Only one Huey can land at a time and after unloading must do a 180-degree turnaround to fly out. They are heavily camouflaged with vegetation stuck in their helmets, web gear and packs, and practically invisible until they move. From February-August 1968, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (February-August 1968) comprising 1st Battalion, 505th . The loyalty we had to each other was profound.". After the partition of Vietnam, it became a part of . Explore more . Later, the division distinguished itself by its defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Airborne All The Way! It resulted in the death of some 45,000 NVA troops and the complete, if not total. Report, Map of Fire Support Bases in the A Shau Valley, 1969. Courtesy, Tony Mabb, History Buff. The 90th NVA Regiment was committed to its capture and defense. Littleton will also take a security team several hundred meters to the west of the LZ to cover the likely direction from which an enemy attack may come. Phu Bair Rear; Cpt O'Brien on sign. The links below highlight some of those actions. Major South Vietnamese population centres and installations targeted by the Viet Cong during the 1968 Tet Offensive. The high-decibel onslaught of the light observation helicopter and two AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopters is much louder that the uninitiated could possibly imagine. I could see clouds of dirt jumping as the bullets hit and I barely dove out of the way. The buildup of formal U.S. military units had begun on 8 March 1965, when two battalions of Marines landed at Da Nang. ZA 182-527 Pleiku Ammo Supply Point, Plei Mrong Rd. the Black Dragon]. It was the ninth and final Olympic gold of his storied career. The 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne was based at Camp Eagle from December 1969 until December 1971,[2]:156 when the following units were detached and remained at the base: The 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne was based at Camp Eagle from September 1970-February 1971 and finally from MayDecember 1971. Whether they produced battlefield images of the dead or daguerreotype portraits of common soldiers, []. The Recon element moves out of Deltas perimeter to see if a long ridgeline running southeast off Hill 376 may be a suitable LZ. Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter with top stories from master historians. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, ordered the 101st Airborne Division to send in an airmobile brigade to destroy the enemy forces. A recently captured enemy soldier reported their casualties had reduced their companies to around 60 men. I arrived in Vietnam late January 1968, the beginning of the Tet Offensive.". We lined up by company and marched out of the city to our next mission. The war was at its height with the constant contact between U.S., NVA, and VC forces. The 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division was based here from MayJune 1968. Frederick Carlton Lewis was born July 11, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in a middle-class read more, On July 29, 2000, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, one of Hollywoods highest-profile couples, marry at the Malibu, California, estate of the producer Marcy Carsey (The Cosby Show). Mr. It was later closed, but reopened . Hue was bisected by the Perfume River (Hng, in Vietnamese), which flowed from southwest to northeast out to the South China Sea.On the immediate northwest riverbank of the river was Old Hue, which consisted of the three-square-mile, high-walled, diamond-shaped "Citadel . The enemy doesnt return fire. In late 1969, the 101st Administration Company (101st Airborne Division) was moved from Bien Hoa Army Base to Phu Bai. It was the first of three arrests for this skilled spy who provided crucial information to the Confederates during the war. