Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Operation Attleboro
Abstract
Initiated on 14 September 1966, Operation ATTLEBORO was a search and destroy operation against enemy forces, base camps and supply areas located in War Zone C. The 196th Light Infantry Brigade was given operational control (OPCON) of ATTLEBORO, which also included units of the U.S. 25th Division and later the III Corps "Mike" Forces, who were Nung Chinese mercenary soldiers, usually led by U.S. Special Forces (USSF). Through the end of October, action had been only light and sporadic, with no major contact with the enemy. Air support was provided but the light action was reflected in the fact that, between 4 October and 1 November, only two immediate and 140 preplanned air sorties were needed to support the operation. This was an average of only five preplanned sorties per day. On 19 October, the operation was stepped up. ...By 30 October, the 196th Light infantry Brigade and elements of the U.S. 25th infantry Division were continuing sweeping operations near Dau Tieng but had now penetrated the fringes of this major Viet Cong build-up area and were threatening to disrupt the Viet Cong offensive plans, not to mention the possibility of uncovering the major VC base and supply area. On 31 October, 2/1 (2nd Battalion, 1st infantry Regiment) located a major logistic base of B-160 Section, Group 82, COSVN Rear Service Department, and captured 843 tons of rice. This was a major blow to the Viet Cong logistic system in the area and could hardly be tolerated. The stage was now set for a major confrontation between the 9th Viet Cong Division and U.S. forces in the jungles of War Zone C, a contest which was to precipitate, over the next two weeks, some of the heaviest fighting of the Vietnam war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 1967
- Accession Number
- ADA486978
Entities
People
- James G. Bruce Jr.
- Lawrence J. Hickey
Organizations
- Pacific Air Forces