Vietnam War Military Activities

Historical photographs capturing U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War, illustrating their daily life, operations, and interactions.

U.S. Marines from the Second Battalion, Fourth Regiment, are seen enjoying lunch at their command post (Dixie Diner) on May 7, 1968. The photo captures them eating a hot noon meal served on paper plates. The Marines had recently engaged in intensive combat with North Vietnamese Army forces during Operation Saline along the Que Viet river near Dong Ha. The photograph was taken by SSgt J. Reid.

"Sgt. J.W. Sedberry, Company "P", 2nd Battalion, Seventh Marines, inspects a handmade weapon during a break in a village near Happy Valley, 20 miles southwest of Daleng. Photograph taken by Cpl. R. Pearson during May 5-9, 1970, the capture of weapons in action by the 1st MarDiv Vietnam."

American military officer leading a group of officials into a club area in LatlarDiv Vietnam. The group is being guided by Lance Corporal William A. Bettis III, a singer in the band that sang the ballad of Lucy Caldwell. Photograph taken on December 25, 1969, by Col Hank D. Barkovits.

Lt. Gen. Lewis W. Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, visiting III Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam on November 2, 1970. In this photo, he is inspecting the grounds at the Americal Division. This image is a Defense Department photo taken by the Marine Corps. Photographer number A194798, GVB-277.

Leathernecks of the 3d Division disembarking from a CH-53A Sea Stallion helicopter of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-463 on November 18, 1967. This marked the beginning of a search and destroy operation southeast of Phu Bai, situated approximately 17 miles away. Captured as a 55mm negative photograph by SSgt W.F. Schrider belonging to the 1st Military Airlift Wing in Vietnam. Image reference: 70535, Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) A421969.

U.S. Marines from the Second Battalion, Fourth Regiment, are seen enjoying lunch at their command post (Dixie Diner) on May 7, 1968. The photo captures them eating a hot noon meal served on paper plates. The Marines had recently engaged in intensive combat with North Vietnamese Army forces during Operation Saline along the Que Viet river near Dong Ha. The photograph was taken by SSgt J. Reid.

Marines from the 1st Regiment dismantle a Viet Cong shelter cellar during a search and destroy operation in Com Mai, Vietnam. This photograph was taken on January 7, 1966, by Cpl. Martinez, and is part of the collection highlighting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, presents Corporal Pedro Raymond Vargas with the Silver Star Medal aboard the USS Valley Forge on August 9, 1969. This photograph captures the moment during the Vietnam War.

Marine Captain Park of the 3rd Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Republic of Korea Marine Brigade, helps Private First Class Bennie C. Belton call in an airstrike at a forward command post. The photo was taken in 1966 by Sgt. E. Lewis and is part of the American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A marine corps member uses surveying instruments and weapons sights to observe NVA activities during Operation Prairie in Vietnam on November 2, 1966. The photograph, taken by LCpl H... Romine III, showcases the usage of these instruments in military operations. It is part of the Defense Department's collection on American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marine trooper engages potential Viet Cong target during Operation Deckhouse VI in February 1967. The trooper is seen preparing to fire a 3.5 rocket launcher. This image, captured by the Defense Department's Marine Corps, showcases the intensity of military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marines of "B" Company, 1st Battalion, Fourth Marines, and the tanks of the 3rd Tank Battalion cooperate during Operation Hickory on July 15, 1967. The photograph was taken by LCpl Torbush and is part of the 3rd Marine Division's activities in Vietnam. It is an official Defense Department photo.

Members of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam on March 10, 1970, are seen firing XM-191 rocket launchers under the instruction of Division Schools. The photograph, taken by Sgt R. R. Nueber, depicts the training session where Marines from various elements of the Division are taught the use of the new weapon. This image is from the Defense Department's archives.

Marine Corps Private First Class F. Raindersha from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Hospitalman Dennis Day from Monongahela, Pennsylvania, provide medical aid and support to Private First Class S. S. Kramlich from Richmond, California. The photograph was taken on December 28, 1967, during Operation Badger Tooth as part of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam.

