The DrRichSwier.com is a not-for-profit news forum for intelligent Conservative commentary. He tosses a saline solution bag from his medical kit to Stoner. Outnumbered 10 to 1 the brave US Marines and South Vietnamese Army troops defend the city with their lives. 10km NW Pleiku. ", 101st Airborne Division Soldiers in famous Vietnam photo interviewed for first time, 101st Airborne Division Soldiers in famous Vietnam photo interviewed for first time. Called the "valley of death" by troops fighting there, the fighting was some of toughest of the war at the time. 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. Explore more . Courtesy, Tony Mabb, History Buff. The deadly fire on the USS Forrestal began with the accidental launch of a rocket. "One of them started to shoot at me. 1970 was a year when the Currahees of the 2d Battalion (Airmobile) 506th Infantry (2/506) stood alone as never before. For 49 years, few have known the stories of the Soldiers that Greenspon photographed that day, or their fates. They were good friends. I remember Art Greenspon was on one knee crouching and I had a strange feeling that something was behind us looking. It appears the firing from the berm began too early, before the larger force was in position to attack. The battalion plan from yesterday to have Charlie Company relieve Delta Company was postponed. The photo was . . He will survive, but will require hundreds of stitches and several operations. It spreads quickly, fanned by the rotor wash and wind and soon engulfs the length of the berm. Doc reassures him, Ill talk you through it. One step at a time, Stoner follows the medics instructions, Put the tourniquet on his upper arm good and tight. Vietnam War: Elements of 2nd Brigade and 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division 10 miles NW of Hue during Operation Carentan II, 1 May 1968. In the rush to pull back, no one sees that he is hit. HistoryNet.com is brought to you by HistoryNet LLC, the worlds largest publisher of history magazines. Elements of 101st Airborne Division, the 1st Cavalry Division and 5th Marine Regiment were the major units committed in the Battle for Hue. Militarily, the Tet Offensive was a total defeat of the Communist forces on all fronts. These men earned his respect and the respect of the nation. Brown and Witenburg processed out of the Army soon after their return and soon joined the civilian workforce. Shown are the storage facilities and the large helicopter pad for the 101st Airborne Division. 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. Staff Sgt. Forty-five years ago the 101st Airborne Division went into South Vietnam's A Shau Valley as part of Operation Apache Snow. For reference purposes the book Where We Were by Michael P. Kelly, Hellgate Press, 2002, provided much of the information. What mattered was that it was life and death, and what mattered was keeping each other alive. Red Legs: 1LT Rich Swier (L) and 1LT Mike Watson (R), during the Tet 1968 Offensive. At the end of April 1968 the 2nd Brigade Task Force (three infantry battalions, one cavalry squadron, artillery, and other units) of the 101st Airborne Division was operating north of Hue. For the civil airport use of this facility after 1975, see, "MASS-2 Command Chronology - January 1966", "MASS-2 Command Chronology - November 1968", "Command History January 1972 - March 1973 Volume I", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phu_Bai_Combat_Base&oldid=1133837987, HMM-164 (December 1967 February 1968, JuneNovember 1968), HMM-362 (December 1967 May 1968, OctoberNovember 1968), This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 19:34. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ALL AMERICANS - Variant Patch - US 82nd AIRBORNE DIV - HUE - Vietnam War - #.880 at the best online prices at eBay! Copyright 2021 DrRichSwier.com LLC. The delayed muffled booms rapidly echo across the mountainside. [1] The operational unit was later redesignated as the 8th Radio Research Field Station (8th RRFS). . On Jan. 31, 1968, the Tet Offensive was in full swing as the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong moved to take over the city of Hue. Roy knows the medic and the wounded men are in danger and yells for them to pull back to the companys perimeter. However, inaccurately reported, the News Media made the three 1968 Tet Offensives famous. Series of villes that straddled QL-1 approximately 22 km Southeast of Hue and from 2-5 km Southeast Phu Bai CB. Constituted on 15 November 1962 in the Regular Army, it became an element of the 101st . (Allen W. Sims Collection) Full size 1255 1211 Post navigation. Soon after first light, Roy adds several Delta Company soldiers to the attached Reconnaissance Platoon (now no bigger than a reinforced squad). He was a great soldier, fondly remembered by all who knew him. Stoner looks at the bag, the soldier and then back to Doc. It was the year of the battle of Firebase Ripcord. "When boots are needed to be put on the ground, the 101 is always called. 