LUCKY RED LION: The Marines of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363 in Vietnam

A Lucky Red Lion: The True Story of a Marine Aviator in Vietnam

Captain Arch Ratliff, Jr., a Marine aviator, served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363, known as the Lucky Red Lions, in Vietnam from November 1966 to November 1967. During his 13-month tour, Captain Ratliff flew over 1,400 combat missions, was shot down five times, and his aircraft took nearly 100 hits from enemy fire.

The Lucky Red Lions were the first and most northerly based aviation unit in Vietnam, stationed near the DMZ, where they faced the North Vietnam Army in a conventional war. From Khe Sanh in the northwest to Dong Ha in the northeast, Captain Ratliff and his squadron participated in the battles of Con Tien, the Hill Fights at Khe Sanh, and deployments aboard ships in the northern part of the country. Additional missions were flown at Marble Mountain, Ky Ha, and Phu Bai.

The memoir unashamedly shares the emotions of fear, excitement, apprehension, consternation, and humor experienced by the Marines during the conduct and execution of their helicopter missions in support of ground units in Vietnam. The tactics, command and control, and the Marine ground units being supported are explained in a way that any adult, regardless of their military knowledge, can understand and comprehend the action.

This is the exciting story of a young Marine captain in combat, developing his leadership skills and embarking on a 26-year career in the Marine Corps. The memoir, Memoirs, provides a firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs faced by Captain Ratliff and the Lucky Red Lions as they fought to support their fellow Marines in the Vietnam War.

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