The Unit Crest for the 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company depicts a mule with
two rotor heads strapped to its back, and the word "Muleskinner" inscribed above it.

The mule train and muleskinners of old were noted for their ability to move heavy loads
over rough and difficult terrain. Today's Muleskinners are noted for the same ability,
but the slow moving mule train of the past has been replaced by the tandem rotor
helicopter known as the CH-47 "Chinook".

The 242nd ASH Company was activated on 25 October 1966 at Fort Benning, Georgia.
After activation the 242nd began training officially on 2 February 1967.
In the later part of April 1967, the unit received its first helicopters,
16 CH-47A "Chinooks" and 2 OH-23G "Ravens".

After training and preparatory requirements had been met, the unit left Fort Benning
en route to Vietnam. With the main body arriving at Bien Hoa AFB on 11 August 1967
and was assigned to the 269th Combat Aviation Battalion.

Once settled, the Flight Crews were assigned to Chinook units for their "in-country"
orientations beginning 15 August 1967. On 15 September 1967, the unit became
operational and began providing direct combat support for the 25th Infantry Division.

During its first month of operations in Vietnam, the 242nd set a new record for
total flying hours. The Muleskinners' aircraft flew 1,533 hours beating the old record
by 120 hours. During that time, the 242nd Muleskinners gave up the easy life
at Bien Hoa in favor of the comforts (?) offered at Cu Chi.

In February 1969, tragedy struck the 242nd when a squad of enemy sappers came
through the Cu Chi perimeter and destroyed a number of the unit's aircraft.
The 242nd was well known throughout the III corps area of the Republic of Vietnam
for the enthusiasm with which it undertook its daily missions and the professionalism
with which these missions were completed. Until they stood down and departed Vietnam
in October 1971, the Muleskinners flew their mighty Chinooks for over 50,000 hours
in combat with gallantry and exceptional valor.

After redeployment to Fort Wainwright Alaska, the Muleskinner name and Logo were
dropped by the current command of the unit there, in favor of the name “Sugar Bears”.
The Muleskinners led the way in US Army Aviation, flying their helicopters anywhere
and everywhere they were needed. During an average year in Vietnam, the 242nd carried
over 70,000 TONS of cargo, and over 100,000 passengers supporting the troops in field.

The Muleskinner legacy deserves to be remembered, and honored.
And in the spirit of continuing the legendary service of the 242nd ASHC;
The Muleskinner callsign and patch were adopted by a new CH-47 unit -
B Co 2-135th GSAB on 20 April 2006. So the Muleskinners are flying again.....