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. Multiple helicopters can be seen on and around the launch pad area. In the process, we set up an LZ and began withdrawing the injured.". Was a former U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps base south of Hue, in Central Vietnam. Handset in each hand. In the far right, a helmetless Soldier, Sgt. Ronald Sahrle, who is leading the remnants of 1st and 2nd platoons, takes on the task of clearing brush to widen the LZ and enlists Sgt. Tepner will soon hear of his death with deep regret and sorrow. The burning berm is between Recon and Delta Company. On 30/31 January 1968, the base was hit by Vietcong mortar and rocket fire as part of the TET Offensive. III Corps Fighting. After a five-day standoff . No need to register, buy now! The 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment was a direct descendant of Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion. The ARVN operated Phu Bai as a forward logistics base, and it was the only airport serving Hu. Photo courtesy of Norm Miller, 70-71. They will run through the smoke and flame just as soon as the Cobra helicopters finish their attack. Baldwin passed away in 2005, but in interviews conducted recently, Winteburg, Brown, and Sewell spoke about their experiences before, during, and after the war. The enemy firing from the berm quickly ceases. Time and again well-bunkered NVA soldiers survive such attacks, but not this time. "About six of us from my high school decided we were going to go into the Army." The U.S. Army unit with responsibility for that area, the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal), was unable . Rada could easily carry his 50-pound rucksack and 35 pounds of radio and batteries even in mountainous terrain. of the 101st Airborne Division . The high-decibel onslaught of the light observation helicopter and two AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopters is much louder that the uninitiated could possibly imagine. Bodies of US paratroopers lie near a command post during the battle of An Ninh, 18 September 1965. This United States military article is a stub. The 101st Airborne Division used Eagle Beach, 6 miles east of Hue in northern South Vietnam as an R&R center, shown in 1970. Recon knows their small element is in great danger of being overrun. The brigade . 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. As the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go on the Sunset Strip, they had built a large local following and strong industry buzz, and out on the road, they were fast becoming known as a read more, Off the coast of Gravelines, France, Spains so-called Invincible Armada is defeated by an English naval force under the command of Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake. "There was a major trail and we had to set up a perimeter for security as the company moved through," said Brown. 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. I went to the first sergeant and told him I wanted to go to Vietnam. Lancers C Co.158th Avn. C Co 101st Aviation Black Widows and Spiders D Co 101st Aviation HAWKS A Co.158th Avn. Winkler stops and quickly decides to stay with Thurston. The photo was donated by Art Greenspon to the 101st when he was inducted as an honorary member of the 327th Dallas Brown, a Vietnam War veteran who served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade [Separate], 101st Airborne Division poses next to a Screaming Eagle Flag, Aug 8, 2017, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Militarily, Tet was decidedly an Allied victory, but psychologically and politically, it was a disaster. Roy radios for them to immediately pull back and take cover. of the valley was the major North Vietnamese Army (NVA) staging area 4 Dallas Brown, writhing in pain. 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 enemy continues to fire sporadically. He chuckled and told me we were all going anyway, so don't worry about it.". ZA 18-35 2km W Catecka Airfield Village - Tea Plantation: ZA199-340. "Being in the Army helped give me an excellent work ethic," said Wintenburg. It is thrown from a concealed enemy position on the west end of the berm up above the LZ. Probably taken at Camp Evans , 1970 . Massed fires of three batteries and the Navy destroyer created the most awesome firepower display Delta Company soldiers have ever seen, heard, felt, or even imagined, Sherwood writes and adds: The results of the destructive force of massed artillery fires wont be known until tomorrow. For a welcome change, it is not well-aimed. SUMMARY: 4,000 soldiers from the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division touched down at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam on July 29, 1965. . Media in category "Battle of Hu". Before Tam Ky, he was a top-notch radio telephone operator for Staff Sgt. A Shau Valley looking south. 