72-CW-2091 US AIR CAVALRY INFANTRYMEN JUMP FROM THE HELICOPTER

The Vietnam War (1964 / 1965-1975) is a conflict fought between the government of South Vietnam, supported very intensively (economically, politically, militarily) by the United States, and North Vietnam, supported by the USSR and the PRC. On the American side, due to the very difficult terrain in Vietnam (jungle, numerous watercourses and canals, hills), the huge role of military mobility, especially their aeromobility, was quickly realized. Thanks to the latter, infantry units could move at a speed and pace impossible to achieve on land. This reflection, combined with the tests of a new type of troops carried out from the beginning of the 1960s, led to the creation in 1965 of the aeromobile division - the 1st Cavalry (Air) Division.[ang. 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)] . At the time of its formation, it consisted of three airmobile infantry brigades, each of which consisted of three infantry battalions. In addition, the division also included an artillery brigade in the strength of four battalions of 105 mm caliber howitzers and air rocket artillery. In addition, there were support units. The division underwent its baptism of fire in 1965 during the Battle of la Drang. It is worth adding that the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) is considered to be the unit that suffered the greatest losses in the wounded and killed during the Vietnam War. It is also worth adding that in 1970, the 9th Air Cavalry Brigade was formed from the forces of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), which, despite its high efficiency, was disbanded just a year later.