The 219 Aviation Company (Utility Airplane) began the year of 1970 as part of the 223rd Aviation Battalion (CBT) with headquarters in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. The "Headhunters" of the 219th were commanded by MAJ David C. Naumann until 16 April 1970. MAJ Arlie Deaton was in command until 2 Oct 1970 at which time the present commander, CPT Carlton F. Roberson, assumed the "Headhunters" were welcomed into the 52nd Aviation Battalion (CBT) by it's commanding officer, LTC Ronald H. Merrit.

  The 219 is one of the most dispersed, as well as, unigue units in Vietnam. The company headquarters and 1st flight platoon are located at Camp Holloway in Pleiku. One section of the 1st platoon spent the majority of the year at An Khe in support of the 4th Infantry Division, while two pilots and two aircraft of the 1st platoon were located in Cheo Reo in support of Phu Bon Province. The 3rd flight platoon is based in Qui Nhon with one section working out of LZ English. The remaining 4th platoon is located at Ban Me Thout. This dispersion is necessary because the 219th is one of only two 0-1 companies in the Second Military Region, and is responsible for the northern portion of this region.

  Going along with this vast geographical diversity is the equally diversified list of missions and support units. Units supported by the "Headhunters" include Pleiku Province, 52nd Artillery Group, Task Force Ivy, Phu Bon Province, 4th Infantry Division, Kontum Province, Binh Dinh Province, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Darlac Province, CCC, and CCS. The "Headhunters" performed a variety of missions including visual reconnaissance convoy escort, artillery adjustment, forward air control of helicopter gunships and tactical air force, and numerous classified missions for CCC and CCS.

  The "Headhunters" were involved in two major operations in 1970. The first of which was the Battle of Dak SEang in the month of April. Dak Seang was nearly overrun, but due to the aid of aviation, including gunships, airstrikes and artillery adjustment, the tide of the battle was reversed. The 219th performed radio relay, target acquistion and directing of fires. One "Headhunter" was lost during the Battle of Dak Seang.

  Durint the later part of April and the early part of May the 4th platoon flew in support of the C-75 Rangers and the 4th Inf Division when they pushed into Cambodia. The "Headhunters" performed point recconnaissance ahead of the moving ground troops. This operation was highly successful in capturing large enemy weapons caches and destroying numerous enemy locations.

  One of the keys to the success of the "Headhunters" is the outstanding work of the ground crews and the maintenance platoon. The 219th Maintenance maintain an average of 95% for availability a figure obtained by few units in Vietnam.

  It is quite true that very little actual physical damage to the enemy by birddogs of the 219th. However, it is the belief of the "Headhunters" that if records were kept for all of the enemy personnel, equipment and caches that the birddogs have found and destroyed with artillery, gunships, and airstrikes the "Headhunters" would be responsible for more enemy destruction than any company in Vietnam. The "Headhunters" are proud of their unheralded mission. The officers and men of the 219th will always remember the cries of the soldier on the ground, "We need a Headhunter".