About this Unit
The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as the "Legion," was activated in 1961 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and is now headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The unit gained distinction during the Vietnam War, conducting unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, and direct action missions. Since then, the 5th SFG(A) has played key roles in operations across the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for their expertise in foreign internal defense and special reconnaissance, the 5th Special Forces Group remains a vital component of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in the Vietnam War: The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), known as “The Legion,” was officially activated in 1961 and quickly became famous for its pivotal role in unconventional warfare during the Vietnam War.
•
Green Berets: Members of the 5th SF Group are part of the elite U.S. Army Special Forces, commonly called “Green Berets” due to their distinctive headgear authorized by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
•
Operation White Star: Before Vietnam, the 5th SF Group participated in Operation White Star in Laos, advising and training Laotian forces in counterinsurgency and guerrilla tactics.
•
Detachment A-726: In Vietnam, Detachment A-726 of the 5th SF Group established the famous “Mike Force” (Mobile Strike Force), which was composed of indigenous Montagnard tribesmen and became legendary for rapid, hard-hitting operations.
•
Symbolic Crest: The unit’s crest features a V-42 stiletto and crossed arrows, symbolizing the unconventional warfare mission and the heritage of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).
•
Invasion of Afghanistan: In 2001, soldiers from the 5th SF Group spearheaded Operation Enduring Freedom, famously linking up with Northern Alliance fighters on horseback to topple the Taliban regime.
•
“Horse Soldiers” Legacy: The story of the 5th SF Group’s horseback operations in Afghanistan was popularized in the book Horse Soldiers and the Hollywood film 12 Strong.
•
Desert Storm Operations: During the 1991 Gulf War, the 5th SF Group conducted deep reconnaissance and direct action missions, playing a critical role in gathering intelligence on Iraqi forces.
•
Motto: The group’s motto is “De Oppresso Liber,” Latin for “To Free the Oppressed,” reflecting its mission to train, advise, and assist foreign forces in pursuit of freedom.
•
Distinguished Honors: Members of the 5th SF Group have earned numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor, for acts of valor and heroism in combat across multiple conflicts.
