Vietnam War Military Operations

Photographs from the Vietnam War, showcasing U.S. Marines in various operations, including patrols and helicopter resupply. The images are evocative of the challenges faced during military engagements

Caption: "September 21, 1965 - A Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (4)-261 chopper successfully performs a heli-rescue mission near Danang, Vietnam. The chopper, along with its crew chief, is seen being lowered into the five-foot-high surf to rescue two Marines who were caught in an undertow. The Marines were safely brought ashore on an inflated air mattress."

US Marine Private First Class E. Machado of Modesto, California, takes aim at a deadly bamboo anake during OPERATION WAR BONNET in Vietnam, January 1966. Private First Class Machado serves as a rifleman in 2nd squad, Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, as seen in this Defense Department photo.

A CH-46 helicopter prepares to take off with a resupply load for the Fifth Marine Regiment in Vietnam. The photograph, taken on May 19, 1969 by LCpl J. Volpe, captures the military activities of the 1st MarDiv. The image shows helicopters being utilized for logistical support during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War conduct a patrol in January 1966. In this photo, Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines search a small island suspected of harboring Viet Cong. The troops utilize a native sampan to navigate the area.

Marines detain a Vietnamese villager for questioning during Operation Double Eagle. The photograph captures F Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division engaging with Viet Cong suspects and prisoners on January 28, 1966, in Vietnam. Photographer K. Henderson documented this military activity in the image number A186573.

Photograph taken in 1966 at the Mine Warfare School during the Vietnam War. The image shows a Viet Cong booby trap that was captured or found and utilized by the 3rd Engineer Battalion for educational purposes. The photo was taken by iCpl. Armstrong of the Defense Department.

1965 - Damaged MAC 16 helicopters at Merble Houstain landing pad in Vietnam. Photo taken on October 28, 1965 by Lt D. L. Beabs. The helicopters were damaged by Viet Cong activity. This image was released by the Defense Department (Marine Corps) and is labeled as A194482.

Marines of "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, Fifth Marines, advancing up a hill over terraced rice paddies during Operation Union II, which took place on June 1, 1967, 15 miles northwest of Tam Ky, Vietnam. The photograph was taken by LCpl Smadley as part of the Defense Department's coverage of military activities during the Vietnam War.

A sniper attached to "E" Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment in the 3rd Marine Division of the United States Army, is seen using an M-1 rifle with a scope during Operation DOUBLE EAGLE in January 1966. The photograph was taken by Sergeant Reid and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

A UH-34D helicopter being unloaded quickly under full throttle on top of the Rockpile in Vietnam, October 1966. The unloading process is always risky, requiring caution and efficiency. Capt. Arnold A. captured this photograph during military activities and it is an official Defense Department photo taken by the Marine Corps.

Caption: "September 21, 1965 - A Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (4)-261 chopper successfully performs a heli-rescue mission near Danang, Vietnam. The chopper, along with its crew chief, is seen being lowered into the five-foot-high surf to rescue two Marines who were caught in an undertow. The Marines were safely brought ashore on an inflated air mattress."

Lieutenant Colonel Echie Van Winkle, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, is pictured during his tour in Vietnam. This photograph was taken on April 8, 1968, by Sergeant Shearer of the United States Marine Corps. Van Winkle served with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam.

General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Colonel Clark V. Judge visit the 1st Marine Division. This photo was taken on January 16, 1971, during the Vietnam War. The officers and officials are seen in conversation, likely discussing military activities.

View of "C" Company lines on the perimeter of Khe Sanh combat base on March 15, 1968. The image depicts military activities during the Vietnam War, showing the defensive measures and preparations undertaken by the American forces present at the location. This black and white photograph was taken by a Department of Defense photographer.

"US Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment encounter sampans along the coast during Operation Rough Ryder in Vietnam. This photo, taken in 1966, captures the reality of combat and the unpredictable nature of the war. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) A186980."

