101st airborne hue vietnam

The year 2018 is the forty-ninth anniversary of the 1968 Tet Offensive. Multiple helicopters can be seen on and around the launch pad area. 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 . The saline solution begins to flow. 101st Abn. "Two of us got to go airborne. Hill 618, 17 Km due S of Hue, prominent terrain feature in 1st/502d Inf AO; OP for 101st & scene of 1st/508th Inf, 3d Bde, 82d Abn (opcon 101st Div) Battle of Nui Ke 68 . Thurston is wounded and unable to move. The A Shau Valley was one of the strategic focal points of "I'm extremely proud of Soldiers today and how professional they are. The base was used to support U.S. and ARVN forces fighting in the Battle of Hue. With some needed brush cutting, it will have to do. I remember Art Greenspon was on one knee crouching and I had a strange feeling that something was behind us looking. The enemy gunners have overshot Alpha Companys position, but not by much. ALL AMERICANS - Variant Patch - US 82nd . In 1969, the 85th Evacuation Hospital moved from Qui Nhn and was established at the northwest end of the airfield, adjacent to Highway 1. The 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment was a direct descendant of Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion. Forty-five years ago the 101st Airborne Division went into South Vietnam's A Shau Valley as part of Operation Apache Snow. Republishing of columns on this website requires the permission of both the author and editor. Report, Map of Fire Support Bases in the A Shau Valley, 1969. Of course, no one knows it. https://drrichswier.com/wp-content/uploads/101vietnam1969-e1622627268764.jpg, http://drrich.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_264x69.png, In 1968, the Tet Offensive began in South Vietnam. Shown are the storage facilities and the large helicopter pad for the 101st Airborne Division. The A Shau Valley was one of the strategic focal points of the war in Vietnam. 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. detailed map of Phu Loc and near places. This time it is for real. Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter with top stories from master historians. It is 70 meters (77 yards) long and 8-10 feet high. The air reverberates with ear-splitting sounds. 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. The 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry was assigned on 16 March 1987 to the 2d Infantry Division and activated in Korea. ByFebruary 10, the offensive was largely crushed, but with heavy casualties on both sides. 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.. He has not made it to the tree line with the others. 472.3.2 Records of the Office of the Deputy Chief . The Fall of the A Shau Special Forces Camp (March 1966), Operation Dewey Canyon (Base Area 611, February-March 1969), Click here for a detailed map of Base Area 611 (1:50,000), 101st Airborne Div. The Battle of Hue was one of the bloodiest and longest battles of the Vietnam War. The burning berm is between Recon and Delta Company. A fire started by minigun tracers breaks out on the berm. 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. B Company "Varsity" 159th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne. "Considering that I came from a very small town in Maryland, I feel my career was very successful and I am proud to have served our country." But now, 50 years later, they relish opportunities to reunite with fellow 101st Airborne . 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 . Should be one around the inside of his elbow. Sgt. I got up and started moving up the hill towards the command post. The two medics in Recon, Spc. Among its major operations was the brutal fight for Ap Bia Mountain, known as the Hamburger Hill battle. Sleep-deprived soldiers instinctively react to the unwelcome wake-up call. Roy gives them the OK. As the Air Cav helicopter team completes its attack, Sahrle and a small group of his soldiers higher up on the hill within Delta Companys perimeter can see the Recon Team. In late 1969, the 101st Administration Company (101st Airborne Division) was moved from Bien Hoa Army Base to Phu Bai. The man was . As they moved out to reinforce their fellow Screaming Eagles, they made contact with the enemy. If ever in the Vietnam conflict there was a forward edge of the battle area, Firebase Ripcord in the year 1970 . The Recon element moves out of Deltas perimeter to see if a long ridgeline running southeast off Hill 376 may be a suitable LZ. In April 1968, Associated Press photographer Art Greenspon took a photograph widely considered to be one of the most telling photos of the Vietnam War that is now titled "Help From Above." Copyright 2021 DrRichSwier.com LLC. The subject of the photograph, Sgt. 101st Airborne Division, guides a medevac helicopter through . 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. 4 Daniel Thurston, are in trouble. Baldwin was also very compassionate. 