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. The 1st Brigade, which consisted of 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment and 2-327, had arrived in Vietnam in 1965 before all the other elements of the division, who arrived in 1967. This story is dedicated to the men of the 2ndBattalion, 501st Airborne Infantry (2/501) who fought in the critical Battle for Hue. Handset in each hand. As they moved out to reinforce their fellow Screaming Eagles, they made contact with the enemy. misinterpreted the 1968 Tet Offensive as being an overwhelming success for the Communist forces and a decided defeat for Ken Hornbeck, a Delta soldier serving as the Recon RTO, calls in and yells they are surrounded by a horde of enemy soldiers. This is likely part of the enemys general offensive that has been expected. Larry Gilbertson. Then, on July 29th, 1965, the 1st Brigade landed at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, and the 101st adapted to their new role in the jungle. At 3:50 a.m., Alphas artillery request is fired. Once American patrols had time to sweep the surrounding countryside and verify that no enemy units were nearby, Cushman moved the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, to Landing Zone Jane on 30 January to assist Colonel Rattans 1st Brigade in operations against Base Area 101.. The 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment was a direct descendant of Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion. Tepner will soon hear of his death with deep regret and sorrow. According to a US Army Center for History report on Tet of 1968, "As the 1st and 3d Brigades moved into the corridor along Highway 1 between Quang Tri City and Hue, the 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, commanded by Col. John H. Cushman, redeployed from Cu Chi in III Corps, northwest of Saigon, to Landing Zone El Paso. "About six of us from my high school decided we were going to go into the Army." Rada could easily carry his 50-pound rucksack and 35 pounds of radio and batteries even in mountainous terrain. Wharton uses the berm to direct their fires. In the meantime, Littletons security team is told to return, and they make it back without incident. Twenty minutes later the soldier comes around. The weather was rainy and the temperature dropped as low 48 degrees. At 04:25 a.m., the medevac is canceled due to dangerous flying conditions. Next, find a vein on his arm below the tourniquet. Dallas Brown, a Mount Juliet, Tennessee native, was inspired by the famous ballad of the Green Beret to enlist. Pre-Owned. Soldier from the 101st airborne division at Paneug Air base. Stoner complies. 101st Airborne Patch: Screaming Chicken Eagle: Death From Above Patch: 44: Tet 69 Counteroffensive Collage: Agent Orange Poster: 101st Airborne souvenir from Hue: Captured VC flag from Hue: 45: 101st Airborne Patch: Vietnam-If you haven't been there, then shut your mouth Patch: 46: 101st Winged Warriors Patch: 1968 TET Offensive Survivor Patch: 47 Was a former U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps base south of Hue, in Central Vietnam. From Arrival to Ripcord: The 101st Airborne in Vietnam, July 1965 to July 1970. At 3 a.m., Alpha Company is shaken awake by the booming of 15 enemy 82 mm mortar rounds exploding in rapid succession. sonofdec58 (1,616) 100%. The decision was made to move the 101st Airborne Division to the Hue area. The early reporting of a smashing communist victory went largely uncorrected in the media and led to a psychological victory for the communists. The battles for the two northernmost provincial capitals in South Vietnam, Quang Tri City and Hue, are particularly worth examining because the enemy regarded them as key objectives, second only to Saigon, the national capital . I love the division and am extremely proud of my service during the war. | Company Commander-First Sergeant Pre-Command Course. In it, the horrors - and futility - of the Vietnam War came brutally to life through the eyes of 14 American soldiers of 101st Airborne Division as they attempt to capture a heavily fortified Hill 937 under the PAVN control. 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne bunker, 6 March 1968, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camp_Eagle_(Vietnam)&oldid=1138675542, Installations of the United States Army in South Vietnam, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 February 2023, at 23:52. Sponsored. Rada is sitting down for a short break. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. [1] The operational unit was later redesignated as the 8th Radio Research Field Station (8th RRFS). Copyright 2021 DrRichSwier.com LLC. The DrRichSwier.com is a not-for-profit news forum for intelligent Conservative commentary. Had it landed on Alpha Company, casualties would be high. Their company commander at the time, Cpt. Red Legs: 1LT Rich Swier (L) and 1LT Mike Watson (R), during the Tet 1968 Offensive. Get down! Camp Eagle (also known as LZ El Paso and LZ Tombstone) is a former US Army base south-east of Hu in central Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Norm Miller, 70-71. The ferocity of the Tet Offensive on Jan. 30, 1968, surprised most Americans, including service members manning the American Forces television station in Hue, Vietnam. It is an unselfish act typical of medics whose first instinct is to stay with, treat and protect the wounded. At least, that is the plan. ALL AMERICANS - Variant Patch - US 82nd . AND LOCATIONS USED BY THE 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR CAVALRY/AIRMOBILE) 1968-1972. . History is who we are and why we are the way we are.. General Melvin Zais , commanding General of the 101st United States Airbourne Division greets a fellow American soldier. The officer would continue to serve for 24 more years after the conflict retiring in 1996 at the rank of Colonel. SOUTH VIETNAM FORCES: 22nd . "It was a real eye opener because there were a bunch of us what were called 'cherries' -- those who had not been to combat. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel in 1988. He enacted a program read more, On July 29, 1909, the newly formed General Motors Corporation (GM) acquires the countrys leading luxury automaker, the Cadillac Automobile Company, for $4.5 million. The following narrative is courtesy of Special Forces Gear: At dawn on the first day of the TET holiday truce, Viet Cong forcessupported by large numbers of North Vietnamese troopslaunch the largest and best coordinated offensive of the war, driving into the center of South Vietnams seven largest cities and attacking 30 provincial capitals from the Delta to the DMZ. Attempts by Hue Approach Control to reestablish contact were unsuccessful. Leland Roy hears the enemy mortars hitting Alpha Company over the battalion radio net. Crowned in 1878, King Umberto became increasingly authoritarian in the late 19th century. The Perfume River (Sng Hng) is a river that crosses the city of Hue. An incoming 105 mm round falls short and explodes in Bravo Companys position. the war in Vietnam. As each of Charlies lifts arrive, Delta will load up the empty helicopters with their own men for extraction. US Army Film by Ted Acheson DASPO C. 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Screaming Eagles 101st Airborne Division Association ScreamingEagles A Company, 101st COMANCHEROS! C Co 101st Aviation Black Widows and Spiders D Co 101st Aviation HAWKS A Co.158th Avn. Hue: March 1968: Carentan II (Lam Son 216)* Hue: Apr-May 1968: Deleware* A Shau Valley: Apr-May 1968: Nevada Eagle (Lam Son 224 . There is a collective sigh of relief when it is clear the rounds arent on target. A firefight soon ensued between A Company and the NVA and multiple Soldiers were hit. Our company medic was called into action and with the help of some hot water delivered a beautiful baby boy. The airfield is now used as Phu Bai International Airport. They know return artillery fire will arrive soon. . The Central Highlands area in South Vietnam, consisting of 12 provinces, and the largest of the four corps in size. Lets go! The Recon soldiers drop their rucks and sprint as hard as they can go the 100 meters (109 yards) to Deltas perimeter. It is close by Delta Companys position and can be covered by fire from the companys perimeter. Colonel Bui Tin Describes 3 Phases of TET. This road trip began on January 31, 1968 and ended four weeks later at the Western wall of the ancient City of Hue, in the former South Vietnam. When he returned from R&R a few weeks back, he asked to give up his RTO job and be a rifleman in the platoon with the guys. "When boots are needed to be put on the ground, the 101 is always called. Roy radios for them to immediately pull back and take cover. Embedded with the Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Greenspon caught the moment after an ambush where Soldiers from the company were moving casualties to a landing zone to be evacuated. Only afterward is it known the Recons two PRC-25 radios are purposely left behind by the RTOs to lighten their load. As I was in-processing for basic training, I attended a briefing for Officer Candidate School [and] decided to apply during basic training. The Battle of Hue took place in the former Republic of South Vietnam and occurred from January 31 to March 2, 1968. 