174th Sharks Assault Helicopter Company

• Formation and Nickname: The 174th Assault Helicopter Company was formed in 1965 and became known as the "Sharks" for its gunship platoon, while the slicks (troop carriers) were called the "Dolphins." • Vietnam War Service: The 174th AHC served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971, playing a crucial role in air mobility and assault operations in I Corps Tactical Zone, the northernmost area of South Vietnam. • Shark Mouth Nose Art: The unit's gunships were famous for their distinctive shark mouth nose art, which became an iconic image representing the company and boosting crew morale. • Aircraft Types: The company operated UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopters as troop carriers (“slicks”) and UH-1C/M gunships as armed escorts (“Sharks”). • Major Operations: The 174th participated in major combat operations, including Operations Wheeler/Wallowa, Tet Offensive, Lam Son 719, and numerous other engagements supporting both U.S. and ARVN forces. • Unit Decorations: The 174th AHC earned several unit citations, including the Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. • Support for Special Forces: The company often supported U.S. Special Forces (Green Berets) and MACV-SOG teams on secret missions, including cross-border operations into Laos and Cambodia. • Notable Rescue Missions: Pilots and crew conducted daring rescues under heavy enemy fire, such as extracting wounded soldiers from hot landing zones during the Battle of Khe Sanh and other critical engagements. • Home Base: The 174th was primarily based at Duc Pho (LZ Bronco) and later at Chu Lai, both in Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam. • Veteran Legacy: The 174th AHC has an active veterans’ association, and its members hold reunions and maintain a comprehensive website preserving stories, photos, and the legacy of the unit’s service in Vietnam.