This Vietnam war in-country hand embroidered semi-subdued patch "THE CHOPPERS" measures approximately 3.5" by 3.2", used condition. 

The 2nd Flight Platoon, called the "Choppers" initially had 10 CH-21B &C "Shawnee" helicopters. When the 33rd had the "Shawnee" replaced with UH-1Bs, there were only 10 helicopters. With the change from the 33rd Trans. Co to 118th Aviation Co. (AML), the TO & E changed the number to 12. This number continued after the UH-1Bs were replaced with UH-1Ds in late 1964, early 1965. The UH-1Hs came into the inventory about 1968-69. With the 2nd Platoon in Aug-Nov 66, the D models were rather old and most had the "donkey stick" hydraulics systems and the L-7 engines. The exact date the name "Choppers" was first used is not known. However, it is thought that the patch was designed sometime in 1964 by Farrell Cecil and Keith Leroy Pippin who were 2nd Flight Platoon crew members. Initially, the "Choppers" patch was in color with a white back-ground and black axes with dripping blood. Also, initially the "Choppers" patch was painted on the Pilot and Co-pilot doors. It was shortly moved and reduced in size to the post between the pilot doors and the cargo door. About '68-'69, the patch became "subdued" in olive and black color. But as it can plainly be seen, the "blood" and the name "The Choppers" remained red.

A valuable addition to your collection of Vietnam war memorabilia items.

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