DELTA TROOP
        3rd Squadron, 5TH Cavalry Regiment
       APO 96370 SAN FRANCISCO
       Historical Information
In February 1966, all elements of the 3rd Squadron., 5th Cavalry, were
activated as part of the 9th Infantry Division for service in Viet Nam.
Delta Troop did not become active or commence its build-up until June
1966, when Captain William R. Kaler (now Major) assumed command.
Delta Troop required more time for organizations, since she differed
from the other Squadron troops. Being an Air Cavalry Troop, the unit had
helicopters rather than personnel carriers and tanks. Her structure
contained a Headquarters Section, housing the Commanding Officers,
Administrative Officer and staffs the Operations Officer and staff.,
plus the First Sergeant. The Aero-Scout Platoon followed with nine
OH-23G observation aircraft, nine aviators and nine crew-chiefs. Next
came the Aare-Rifle Platoon which consisted of five UH_lD troop carrying
helicopters; ten aviators, ten crewchiefs, ten door-gunners and its own
organic infantry rifle platoon with 42 men. The Aero-Weapons Platoon
contained ten UH-lC helicopters armed with the XX-21 and M-5 armament
systems twenty avaitors, ten crewchiefs, and ten door-gunners. The final
and most important section is the %intenance Platoon with one UH-ID
helicopter., two avaitors, one crewchief, one door-gunner and mechanics.
In addition to the previously mentioned personnel, there were others who
handled supply the motor pool,, the mesa hall., etc.
By the and of October 1966., Delta Troop had all the personnel
authorized by the TO&E with the aircraft arriving from Texas around 1
December 1966. The unit commenced an intensive training program., using
all four platoons plus their personnel. Tactical situations were devised
by Operations such as those encountered in Viet Nam along with training
personnel from other Troops in the application and use of Army Aviation
Activity continued until 15 December 1966, when the aircraft were
shipped to the West Coast for shipment to Viet Nam.
The advance party for Delta Troop arrived in Viet Nam on 5 January 1967
and spent the next thirty days training with units of the 1st and 25th
INF Divisions. The remainder of the unit arrived in country an February
1967* Delta Troop, 3d Squadrons, 5th Cavalry# became an operational
fighting member of the 9th Infantry Division an 1 March 1967.
Submitted by:
Don Armstrong (DUCK)
An Original "Scavenger"
Pleiku 604th trans 52nd CAB APR 5 68 to July 68
D trp 3/5 cav July 68 to May 28th 69
Bearcat and then Dongtam