Short History Lesson

[Phantom Blooper]

The History of
the United States Marine Corps

--------------------
The official mission of the Marine Corps was established in the National Security Act of 1947, which was amended in 1952.
This mission consists of,
A. Provide Fleet Marine Forces with combined arms and supporting air components for service with the United States Fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the execution of a naval campaign.
B. Provide detachments and organizations for service on armed vessels of the Navy and security detachments for the protection of naval property at naval stations and bases.
C. Develop, in coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the doctrine, tactics, and equipment employed by landing forces in amphibious operations.
D. Provide Marine forces for airborne operations, in coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, according to the doctrine established by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
E. Develop, in coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the doctrine, procedures, and equipment for airborne operations.
F. Expand peacetime components to meet wartime needs according to the joint mobilization plans.
G. Perform such other duties as the president may direct.

Significant Events In Marine Corps History
A. 1775- The Marine Corps was created on 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Tun Tavern by a resolution of the Continental Congress, which “raised 2 battalions of Marines.” Captain Samuel Nicholas became the commander of these 2 battalions and is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. In 1834, the Marines came under the Department of the Navy. The National Security Act of 1947, amended in 1957, states the present structure, mission, and functions of the Marine Corps.
B. 1776- The first Marine landing took place during the Revolutionary War. Marines invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns and supplies. The uniform of the day had a stiff leather stock that was worn around the neck, thus the nickname “Leatherneck.”
C. 1798- Congress recreated the Marine Corps as a separate military service.
D. 1805- Marines stormed the Barbary pirates’ stronghold at Derna on the “Shores of Tripoli.” Marines raised the “Stars and Stripes” for the first time in the Eastern hemisphere.
E. 1847- During the Mexican War, Marines occupied the “Halls of Montezuma” during the Battle of Chepultepec in Mexico City. The royal palace fell to invading Marines, who were among the first United States troops to enter the capital. Marines also helped take California.
F. 1859- Under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army, Marines stormed the United States arsenal at Harper’s Ferry to put down an attempted slave revolt lead by abolitionist John Brown.
G. 1861- Marines saw limited action during the Civil War. Due to resignations, an aging officer corps, and inadequate personnel, effectiveness was hindered. Marines served primarily with naval detachments at sea manning ship’s gun, rarely conducting operations ashore.
H. 1868- The Marine Corps adopted an emblem that consisted of an eagle, a globe, and an anchor. Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant, modified the British (Royal) Marine emblem to depict the Marines as both American and maritime. The globe and anchor signify worldwide service and sea traditions. The spread eagle is a symbol of the Nation itself.
I. 1883- The official motto of the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis,”(Latin for “Always Faithful”) was adopted. The phrase is more commonly heard as its abbreviation, “Semper Fi”.
J. 1898- In response to a declaration of war against Spain, Marines conducted offensive operations in the Pacific and Cuba. Marine actions led to the establishment of several naval bases overseas.
K. 1900- In support of foreign policy, Marines from ships on the Asiatic station defended the America legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. The Marines were part of a multinational defense force that protected the legation Quarter against attack. This small defense force held out against the Boxers until a relief force was able to reach Peking and end the rebellion.
L. 1901- During the years 1901 to 1934, the Marine Corps was increasingly used to quell disturbances throughout the world. From the Far East to the Caribbean, Marines landed and put down insurrections, guarded and protected American lives and property, and restored order. Due to the extensive use of Marines in various countries in the Caribbean, these actions come to be known as the “Banana Wars.”
M. 1913- The Marine Corps established its aviation unit. Marine Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the 1st pilot.
N. 1917- Marines landed as part of the American Expeditionary force in France. Marines participated in 8 distinct operations, distinguished themselves and were awarded a number of decorations, among them the French Fourragere still worn by members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments.
O. 1933- The Marine Corps was reorganized into the Fleet Marine Force, formally establishing the “command and administrative relations” between the Fleet and the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Equipment Board was established at Quantico, Virginia, and Marines began to devote long hours to testing and developing materials for landing operations and expeditionary service.
P. 1941- The United States was thrust into war following the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces. Marines defended against this attack and similar attacks throughout the Pacific during the opening stages of the war. The Marine Corps was the principle force utilized by the allies in execution of a strategy of “island hopping” campaigns. The earlier development of amphibious doctrine proved to be invaluable in carrying out this strategy. The strength of the Marine Corps reached nearly 500,000 during World War II.
Q. 1950- Conflict in Korea tested Marine Corps combat readiness. The Marines responded to the attack by the North Korean forces by quickly assembling the 1st Marine Provisional Brigade from the under strength 1st Marine Division. These Marines shipped out and were later used to rescue the crumbling Pusan Perimeter. Marine forces further showed their combat readiness and versatility by making an amphibious landing over the seawall at Inchon. Marine aviators flew helicopters for the first time in battle.
R. 1958- The Marine Corps completed reorganizing the structure of its Fleet Marine Force. The Marines created units equipped to conduct landing operations in either atomic or non-atomic warfare. The Marine Corps had the ability for the Fleet to go where it was needed, to stay there, and to readily project its power ashore as the cutting edge of sea power. This concept was put to use when Marines landed near Beirut, Lebanon at the request of the Lebanese government to support its army against internal strife. The Marines helped stabilize the situation and withdrew a few months later.
(cont.)

