[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             174TH ASSAULT HELICOPTER COMPANY 2001 REUNION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 3, 2001

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to the 174th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC), Dolphins & Sharks (both 
pilots and enlisted crew members) who played such an important role 
during their service in Vietnam and Laos during 1966-1971. They will be 
gathering once again for their reunion in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on 
October 5, 6, and 7 of 2001.
  The contribution of the 174th AHC to the American war effort is 
significant and they should be recognized for their valor. The 
personnel of the 174th AHC were an elite group formed at Fort Benning, 
Georgia in 1965. The 174th was deployed to Vietnam by U.S. Navy ships 
in 1966, landing at the Vietnamese port at the City of Qui Nhon. The 
unit's three primary ``homes'' in Vietnam were Lane Army Heliport near 
Qui Nhon (1966; II-Corps), Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province (1967-1970; 
I-Corps), and Chu Lai, base camp for the Americal Division (1971; also 
I-Corps). The 174th flew various models of the UH-1 ``Huey'' 
helicopter. The unit served long and proud in Vietnam and saw much 
combat action in the rice paddies and mountains in the northern half of 
South Vietnam from 1966 until 1971, and in Laos during Operation Lam 
Son 719 in 1971.
  Representative of the sacrifices of this great country is the proud 
and gallant record of combat service of the 174th AHC. Members of this 
company engaged the enemy and these engagements have taken their toll. 
Sixty members of this special corps of Dolphins and Sharks died 
gallantly for the cause of freedom. They shall not be forgotten. The 
174th AHC has on countless occasions proven its high spirit and ``can 
do'' attitude as is so appropriately emblazoned on the Company crest--
``Nothing Impossible.''
  The proud legacy of the 174th remains. They proved that the 
preservation of freedom required heroic sacrifice. They proved that 
their loyalty to American ideals and their desire for peace was their 
first priority. When our country needed them, they answered the call, 
and served proudly. It is this same spirit of sacrifice and duty that 
has made this nation great.
  As the members of the 174th Assault Helicopter Company gather for 
their 2001 reunion, I wish to extend a heartfelt ``thank you'' for 
their actions in Vietnam and Laos. During this dangerous and uncertain 
time, we are reminded that in every generation, the world has produced 
enemies of freedom. The evidence of this fact is clear today after the 
recent attack on America. The resolve and commitment of those who have 
fought for freedom throughout our history continues to be the calling 
of our time.
  The proud legacy of the 174th Assault Helicopter Company is the 
inspiration for today's America and those who will be called to serve. 
We can never repay them except by promising each other to never forget. 
God bless the men of the 174th AHC and their families. I hope that 
their reunion is a success and I wish them well in the future.

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