"A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 7th MARINES" 1965-1970 By: Victor J. Vilionis http://www.marzone.com/7thMarines/Hst0001.htm SUICIDE CHARLEY HOMEPAGE: http://suicidecharley.com/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=1 ......
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase VI Campaign (1968-69)
From Month/Year
November / 1968
To Month/Year
February / 1969
Description This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This project was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
November / 1968
To Month/Year
February / 1969
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories c. Soldiers receiving the Vietnam Service Medal are authorized to wear a bronze star to indicate each campaign. There are 17 designated campaigns during the period of 15 March 1962 through 28 January 1973. Units which receive campaign credit for any of the campaigns would display a streamer with inscription as shown on the unit's lineage and honors. The designated campaigns are:
Vietnam Advisory 1962-1965 Vietnam Defense 1965 Vietnam Counteroffensive 1965-1966 Vietnam Phase II 1966 - 1967 Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III 1967-1968 Tet Counteroffensive 1968 Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV 1968 Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V 1968 Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI 1968-1969 Tet 69 Counteroffensive 1969 Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969 Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1970 Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII 1970-1971 Consolidation I 1971 Consolidation II 1971-1972 Vietnam Cease-Fire 1972-1973