HHC, 2nd Bde, 11th Airassult, Ft. Benning, Ga

• Experimental Air Assault Unit: HHC, 2nd Brigade, 11th Air Assault Division was part of a unique experimental unit at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the early 1960s, testing the feasibility of air mobility for infantry using helicopters. • Birthplace of the Air Cavalry Concept: The 11th Air Assault Division pioneered helicopter-borne operations, laying the foundation for what would become the U.S. Army's famed "Air Cavalry" concept. • Distinctive Patch: Soldiers wore a distinctive patch featuring a sword and wings, symbolizing their airborne and assault role—a design that would later influence the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) insignia. • Major Exercise - “Air Assault I”: The division conducted Exercise "Air Assault I" in 1963, a large-scale maneuver testing helicopter tactics and logistics, with HHC 2nd Brigade at the organizational heart. • Transition to 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile): In 1965, the 11th Air Assault Division was deactivated, with many of its units and personnel, including HHC, 2nd Brigade, forming the core of the newly organized 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) for Vietnam service. • Helicopter Innovations: The brigade helped develop and refine tactics for using UH-1 "Huey" helicopters for troop transport, medevac, and close air support, revolutionizing how infantry fought. • Vietnam War Influence: The concepts and training developed at Fort Benning with HHC, 2nd Brigade, were directly applied in the Vietnam War, most famously in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley. • Multi-role Headquarters: As the headquarters company, HHC provided critical command and control, logistics, and planning for the 2nd Brigade’s experimental airmobile operations. • Leadership Development: Many officers and NCOs from HHC, 2nd Brigade, went on to become senior leaders in the Army, benefiting from their unique experience with airmobile tactics. • Legacy at Fort Benning: The innovative spirit of the 11th Air Assault Division, especially units like HHC, 2nd Brigade, is commemorated at Fort Benning, now Fort Moore, as the birthplace of modern U.S. Army air assault operations.