The battalion was originally organized and Federally recognized on 18 November 1946 in the Rhode Island National Guard at Providence as the Medical Detachment, 43d Division Artillery.

It was ordered into active Federal service on 5 September 1950 at Providence during the Korean War.

[2] On 1 April 1959, it was converted and redesignated as the 43d Aviation Company, still part of the 43d Division, and relocated to Warwick.

Troop E was organized at Warwick from the 43d Medical Company and Federally recognized on 1 January 1968.

The 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation, is now part of the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard.