Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most signifiThis campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.... More
Other Memories
On 12 January 1969 Colonel Hershel E. Chapman assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. The "Sykes? Regulars" then engaged in Operation Iron Mountain under LTC Hershel Chapman (Phase I which began 28 February 1969 and end on 10 August 1969. The battalion?s Tactical Area of Responsibility is located in the coastal lowland and southern Quang Ngai Province and is bordered on the west by jutting slopes of the Nui Lons and on the east by the South China Sea. The area is characterized by expansive stretches of rice paddies and inter-spread with tree lines and small hamlets. The 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry has done an extremely creditable job in accordance with mission assigned it by the Americal Infantry Division and began Phase II of Iron Mountain from 11 August 1969 to 01 May 1970. During May 30, 1969 Major Wayne C. Harrington assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. On June 26, 1969 Colonel Robert E. Wilson assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. By the end of July 1969 the major units of the 3rd NVA Division operations in the Duc Pho and Mo Duc Area of Operation was cut back greatly and the Pacification Programs began to start taking hold. During the past periods of the operation, "Sykes? Regulars" have worked extensively with South Vietnamese forces in the area and have demonstrated the viability and effectiveness of integrated allied efforts. The Battalion has conducted numerous combined operations chiefly with the ARVN Regiment with the 147th and 172nd Regional forces companies. Also with the 106th, 215th, 216th, and 217th Popular Forces Platoons; local National Police units and Popular Self Defense Forces in the Du Ho and the Mo Duc Districts, and Provincial Reconnaissance Unit soldiers working with MACV advisors. The compatibility of the allied forces was evidenced on 24 October 1969 when eight men from Bravo Company were awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. The Battalion?s civic actions, psychological warfare and information programs have steadily approached fruitaltion during Operation Iron Mountain. One of the most notable of the pacification programs was the upgrading of four "New Life" hamlets at An Di Dinh, My Thuan, Vinh Bac, and Vien Nam, five miles north of Duc Pho. A dramatic example of the Battalion?s concern for the welfare of the Vietnamese civilians occurred on 30 October 1969, when a driving two-day rain virtually caused the complete inundation of several small hamlets along Highway One. "Sykes? Regulars" pooled their resources and considerable efforts to evacuate 127 civilians to the high, safe ground of LZ Liz. They were provided with emergency supplies of food and clothing and sanitation facilities were constructed for their connivance. December 1969 Colonel Arthur F. Fischer took command of 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. During Operation Iron Mountain from 1 January to 1July, 1970, the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry achieved noticeable success by specifically targeting its operations against the enemy it faced. Enemy forces within the battalion against the enemy it faced. Enemy forces within the battalion area of operations were, for the most part, local force guerrilla units that operated in squad-size elements. To counter this type of enemy, the battalion geared its operations to that of the enemy by using squad-size elements on ambushes and patrols. This action accounted for a large per cent of all the battalion operations conducted during the reported period.
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressiThis campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressive allied ground operations. Between 23 February and 8 June 1969, a total of 70 significant named ground operations were terminated resulting in heavy enemy loss of life and materiel. The main operations concluded during this period were:
(1). The 3d Marine Division's Operation KENTUCKY aimed at preventing enemy infiltration through the Demilitarized Zone in central Quang Tri Province. Throughout the early part of January 1969, Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army forces continued to avoid major contacts with Free World Forces. Their continual movement to avoid friendly forces or to search for food and supplies contributed to a decrease in the enemy-initiated ground attacks and attacks-by-fire in Quang Tri Province.
(2). Operation NEVADA EAGLE, initiated on 17 May 1968 in Thua Thien Province, continued in 1969 as the U.S. 101st Airborne Division continued to defeat enemy personnel, and capture rice caches, material, and installations within its large area of operations, where it undertook offensive sweeps along Route 547 and around Song Bo.
(3). Two battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment were engaged in Operation SCOTLAND II. Initiated on 15 April 1968, this multi-battalion search and clear operation was centered in and around Khe Sanh.
