Constituted in the Regular Army as the 159th Aviaiton Battalion, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Activated 1 July 1968 in Vietnam (less Company C, activated 24 July 1968 at Frt Still, Oklahoma); inactivated 15 September1980 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky). Relieved from the 101st Airborne Division, reorganized and redesignated 16 November 1987 as the 159th Aviation, a parent regiment under the United States Army Regimental System with Headquarters at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDITS:
(Vietnam):
Counteroffensive, Phase V;
Counteroffensive, Phase VI;
Tet 69/Counteroffensive;
Summer-Fall 1969;
Winter-Spring 1970;
Sancutary Counteroffensive;
Counteroffensivel, Phase VII:
Consolidation I;
Consolidation II.
(Southwest Asia):
Defense of Saudi Arabia;
Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
DECORATIONS:
Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered THUA THIEN PROVINCE (159th Avn Bn cited for period 22-23 July 1970; DA GO 50, 1971);
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA (Co C, 6th Bn 159th Avn cited for period 29 Aug 90-31 Mar 1991 and 7th Bn, 159th Avn cited for period 3 Dec 1990-5 Apr 1991; both by DAGO 17, 1992;
Army Superior Unit Award, Streamer embroidered 1988-1989 (Co C, 6th Bn, 159th Avn cited for period 15 Nov 1988-6 Sep 1989; DA GO 2, 1991);
Army Superior Unit Award, Streamer embroidered 1991-1992 (Co A, 5th Bn, 159th Avn cited for period 15 Sep 1991-15 Mar 1992; DAGO 12, 1994);
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968-1969 (159th Avn Bn cited for period 19 Jul 1968-14 May 1969; DA GO 43, 1970);
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1971 (159th Avn Bn cited for period 1 Mar-9 Oct 1971; DAGO 6, 1974);
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968-1970 (159th Avn Bn cited for period 1 Jul 1968-2 May 1970; DAGO 48, 1971);
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 (159th Avn Bn cited for period 30 Oct-7 Dec 1970; DAGO 11, 1973).
COAT OF ARMS
Amended 19 October 1989 to include a crest and revise the symbolism was originally approved for the 159th Aviation Battalion, 22 November 1968. Redesignated for the 159th Aviatin Regiment 16 November 1987.
BLAZON:
SHIELD: Gyronny of eight or and azure on a bend gules an oriental dragon of the first.
CREST: On a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a spearhead paly of three, gules, or and vert surmounted by a vol argent; all in front of, in base, two crossed palm fronds proper.
MOTTO: PRESS ON.
SYMBOLISM:
SHIELD: Ultramarine blue is traditionally associated with Aviation units. The gyronny background simulates the movement of rotating blades of a helicopter and refers to the mission of the 159th Aviation in its airlift capability. The contrasting colors further symbolize the continuous (day and night) operations during visual weather conditions. The red bend and gold dragon refer to the service of the 159th Aviation Battalion in Vietnam.
CREST: The spearhead pointing skyward, together with the wings, symbolize Army Aviation's mission. The wings also represent the organization's mobile capabilities. The colors red, yellow and green reflect the unit's campaign participation credit and decorations in Vietnam. The palms are derived from the palm on the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; they also recall the tropical terrain of Southwest Asia.
DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA:
A gold color metal and enamel device consisting of a shield blazoned: Gyronny of eight or and azure on a bend gules an oriental dragon of the first. Attached below the shield a gold scroll inscribed "PRESS ON" in black letters.
1SG Charles W. Aresta; The Hawaiian Military Insignia Collectors and Study Group; 1813 Sereno Street; Honolulu, Hawaii 96817-2318 (e-mail: ra1sgt@aol.com) Ph or Fax: 808-537-2753.
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