[Phantom Blooper]

S. 1965- Marines landed in South Vietnam, which committed the Marine Corps to the longest war in its history. Marines conducted numerous large-scale offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as participating in the pacification program designed to win the support of the local populace. Also, in response to an attempted coup of the local government, Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to evacuate and protect U.S. citizens. The Marines formed the core of a multinational force that quickly restored the peace.
T. 1982- Marines deployed to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force in an effort to restore peace to this war-torn country. This action further displayed the Maine concept of a “Force in Readiness.” On October 23 1983, a suicide truck bomb attack on the headquarters building killed 241 Americans and wounded 70 others. The last Marine unit withdrew in the first part of 1984.
U. 1983- Following the assassination of the Prime Minister and violent over through of the government of Grenada, Marines participated in Operation Urgent Fury, a joint military operation in response to a request for intervention from neighboring Caribbean nations. The Marines’ rapid response led to the securing of the island and protecting the lives of American citizens living there.
V. 1989- In response to the increasing unrest in Panama, the President of the United States ordered a joint military operation, Just Cause, to over through the military government of Panama headed by General Manuel Noriega. United States forces, including Marines, accomplished this mission and installed a civilian government. General Noriega, under indictment in the United States for drug trafficking and racketeering, was arrested and sent back to the U.S. for trial.
W. 1990- Following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, Operation Dessert Shield was launched. This joint military operation was designed to halt the advance of Iraqi forces and to position multinational forces assembled for possible offensive operations to expel the invading force. This operation validated the Marine Corps Prepositioning Force (MPF) concept and enacted the plan of tailoring units to accomplish a mission as part of a Marine Air Ground Taskforce (MAGTF).
X. 1991- Operation Dessert Storm was launched after the Iraqi government refused to comply with United Nations resolutions. Marine aviation was heavily used when the air phased commenced in January 1991. When massive bombing failed to dislodge Iraqi forces, Marine ground forces swept into Kuwait and liberated the country, causing severe damage to the Iraqi military capability.
Y. 1992- Operation Restore Hope is launched and on December 9th 1992 Marines land in Mogadishu, Somalia in support of U.N. operations.
Z. 1996- In response to the unrest in the African countries of Liberia and Central African Republic Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) went in to protect the U.S. Embassies in those two countries.
AA. 2001- Operation Enduring Freedom is launched. Marine aircraft from VMFA-251, deployed aboard the carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, launch some of the 1st air strikes against Al-Qada and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.
Significant Battles In Marine Corps History
A. The Battle of Bladensburg: In August of 1814, 103 Marines and 400 sailors made a vain attempt to block a force of 4,000 British troops from advancing on Washington. The Marines stopped 3 headlong charges before finally being outflanked and driven back.
B. The Battle of New Orleans: In January of 1815, Marines under the command of General Andrew Jackson soundly defeated British Forces that were attacking the city of New Orleans. The British lost approximately 2,000 men while the American losses were less than 100.
C. The Battle of Belleau Wood: Marines fought one of their greatest battles at Belleau Wood, France during WWI. Marines helped to crush a German offensive at Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In honor of the Marines who fought there, the French renamed the area “the Wood of the Brigade of Marines.” German intelligence evaluated the Marines as “storm troops”—the highest rating on the enemy fighting scale. In reference to the Marines ferocious fighting ability, German troops called their new enemy “Teufelhunden” or “Devil Dog,” a nickname in which Marines share with pride.
