About this Unit
The 135th Aviation Company was a distinguished United States Army aviation unit formed during the Vietnam War era. Activated in 1966, the company was primarily equipped with UH-1 "Huey" helicopters and was tasked with air assault, troop transport, and support missions. The 135th gained particular recognition for its service as part of the 1st Australian Task Force in Phuoc Tuy Province, uniquely combining American and Australian personnel and equipment in joint operations. The company played a crucial role in numerous combat operations until its deactivation in 1971, leaving a legacy of cooperation and valor.
Historical Facts
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Vietnam War Legacy: The 135th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) was a unique unit during the Vietnam War, originally constituted under the United States Army but with a significant contingent of Australian personnel and aircraft, making it a rare joint US-Australian aviation unit.
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RAAF Cross-Posting: The Royal Australian Air Force's No. 9 Squadron was integrated with the 135th Aviation Company, providing Australian pilots, crew, and helicopters (UH-1 Iroquois "Hueys") to serve alongside their US counterparts from 1967 to 1971.
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Unit Nickname: The 135th Aviation Company was nicknamed the "Emus," a reference to the Australian bird and their mixed national composition.
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First Joint Helicopter Unit: The 135th was the first US Army aviation unit to be commanded by an Australian officer, Wing Commander R.G. "Hank" Nelson, during part of its deployment in Vietnam.
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Combat Role: The unit's primary mission was to provide air mobility for the 1st Australian Task Force, including air assault, troop transport, supply missions, and medical evacuation in the Phuoc Tuy Province and surrounding areas.
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Operation Bribie: The 135th played a crucial role in Operation Bribie (February 1967), inserting and extracting Australian infantry under heavy enemy fire, showcasing the importance of air mobility in jungle warfare.
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Intense Combat Losses: The 135th Aviation Company lost several helicopters and personnel to enemy fire, mines, and accidents—testament to the hazardous nature of their missions in the dense Vietnamese terrain.
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Decorations and Honors: The unit received multiple US and Australian decorations for valor and outstanding service, including Presidential Unit Citations and Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry.
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Unique Patch: The unit's distinctive insignia featured both the US and Australian flags, symbolizing their joint operations and camaraderie.
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Post-Vietnam Legacy: After their Vietnam service, the 135th Aviation Company's example of interoperability and combined operations influenced future coalition aviation efforts and remains a proud chapter in both US and Australian military aviation history.
