The Golden Hawks

In 1965, as the U.S. Army's involvement in Vietnam grew deeper, the ubiquitous use of the helicopter in the new "frontless" war became apparent. The Army had to have a means to maintain tactical and administrative control over all of its divisional and non-divisional aviation assets in country. It did this with the creation of the 1st Aviation Brigade, the Golden Hawks.

In April 1965, the USA Aviation Brigade (Provisional) was activated in Vietnam with the existing 13th, 14th, 52nd, and 145th Aviation Battalions reporting to it. In August it became the 12th Aviation Group. Now doubled in size, the 12th Aviation Group was used as the basis to form the 1st Aviation Brigade in March 1966. The Brigade served in Vietnam from May 1966 until March 1973. At its peak strength, the 1st Aviation Brigade had over 4,000 rotary and fixed wing aircraft and 24,000 Soldiers assigned

* Large approx 2.5" x 1.75"
* Small approx 2" x 1.4
* Chrome plated, zinc alloy, black enamel
* Attaches with 3M adhesive

"