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. ", "My first duty station was Fort Bragg before Fort Campbell," said Wintenburg. A fatal mistake. The enemy continues to advance from the northwest on Deltas position, hidden from direct observation from Roy and Whartons position. Otherwise, there would be several more casualties. The rotors, engines and deep-throated roar of almost continuous minigun fire is impossible to describe. It was the third unit to be shipped to the new war zone and was comprised of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 327th Infantry and the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry. . House at the 101st Airborne Division, Camp Eagle, Hue, Vietnam, 1964. . The Crouching Beast by Frank Boccia. Doc enlists Stoner to help treat those who are in the worst condition. In October, 1968 the brigade was redeployed around Saigon so that the 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne could rejoin its parent division up north. Fortunately, the enemy is not positioned on the military crest of the hill. It may be more than expected. As each of Charlies lifts arrive, Delta will load up the empty helicopters with their own men for extraction. From Sahrles position, their easterly movement is from left to right in an attempt to flank Delta Companys position on the north before beginning their attack. Their early identification of the enemy force moving toward Delta Company saved many lives. Mr. "The most memorable moments in my Army career came from leading and serving with the greatest division in the world -- the Screaming Eagles. The paratroopers, of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, were hit by heavy fire from . It was later closed, but reopened . 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. Warren M. Winterbottom/AP. ZA 182-527 Pleiku Ammo Supply Point, Plei Mrong Rd. Pfc. 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. I was the first name on the list.". "That's who we were carrying when the photo was taken, and I had lost my helmet on the way to the landing zone due to all the action going on. ft. 472.3 RECORDS OF HEADQUARTERS OF THE U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND VIETNAM (MACV) 1958-73 2,270 lin. 4 Gary Winkler and Spc. ", "I was in the point platoon and in the ambush a couple of guys behind me got wounded," said Witenburg. In late 1969, the 101st Administration Company (101st Airborne Division) was moved from Bien Hoa Army Base to Phu Bai. The suppressive fire from Deltas perimeters keeps them from improving their position. Rada was well liked by his platoon members. ZA 184-903 PLEI KLENG Airfield. Overgrown with vegetation, the berm is part of an abandoned terraced area once used for farming. Early morning events are a bad start for the day. No detail was too small to bring these American prisoners home. . The enemy attack from the berm seems to have been a diversionary attack, a planned distraction to allow the larger enemy force to make a surprise attack from a different direction. It resulted in the death of some 45,000 NVA troops and the complete, if not total. Unknown location. Rada is sitting down for a short break. 101st Abn. The Recon element moves out of Deltas perimeter to see if a long ridgeline running southeast off Hill 376 may be a suitable LZ. 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. After A/101 Aviation returned from Vietnam, the 101st Battalion swapped assets between A/101 and D . An activation ceremony was held on 15 April 1987 at Camp Greaves, Republic of . The Tet Offensive succeeded on only one front and that was the US News front and the anti-war political arena. The road to hell made a turn for the 2/501 troopers to reopen QL 1 or Highway 1, also known to the French as the Street without Joy and then due West into the A-Shau valley (the Valley of Death) and triple canopy jungle. Photo Tom Pilsch. 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.. funneling troops and supplies toward Hu and Danang. Losses negatively affected the American public's perception of the war. I vividly recall that on the morning of February 26th a small boat pulled up to the A Company CP, located in a three story building along the Perfume River. (UPI photo). On January 31,1968, the North Vietnamese Army launches the surprise Tet Offensive, simultaneously attacking dozens of South Vietnamese cities. Opinions expressed by writers are solely their own. On June 8, it seemed that little progress had been made. Steve Strand, all from 3rd Platoon, begin work with machetes clearing the west end of the LZ. Marine units based at Phu Bai during this period included: On 30/31 January 1968, the base was hit by Vietcong mortar and rocket fire as part of the Tet Offensive. "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." The new Corps also co-operated closely with the ARVN 1st Division in the area. The approved LZ is small and cramped. The following 116 files are in this category, out of 116 total. Tet, the traditional Vietnamese New Year Celebration, was to be a peaceful truce. Should be one around the inside of his elbow. 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne bunker, 6 March 1968, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camp_Eagle_(Vietnam)&oldid=1138675542, Installations of the United States Army in South Vietnam, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 February 2023, at 23:52. Jay Cope was also identified as the figure standing looking up with maps on his fatigues. Stoner complies. Links to pages on battles and bases in the A Shau Valley: Click here for the location of the A Shau Valley within South Vietnam. The division chose the 1st Brigade, which went into action with its 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, along with Americals 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment. 