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SGT Thomas Soltis
to remember
Rodriquez, Juan, SFC USA(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town New York, NY
Last Address Columbia, South Carolina
Date of Passing Apr 15, 2003
Location of Interment Florence National Cemetery (VA) - Florence, South Carolina
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase II Campaign (1966-67)/Battle of LZ Bird
From Month/Year
November / 1966
To Month/Year
November / 1966
Description At 0105H three NVA battalions from the 22d Regt used the two-day Christmas truce to move into position for a surprise attack on LZ Bird in the Kim Son Valley which was well away from their usual haunts in the Hoai Nhon Delta area.
The LZ was defended by only part of the C/1/12th Cav plus B/2/19th (105mm) and C/6/16th (155mm) artillery. All were understrength. It was within the artillery fan of two other FSBs. Initially the weather restricted air support operations. The NVA broke through the perimeter and occupied a few gun positions.
The 1st Cav soldiers fought back hand-to-hand and with everything they had. Finally, some of the 105s were cranked down to pointblank range and "beehive" rounds sliced through the attackers like scythes.
For the next two days, the 1st Cav pursued the fleeing NVA and made contact several times. At least 266 NVA died in this battle. Delbert Jennings won the Medal of Honor and would later become the CSM of the Division. Many ARA and armed CH-47 sorties were flown in support of this battle. Not only after this battle, the site at the bend in the river was deemed highly vulnerable and a new LZ BIRD was built on a hogback several miles farther to the east.