Legacy of Valor: The "Seawolves" of the Vietnam War

In 1966, the Army partnered with the Navy to form Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three HA(L)3. This squadron—nicknamed the Seawolves—would only exist in Vietnam and helped U.S. forces better police the 2,500 miles of waterways in the Mekong River Delta. Task Force 116 consisted of river boats, SEALs and Seawolves with 97 Naval Academy alumni (from the classes of 1949 through 1969) serving in HA(L)3. During its six years of fighting, HA(L)3 members were awarded five Navy Crosses, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 156 Purple Hearts and 101 Bronze Stars. Learn more about our brave Vietnam War alums in our Legacy of Valor series … running in Jan-Feb 2025 issue of Shipmate Magazine and on our social media channels. 

View all of our Korean War Legacy of Valor content here.