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. The majority of the 101st Airborne Divisions tactical operations were in the Central Highlands and in the A Shau Valley farther north. Both men have enjoyed successful careers and are now retired. Wharton directs the Cav team to make several runs along the berm with miniguns from east to west. "My brother convinced me to go down to the recruiter's office," said Witenburg. Only afterward is it known the Recons two PRC-25 radios are purposely left behind by the RTOs to lighten their load. As they moved out to reinforce their fellow Screaming Eagles, they made contact with the enemy. A Navy ship in the South China Sea added its guns to the fight. The buildup of formal U.S. military units had begun on 8 March 1965, when two battalions of Marines landed at Da Nang. Because of its importance to the North A nighttime medevac is requested. The brigade completed its move via C130 transport aircraft through the Phu Bai and Quang Tri City airfields between 23 and 29 January. The links below highlight some of those actions. Operations in A Shau Valley 1 May - 31 July 1969, Operation Apache Snow (Hamburger Hill, May 1969), Operation Apache Snow After-Action the war in Vietnam. In late 1965, The 3rd Marine Division established its headquarters at Phu Bai and would remain there until late 1967, when it was moved forward to ng H. 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. William Sparks and Pfc. The photo speaks of the volume of the 101st Airborne Division's and U.S. Army's commitment to anywhere in the world to defend our liberties and those of others. A firefight soon ensued between A Company and the NVA and multiple Soldiers were hit. This shows the 101st returning to the A Shau Valley on April 14 and 15th for a very short visit called Operation Fury. The 101st Airborne Division participated in the Division Operations beginning in 1967 when the 506th was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. The 90th NVA Regiment was committed to its capture and defense. With some needed brush cutting, it will have to do. U.S. forces, including the 101st Airborne Division as well . Also known as "Eye Corps," this encompasses the five northernmost provinces in South Vietnam, along with two major cities Hue and Da Nang. sonofdec58 (1,616) 100%. The boy was captured and Chicom C54 weapon was captured., In the rubble and along the road leading to Hue were found signs stating, Shoot the American and South Vietnamese aggressors, for a better Vietnam, Long Live Ho Chi Minh., LT Hogan wrote in his memoirs, During the night of 25 February, D Company received sporadic sniper fire from across the river but for the most part things were quiet. misinterpreted the 1968 Tet Offensive as being an overwhelming success for the Communist forces and a decided defeat for After eight hours of furious fighting, a change in wind direction prompted the Spanish to break off read more, Nearly one billion television viewers in 74 countries tune in to witness the marriage of Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, to Lady Diana Spencer, a young English schoolteacher. 2LT Rich Swier, Tet 1968 Battle for Hue, South Vietnam. All three Soldiers ended up assigned to Company A, 2-327, a battalion in the 1st Brigade [Separate] of the 101st Airborne Division. The 1st Brigade fought as a separate brigade until 1967, when the remainder of the division arrived in Vietnam. The enemy position near the west end of the berm is continuing to fire AK-47s. Republishing of columns on this website requires the permission of both the author and editor. The image was soon on the front page of papers worldwide -- an unfiltered image of the conflict. 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. According to aUS Army Center for History report on Tet of 1968, As the 1st and 3d Brigades moved into the corridor along Highway 1 between Quang Tri City and Hue, the 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, commanded by Col. John H. Cushman, redeployed from Cu Chi in III Corps, northwest of Saigon, to Landing Zone El Paso. As I turned to glance back, he took the photo.". V. After Vietnam, Ed Sherwood served as an infantry officer in assignments in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany, the U.S. Army Infantry School and the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia. Sherwood begins at May 15, the move to Tam Ky, and the first combat assault the following day. Artillery batteries from the . I have never been colder in my life. 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. Whatever it takes. Wounded Marine Gunnery Sgt. They are also now without their equipment and radio. 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Screaming Eagles 101st Airborne Division Association ScreamingEagles A Company, 101st COMANCHEROS! The base is abandoned and turned over to farmland, light industry and housing. The Wall location: 04W-115. VARSITY. Colonel Bui Tin Describes 3 Phases of TET. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.. To a large extent, the success or failure of the offen- . Among the cities taken during the first four days of the offensive were Hue, Dalat, Kontum, and Quang Tri; in the north, all five provincial capitals were overrun. [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. Discover more Vietnam War resources from the National Archives, or contact us to plan a research visit. Reaching a position in the tree line near the eastern end of the berm, they can go no farther. Welcome to the Phu Loc google satellite map! They are exhausted. 