VF-174 Hell Razors

Fighter Squadron 174 came into existence February 15, 1950, but not just a newcomer on the scene.  It had an illustrious background.  On April 1, 1944, at the height of WW II Bombing Squadron 82 was established.  It was re-designated Attack Squadron 17 A November 15, 1946.  On August 11, 1948 it transformed into Attack Squadron 174.  This was disestablished January 25, 1950.

In the meantime on March 1, 1944 Bombing Squadron 81 was established.  This was re-designated Attack Squadron 13 A on November 15, 1946.  On August 2, 1948 it was once again re-designated, this time to Attack Squadron134.  This same squadron became Fighter Squadron 174 February 15, 1950, and remained such until July 1, 1966.  It was during this period, on April 7, 1960, that I joined the Hell Razors as an Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Petty Officer (AMS 1).  I remained attached to it through May 29, 1963.

The Hell Razors Squadron Patch had its own bit of history.  It was designed by none other than Walt Disney (yes, the Walt Disney), and adopted for the squadron by the Chief of Naval Operations on May 23, 1944.  Flying from a yellow background, possibly depicting a full moon, comes a cartoonish bat that is different, but mean as hell.  The body is of dark colors, with dangling legs ending in duck looking feet dropping bombs.  The head is a jagged edged straight razor forming the upper and lower sections of the beak.  From within the maw juts a machine gun belching flame.  Atop this creature’s dome are a set of Devil horns.  This depiction is scanned from a squadron coffee cup yet in my possession.

On July 1, 1966 the Hell Razors once again had their designation changed, this time to Attack Squadron 174, and remained so until June 30, 1988 when it was disestablished.  Since that time the squadron number and name remains dormant, but it may yet arise to its former glory like a Phoenix from the ashes should a need for it appear.