71st Air Rescue Squadron
Elmendorf AB
Dyed Subdued Colour
1980's
The 71st has this patch made as a subdued version of their patch & was used in the late 1980's when they were redesignated as an Air Rescue Squadron, although the patch still says 71st ARRS in the scroll. I was told by an ex-crewman this was used as they didn't have any ARS patches made & thought they'd just use the old patch. This is because the Squadron didn't have any Jolly Green Giant patches made when they were an Air Rescue Squadron. This information came from a FE Robert Hoak who had a batch of patches dyed while he was flying with the 71st.
Embroidered on twill, backed with hook & loop, with the Giant in Dexter.
71st Air Rescue Squadron
Elmendorf AB
Woodland Subdued Colour
1989-1991
Its difficult to see, however, Capt. John F. Hozey pilots one of the last HH-3E's to AMARC at Davis-Monthan c.June 1991 wearing the ARS patch. (US National Archives)
The 71st has been based in Alaska since March 1970 when it was activated as the 71st ARRS. The Squadron became the 71st ARS in June 1989, however it was only an Air Rescue Squadron for 28 months as it was inactivated in June 1991. It was then reactivated 4 months later before being redesignated & moving to Patrick AFB as the 71st RQS.
These patches were made in Korea, & according to the crews was never officially worn & was used as a novelty patch, however the photo from the National archives clearly shows a 71st ARS patch being worn?!
I've seen a couple of these in the past and no one is the same, so I suspect they are all handmade and therefore unique.
Partly embroidered on twill with a selvedge edge with the Giant in Dexter.
Here a HH-3 lowers the jungle penetrator to a "survivor" during exercise Brim Frost '81. The camouflage blends in very well with the alpine background.
(US National Archives)
If you have any additional information about this patch please contact me & I´ll get back to you.
Thanks👣
I was with the 71st AARS from 1971 to 1973 stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. I still have my Beret with the Pararescue Shield, 71st ARRS Jolly Green Patch with white background and a Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service Patch. Unfortunately I don't have my MAC patch that was also on my jumpsuit. We flew HC-130s.
ReplyDeleteHi there my Grandfather was from Maine and was USAF 71ST ARRS Melvin Shirley I am looking for more information if you are interested in sharing? Thank you for your service sir it is greatly appreciated
DeleteThank you for your service sir. My grandfather was a Jolly Green with the 71st ARRS and was in Vietnam prior Melvin Shirley and wondering 8f you would be interested in sharing information thank you sor
DeleteGreat to hear from you. What information are you looking for?
DeleteI've put a few enquiries up, so fingers crossed you should here some bits coming through. If you want to send you're email address I can pass info to you too. Don't worry I won't publish it as I moderate the blog.
DeleteI have something now so if you want to email please let me know.
DeleteFrom Robert Hoak who was a FE with you're Grandfather.
DeleteI flew with Mel in the 71st. I arrived there in 79 and Mel gave me my first ck ride. A story to remember is when Mel was TDY to Fbks and doing remote work in the winter the helo he was in started to ice up and they had to pickle the aux tanks. Numerous hours were spent trying to locate the tanks but they were never found until the summer when I was there we located and picked up what was left of the tanks. I presented Mel with a mount shackle from that episode when we had his going away party!
Hi there Robert Hoak that is one amazing story glad you could share it and that you served with him. Truly amazing.
DeleteHi Robert Hoak. I'm fairly certain we flew together in the H3 in Elmendorf. Alan (Elliot) Gould, Captain, USAF. Refresh my memory if you can.
DeleteGreat to hear you still have some fond memories of the 71st. MAC patches are easily found.
ReplyDeleteHi thanks that is an interesting story for sure I will be sure to tell my grandfather. I have all his decorations and many pictures of him in uniform. My email is codylucasshirley@live.ca if you want to contact me for more thank you very much
ReplyDeleteMy grandmothers cousin was William Shinn and went down in jolly green 71 on January 28th 1970. (Not yet recovered) I wonder if anyone knew him or flew with him? He was from Woodland California.A great man I never got to meet but he sure made an impact on our family.
ReplyDeleteI'll put a few feelers out for you, and hope you get some help.
DeleteHere is a link to JG 71.
http://jollygg.blogspot.com/2021/01/51st-anniversary-of-jolly-green-71.html?m=1
I had dinner with William Shinn the evening before he was shot down. He was awarded the Silver Star for his rescue of Boxer22 B. He was grounded for a short period when I arrived at the 40th ARRSq at Udorn RTAFB. We talked about flying rescue missions and he said that he was eager to be flying again. He was a great patriot and a true friend that I remember to this day.
ReplyDelete