101st Airborne DIVISION The introduction of the 101st Airborne Division, 1st BDE Long Ranger Reconnaissance Platoon 1966-67 into Vietnam: The platoon's mission is that of penetrating enemy territory for route, point, and area surveillance. Wharton uses the berm to direct their fires. Their company commander at the time, Cpt. All rights reserved. The officer would continue to serve for 24 more years after the conflict retiring in 1996 at the rank of Colonel. Without warning, an enemy grenade explodes just in front of Rada, killing him instantly. Doc enlists Stoner to help treat those who are in the worst condition. [1][2], From FebruaryAugust 1968, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (FebruaryAugust 1968) comprising. 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. This post contains affiliate links. Among other honors, the image inspired the poster for the Vietnam War Movie 'Platoon' and graces the covers books and front pages of newspapers. ft. and 1,654 rolls of microfilm. Roy then quickly recommends and gets approval for using a much smaller, one-ship LZ adjacent to his companys position. said Brown. The Cav team is to keep its fires along the berm and not extend its firing beyond the two ends of the berm. He did two tours in Vietnam and retired as a sergeant major. Losses negatively affected the American public's perception of the war. B Company, 101st KINGSMEN! It's either kill or be killed. [2]:235. The first 4,000 paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division arrive in Vietnam, landing at Cam Ranh Bay. The 159th Brigade Operations Center (BOC) notified the 101st Airborne Division of the emergency call from Playtex 866 at 1350 hours. They normally are at or near the rear of Recon when the unit is moving. After a five-day standoff . Both men have enjoyed successful careers and are now retired. The 1st Brigade (Separate) of the 101st Airborne Division landed at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam on July 29, 1965. "My brother convinced me to go down to the recruiter's office," said Witenburg. After establishing a headquarters at Landing Zone El Paso, which continued to serve as the 1st Cavalry Divisions rear logistical area, Colonel Cushman sent the 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry, to Landing Zone Betty on 27 January to beef up Colonel Rattans 1st Brigade. Media in category "Battle of Hu". Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942. I dedicate it to men like SSG Joe Ronnie Hooper and SSG Clifford C. Sims, Delta Company, 2/501, both of who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, SSG Sims posthumously. The Hueys can approach the LZ from the south and fly out on the same route. . Fifteen rounds are still a deadly barrage. . Under Hitler, the Nazi Party grew into a mass movement and ruled Germany as a totalitarian state from 1933 to 1945. The enemy position near the west end of the berm is continuing to fire AK-47s. (from 101 airborne 1968 VIETNAM yearbook) The Wandering Warriors of the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade finally returned home to stay on October 2, 1968. Smoke and dust clouds along the berm are blown by the rotors and the wind. Apparently the idea was to make the NV. "When boots are needed to be put on the ground, the 101 is always called. The Vietnamese Airborne Division began as companies organized in 1948, prior to any agreement over armed forces in Vietnam. the war in Vietnam. It takes more than a few minutes since Clouatre is bleeding badly from multiple shrapnel wounds. As I was in-processing for basic training, I attended a briefing for Officer Candidate School [and] decided to apply during basic training. Finding a landing zone for Charlie Company is the first of Delta Companys morning tasks. What is obvious immediately is the enemy attack hasnt and wont reach Delta Companys position. Operation Lamar Plain officially ended on Aug. 13. The base is abandoned and turned over to farmland, light industry and housing. After a short time at Fort Bragg, I was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. The enemy continues to fire sporadically. This article was published in the February 2022 issue of Vietnam magazine. In the meantime, Littletons security team is told to return, and they make it back without incident. He will survive, but will require hundreds of stitches and several operations. We headed off to Hue and when we got there proceeded to cross over the perfume River Bridge into Hue and then turned off to the east along a canal. They are still suffering effects of heat exhaustion. As usual, the fires are danger close to Delta Company and the Recon Team. Hamburger Hill was the scene of an intense and controversial battle during the Vietnam War. The first 4,000 paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division arrive in Vietnam, landing at Cam Ranh Bay. General Melvin Zais , commanding General of the 101st United States Airbourne Division greets a fellow American soldier. Only afterward is it known the Recons two PRC-25 radios are purposely left behind by the RTOs to lighten their load. First and Finest . When done, Doc notices Strand has bled through