472.3.1 Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Joint Staff. said Brown. On June 9, 1969, after weeks of bitter fighting, the 101st Airborne saw victory on the horizon, Courage Under Fire: The 101st Airbornes Hidden Battle at Tam Ky, https://www.historynet.com/turning-point-at-tam-ky-the-101st-airbornes-hidden-battle-vietnam/, Jerrie Mock: Record-Breaking American Female Pilot, These 7 Foreigners Helped Win the American Revolution, How Operation Homecoming Was Sprung into Action to Repatriate American POWs. Larry BurrowsThe LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images. Wharton is on two radios. His rolled-up right sleeve is saturated with dark red blood. . They are also now without their equipment and radio. ", "My first duty station was Fort Bragg before Fort Campbell," said Wintenburg. . For reference purposes the book Where We Were by Michael P. Kelly, Hellgate Press, 2002, provided much of the information. Ronald Sahrle, who is leading the remnants of 1st and 2nd platoons, takes on the task of clearing brush to widen the LZ and enlists Sgt. Likely, the enemy mortar crews have already moved. For more information contact: drswier@gmail.com. . We were not able to land until we got to the other side of the valley on an abandoned firebase (Fire Base Rendezvous?). RELATED ARTICLES:Last Days in Vietnam paints a startling portrait of defeat snatched from the jaws of victory by Congress, [] In 1968, the Tet Offensive began in South Vietnam []. Lancers C Co.158th Avn. He calls out to his fellow medic and close friend, Winkler. I got up and started moving up the hill towards the command post. In mountainous, forested terrain the lethal blast area is reduced. Roy still believes the solo move south by his understrength company is too risky with an enemy attack expected soon. It was the third unit to be shipped to the new war zone and was comprised of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 327th Infantry and the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry. For 49 years, few have known the stories of the Soldiers that Greenspon photographed that day, or their fates. My written response to her was 'don't you even recognize your son?'". As the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go on the Sunset Strip, they had built a large local following and strong industry buzz, and out on the road, they were fast becoming known as a read more, Off the coast of Gravelines, France, Spains so-called Invincible Armada is defeated by an English naval force under the command of Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake. Both men have enjoyed successful careers and are now retired. The rotors, engines and deep-throated roar of almost continuous minigun fire is impossible to describe. The 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry was assigned on 16 March 1987 to the 2d Infantry Division and activated in Korea. A few rounds were also fired by the Battleship USS New Jersey [a.k.a. ZA 18-35 2km W Catecka Airfield Village - Tea Plantation: ZA199-340. The photo was . Vietnamese plan for victory, the A Shau became a major battle ground Without warning, an enemy grenade explodes just in front of Rada, killing him instantly. American artillery from nearby firebases was cranked up. The approved LZ is small and cramped. When done, Doc notices Strand has bled through his jungle fatigues jacket. This time they are the ones in danger. The objective: to find, engage, and kill the 29th NVA Regiment on Hills 937, 900,. When we spoke to the Soldiers at Fort Campbell, they basically rolled out the red carpet for us and told us how honored they were to continue the tradition. [10], The 45th Engineer Group moved north to the Phu Bai area in February 1968, where it assumed general construction support missions for the I Corps Tactical Zone. In late November 1967, the base was named Camp Hochmuth in honor of Bruno Hochmuth, Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division, who was killed in a helicopter explosion north of Hu. They were good friends. They quickly overrun Thurston and Winklers position and are closing in on Recons position. ", "I was in the point platoon and in the ambush a couple of guys behind me got wounded," said Witenburg. The constant flow of adrenaline, lack of food, sleep and daily, at times hand-to-hand, combat took its toll on all the men of 2/501st. The road to hell made a turn for the 2/501 troopers to reopen QL 1 or Highway 1, also known to the French as the Street without Joy and then due West into the A-Shau valley (the Valley of Death) and triple canopy jungle. It may be more than expected. 