"First Lieutenant Paul R. Ek gives an action report to his battalion after leading a patrol in pursuit of Viet Cong. Private First Class John B. Primosh stands guard nearby. The photograph was taken on September 21, 1965, during the Vietnam War."

Marines of 3/4 being guided onto the beach landing area at Red Beach in Danang, Vietnam. The photo captures the beachhead activities of the 3rd Marine Division on April 14, 1965. Captured by Gysgt. R. F. Ayers, the image portrays the military actions during the Vietnam War. DEFENSE DEPT.PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A183968 W.

Staff Sergeant D. B. Baker of the 3rd Division in Vietnam, on October 7, 1965, is seen in this photograph holding an M-70 Winchester rifle while surveying rice paddies for any Viet Cong movement emerging from a village during a sniper training exercise. Image source: Defense Department.

Private First Class William J. Honzy from "A" Company 1/5, jumping over a ditch during Operation Junction II on December 20, 1967. The operation took place approximately eight miles south of Da Meng in Vietnam. This photograph was taken by Sergeant Dickman and is a part of the 35mm Negative 20-1-354-67 collection.

Marine Corps soldiers of "Co, 3rd Ba, 5th Harinas" returning to the Battalion Command Post (Bn C.P) after completing Operation "Corten" on December 11, 1966. The photograph was taken by Sgt. G.R. Caspard and shows the soldiers leaving their perimeter watch.

Marines from the Third Battalion, Fifth Regiment patrol through an archway in a roadway during Operation Shelby, 15 miles south of Da Nang on September 1, 1967. The mission was to search for Viet Cong. This Defense Department photo was taken by Sgt. Dickman.

Don DeFore, an entertainer, engages in conversation with Priv First Class T. D. Enders at the Chu Lai Combat Base in Vietnam on May 26, 1966. DeFore was visiting the base during his tour, exploring both the combat base and its nearby areas. The photograph was taken by Pfc. Mincemoy.

A Marine from Horter Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, takes cover as a 4.2 mortar round is fired during the Vietnam War. The image is dated August 31, 1965, and was captured by Sgt. J. Fraley. The 3rd Marine Division has been relentlessly bombarding Viet Cong territory with mortar rounds since their arrival in Vietnam.

A Marine Corps soldier, Private John Haring III, returns from patrolling during combat operations in Vietnam. The photograph was taken by Corporal A.C. Ferreira on February 2, 1967. The image is sourced from the defense department's photo collection.

Marine Private First Class J.L. Collins keeps a battery pack dry while wading through a muddy hole during a search mission with "I" Co., 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 12 miles south southwest of Danang, Vietnam. This photograph was taken in 1969 by Sgt. D.B. Kramer, a 35mm negative photographer documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War. Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps).

Marines from "C" Company, 2nd Battalion, Third Marines, launching an assault on Hill 881 during a battle near Khe Sanh. This photograph was taken on April 29, 1967, as part of American military activities during the Vietnam War. The image shows a good view of the assault in progress.

Private First Class J. L. Laster, 22, from Jacksonville, Florida, is seen carrying canteens to be filled for his squad from "E" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment during Operation Independence on February 8, 1967 in Vietnam. This photograph was taken by Cpl. MacDonald and is from the Defense Department.

Soldiers from HSS Co. 3/7 Vietnam tie a cable together during Operation DeSoto in March 1967. They are working to install a telephone system in the battalion's GP. This photo depicts their efforts to ensure easier handling of the cable. The image is part of the 18-617-67 IstHarDiv Vietnam collection.

GySgt. George H. Hurt, a sniping sergeant from Bristol, Va., is shown checking the 8-Unertl power scope on his Model 70 Winchester Rifle. He serves as the senior instructor at the newly established sniper's school at Da Nang, operated by the 3rd Marine Division. This photograph was taken during the Vietnam War.

Lt. Gen. Lewis W. Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, visits III MAF in Vietnam on November 1, 1970. He is seen talking to General Hoang Xuan Lam, alongside Lt. Gen. Keith B. McCutcheon and Maj. Gen. Charles F. Widdecke. The photograph is an official Defense Department photo.