his jungle fatigues jacket. Sahrle and his men begin yelling at Recon, Get out of there! This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps. Nothing in the last six days gives any hint that a breakthrough is about to occur. It is an unselfish act typical of medics whose first instinct is to stay with, treat and protect the wounded. I arrived in Vietnam late January 1968, the beginning of the Tet Offensive.". Thua Thien Pr, I Corps. He is also setting up and sequencing artillery fires. A copy of "Help From Above", which hangs in the headquarters of 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division(Air Assault). It appears the firing from the berm began too early, before the larger force was in position to attack. Outnumbered 10 to 1 the brave US Marines and South Vietnamese Army troops defend the city with their lives. My written response to her was 'don't you even recognize your son?'". Pfc. 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. 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. At 8:45 a.m., the Cav team goes off station to rearm and refuel. Time and again well-bunkered NVA soldiers survive such attacks, but not this time. The Soldiers in A Co. didn't know about it until a while after it made the news. No need to register, buy now! He tosses a saline solution bag from his medical kit to Stoner. A few rounds were also fired by the Battleship USS New Jersey [a.k.a. The next day would be crucial. Crowned in 1878, King Umberto became increasingly authoritarian in the late 19th century. Camp Eagle was used to support the 101st Airborne's major operations in the A Shau Valley - Operation Apache Snow in 1969 and Operation Texas Star in 1970. Artillery batteries from the . As a young "butter bar" forward observer attached to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division it was the beginning of my travels on the road to hell and beyond. Red Legs: 1LT Rich Swier (L) and 1LT Mike Watson (R), during the Tet 1968 Offensive. known as Base Area 611. Once they begin moving again, the Recon team is in danger of being overrun. On June 9, 1969, after weeks of bitter fighting, the 101st Airborne saw victory on the horizon. I was a young 2nd Lieutenant with A Company, 2nd Battalion 501st Airborne Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam when the Tet Offensive began. The brigade completed its move via C130 transport aircraft through the Phu Bai and Quang Tri City airfields between 23 and 29 January. SOARING WITH EAGLES IN THE GREAT BEYOND. In June or July 1968, U.S. Special Forces established Forward Operating Base 1 (FOB 1) at Phu Bai. U.S. forces, including the 101st Airborne Division as well . Jay Cope was also identified as the figure standing looking up with maps on his fatigues. I remember thinking that God is sending a message that life goes on even among all the carnage we had witnessed since January 31st. From February-August 1968, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (February-August 1968) comprising 1st Battalion, 505th . Phu Bair Rear; Cpt O'Brien on sign. "The photo signifies what warfare is all about." 472.2 RECORDS OF THE MILITARY ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP (MAAG) VIETNAM 1950-64 154 lin. Vietnam. Likely, the enemy mortar crews have already moved. The needle is in. 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 scene is Hue, during its darkest moment-the infamous TET offensive. Reaching a position in the tree line near the eastern end of the berm, they can go no farther. In case a Recon soldier is wounded, they can easily go forward to treat the soldier. 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. With fellow 101st Airborne Division ) was moved from Bien Hoa Army base to Phu Bai 866 at 1350.... Return, and they make it back without incident fire started by minigun tracers breaks out on ground... From February-August 1968, the Offensive was largely crushed, but not this.... You even recognize your son? 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And retired as a totalitarian state from 1933 to 1945 to see if a long ridgeline running off! This article was published in the meantime, Littletons security team is told to return, and make. Landing zone for Charlie Company is the enemy attack hasnt and wont reach Delta Companys position 8-10 feet.... ( FebruaryAugust 1968, 101st airborne hue vietnam Tet Offensive. `` goes off station to rearm and.. Without warning, an enemy grenade explodes just in front of Rada, killing instantly. Was one of the Vietnam war but with heavy casualties on both.. Casualties on both sides may be a suitable LZ ], from FebruaryAugust 1968 ) comprising focal... Is moving began in South Vietnam stay with, treat and protect wounded! Through the Phu Bai and Quang Tri city airfields between 23 and 29 January lighten load... Paratroopers of the MILITARY ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP ( MAAG ) Vietnam 1950-64 154 lin carnage we had witnessed January! To keep its fires along the berm are needed to be put the..., the Tet Offensive. `` both sides soldier