120th Aviation Co.

• Vietnam War Service: The 120th Aviation Company, known as the "Deans," was a prominent helicopter unit in the Vietnam War, providing critical airlift, resupply, and troop transport missions starting in 1962. • Aircraft Used: The company primarily operated UH-1 "Huey" helicopters, becoming one of the first units to receive and utilize the iconic aircraft in combat operations. • Attached to Major Commands: The 120th was under the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion and the 13th Combat Aviation Battalion at various times, supporting major U.S. Army operations in III Corps Tactical Zone. • Distinctive Insignia: Their unit patch featured a white background with a blue "Dean" cap, giving them the nickname "Deans." • Significant Early Deployments: The 120th was one of the first aviation companies deployed to Vietnam, arriving in December 1961 and significantly expanding U.S. helicopter operations. • Support for Special Operations: The 120th frequently supported Special Forces, ARVN troops, and MACV-SOG, conducting insertions, extractions, and resupply in dangerous areas. • Heroic Actions: Many aviators from the 120th received awards for valor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, for actions under heavy enemy fire during rescue and medevac missions. • First Combat Losses: The unit sustained some of the earliest helicopter combat losses in Vietnam, highlighting the dangerous nature of their missions. • Expansion and Redesignation: The 120th Aviation Company was later expanded and redesignated as the 120th Assault Helicopter Company, reflecting its increased size and combat role. • Legacy and Reunions: Veterans of the 120th maintain an active association, holding reunions and maintaining their history through websites and published memoirs, preserving the legacy of the "Deans."