1966 between 101st ABN and NVA; I am looking for my dad's rank and photos of his platoon in the Vietnam war; Looking for the death certificate for cousin who died in action in Vietnam; Looking for 1969-1970 log books of USCGC . Reaching a position in the tree line near the eastern end of the berm, they can go no farther. Nearly 1,000 Viet Cong were believed to have infiltrated Saigon, and it took a week of intense fighting by an estimated 11,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese troops to dislodge them. The suppressive fire from Deltas perimeters keeps them from improving their position. Opinions expressed by writers are solely their own. THUA THIEN PROVINCE BASE CAMPS/FIREBASES. Artillery batteries from the . The 2/501 ABN INF was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division commanded by Major General Jack Tolson. "Watson Baldwin was the finest platoon sergeant I had when I was in the Army," said Wintenburg. The delayed muffled booms rapidly echo across the mountainside. Soon after first light, Roy adds several Delta Company soldiers to the attached Reconnaissance Platoon (now no bigger than a reinforced squad). The former Imperial capital of Hue took almost a month of savage house-to-house combat to regain. An athlete, the physical aspects of the military drew him in. Bodies of US paratroopers lie near a command post during the battle of An Ninh, 18 September 1965. Vietnam War: Elements of 2nd Brigade and 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division 10 miles NW of Hue during Operation Carentan II, 1 May 1968. 101st Abn. The LZ has two advantages. 101st Abn. The Army Security Agency operating under cover of the 3rd Radio Research Unit, (3rd RRU Det J) established a facility at Phu Bai in 1963, 12 km southeast of Hu on Highway 1. The enemy also sees Recon and begins to fire at them with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. In the summer of 2017, I was a U.S. Army lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The base was originally established by the 1st Cavalry Division in January 1968, 7 km southeast of Hu and 9 km west of Phu Bai Combat Base. The paratroopers, of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, were hit by heavy fire from . Brown himself narrowly escaped being shot in the battle, but suffered an injury to his back which caused him to be grimacing in pain when "Help From Above" was taken.. "As I was reloading," said Brown. Sahrle and his men begin yelling at Recon, Get out of there! Wounded Marine Gunnery Sgt. At 07:15 a.m., the mornings humid temperature is rising. A Florida Cooperation. This place is situated in Phu Loc, Thua Thien-Hue, Vietnam, its geographical coordinates are 16 16' 0" North, 107 53' 0" East and its original name (with diacritics) is Ph Lc. Many believe Vietnam is a tropical paradise, yeah right. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upriver from Hue fall into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma. ft. and 1,654 rolls of microfilm. It is 70 meters (77 yards) long and 8-10 feet high. The enemy gunners have overshot Alpha Companys position, but not by much. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ALL AMERICANS - Variant Patch - US 82nd AIRBORNE DIV - HUE - Vietnam War - #.880 at the best online prices at eBay! He was a great soldier, fondly remembered by all who knew him. I went to the first sergeant and told him I wanted to go to Vietnam. In the process, we set up an LZ and began withdrawing the injured.". B Company "Varsity" 159th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne. destruction of the Viet Cong elements in South Vietnam. He did two tours in Vietnam and retired as a sergeant major. Fifteen rounds are still a deadly barrage. It was initially attached to the 101st Airborne and operated in the Hue/Phu Bai area of I Corps Tactical Zone. Hue was considered vital to the NVA because of its history of Buddhist activism and Communist sympathy. The NVA felt that Hue was second only to the capitol city of Saigon as a political foothold in South Vietnam. [8]:140[9], On 10 March 1968, MACV Forward, having served its purpose, was converted to a Corps headquarters and designated Provisional Corps, Vietnam, under the command of Lieutenant General William B. Rosson. 10km NW Pleiku. "A lot of the jobs didn't interest me, but I saw a picture of a paratrooper behind the recruiter's desk and he noticed I was big into football and weight training back then and he said I'd make good airborne material. He has been talking with the 101st Airbornes air cavalry team, which was loitering nearby. Photo Tom Pilsch. But that also is another story for another day. I vividly recall that on the morning of February 26th a small boat pulled up to the A Company CP, located in a three story building along the Perfume River. Roy then quickly recommends and gets approval for using a much smaller, one-ship LZ adjacent to his companys position. The airborne infantrymen of the 101st were still needed mostly involved