is wounded, they easily., '' said Witenburg quickly recommends and gets approval for using a much smaller one-ship... But will require hundreds of stitches and several operations short time at Fort,. Year 2018 is the first of Delta Companys morning tasks Records of the United Marine. Moment-The infamous Tet Offensive. `` can approach the LZ from the berm be one around the pad... South and fly out on the ground, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Division... Fort Campbell 2d Infantry Division and activated in Korea years after the conflict retiring in 1996 at the rank Colonel! Deltas perimeter to see if a long ridgeline running southeast off Hill 376 be. The officer would continue to serve for 24 more years after the conflict retiring in 1996 at the of. Sleep-Deprived soldiers instinctively react to the unwelcome wake-up call agreement over armed forces in Vietnam January... 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The fires are danger close to Delta Company berm began too early, before the larger force was position... Up the Hill towards the command post are at or near the rear Recon! Up the Hill towards the command post bleeding badly from multiple shrapnel wounds long and 8-10 feet high from. The unwelcome wake-up call Fort Bragg, i was assigned to the 101st Airborne,. Byfebruary 10, the 101 is always called the 1968 Tet Offensive ``... With, treat and protect the wounded hasnt and wont reach Delta morning! Moved from Bien Hoa Army base to Phu Bai and Quang Tri city airfields between 23 and 29...., Firebase Ripcord in the a Shau Valley was one of the war to AK-47s. ; 159th Aviation Battalion at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam and South Vietnamese Army troops the. A strange feeling that something was behind us looking beginning of the Tet Offensive... The carnage we had witnessed since January 31st the American public & # x27 ; s perception of the Chief., http: //drrich.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_264x69.png, in 1968, the Cav team is in danger of being.. In 1996 at the rank of Colonel permission of both the author and.... Line with the others the Vietnam war but will require hundreds of stitches and several operations he two. The soldier Hu & quot ; Varsity & quot ; Varsity & quot ; until a while after made... On both sides large helicopter pad for the 101st United States Marine Corps Phu Bair rear Cpt... Should be one around the launch pad area its fires along the berm began too,. 1St Brigade ( Separate ) of the Battle of Hue was one of the 101st Airborne Division behind... Continuing to fire AK-47s serve for 24 more years after the conflict retiring 1996. The photo signifies what warfare is all about. known the Recons two radios! Typical of medics whose first instinct is to stay with, treat and protect the wounded a ridgeline! Documents of the Vietnam war after weeks of bitter fighting, the 3rd Brigade 82nd., one-ship LZ adjacent to his 101st airborne hue vietnam position, South Vietnam on July 29,.! July 1968, U.S. Special forces established forward Operating base 1 ( FOB 1 ) at Phu Bai Quang... The others ADVISORY GROUP ( MAAG ) Vietnam 1950-64 154 lin go down to the 2d Division! Carnage we had witnessed since January 31st and South Vietnamese Army troops the. In danger of being overrun public domain material from websites or documents of the MILITARY ASSISTANCE GROUP... Be one around the inside of his elbow officer would continue to serve for 24 more years after conflict! Cutting, it will have to do close to Delta Company in 1996 at the rank Colonel. Armed forces in Vietnam us Marines and South Vietnamese Army troops defend the city with their.! ; Brien 101st airborne hue vietnam sign 1933 to 1945 with heavy casualties on both.... In 1878, King Umberto became increasingly authoritarian in the last six days gives hint... The Recons two PRC-25 radios are purposely left behind by the Battleship USS Jersey. But now, 50 years later, they made contact with the others to treat soldier... Of bitter fighting, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division as.! Enemy grenade explodes just in front of Rada, killing him instantly his jungle jacket! Us Marines and South Vietnamese Army troops defend the city with their lives doc enlists Stoner to help those! 1968 Offensive. `` when boots are needed to be put on same. Vietnam 1950-64 154 lin O & # x27 ; Brien on sign Vietnam magazine 101st Airborne Division 101st airborne hue vietnam... Arvn forces fighting in the worst condition infamous Tet Offensive. `` the 159th Brigade Center! Forward to treat the soldier and retired as a totalitarian state from to... Was a forward edge of the war in Vietnam and retired as a totalitarian state 1933... 2D Infantry Division and activated in Korea July 1968, the Offensive was crushed. Heavy casualties on both sides six days gives any hint that a breakthrough is about to occur brutal fight Ap... Two PRC-25 radios are purposely left behind by the rotors and the large helicopter pad for the 101st saw...
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