D-Troop History

Keith Aakre - contributor

Troop D, 17th Cavalry was initially in Vietnam as the ground reconnaissance element of the 199th Infantry Brigade (Light), arriving on 13 December 1966 and departing on 12 October 1970. The unit was raised as an air cabalry troop from the assets of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry to support the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). This second tour lasted from 15 December 1971 to 20 March 1972. Finally, the unit was activated again on 30 April 1972 using the assets of Troop D, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry to serve the 11th Avation Group at Da Nang. It departed Vietnam on 26 February 1973.

Final note:
As you know D/1/1 became D/17 from May 72 to when they stood down in February of 73. The majority of D/17 vets were members of both units.
IMHO- I think we should add them to the D-Troop list in all ways. I have had a couple contact me and act in an apologetic was as if the were really not with us. These guys are orphans in a way- a very short history.
Not true- same people, same aircraft and same missions. We need to embrace these guys and ask them to join the team. D-Troop 68-73 includes them.