History

The 129th Aviation Company was formed July 3rd 1965 and was activated July 5th 1965 at Fort Campbell , Kentucky . The 129th Aviation Company served in Vietnam from 21 October 1965 to 8th March 1973 . The 129th was assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Battalion which arrived in Vietnam on 29th October 1965 .

The primary mission of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company was to provide tactical air movement of the U.S. and allied troops in connection with counter-insurgency operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam .

The secondary mission of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company was to provide tactical air movement of supplies and equipment within the tactical area of responsibility.

The additional mission of providing suppressive fire support from the armed helicopter platoon for the ground troops, assault helicopters and motor convoys was of increasing importance.

Additional missions of the 129th were Armed Reconnaissance by Fire, Surveillance, Artillery Adjustment, Emergency Extractions and Medical Evacuations.

The 129th Aviation company was reorganized on Nov. 10th 1966 . The units attached at this time were 394th Transportation Company and 433 rd Medical Detachment. The authorized strength at this time was 15 Offices, 52 Warrant Officers and 152 enlisted men.

The 129th was an airmobile light unit. They had much practice at Company size moves. Since arriving in Vietnam in October 1965 to Sept. 1966 the unit had made 17 tactical moves. The 129th consisted of a 1st and 2nd flight platoon of Slicks, which were known as Bulldogs where were D model aircraft and one gun platoon known as Cobras which were B models.

The above models were eventually replaced in late 1967 early 1968 with H model and some Cobra aircraft.

Some of the major operations supported by the 129th were:

Operation Jefferson in December 1965 to January 1966 in Tuy Hoa.

Operation Tyler on Jan 13th to Jan 20th 1966 in Phan Thiet.

Operation Van Buren on Jan 20th to Feb 20th 1966 in Tuy Hoa

Operation Harrison Feb 21st to Mar 24th 1966 in Tuy Hoa

Operation Filmore Mar 25th to Apr 30th 1966 in Tuy Hoa

Operation Hawthorn on June 10th 1966 to Jan 28th 1967 in Dak To

Operation Beauregard on June 28th to July 14th 1966 in Dak To

Operation Paul Revere on July 15th to Aug 1st 1966 in Pleiku

Operation John Paul Jones on Aug 8th to Aug 19th 1966 in Tuy Hoa

Operation Paul Revere on Aug 19th to Sept 11th 1966 in Pleiku

Operation Seward on Sept 11th to Oct 25th 1966 in Tuy Hoa

Operation Geronimo on Oct 25th to Dec 4th 1966 in Phu Hiep

Operation Pickett on Dec 5th to Dec 31st 1966 in Kontum

Please understand this is a just a few of the major operations and not all of them.

Thirty Nine (39) members of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company lost their lives. Several were captured and one, Martin Dahiber Vanden Eykel II remains MIA (Missing in Action).

Alex Fernwalt

President of Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association (VHCMA)

129th AHC 65-68