CivSEA Project
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ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT
HISTORY OF THE
179TH ASSAULT SUPPORT HELICOPTER COMPANY
52ND COMBAT AVIATION BATTALION
1ST AVIATION BRIGADE

1 January 1967 - 31 December 1967

Prepared by
W.O. Kenneth D. Blais
Unit Historian

APPROVED BY:

ROBERT F. WETHERBIE
MAJOR            AT
Commanding

Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam
APO  96318

Table of Contents

Forward                                                                                    ii

1  Heraldry                                                                               1

2  Command and Control                                                         1

3  Unit Operations                                                                    2

4  Equipment and Installations                                                2

5  Reflections                                                                           3

Foreword

        The 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company continued, during the year 1967, to provide direct support to the Fourth Infantry Division in an outstanding manner.  Being the only CH-47 "Chinook" company in the entire Central Highlands, this feat is all the more remarkable.

        The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese are not the only enemy.  The monsoons from May to September bring daily rain showers with low ceilings and low visibility.  Blinding dust in every landing zone is the result of many months without rain during the dry season.

        Movement of seven-thousand pound loads into mile high fire support bases with rotor blades and engines eating dust and debris places an added burden on pilot skills and maintenance professionalism.

        Like all units in Vietnam, 179th witnessed a large turnover in personnel.  These new people arriving "in country" adapted quickly into the new environment and responded to the challenge.

ii

Chapter I:  Heraldry

        The 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company is authorized a unit crest.  During its assignment to the 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion, this unit is authorized the crest and patch of the 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion, "The Flying Dragons."

Chapter II:  Command and Control

        Major Henry E. Kelly                                   1 January 1967 - 31 May 1967

        Major Harold J. Hoffman                             1 June 1967 - 1 October 1967

        Major Donald C. McCabe                            2 October - 31 December 1967     

        Operations were conducted in the Central Highlands region of the Republic of Vietnam, in the general area of responsibility of the United States Fourth Infantry Division.  The southern border of this area is generally an East - West line through the city of Ban-Me-Thuot and the northern border a similar line drawn through the outpost of Dak Pek.  The western border is formed by the borders of Laos and Cambodia and the eastern limit is generally a North - South line through the town of Cheo Reo.  Operations were occasionally conducted outside this area.

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Chapter 3:  Unit Operations

        Sam Houston                                                1 January 1967 - 5 April 1967

        Thayer II                                                      3 January 1967 - 12 February 1967

        Pershing                                                       13 February 1967 - 11 March 1967

        Summerall                                                    2 April 1967 - 11 April 1967

        Francis Marion                                            6 April 1967 - 12 October 1967

        Greeley                                                        14 May 1967 - 22 August 1967

        MacArthur                                                   13 October 1967 - into 1968

Chapter 4:  Equipment and Installations

        The 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company has been stationed at Camp Holloway, Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, A.P.O. 96318, throughout the calendar year of 1967.  Available facilities and equipment remain unchanged.

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Chapter 5:  Reflections

        Distinguished Flying Cross                                3

        Soldier's Medal                                                  5

        Bronze Star                                                         3

        Air Medal with "V" Device                               3

        Air Medal                                                            1881

        Army Commendation Medal, First OLC           1

        Army Commendation Medal                              14

        Purple Heart                                                        1

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(page last revised 08/10/2003 09:03 AM -0400 )