1st Marine Division

The 1st Marine Division played a significant role in the Vietnam War, being deployed in 1965 as part of the U.S. commitment to support South Vietnam against the communist forces of North Vietnam. The division engaged in various operations, including the Battle of Chu Lai and the Battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive. The Marines faced challenging conditions, including dense jungles and guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Viet Cong.

Battles & Operations

• Battle of Chu Lai (1965):
• The division's initial major engagement took place in the vicinity of Chu Lai, where they conducted operations to secure the area and establish a base. This marked the beginning of their active involvement in Vietnam.
• Operation Starlite (1965):
• Operation Starlite was the first major U.S. offensive involving the 1st Marine Division. It aimed to destroy Viet Cong forces in the Van Tuong peninsula. The Marines faced fierce resistance, but the operation was considered a success.
• Battle of Hue (1968):
• During the Tet Offensive, the 1st Marine Division played a crucial role in the Battle of Hue. The division was tasked with retaking the city from North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. The urban warfare was intense, with house-to-house fighting, and the division eventually regained control of the city.
• Operation Pipestone Canyon (1969):
• This operation was conducted in the Quang Nam Province, focusing on disrupting North Vietnamese supply routes and engaging enemy forces. The 1st Marine Division faced challenges in the dense jungle terrain.
• Operation Dewey Canyon (1969):
• The division participated in Operation Dewey Canyon in the A Shau Valley. The goal was to interdict enemy infiltration routes and destroy North Vietnamese Army units. The operation was one of the largest conducted by U.S. forces during the war.

 

 

Khe Sanh

One of the notable engagements involving the 1st Marine Division was the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968, a protracted and intense confrontation with North Vietnamese forces

 

The Battle of Khe Sanh was a pivotal engagement during the Vietnam War, involving significant contributions from the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Lasting from January 21 to July 9, 1968, the battle took place near the Khe Sanh Combat Base in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. Here is an overview of the USMC's involvement in the Battle of Khe Sanh:

Strategic Significance:

The Khe Sanh Combat Base was located near the border between North and South Vietnam, making it a strategically important area. The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) sought to capture the base, believing that doing so would disrupt the U.S. and South Vietnamese supply lines and potentially influence the outcome of the war.

USMC Deployment:

The 26th Marine Regiment, part of the 3rd Marine Division, was deployed to defend the Khe Sanh Combat Base. The Marines, along with other U.S. and South Vietnamese forces, prepared for what would become a prolonged and intense battle.

Siege Conditions:

The NVA surrounded the Khe Sanh Combat Base and initiated a siege. The Marines faced constant artillery bombardment and attacks on their positions. The harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and fog, further complicated the situation.

Fierce Fighting:

The battle involved intense ground combat, with the Marines engaged in heavy fighting against the NVA forces. Both sides suffered significant casualties. The Marines defended their positions, and the NVA attempted to overrun the base. Close-quarters combat, artillery duels, and airstrikes characterized the fighting.

Aerial Resupply and Bombardment:

The U.S. military resorted to massive aerial resupply efforts to keep the Marines at Khe Sanh adequately equipped. At the same time, American aircraft conducted extensive bombing campaigns to target NVA positions and break the siege.

 

 

   

1st Marine Division in Con Thien 1968.

US Marines Fire a Mortar and scenes of building a base of operations at Con Thien in January of 1968 by members of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Color Film Footage.

1st Marine Division Vietnam Recovered Missing in Action

There are 17 soldiers of the 1st Marine Division Vietnam that have been identified and recovered.

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