25th Operations

Operation Name

CTZ

TAO

Start Date

End Date

Allied Units Involved

Enemy Units Involved

Allied Operational Strength

Enemy Operational Strength

Allied KIA

Allied WIA

Allied MIA

Enemy KIA

Enemy WIA

Objective of Operation

Descriptive Narrative of Operation

Sources Used in Archive

"The Name of the Operation". Sometimes a Vietnamese and an American name is given.

S. Vietnam Corps Tactical Zone (I, II, III, IV)

Description of the tactical area of operation. This can include provinces, cities, towns, or landmarks.

A listing of the American, South Vietnamese, or other allied units involved in the operation. Each force is designated with its branch of service (e.g. USA=US Army, USMC=US Marine Corps, USAF= US Air Force, USN=US Navy, ARVN=Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNN= South Vietnamese Navy)

A listing of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong units involved in the operation. Each force is designated with its branch of service (e.g. PAVN=People's Army of Vietnam, VC=Viet Cong)

Total number of allied soldiers involved

Total number of enemy soldiers involved

Allied Killed-in-Action

Allied Wounded-in-Action

Allied Missing-in-Action

Enemy Killed-in-Action

Enemy Wounded-in-Action

Descriptive narrative of the operation's objectives (e.g. search-and-destroy, reconnaissance in force, etc.)

Descriptive narrative of the operation from beginning to end and its consequences.

A List of all the sources used to compile the information by title and author.

Ahina

III

Binh Duong and Tay Ninh Provinces, War Zone C

5/13/1967

5/18/1967

25th Infantry Division (HQ); 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (USA); 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division (USA)

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Aiea

III?

Hau Nghia Province

8/8/1966

9/1/1966

1st Battalion, 27th Infantry (2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, USA)

Search-and-destroy

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Akron

III

10 km North of Cu Chi

5/8/1966

5/11/1966

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

search-and-destroy

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Akumu / Xay Duong 12-7

III

Binh Duong Province

7/8/1967

8/24/1967

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA); 7th ARVN Regiment

cordon and search operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Ala Moana

III

Binh Duong, Hau Nghai, and Tay Ninh Provinces

12/1/1966

5/14/1967

25th Infantry Division (USA)

to push VC away from a major rice producing area near Sai Gon; search-and-destroy

In December of 1966, the US troops occasionally made contact with the VC near Duc Hoa. In 1967 the Division moved to along Highway 1. CEDAR FALLS was taking place at the same time and part of the division temporarily served there. In Late February the divison saw the heaviest action. The 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry and the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry engaged in a fight northeast of Cu Chi. After CEDAR FALLS ended, the action shifted to around Duc Hoa. During the time that the 25th Division was carrying out ALA MOANA, elements of the division pariticpated in JUNCTION CITY. Most of the division was assigned to clearing operations during ALA MOANA. However, little contact was made. After the operation concluded, the 25th Division focused on pacification in Hau Nghia Province.

The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker; Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Alice

III

Tay Ninh Province

9/1/1966

9/7/1966

196th Infantry Brigade (USA)

Security Operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Arc Light (B-52 Raids)

South Vietnam and Laos

South Vietnam and Laos, flown from Thailand and Guam

6/18/1965

8/15/1973

USAF B-52 Stratofortresses (7th, 22d, 91st, 99th, 306th, 320th, 454th, 461st Bomb Wings

VC; PAVN

31 B-52s lost

USAF B-52 bombing missions to support ground tactical operations and to interdict enemy supply lines in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and later to strike at targets in North Vietnam

