By: History.com Editors

1962

First U.S. helicopter is shot down in Vietnam

History.com Editors

Published: November 16, 2009

Last Updated: January 31, 2025

The first U.S. helicopter is shot down in Vietnam. It was one of 15 helicopters ferrying South Vietnamese Army troops into battle near the village of Hong My in the Mekong Delta.

The first U.S. helicopter unit had arrived in South Vietnam aboard the ferry carrier USNS Core on December 11, 1961. This contingent included 33 Vertol H-21C Shawnee helicopters and 400 air and ground crewmen to operate and maintain them. Their assignment was to airlift South Vietnamese Army troops into combat.

Helicopters in Vietnam

Helicopters played a vital role in America's air mobility strategy during the Vietnam War.

Timeline

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1913

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1922

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1938

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Citation Information

Article title
First U.S. helicopter is shot down in Vietnam
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
March 25, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
January 31, 2025
Original Published Date
November 16, 2009

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