196th Assault Support Helicopter Company

• Nickname: The 196th Assault Support Helicopter Company was famously known as the "Flippers," a nod to their original unit insignia featuring a dolphin. • Vietnam War Service: The unit was activated in 1967 and played a significant role in Vietnam, providing air assault, resupply, and medevac missions using CH-47 Chinook helicopters. • Call Sign: Their radio call sign was “Flipper,” which became well known among Army aviation units and ground troops alike. • Heavy Lift Capability: Equipped with the CH-47 Chinook, the 196th was able to transport artillery, vehicles, and large numbers of troops, giving ground commanders unprecedented mobility. • Support of Major Operations: The 196th supported several major operations, including the Tet Offensive, Lam Son 719, and the Cambodian Incursion, often flying into intense combat zones. • Heroic Rescues: Pilots and crews of the 196th frequently risked their lives to extract wounded soldiers and deliver critical supplies under fire, earning multiple commendations. • Innovative Maintenance: The unit became known for its ability to keep the CH-47s flying despite harsh conditions, often improvising repairs in the field. • Distinctive Unit Patch: The "Flipper" patch featuring a dolphin leaping over a helicopter became a sought-after item among Vietnam veterans. • Post-Vietnam Legacy: After Vietnam, the 196th was inactivated, but its veterans maintain strong ties through reunions and online communities, sharing stories and preserving the unit’s history. • Commemorated in Literature: Stories and experiences of the 196th have been included in numerous Vietnam War memoirs and documentaries, highlighting their contributions to air mobility tactics.