First Aviation Brigade Vietnam Veterans' Unit Patch (SSI), Unit Crest, Basic Medals and Unit Awards

All of this information came from the New Book: Medals, Badges and Insignia, U.S. Army Vietnam, now available at moapress.com/. This video explains the symbolism and history behind the First Aviation Brigade Vietnam Veterans' shoulder sleeve insignia (unit patch) and distinctive unit insignia (crest). For replacement medals, ribbons, insignia, shadow boxes and more shop our on line catalog: www.medalsofamerica.com/onlin...
A special section layout out the basic military medals every First Aviation Brigade veteran in the Vietnam War received for their service during the war 1966 to 1973. Unit Awards by date, Campaigns, units and key battles are listed below. Special Thanks To: Medals of America for providing the medals in this video. To purchase replacement medals, ribbons, shadow boxes and more, visit:www.medalsofamerica.com/
The First Aviation Brigade served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1973. During that time, the unit was involved in several military campaigns and received numerous unit awards, both as a U.S. Army unit and as part of the South Vietnamese Army. Below is a list of some of the notable campaigns and awards for the First Aviation Brigade during the Vietnam War:
Campaigns:
Defense of the Republic of Vietnam: 1 January 1965 to 31 December 1965
Counteroffensive, Phase II: 1 January 1966 to 31 May 1966
Counteroffensive, Phase III: 1 June 1966 to 31 December 1966
Tet Counteroffensive: 1 January 1968 to 28 February 1968
Counteroffensive, Phase IV: 2 April 1968 to 30 June 1968
Counteroffensive, Phase V: 1 July 1968 to 1 November 1968
Counteroffensive, Phase VI: 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969
Tet 69/Counteroffensive: 23 February 1969 to 8 June 1969
Summer-Fall 1969: 9 June 1969 to 31 October 1969
Winter-Spring 1970: 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970
Sanctuary Counteroffensive: 1 May 1970 to 30 June 1970
Counteroffensive, Phase VII: 1 July 1970 to 30 June 1971
Unit awards:
Presidential Unit Citation: 6 February 1966 to 7 February 1966
Valorous Unit Award: 20 June 1965 to 31 December 1965
Meritorious Unit Commendation: 1 January 1967 to 30 June 1967
Meritorious Unit Commendation: 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1967
Meritorious Unit Commendation: 1 January 1968 to 31 December 1968
Meritorious Unit Commendation: 1 July 1970 to 30 June 1971
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other campaigns and awards that the First Aviation Brigade received during the Vietnam War.
The First Aviation Brigade was a major command of the U.S. Army in Vietnam and included a number of subordinate units during the war. Some of the major subordinate units of the First Aviation Brigade during the Vietnam War included:
13th Combat Aviation Battalion
14th Combat Aviation Battalion
52nd Aviation Battalion
145th Aviation Battalion
164th Aviation Group
173rd Assault Helicopter Company
178th Assault Support Helicopter Company
205th Assault Support Helicopter Company
229th Assault Helicopter Battalion
282nd Assault Helicopter Company
335th Assault Helicopter Company
336th Assault Helicopter Company
361st Aviation Company
388th Transportation Company
459th Transportation Company
611th Transportation Company

[@tedbuisker6827]

I flew as a pilot with the 129th AHC, 268th CAB, 17CAG, 1st AVN brigade.. 1967 & 68.

[@OldFortBragg]

I served with 52nd AVN BN at Pleiku, VN in 71/72, Camp Holloway. 67N MOS and was a mechanic doing phases, unscheduled maintenance, and guard duty.

[@thomashammond5936]

Sgt. Thomas Hammond MOS 68B20 Turbine Engine Repairman. I was with the 135th AHC (EMU's)and then with the 117th AHC (Warlords) 1968 to 1969.
Welcome home to all my brothers that read this.

[@richardsnow7299]

I really enjoy looking at the veterans displays. Thanks Colonel

[@dw7094]

I was assigned to the 116th AVN (Stingers) under the 1st AVN BDE 70-71, stationed at Quang Tri.

[@MrOnay-px1jx]

My grandfather died in service in vietnam in the first aviation brigade. Im glad i can get some extra information

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

you honor his memory

[@alecmoriarty]

They are now a training brigade. I was in A Co, 2/13 AVN Regt for AIT and we wore that patch in 2012

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

thanks for the update

[@Someguy908]

My grandfather was a part of this brigade in Vietnam

[@Mikeyy410]

mine aswell

[@billhaggard7430]

Sp/4. 161AHC, 14th Avn Btl. 1st Avn Brigade 1966-1967.

[@mikewalters54]

Don't forget the 175th AHC which located at Vinh Long. I was there for about 1 month before moving further south to the 336 at Soc Trang 68-69

[@donwoods7305]

I wore this patch throughout my military career. I served with the 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry in Tay Ninh, Vietnam. I don't see it on your list.

[@anniekate1914]

I was in the 162nd Vultures and its not on your list.

[@drgnner6028]

I noticed the 187th AHC In Tay Ninh wasn't on your list.

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

thanks for the heads up.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

The Spec4 with no GCM was probably a draftee who served only 2 years. The GCM requires 3 years of honorable service.