Arrived Vietnam: 12 December 1967 Departed Vietnam: 8 February 1972 Previous Station: Fort Campbell Authorized Strength: Squadron - 1966 - 151*/ 1968 - 318 / 1971 - 1,022
*Troop A only.
The 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry was originally deployed to Vietnam as the ground cavalry squadron of the 101st Airborne Division, but as the division changed to an airmobile mode the squadron was converted to an air cavalry status during the period December 1968 - June 1969. Troop A, B and C (airmobile aviation) thus joined the squadron in March 1969 to complete the conversion. It should be noted that the previous Troop A (ground reconnaissance) had been serving the 1st Brigade of the division since 29 July 1965. The entire squadron was involved in the intense aerial combat during the Operation LAM SON 719 excursion into Laos, when helicopters supported the South Vietnamese Army's drive and retreat directly. This action took place between February and April 1971. In 1970 - 71 the squadron raised provisional air cavalry Troops E and F.
3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry (Air Cavalry)
Arrived Vietnam: 30 October 1967 Departed Vietnam: 30 April 1972 Previous Station: Fort Knox Authorized Strength: Squadron - 1968 - 850 / 1971 - 1,037
The 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry was part of the 12th Aviation Group during its service in Vietnam, primarily stationed at Di An. It was responsible for air cavalry support in the western part of III Corps Tactical Zone. On 20 July 1970 it was placed under the control of II Field Force, Vietnam. In January 1971 Troop C was transferred to the 7th Squadron, 1st Cavalry. Troops A, B and D departed Vietnam together in April 1972 and Troop C rejoined them for the redeployment. In late 1970 the squadron was placed under the operational control of the 1st Cavalry Division and when combined with the division's 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, enabled the 1st Cavalry Division to form an ad hoc air cavalry brigade - highly successful organizational innovation.
Troop: A Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - April 72 / Departed Vietnam
Troop: B Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - April 72 / Departed Vietnam
Troop: C Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - Dec. 70 / Departed Vietnam
Troop: D Type: Ground Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - April 72 / Departed Vietnam
Troop D, 17th Cavalry (Air Cavalry)
First Tour: Arrived Vietnam: 13 December 1966 Departed Vietnam: 12 October 1970 Previous Station: Fort Benning
Second Tour: Arrived Vietnam: 15 December 1971 Departed Vietnam: 20 March 1972 Previous Station: Vietnam
Third Tour: Arrived Vietnam: 30 April 1972 Departed Vietnam: 26 February 1973 Previous Station: Vietnam
Troop D, 17th Cavalry was initially in Vietnam as the ground reconnaissance element of the 199th Infantry Brigade (Light). The troop was raised again as an air cavalry troop from the assets of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry to support the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Finally, Troop D, 17th Cavalry was activated in Vietnam using assets of Troop D, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry to serve the 11th Aviation Group at Da Nang.
Troop E, 17th Cavalry was the ground reconnaissance element assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade when it entered Vietnam. The troop was colocated with the brigade throughout its service in Vietnam.
Troop F, 17th Cavalry (Reconnaissance)
Arrived Vietnam: 26 August 1966 Departed Vietnam: 31 March 1972 Previous Station: Fort Devens Authorized Strength: Troop- 1966 - 151 / 1968 - 195 / 1970 - 210
Troop F, 17th Cavalry was the ground reconnaissance element of the 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) and was colocated with the brigade throughout it service in Vietnam.
7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry (Air Cavalry)
Arrived Vietnam: 28 October 1967 Departed Vietnam: 18 April 1972 Previous Station: Fort Knox Authorized Strength: Squadron- 1968 - 850 / 1971 - 1,037
The 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry was attached to the 17th Aviation Group at Pleiku. It moved to Dak To in March 1968 and in May went back to Pleiku. In September 1969 the squadron relocated to Kontum, moved to Dragon Mountain in November and in January late 1971 was posted in An Son. The following troops and companies served with the squadron at one time or another during its service in Vietnam.
Troop: A Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - July 71 / Transferred to 10th Avn. Bn.
Troop: B Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - July 71 / Transferred to 52nd Avn. Bn.
Troop: C Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: July 68 - April 72/Assets transferred to Troop H, 10th Cav
Troop: D Type: Ground Squadron Service: Oct. 67 - July 71 / Transferred to 52nd Avn. Bn.
Company: 61st Avn. Co. Type: AHC Squadron Service: July 71 - March 72/Departed Vietnam
Company: 129th Avn. Co. Type: AHC Squadron Service: July 71 - April 72/Transferred to 17th Avn Gp.
Company: 180th Avn. Co. Type: ASH Squadron Service: March 72 - April 72/Transferred to 17th Avn. Gp.
Troop: D, 1st Squadron, 10th Cav Type: Air Cav Squadron Service: July 71 - Feb.72/ Departed Vietnam
Troop H, 17th Cavalry (Reconnaissance)
First Tour: Arrived Vietnam: 22 October 1967 Departed Vietnam: 1 October 1971 Previous Station: Fort Hood
Second Tour: Arrived Vietnam: 30 April 1972 Departed Vietnam: 26 February 1973 Previous Station: Vietnam Authorized Strength:
Troop- 1968 - 198 / 1970 - 210
Troop H, 17th Cavalry was initially the ground reconnaissance element of the 198th Infantry Brigade (Light). It was re-raised in Vietnam from assets of Troop B, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry and served the 17th Aviation Group at Pleiku.
Troop K, 17th Cavalry (Air Cavalry)
Arrived Vietnam: 1 October 1970 Departed Vietnam: December 1970 Previous Station: Vietnam Authorized Strength:1970 - 266
Troop K, 17th Cavalry served with the 17th Aviation Group at Nha Trang.