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B. 227th Deep Space Regiment Pre-WWIII History

Released for Distribution, 24 Mar, 3307, per Orders of the Admiral of Fleet and per Official Release by Federal Navy Archives.

The 227th Deep Space Regiment is steeped within human history from its initial conception and design after WW II, to its ever-evolving role in Vietnam and leading up to Operation Iraqi Freedom and with its claim to fame during WW III.

Below is an official release of it’s pre-WW III history as found within the Federal Navy Archives and other Government “sources”. Parts of this esteemed unit’s history still remain either classified or lost to inequity.

============================================EARLY HISTORY===========================================================

“On order, the 227th Aviation Regiment deploys to a designated contingency area of operations by land, sea, and/or air. On order, provides Aerial Command, Control and Communications (C3) support, limited Air Assault, Aero-medical Evacuation and Air Movement for the division”

It was not one man's dream; the notion of using aircraft or helicopters as the fast, new steed of modern cavalry. The efforts of many went into the formation of the first air assault division. More than a decade of flying experiments, equipment evaluations and development of new hardware and tactics proceeded the conversion of the 1st Cavalry Division to the Air Assault configuration. Tests were conducted with troop carrying helicopters and those equipped with a variety of machine guns and rockets.

At Ft. Benning, GA., in the mid-fifties, General John R. Tolson developed a tactical doctrine for the use of helicopters in combat and became one of the leading, early pioneers in modern air mobility. Several other military personnel played key roles in development of missions, configurations, and weapons for air cavalry operations. Lt. General James M. Gavin, Chief of Staff for Operations of the Department of the Army, campaigned for helicopter units that could take over, extend and add great speed to the traditional roles of the cavalry.

Soon thereafter, at the Aviation School at Ft. Rucker, Colonel Jay D. Vanderpool assembled a "Sky Cavalry" platoon using borrowed personnel and equipment. The "Sky Cavalry" began giving impressive demonstrations of the roles that helicopters could play in combat. Heralding the era of gunships, the "Sky Cavalry" carried and tested a variety of weapons and rockets. Additional men and other organizations played vital roles in the development of the "air assault" concept: the Rogers Board, formed on 15 January 1960 and chaired by Lt. General Gordon B. Rogers; the Howze Board, headed by Lt. General Hamilton H. Howze, a man with several significant links with the 1st Cavalry Division; Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara and Major General Harry William Osborne Kinnard.

The main mission of the Rogers Board was to review aircraft requirements of the Army in three categories: observation; surveillance and transportation. The findings of the Rogers Board were fine as far as they went, but Robert S. McNamara believed there was more promise in air mobility than the Rogers Board revealed. In the spring of 1962, Secretary McNamara ordered a panel of distinguished military leaders and civilian experts to re-examine the needs of the Army. This panel became known as the Howze Board and it was granted sweeping powers to conduct tests, stage war games and study combat in various areas of the world.

The findings of the Howze Board outlined the requirements for an air assault division. Such a unit would have five times the number of aircraft of a regular division along with an extensive reduction in ground vehicles. After the report was issued, McNamara gave orders to field the air assault concept and run it through its paces in a tough series of field tests which would further reveal the strengths and limitations of an air assault force. The unit chosen for the exercise was the 11th Airborne Division, which was reflagged as the 11th Air Assault Division. It was commanded by Major General Harry William Osborne Kinnard.

In 1962 the 1st Cavalry Division was the first division to be totally equipped with Huey helicopters for artillery observation and "dust off" medical evacuations. In the spring of 1963, units of the Division began to receive H-19, H-21 and H-37 helicopters. The Division conducted extensive air assault familiarization and training. In order to recruit potential helicopter pilots, personnel records were screened to determine individual results of initial induction testing. All troopers who had scored well were asked to volunteer for helicopter training. After passing a flight physical, all who volunteered (regardless of time remaining on their tour of duty) were transferred to Ft. Rucker, AL for pilot training.
On 01 February 1963, the Army began to gather helicopters units into the 11th Air Assault Division to test the airmobile concept. The 31st Transportation Company was re-designated as the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion. Elements of the 227th Aviation were formed and designated as follows:
  • • "HHC" 227th Aviation Battalion
  • • "A" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion
  • • "B" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion; constituted using equipment and personnel of the Aviation Co, 6th Special Forces Group
  • • "C" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion; constituted using equipment and personnel of the Aviation Co, 7th Special Forces Group
  • • "D" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion; constituted using equipment and personnel of the 110 Aviation Co, (Aerial Weapons)

In June 1965, the 2nd Infantry Division joined forces with the 11th Air Assault Division to form a combined training command. Shortly afterward on 01 July 1965, the 11th Air Assault Division was reflagged with the colors of the 1st Cavalry Division, who had just returned from Korea. Concurrently the 227th Battalion was relieved from the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Immediately the 227th Aviation Battalion, along with the 1st Cavalry Division, was ordered to deploy to Vietnam as an Air Mobile Division.
Upon their return from Vietnam, the 227th Aviation Battalion was inactivated on 19 November 1974 at Ft. Hood, Texas. After a brief reactivation from 21 May 1978 until 30 September 1983, it was re-designated as 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, the first divisional Apache Attack Helicopter Battalion to be formed. Upon re-designation, the 227th underwent an intensive training program and began to training for combat operations.

On 29 September 1990, the Battalion deployed overseas to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where the unit postured for combat in Operation Desert Shield. On 25 February 1991 with the onset of Operation Desert Storm, the Battalion conducted a raid as a part of the deception plan of the 1st Cavalry Division to throw Iraqi forces off guard. The Battalion would serve as the vanguard of the Division's movement north to cut off retreating an Iraqi Republican Guard Division at Basra.