Marina Radioman David F. Shymansky and two fellow troops from the 3rd Marine Division coordinate their patrols near Ha Chau Village in Vietnam. This routine check of the area was captured on February 20, 1967, by Marine Corps Corporal G.R. Holbert. The photograph was taken during the Vietnam War.

A Marine grenadier from "H" Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines struggles to traverse muddy terrain and water during operation "Cortez" in Vietnam. The photograph was taken on December 11, 1966 by Sgt. G. R. Gaspard as part of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A Vietnamese Civil Affairs Interpreter is seen questioning a group of men who were gathered from the villages of Nan Yen, Hoi An Phong, and Phe Wen Thuong Ho. This took place after a military operation conducted by "g" and " Co.'s, 2/30 DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A184357 gs 127 GVB -353 on May 25, 1965.

Lieutenant Colonel Marc A. Moore of Fairfax, Virginia receives the colors of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, from Lieutenant Colonel William M. Yeager of Komith, Mississippi in a change of command ceremony on September 17, 1970. The event took place during the Vietnam War. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A373585. 127 GVB-80.

Corporal W. P. Barger, a combat photographer from the 1st Marine Division Photographic Section, is pictured here before heading out to cover a reconnaissance insertion in Vietnam. This photograph was taken by Sgt C.H. Gardner III on May 20, 1970. The image is labeled as AMD-1434-45-70 and is part of the Defense Department's photo archive (#A373367).

ROK marines from the Republic of Korea assist their wounded comrades onto an amphibian tractor during a military operation in Vietnam, on September 12, 1967. The photograph captures the vital role played by the ROK marines in supporting the mission. This image is an official defense department photograph taken by Sergeant Ryan.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale attend a ceremony on May 13, 1969. The ceremony pays tribute to members of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment who were killed while conducting Operation Purple Martin in the Republic of Vietnam. The service took place on the sandy beaches at Cua Viet on the South China Sea.

A Marine soldier prepares to be airlifted by a helicopter as part of Operation Nanking, a military operation carried out on October 13, 1968 during the Vietnam War. The operation was conducted by the Third Marine Division, Vietnam, as seen in the 35mm negative image labeled 3D-49-5285-68.

Major General Ormond R. Simpson engages in conversation with Pfc Raymond W. Bobich, who received the Silver Star, during an awards ceremony on September 28, 1969. The image was taken by Sgt J. K. Mullins in Vietnam, as part of the 1stMarDiv activities.

LCpl Tony Santos and LCpl Leroy Duplessis, both of "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, survey the area after engaging enemy troops during Operation Chinook II on February 21, 1967. The photograph was taken by LCpl Cole as part of military activities in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Caption: "Capt. Emmett S. Huff, Commanding Officer of B Co. 1st Lt. 7th Marines Regiment, communicates via radio while leading a squad pursuit of Viet Cong across rice paddies near Ar. Hos village, west of Quang Ngai during Operation Rio Blanco. Radio operator, 1/Cpl. John W. Wyatt, assists. (November 25, 1966)"

Tank crew members are cleaning the tube of their 90mm gun after Operation INCINERATOR in the Khoung hon area of Vietnam. The photo was taken on June 1, 1966, by Corporal Gaspard during the deployment of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. (Source: Defense Department Photo - Marine Corps, A369177)

American soldiers from 'Lima Company, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines' engaging in combat during the Vietnam War in 1968. Corporal Harry J. Howell from McKenzie, Alabama, and Private first class Pete G. Heckwine from Carpentersville, Illinois, can be seen firing rounds at enemy positions. The photograph was taken by the Defense Department.

A Marine rifleman escorts a 16-year-old Viet Cong prisoner, who was captured carrying a rifle, during Operation Texas on March 22, 1966. The Marines came across a Viet Cong command post, resulting in a fierce battle and the subsequent destruction of the post. This photo was taken by SSgt R.L. White.

