173rd Airborne Brigade
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as “Sky Soldiers” and informally as “The Herd,” is one of the U.S. Army’s most celebrated airborne units. Its lineage dates to 1917, and the modern airborne brigade was activated in 1963 on Okinawa. The brigade earned fame in Vietnam, including the combat parachute assault during Operation Junction City, and later fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today it remains the Army’s forward-stationed airborne brigade in Europe.
The unit traces its lineage to the 173rd Infantry Brigade, constituted in 1917 and associated with the 87th Division during World War I. After periods of inactivation, it was reactivated as the 173rd Airborne Brigade in 1963 on Okinawa. The enduring nickname “Sky Soldiers” was bestowed by Nationalist Chinese paratroopers during training in Taiwan.
Vietnam War
The 173rd Airborne Brigade was the first major U.S. Army ground combat unit committed to Vietnam, deploying in May 1965. Its paratroopers made the first and only major U.S. combat parachute assault of the Vietnam War during Operation Junction City in February 1967, landing in Tây Ninh Province.
The brigade fought in major operations including Bien Hoa, Dak To, Hill 875, and extensive counterinsurgency campaigns. For its Vietnam service, the 173rd earned 14 campaign streamers and four unit citations, along with numerous individual decorations.
Cold War and Europe
After Vietnam, the brigade was inactivated. In 2000, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was reactivated in Vicenza, Italy, restoring a permanently forward-stationed U.S. airborne force in Europe.
Global War on Terror
- Iraq (2003): The brigade conducted a large-scale combat parachute assault into northern Iraq during Operation Northern Delay.
- Afghanistan: The 173rd conducted multiple combat tours, including operations in eastern Afghanistan and the Korengal Valley.
- Europe: The brigade continues to train with and support NATO allies across Europe.
Structure and Identity
The 173rd includes airborne infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineer, intelligence, and support units. Its paratroopers train regularly with NATO allies in airborne and air assault operations.
- Nickname: “Sky Soldiers”
- Insignia: The distinctive winged-bayonet shoulder sleeve insignia.
- Key Campaigns: Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and continuing European deterrence missions.
Enduring Significance
The 173rd Airborne Brigade remains the U.S. Army’s forward-stationed airborne brigade in Europe. From its combat jumps in Vietnam and Iraq to its modern NATO mission, the brigade continues the Sky Soldier tradition of rapid deployment and airborne readiness.
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