On 07 March 1991, the Battalion returned as part of the advance party back to Ft. Hood.

On 02 June 1998, after years of testing and preparation, the 227th Aviation Regiment began to field the most advanced attack helicopter ever built, the AH-64D "Longbow". Just as the English longbow archers provided a great advantage during medieval battles, the AH-46D Apache Longbow provided the US Army an overwhelming advantage on the digital battlefields of the 21st Century.

In [CLASSIFIED], the capability of the 227th Aviation Regiment had been developed in conjunction with the long history and needs of the 1st Cavalry Division. It was the combination of the experienced training received by each dedicated member of the Team and adherence to the performance level and traditions of the past.

Per records found, as of [CLASSIFIED], the 227th Aviation Regiment was represented by the following active units:
  • The 1st Battalion, organized as an Attack Battalion, is assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at [CLASSIFIED].
  • The 2nd Battalion, organized as a General Support Battalion, is assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at [CLASSIFIED].
  • The 3rd Battalion, organized as an Assault Battalion, is assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at [CLASSIFIED].
  • The 4th Battalion, organized as an Attack Battalion, is assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at [CLASSIFIED].

Per records found prior to WW III and authorized for release, the following decorations had been earned by the 227th Aviation Regiment in service for their country. – some records may not be complete due to current archive "dark-spots".
  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered PLEIKU PROVINCE (227th Aviation Battalion cited for the period 23 Oct to 26 Nov 1965; DA GO 40, 1967)
  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered BINH THUAN PROVINCE ("A" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion for the period 27 Jan to 04 Apr 1967; DA GO 02, 1973)
  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered BINH THUAN PROVINCE ("D" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 26 Jan to 04 Apr 1967; DA GO 2, 1973)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TIN PROVINCE (Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 01 to 31 Oct 1967; DA GO 39, 1970)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TIN PROVINCE ("C" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 01 to 31 Oct 1967; DA GO 39, 1970)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TIN PROVINCE (2nd and 3rd Pltn, "D" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 01 to 31 Oct 1967; DA GO 39, 1970)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BIEN HOA PROVINCE (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for action 06 Mar 1969; DA GO 39, 1970)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FISH HOOK (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 01 May to 29 Jun 1970; DA GO 43, 1972)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FIRE SUPPORT BASE 6 ("A" Co", 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 31 Mar 16 Apr 1971; DA GO 14, 1979, amended by DA GO 5, 1973)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1965 - 1966 (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period Sep 1965 to Nov 1966; DA GO 17, 1968)
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1965 - 1969 (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 09 Aug 1965 to 19 May 1969; DA GO 59, 1969)
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 (227th Aviation Battalion, cited May 1969 to Feb 1970; DA GO 11, 1973, amended DA GO 42, 1972)
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 - 1971 (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 21 Feb 1970 to 28 Feb 1971; DA GO 42, 1972)
  • Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 01 Jan 1969 to 01 Feb 1971; DA GO 42, 1972)

1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment

Having a direct lineage from "A" Company, the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment is entitled to the "A" Company and the 227th Aviation Regiment Awards listed above and additionally, the following:

  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA (1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period 25 Sep 1990 to 13 Apr 1991; DA GO 27, 1994)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA ("D" Co, 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period 24 Sep 1990 to 13 Apr 1991; DA GO 27, 1994)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA ("E" Co, 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period 28 Dec 1990 to 14 Apr 1991; DA GO 27, 1994)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA ("F Co, 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period 23 Sep 1990 - 14 Apr 1991; DA GO 27, 1994)

  • 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment

  • Having a direct lineage from "D" Company, the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment is entitled to the "D" Company, 227th Aviation Regiment, 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment and the 227th Aviation Regiment Awards listed above and additionally, the following:
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered " " (Detachment, "B" Co, 4th Aviation Regiment, 227th Aviation Regiment, cited for the period Sep - Oct 1993; DA GO 01, 1996)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA ("D" Co, 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period 24 Sep 1990 to 13 Apr 1991; DA GO 27, 1994)

3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment

Having a direct lineage from "C" Company, the 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment is entitled to the "C" Company and the 227th Aviation Regiment Awards listed above and additionally, the following:

  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered PLEIKU PROVINCE (227th Aviation Battalion cited for the period 23 Oct to 26 Nov 1965; DA GO 40, 1967)
  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered BINH THUAN PROVINCE ("C" Co, 227th Aviation Battalion for the period ....; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TIN PROVINCE ("C" Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BIEN HOA PROVINCE ("C" Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for action 06 Mar 1969; DA GO 39, 1970)
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FISH HOOK ("C" Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period 01 May to 29 Jun 1970; DA GO 43, 1972)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 ("C", Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period .... ; ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2006 - 2008 (3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2009 - 2010 (3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 - 1969 ("C" Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 ("C" Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 - 1971 (227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)
  • Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 ("C" Company, 227th Aviation Battalion, cited for the period .... ; DA GO .., 19..)


[REDACTED] data


4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment

  • Having a direct lineage from "D" Company and the 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment is entitled to the "D" Company, 227th Aviation Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment and the 227th Aviation Regiment Awards listed above and additionally, the following:
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered " " (Detachment, "B" Co, 4th Battalion Aviation Regiment, 227th Aviation Regiment, cited for the period Sep - Oct 1993; DA GO 01, 1996)
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA (as "D" Co, 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, cited for the period 24 Sep 1990 to 13 Apr 1991; DA GO 27, 1994)
Additional information to be released as found within the archives and authorized for public viewing.
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