CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — A round of applause roars through the room at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. There is barking. There are cheers. There is exuberant “rahs.” All are for one special Marine veteran. Through tear-filled eyes and a radiant grin, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nelson J. Baker accepts an honorary, dashing Purple Foxes jacket from Lt. Col. Jamie W. Bunce, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The vibrant purple jacket was presented to Baker adorned with the squadron patch and flight suit patch bearing his rank and name to honor his service and legacy as an original member of VMM-364. Baker served as one of the squadron’s first pilots when it was activated as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 364 in 1961. An honor colloquially called “plank holder” in the military.
Source: DVIDS Marines | Author: Lance Cpl. Jonathan Sherchand | Published: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:49:17 -0500