195th Assualt Helicopter Company

• Nickname: The 195th Assault Helicopter Company was famously nicknamed the "Skychiefs," with their helicopters often displaying distinctive Native American-inspired nose art. • Activation: The unit was activated in 1967 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, specifically for service in the Vietnam War. • Vietnam Service: Deployed to Vietnam in late 1967, the 195th was stationed at Long Binh and later at Bearcat, operating in support of the 9th Infantry Division and other units in III and IV Corps Tactical Zones. • Aircraft: The company primarily flew UH-1 "Huey" helicopters, both as troop carriers ("slicks") and as gunships ("hogs" or "cobras"). • Tet Offensive: The 195th played a crucial role during the 1968 Tet Offensive, flying numerous combat assault and resupply missions under heavy enemy fire. • Distinguished Service: The unit received multiple unit citations and awards for valor and meritorious service, including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. • Unique Mascot: The company adopted a dog named "Chief" as their mascot, who flew on many missions and became a symbol of the unit's camaraderie. • Casualties and Sacrifice: The 195th suffered significant losses, with several helicopters shot down and crew members killed in action, reflecting the high risks of air assault operations in Vietnam. • Reunion and Legacy: Former members of the 195th AHC hold regular reunions and maintain an association to honor their service, preserve history, and support surviving veterans. • Deactivation: The company was deactivated in 1971 as part of the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, but its legacy lives on through the stories and records shared by its veterans.