. Shortly, and sadly, the Air Force made a reg that we couldn't name aircraft.  So the names on the helicopters were removed. The HH53B was named BUFF at first. The H3's were Jolly Greens. The Air Force again intervened and said we could not be known as BUFF because the B52 bombers were known as BUFFS. So the Air Force named us the Super Jolly Green Giant Helicopters." 

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I´m constantly searching for original challenge coins, moral and issued patches, badges and more. Please don´t hesitate to contact me if you are willing to sell something. I buy!