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Welcome to our web site

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About Our Patches

Casper the Friendly Ghost was our original call sign. It was later shortened to that of "Casper" in 1965. From that point on, our group proudly known as the Casper Aviation Platoon.

The Casper Platoon "ghost" was first painted by a pilot in early 1965. It was quickly used by all of the Caspers after that.

There were at least 3 different Casper Platoon patches that were worn in Vietnam from 1965-1971.

The one above was the first version of the Casper Platoon patch made in Bien Hoa and was worn by our original crew between 1965-1967.

Above is the second Casper patch that was designed and worn by Casper Platoon crew members from 1968-1971.

This Inferno Aero Scout patch was designed to be worn by the OH-6 Inferno flight crew members on their survival vest from 1968-1971. This HIADD image was also painted on their aircraft.

This patch above was the Casper Platoon version of the "Viet Cong Hunting Club." Many of the crew also wore it.

This patch was designed by a Casper pilot for the Casper min-reunion held at the 1987 VHPA reunion.

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Reunion Albums

Helicopter Dioramas

Find Us on Facebook

2 Different Pages:

Casper Aviation Platoon

Casper in Combat.1

"Paint it Black"

Casper in Combat.2

"Run thru the Jungle"

Casper Mechanics

"Light My Fire"

Casper Pilots

"Sky Pilot"

Casper CC & DG

Crew Chiefs & Door Gunners

"Satisfaction"

Casper Stone

"National Vietnam

War Museum"

KIA Remembrance

"50,000 Names"

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United We Stand

Patriotic Tribute

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Ned Costa

Webmaster

NCHuey721@aol.com

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Guestbook

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Last Updated: 5/19/13

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Origin & Brief History

Casper Aviation Platoon was the only separate aviation platoon in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Casper was organized with the 173d Airborne Brigade on Okinawa in 1963 and arrived in country with the Herd on May 5, 1965 becoming the first U.S. Army ground unit committed to the Vietnam War. Casper Platoon supported the Brigade until they all left Bong Son, Vietnam in early August 1971.

Casper flew almost every type of heliborne mission there was including resupply, visual reconnaissance, Snoopy, Nighthawk, dust off, command & control and combat assault missions. Besides loyalty and dedication to their job, Caspers had the highest "extension" rate in the Brigade. Casper Platoon Veterans served the 173d Airborne Brigade proudly during their "Tour of Duty" , and continue to be honored today for their service in Vietnam.

"This website is dedicated to all of the men who served in Casper Aviation Platoon"

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Ghost Town

LZ English, Bong Son 1969

During our tour, Casper Platoon was relocated four different times and made LZ English our final home in early 1968.

Casper's "Ghost Town" was located on the east side of English and right next to "Sniper Village."

Enlarge Photo

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Map of Vietnam

Casper Aviation Platoon areas of operation from 1965 thru 1971.

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Links to some of our favorite places

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U.S. Army Awards and Decorations

Many of the Casper Platoon crew members were awarded some of the medals below during their tour of duty in Vietnam: The Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Headquarters & Headquarter Company - 173d Airborne Brigade also received four U.S. Army Unit Citations and Campaign Participation. For more information: Unit Awards

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Web Site & Photo Album Sections

Casper Aviation Platoon: Complete History | Memorial | Wounded

Casper News | Assigned Aircraft | Unit Citations | Casper Flags