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Contact Info
Date of Passing Nov 18, 1997
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
"Lam Nut Bau troi, Rung chuyen Trai Dat" (Crack the Sky, Shake the Earth)
~ Signal to communist forces telling them to commence the greatest battle in the history of Vietnam. The Tet '68 offensive was countrywide and well coordinated, with more than 80,000 communist troops striking more than 100 towns and cities. The Saigon region was among those areas hit.
MG Mearns was heavily involved in defending that region. He was in constant overflight contact with the 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry Regiment forces counter attacking and defending Saigon from hostile NVA forces. The 25th Infantry Division was a major factor in relieving Saigon from enemy forces.
Other Comments:
Most of the profile information was taken from a bio published in the Tropic Lightning News dated 2 Oct 1967.
Filmore Kennady Mearns is the son of BG Robert Walker Mearns and Ethel Brown Mearns. BG Mearns is also went to West Point & was interim commander of the 17th Division in WWI. Filmore Mearns was born 20 Sep 1915. The 1920 US census shows he was born in Utah. Brother's are Dr. Robert B Mearns and James B. Mearns. Filmore Mearns was married to Elizabeth Mary Boles. Daughter is Nancy Elizabeth Mearns. This information was provided by Major John Moore
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase III Campaign (1967-68)
From Month/Year
June / 1967
To Month/Year
January / 1968
Description This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.