ANNEX G- 13

This is an outline of the 1st Marine Division’s Vietnam War Action. The more complete history, detailed through the division’s command chronologies, may be obtained from “BACM Research - PaperlessArchives.com” at:

http://www.paperlessarchives.com/vw-1st-marine-division.html

History of the 1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War

1965

In the summer of 1965, with the intensification of the American involvement in the war in Vietnam, the Regiment was ordered to continental Southeast Asia. Elements of the Regiment began arriving in the Republic of Vietnam in August.  During 1965, 1st Marine Division units participated in Operations Starlite and Piranha, the first significant engagements for American ground troops. Those units not deployed in the combat zone were staged on Okinawa.

The first major operation in the war for a battalion of the 1st Marines was Harvest Moon in December 1965.

1966

In March 1966, 1st Marine Division Headquarters was moved from Okinawa and re-established at Chu Lai, over the next three months the entire Division was deployed to South Vietnam. The zone of operation for the Division included the southern two provinces of I Corps, Quang Tin and Quang Ngai. Between March 1966 and May 1967, the Division conducted 44 named and unnamed operations.

1967

Between March 1966 and May 1967, the Division conducted 44 named and unnamed operations.
In the succeeding months, the Regiment's battalions participated in operations Utah, Iowa, Cheyenne I and II, Double Eagle and Union I and II. Operation Hastings in July 1966 witnessed the most ferocious fighting of the war up to that time.
By fall of 1967, the 1st Marines were operating permanently in the northern sector of the I Corps tactical zone. The following winter, the Communist and Northern forces launched their all-out Tet Offensive. They overran Hue, the old imperial capital

1968

Between 31 January and 2 March 1968, elements of the 1st Marines, along with other U.S. Marine and South Vietnamese units, fought to regain control of the city. Bitter street fighting and hand-to-hand combat characterized the battle. Hue was finally recaptured after the opposition suffered nearly 1,900 killed. Heavy fighting continued for the Regiment through the rest of the year.

Other major operations in 1968 in which the 1st Marine Division played a significant role included Allen Brook, and Mameluke Thrust. Action in 1968 culminated with Operation Meade River, which netted nearly 850 opponents killed. The Regiment remained deployed in South Vietnam for the next two and a half years, participating in numerous operations large and small.

1969

During 1969, the division continued to take part in combat operations, as evidenced by the heavy fighting which took place in Operations Taylor Common and Oklahoma Hills.

1970

During 1970, the 1st Marine Division began to withdraw its regiments from Vietnam. From late 1969 through early 1971, the 1st Marine Division was the only Marine division operating in the Republic of Vietnam, as a process of "Vietnamization" turned over more responsibility to the South Vietnamese. In 1971, the Regiment was ordered back to the United States, to Camp Pendleton in California. The 1st Marines were the last Marine infantry unit to depart Vietnam.