Prior to this operation the enemy had been building up his force near the DMZ and western QUANG TRI Province. In addition, the NVA had built roads and established lines of communication inside the southern half of the DMZ and were also improving their locations in LAOS and western QUANG TRI Province. The mission of ARVN forces (1st Inf DIV, 147th VNMC Brigade, 369th VNMC Brigade) was to destroy communist base camps, storage depots and supply routes leading into the South Vietnam from LAOS to the west and the DMZ to the north. The intent of LAM SON 810 was to conduct a massive spoiling attack against the enemy in western QUANG TRI Province prior to the 03 October GVN Presidential Election. This operation was preceded by saturation bombing by B-52's along the DMZ and western QUANG TRI Province. The 101st Airborne Division (AM) provided combat support and performed a rear guard role to allow ARVN forces to vacate certain fire support bases and move into western QUANG TRI Province. Once again, XXIV Corps Artillery supported ARVN forces with heavy artillery (8 in/175mm) and target acquisition assets.
(Senior Officer Debriefing Report: LTG W. G. Dolvin, Commander, XXIV Corps, Vietnam, 09 June 1971 - 20 March 1972)
Unit(s) tasked organized or under brigade control:
Operation LAM SON 810 was initiated on 06 September 1971 and terminated on 25 September 1971 with the following results:
Friendly: 75 KIA
Enemy: 175 KIA
 |
 |
 |