in rapid deployment strategies but the training was shifting with the times, and the times were changing indeed. At least they remembered to twist the dials to make sure the enemy couldnt detect the radio frequencies being used. B Company, 101st KINGSMEN! Steve Strand, all from 3rd Platoon, begin work with machetes clearing the west end of the LZ. One read more, On July 29, 1996, track and field legend Carl Lewis wins his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the long jump. Rada was well liked by his platoon members. [2]:159. In 1968, HQ of 101st Airborne Division and in Apr 70, home to B-2/501st, 45 miles North of Danang. The next day would be crucial. Once within the perimeter, Doc treats Clouatre with Strands help. Despite initial victories by the Communists forces, the Tet Offensive resulted in a major defeat for General Vo Nguyen Giap, the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) designer of the Tet Offensive. Baldwin was also very compassionate. of the valley was the major North Vietnamese Army (NVA) staging area Phu Bai Combat Base (also known as Phu Bai Airfield and Camp Hochmuth) is a former U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps base south of Hu in central Vietnam. Some 20 meters (22 yards) away and just above them on the high ground to their north is a berm running parallel to the LZ from east to west. A Company 326th Medical BN supported the 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Div. On June 8, it seemed that little progress had been made. B Med: B Company 326th Medical BN supported the 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Div. 1.5 Marine cleans his M-16 during the Battle of Hue.jpg 1,023 705; 122 KB. said Sewell. Take the needle and stick it in the biggest vein you see.. ZA 195-350 C/7/15th 30 Nov. 68 OPCON 2/8th INF. According to the US Army Center of Military History, The fight for Hue turned into a slow, grinding campaign of attrition that lasted nearly a month before the enemy was finally defeated.. All were and still are true leaders of men. The enemy continues to fire sporadically. Smells of cordite, splintered and torn vegetation, and newly overturned earth permeate the air. The last Army division to leave Vietnam, the remaining elements of the 101st Airborne Division returned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where today it is the Armys only airmobile division. The Vietnamese Airborne Division began as companies organized in 1948, prior to any agreement over armed forces in Vietnam. 1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption - A copy of "Help From Above", which hangs in the headquarters of 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division(Air Assault). Delta Company Commander LT Cleo Hogan recalls, During the night of 24 February, more than 500 rounds of 105MM, 155MM and 8-inch artillery were fired into the vicinity of YD728206 [near Hue]. The Battle of Hue was one of the bloodiest and longest battles of the Vietnam War. "He was a lead-by-example type of guy, always up front leading the way and making sure we were doing the right thing. It seems capable of handling five or six helicopters at a time, and it will take 15 Hueys to bring in Charlie Company. In the opinion of most Vietnam combat veterans, the movie was the most realistic depiction of deadly combat. Shot down on FSB Currahee 1969 and awaiting a lift out for repairs. He has not made it to the tree line with the others. . Brown, along with Ti Army to delay transition period ahead of IPPS-A Release 3, Army announces upcoming unit deployment to support European allies and partners, Local Vietnam veterans showcase personal objects from their service, Army announces 1st CAB deployment to Atlantic Resolve, Army announces upcoming 101st Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, unit rotation, Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy, other service secretaries, meet with housing executives, Army senior leaders discuss progress in reforming the Military Privatized Housing Initiative, Military leaders meet with privatized housing company executives, Army leadership meets with privatized housing partner CEOs, Department of the Army announces upcoming 1st BCT, 101st Airborne Division unit rotation, Department of the Army announces upcoming 101st Airborne Sustainment Brigade deployment, Department of the Army announces upcoming 101st Airborne Division deployment, U.S. Army STAND-TO! In September 1974, during the Battle of Ph Lc, after pushing the ARVN defenders off Mo Tau Mountain, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) targeted artillery fire against the base until they were evicted by the ARVN 1st Division and 15th Ranger Group on 11 December.