D. The Battle of Wake Island: In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese struck Wake Island on 8 December. Despite being heavily out numbered, the Marines mounted a courageous defense before finally falling on 23 December. This small force of Marines caused an extraordinary number of Japanese casualties and damage to the invading force.
E. The Battle of Guadalcanal: On 7 August 1942, the 1st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and launched the 1st United States land offensive of WWII. This battle marked the first combat test of the new amphibious doctrine, and also provided a crucial turning point of the war in the Pacific by providing a base to launch further invasions of Japanese held islands. Amphibious landings followed on the remaining islands in the Solomons including New Georgia, Choiseul (Fient), and Bougainville.
F. The Battle of Tarawa: The Gilbert Islands was the 1st in the line of advance of the Central Pacific. The prime objective was Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island which had been fortified to the point that the Japanese commander proclaimed that it would take a million American 100 years to conquer it. On 20 November 1943, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hrs, but paid a heavy price in doing so. Because of an extended reef, landing craft could not cross it and Marines were offloaded hundreds of yards off the beaches. This led to heavy losses to enemy fire. Additionally, many Marines drowned while attempting to wade to shore.
G. The Battle of The Mariana Islands: Due to the need for airfields by the Air Force and advanced bases for the Navy, the Marianas were invaded. Landings on the islands of Saipan, Guam, and Tinian accomplished this. During June and July of 1943, Lt. General Holland M. Smith led a combined invasion force of Marines and sailors that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.
H. The Battle of Iwo Jima: On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in what was the largest all Marine battle in history. It was also the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps suffered over 23,300 casualties. The capture of Iwo Jima greatly increased the air support and bombing operations against the Japanese home islands. Of the savage battle, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said, “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
I. The Battle of Okinawa: In April of 1945, Marines and Sailors landed and secured the island of Okinawa. This marked the last large action of WWII. Due to the death of Army commander, Maj. General Roy S. Geiger assumed command of the 10th Army and became the only Marine General to command a field Army.
J. The Battle of The Chosin Reservoir: After pushing far into North Korea during November of 1950, Marines were cut off after the Chinese Communist Forces entered the war. Despite facing a 10-division force sent to annihilate them, Marines smashed 7 enemy divisions on their march from the Chosin Reservoir. The major significance of this retrograde movement was that Marines brought out all operable equipment, properly evacuated their wounded and dead, and maintained tactical integrity.
K. The Second Battle of Khe Sanh: In January of 1968, Marines defended the firebase at Khe Sanh from an attack force of 2 North Vietnamese Army (NVA) divisions. Despite heavy bombardment, the Marines held out for over 2 ½ months before finally forcing the enemy forces to withdraw.
L. The Battle of Hue City: During the Vietnamese holiday of Tet in January of 1968, Communist forces launched a surprise offensive by infiltrating large numbers of their troops into the major population centers of Hue City, South Vietnam. A near division-size unit of NVA troops occupied the city of Hue and the Citadel. Marines fought in built-up areas for the 1st time since the Korean War foregoing the application of heavy arms to minimize civilian casualties. Fighting was house to house with progress measured in yards. The city was secured on 25 February 1968.


Semper -Fi!!

[echo3mike]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think MARINES were depoled as early as 1962 in Vietnam.

[echo3mike]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think MARINES were deployed as early 1962 in VIetnam.

