Vintage Patch - OUTLAWS - US 502nd Assault Helicopter - Gunships - Vietnam War - Militaria

Attack Helicopter - US ARMY - 502nd Assault Helicopter Company

Vietnam War - Gunships

Outlaws - Attack Helicopter - Vietnam - Helicopter Gunships

Measures - 3.4 x 2.8 inches (8.5 x 7 cms)

Helicopter Assault - Helicopter Attack - Helicopter Gunship - US Army - 502nd AHC (Later 175th AHC)

502^nd Aviation Battalion – 62^nd Aviation Company = 175^th Outlaws / Professionals – Vinh Long Outlaws

The 62nd Aviation Company Outlaws was formed on 6^th of August 1964 from assets assigned to the 11th Air Assault Division (Airmobile) at Fort Benning, Georgia.

After arriving at Vinh Long in September 1964, the Outlaws and its armed platoon Mavericks immediately conducted 30 days of in-country training prior to release for full combat operations throughout the IV Corps Tactical Zone, essentially responding to request throughout the Vietnam’s Delta Region. 

The 150th Transportation Detachment Roadrunners provided aircraft maintenance and technical supply support.  The 28th Signal Detachment provided maintenance on communications equipment, and the 25th Infantry Division attached infantrymen to the Outlaws/Mavericks/Roadrunners as Door Gunners.

In December 1964, the 62nd was redesignated as A Company 502nd Aviation Battalion, and retained all equipment, personnel, and call signs previously assigned to the 62nd.

A Company 502nd Aviation Battalion was deactivated in September 1966 and the 175th Aviation Company activated in its place, from personnel and equipment formerly assigned to A/502nd and retained their call signs. 

On 2 November 1967, the 175th Aviation Company was redesignated as the 175th Assault Helicopter Company and retained that designation until deactivation in February 1972 in Vietnam, but the armed platoon Mavericks were designated as the Bushwhackers in January 1971 on deployment of AH-1G Cobra helicopter.