The A 4/101 "Comanchero" Legacy

“The Wings of the Eagle” proudly traces its history back to the Korean War.  On 7 December 1950, the 4th Light Aviation Section was constituted in the Regular Army and was assigned to the Eighth US Army in Korea where it remained until deactivated on 5 November 1954. 

            The 4th Light Aviation Section was reactivated on 1 July 1956 as the 101st Aviation Company and assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  On 3 December 1962, as the Army’s aviation force structure continued to grow, the 101st Aviation Company was redesignated as the 101st Aviation Battalion. 

            Company A deployed to the Republic of Vietnam on 11 April 1965 and became the first element of the division to see combat since World War II.  The remainder of the 101st Aviation Battalion deployed to Vietnam in December 1967 and served with distinction there until the 101st Airborne Division redeployed to Fort Campbell in February 1972.  The 101st Aviation Battalion was redesignated the 4th Battalion on 16 October 1987 when the 101st Aviation Regiment was activated. 

            In 1990 and 1991 the Battalion served with distinction in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, completing over 3000 hours of accident free flying while conducting combat operations.  The Battalion’s record of excellence includes planning, leading, and execution on the longest Air Assault in history to the Euphrates River in Iraq. 

            In light of the world-changing events of 11 September 2001, the unit rededicated itself to preparing and training the best assault helicopter pilots in the world.  The year started quickly as the Battalion was given two short-notice missions to deploy elements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) while simultaneously conducting Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Rotation 02-04.  Deploying 29 January 2002 for OEF, the battalion prepared and strategically deployed 5 UH-60L aircraft and 6.5 aircrews to Khandahar, Afghanistan.  These soldiers executed aviation operations during Operation Anaconda while conquering the difficult environment of Afghanistan.  The Battalion strategically deployed another 5 UH-60L aircraft and 6.5 aircrews to Bragram Air Force Base, Afghanistan on 3 May 2002.  Throughout the period of deployment, the Battalion had to maintain the remaining 20 Uh-60L with limited line company maintenance personnel and aircrews.  In September 2002, two elements of A Company, 4-101 Aviation Regiment (AVN REGT) redeployed from Afghanistan where they supported OEF in the fight against the Taliban.  

In September 2002, the Battalion aggressively prepared for an upcoming Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation (JRTC) 03-02 in Fort Polk, Louisiana by supporting both the Leadership Training Program and Eagle Gate 03-02.  From 1-21 November 2002, 4-101 AVN REGT again made history by supporting the longest JRTC rotation on record while spending over 21 days in the maneuver box in support of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team.  With only a very short and hastened recovery from the rotation at Fort Polk, the Wings of the Eagle participated in the Division Deployment Exercise (DEPEX), which commenced before the Christmas Holidays and lasted into the first month of 2003.  The DEPEX prepared the Battalion for deployment to Kuwait in support of follow-on combat operations in Iraq.  4-101 AVN REGT was one of the first units of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to arrive in Kuwait for OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) at the end of February 2003. 

On 23 March 2003, 4-101 AVN conducted not only the first Air Assault Operation in support of OIF but also the longest in history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) moving C/3-187 IN deep into enemy territory to establish site security for FARP SHELL.   

On 06 May 2003, the entire Battalion moved to Baghdad International Airport in order to link up with 3 BCT.  From that point on 4-101 AVN REGT was tasked organized under 3rd BCT to provide direct support.  159th AVN BDE moved north to the city of Mosul, while the Battalion moved 50 miles west to Tallafar, Iraq, along with 3 BCT. 

The high operational tempo of the Battalion did not diminish with the official closing of combat operations in May 2003.  Since AO Rakkasan encompassed such a large territory to include strategically important border regions, 4-101 AVN REGT continued to support not only 3rd BCT but also 159th AVN BDE and the 101st Airborne Division with daily flights ranging as far south as CAMP DOHA, Kuwait, as far north as the Turkish border, as far west as the Syrian border and as far east as the Iranian border with Northern Iraq.  The unit averaged approximately 950 flight hours every month while experiencing aircraft maintenance parts supply shortages and a diminishing pool of experienced pilots.  By the end of the deployment in January 2004, 4-101 AVN REGT had flown over 10,000 hours in combat.  

            Up to this point, as an Air Assault Battalion with UH-60L Blackhawks, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and enlisted personnel, 4th Battalion served as the nucleus of a dedicated Aviation Task Force and major component of the 3rd Brigade Task Force.   

In June 2004, the Battalion will gain a line company and will be task organized solely to 159th Aviation Brigade.  As always, the “Wings of the Eagle” battalion continues to serve with distinction within the Air Assault Division.

 The "Wings of the Eagle Battalion" continues to serve with distinction within the Air Assault Division.

A 4/101 Aviation Regt "Comancheros" 2009

A 4/101 Aviation Regiment "Comancheros" Nov 2005

A 4/101 Aviation Regt "Comancheros" Crew Chiefs and Door Gunners 2009

PFC RICHARD MONTGOMERY;CW2 JOSHUA HAVILL; CW4 MICHAEL ALFORD AND CPL NAAMEN STROM Balad, Iraq NOV 28 2005. CW4 Michael Alford began his career in 1968-69, first assignment out of flight school, first combat mission with the Comancheros, Mike was able to fly one of his last combat missions with the same unit over 36 years later

CW2 Peter Latham, CW2 Josh Havill, CW2 Scott Thomas, SGT Martin Strickrodt, CW2 Todd Wolfe, CW2 Paul Runez. In front of the presidential helicopter on a recent trip to Washington DC. 2008

 

Retired gift to 1SG Migel Salinas FEB 2008

 

 

 

Comanchero emblem painted on UH-60M in Afghanistan 2009

 

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President Bush holding a Comanchero Patch. 2008

After shaking our hands and offering his encouragement, CW2 Josh Havill gave the President the patch from his uniform.
 