[echo3mike]

My slow computer helps me be redundant

[kmjb]

is this true?

[Phantom Blooper]

I am not a Vietnam Marine,I am an (era) Marine. But from what I know the United States was involved in Advisory and Combat assistance 1954-1964. Maybe someone more up on this history can explain. Semper-Fi! Chuck Hall

[kmjb]

ok ty

[echo3mike]

Come on old Salty ones we know your'e out there, give us the real history. Murph

[garryh123]

My father was there in 1964, 1st of 3 tours.

[marinemom]

Not an "old salty one", but lost one Marine during Nam, married a second and raised a third - but...

In 1955 a group of 342 American military advisors were sent to Viet Nam at the request of the Diem regime to retrain the and reorganize the Army of the Republic of Viet Nam.

The Marines were sent in 1965, not 1952, and by May of that year established their bases at Chu Lai and Phu Bai.I still have letters from that time.

[echo3mike]

marinemom, sorry for your loss but I believe ther were Marine units operating there in 62, aside from the advisors.

[Phantom Blooper]

Page 143 (The Advisory & Combat Assistance Era: 1954-1964)




Warfare under the provisions on the OJT program.*

A similar but shorter term program for field grade officers and colonels, the Job Related Orientation (JRO) Program, also took hold during the early months of 1964. Instituted in the last half of the previous year, the JRO program provided for a small number of staff officers from the various FMFPac commands to visit U.S. Headquarters in Vietnam and Thailand for an eight-day period. Small groups of these officers arrived at Da Nang from Okinawa and, like the OJTs, were briefed by the helicopter task element commander and his staff. Later they were afforded an orientation flight over the northern provinces. Next, the visiting officers were flown to Saigon where they received more briefings at MACV headquarters. In the capital, where they were hosted by the Senior Marine Advisor, they visited Vietnamese Marine units and discussed tactics and problem areas with the advisors. After four days in the Republic of Vietnam the Marines travelled on co Bangkok where they spent the balance of their visit. Upon the conclusion of these JRO trips, each officer was required to submit a detailed written report to the Commanding General, FMFPac. In turn, extracts of these reports were forwarded to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in Washington.

Generally these reports addressed tactical, operational, logistics, and intelligence matters. But a number of the Marine officers used the reporting system to articulate their opinions relative to the overall direction of the war. Colonel Warren P. Baker, a member of the 3d Marine Division staff who visited Vietnam in March, pointed out that field advisors and MACV staff members differed sharply in their personal assessments of progress being made. The field advisors, Baker observed, demonstrated far less optimism than did the staff members. Furthermore, he reported that unless the people of South Vietnam could be won over to the government, the Viet Cong's success could be expected to continue.12 Another officer. Lieutenant Colonel Harry E. Dickinson, summarized his conclusions with an even more emphatic warning:

The commitment of sizeable U.S. combat units should not be effected except to protect the seat of government. While local success might be achieved in certain areas, it is extremely doubtful whether any lasting degree of success would entail in the northern and western sections. As combat units were increased, the forces of Vietnam would do less and less with the inevitable conflict of overall command. The end result would be the ringing of the country with combat units but no solution for the internal conflict. I strongly disagree that any two or three divisions could achieve real victory as has been stated in the press.13 Through candid reporting of this nature. Marine commanders from Okinawa to Washington were kept abreast of the complex and difficult problems being generated by the war in Southeast Asia.

*The 3d Marine Division's OJT program did not end until after elements of the division landed at Da Nang in March 1965. The Marine Advisory Unit experimented successfully with another form of augmentation in the first days of 1965. When the Vietnamese Marines deployed to the Binh Gia area with a provisional brigade in early January, Colonel Nesbit, who was still serving as Senior Marine Advisor, requested additional personnel to assist and advise at the staff level. FMFPac responded by temporarily detaching eight officers and 11 enlisted men to the advisory division. MACV provided two more Marine officers and seven additional enlisted men, all of whom remained attached to the Marine Advisory Unit for the duration of the operation. The temporarily assigned Marines returned to their parent organizations when the operation terminated. This is covered in more detail in the 1965 account of U.S. Marine activities in Vietnam.




