About this Unit
The 19th Aviation Company was a United States Army aviation unit that served in Korea during the Cold War era. Activated in the 1950s, the unit played a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance, transport, and support missions along the tense Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The 19th Aviation Company operated various fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, enhancing the U.S. Army's surveillance and rapid response capabilities on the peninsula. Its presence contributed significantly to maintaining stability and readiness during periods of heightened tension between North and South Korea.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Role: The 19th Aviation Company was activated in the early 1960s as part of the U.S. Army's efforts to provide dedicated aviation support during the Cold War tensions in Korea.
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Nickname "Black Dragons": The company was famously known as the "Black Dragons," a name that reflected both its insignia and its fierce reputation for mission success.
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Primary Aircraft: The unit was primarily equipped with the de Havilland U-6A (Beaver), a fixed-wing utility aircraft used for reconnaissance, transport, and liaison missions.
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Strategic Location: The 19th Aviation Company operated out of various bases in South Korea, including K-16 (Seoul Air Base), providing critical aerial support along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
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Surveillance Missions: The company played a vital role in aerial surveillance, regularly patrolling the tense DMZ to monitor North Korean military activities and support ground operations.
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Support to United Nations Forces: Besides supporting U.S. Army units, the 19th Aviation Co. often assisted United Nations Command troops stationed in Korea with transport and reconnaissance missions.
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Distinguished Service: Members of the 19th Aviation Company earned several commendations and awards for their service, including Air Medals for hazardous flight operations near the DMZ.
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Notable Incident: In the late 1960s, the company responded quickly to the 1968 "Blue House Raid," assisting in the transport of troops and commanders during the crisis when North Korean commandos attempted to assassinate the South Korean president.
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Transition and Inactivation: The 19th Aviation Company was eventually re-designated and inactivated as part of the Army’s reorganization and modernization of aviation units in the 1970s.
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Veteran Community: Veterans of the 19th Aviation Company maintain active reunions and online communities, preserving the history and camaraderie of their service in Korea during a pivotal era of the Cold War.