These operations were most often used in close air support (CAS) bombing raids of enemy base camps, troop concentrations, or supply lines. They were usually carried out at high altitudes and often called "aerial excavations" by the ground forces. Most of the sorties were carried out in South Vietnam, though a few were flown near the DMZ. The first ARC LIGHT raid occured on 28 June 1965, and though the media questioned its effectiveness, Gen. Westmoreland continued to support the program. Most missions during 1965 were saturation attacks, with a few tactical support missions. Eventually the need to deliver bigger payloads led to increasing the amount of bombs the B-52D could carry in the "Big Belly" program. In April of 1966, the bombers raided outside South Vietnam for the first time when bombing Laos to stop PAVN inflitrations in the Mu Gia Pass and later the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In 1968, the B-52s supported the U.S. Marines at Khe Sanh and attacked other targets including the A Shau Valley, the Kontum-Dak To border area, and the PAVN/VC infiltration area in War Zone C. Strikes continued throughout 1969. Vietnamizationn began to reduce ARC LIGHT raids during 1970, though missions continued to be flown in Laos and Cambodia. In April 1970, the B-52s flew in COMMANDO HUNT III. In response to the PAVN's Easter Offensive, the bombers participated in raids on Ha Noi and Hai Phong. LINEBACKER I and LINEBACKER II were composed of ARC LIGHT missions. Even though Ha Noi agreed to return to negotiations on 30 December 1972, the bombings continued until 15 August 1973 due to cease-fire violations. At the end of ARC LIGHT, 55 percent of the sorties were flown in South Vietnam. The USAF lost 31 B-52s, 18 to enemy fire and due 13 to operations problems.

The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker; Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast History

Atlanta (2nd part)

III

Binh Duong and Hau Nghia Provinces

11/18/1967

12/23/1967

25th Infantry Division (HQ, USA); 2d and 3d Brigades, 25th Infantry Division (USA); 5th ARVN Division

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Atlantic City

III

Binh Duong Province

9/13/1966

9/22/1966

3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (USA); 25th Infantry Division (USA); 173d Airborne Brigade (USA)

security and search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Atlas Wedge

III

40 miles northwest of Sai Gon, in the Michelin Rubber Plantation area

3/18/1969

4/2/1969

3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (USA); 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (USA): 25th Infantry (USA); 1st Cavalry Divisions (1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry)

VC; 7th PAVN Division

20 (USA)

100 (USA)

421 (PAVN)

part of the larger TOAN THANG III Operation beginning on 17 February 1969; to enact the Vietnamization program with securing the local hamlets from VC and PAVN inrfiltration and control, while supporting the ARVN units that were to manage the area.

The operation targeted the 7th PAVN Division. Major contact developed on 30 March as the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry followed a platoon-sized PAVN force north until the U.S. men came under fire in an ambush. The cavalry-men positioned their armored personnel carriers (APCs) so that all the automatic weapons could be fired at the attackers. The Charlie Troop began to move south. Then Bravo Troop moved in to continue the attack. The PAVN suffered heavily. This operation was followed on 10 April by ATLAS POWER.

The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker; Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Attleboro

III

War Zone C, Tay Ninh Province

9/14/1966

11/25/1966

196th Light Infantry Brigade and 2d Brigade,25th Infantry Division (USA); 1st Infantry "Big Red One" Division (USA); 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry (USA); 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (USA); 173d Airborne Brigade(USA); 11th Armored Cavalry (USA); ARVN Battalions

9th VC Division (101st PAVN Regiment, 271st, 272d, and 273d VC Regiments)

155

494

1,106

A search-and-destroy operation meant to combat test the 196th Light Infantry Brigade against "light" guerrilla opposition

This operation began as a single battalion air assault leading to a search-and-destroy mission. By the time it ended in November, it had expanded into the largest U.S. Joint operation of the war at that time. During Phase I, there was relatively little contact with the VC as the 196th Infantry Brigade conducted operations in the area. In late October / early November(?) the 196th Brigade and the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry encountered the 9th VC Division. During Phase II, the 27th Infantry and the 9th VC Division's Regiments fought a major three day battle. More contacts with the VC expanded the operation and command eventually passed from the 1st Infantry Division to II Field Force, the U.S. headquaters near Saigon. During Phase III, the 1st Infantry Division took over the fight. Soon afterwards, the 3d Brigade, 1st Division moved into Suoi Da and the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry moved to a landing zone to the north. The 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry had cleared the area and both battalions were in position by nightfall. On 8 November, reconnaissance-by-fire began under the 1st Battalion's command. The VC began to use intense fire and the VC began to assault the perimeter. 1st Battalion artillery fire and air strikes defeated the VC. The operation included many other battles between the Allied forces and the Communists, but the battle on the 8th was probably the most significant. At its conclusion, a large base camp was discovered which housed one of the largest weapons caches found up to that time. Operation ATTLEBORO illustrated that, due to better maneuverability and firepower, the Allies had an advantage in stand-up fights. This would be tested again in later operations.