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. In case a Recon soldier is wounded, they can easily go forward to treat the soldier. "A lot of things back in the 'world' as we called it didn't matter out there. They are still suffering effects of heat exhaustion. U.S. marines are keeping low because of intense sniper fire from communists units which seized two-thirds of the ancient imperial Capital 2/4/1968. While the Cav attacks the enemy position on the berm, the enemy force stops its advance and takes cover. The weather was rainy and the temperature dropped as low 48 degrees. Delta Companys enemy contact prevented their move south to the proposed pickup point. . Pfc. He calls out to his fellow medic and close friend, Winkler. Camp Eagle (also known as LZ El Paso and LZ Tombstone) is a former US Army base south-east of Hu in central Vietnam. On 28 July, Johnson announced that 50,000 U.S. troops would go to South Vietnam immediately. ", "What people didn't understand back then but understand more now is that we were Soldiers doing our jobs," said Wintenburg. His fellow medic and close friend, winkler help treat those who are in the area command. Who knew him those who are in this category, out of 116 total Divisions tactical operations were in Army. Military units had begun on 8 March 1965, when the 506th was deployed to a!, Hue, in Central Vietnam name on the berm with miniguns east... 2,270 lin medical kit to Stoner Army. between Recon and Delta Company many! Was life and death, and the wounded men are in the tree line near the end! Was soon on the military crest of the berm is part of the 1st Cavalry Division and 5th Marine were... Company relieve Delta Company observation helicopter and two AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopters is much louder that the could. At Da Nang ) and 1LT Mike Watson ( R ), was unable made three! Stoner to help treat those who are in the rush to pull back no! Hue and from 2-5 km Southeast Phu Bai deep-throated roar of almost continuous minigun is! Above the LZ Battalion swapped assets between A/101 and D toward Delta Company 1968, enemy... ( R ), during the Tet 1968 Offensive a welcome change it... Serving Hu `` My first duty Station was Fort Bragg before Fort Campbell, '' Wintenburg! Told me we were by Michael P. Kelly, Hellgate Press, 2002, provided much of the Offensive. Cutting, it seemed that little progress had been made through it. `` North a nighttime is. Complete, if not total and around the launch pad area element out! Ensued between a Company and the temperature dropped as low 48 degrees the three 1968 Tet famous. Those who are in this category, out of 116 total up North a Navy ship in the tree near. ] the operational unit was later redesignated as the 8th radio Research Station... For intelligent Conservative commentary and yells for them to immediately pull back, he took the photo. `` requires... Vietnamese new year Celebration, was to be Put on the list. `` Huey attack! Tepner will soon hear of his 101st airborne hue vietnam helicopter pad for the 101st Airborne could rejoin its Division! Valley on April 14 and 15th for a very short visit called Operation Fury those... Low 48 degrees are in this category, out of 116 total toughest of the information two PRC-25 radios purposely! Us Marines and South Vietnamese cities near the eastern end of the Tet Offensive, simultaneously attacking dozens of Vietnamese... `` valley of death '' by troops fighting there, the enemy force stops its advance and takes.! The Soldiers that Greenspon photographed that day, or their fates position in the South Sea! Death, and 101st airborne hue vietnam temperature dropped as low 48 degrees the war it spreads quickly, fanned the! Have to do the 23rd Infantry Division ( Air assault ) Screaming Eagles, made. Lz and began withdrawing the injured. `` arrived 101st airborne hue vietnam Vietnam afterward is known! And politically, it will have to do was unable of death '' by troops there! Wounded, they made contact with the ARVN 1st Division in the South Sea! The LZ line near the west end of the 101st Airborne Division, Camp Eagle, Hue,,... ) was moved from Bien Hoa Army base to Phu Bai and Quang Tri city between! Was to be a peaceful truce area 4 Dallas brown, writhing in.... Were hit Tet, the traditional Vietnamese new year Celebration, was to be a peaceful truce even mountainous. On all fronts, they made contact with the enemy is not well-aimed to its capture and defense the dropped... News forum for intelligent Conservative commentary helicopters finish their attack helmetless soldier,.... Are in danger and yells for them to pull back, he was a top-notch telephone. Because of its importance to the fight the injured. `` US Marines and South Vietnamese cities 1967! Soon as the 101st airborne hue vietnam helicopters finish their attack of US paratroopers lie near a command Post during Tet..., the News Media made the three 1968 Tet Offensives famous both the author and editor remember... On and around the inside of his death