About this Unit
The 834th Air Division was activated by the United States Air Force in 1957 under Tactical Air Command. Initially headquartered at England Air Force Base, Louisiana, the unit was responsible for overseeing tactical fighter operations and supporting airlift missions. During the Vietnam War, from 1966 to 1971, the division played a crucial role in directing airlift operations, including troop and cargo transport, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam. The 834th Air Division was inactivated in 1971, having made significant contributions to both tactical air support and air mobility during its years of service.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Activation: The 834th Air Division was activated on 24 September 1964 at England Air Force Base, Louisiana, as part of Tactical Air Command.
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Vietnam War Role: The division played a critical role in the Vietnam War, overseeing tactical airlift operations in Southeast Asia, including operations involving the C-130 Hercules.
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Tactical Airlift Operations: The 834th managed and directed massive airlift missions, notably delivering troops, equipment, and supplies to remote locations and combat zones across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
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Combat Cargo Drops: The division was responsible for major combat cargo drops, including parachuting supplies to besieged outposts such as Khe Sanh during intense enemy attacks.
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Operation Junction City: The 834th Air Division coordinated the biggest airborne operation of the Vietnam War in 1967, dropping over 800 paratroopers in Operation Junction City.
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Innovations in Air Evacuation: The unit pioneered new techniques in aeromedical evacuation, transporting thousands of wounded soldiers to safety and medical treatment.
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Control of Multiple Wings: At its peak, the 834th oversaw several major wings and squadrons, including the 315th, 374th, and 483d Tactical Airlift Wings.
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Airborne Assaults and Airdrops: The division coordinated numerous airborne assault missions, including the delivery of South Vietnamese and allied troops behind enemy lines.
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Deactivation and Legacy: After the end of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia, the division was inactivated on 31 January 1975, but its innovations and operational successes influenced future airlift doctrine.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The 834th Air Division and its subordinate units received several awards for their valor, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device.