American Marines from B Company, Weapons Platoon, engage in combat during Operation Dawson River on January 3, 1969. Photographed by Don Barr and LCpl Stevan Hawkins, the image shows Marines on a hill in Vietnam's XII HAP region. This Department of Defense photo is labeled A192484.

Marine Corps personnel conduct Operation Swift on September 20, 1967 during the Vietnam War. The image shows Marine Cpl G. Greenberg (2205360) of Irvington, N. J. engaged in combat. This photograph is part of the Defense Department's collection (Ehun A370396).

Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman, Jr., examines an M-16 rifle during a search and destroy operation 25 miles south of Dalang. The photo was taken on June 18, 1967, by M.J. Smedley, a U.S. Marine Corps photographer. Lieutenant General Cushman was visiting the 3rd Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam.

"Helicopters from Marine Aircraft Group (AG) 036 are directed into a landing zone during Operation DOUBLE FACIE on February 9, 1966. The operation occurred 40 miles south of Chu Lai and involved United States Marines and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops. Defense Department Photo (Marthe Cores), LCpl. Halstead."

Sergeant Upton and Major General Donn J. Robertson celebrate as the 4th Battalion of the 25th Marine Division fires their 30,000th artillery round on June 25, 1967. The round was fired by L Battery's self-propelled 155mm howitzer, part of the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) 127 GV8-5) A370303.

Vietnamese fishing boats surround an Amtrac during Operation Calm Sea on November 18, 1965. This photograph captures the interactions between American military personnel and Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. The image shows the presence of the American military in civilian spaces. Defense Department captured this moment.

Marines from "G" Co. 2/9 disembarking from a raft and preparing to move out in preparations, 15 miles northwest of the city of Huo, Vietnam, on May 15, 1967. The photograph was taken by MSgt. R. Austin Merinos of the Defense Department.

Colonel Clyde Hunter from Carlsdad, California, receives the colors from Colonel Bruce Meyers of Seattle, Washington during a change of command ceremony held on August 12, 1968, at Phu Bai. Colonel Hunter assumed command of the 26th Marine Regiment, serving in Vietnam as part of the 1st Marine Division.

An M101A1 105mm Howitzer is depicted firing from a Fire Support Base during the Vietnam War. The photograph was taken on July 20, 1970, by Sgt. Robert W. Nelson and is part of the 2001-3-70 IstlarDiv Vietnam collection. It is an official Department of Defense photograph, specifically from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Armored Army trucks transporting Marines providing convoy security from Dong Ha to Ca Ia, near the DMZ during the Vietnam War. The convoys carry combat supplies between Force Logistic Command supply points. Photograph taken on April 24, 1968, by SSgt. Richard P. Beam for the Defense Department.

A Recoilless Rifle team from First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment is seen inside a bus during Operation Hue City on February 16, 1968. This image was taken during the Vietnam War by photographer Thompson and is a Defense Department photo. Negative number is Elisa A290508, issued by GVB-118.

Three military officers, First Lieutenant Mark Branum, Colonel Wheeler, and Lieutenant Colonel Clements, are seen studying the terrain from the positions of the Second Battalion, Third Marines in Vietnam. The image was captured on April 23, 1965, by Sgt. R.R. Reynolds during the Vietnam War. (Defense Dept. Photo, Marine Corps)

Marines carry the body of a fallen comrade during Operation Union II in Tam Ky, Vietnam on May 30, 1967. The Marine was killed by Viet Cong forces, as documented in this official Defense Department photograph taken by LCpl. C.E. Acker. The image reflects the somber reality and tragedy of war.

Staff Sergeant Parcy Price leads his squad in a search for Viet Cong in Vietnam on July 14, 1967. The photo, taken by the Defense Department, displays the men in column formation from the 1st Battalion, First Marines during a patrol. (Caption: Defense Dept. Photo - Marine Corps. Image ID: A370314 127 GVB)

U.S. Marines and their attendants stand near CH-46 helicopters during a public relations event. The helicopters belong to the Vertical Division and can carry up to 25 people or 15 stretcher patients. This photograph was taken during the Vietnam War.

