Five RAN “birdies” who died while flying Iroquois helicopters with the US Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company during the Vietnam War, will be remembered at a special service in the United States next month.

The 32 US aviators from the company who also died, will similarly be remembered.

Twenty-two next of kin of the fallen heroes will travel from Australia and from many locations in the US, to attend the remembrance.

A total of 40 Australians will attend.

For four years during the Vietnam War, the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm provided 200 pilots, observers and maintainers to boost the US 135th

The company flew 33 Iroquois, eight as gunships, the remainder transports capable of carrying nine soldiers.

Those RAN members who were killed in action were LEUT Anthony Casadio, PO O’Bryan Phillips, LCDR Patrick Vickers, Acting SBLT Anthony Huelin and Leading Aircrewman Noel Shipp.

Last year Iroqouis 66-16290, in which some Australians flew, was given to the Australian Museum of Flight.

It came complete with patched bullet holes.

In late May, some of those who served with the unit during the Vietnam War and their families and friends will gather in Alabama for a program of remembrance and fellowship.

May 27 will be the principal day.

On that day, veterans and families from both sides of the Pacific will gather at the United State Army Aviation Centre at Fort Rucker.

This is the home of the 135th (EMU) Company.

From 1pm at the US Army Aviation Memorial Park there will be the dedication of a memorial monument to former members of the company … the US Army and the RAN Helicopter Flight- Vietnam 1967-1971.

A visit to the US Army Aviation Museum, where the 135th has been memorialised, will follow.

That night the 135th AHC (EMU) banquet will be held at Enterprise.

Many of the Australian visitors will be billeted in private homes.

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