Vietnam: Order Of Battle, by Shelby L. Stanton; The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker; Historical Atlas Of The Vietnam War, by Harry G. Summers, Jr.; Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Barking Sands

III

Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces; in the Ho Bo Woods, Bui Loi Woods, Fillhol Plantation, and the Iron Triangle

5/19/1967

12/7/1967

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

search and destroy operation

Included Operations KAWELA, AKUMU, WAIMEA, and KUNIA

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Birmingham

III

Tay Ninh Province - War Zone C

4/24/1966

5/17/1966

1st and 3d Brigades, 1st Infantry Division; 25th ARVN Division

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Blue Jay

III

Tay Ninh Province

8/30/1966

9/29/1966

196th Infantry Brigade (Light, USA)

to deploy the 196th Light Infantry Brigade from Vung Tau to Tay Ninh

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Blue Light (Holokai XII)

from Hawaii to Pleiku Province

12/23/1965

1/23/1966

two Military Airlift Command units (USAF); the 60th and 61st Military Airlift Wings (MAW) (USAF); 25th Infantry Division

to transport men and equipment required for the 25th Infantry's advance deployment team; to transport the remainder of the 3d Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division; security operation for the arrival of the 25th Infantry Division

This was the first major U.S. Air Force airlift operation of the Vietnam War. It transported men and supplies from Hawaii to Pleiku in the middle of an already heavy transport schedule. C-141s and C-133s were used to transport the cargo. In the first phase of the operation, the planes transported the men and equipment of the 25th Infantry's advance deployment team to Pleiku. The second phase involved transporting the rest of the 3d brigade of the 25th Infantry Division. This operation tested the new C-141 and reasserted the usefulness of the C-133. The Air Force managed to place military power in previously inaccessible areas.

The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker

Bobcat Tracker

III

Hau Ngai Province

1/30/1966

2/3/1966

2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (HQ, USA)

clearing operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Bold Lancer I

Cambodia

5/4/1970

5/14/1970

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Bold Lancer II

Cambodia

5/15/1970

6/28/1970

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Camden (2nd part)

III

Hau Nghia and Tay Ninh Provinces

12/16/1967

12/31/1967

2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA); 49th ARVN Regiment

searchand destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Cedar Falls (Operation Niagara - Cedar Falls)

III

Iron Triangle, 25 miles northwest of Saigon including the Thanh Dien Forest Reserve; VC Military Region 4 Headquarters; Ben Suc and surrounding villages; Binh Duong, Hau Nghia and Tay Ninh Provinces

1/8/1967

1/27/1967

2d and 3d Brigades, 1st Infantry Division (USA); 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (USA); 1st Division, 26th Infantry (USA); 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA); 199th Light Infantry Brigade (USA); 196th Infantry Brigade (Light, USA); 173d Airborne Brigade(USA); 11th Armored Cavalry (USA); 5th ARVN Division; VNN 3d Riverine Company; 30th River Assault Group (VNN???)

165th and 272d VC Regiments; VC Main Force Phu Loi Battalion

72 (USA); 11 (ARVN)

337 (USA); 8 (ARVN)

720-750 (VC)

To interdict VC control of the transportation and communications network in the area; search and destroy operation to seal off the Iron Triangle and crush everything within it

The II Field Force (IIFFV) chose a "hammer-and-anvil" attack to be used on the target, with the anvil along the Saigon River at the southwestern boundary of the Iron Triangle and the hammer to swing through the triangle. The local residents were evacuated and the area was cleared of vegetation. The plan was only known to a few IIFFV personel and ARVN was not brieffed until two days beforehand. During Phase I, from 5-8 January, the anvil was positioned with the ARVN VNN forces, the 25th Infantry Division, and the 199th Light Infantry Brigade setting up south of the Saigon River. On 9 January, Phase II began with the hammer movement of the 11th Armored Cavalry and the 173d Airborne Brigade and the airmobile assaults of the 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. With two U.S. and one ARVN infantry divisions, this was the largest operation to date. The 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry attacked Ben Suc, the VC headquarters in the secret base area, and three surrounding villages. The battalion was airlifted into the Ben Suc and by midmorning had secured the village. Meanwhile the forces involved in the hammer conducted search-and-destroy methods, searching by day and amsbushing by night. The VC avoided defensive positions as they tried to slip away from the Iron Triangle area. As the operation ended, the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry protected the engineer forces still clearing the area until 26 January. CEDAR FALLS provided lessons concerning the infantry and engineers working together to uncover the VC as well as refined the systems for clearing VC tunnel systems and preparing helicopter landings. VC documents revealed much to the Allies about their enemies and the VC were siginificantly setback in the area, though far from destroyed. There were 280 VC POWs.

