187 Assault Helicopter Company

• Nickname: The 187th Assault Helicopter Company was famously known as the "Blackhawks," a name that would later inspire the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter designation. • Vietnam War Service: The unit was activated in June 1967 and served extensively in the Vietnam War, providing crucial air mobility and support for ground forces. • Call Signs: The company used the call signs "Blackhawk" for their slicks (UH-1 Hueys) and "Crusader" for their gunships, with their maintenance platoon known as "Rat Pack." • Operations Supported: The 187th participated in major operations such as the Tet Offensive, the Cambodian Incursion, and Lam Son 719, often flying into hostile territory. • Aircraft: The unit primarily flew the Bell UH-1 Iroquois ("Huey") helicopter, both in transport ("slick") and gunship configurations. • Distinguished Service: Members of the 187th AHC earned numerous individual and unit citations for bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, and the Valorous Unit Award. • High Risk Missions: The 187th often conducted extremely hazardous missions such as inserting and extracting troops under fire, resupplying isolated units, and medevac operations. • Base Locations: The 187th was based at Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, and at other forward locations, frequently relocating to meet operational demands. • Legacy and Reunions: Veterans of the 187th AHC maintain a strong camaraderie and tradition, holding regular reunions and preserving the unit’s history through websites and associations. • Memorable Rescue: In several instances, Blackhawk crews performed daring rescues of downed pilots and besieged troops, sometimes landing in “hot LZs” (landing zones under fire) to save fellow soldiers.