101st Aviation Battalion, 5th

• Vietnam War Origins: The 101st Aviation Battalion was originally constituted during the Vietnam War, serving as part of the 101st Airborne Division, providing critical air mobility and support. • Nickname "Eagles in Flight": The battalion earned the nickname “Eagles in Flight,” referencing its parent division’s “Screaming Eagles” moniker and its role in aerial operations. • Distinguished Unit: The battalion was awarded numerous unit citations for its actions in Vietnam, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards. • Helicopter Pioneers: The battalion was among the first to use the UH-1 “Huey” helicopter in large-scale air assault operations, revolutionizing battlefield mobility. • Lam Son 719 Operation: Elements of the battalion participated in Operation Lam Son 719 in 1971, a major helicopter-supported push into Laos to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail. • Support to Ground Forces: The battalion flew thousands of sorties, providing medevac, resupply, and close air support to infantry units, often under heavy enemy fire. • Post-Vietnam Reorganizations: After Vietnam, the battalion underwent multiple reorganizations and redesignations, adapting to new technologies and missions. • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the battalion was stationed in Europe as part of NATO commitments, supporting deterrence operations against potential Warsaw Pact aggression. • Desert Storm Role: The battalion participated in Operation Desert Storm, providing air assault and support capabilities during the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. • Legacy and Lineage: The unit’s lineage continues today within the modern U.S. Army aviation structure, with its traditions and honors carried on by successor battalions in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.