This history, which traces the development of helicopters in the Marine Corps from 1946 to 1962, offer s
a tribute to the creative vision and planning of a handful of Marine officers who conceived of the vertical
assault concept in amphibious operations at a time when suitable aircraft to make it work did not exist . The
story of the subsequent struggle to procure and develop those aircraft, to refine a doctrine for their employment,
and to familiarize the Marine Corps with their use is an interesting and vital part of modern Marin e
Corps history. The documentary basis for this monograph was primarily the official records of the Marine
Corps and Navy Department, but considerable use was made of interviews and correspondence with key
individuals involved in all phases of helicopter development .
The author, Lieutenant Colonel Eugene W . Rawlins, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history
from California State University at Fullerton . His experience in Marine Corps aviation includes tours i n
fighter, attack, transport, and helicopter aircraft . During a period of separation from the Marine Corps he
was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft as a production test pilot and later flew for San Francisco and Oakland
Helicopter Airlines . After returning to the Marine Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Rawlins served in Vietnam
with HMM361 and -364 in 19631964. Three years later he returned to Vietnam for a tour with HMH463 .
In 1971 after an assignment as Commanding Officer, HMH361 at Santa Ana, he came to the History an d
Museums Division where he remained until July 1973 .
Comment copies of the manuscript were sent to many individuals involved with both the conceptual
and operational aspects of Marine helicopter development . Major William J . Sambito incorporated these
comments and edited the manuscript for printing . Major Sambito earned his Bachelor of Arts degree i n
psychology from Colby College, Maine, and is an experienced helicopter pilot who served with HMM26 2
and -165 during the Vietnam War . After attending the Armed Forces Staff College in January 1975, h e
was assigned to the History and Museums Division.
The History and Museums Division welcomes any comments on the narrative and additional information
or illustrations which might enhance a future edition .