Was launched by 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and supported elements conducted search-and-destroy operations in the Quang Tin Province. Frequent engagements with small enemy forces accounted for the majority of the 428-enemy killed by the end of September 1967.
(USMACV; Command History 1967; Volume I; 16 September 1968)
Americal Division directed 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division to conduct search and destroy operations commencing 11 September 1967 northwest of TAM KY to find, fix and destroy VC/NVA forces and to neutralize VC/NVA base camps.
To accomplish the assigned mission and at the same time, block the enemy routes of egrees to the south and the southwest, the Brigade air assaulted its three organic infantry battalions into UDEN Area of Operation (AO) locted west of TAM KY. The 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry conducted airmobile assaults into the southern portion of the area of operation on 11 September 1967. The following day the 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry and the 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry air assaulted into the western and northern portions of the area of operation respectively. The 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, under the operation control of the Brigade, initially was given an onorder mission to exploit any intelligence gained during the intial stages of the operation. One Camp Strike Force Company from TIEN PHUOC Special Forces Camp screened likely routes of enemy egrees to the southwest of the Brigade's area of operation. Engineer LZ clearing and demolition teams and scout dog teams were attached to the maneuver battalions. The 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery collocated one firing battery with each of the maneuver battalion tactical command posts.
To accomplish its assigned search and destroy mission and effectively defeat the guerrilla in his environment, the Brigade assumed a semi-guerrilla posture and modified its methods of operation. The tactics and techniques employed, while in this posture, were designed to off-set the advatages the guerrilla has when operating in his environment. Once, however, contact was established with the enemy, the cloak of the semi-guerrilla was removed and all available firepower was placed on the enemy. The Brigade maeuvered freely throughout its area of operation, cross attached units and frequently changed boundaries to rapidly react to enemy movement and contacts. Some of the tactics and techniques employed were: Saturation patrolling, Ambushes, Stay behind patrols, Raids, Large area of operation, Deployment with 3-5 days rations, Movement from high to low ground and Artillery collacted with infantry.
(HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; Combat Operation After Action Report; Operation WHEELER; 11 December 1967)
Unit(s) tasked organized or under brigade control: 2-502 IN BN
Operation Wheeler commenced on 11 September 1967 and terminated on 25 November 1967.
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