15th APS

• Origins and Designation: The 15th Airlift Platoon (Special) (15th APS) was a specialized aviation unit of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, primarily tasked with unique and often clandestine missions. • Nickname: The unit was informally known as the "Flying Dragons," reflecting both their insignia and their daring operational style. • Aircraft: The 15th APS was mainly equipped with UH-1 (Huey) helicopters, which were heavily modified for their specific mission requirements, including night operations and low-level flying. • Special Missions: The unit specialized in infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions for MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group), often flying deep into enemy territory. • Covert Operations: Due to the secretive nature of their tasks, members often wore unmarked uniforms and their helicopters bore no standard US markings to maintain plausible deniability. • High Risk: Missions frequently involved landing or inserting teams in hostile or heavily defended areas, earning the unit a reputation for bravery and skill. • Decorations: Members of the 15th APS received numerous commendations and awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals, for their actions in combat. • Integration: The 15th APS often worked closely with both US Special Forces and indigenous troops, demonstrating a high level of coordination and trust. • Legacy: The tactics and operational techniques pioneered by the 15th APS contributed to the development of modern special operations aviation units, such as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). • End of Service: The 15th APS was eventually deactivated as the US drawdown in Vietnam commenced, but its legacy lives on in the annals of special operations history.