Aerial view of a sand beach and jungle area during Operation Deckhouse III conducted by the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines in Vietnam on August 25, 1966. The operation was part of Phase II in the larger effort by the 3rd Marine Division. Photo taken by Set Coturas for the Department of Defense.

A Marine officer and Vietnamese interpreter gather information from a villager during operation "Lien Kit-4" near Chu Lai, Vietnam on July 28, 1965. This photo was taken by L. Choate from the 3rd Marine Division and is part of the US Defense Department's collection.

A U.S. Marine of "G" Company escorts surrendering Viet Cong militants in a village during Operation Beagle Leash in May 1968. This photograph captures the moment as the operation concludes. The objective of Beagle Leash, conducted by the Marine Corps, was to destroy enemy strongholds and locate Viet Cong tunnels and caves.

A Marine rifleman with H Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, can be seen leaping over a break in a rice paddy dike during a search and destroy mission on Operation COLORADO in Vietnam on August 15, 1966. The photograph was taken by SSgt. Fleetwood. DEFENSE DEPT.PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A369409 WE

Capturing the aerial activities during the Vietnam War, this photograph taken on January 6, 1970, shows an OV-10A aircraft in flight. The OV-10A was commonly used for aerial observation and had substantial armaments for self-defense against enemy targets.

Marine helicopter CH-53 Sea Stallion lifts H&S Company to a new position while "A" Company provides security. The photo was taken on January 5, 1969, in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The location is west of Ky Shan. It is an official Defense Department photo taken by Marine photographer Patterson for the 3rd Marine Division.

Marine in Vietnam places an explosive in a hole discovered near a Vietnamese hamlet. Viet Cong often dug these holes for various purposes such as fighting, observation, and weapon storage. This image showcases American military activities during the Vietnam War. Defense Department photograph, Marine Corps, ECC A704835 127, GVB-202.

"HM2 Rod Allen, a corpsman with Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, tends to the wounds of a Vietnamese boy injured during a Viet Cong mortar attack on the advancing Marines during Operation DOUBLE EAGLE, January 28-29, 1966. Photo by Cpl. K. Inderson. (Defense Dept. photo - Marine Corps).

Caption: "Structures on the 3rd MP Battalion cantonment near Danang, Vietnam, photographed on August 16, 1970. The image shows a small memorial garden and monument dedicated to the brave individuals who lost their lives while serving with the unit in Vietnam. Photo by Sgt. Bill Dahi. Source: Department of Defense, Marine Corps. Identifier: A194254 127 GVB-327."

A Marine of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam, 1968, prepares to fire his weapon during combat operations. This photograph, titled "158 - Combat - Miscellaneous Operations - 1968", captures the intensity and readiness of American troops in the Vietnam War. It is a 35mm negative from the Defense Department's collection.

American Marines from the 1st Marine Division inspect the area after a firefight during the Vietnam War. The photograph was taken by LCpl. R.L. Pearson on December 25, 1969. The soldiers belong to the 1st Platoon of Lima Company. They are moving into a security position to ensure their safety. This image is part of the Defense Department's collection.

RF4B aircrafts parked in rivetments at Da Nang Air Base, located 2 miles southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam in January 1970. The photo was taken by Sgt. A.J. May and is a defense department photo from the Marine Corps. (Caption Reference: AMD-112-11-70; 1st MarDiv Vietnam; Jan 70; Photog: Sgt. A.J. May; Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps); pd A372719; 127 GVB-24)

Marines from Command Group Alpha, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, disembark from helicopters UH-34 during Operation IONA on April 8, 1966. The vertical assault technique is used as the helicopters land in the designated zone. The photograph was taken by Pfc. Mincemoyer and is part of the Defense Department(Marine Corps) collection, with the identification A369261 W 127 GVB-222.

General L.F. Chapman Jr., Commandant of The Marine Corps, speaks with a member of a 155 Howitzer crew at Fire Support Base Smith during the Vietnam War. This photograph captures military officers and officials engaging in conversation during their activities in Vietnam.

