I vividly remember being in a makeshift bunker on a knoll when all hell broke loose on this very day forty-six years ago on January 30, 1968. There is a collective sigh of relief when it is clear the rounds arent on target. Let us never forget their shedding of blood, sweat and tears. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.. The LZ has two advantages. Tim Witenburg was a Los Angeles, California native who joined the Army partly to stay out of trouble. Camp Eagle (also known as LZ El Paso and LZ Tombstone) is a former US Army base south-east of Hu in central Vietnam. The saline solution begins to flow. Lyle Stoner is with 3rd Platoon in Delta Companys perimeter. ft. and 1,654 rolls of microfilm. Provisional Corps, Vietnam, was designated XXIV Corps on 12 August 1968. Their weapons are nearby. Their early identification of the enemy force moving toward Delta Company saved many lives. B Company, 101st KINGSMEN! 472.3.1 Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Joint Staff. For 49 years, few have known the stories of the Soldiers that Greenspon photographed that day, or their fates. The battalion plan from yesterday to have Charlie Company relieve Delta Company was postponed. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Artillery batteries from the . Among the soldiers in what was officially called Operation Lamar Plain was Lt. Ed Sherwood, a platoon leader in Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry. This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps. That wont happen until the enemy contact has ended. The 101st Airborne Division participated in the Division Operations beginning in 1967 when the 506th was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. At 3 a.m., Alpha Company is shaken awake by the booming of 15 enemy 82 mm mortar rounds exploding in rapid succession. Finding a landing zone for Charlie Company is the first of Delta Companys morning tasks. It seems capable of handling five or six helicopters at a time, and it will take 15 Hueys to bring in Charlie Company. The 159th Brigade Operations Center (BOC) notified the 101st Airborne Division of the emergency call from Playtex 866 at 1350 hours. 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. He has not made it to the tree line with the others. ", "The 101st will always be the only unit in my mind." He decided he wanted to be a paratrooper. Without warning, an enemy grenade explodes just in front of Rada, killing him instantly. Shot down on FSB Currahee 1969 and awaiting a lift out for repairs. This United States military article is a stub. At 1100 hours on the 25th, D Company joined by A company and C Company with almost 300 men on line, advancing on Hue At 1400 hours, a small Vietnamese boy (estimated age 10 years-old) fired a few rounds at members of D Company. He sends them out 200 meters (220 yards) to the southwest of Delta Companys position to search for a suitable LZ. 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 90th NVA Regiment was committed to its capture and defense. Married in a grand ceremony at St. Pauls Cathedral in the presence of 2,650 guests, the read more, In Monza, Italy, King Umberto I is shot to death by Gaetano Bresci, an Italian-born anarchist who resided in America before returning to his homeland to murder the king. It may be more than expected. Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter with top stories from master historians. He did two tours in Vietnam and retired as a sergeant major. I had just returned from Iraq and was working with Vietnam veterans who'd served in . 1969-72. A Navy ship in the South China Sea added its guns to the fight. Johnson, frustrated with his inability to reach a solution in Vietnam, announced on March 31, 1968, that he would neither seek nor accept the nomination of his party forre-election. Of course, no one knows it. The Battle of Hue took place in the former Republic of South Vietnam and occurred from January 31 to March 2, 1968. They normally are at or near the rear of Recon when the unit is moving. said Brown. | Company Commander-First Sergeant Pre-Command Course. 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. It is also in a swale with high ground immediately to its north and south, which provides protection from enemy observation and anti-aircraft fire. A Company, 101st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. It resulted in the death of some 45,000 NVA troops and the complete, if not total. OnFebruary 2, President Johnson announced that the Viet Cong had suffered complete military defeat. It is an ominous, unwelcome sound. The U.S. Congress passes legislation establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian agency responsible for coordinating Americas activities in space, on July 29, 1958. Doc, the company medic, bolts out from the company perimeter to the wounded men. November 28, 2014. Pfc. He was a great soldier, fondly remembered by all who knew him. Photograph by Carl Gernazio. "My mother wrote, 'this is why we worry about you.' They will run through the smoke and flame just as soon as the Cobra helicopters finish their attack. Twenty minutes later the soldier comes around. American Marines during Operation Prairie near the DMZ in Vietnam in Oct. 1966. In April of 1968 1st Brigade was in the A Shau Valley near the border of Laos, blocking enemy activity from entering South Vietnam along the Ho Chi Minh trail. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. The DrRichSwier.com is a not-for-profit news forum for intelligent Conservative commentary. Also known as "Eye Corps," this encompasses the five northernmost provinces in South Vietnam, along with two major cities Hue and Da Nang. It is an illusion. HistoryNet.com is brought to you by HistoryNet LLC, the worlds largest publisher of history magazines. However, inaccurately reported, the News Media made the three 1968 Tet Offensives famous. The Central Highlands area in South Vietnam, consisting of 12 provinces, and the largest of the four corps in size. On 28 July, Johnson announced that 50,000 U.S. troops would go to South Vietnam immediately. 