Page 143 (The Advisory & Combat Assistance Era: 1954-1964)

Semper-Fi!!

[Phantom Blooper]

The Vietnamese Marine Corps
From Viet Nam Generation, Vol. 7:1-2, 1996, pp. 73-77
©1996 by Peter Brush

The Vietnamese Marine Corps had its origin during the period of French control in Indochina. The 1949 Franco-Vietnamese Agreement stated that the Vietnamese Armed Forces were to include naval forces whose organization and training would be provided by the French Navy. In 1951, the French proposed a development plan for the Vietnamese Navy, which called for the formation of two naval assault divisions under French command. In March, 1952, French Imperial Ordinance No. 2 was promulgated, officially establishing the Navy of Vietnam. The following year the two naval assault divisions were activated.

In 1953, the French and Vietnamese governments agreed to increase the Vietnamese Army to 57 light infantry battalions for offensive operations. As such operations were to extend into the coastal areas of Vietnam, an increase in the size of the Vietnamese Navy was also deemed necessary. While considerations were underway to decide if the river flotillas should be under the control of the Army or Navy, French Vice Admiral Auboyneau proposed for the first time the organization of a Vietnamese Marine Corps. By 1954, as the French began their withdrawal from Vietnam, the Vietnamese Marine Corps, a component of the Vietnamese Navy, consisted of a headquarters, four river companies, and one battalion landing force. 1

On October 13, 1954, President Ngo Dinh Diem signed a government decree formally creating within the naval establishment a corps of infantry to be designated as the Marine Corps (VNMC). The cessation of hostilities between the French and Vietnamese caused the end of U.S. military assistance to the French in Indochina. Title to materiel previously provided to the French in Vietnam reverted back to American control. Also during that year the U.S. and French military missions to Vietnam were combined into the Advisory, Training, and Operations Mission (ATOM).

In 1955, the Vietnamese Naval Forces passed from French to Vietnamese command. In January, 1955, U.S. ATOM members proposed missions for the Vietnamese Navy and Marine Corps that included light amphibious operations, river and coastal patrol, minesweeping, fire support, and logistic support for military forces. The ATOM proposal envisioned that by 1957 the Vietnamese Marine Corps was to be increased in size to a three-battalion regiment. It would constitute a portion of a general reserve for the Vietnamese armed forces, and would be available for rapid deployment throughout the national territory of Vietnam. French insistence that infantry units should be part of a naval force and operate from boat units was one of the most important tactical innovations to emerge from the First Indochina War. Although French in origin, all further evolution of the VNMC would be at the hands of the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1954, U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Victor Croizat was designated as the first Senior U.S. Advisor to the VNMC. These first Vietnamese Marines were formed from colonial-era commandos (the 1st and 2nd Battaillons de Marche) who came south when Vietnam was partitioned at Geneva. 2 Vietnamese Marines were recruited as volunteers and attended recruit training at the VNMC Training Command located at Thu Duc near Saigon. The recruit program placed emphasis on patriotism, challenging "young men to prove themselves equal to rigorous, disciplined life." 3 Officers in the Vietnamese Marine Corps were appointed from the National Military Academy, an infantry school for reserve officers, and from a 12-week officer training course for NCO's showing special merit. The training center could accommodate 2,000 students and provided advanced infantry training, officer, NCO, and sniper courses in addition to basic recruit training. Many training command instructors had received instruction at Marine Corps schools in the United States. 4

USMC advisory efforts permeated every aspect of VNMC training, force expansion, logistics, and field operations. When Croizat arrived, VNMC strength stood at 1,150 men and was dispersed from Hue to the Mekong Delta. It was dependent upon the French for logistical support, and a French officer still commanded the 1st VNMC Battalion. 5 The VNMC earned a solid reputation as a fighting force, particularly compared to the regular armed forces of South Vietnam (ARVN). The VNMC, along with Ranger and Airborne units, constituted Saigon's elite national reserve, and were deployed to exploit battlefield successes and redress emergency situations. Normally the individual Marine battalions were attached to a corps, a province, or an ARVN division for combat operations.

