lz x-ray means river. airbase attacked by vc on feb. 6, 1965 killed 8 americans, 128 wounded became...
TRANSCRIPT
LZ X-Ray
Means “River”
Airbase attacked by VC on Feb. 6, 1965
Killed 8 Americans, 128 wounded
Became justification for putting troops in South Vietnam
Camp Holloway
Two Part battle Nov 14-18, 1965 First major battle
between U.S. & NVA
Note: PAVN (People’s Army of Vietnam)
Located Central Highlands South Vietnam along Drang River
Ia Drang Valley
CIA had seen build up of NVA in the area
U.S. Strategy: Test air power especial of helicopters-send in 3 air cavalry units
NVA Strategy: Engage in close fighting-have 6 infantry units
6 Other Landing Zones including “LZ Albany”
NVA Leader Nyugen Huu An
Lt General Hal Moore & 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry -“LZ X-Ray”
There is a dry creek bed to the west
Herrick’s platoon will be separated
In the first few hours the U.S. bunches up in low area surround by trees because there are less than 200 U.S. troops vs. 1,600 NVA in mountains
U.S. Casualties: over 300 KIA, over 500 Wounded
U.S. Estimates NVA/VC casualties over 1,500
Both Sides claimed victory
Why is this battle significant in the war?