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.. Discover more Vietnam War resources from the National Archives, or contact us to plan a research visit. He tosses a saline solution bag from his medical kit to Stoner. VARSITY. Red Legs: 1LT Rich Swier (L) and 1LT Mike Watson (R), during the Tet 1968 Offensive. SSG (later Captain) Hooper was second only to Audie Murphy in the number of awards and decorations with 37 compared to Murphys 38. The brigade . . Had it landed on Alpha Company, casualties would be high. The enemy doesnt return fire. The Recon element is still out. Roy is on the LZ checking the progress of the brush clearing just 30 feet to the east of when the enemy grenade explodes. Capt. Brown, who has the photo hanging in his house, along with the Screaming Eagle flag, explained why it was so memorable in his eyes. sonofdec58 (1,616) 100%. Vietnam: Military History Branch, Office of the Secretary . It was during this time that Greenspon snapped "Help From Above. 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. U.S. Marines and Vietnamese troops move through the grounds of the Imperial Palace in the old citadel area of Hue, Vietnam, on February 26, 1968, after seizing it from . Hitlers early years did not seem to predict his rise as a read more, By the beginning of 1967, The Doors were well-established members of the Los Angeles music scene. ", 101st Airborne Division Soldiers in famous Vietnam photo interviewed for first time, 101st Airborne Division Soldiers in famous Vietnam photo interviewed for first time. HistoryNet.com contains daily features, photo galleries and over 25,000 articles originally published in our nine magazines. [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. 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. Multiple helicopters can be seen on and around the launch pad area. Soldier from the 101st airborne division at Paneug Air base. Due to the weather air strikes were limited, thereby leveling the field of battle between my battalion and the 90th NVA Regiment. William Bushard, Sgt. Sculpture by Frederick Hart near The Vietnam Memorial Wall, Washington, DC. My written response to her was 'don't you even recognize your son?'". In the boat were a Vietnamese man and his very pregnant wife who was in labor. George Washington had complained vociferously about the flood of questionable foreign volunteers. 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. All Rights Reserved. They are still not wanting to disclose their position in the trees as they close in for the attack. At 3:50 a.m., Alphas artillery request is fired. Jay Cope was also identified as the figure standing looking up with maps on his fatigues. Forty years after the end of the Vietnam War, a collection of 58 photographs taken by the AP is being exhibited for the first time. Likely, the enemy mortar crews have already moved. Roy recalls the enemy attack mentioned in the recent intelligence report. Soldiers on the companys southwestern perimeter begin providing suppressive fire on the berm to cover their withdrawal. From February-August 1968, the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (February-August 1968) comprising 1st Battalion, 505th . During the Vietnam War, the USS Forrestal was often stationed off the coast read more, The so-called Son of Sam pulls a gun from a paper bag and fires five shots at Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti of the Bronx while they are sitting in a car, talking. ft. 472.3 RECORDS OF HEADQUARTERS OF THE U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND VIETNAM (MACV) 1958-73 2,270 lin. Elements of the 101st Airborne made clearing sweeps in the mountains and valleys along the route. The Marines were pinned down behind this wall near the old citadel and radioed for support. Stoner looks at the bag, the soldier and then back to Doc. 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. The enemy firing from the berm quickly ceases. Colonel Bui Tin Describes 3 Phases of TET. Doc enlists Stoner to help treat those who are in the worst condition. Photo courtesy of Norm Miller, 70-71. He has never done an IV before. "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." 472.2 RECORDS OF THE MILITARY ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP (MAAG) VIETNAM 1950-64 154 lin. 4 Nov 1968 Army Reporter Vietnam Communiqu for the period Oct 16-22 Hue, Thua Thien Province, I Corps-- In a week of light action paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division reported killing 20 enemy soldiers.During a reconnaissance-in-force operation eleven miles south of Hue, B/1-506th Infantry discovered an enemy basecamp composed of several huts and bunkers. A nighttime medevac is requested. On the day "Help From Above" was taken, Company A was tasked to assist Company C of the 2-327. The Virginian-born Boyd read more. Smells of cordite, splintered and torn vegetation, and newly overturned earth permeate the air. The group then remained in the Da Nang area until departing Vietnam. 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. Light casualties were reported by the command. While we tried to maneuver our way back to Vietnam, through the valley we were constantly taking fire. ZA 18-35 2km W Catecka Airfield Village - Tea Plantation: ZA199-340. On 14 April Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines replaced Task Force Alpha at Phu Bai. Maj. Watson Baldwin, who was a staff sergeant at the time and Sewell's platoon sergeant,, stands with his arms outstretched in the air signaling the incoming aircraft. Sahrle and his men begin yelling at Recon, Get out of there! Recon requests permission to drop their rucksacks and make a run for it. We were not able to land until we got to the other side of the valley on an abandoned firebase (Fire Base Rendezvous?). The Vietnamese Airborne Division (Binh chng Nhy d Vit Nam Cng ha) was one of the earliest components of the Republic of Vietnam Military Forces (Vietnamese: Qun lc Vit Nam Cng ha - QLVNCH). Their company commander at the time, Cpt. It was the year of the battle of Firebase Ripcord. At that time the enemy force was within 100 yards of Delta Company. No friendly casualties occur. In the rush to pull back, no one sees that he is hit. "Early that morning, Company A moved forward on a search and destroy operation," said retired Col. Tom Sewell, who was a first lieutenant and platoon leader in Company A at the time. It is close by Delta Companys position and can be covered by fire from the companys perimeter. "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. 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