thedrifter
04-02-05, 08:32 AM
USMC Forces in Vietnam April 1965
Elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, landed over Red Beach 2 at Danang on April 10, 1965, and were helilifted to Hue-Phu Bai to establish a Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR). On the same day, VMFA-531 arrived at Danang Airfield. On April 12th an advance party from Marine Air Support Squadron –2 (MASS-2) arrived at Danang to help establish a Direct Air Support Center (DASC) and Air Support Radar Team (ASRT). By April 13th the 3rd Marines had arrived at Danang, and an HMM-162 detachment was established at Hue-Phu Bai. The 1st BN. 12th Marines arrived and were absorbed by the Brigade Artillery Group (BAG), and Detachment J, 1st Radio BN arrived in Danang. With these developments, the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade was in a position to take more aggressive action in carrying out the provisions of its basic mission of reinforcing the RVNAF defense of the Danang airfield. Deeper offensive patrolling and civic action in the hinterland was begun.
3rd BN, 4th Marines came ashore at Red Beach 2 on April 14th and were soon helilifted to Hue-Phu Bai. By April 16th Marine Air Support Squadron–2, and VMCJ-1 were both in Danang. On April 19th Regimental Landing Team-3 was reorganized as the 3rd Marines (Rein) and the TAOR at Danang was enlarged. The mission of the Regiment was expanded to include aggressive patrolling with the expanded TAOR and the preparations for conducting offensive operations as a mobile reaction force. On April 22nd a reconnaissance company was fired upon by an estimated 100-150 Viet Cong and VMFA-531 was called on to provide close air support. As April came to an end, Companies E and F of 2nd BN, 3rd Marines participated in the first joint operation with ARVN forces in RVN. There were 1,600 Marines in Phu Bai with responsibility for the 2 square mile TAOR. The Marine force at Danang had grown to 6,500 men and a TAOR of 12 square miles. Estimates of enemy forces within 50 miles of Danang included 26 units with over 3,500 men.
In early May 1965 the III MAF would be established and the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) would be deactivated with the establishment of the 3rd Marine Division (Rein) (Fwd) commanded by MajGen. Collins.
www.thevietnamfiles.com
Ellie
Elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, landed over Red Beach 2 at Danang on April 10, 1965, and were helilifted to Hue-Phu Bai to establish a Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR). On the same day, VMFA-531 arrived at Danang Airfield. On April 12th an advance party from Marine Air Support Squadron –2 (MASS-2) arrived at Danang to help establish a Direct Air Support Center (DASC) and Air Support Radar Team (ASRT). By April 13th the 3rd Marines had arrived at Danang, and an HMM-162 detachment was established at Hue-Phu Bai. The 1st BN. 12th Marines arrived and were absorbed by the Brigade Artillery Group (BAG), and Detachment J, 1st Radio BN arrived in Danang. With these developments, the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade was in a position to take more aggressive action in carrying out the provisions of its basic mission of reinforcing the RVNAF defense of the Danang airfield. Deeper offensive patrolling and civic action in the hinterland was begun.
3rd BN, 4th Marines came ashore at Red Beach 2 on April 14th and were soon helilifted to Hue-Phu Bai. By April 16th Marine Air Support Squadron–2, and VMCJ-1 were both in Danang. On April 19th Regimental Landing Team-3 was reorganized as the 3rd Marines (Rein) and the TAOR at Danang was enlarged. The mission of the Regiment was expanded to include aggressive patrolling with the expanded TAOR and the preparations for conducting offensive operations as a mobile reaction force. On April 22nd a reconnaissance company was fired upon by an estimated 100-150 Viet Cong and VMFA-531 was called on to provide close air support. As April came to an end, Companies E and F of 2nd BN, 3rd Marines participated in the first joint operation with ARVN forces in RVN. There were 1,600 Marines in Phu Bai with responsibility for the 2 square mile TAOR. The Marine force at Danang had grown to 6,500 men and a TAOR of 12 square miles. Estimates of enemy forces within 50 miles of Danang included 26 units with over 3,500 men.
In early May 1965 the III MAF would be established and the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) would be deactivated with the establishment of the 3rd Marine Division (Rein) (Fwd) commanded by MajGen. Collins.
www.thevietnamfiles.com
Ellie