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Vietnam War-era pocket patch belonging to the 145th Airborne Infantry Pathfinder Platoon (also associated with the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion of the United States Army).History & Significance• The Unit: In September 1963, the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion (CAB) was formed in Vietnam. To support tactical aircraft movement and secure helicopter landing zones (HLZs) in hostile territory, pathfinder attachments were utilized. The 145th Pathfinders provided critical guidance, air traffic control, and scouting support for American divisions (such as the 173rd Airborne) and South Vietnamese forces across III Corps.Symbolism of the Design• PATHFINDER Arc: Explicitly denotes the specialized role of the platoon.
• The Parachute: Represents the airborne qualification and deployment capabilities of the unit's personnel.
• The 145: Designates their parent unit, the 145th Aviation Battalion / Infantry Platoon.
• The Flaming Torch: Derived directly from the official U.S. Army Pathfinder Badge, the torch symbolizes leadership, guidance, knowledge, and lighting the way for follow-on forces.
