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Marine Combat Operations in Vietnam

Photographs document Marines in action during various operations in Vietnam, capturing tense moments and significant military engagements.

Members of the 3rd Platoon's mortar crew are seen firing a borrowed 60 Mortar during a search by fire near their position in Vietnam on May 22, 1965. Lance Corporal Clarence M. McGowen, the mortar's gunner, is seen holding one of the triped legs. Photograph taken by GySgt.R.F. Ayors.
Members of the 3rd Platoon's mortar crew are seen firing a borrowed 60 Mortar during a search by fire near their position in Vietnam on May 22, 1965. Lance Corporal Clarence M. McGowen, the mortar's gunner, is seen holding one of the triped legs. Photograph taken by GySgt.R.F. Ayors.
364 assets in this story
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"A group of Vietnamese Popular Forces (PF) and Combined Action Program (CAP) Marines are seen escorting five prisoners of war, including three women, back to their compound in Chu Lai, Vietnam. The prisoners were captured during a patrol of their designated area of responsibility. Among the prisoners' belongings was a U.S. made M-33 fragmentation grenade."
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Caption: January 13, 1967 - A photograph taken by Sgt. Cooper depicting a deceased Viet Cong soldier who was killed while trying to infiltrate the 2nd Battalion, Eleventh Marine Artillery Battery Command Port erosion in Vietnam. The image shows the equipment carried by the Viet Cong. This photograph was provided by the Defense Department (Marine Corps).
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Marines belonging to Colt Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, move towards the Ha Chou hamlet in Vietnam on January 13, 1967. The objective is to locate Viet Cong insurgents who have been obtaining supplies from the villagers. Photo taken by Cpl. Holbart, 3rd Marine Division. (Image: 285 - Patrols - 1967)
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"Leathernecks of 1st Bn., 9th Marine Regiment honoring fallen comrades during a memorial service at Vandegrift Combat Base. The service included a rifle salute for members killed during Operations Apache Snow, Cameron Falls, and Utah Mesa. The battalion was preparing to redeploy to Okinawa following President Nixon's order. (Photo: Cpl. Frank Delong, 1969)"
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Vietnamese civilians in 1967 use a garden kite provided by CARE, funded by the Marine Corps Reserve Civic Action Fund for Vietnam, to aid in farming. This image captures an effort by the US military to assist the local population in agriculture during the Vietnam War.
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Private First Class Richard W. Leapard and his dog IRKO of India Company, Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, are seen crossing a rain-swollen rice paddy during a patrol 8 miles south of Da Nang. This photograph was taken on October 30, 1969 by LCpl. John Gentry of the 1st MarDiv in Vietnam.
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"Two Marine CH-53 helicopters conducting evacuation exercises during Operation Frequent Wind in Saigon, Vietnam on April 29, 1975. The helicopters are seen landing in a parking lot on the north edge of Saigon as part of the military activities during the Vietnam War. Photo taken by GySgt. D.L.Shearer, provided by the Defense Department."
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Colonel Richard L. Michaels, Jr. (left) and Colonel Michael M. Sparks are seen in this photograph taken in 1968. Colonel Sparks is taking over command of the 3rd Marines from Colonel Michaels at Camp Carroll in Vietnam. This event was captured on a 35mm negative and is a part of the U.S. Marine Corps' official records.
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Chaplain Harold Roberts, of the lat Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, offers comfort to a wounded Marine during Operation Taylor Common in Vietnam. The Marine was injured by the blast of an M-33 grenade booby trap. Chaplain Roberts was present with the Marines when the explosion occurred. The Marine belongs to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, participating in the operation near An Hoa, led by Task Force Yankee. Photograph taken on January 21, 1969. (Photographer: LCpl Wright; Defense Dept. Photo - Marine Corps)
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Marines of the Ordnance Maintenance Co., Maintenance Bn, carefully lower a powerful V-12 engine into the hull of an amphibious cargo and personnel carrier. The engine is being transported by an amphibious tractor retriever, its hook framing the scene. This photograph was taken by Cpl Trygg Hansen during the Vietnam War.
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Marine Jet drops bombs to target enemy positions in support of the 2nd Korean Marine Brigade. The Air and naval gunfire support for the Korean Marines is controlled by the American Marine Air/Naval Gunfire Platoon, 1st Air/Naval Gunfire Company. Photograph taken on November 17, 1968, Vietnam.
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Marine Corps reconnaissance patrol codenamed "Touchdowa" navigating through thick elephant grass near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Laos Border. The photograph was taken on February 9, 1967, by GySgt Highland. The patrol consisted of eight men and one photographer. This image is part of the defense department's photographic collection.
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LCpl. Robert D. Rosegrant, 19, from Eldorado, Arkansas, can be seen in this image during a sweep on Phase II of Operation Sierra, located 15 miles south of Quang Ngai city. The photograph was taken on December 18, 1966, during the Vietnam War by Sgt. L.E. Lenin, a photographer of the Marine Corps.