Circle Pines

III

Hau Nghia Province - Ho Bo Woods and Filhol Rubber Plantation

3/28/1966

4/5/1966

2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA); 7th ARVN Regiment

search and destroy operation

First operation in which massed armored battalions were used.

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Clean Sweep

III

Hau Nghia Province

2/22/1966

2/24/1966

2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (HQ, USA)

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Clean Sweep (part 2 )

III

Hau Nghia Province

12/30/1968

2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Dviision (USA)

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Cliff Dweller

III

Tay Ninh Province - Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain)

10/21/1969

10/24/1969

1st Brigade, 24th Infantry Division (USA)

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Cliff Dweller IV

III

Tay Ninh Province - Nui Ba Den

1/4/1970

1/11/1970

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Coco Palms

III

Binh Duong and Hau Nghia Provinces - northwest of Cu Chi; Boi Loi Woods

6/25/1966

7/1/1966

1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Diamond Head

III

Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces - War Zone C; Michelin Rubber Plantation, Ho Bo Woods and the Trapezoid

5/17/1967

12/7/1967

3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In southeast Asia

Eagle II / Toan Thang 9/68

III

Tay Ninh Province

9/11/1968

9/25/1968

III Corps Tactical Zone (HQ); ARVN Airborne Division; 2d, 5th, 6th, 9th ARVN Airborne Battalions; 2d, 3d, 4th VNMC Battalions

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Ewa

III

Hau Nghia Province

7/8/1966

7/13/1966

1st Battalion, 27th Infantry (USA)

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Fairfax

III

in and around Saigon

11/30/1966

12/14/1967

a battalion each from 1st, 4th, and 25th Infantry Divisions (USA); 199th Infantry Brigade (USA); 5th Ranger Group (ARVN)

1,043

To improve security around Saigon

Security around the capital was deteriorating, so Gen. Westmoreland decided to use U.S. troops in and advisory effort to inspire the Vietnamese. The II Field Force Vietnam commander assigned one U.S. Battalion to each district in Gia Dinh, where the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces were to operate jointly to resore security. Eventually the South Vietnamese would manage everything on their own. Though security did improve throughout this time, little progress was made in indentifying or eliminating the Viet Cong Infastructure (VCI). The operation ended in a stalemate and later analysis of FAIRFAX led to the establishment of the Phoenix program.

Vietnam: Order Of Battle, by Shelby L. Stanton; The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker

Fairfax / Rang Dong

III

Gia Dinh and Long An Provinces

11/30/1966

12/14/1967

1st Infantry Division (USA); 4th Infantry Division (USA); 25th Infantry Division (USA); 199th Infantry Brigade (Light)(Separate)(USA)5th ARVN Division

search and destroy operation in Capitol Military District

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Fargo

III

Hau Nghia Province

6/12/1966

6/14/1966

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Fitchburg

III

Tay Ninh Province

11/25/1966

4/8/1967

196th Infantry Brigade (Light, USA)

search and destroy operation; later phase a cover to put the 196th Infantry Brigade in position for CEDAR FALLS

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operaations In Southeast Asia

Fort Smith

III

Hau Nghia Province along Highway 1

6/3/1966

7/3/1966

1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

search and destroy and pacification operation along Highway 1

Preliiminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Fresno (Hau Nghia Province)

III

Hau Nghia Province

7/13/1966

7/15/1966

2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (USA)

search and destroy operation

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Gadsen

III

Tay Ninh Province - War Zone C

2/1/1967

2/20/1967

25th Infantry Division (USA); 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (USA); 196th Infantry Brigade (Light, USA)

search and destroy operation

predecessor to JUNCTION CITY

Preliminary Checklist Of United States Military Operations In Southeast Asia

Helemano

III

Hau Nghia Province

6/17/1966

6/21/1966

4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (USA)