Marine Corporal J. Richards captured a candid moment during the Vietnam War on November 6, 1970. The photograph shows Private First Class William R. Longworth taking a break from patrolling in wet weather to enjoy a meal. The image was taken at a wet weather dining area, illustrating a daily routine for soldiers in the istMarDiv Vietnam. The photograph is part of the Defense Department's collection with the identification number mis A373612 127 GVB-206.

A young Marine Mortarman in the 1st Marine Division takes an ice cream break during the Vietnam War in August 4, 1969. The photo showcases the soldier with a 8% negative film effect, emphasizing his ice cream mustache. This is an official Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps personnel clear land affected by an engagement between 1/27 and the NVA on June 11, 1968, during Operation Allen Brook, conducted 12 miles southwest of DaNang in Vietnam. The image, taken by Cpl. Huffman, shows equipment, including photographic, construction, and personal items, used by the troops. This Defense Department photo is identified as A374476 mee 127 GVB-00.

During Operation DOUBLE EAGLE, a 3rd Marine Division machinegunner fires his weapon from the shoulder of his assistant to have better visibility over dense foliage. The operation is being conducted in mountainous jungle terrain 35 miles south of Chu Lai by multiple battalions. This photo was taken in January 1966 during the Vietnam War.

Corporal William C. Higgins of Delta Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, is seen sighted in and firing a 106-mm recoilless rifle in Vietnam. This photograph was taken in 1969, 6 miles North of An Hoa, by PFC. Rocky Pearson. The image is part of a Defense Department photo collection (Marine Corps), ID-2550-5-69.

Marines from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines purify and resupply water from a stream during a search and destroy mission. This photo, taken on August 23, 1969 in Vietnam, shows the military's efforts to ensure water availability in the field. Photo by Cpl P. Boehme. DEFENSE DEPT PHOTO (MARINE CORPS)

Hubert Humphrey, Gen William Westmoreland, and Sen Harry F Byrd meet in December 1966. Senator Thurmond of South Carolina visits the Marine Aircraft Wing in Vietnam. Photo taken by SSgt Baker. Image courtesy of the Department of Defense.

Admiral McCain conversing with Marine PFC Gary White, 20, during the Admiral's visit to the 1st Medical Battalion on December 24, 1969. PFC White, from Utica, New York, is the son of Mrs. James White. This photograph is from the series of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

"Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anthony Fodale from St. Clair Shores, Mich., comforts an injured IVA soldier found in a hospital complex seven miles east of An Hoa Combat Base. The soldier was discovered by members of "Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines" on August 28, 1969. Photograph taken by Cpl Hank Berkowitz, USMC."

Colonel G. S. Cadispoti, Commanding Officer of the 7th Marine Regiment, stands in front of the Regimental Command Post Sign at Landing Zone Baldy, located 18 miles southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, on February 25, 1970. The photo was taken by Cpl La Brecque and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

Marine assisting another Marine on Operation Pitt, December 13, 1967, 10 miles northwest of DaNang. Image ID-10-347-67, captured by Cpl Davenport of the 1st MarDiv Vietnam. This photograph depicts a moment of support and cooperation among American troops during the Vietnam War.

Gunnery Sergeant Ruben R. Carillo (Santa Ana, Calif.) shaves in a stream while Lance Corporal Michael S. Welch (Denver, Colorado) helps him during a hygienic activity on January 15, 1970. This photograph captures the commitment of American soldiers to retain personal hygiene while serving in the Vietnam War.

"Artillery units providing support to infantry troops during the Vietnam War. In this photo, a 155 Howitzer of the 1st 155 Gun Battery fires on suspected enemy positions at Phu Bai, Vietnam on February 7, 1967. Photo taken by Sgt J.M. Osterman, Defense Department. (Marine Corps) A188930."