Corporal Richard Valentine of "B" Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division, reads mail from home during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken on March 2, 1968 by Cpl. Hale and is part of the official Defense Department collection (Marine Corps). Formerly catalogued as 3M-48-0369-68.

Marines from "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, disembark from their boats and make their way ashore after crossing the River of Perfumes during combat operations 15 miles west of Hue, Vietnam. This photograph was taken on May 16, 1967, by MSgt R. Austin of the 3rd Marine Division.

Marines from "I" Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment are seen moving across sandy terrain during Operation Fortress Ridge in Vietnam on December 23, 1967. The photograph was taken by Corporal K.K. McIntosh and is part of the Defense Department's photography collection.

Marine tank gunner providing support to "F" Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Regiment Marines during street fighting in the Battle of Hue City. This photograph was taken on February 2, 1968, by Sgt. W.F. Dickman of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. It is a 35mm negative labeled as 10-3-33-68 and carries the Defense Department photo ID fhan A371334.

Refugees passing by supporting tanks as they move up the street during Operation Hue City in Vietnam on February 3, 1968. The photograph was taken by Sgt W.F. Dickman from the 1st Marine Division. It shows the military activities and involvement during the Vietnam War.

Secretary of the Navy, Mr. John H. Chafee, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Charles A. Bowsher, are pictured receiving a briefing from Lieutenant Colonel Yundt. The briefing focuses on the IBM Model 360/50 computer system. The image also captures a motion camera from the III MAF (CIB) recording the briefing.

Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, accompanied by officers and officials including Robert McNamara, Richard Nixon, and Billy Graham, tours the 3/9 position around H111 327 in Du Nang, Vistuan on March 23, 1965. Photo taken by Sgt. Ballahan of the Defense Dept. (US Marine Corps).

US Marine Corps personnel treat Sgt. P.L. Stacey, a 3rd MarDiv ISO Correspondent, after he was wounded by a rifle round during Operation Prairie II in Vietnam. The photograph shows a medic from the 3rd Platoon of H Company 3/4 applying medical aid. This image is from March 1, 1967.

GySgt. Hallahan captured an image on March 10, 1965, in Danang, South Vietnam. The photo shows a 106-mm recoilless rifle, belonging to "K" Co., 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, on Hill 327. It features the gunner on the sights, Private First Class B. J. Tyrell, and the assistant gunner, Private First Class Y. Major, preparing to load the rifle. This photograph is a defense department photo (Marine Corps), labeled 3D-76-339-65, with the accession number A184424 and the code 127 GVB-380.

Marine of the 2nd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, seen crawling into a suspected Viet Cong cave during Operation Skull on October 16, 1965. The photo, taken by Cpl. Dahl, captures American military activities during the Vietnam War. Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) A185899 XWm.

16 helicopters from UH-34 model and armed Huey helicopters from HMM-261 and VMO-2 escorted the 2nd Battalion, th RVI Army Regiment during Operation Piranha on September 7, 1965. The helicopters completed an eight-mile line across the twin peninsulas of Cap Batangan- Anky. Photograph taken by Sgt J. McCullough.

Cpl. James Moore from Denison, Texas, points out an enemy sniper position to SSgt Henry W. Taylor Jr., from Marshallville, Ga. Both are members of the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, participating in Operation Dewey Canyon in the northern Ashau Valley complex. (Photograph taken on February 20, 1969)

In this photograph from 1966 taken by military photographer R. C. Eathany, Air-Ground TEA Corporal Horman Henry, 20, from Queens Village, NY, can be seen restraining his dog "Fritz". Henry and his dog are members of the Second Sentry Guard Platoon of the First Military Police Battalion. They are assigned duties with the 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion near Chu Lai, Vietnam. This image is a Defense Department photo taken by the Marine Corps, with the identification number A421485, cataloged under the GVB-42 series.

US Marines from the 4th Division advancing up Foxtrot ridge near the DMZ during combat in 1968. This photo, taken by the Department of Defense, shows the intense fighting that took place during the Vietnam War. The soldiers' determination is evident as they move forward in the difficult terrain.

