Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Battle for DAK TO
Abstract
In the battle for Dak To, allied intelligence discovered enemy forces converging before they had completed encirclement of the Special Forces camp. Movement of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division into the area forced the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) into a defensive position in hills many miles from Dak To. The ensuing fighting was a tactical success for American troops against an enemy suffering heavy casualties and being pushed back across the border. Although a factual estimate of enemy killed by air and complete damage assessment could not be obtained, it was determined that close air support for troops was successful. ARC LIGHT strikes were especially effective in remote areas where entrance by ground troops was prohibitive. After the Tet Offensive, there was much speculation concerning the importance of the battle for Dak To in long-range enemy strategy. The enemy may have gained some strategic advantage, as the allies were forced to direct their attention toward the borders. According to one viewpoint, the battle was an initial phase of the Tet Offensive, one that would draw allied troops into an isolated border region, giving the enemy more freedom around the cities to ready the Tet Offensive. According to Col. Tran Van Dac, however, who deserted to the allies in April 1968, the battle for Dak To was conceived and pursued by local unit commanders despite the Colonel's opposition. The unit commanders wanted battle to gain combat experience and to build troop morale. In this view, the battle was not related to long-range Tet strategy. Generalizing, Dak To blocked a convenient entry route into South Vietnam; the enemy had hoped to neutralize Dak To by mounting rocket and mortar attacks from the high hills surrounding the airstrip. To counter the enemy buildup, American troops were deployed from populated areas, especially Tuy Hoa, into the isolated border region. Whether intended or not, that had the effect of leaving the cities more open to the Tet attacks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 21, 1968
- Accession Number
- ADA489325
Entities
People
- C. W. Thorndale
Organizations
- Pacific Air Forces