Left to right: Mr. Robert B. Gomulinski, the National Commander of American Veterans; Major General E.B. Wheeler, Commanding General of 1st Marine Division; and Mr. Domminc L. Strada, an assistant to the National Commander. This photograph was taken on January 23, 1970, during a visit to the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam.

AFVN (American Forces Vietnam Network) photographer captures a Vietnamese Marine jumping from a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter during a search and clear operation. The mission resulted in 40 Viet Cong casualties, 28 captured, and 179 suspects detained, along with the confiscation of weapons. This image displays the collaboration between American and Vietnamese troops.

A Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Corporal Paul S. Edwards, is seen in this photograph handling a 122 mm rocket. This rocket, along with other discovered enemy ordnance, was disarmed by the seven-member Wind EOD team. This image captures a small portion of the weapons encountered during the Vietnam War.

Marine from 1st Recon Battalion watches over a Vietnamese woman and her children who are suspected of being Communists. The photograph was taken on May 1, 1970, during the Vietnam War. This image is from a collection of American military activities and is a defense department photo.

"May 1965: Composite image of activities at Chu Lai airfield in Vietnam. The photo shows the first day of mat laying and hat laying at the 3rd Marine Division base. Additionally, the SATS system installation can be seen in progress. This image is from Defense Department's Marine Corps archives (A184316 rum 127)."

Marine Corps personnel provide emergency medical evacuation to an injured soldier from "E" Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, on May 12, 1968. The photo, taken by A.V. Huffman, shows the injured soldier being treated by corpsmen at the Regimental LZ during the Vietnam War.

A Vietnamese soldier receives instruction on how to use an M-60 machine gun from Lance Corporal Mitchell W. Jeffries of the 7th Marine Regiment. The photograph was taken on January 23, 1970, in the southern part of Vietnam, approximately 18 miles southeast of Danang. This image captures an aspect of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A Marine Corps soldier fires a grenade launcher from a Tracked Amphibious Personnel Carrier (Husky) during military activities in Vietnam. The photograph, dated October 30, 1969, is captured by Cpl P. LaBrecque and is labeled as negative 1D-2421-15-69, taken under the 1st Marine Division. This photo is an official Defense Department image.

Lance Corporal John H. Cox, a member of C Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, is seen inspecting a captured rifle at Cai Dong in Vietnam on August 11, 1966. The photograph was taken by Pfc. Brown and is part of the Defense Department's archive (Marine Corps) under the reference number A369400 127 GVB-67.

Lieutenant General Henry W. Buse, Jr., Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific honors Corporal Terry W. Knight with the Silver Star at Vandergrift Combat Base on April 26, 1969. Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale observed the ceremony.

Cpl Osborn adjusts replenish- ment for the Ektachrome processor in January 1970. This photograph was taken by Sgt. A.J. May in Vietnam. The image shows equipment, including photographic, construction, and personal gear, used by the 1st MarDiv during the Vietnam War. This is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps archives.

American military personnel, including Claudia Cardinale, Nguyen Cao Ky, Rosemary Clooney, and Betty Ford, visited South Vietnamese refugees fleeing the Vietnam War in April 1975. The photograph shows the crowded living conditions onboard the U.S. Naval Ship, SGT. ANDREW MILLER, which was involved in evacuating the refugees. This photo was taken by Cpl. J.V. Attaway during the events documented by the Defense Department.

Cpl. R.L. Pearson Harines of Headquarters Station Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Supply stands in attention during a flag ceremony on April 8, 1970. The ceremony took place in Landing Zone Roes in Vietnam. The photograph was taken by a Defense Department photographer from the Marine Corps.

Aerial view of Camp Evans, taken on June 24, 1968. This photograph is a 2 1/4 negative from the Third Marine Division in Vietnam. It shows the military camp from above. It was taken by photographer Nairns and is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps).

A Navy Corpsman providing medical aid to a young Marine who was injured by a Viet Cong booby trap. The photo shows a Corpsman applying a battle dressing to the Marine's head. This image captures a moment during the Vietnam War in 1968.

