Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Operation Masher & White Wing

Abstract

Operation MASHER/WHITE WING, comprising elements of the U.S. 1st Air Cavalry Division, the 22nd ARVN Division plus one ARVN Brigade and one Battalion of the ROK Capital Division was the largest ground operation to take place through February 1966. It was conducted. along the coastal area in the vicinity of Bong Son (in the northeast corner of II Corps). about 300 miles north of Saigon. During the operation (24 January to 6 March), all three brigades of the 1st Air Cavalry Division were committed plus the 22nd ARVN Division, an ARVN Brigade, and the 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, of the Korean (ROK) Capital Division. The air support furnished was extensive and, in many instances, provided the necessary margin for overcoming enemy resistance. Over 1100 Air Force, Navy, Marine, and VNAF strike sorties were flown during the period, expending nearly 2000 tons of ordnance. In addition, night illumination was provided by USAF C-123s (Smokey Bear) and C-47 flareships with fire support from "Dragon" AC-47s. Airlift support by the USAF continued throughout the period of operation. On 25, 26, and 27 February, C-130s were used the first time for in-theater, close logistic support by assault landing at Bong Son. In total, over 1000 tons of supplies and equipment were flown into Bong Son by C-123s and C-130s. Ground forces support material was also airlifted to other points where it could be trans-shipped by ground lines of communication to the area of operation. This document deals only with the 1st Air Cavalry participation of the operation and does not deal with the ARVN or ROK forces. The ARVN area of operation was primarily to the north and west of the 1st Cavalry, between the coast and Route 1. The ROK units took over the security of the roads, to the south and west of the area of operation, freeing elements of the 1st Cavalry for commitment to the operation.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 09, 1966
Accession Number
ADA486953

Entities

People

  • Kenneth Sams
  • William E. Bates

Organizations

  • Pacific Air Forces

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Strikes
  • Aircrafts
  • Artillery
  • Asia
  • Automatic Weapons
  • Bombs
  • Combat Operations
  • Department Of Defense
  • Fire Support
  • General Purpose Bombs
  • Military Organizations
  • Security
  • Small Arms
  • Southeast Asia
  • Tactical Air Support
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military Science