In 1958, the Vietnamese Marines were among the first South Vietnamese government (GVN) regular military units committed to fighting the Viet Cong - the 1st VNMC Landing Battalion was ordered into action by the South Vietnamese (SVN) Joint General Staff (JGS) at the end of the year. The battalion spent two months searching for VC in An Xugen, Vietnam's southernmost province. Adhering to then prevailing U.S. policy, no U.S. Marine advisors accompanied the Vietnamese Marines on this operation.

In 1959 the VNMC underwent expansion. The month of June saw the formation of a third landing battalion near the Cuu Long Navy Yard. A fourth rifle company was added to each infantry battalion and the old heavy weapons companies were abolished. These changes increased the strength of VNMC infantry battalions to about 900 men. 6 It was at this time that the VNMC, along with newly formed ARVN airborne units, became the general reserve for the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces (RVNAF). This "force in readiness" was directly responsible to the JGS for any ground warfare mission. As part of this general reserve the VNMC often was assigned to clear particularly hazardous or difficult terrain while seeking combat with the Viet Cong.

U.S. Marine advisors sought to transform the VNMC into an elite fighting unit, encouraging them to take pride in difficult and dangerous operations. The senior USMC advisor proposed the adoption of a distinctive globe and anchor emblem (similar to that of the USMC) as well as black and green tiger-stripe camouflaged utility uniform similar to that worn by French commando units. A dark green beret was authorized for wear in garrison. At this time the U.S. Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG) authorized U.S. Marine advisors assigned to the VNMC to accompany them into combat, a privilege that was not extended to other MAAG personnel. 7 These American Marine advisors wore the same distinctive field uniform as their Vietnamese counterparts.

In 1960, President Diem appointed Major Le Nguyen Khang Senior Marine Officer. In November, 1960, the VNMC 3d Battalion became involved in a coup against the Diem government. Upon learning of this coup attempt, Khang led two VNMC battalions from the field to Saigon where they joined other Marine units around the presidential palace. For several hours it appeared that Khang's Marines might clash with the rebellious Marines of the 3d Battalion. After forces loyal to Diem suppressed the coup, the VNMC returned to their combat functions with the general reserve.

In 1961 the VNMC was expanded by the addition of a fourth infantry battalion and a 75mm howitzer battery. The 4th Battalion was organized in the coastal city of Vung Tau, about 60 kilometers southeast of Saigon. While these new units were forming, the JGS ordered the Vietnamese Navy and Marines to undergo operations against Viet Cong forces in the U Minh Forest at the southern tip of South Vietnam. These particular GVN units were deployed because the objective was not accessible by land. This operation made evident the deficiencies of Vietnamese naval forces. Inexperienced sailors had difficulties with navigation, which caused them to arrive late at the embarkation point. The Marines, relying on outdated French maps, made slow progress moving inland. The result was little contact with the Viet Cong.

Similar problems plagued most GVN ground units in this early period of operations against Communist forces. The frequent deployment of the VNMC units in static security roles was opposed by their U.S. Marine advisors as running contrary to the offensively-oriented, elite spirit they sought to instill in the VNMC. In spite of this opposition, the JGS continued to station their Marine units in areas around the capital.

1964 ended in disaster for the Vietnamese Marine Corps. The 4th Battalion had been serving as the reserve force for III Corps. On December 27, the Viet Cong overran the town of Binh Gia east of Saigon. ARVN Rangers and the 4th VNMC Battalion were ordered to retake the town. This was accomplished with no enemy opposition. While attempting to recover the bodies of dead U.S. Army gunship crewmen, a company of Marines was ambushed by a Viet Cong force armed with heavy weapons. The other three companies of the 4th Battalion moved from Binh Gia toward the crash site to lend assistance. This Marine column was ambushed by a large Communist force while moving through a rubber plantation. By late afternoon most of the officers of the 4th Battalion were dead, including the battalion commander. Before eluding the Viet Cong attackers the 4th Battalion suffered about 60 percent casualties. All the U.S. Marine advisors were wounded in the fighting at Binh Gia. The Ranger Battalion, operating nearby, suffered a similar fate in another violent ambush. Within a 24-hour period two elite government battalions had been destroyed.



cont.