Corporal Raymond Powell receiving the Silver Star from Lieutenant General Henry W. Buse, Jr. at Vandergrift Combat Base on April 26, 1969. Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, and Dr Norman Vincent Peale were in attendance. (Photo ID: GVB-79 3M-9-0722-69 III MAF Vietnam)

Marines of "G" Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, stay close to their 105 Howitzer in the Picken Forest Area, 25 miles southwest of Danang, Vietnam. A Marine CH-53 helicopter lands to resupply their ammunition stores during a Multi-Battalion sweep. This photograph was taken on July 18, 1970, by L/Cpl. Threwits of the US Marine Corps.

Chaplain (LeCmdr.) U. W. Bartlett from Boulder, Colo., gives a lecture on religion in Vietnam to Marines of HAG-16, 1st MAW. This photo captures the chaplain carrying out his duties during the Vietnam War. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) Ehm A421715 127 GVB-300

Marines stationed on Hill 270 at Combat Bases in Vietnam are seen in this February 5, 1971, photograph. The image shows a view looking southwest, capturing the 10D tower and the living quarters of the Marines on the hill. This photo was taken by Sgt C. E. Kissmann as a part of the 1stHarDiv Vietnam's activities.

Soldiers from Delta, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, can be seen in this photograph firing 81 mortars during the Vietnam War. The image, taken on July 17, 1969, shows the military activities of American troops in Vietnam. The photo is credited to Cpl W., Carrol and is part of the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps).

Marine Corps members find respite at the Da Nang USO, capturing a quiet moment in the music room on November 21, 1967. Created as part of a series showcasing American military activities during the Vietnam War, this Defense Department photograph highlights the importance of rest and relaxation for service members.

Ninth Air force Lockheed...

Marine Corps Sgt. A.J. May is replacing liquid oxygen in an aircraft at the First Marine Division in Vietnam in January 1970. This photograph is a Defense Department photo documenting the maintenance activities of the American military during the Vietnam War.

A US Marine demonstrates the utilization of tunnels by the Viet Cong in Dong Son Village during the Vietnam War. The photograph showcases the strategic underground network commonly used by the Viet Cong insurgents to launch surprise attacks and evade detection by US forces. Taken in August 1965.

Marines of "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines, engaged in action near Hills 479 and 500, located 4,000 meters southwest of Phu Bai, Vietnam during Operation Rush. The photograph captures helicopters in operation during the military activities. Taken on August 5, 1967, the image is part of a series from the 3rd HarDiv Vietnam operation by LCpl Porter. Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) A188960.

A helicopter picks up a Huey helicopter at MAG 36 in Ly Ha, Vietnam on February 3rd, 1967. This photograph was taken by Sgt. Adin I Cooper and is part of the collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War. Caption provided by the Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) A369334.

LtCol Roger H. Barnard and SgtMajor Trojanoski of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, display a banner representing 90% participation in the U.S. Savings Bond program. The photo was taken on January 20, 1968, by LCpl Del Vecchio during military operations in Vietnam.

Combat photographers in Vietnam photographing soldiers in action while villagers of Da San watch. Sgt. Henderson capturing coverage on camera while Sgt. Snodgrass listens to the sounds. A photo taken by LCpl Barger, published by Time/Life on March 27, 1970. Image courtesy of Defense Department. A372945.

US Marine Corps troops led by Sergeant Henry Wendt crossing a bridge during Operation Georgia in Vietnam in 1966. The photograph was taken by Corporal Gilles and is part of a series documenting American military activities during the Vietnam war.

A 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion LVTP-8-893-65 Viethen float smoothly along the river during patrol. This image was taken 3 miles south of Deflang during the Vietnam War. It shows an amphibious military vehicle commonly used for transportation and other activities. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS).

Corporal T. Moore, a squad leader with the Golf CURP (Combined Unit Pacification Program) 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, receives a report from Sergeant Xuan, leader of the Popaler Force platoon, regarding enemy activity in Phu Tho Village. The photo was taken on December 16, 1970, by Gysgt D.R. Hurley, a photographer for the Marine Corps.

