ABOUT 12th Aviation Group
- Formation and Early Days: The 12th Aviation Group (Combat) was constituted on 2 January 1963 and activated at Fort Benning, Georgia, in response to the growing need for helicopter-borne operations during the Vietnam War.
- Vietnam War Service: The group deployed to Vietnam in 1966, where it played a critical role in providing aviation support, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and aerial reconnaissance.
- “The Black Cats”: The group earned the nickname “The Black Cats” due to the black paint schemes of their helicopters, which helped with night operations and unit identification.
- Notable Operations: The 12th Aviation Group participated in major campaigns such as the Tet Offensive (1968) and the Cambodian Incursion (1970), supporting both U.S. and ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) forces.
- Helicopter Variety: The group operated a diverse fleet, including UH-1 Hueys, CH-47 Chinooks, and OH-6 Cayuse helicopters, showcasing the versatility of U.S. Army aviation assets in combat zones.
- Distinguished Service: Units of the 12th Aviation Group received numerous commendations, including the Valorous Unit Award and Meritorious Unit Commendation, for their bravery and effectiveness in combat operations.
- Command Structure: The group was assigned to the 1st Aviation Brigade, the largest aviation brigade in the history of the U.S. Army, highlighting the scale and importance of helicopter operations in Vietnam.
- Casualties and Sacrifice: The 12th Aviation Group suffered significant casualties during its Vietnam service, with many pilots and crew members making the ultimate sacrifice during dangerous resupply and extraction missions.
- Post-Vietnam Transition: After returning from Vietnam in 1972, the group was inactivated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as part of the Army’s transition to a peacetime structure.
- Legacy and Heritage: The 12th Aviation Group’s legacy continues through successor units in modern Army aviation, with its veterans gathering for reunions and contributing to the preservation of Army aviation history.