Checkmate origin

[linharesms]

I am interested in the origin of checkmate, the chess piece, and Leroy. I have recently checked into the squadron and was looking forward to learning more about it.

Thank you for any and all help.
1st LT Linhares

[John Hodge]

HMM-264 was my first Active Duty Squadron when I left school in Memphis, back in 1967. Checkmate was already there, so I'll be interested in learning more about this question too. The squadron insignia patch looked a little different back then, but essentially the same.

I was in HMM-264 from 1967 to 1969 when I went to Viet Nam. To me, and many others it was sad days in 1968 when we retired our old "Dogs", the UH-34.

I don't have any Tour Books from HMM-264 and have forgotten a lot of the names over the years but I would sure like to know what has happened to some of the Marines I served with in that fine squadron. I always wanted to go to Viet Nam with HMM-264, but it never went there, at least not while was still on active duty.

HMM-264 became activated on June 30, 1959. Check the following link for a little more information about the squadron:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMM-264#Early_Years

I hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

[mjacosta]

I used to be the squadron historian. Got some stuff on "Leroy". Email me when you get a chance. mjacostausmc@yahoo.com

[Jack Ubel]

I joined 264 in Oct 59 after 3 years at Memphis as an instructor at ADH a1 the helicopter course. Looked up the sight posted by John Hodge about the early years and alot of 264 history was missing frome the early years. We made the Cuban blockade and also 264 subunit #1 made the lst Solant Amity cruise to Africa aboard the USS Hermitage in 1960. We recieved the Expeditional Medal for duties in the Belgian Congo. MOH winner Steve Pless, Capt D. Webster KIA Vietnam, Lt Lenny Demko KIA Vietnam, and Lt Ross Plasterer MAJGEN retiired were members of 264 and the subunit that made the cruise. Most of us formed HMM162 when we returned to New River and went to Vietnam as a squadron. I have pictures from our cruise book if your interrested.

Jack Ubel
HMM264 59-61