About this Unit
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as "Sky Soldiers," was activated in 1915 and later reactivated in 1963 as a separate airborne brigade of the United States Army. The unit gained distinction during the Vietnam War, becoming the first major U.S. Army ground unit deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and participating in over 75 major operations, including the Battle of Dak To. After deactivation in 1972, the brigade was reactivated in Italy in 2000, serving as the Army’s forward-deployed airborne brigade in Europe. Since then, the 173rd has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy as a rapid-response force capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
Historical Facts
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Founding and Nickname: The 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as "Sky Soldiers," was activated on 26 March 1963 on Okinawa, becoming the first major U.S. Army ground combat unit in the Pacific since World War II.
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First Major Unit in Vietnam: The 173rd was the first U.S. Army brigade deployed to Vietnam, arriving in May 1965. They served in Vietnam for over six years, participating in numerous combat operations.
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Combat Jump in Vietnam: The brigade executed the only major U.S. Army combat parachute jump of the Vietnam War during Operation Junction City in 1967, with over 800 paratroopers dropped into enemy territory.
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Battle of Dak To: The 173rd played a crucial role in the Battle of Dak To in November 1967, one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War, suffering heavy casualties but capturing Hill 875.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Fifteen Sky Soldiers from the 173rd received the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the Vietnam War, one of the highest numbers for any U.S. Army brigade.
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Post-Vietnam Inactivation and Reactivation: The brigade was inactivated in 1972 after returning from Vietnam, but was reactivated in 2000 in Italy, becoming the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed airborne brigade in Europe.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2003, the 173rd conducted a combat parachute assault into northern Iraq, marking the largest airborne operation since World War II, to secure the area and facilitate the advance of coalition forces.
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Strategic Location: The 173rd is headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, with units also based in Germany, allowing rapid deployment throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
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Role in Afghanistan: The brigade completed multiple deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, engaging in counterinsurgency, training Afghan forces, and providing security.
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Unit Insignia and Motto: The 173rd’s distinctive insignia features a winged sword, symbolizing airborne and combat readiness. Their motto, "Sky Soldiers," was given to them by Taiwanese paratroopers during training exchanges in the 1960s.
