Helatkltron-3 – Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front featuring the insignia of Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three (HA(L)-3).

HELATKLTRON-3 was operating at a sustained high tempo across the Mekong Delta in support of riverine and special operations forces. Organized into multiple forward detachments, Seawolf crews provided rapid-response fire support, medevac, and escort missions, often launching within minutes to assist units under fire. Night operations had become routine, with gunships flying low-level missions over canals and dense terrain where enemy activity was concentrated. Despite the ongoing process of Vietnamization, the squadron remained heavily engaged, and its crews faced constant exposure to ground fire, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most active and hard-pressed helicopter units in the theater. By 1970, at the height of its operational tempo, HA(L)-3 had become one of the most active and decorated aviation units in the theater, flying tens of thousands of combat sorties in support of U.S. and South Vietnamese operations.