12 JAN--This Day in US Military History

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:27:48 -0500

1962 – Operation Chopper, the first American combat mission in the Vietnam War, takes place.

In December 1961, the USNS Core (T-AKV-41) docked in Saigon with 82 US Army Piasecki H-21 helicopters. A little more than 12 days later, Operation Chopper commenced. The helicopters transported over 1,000 South Vietnamese paratroopers for an assault on a suspected Viet Cong stronghold 10 miles west of Saigon.
The Viet Cong were surprised and soundly defeated, but they gained valuable combat experience they would later use with great effect against US troops. The paratroopers also captured a sought-after underground radio transmitter.
This operation heralded a new era of air mobility for the U.S. Army, which had been slowly growing as a concept since the Army formed twelve helicopter battalions in 1952 as a result of the Korean War. These new battalions eventually formed a sort of modern day cavalry for the Army.

http://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/01/12/january-12/

January 12

12 January 1777 - American Brigadier General Hugh Mercer died as a result of his wounds received at the Battle of Princeton and became a fallen hero and rallying symbol of the American Revolution. ...

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 12 at 2015 9:33 AM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:33:18 -0500

Incredible, thank you for posting!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 12 at 2015 9:58 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:58:58 -0500

Excellent historical perspective, MSG Private RallyPoint Member! I assume this would have been the first U.S. airmobile operation? Many don't know just how soon after WWII the U.S. became involved in Vietnam. Info I read indicated we had troops there as early as 1950!