Marines taking a break during Operation Deckhouse VI in February 1967. The image captures a moment of rest and recuperation for the troops amidst the challenging combat conditions of the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken by the Defense Department and belongs to the 9th MAB/SLF Vietnam collection.

ARVN soldiers from the 7th Marines of the 1st Mar Div conduct a sweep of Pagoda Valley, located 29 miles south southeast of Panang, Vietnam on July 9, 1970. This photograph was taken by L/Cpl Threewits D and is an official Defense Department image.

Vietnamese civilian Tran Van Thieu operates a Kubota tractor to cultivate a rice field near Hue City during the Vietnam War. The image is from 1969 and was captured by the Defense Department photographer, assigned to the 3rd Marine Division.

U.S. Marine Second Lieutenant Bill Surghnor and Corporal C.A. Steagall are pictured during their deployment in Vietnam on February 19, 1967. Lieutenant Surghnor is seen holding a beer, while Corporal Steagall operates a radio as part of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment during Operation Rio Grando in Quang Ngai Province. This photograph was taken by ICpl W.L. Page.

Combat equipped Marines landing on the beach from an LCM-6 during the Vietnam War. This photo was taken on March 7, 1965, in Deneng, Viet-Nam by the U.S. Navy. The Marines belong to the 3rd Marine Division. Photo credit: Defense Department, Marius Corps.

NBC News team films a telecast during a temporary pause in rocket and mortar attacks at Khe Sanh in Vietnam on March 3, 1968. Walter Cronkite, among the reporters/correspondents present, covers American military activities during the Vietnam War. This photograph was captured by Hale, the official photographer for the Defense Department.

A Marine radio operator from "M" Co., 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, communicates his tour status south of Da Nang on February 5, 1968, during a sweep. This photograph was taken by Barrett on behalf of the Defense Department.

"Lance Corporal William Bunchles of 'M' Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, inspects a captured enemy AK-47 assault rifle during a break in a search and destroy mission 10 miles south of DaNang. This photo was taken in 1968 during the Vietnam War."

Marines from the 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Tank Battalion, test their 90mm gun for accurate range near the Khe Sanh area. The photo captures them during a training exercise on July 9, 1967. The image is categorized as Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps).

Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, gather for a briefing during the Vietnam War. The image showcases military personnel discussing strategies and receiving orders. This photograph is captured by Cpl LaBrecque and is a documentation of American military activities during the conflict. (Note: The original caption can be found inside the jacket of this Defense Department photo taken by the Marine Corps.)

A Marine from Company, 3rd Battalion, Fifth Marines, keeps a vigilant eye out for Viet Cong while moving through dense jungle during Operation Union II in Vietnam on June 7, 1967.

Marine Aircraft Group-16 Marines adjusting the position of a UH-34 helicopter with a broken tail wheel. The photo was taken on September 16, 1967, during the Vietnam War. The Marines can be seen assuming a stance reminiscent of other Marines from different wars.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Hill, from Buffalo, N.Y., trudges through elephant grass during Operation Meade River in 1968. This operation, located 13 miles southwest of DaNang, involved over 5,000 American Marines and is considered the largest heli-assault in Marine Corps history. (Photographer: Cpl D. E. Kramer)

"In October 9, 1965, during the Vietnam War, Private First Class Charles A. Morley of H & S Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, found a young girl in need of medical care while returning from a patrol in Le Som No. 1, the Danang area. Morley carried the girl to Corpsmen who provided the necessary medical assistance. This photograph captured the interaction between the soldier and the civilian in need."

"Men of the Ninth Marine Regiment preparing to board CH-46 helicopters at Vandegrift Combat Base for transportation to new areas of operations south of Quang Tri. Vandegrift serves as a staging and jump-off point for several operations in the northernmost part of South Vietnam. Photo taken in 1968 by Cpl. P. Schackmann."