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"ARVN troops and Marines from Combined Action Platoons in Vietnam's Phu Bai-Da Nang area, 1967. In a flag-raising ceremony at H-9, a newly established platoon, Marines and Vietnamese Popular Forces stand at attention as a senior enlisted PF raises the country's flag. Photograph by Sgt Wilkinson, Defense Dept. (Marine Corps).
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Two marines in a 105mm howitzer battery at Camp Leach, Vietnam, are seen after firing their gun. The marine in the foreground can be seen using a telephone to receive the "fire" command, while the marine in the rear is shown pulling the lanyard. This photograph was taken on December 23, 1967, and is part of the collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.
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Marines from "Y" Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, crossing a river on amphibious vehicles during Operation New Castle on March 26, 1967. A machine gunner and his assistant can be seen moving in a column. Department of Defense photo by LCpl McClory (Marine Corps) A369961.
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"August 31, 1970: A photograph captured by Marine Corps photographer R. He Wright shows the aftermath of damage caused to an orphanage in An Hoa. During the early morning at approximately 0100 hours, the building, filled with sleeping children, was hit by RPG and/or mortars. This image highlights the destruction inflicted on innocent civilians during the Vietnam War."
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The tank landing ship USS TOM GREEN COURTY (IST-1159) passes the self-propelled barracks ship USS BENEWATH (APB-35) as part of the mobile riverine force during a presidential unit citation ceremony in Dong Tam, Republic of Vietnam. Photograph taken in July 1969.
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Image shows a captured Soviet RKG 3T armor defeating grenade during the Vietnam War. It is a hand-thrown grenade armed by a drag chute, fires on impact, and can penetrate approximately five inches of armor. When the safety pin and lever are removed, it can be used as a booby trap by arming it and replacing the lever. The grenade is green with black markings.
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A 105mm howitzer being loaded onto a Marina CH-46 helicopter at An Hoa landing zone during Operation Bound in Vietnam, 1968. Prior to departure, each weapon underwent a limited technical inspection by Force Logistic Command's Logistic Support Unit's artillery repair shop. The artillery piece was then airlifted to sky-high bases to provide fire support for Operation Taylor Common. Defense Department photo taken by LCpl N.W. Myers (Marine Corps).
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U.S. marines from Quantico, Virginia patrol a village in Vietnam, 1966. The image depicts a typical house found in coastal villages during the war. It is part of a collection showcasing American military activities during the Vietnam War, highlighting the soldiers' interactions with local communities. Photographer: Pfc. Padilla. Defense Dept. Photo, TWB A556417.
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Soldiers from the United States Army engage in a military operation during the Vietnam War, 1966. The soldiers can be seen in a dense jungle environment, equipped with their rifles and other gear. They move cautiously through the undergrowth, demonstrating the challenging terrain and conditions faced by American forces during the war.
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September 7, 1965: In this photograph taken by Sgt McCullough, armed Huey helicopters from HMM-261 and VMO-2 are seen escorting the 2nd Battalion of the 4th RVN Army Regiment into LZ Pine during Operation PIRANHA in Vietnam. The troop lift was completed by 8:45 a.m., with no hits sustained by the helicopters despite two automatic weapons bracing LZ Pine. This image is from the Defense Department (Marine Corps) A185217.
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Major General Norman J. Anderson (right) receives the 1st Marine Air Wing colors from Major General Louis B. Robartshaw during a change of command ceremony at the 1st Marine Air Wing headquarters on June 1, 1967. General Anderson, a recipient of the Silver Star Medal for valor in aerial combat during the Pusan perimeter fighting, previously commanded the 2nd Marine Air Wing at Cherry Point, North Carolina. General Robartshaw is set to become the Liaison Officer for Headquarters Marine Corps with the Office of the Naval Operations.
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Men of the 11th Airborne Division on Leyte Island in the Philippines take a moment out to read their mail. Note shelter balfs as well as parachutes used as tents.
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Marine Staff Sergeant 0. R. Barritt, noncommissioned officer in charge of Civil Affairs, tries to subdue a bull during a Cow-CAP event in the village of Hoa Tho, Vietnam, on January 21, 1971. Barritt was thrown by the bull while attempting to wrestle it to the ground for a penicillin shot by a Navy hospital corpsman. The bull was being treated for pneumonia.
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While Yugoslavian children look on Sgt. John W. Pierce, Flint, Michigan and S/Sgt. Rudy N. O'Bradovich, Saltsburg, Pa. work on an engine of a Consolidated B-24.
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A CH-53 helicopter hovers over a net filled with supplies at a landing zone at the 2nd ROK Marine Brigade area at Hoi An. The supplies are about to be transported to ROK Marines in the field. This photograph was taken on January 11, 1971, in Danang, Vietnam.
