History

201st Aviation Company (Corp) "Red Barons" Nha Trang Vietnam

The 201st Combat Aviation Company, originally the 2043rd Quartermaster Truck Company (Aviation), provided air transportation and logistical movement support for United States Forces during World War II. In 1966, the 2043rd was redesignated as the 201st Aviation Company (Corps) and after reactivation at Ft Bragg, North Carolina, the unit deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. The 201st Aviation Company, while in Nha Trang, came to be known by the call sign "Red Barons" after the infamous Baron Von Richtofen's squadron of World War I. The 201st provided continuous and immediate combat support to U.S. and Allied Forces in the counterinsurgency effort. Flying missions over enemy occupied mountains and jungles, the Red Barons created a legacy which instills pride in those who endeavor to carry on the traditions of the unit's combat heritage. Inactivated in 1973, the proud guidon was idle until March 1, 1978. On that date, the 3rd Aviation Detachment was redesignated as the 201st Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) at Camp Humphreys, Korea. The 201st assumed the mantle of bold tradition, proudly employing their assets under the aegis of the 52nd Aviation Battalion (Combat). The Red Barons continued to exude professionalism and combat readiness by consistently exhibiting the ability to accomplish any mission, regardless of difficulty, time and time again. In the early 1980's they were selected as the first unit in the Republic of Korea to receive UH-60 Blackhawks. With the advent of the Blackhawk, the unit increased its ability to decisively impact the Korean battlefield. The Red Baron's capabilities were quickly recognized and the 201st was selected as the Eighth Army Aviation Unit of the Year twice between 1984 and 1988. Additionally, as the increasing demand for Special Warfare aviation support began to emerge in Korea, the 201st was selected to be the primary unit to fulfill this critical aviation mission. On October 24, 1988, the 201st Aviation Company was redesignated B Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment bringing the "Red Barons" on line with the Army Regimental System.  In 1988, the "Red Barons" became part of the Joint Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force (CUWTF) in support of the Korean Special Warfare Center and Eighth United States Army. In this role, Bravo Company routinely flew long range missions in sensitive mission profiles throughout the Republic of Korea. For the next seven years, the unit flew in support of several joint training exercises, to include "Foal Eagle" and "Ulchi Focus Lens" where the Red Barons executed critical tasks under the most demanding circumstances. Each year they have proven their combat readiness in both conventional and unconventional mission profiles by conducting training in undeniably the most difficult and demanding flight environments. On July 1, 1995, the CUWTF mission was turned over to ROK Aviation forces and the company began its transition to general support during the battalion's reorganization under the Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI). With ARI implementation, B Company's AVUM platoon reorganized as D Company, and the company's headquarters section reorganized within Headquarters and Headquarters Company. This year for the Red Barons had been a time of transition, intense training, demanding mission support, and continued exceptional performance. B Company moved from Camp Humphreys to K-16 in March of 1996 following the Battalion's redesignation to 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment. The Red Barons continue to execute missions with the same enthusiasm and mission focus it has shown throughout its long and prestigious history.




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History printed with permission B COMPANY "Red Barons" 1st BATTALION 52nd AVIATION REGIMENT Thank-you!


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