Reviewer:
Jilly9 -
-
January 9, 2012
Subject:
June 1966 in Vietnam
Pleiku - On June 3, 1966 helicopters land at LZ Oasis. It is the 18th day of Operation Paul Revere and the 25th Infantry Division has lost 3 helicopters during these bitter battles with the Viet Cong. An artillery battery is preparing a new LZ (Alpha 10) where the Operation will be continued. Artillery fire cannot be accurately evaluated, due to thick jungle, so helicopters are shown observing, flying dangerously low. More helicopters fly US assault troops to the new LZ. At Alpha 10, soldiers move through the terrain; the NVA 33rd and 32nd regiments have been in the area in the past week and there has been intense fighting. More shots of US soldiers moving though jungle and there is enemy contact. A recon patrol advises that there is an unmapped village ahead so the 25th Infantry Division soldiers investigate. They encounter Montagnard people. Back at LZ oasis, Brigadier General Glenn D. Walker arrives via helicopter. He is shown a captured Soviet SKS 7.62 rifle, 82mm Chinese mortars, and radio gear.
CU CHI - On June 5 - 6, 1966 25th Infantry Division soldiers were filmed during Operation Fort Smith. They approach a village with a truck with mounted loudspeaker. The village is deserted but tunnels are found. At the village, tunnels are found and soldiers hold another man upside down into one, in order to investigate. A Vietnamese policeman burns some houses. A mine in the roadway destroys a US Army vehicle so the area is swept for mines. More footage of soldiers moving through the jungle, extra alert for booby traps. Another village is approached.
BA RIA - The 159th Engineer Group perform soil analysis in order to determine improved methods for destroying Viet Cong tunnels. Acetylene gas is a new method. During Operation Hardihood, engineers from the 173rd Brigade carry this new equipment to destroy tunnels. It is shown being set up (by soldier with cigarette hanging from his mouth) at a tunnel entrance. NW of Cu Chi, the 25th Infantry Division will use this method on a newly discovered VC cave. Brigadier General Edward H. de Saussure, Jr. is shown discussing the new equipment. The new cave is blown up.
TAN SON NHUT - Memorial Day 1966 at HQ for the US Army in Vietnam. A memorial ceremony is held.
DAK TO - A South Vietnamese official presents Brigadier General Glenn D. Walker with a token of appreciation for the work the 25th Infantry is doing.
PLEIKU - A USO show performs for troops, including pianist Big "Tiny" Little & singer Mary Petite. USO performers travel in helicopters to provide entertainment to our fighting forces, wherever they may be.
YOKAHAMA, [SIC] JAPAN - U.S. Army Procurement Agency, Japan is unique and Colonel E.V. Lau explains its mission.
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Army Engineers are bypassing a highway bridge that was damaged in May 1966. A M4-T6 floating bridge is installed and a roadbed is installed. It is a gesture of goodwill to the country. On June 6th, 1966 cars lined up to be first across the bridge.
SANUAG-BANGKOK, Thailand - The Gulf of Thailand holds tens of thousands of ships (junks) and they are cataloged in a "Junk Bluebook" project. This helps with coastal security. The book is "Bluebook of Coastal Vessels, Thailand."
BANGKOK--BANG-KIEN - An ordinance depot is inspected by US and Royal Thai Armies including maintenance shops.
NARISHINO, JAPAN - May 22 was the 15th anniversary of the 1st Airborne Brigade, Japan Self Defense Forces. It was organized with WWII equipment provided by the US AID. A Mitsubishi-produced under license from Willis Jeep, and other materiel is shown.
CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN - the Medical Regulating Office (JAMRO) controls movement of patients from hospitals in Vietnam to other hospitals in the Pacific. The CO is interviewed. It's a tri-service organization under CINCPAC.