[Phantom Blooper]

The fighting at Binh Gia was the worst defeat of the war to date for the VNMC, causing the elimination of its 4th Battalion as an effective fighting force. USMC Major Lane Rogers, advisor to the 3d VNMC Battalion, volunteered to go to Binh Gia to assist with evacuation of the casualties. After three days of searching, over 100 allied bodies were recovered. No VC bodies were found. 9

Although no one within the allied command knew the exact size of the enemy force that had defeated the Vietnamese Marines at Binh Gia, it certainly was larger than any enemy force previously encountered. Later MACV learned that the Communists had created the 9th VC Division from two regiments. The South Vietnamese Joint General Staff ordered a joint Airborne and Marine task force to search out and destroy the Communist division. The resulting operation, which ended in February, was unsuccessful; no VC were located.

The VNMC did achieve success against the VC the following month. Intelligence sources indicated one VC battalion from the 2d VC Regiment was in the town of Bong Song in II Corps. Another VC battalion had been positioned along the highway to ambush any GVN relief column. After a ten mile forced march, the VNMC attacked the flank of the VC ambush position. With the arrival of darkness the VC disengaged, leaving behind 63 KIA. 10 In March, the 2d VNMC Battalion was awarded an U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for actions against the Viet Cong. In August, a VNMC task force fought its first battle with North Vietnamese forces operating in South Vietnam near the Special Forces camp at Duc Co near the Cambodian border. VNMC combat effectiveness and morale increased after mid-1965, as evidenced by a declining desertion rate. In November, the 3d VNMC Battalion engaged in an amphibious landing from U.S. 7th Fleet ships with elements of the U.S. Marine Corps. 1965 also saw the expansion of the VNMC with the formation and deployment to operational status of the 5th Battalion.

During June, 1966, Colonel John A. MacNeil, head of the U.S. Marine Advisory Unit, submitted a plan concerning force structure goals for the Vietnamese Marine Corps to Rear Admiral Norvell G. Ward, commander of the American Naval Advisory Group. MacNeil's plan envisioned the enlargement of the VNMC from a brigade to a full division by 1970.

In 1966, the VNMC continued to operate as a segment of the general strategic reserve. Its commandant, Lieutenant General Le Nguyen Khang, in addition to his Corps' duties, served as military governor of Saigon and commander of III Corps. General Khang was the first VNMC graduate of the USMC Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico, Virginia, as were many VNMC field-grade officers. One VNMC battalion remained in the Saigon area while the others were deployed throughout South Vietnam.

In May, the GVN sent two battalions of Marines (without their U.S. advisors) to assist in the suppression of political dissent associated with the Struggle Movement in Da Nang and Hue. A VNMC task force continued to operate in I Corps for the remainder of 1966. VNMC units supported USMC forces in Operations Hastings in Quang Tri province and with the 5th Marines during Operation Colorado in the Que Son Valley near Tam Ky. In September, a sixth infantry battalion was added to the VNMC.

Normally the national strategic reserve remains uncommitted except as dictated by tactical emergency. Even though the VNMC was an element of the GVN reserve it seldom remained uncommitted: In 1967, Vietnamese Marines engaged in combat operations over 80 percent of the time. 11

Except for the VNMC battalion based at Vung Tau, the battalions of the VNMC were based around Saigon. Marine operations in 1967 frequently included security operations in the Capital Military District, combat operations in the Rung Sat Special Zone, campaigns against VC forces in II Corps, and search and destroy operations in III and IV Corps. The VNMC added an artillery battalion to its existing six infantry battalions during the year.

