Sunday, September 6, 2015

VNAF 255th Helicopter Squadron - Phi đoàn 255 Xà Vương


VNAF 255th Helicopter Squadron patch, hand embroidered, 1960s, RVNHS Archive.
 
             The Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) 255th Helicopter Squadron was based in Soc Trang. It was part of the 84th Tactical Wing of the 4th VNAF Air Division, and flew Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" helicopters. Like other VNAF helicopter squadrons, the 255th served a variety of functions in support of ground operations. These included fire support, target spotting, transport of material and personnel, evacuation of wounded, and any number of support actions as needed.
 
A VNAF Bell UH-1 Iroquois in flight, like those flown by the 255th Squadron, 1960s-70s.
 
              Bell UH-1 Iroquois could carry up to twelve additional personnel in addition to the two front crew. The crews of squadrons like the 255th provided a vital role on the battlefields and in the military logistics of the Republic of Vietnam. The casualties they suffered stand as testament to this. In this post, we would like to highlight the history of units like the 255th, and pay homage to the those who gave their lives flying the essential missions demanded of the helicopter squadrons.
 
VNAF 4th Air Division patch, of which the 255th belonged, machine embroidered,
RVNHS Archive.
 
VNAF 4th Air Division patch, variant with Arabic number 4 embroidered over an earlier Roman numeral IV, machine embroidered, uncut, RVNHS Archive.
 
VNAF Bell UH-1 Iroquois parked on a runway, like those flown by the 255th, 1960s.
 
 
 

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