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Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr Norman Vincent Peale participate in a ceremony in Vietnam on July 14, 1969. Leathernecks of the 1st Bn., 9th Marine Regiment receive a memento from Vietnamese schoolgirls at the pier in Da Nang before boarding the USS Paul Revere for their move to Camp Schwab, Okinawa.
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US Marines display captured weapons, including RPG rocket launchers and assault rifles, seized from the NVA (North Vietnamese Army) in the Cam Lo area. The photograph, taken on February 3, 1968, during the Vietnam War, shows a successful operation by the Third Marine Division. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) A801152.
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Marines prepare to board helicopters on the USS Iwo Jima during a military operation in Vietnam. The photo was taken on March 23, 1967.
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Collection of World War I Photographs, 1914-1918 that depict the military activities of British and other nation's armed forces and personnel during World War I.
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Image: A photograph of a captured Chinese Communist 82mm Mortar round with a chemical fuze. This is the first time this particular type of fuze has been seen in Vietnam. The round can be loaded with high explosive or CS-1. It can function on impact or be delayed for 2 to 8 hours. The round is grey in color, while the fuze is made of aluminum.
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Air-Sea Rescue Practice.
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Collection of World War I Photographs, 1914-1918 that depict the military activities of British and other nation's armed forces and personnel during World War I.
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Marine CH-53 helicopter lands in a landing zone for evacuee pick-up during Operation Frequent Wind. The Tan Son Nhut Airbase can be seen burning in the background due to incoming enemy artillery. This photograph was taken on April 29, 1975, during the evacuation exercises in Saigon, Vietnam. Photo by GySgt.D.L.Shearer.
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U.S. Marine displays captured weapons during the Vietnam War. This specific photo shows a Chicom 7.62mm modified Submachine Gun type 50, which was captured from NVA troops on February 28, 1967. The photograph was taken by SSgt. H.A. Magness and is part of the 3rd MarDiv collection.
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Private First Class Terry M. Perrigo, Gun Team Leader during the Vietnam War, takes cover and positions his weapon after being attacked by automatic AK-47 fire from a village approximately 200 meters away. This image captures the tense combat atmosphere and the bravery of American soldiers during their military activities in Vietnam.
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Visiting archeologists from the USSR (two upper left & extreme right) inspect dig site at Dry Creek near McKinley Park with Dr. Roger Powers of U of A (lower left) and NPS archeologist Z. A. Bradley. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Crossing McKinley River. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Soldiers inspect a captured Type 53 Carbine Bolt Action 7.62mm weapon, produced by ChiCom, during the Vietnam War in 1967. This image is part of a collection of military activities photos taken by Sergeant F.A. Barrett. The photo is from the Defense Department and belongs to the US Marine Corps.
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Caribou kill. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Capt. Eisenhart Climbing Into The Cockpit Of His Plane In England. 10 September 1944.
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Cambridge American Cemetary In England
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Alcan Highway. Original caption: 43-1483: Honorable Ian Mackenzie, representing Canada(on the right) and Honorable E.L. Bartlett representing the Territory of Alaska(on the left) formally open the Alcan Highway by cutting a ribbon stretched across the road at Soldiers Summit near Kluane Lake. Taken by Gail K. Pinkstaff. November 20, 1942. Original caption: 43-1484: Brigadier General James J O'Conner, commanding General of the Northwest Service Command spoke on behalf of the American Army during the ceremonies dedicating the Alcan Highway at Soldiers Summit near Kluane Lake. November 20, 1942. State: Alaska.
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Walrus skin hunting boats, or "umiak". Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Minnie Gray butchering caribou. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Bradley and dogs Gates sled trip. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Colonel John Harris, 6th Commandant of the Marine Corps in uniform / Brady, New York.. Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs , pp/liljpaper. Harris, John, 1793-1864, United States, Marine Corps, People, 1860-1870, Marines (Military personnel), Union, 1860-1870, Military uniforms, Union, 1860-1870, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Military personnel, Union.
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Kittiwakes. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Caribou hunter. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Park ranger giving evening campfire talk. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Harding Icefield looking west Mounts Iliamna and Redoubt on horizon. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Drying out camp #1 river trip. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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"Z" formation. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Old style "Kugree" or old Eskimo dwelling native to Little Diomede. USSR's Big Diomede in background. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Banding Brant. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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NPS archeologist, Zorro Bradley, inspecting a whale hunting skin boat. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Gordon and Wright on slope above east side peninsula of Tanana Lake. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Sheep hunt. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Ray and Barbara Bane setting up camp. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Mary Shields arriving Rohn River. Alaska Task Force Photographs
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Camping 4 miles SW of proposed observation station looking NW. Alaska Task Force Photographs