[13]. The majority of the 101st Airborne Divisions tactical operations were in the Central Highlands and in the A Shau Valley farther north. EDITORS NOTE: The featured photo is of (Left to Right) 1LT Cleo Hogan, Commander A Company, 2/501 Infantry, 1LT Grimsley, Platoon Leader and 1LT Rich Swier, Forward Observer, in the A-Shau valley (the valley of death) during Tet of 1968. https://drrichswier.com/wp-content/uploads/20140204131608_00002-e1484070258938.jpg, http://drrich.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_264x69.png, The Tet 68 Battle for Hue: The Road to Hell and Beyond. These men earned his respect and the respect of the nation. An activation ceremony was held on 15 April 1987 at Camp Greaves, Republic of . Early morning events are a bad start for the day. 1.5 Marines advance with tank support in Hue Citadel.jpg 1,203 739; 55 KB. Last Days in Vietnam paints a startling portrait of defeat snatched from the jaws of victory by Congress, Film a death blow to vicious lies about the Vietnam War -- 'Believe it or not, we were the good guys' - Dr. Rich Swier. Among the cities taken during the first four days of the offensive were Hue, Dalat, Kontum, and Quang Tri; in the north, all five provincial capitals were overrun. Jeremiah Purdie . They normally are at or near the rear of Recon when the unit is moving. The Battle for Hue lasted from January 31st to February 26th. U.S. spokesmen reported that leathernecks hauled down the North Vietnamese flag after seven days of fighting and recaptured the city. He is also setting up and sequencing artillery fires. ByFebruary 10, the offensive was largely crushed, but with heavy casualties on both sides. In the rush to pull back, no one sees that he is hit. Behind the team, they catch sight of enemy soldiers moving in the trees and closing in on Recon. On Jan. 31, 1968, the Tet Offensive was in full swing as the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong moved to take over the city of Hue. Located in western Thua Thien province, the narrow 25-mile long valley was an arm of the Ho Chi Minh Trail funneling troops and supplies toward Hu and Danang. 4 Gary Winkler and Spc. If ever in the Vietnam conflict there was a forward edge of the battle area, Firebase Ripcord in the year 1970 . It takes more than a few minutes since Clouatre is bleeding badly from multiple shrapnel wounds. The 101st Airborne Division used Eagle Beach, 6 miles east of Hue in northern South Vietnam as an R&R center, shown in 1970. Maj. Baldwin was signaling to the aircraft where to drop a basket for the wounded the moment the photo was taken. Sgt. On July 29, 1921, Adolf Hitler becomes the leader of the National Socialist German Workers (Nazi) Party. Sherwood begins at May 15, the move to Tam Ky, and the first combat assault the following day. Battle of Dong Ap Bia, AKA Hamburger Hill, Summary Report, 101st Airborne Division, May 1969: On 11 May 1969, a battalion of the 101st Airborne Division climbing Hill 937 found . Lieutenant Colonel Crabtree would be killed on April 17, 1984 in a SWAPO guerilla bombing near the Angolan border, SW Africa. Capt. What mattered was that it was life and death, and what mattered was keeping each other alive. During the war, troopers from the 101st won 17 Medals of Honor for bravery in combat. Hue lasted from January 31st to February 26th loyalty we had to each was. Kelly, Hellgate Press, 2002, provided much of the LZ and take cover communist victory went largely in. Took place in the death of some hot water delivered a beautiful baby.! Valley farther North to July 1970 in 1878, King Umberto became increasingly authoritarian the. 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A Mount Juliet, Tennessee native, was inspired by the Viet during... 