A photograph depicting confiscated weapons during the Vietnam War. The image showcases a Chinese Communist 57mm Recoilless Rifle Type 36 captured by the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. This official Defense Department photograph was taken by Sgt. Messenger in 1969 as a part of III MAF operations.

Troops of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, Seventh Marines, are seen bivouacked in a wooded area while on a search mission, 25 miles Southwest of Danang. They have set up tents and shelters for rest and protection. This photograph was taken on April 15, 1969, by Cpl. Wright of the 1st MarDiv Vietnam.

A CH-53 helicopter from the 127th GVB-2/9 squadron of the United States Marines is seen refueling at a P.O.L. (Point of Logistics) point at Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War in February 1971. The image was captured by SPS Jack Rockoff of the USHC. It is a defense department photo (Marine Corps) with the identification number A701786.

Lorient, home of U-boats, was struck by Flying Fortresses of Eighth Bomber Command with many tons of high explosives. Bomb bursts are seen among installations and on the sub-pens which accomodated more than 20 submarines. (Photo three of 7)(See

A Marina Fighter Attack Squadron-115 F-4 Phantom jet lands at Chu Lai, Vietnam on August 12, 1967. The aircraft's landing gear is visible and it has just completed a bombing mission over North Vietnam. This photo was taken by Cpl Russ Coven.

Marine Corps personnel GySgt R. Duncan and Captain J. D. Eckert are pictured in this February 1, 1968 photograph. GySgt Duncan serves as the NCOIC, while Captain Eckert is the OIC of the Photo Lab in Da Nang, Vietnam. This image is a defense department photo from the Vietnam War.

Grief-stricken mother mourns over the bodies of her husband and children after a devastating event. This heartbreaking image captures the devastation and loss experienced by Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. Photograph taken on June 11, 1970 by Sergeant H. Berkovits. US Department of Defense photograph, ID number: AND-1643340-70, from the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam.

US Marines conducting Operation PIRANHA in Vietnam, September 1965. The photograph shows medical personnel attending to injured soldiers during the operation. Defense Department photo taken by Corporal Dahl, Marine Corps.

Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt, Commanding General of the Third Marine Division, seen at the Dong Ha Orphanage in Vietnam on April 4, 1969. He is accompanied by General Davis and Father Paul, who runs the orphanage. Father Paul requested that no pictures be released in Vietnam. This image was captured by C.E. Woodruff. (Caption based on image information)

Gunnery Sergeant Nelson, a two-time Silver Star recipient, is interviewed by Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey during his visit to III MAF. The photograph was taken on November 1, 1967 by Sgt F.A. Barrett Jr. as part of the American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Caption: American servicemen, part of the first group released during Operation Homecoming, gather and report to United States representatives at Gia Lam International Airport in Hanoi, North Vietnam. This image captures their repatriation process during the Vietnam War. Photograph: Air Force Photo by Tigt. P. Boas

Aerial view of Khe Sanh Combat Base, taken on June 24, 1968. The photograph shows the base as seen from above, and it was taken by photographer Narins during the Vietnam War. This image is an official Defense Department photo, specifically from the Marine Corps. The identification number for this image is 3M-1-1012-68.

Caption: Stevedores from the Force Logistic Command's Supply Battalion in Vietnam assist in loading and unloading ammunition from the first Landing Ship Transport at the causeway. The photo captured on March 11, 1970, features ten dedicated service members as they carry out the essential supply operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Karker from Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, inspects a Marine from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion onboard the USS Tripoli (LPH-10) during Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of Phnom Penh and Saigon in 1975. This photograph was taken on August 19, 1973, by Sgt. W.R. Edwards.

A medical corpaman provides first aid to a small child during a sweep and clear operation along the Ca De Son River, approximately 15 miles northwest of the Danang air strip. This photograph was taken on August 13, 1965, by Pfe G. Durbin from the 3rd HarDiv in Vietnam.