A US Marine, Lance Corporal Joseph Leroy Atkinson, uses his M16 rifle to add more firepower against enemy troops during an ambush while serving in Operation Oklahoma Hills on April 21, 1969. Atkinson, age 19, hails from Norwood, PA. Photograph taken by Sgt A.V. Huffman on behalf of the Defense Department.

ARVN soldiers moving through dense undergrowth in Vietnam, maintaining constant radio contact after completing their mission. This photograph was taken in 1969 and is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities during the Vietnam War collection. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) pd A193591 127 GVB-314.

Corporal John Christensen, a cook with H & S Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, prepares steak for the men of the Battalion near Danang, Vietnam on April 25, 1965. The photograph captures him checking the sizzling steaks as part of his role in providing meals for the military personnel stationed there.

A marine from the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, cleans his M-16 rifle during a break in the fight for the Imperial City of Hue on February 16, 1968. The photo captures a moment of housekeeping and maintenance during the intense combat in Vietnam. Photograph taken by a Department of Defense photographer.

"Combat-ready infantrymen from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment are offloaded from CH-46 helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopters Squadron-265 during Operation Auburn. The landing took place 14 miles south of Da Nang on January 1, 1968. The infantrymen faced slippery footing, wading in waist-deep water, as they assaulted a main force North Vietnamese Army unit. Eight CH-46 helicopters and four UH-1E "Huey" gunships were used to transport the 800-man force into the landing area. This photograph was taken by Cpl. Bob Leak and is a Department of Defense photo."

A 4.2 mortar team from "W" Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, stationed at Landing Zone Baldy in Vietnam, is seen in action on January 15, 1970. This photograph, taken by Cpl. G. J. Vojack, shows the team engaging in military operations during the Vietnam War. It is a 35mm negative image captured for documentation purposes.

Marines of the 7th Marine Regiment perform maintenance on a Mechanical Mule at the 7th Marines Command Post, 2 miles west of Danang, on September 28, 1970. The Marines are preparing for redeployment to the U.S. The vehicles undergo cleaning to pass necessary agricultural inspections fomrequired for CONUS shipments. Image source: Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) mis A373885 127 GVB-239.

Men from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, are seen in the photograph moving out of 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment positions during Operation Prairie I on September 20, 1966. This image captures their return to the area known as "The Rock" in Vietnam. The photograph was taken by Cpl. Mahony.

Gen Leonard F Chapman calls for a fire mission on Fire Support Base Pike in An Hoa, Vietnam on January 11, 1969. Lt. Col. J.W. Stemple, the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, stands beside him. This photo was taken as part of Operation Taylor Common. (Defense Dept. Photo, Marine Corps, 4371841, Mis 127, GVB-276)

A Marine Attack Squadron-121 A-4 Skyhawk jet takes off from the runway at Chu Lai, Vietnam on May 26, 1967. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing deployed their jets to support Operation Hickory near the demilitarized zone, where more than 143 tons of ordnance were expended. This image was captured by Cpl Cowen. (Photo: Defense Department/Marine Corps)

A M-48 tank crew from the Third Tank Battalion frees their radio antenna from a low hanging tree near Con Thien during Operation Kentucky on February 7, 1968. The photograph was taken by Cpl. I. Preston Brown.

A CH-34 helicopter brings wounded to the 3/7 Command Post on Hill 37. This photograph was taken on November 30, 1967, during the Vietnam War. It was captured by Cpl Davenport, a photographer for the United States Marines. The image is labeled as part of the 1st Marine Division's activities.

Marine soldiers from Company B, Battalion Landing Team 7th Marines, are seen crossing the Eng River into the An Hos village complex during Operation Mo Blanco in western Quang Ngai province on November 25, 1966. They were conducting patrols as a part of their mission during the Vietnam War.

"Lt Gen Lewis W Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, on his farewell tour in Vietnam. In this photograph taken on November 2, 1970, Gen Walt is seen visiting Free World Forces, Vietnamese military and civilian officials, and Marine Division units during his four-day tour of the 1st Military Region. Photo by Sgt Ray L. Menge."

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