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500 great photographs from Richard "Monty" Montgomery from Iraq 1 Tour

Welcome Home 4/101 AVN

More Photos From 2005-2006 Iraq

 T-shirts purchased for the deployed members of 4th Bn serving in Iraq

101 Avn Legacy Print Gift Presentation to Monument Elementary School

Quincy, WA Elementary School students try to brighten Holiday for Comancheros

The FRAGO before Christmas - Christmas Greetings  from 4/101 AVN 2005

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The Wings of the Eagle and Wings of Destiny Newsletters

Read the current & back issues of the newsletter

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A 4/101 AVN newsletter 2003 from Iraq

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A 4/101 Avn June 2004 Newsletter

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4-101 Avn Regt September 2004 Newsletter

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Wings News Vol 2 Issue 1 NOV 2005

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Wings of the Eagle Newsletter DEC 05

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Wings of the Eagle Newsletter NOV  05

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Band of Brothers 101st Newsletter Dec 05

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Wings of the Eagle Newsletter FEB 06

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Wings of Destiny Magazine FEB 06

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Wings of the Eagle Newsletter MAR 06

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Wings of the Eagle Newsletter APR 06

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Wings of Destiny Magazine MAR 06

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Wings Battalion Newsletter for May 06

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Wings of Destiny Magazine APR MAY 06

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Wings Battalion Newsletter for June 06

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Wings Battalion Newsletter July 06

 

 

  The Wings of the Eagle Memorial was dedicated Nov 15, 2004   

 4/101 Avn "Wings of the Eagle" Memorial Photos  

Photographs from Veterans Day Weekend 2004 at Fort Campbell, KY

A 4/101 Avn Regt memorial services in Iraq

Ryan Baker Assault Course at Fort Dix

A 4/101 AVN Photographs

Photo by Richard "Monty" Montgomery

LEFT TO RIGHT  TOP: CPL DALE DOUWSMA; CW4 MICHAEL ALFORD (who's first tour with Comancheros was in 1968); CW2 JOSHUA HAVILL; CPL NAAMEN STROM; PFC RICHARD MONTGOMERY; SPC JAVIER MEDRANO. BOTTOM ROW: CPT BRIAN WARD; LT ROBERT MASSEY

BALAD SE AIR BASE, LSA ANACONDA, IRAQ FLYING UH-60L’S - 28 NOV 2005

CW2 Todd Wolfe clowning around one of the L model Blackhawks. 2008

Comanchero UH-60 Blackhawk's at sunset in Iraq 2003

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Comanchero Blackhawk en-route to Halibad 2003

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

First Assault into Iraq staging area, the longest CA in 101st Airborne History 2003 - Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

First Assault into Iraq staging area, the longest CA in 101st Airborne History 2003 - Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Comancheros and Sec of State Colin Powell in Iraq 2003

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

CPT Stephen Gauthier, A 4/101 AVN, Comanchero, Company Commander, 2000-08/2002

 

360 degree panoramic view of Talafar, Iraq Aug 16, 2003

This is a large picture, make sure to expand it in your browser to get the effect of the panoramic view

 Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Ralph Ferrell, B Co. Cpt. Jeff & Company Commander Cpt. John Butora, Iraq 2003

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

 This picture is rare "group hug" photo of the worlds best unit, A CO 4/101st AVN REGT Comancheros fall 1994, shoot em in the face!  Comanchero 6, CPT (Now MAJ) Ronnie Miller is on the left, second row.  I'm the guy on the right of the 3rd row, Comanchero 39.

Photo by Wesley J. Gale

Comanchero 06 Capt Chivers and other Comancheros with the kids

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

1SG Nidiffer running the 9mm range

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Aircraft #531 at Udari

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Aircraft #501 at Raider TOC

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Aircraft #456 at Udari

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

The Comancheros in flight

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Aircraft #452 at Udari

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

Comancheros

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

4th Batt Area Thunder

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

4th Batt Area Victory

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

4th Batt Area Victory (2)

Photograph by A 4/101 Avn

 

This is the new Comanchero Patch (June 2004) that is currently worn by the members of A 4/101 Avn (above left and old patch on right) it was designed by CW2 AJ Santiago. It was drawn by hand shortly after the Comancheros crossed the berm into Iraq in 2003. Once we returned home in 2004, it was decided that the drawing would be converted into the new patch. The war hungry Comanchero aircraft in the patch wears #531 on the intermediate section for our lost aircraft of #531 which was lost over Mosul on NOV 15th 2003. We lost 4 Comancheros that night. Behind the aircraft is the country of Iraq. The blue oval is an aviation blue. The aircraft wears the Comanchero headgear to include the tassels and large brim. He is equipped with David Clark headphones and two fully locked and loaded M60 machine guns. he also has the Comanchero engine cowling "Tattoo". He is ready at a moments notice to spill the blood of evil do'ers and help those in need of a Comanchero. Enjoy the new patch!

CW2 AJ Santiago

Webmaster note: A 4/101 Avn Regt 'Comancheros' as of early 2006 have gone back to the patch on the right above as the current unit patch. Patch designer, SPC James Hoffman  1999

 

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1LT Jeremy L Wolfe Memorial Bike Run

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The A 4/101 Avn Memorial Service in Iraq

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 More photographs from this Comanchero era

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The story of the "2M's" in the spelling of Commancheros

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A message for a former A 4/101 Avn "Comanchero" 06

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Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus

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President Bush visits Fort Campbell, KY

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Secretary Rumsfeld Visits Ft. Campbell

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