A member of the 81mm Mortar Platoon from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, is seen loading a round into the mortar tube during a fire mission at Fire Support Base Russell. The mission was in support of the 2nd Regiment, 1st Division, ARVN. Taken by Cpl G. N. Zimmerman. (Defense Dept. Photo)

Confiscated drugs and drug paraphernalia from a drug raid in Da Nang, Vietnam on December 2, 1967. The image shows a cooking pot used for cooking opium, along with various drugs and paraphernalia. This is part of a larger set of 11 photographs taken by Sgt F. A. Barrett, Jr., documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A wounded North Vietnamese soldier is being loaded onto a UH-34 Helicopter for medical evacuation in An Hoa, Vietnam. This image captures a moment ten miles northeast of An Hoa where the UH-34 helicopter is being utilized by the Defense Department for military activities during the Vietnam War. Photograph taken by the Defense Department and archived as A704883. (127 words)

A flying crane, one of only two, lifts a downed CH-46 Sea Knight during Operation "Cortes" in Vietnam. This photo, taken on December 11, 1966 by Sgt G.R. Gespard, shows the 1st Marine Division's activities during the war. This image is officially sourced from the Defense Department (Marine Corps).

Marine gunners, part of the 1st Marine Division, await a tire mission at their 106-mm recoilless rifle position in Vietnam on December 16, 1970. They were alerted to spotting 30 enemy members in an open area a few hundred yards in front of their position. Colonel C.V. Judge, the Commanding Officer of the 5th Marine Regiment, observes the action through binoculars. The gunners are from Weapons Platoon, H&S Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. This photograph was taken by Gyögt D.P. Hurley and is credited to the Defense Department (Marine Corps).

"Marines from Charlie Company, 1/7, prepare to break out of a Viet Cong ambush during Operation Scout in February 1968. The photograph captures the intense moment as the assault platoons await the signal to move out. It was taken by Mr. R. J. DelVecchio and is an official U.S. Marine Corps photo, numbered A708086."

January 3, 1968 - Combat - Operation No Name #97 - December 4, 1967: The photograph captures Sergeant Douglas D. Kiraly, squad leader with the 3rd Platoon, "E" Company 2/3, crossing a ditch while entering a village during Operation "No Name #97". This operation took place 10 miles south of Dalang.

A Marine CH-46 helicopter transports supplies for "B" Company, 1/4, during Operation Nanking Scotland II on September 10, 1968. The photograph shows a CH-46 in action, delivering essential resources to the troops. This image captures an aspect of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Medical corpsman tends to a young boy who has been shot in the back by retreating Viet Cong. The corpsman is waiting for a helicopter to evacuate his patrol, which has been chasing the enemy for four days. The emotion on his face reflects the toll of the relentless fighting in Vietnam.

A reformed Viet Cong member, Dao Van Hong, demonstrates how enemy Sappers navigate through barbed wire emplacements during a demonstration at U.S. Army Helicopter Pad 478 west of DaNang on February 24, 1970. It took Dao approximately ten minutes to slip through the entire defensive wire barrier.

Brigadier General E.H. Simons, Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division, speaks with Marines at Observation Post Sunrise, located 15 miles south of Danang. Observation Post Sunrise is an Image Observation Device site used for monitoring activities in the area. This photo was taken on July 10, 1970.

Private First Class Theodore R. Christopher, a 19-year-old machine gunner with Lima Company Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, is seen opening fire on enemy snipers during Operation Meade River in Vietnam. The operation occurred in the Dodge City area, about 15 miles southwest of Da Nang. Photograph taken by LCpl. R. Sanville.

South Vietnamese refugees disembark CH-53 helicopters of HMH-463 on the flight deck of the USS Hancock during the evacuation of Saigon as part of Operation Frequent Wind on April 29, 1975. This photograph was taken by GySgt. D.L. Shearer and is an official Defense Department photo.

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