Supplement1

This historical supplement was obtained from Army archives by John-Al Skimbo

ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT

HISTORY OF THE

48th ASSAULT HELICOPTER COMPANY

10TH COMBAT AVIATION BATTALION

1ST AVIATION BRIGADE

1 January 1967 - 31 December 1967

Prepared by

Major Robert E. Harris

Unit Historical Officer

APPROVED BY:

//Signed//

JERRY L. FLEMI NG

Major                Armor

                                                                              Commanding

Ninh Hoa, Republic of Vietmm

APO 96240

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

48th Assault Helicopter Company

APO San Francisco 96240

1 January 66 - 31 December 1967

In January 1966 the 48th Assault Helicopter Company and attached supporting units consisting of the 390th Transportation Detachment., the 279th Signal Detachment, and the 286th Medical Detachment, was located in Tuy Hoa, RVN, in support of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Additionally, lmany missions were flown in support of the 9th Republic of Korea Infantry Division (White Horse).

On 18 January 1967, with Major Joel L. Williams commanding, the 48th Assault Helicopter Company returned to its’ home base of Phan Rang. The unit had not been back to Phan Rang since 24 May 1966. The mission was to provide aviation support to the Airborne Brigade, co-located at Phan Rang.

The pace of activities in January is reflected in the statistical accomplishments of 8,771 sorties, 2,625 hours flown, 11,492 passengers transported, and 578 tons of cargo air lifted. Personnel of the 48th also completed 23 medical evacuation missions during the month.

On 8 February 1967 USARPKC General Order Number 30 officially redesignated the 48th Aviation Company (Airmobile) (Light) as the 48th Assault Helicopter Company. A Modified Table of Organization and Equipment, Numbered 01 077G was implimented at the same time. The major changes involved the addition of personnel in operations, adding an intelligence section, and in aircraft authorization., now reflecting 23 lift ships, or "slicks," and eight (8) gun ships.

During the months of February, March, and April, The 48th Assault Helicopter Company remained at Phan Rang in support of the 101st Airborne, however, more and more support was provided to the 9th Republic of Korea Infantry Division (White Horse). Statistical data for this period of time is as follows:

One aircraft was shot down by hostile fire during March, but no casualties were sustained. On 1 March 1967, Major Robert L.Young assumed command of the unit, replacing Major Joel J. Williams.

On 1 May the unit was assigned the mission of providing aviation support to the 9th Republic of Korea Infantry Division (White Horse) and a forward base of operations was established at Ninh Hoa. The mission of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company remains unchanged. This mission hearlded the beginning of marked increases in combat actions and sorties, and a contanual gaining of mutual respect, admiration and friendship between this unit and soldiers of the Korean Allied Force. Combat assaults and operations were nearly continous throughout the remainder of 1967. In May, the 48th Assault Helicopter Company logged a remarkable 2,815 flying hours while transporting 16,555 passengers, 228 tons of cargo, 46 medical evacuations, and a night extraction of 20 POWs.

June performances were similar with 2,754 flying hours logged. Five aircraft were hit by hostile fire during June, resulting in two (2) wounded personnel. No ships were lost to enemy action.

During the period of April, May, and June, members of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company were awarded four (4) Army Commendation Medals, fifty-five (55) Basic Air Medals, four (4) Air Medals for Valor, eight (8) Bronze Stars for Meritorious Service, four (4) Distinguished Flying Crosses, one (1) Soldiers Medal, and one (1) Silver Star.

On 1 July an aircraft on a resupply mission was lost to enemy ground fire. The ship burned on impacts injuring three (3) crew members. Major Mike Ellis was assigned as Company Commnder on 14 July. The Months activities are summarized in the reporting of 2,658 flight hours, 11,992 passengers transported, 146 tons of cargo air lifted, and 19 medical evacuations. Total sorties were 11,217. One aircraft was hit by ground fire in August and three (3) ships hit in September, three (3) crew members were wounded. Statistical data for the months of August and September are as follows:

During the months of July, August, and September, members of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company were awarded three (3) Army Comnendation Medals, twenty-nine (29) Basic Air Medals, seven (7) Air Medals for Valor, three (3) Purple Hearts, twelve (12) Bronze Stars, and eight (8) Distinguished Flying Crosses.

On 29 October, the Ninh Hoa installation was mortered for the first time. A total of six (6) rounds landed in the compound, none of which were in the 48th Assault Helicopter Company Area. The Koreans sustained nine (9) casualties, one fatality. During the various actions in October the units' gunships were credited with 26 enemy KIA.

On 1 November the reminder of the rear support elements of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company moved to Ninh Hoa. Major John C. Fordham assumed command on 4 November. On 9 November all flyable aircraft were flown to Pleiku in order to escape a typhoon forcast to enter the Ninh Hoa area on 10 November. The typhoon struck at approximately 0500 hours on 10 November. Nearly all the tents and frames in the 48th Aslt Hel Co area were destroyed, along with considerable equipment and personal belongings. No injuries were sustained. During 14 November, the gun ships were credited with 14 enemy KIA. On 2 December, one of this units aircraft, number 60811 was returning to Ninh Hoa from Phu Hiep. The aircraft did not arrive at Ninh Hoa and was listed as missing, it has not been found to date. In the months of October., November, and December, men of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company were awarded four (4) Purple Hearts, too (2) Army Commendation Medal., fourteen (14) Basic Air Medals, five (5) Air Medals for Valor, four (4) Bronze Stars, and one (1) Distinguished Flying Cross. Operational statistics for this period of time are as follows:

During the period of June through December 1967, the 48th Assault Helicopter Company participated in the following Regimental sized operations. Numerous smaller, un-named operations were conducted but are not indicated in this report.

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