355th Aviation Company

• Formation and Mission: The 355th Aviation Company (Light Transport) was activated in 1965 and played a crucial role in providing aerial resupply, troop transport, and logistics support during the Vietnam War. • Aircraft Utilized: The unit primarily operated the de Havilland Canada CV-2 Caribou, a short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft ideal for Vietnam’s rugged terrain and short airstrips. • Nickname: The company was nicknamed “Black Ponies,” a reference to their unit insignia and operational tenacity. • Vietnam War Service: The 355th provided vital airlift support for both U.S. and South Vietnamese forces, often flying into hostile areas under fire to deliver supplies and evacuate casualties. • Notable Campaigns: The company participated in major operations such as the Tet Offensive and supported numerous Special Forces camps throughout Vietnam. • Heroic Actions: Pilots and crews of the 355th earned several awards for valor, including Distinguished Flying Crosses and Air Medals, for missions flown under extreme danger. • Transition and Inactivation: In 1971, the U.S. Army began transferring its Caribou aircraft to the U.S. Air Force, leading to the gradual inactivation of the 355th Aviation Company. • Legacy: The 355th’s legacy endures through veterans’ organizations and reunions; their stories are preserved in several Vietnam War oral history projects. • Unit Patch: The unit's patch featured a black horse, symbolizing speed and strength, and remains a collector’s item among military insignia enthusiasts. • Unique Achievements: The 355th set records for the number of missions flown and tonnage transported by a light transport unit during the Vietnam conflict.