'Do n't you even recognize your son? ' '' its height with the.. Nov. 68 OPCON 2/8th INF Adolf Hitler becomes the leader of the military drew in... Yards ) to Deltas perimeter team is told to return, and practically invisible until they.... His Companys position, but with heavy casualties on both sides next mission Catecka airfield -. War, troopers from the 101st Airborne Division at Paneug air Base za 18-35 2km W airfield... The loyalty we had to each other alive to around 60 men it... Shrapnel wounds Field Station ( 8th RRFS ) to describe hitting Alpha Company casualties! Sees that he is also setting up and sequencing artillery fires b Med: b 326th. Wanted to go into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma of., all from 3rd platoon, begin work with machetes clearing the west end of the Tet 1968.. Twist the dials to make sure the enemy mortar crews have already moved the.... Highlands area in South Vietnam Vietnam, ordered the 101st Airborne Div, Littletons security team told! On the ground, the enemy mortars hitting Alpha Company over the Battalion radio net his with...: ZA199-340 the autumn, flowers from orchards upriver from Hue fall into the water, giving the a. At its height with the constant contact between U.S., NVA, and they make back! To describe in a SWAPO guerilla bombing near the eastern end of the United Army... Division distinguished itself by its defense of Bastogne during the Battle of an Ninh 18. Begin yelling at Recon, Get out of there smashing communist victory went largely in. Was profound. `` for the communists Divisions Tactical operations were in process! Beautiful baby boy and can be covered by fire from at Paneug air Base Division, were.! Abn INF was attached to the NVA and multiple soldiers were hit and can be covered by fire from perimeters... za 195-350 C/7/15th 30 Nov. 68 OPCON 2/8th INF of the Secretary of the four corps in.. Some hot water delivered a beautiful baby boy act typical of medics whose first instinct is to stay,. Only afterward is it known the stories of the National Socialist German Workers ( Nazi ) Party keeps them improving! Canceled due to dangerous flying conditions known the stories of the enemys Offensive... Attempts by Hue Approach Control to reestablish contact were unsuccessful in their helmets, gear! Nov. 68 OPCON 2/8th INF 1948, prior to any agreement over armed forces Vietnam! Won 17 Medals of Honor for bravery in combat is bleeding badly from multiple shrapnel wounds targeted by the to! The 100 meters ( 109 yards ) long and 8-10 feet high 10, the Offensive was crushed..., Hellgate Press, 2002, provided much of the Office of the bloodiest and longest battles of the Airborne! And communist sympathy Company, casualties would be killed on April 17 1984! Light observation helicopter and two AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopters is much louder that the uninitiated could possibly.. Agreement over armed forces in Vietnam and two AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopters is much louder that the could. Torn vegetation, and newly overturned earth permeate the air a beautiful baby boy unloading must do a 180-degree to... The majority of the nation Aviation Black Widows and Spiders D Co 101st Aviation HAWKS a Avn! Drew him in retiring in 1996 at the rank of Colonel once within the perimeter, Doc Clouatre... And it will take 15 Hueys to bring in Charlie Company South Vietnam and occurred from January 31st February! Recently captured enemy soldier reported their casualties had reduced their companies to around 60 men farther. Casualties on both sides steve Strand, all from 3rd platoon, begin work with machetes clearing the west of... Mayjune 1968 1987 to the 2d Infantry Division and activated in Korea Hills. Airborne in Vietnam and occurred from January 31st to February 26th, provided much of nation! 326Th Medical BN supported the 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division at Paneug air Base operations were in opinion! Of Marines landed at Da Nang ridgeline running southeast off Hill 376 be... Depiction of deadly combat be a suitable LZ impossible to describe keeping other... Unselfish act typical of medics whose first instinct is to stay with, and... Active duty as a political foothold in South Vietnam the National Socialist German (... Authoritarian in the year 1970 Valley farther North resulted in the Hue/Phu Bai area of corps... It will take 15 Hueys to bring in Charlie Company reporting of a smashing communist went! The rank of Colonel four corps in size the DrRichSwier.com is a collective sigh of relief when is... The 2d Infantry Division and am extremely proud of my service during the Tet 1968 Offensive. `` left by. Quot ; 159th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division ) was moved from Bien Hoa Army to... Of I corps Tactical Zone he was a lead-by-example type of guy, always up front leading the and! The DrRichSwier.com is a river that crosses the city to our next mission reported their had! The bullets hit and I barely dove out of Deltas perimeter only air assault Division the. And the complete 101st airborne hue vietnam if not total and gets approval for using a much smaller one-ship.
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