The Siege at Dong Ha

In the spring of 1968, the 320th Division of the North Vietnamese Army was preparing for a May offensive that intended to push as far south of the De-militarized Zone as they could and had its sights set on Dong Ha Air Base located 12 miles south of the DMZ. This series of actions collectively became known as the Battle of Dong Ha.

Situation:

Intelligence suggests a division sized force comprised of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong are advancing south in the direction of Dong Ha Air Base threatening to sever American supply and local trade routes both by land and river.

Mission:

To maintain tactical control of Dong Ha Air Base & LZ Red Devil and to provide security, fire support & mine clearing operations along Hwy 1 and Hwy 9 & at the mouth of the Cura Viet river.

Execution:

The entirety of the command will immediately prepare to support base defense operations. All units will look towards their respective command for specific assignments.

Administration & Logistics:

Base operations will be restricted to close in patrol and defensive positions or operations involving FAC, reconnaissance and communications. Close in air support will be provided by Marine Air Support Squadron 2 & coordinated by the MASS-2 Direct Air Support Center.

3rd Combat Engineer Battalion will staff sappers for road & trail clearing. 3rd Reconnaissance & elements of ST-2 will provide recon & intel. Resupply of material & personnel will be addressed by individual unit command. FAC operations will be handled through Direct Air Support Command communications net.

Command & Signal:

Operational control of Dong Ha Air Base will be assigned to senior staff officers from 3/3 & 2/4. To preserve operational security, frequencies and call signs will be determined by MASS-2 DASC staff at time of pre-deployment of all elements.