unit history information
for 121 AVN
CALLSIGN - VIKINGS
For date 640531
121 AVN was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Ba Zuyen Province, South Vietnam
Location, Soc Trang
Description: The 121st AVN reported that 20 UH-1B aircraft were delivered to the Company during May. The armed platoon, dubbed the "Vikings" by its members, received the first 8 to arrive. The remaining 12 were assigned as "slicks." CPT Ralph H. Hamner was named the platoon leader of the armed ships. May was the last month that the CH-21 "Shawnee" flew. A final total of 481.6 hours was logged on the retiring aircraft during the month. Since the Company's arrival at Soc Trang on 19 Sep 1962, more than 17,000 hours were logged in the "Flying Banannas" by pilots of the 121st. During that time, many hearts were won by the unwieldy bird. As one pilot remarked, "They were the dickens to keep flying, but you can't help getting attached to an aircraft that you've been through so much with." None hesitated to put the old aircraft aside, however, and all looked forward to the increased capabilities and reduced maintenance problems with the UH-1B's.
Comments: CPT Hamner, Ralph H.; Viking Platoon leader; ;
The source for this information was 121st AVN CO Annual Supplement 1 Jan 64 - 31 Dec 64
Additional information is available on CD-ROM.
Please send additions or corrections to: Gary Roush Email address: webmaster@vhpa.org
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Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023