(4). The IV Corps Tactical Zone Dry Weather Campaign began on 1 December 1968 in support of the overall mission to prevent Viet Cong units from interfering with pacification efforts. This operation, "Speedy Express," interdicted lines of enemy communication and denied him the use of base areas. In 1969 the 1st Brigade, 9th U.S. Infantry Division continued the operation in Dinh Tuong Province, using its highly successful night ambush tactics while the 2d Brigade continued its mission with the Mobile Riverine Force. Although engagements in Operation SPEEDY EXPRESS were typically small, the 9th Infantry Division fought several sizeable engagements with impressive results.
On 23 February U.S. Navy units and installations at Da Nang, Tan An, Ben Luc, Go Dan Ha, and Tra Cu came under numerous and widespread attacks associated with a new enemy offensive, but since many units in these areas were poised to meet these attacks they caused only minimal damage. April saw the heaviest cumulative enemy activity in the barrier interdiction camapign to date.... More
Description This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This project was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown.... More
On 12 January 1969 Colonel Hershel E. Chapman assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. The "Sykes? Regulars" then engaged in Operation Iron Mountain under LTC Hershel Chapman (Phase I which began 28 February 1969 and end on 10 August 1969. The battalion?s Tactical Area of Responsibility is located in the coastal lowland and southern Quang Ngai Province and is bordered on the west by jutting slopes of the Nui Lons and on the east by the South China Sea. The area is characterized by expansive stretches of rice paddies and inter-spread with tree lines and small hamlets. The 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry has done an extremely creditable job in accordance with mission assigned it by the Americal Infantry Division and began Phase II of Iron Mountain from 11 August 1969 to 01 May 1970. During May 30, 1969 Major Wayne C. Harrington assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. On June 26, 1969 Colonel Robert E. Wilson assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. By the end of July 1969 the major units of the 3rd NVA Division operations in the Duc Pho and Mo Duc Area of Operation was cut back greatly and the Pacification Programs began to start taking hold. During the past periods of the operation, "Sykes? Regulars" have worked extensively with South Vietnamese forces in the area and have demonstrated the viability and effectiveness of integrated allied efforts. The Battalion has conducted numerous combined operations chiefly with the ARVN Regiment with the 147th and 172nd Regional forces companies. Also with the 106th, 215th, 216th, and 217th Popular Forces Platoons; local National Police units and Popular Self Defense Forces in the Du Ho and the Mo Duc Districts, and Provincial Reconnaissance Unit soldiers working with MACV advisors. The compatibility of the allied forces was evidenced on 24 October 1969 when eight men from Bravo Company were awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. The Battalion?s civic actions, psychological warfare and information programs have steadily approached fruitaltion during Operation Iron Mountain. One of the most notable of the pacification programs was the upgrading of four "New Life" hamlets at An Di Dinh, My Thuan, Vinh Bac, and Vien Nam, five miles north of Duc Pho. A dramatic example of the Battalion?s concern for the welfare of the Vietnamese civilians occurred on 30 October 1969, when a driving two-day rain virtually caused the complete inundation of several small hamlets along Highway One. "Sykes? Regulars" pooled their resources and considerable efforts to evacuate 127 civilians to the high, safe ground of LZ Liz. They were provided with emergency supplies of food and clothing and sanitation facilities were constructed for their connivance. December 1969 Colonel Arthur F. Fischer took command of 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. During Operation Iron Mountain from 1 January to 1July, 1970, the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry achieved noticeable success by specifically targeting its operations against the enemy it faced. Enemy forces within the battalion against the enemy it faced. Enemy forces within the battalion area of operations were, for the most part, local force guerrilla units that operated in squad-size elements. To counter this type of enemy, the battalion geared its operations to that of the enemy by using squad-size elements on ambushes and patrols. This action accounted for a large per cent of all the battalion operations conducted during the reported period.