21st Recon Aircraft Company

• Formation and Mission: The 21st Reconnaissance Aircraft Company was activated in 1956 and primarily tasked with aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, and observation missions for the U.S. Army. • Nickname: The unit was known as the “Black Aces,” a moniker that reflected their daring and skill in reconnaissance operations. • Vietnam War Service: The 21st RAC deployed to Vietnam in January 1964, becoming one of the earliest Army aviation units to serve in the conflict. • Main Aircraft: The unit primarily operated the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, a light observation aircraft crucial for artillery spotting, aerial reconnaissance, and forward air control. • Area of Operations: The 21st RAC was based in various locations in Vietnam, including Tan Son Nhut, Pleiku, and later Phu Bai, supporting I Corps operations in the northernmost regions of South Vietnam. • Combat Roles: The company's aircraft and pilots routinely flew low and slow over enemy territory, marking targets, directing air strikes, and gathering vital intelligence under hazardous conditions. • Casualties and Heroism: The dangerous nature of their missions resulted in significant losses; several pilots and crew were killed or wounded, and many were decorated for valor, including Silver Stars and Distinguished Flying Crosses. • “Catkillers” Call Sign: The 21st RAC was famously known by the radio call sign “Catkiller,” a name that became synonymous with their fearless operations in support of ground units. • Disbandment: The company was deactivated in 1971 as part of the U.S. drawdown in Vietnam, with its legacy carried on by veterans' associations and historical groups. • Legacy and Reunion: Former members of the 21st RAC maintain an active veterans’ organization, sharing stories, preserving history, and commemorating their service through reunions and online archives.