The Rung Sat ("forest of assassins") is a 400 square mile dense mangrove swamp separating Saigon from the South China Sea. The range between high and low tides is 12 feet, yielding rapid currents that make small streams dangerous for troop movements. Boats are difficult to maneuver during tidal periods and at high tide it is impossible for troops to maneuver on foot. The VC employed a system that utilized signal towers to provide early warning on the massing of GVN units. During 1967, the VNMC conducted five battalion-sized operations in this hot, wet, dangerous, and insect-infested environment.

Binh Dinh province in northern II Corps was an area of major VNMC operations throughout 1967. Joint U.S./GVN operations began shortly after the arrival of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in 1965. Binh Dinh province consisted of a heavily populated coastal plain with large uncultivated and under-populated areas away from the coast. All except the coastal areas had long served as VC sanctuaries and Communist influence was strong. The main food cultivation areas were located along Route 1, which was under government control. It was the VC's desire to seize these food-producing areas that led to the deployment of US and GVN forces in Binh Dinh province. VNMC operations in II Corps during 1967 resulted in 202 Communists KIA and 282 captured. Marine losses during the year in II Corp were 49 KIA and 215 WIA. 12

In February and March, 1967, the VNMC provided a brigade that underwent joint operations during Operation Junction City with the U.S. 25th Infantry Division in III Corps. In May, Marine units deployed to the Mekong Delta to participate in riverine operations with the ARVN 21st Division. Other VNMC operations during 1967 included Operation Billings with the U.S. 1st Infantry Division near Bien Hoa and Operation Paddington with the Australian Task Force in Phuoc Tuy province. The most productive Vietnamese Marine operations of 1967 occurred in the fall when the 5th VNMC Battalion served as a maneuver battalion for the U.S. Navy Mobile Riverine Force. This battalion generally moved on the boats of the Riverine Assault Division. The fierce two-day battle of Rach Ruong resulted in the deaths of 175 Viet Cong at the hands of the 5th Battalion, including the commander of the VC 502d Battalion, one company commander, and two platoon commanders. 13 The VNMC engaged in 24 major combat operations during 1967, more than half of which were multi-battalion maneuvers, and resulting in the death or capture of approximately 1,000 enemy soldiers. 14

Although by the time of the Tet Offensive of 1968 South Vietnam had known over twenty years of revolutionary warfare, the capital of Saigon had been spared the ravages of war. That came to an end on January 31. As a component of the general reserve, the VNMC was quickly committed to the fighting. By the morning of the first day of the offensive two battalions of Vietnamese Marines were rushed by helicopter from the Mekong Delta to Saigon. Deploying on the parade ground of the JGS, the VNMC units engaged Viet Cong forces for twenty-four hours before the Communist forces there were repulsed.

In the north, beginning about 3:30 A.M., a mixed NVA-VC force swept into the former imperial capital of Hue. By dawn these invaders had control of the city except for the U.S. advisory compound and the ARVN 1st Division camp in a corner of the Citadel. On February 12, two battalions of Vietnamese Marines moved into the southwestern corner of the Citadel, adjacent to U.S. Marines occupying positions in the southeastern corner. The fighting between ARVN, American, and Vietnamese Marines on one hand, and North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers on the other, swayed back and forth for the next ten days. At 5:00 A.M. the Viet Cong banner, which had flown over the citadel since the fighting, began was replaced with the flag of South Vietnam. The twenty-five day struggle for Hue was the longest and bloodiest ground action of the Tet Offensive and possibly the longest and bloodiest single action of the Second Indochina War. 15

The Tet fighting of 1968 made evident the reluctance of many ARVN units to aggressively pursue enemy forces after overcoming their initial attacks. Too often these units were concerned with their own safety and the well being of their dependents, and their commanders relied on the aggressiveness of U.S. military units and American firepower to push enemy units out of urban areas. Exceptions to the tendency of GVN military units to prefer the defense of their bases rather than seeking the enemy in the countryside included elite GVN forces such as the Vietnamese Marines, Rangers, and Airborne units, who performed well in the fighting in Hue. 16


cont.