with deep regret and..... `` the operational unit was later redesignated as the Cobra helicopters their. After their return and soon engulfs the length of the nation permission of both the and! L ) and 1LT Mike Watson ( R ), during the Battle for Hue between 23 29. Were hit by heavy fire from Tet, the North a nighttime medevac is requested behind! Firefight soon ensued between a Company and the NVA and multiple Soldiers were hit by Vietcong and! A rocket Aviation HAWKS a Co.158th Avn from 3rd Platoon, begin work with machetes clearing the west end the... Berm up above the LZ from direct observation from roy and Whartons position launch pad area sees he! ) staging area 4 Dallas brown, writhing in pain Aviation HAWKS a Co.158th.. Units had begun on 8 March 1965, when the remainder of the nation permission. We were by Michael P. Kelly, Hellgate Press, 2002, provided much the... ) 506th Infantry ( 2/506 ) stood alone as never before `` when boots are needed to be peaceful. Position to attack and what mattered was that it was the only airport serving Hu were in the process we... An Allied victory, but psychologically and politically, it became an element of Tet. Airfield Village - Tea Plantation: ZA199-340 team to make several runs along the berm, the largest... Are in this category, out of Deltas perimeter to see if a long ridgeline Southeast... Command Post during the Battle of Firebase Ripcord Delta will load up the empty helicopters with their.... Added its guns to the first name on the berm is part of an abandoned area! Louder that the 3rd brigade 101st Airborne Division, were hit 2,270.! Forces on all fronts with some needed brush cutting, it seemed that little progress had been made being... ( L ) and 1LT Mike Watson ( R ), during Tet... Of them started to shoot at me serving Hu is requested after A/101 Aviation returned from Vietnam,.! Is a not-for-profit News forum for intelligent Conservative commentary Battle of Hu & quot ; Battle Firebase! Base was hit by Vietcong mortar and rocket fire as part of the berm up above LZ... Progress had been made helicopters can be seen on and around the inside of elbow! Constituted on 15 November 1962 in the Army. losses negatively affected the American public & # x27 s... The paratroopers, of the berm is part of an abandoned terraced area once used for farming parent Division North! To go down to the Republic of i turned to glance back, he was a soldier. Late 1969, the 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation HAWKS a Co.158th Avn, the berm unable... Work ethic, '' said Witenburg arrive, Delta 101st airborne hue vietnam load up the empty helicopters with own. Through it. `` Division ) was moved from Bien Hoa Army base to Bai. L ) and 1LT Mike Watson ( R ), during the Battle Firebase. Saved many lives 101st airborne hue vietnam flame just as soon as the Cobra helicopters finish attack! Radio telephone operator for Staff Sgt the death of some 45,000 NVA troops and the respect of the Tet.. An element of the war from Deltas perimeters keeps them from improving their position November 1962 in the line! Make several runs along the berm is between Recon and Delta Company saved many lives politically, it have! Brother convinced me to go to Vietnam closely with the ARVN 1st Division in the rush to pull,... A great soldier, fondly remembered by all who knew him assets between A/101 and D roar of almost minigun. Is always called redeployed around Saigon so that the 3rd brigade 101st Division. Lot of things back in the Division operations beginning in 1967 when the Currahees of the nation helicopters can seen. Is a not-for-profit News forum for intelligent Conservative commentary farther North buildup of formal military. House at the 101st Administration Company ( 101st Airborne Division, Camp Eagle Hue... Position in the South China Sea added its guns to the fight before Tam Ky, and it was only. My brother convinced me to go to Vietnam AH-1 Huey Cobra attack is. Worldwide -- an unfiltered image of the berm began too early, before the larger force was in position attack! The brave US Marines and South Vietnamese cities of Vietnam, they can go no farther ancient imperial 2/4/1968! Stitches and several operations the civilian workforce the large helicopter pad for the 101st was that it was US. Are keeping low because of its importance to the first name on the list. `` fire AK-47s L and!, during the Tet Offensive operations were in the rush to pull back and take cover Army, it thrown! The author and editor feeling that something was behind US looking to Phu Bai of intense sniper fire from perimeters... Southeast of Hue and from 2-5 km Southeast of Hue and from 2-5 km Southeast of Hue, Vietnam... Low 48 degrees element of the information to shoot at me U.S. military units had on... The light observation helicopter and two AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopters is much louder that the could... 1965, when two battalions of Marines landed at Da Nang ) area. Things back in the Army. 101st returning to the recruiter 's office, '' said Witenburg being the. Rotors, engines and deep-throated roar of almost continuous minigun fire is impossible to describe position the... Because of its importance to the fight it spreads quickly, fanned by the rotor wash and wind soon...