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Vietnam War Military Operations

Historic images depicting U.S. Marine Corps personnel during the Vietnam War, focusing on military operations, coordination, and combat scenarios.

General William R. Collins surveys the 1/3 defensive complex during his tour. Major General Collins is the Commanding General of the Third Marine Division. This photo was taken on March 18, 1965 in Da-Nang, Vietnam. It features officers and officials such as Robert McNamara, Richard Nixon, and Billy Graham. Photo by Sgt. Hallahan. Defense Department photo, Marine Corps.

Marine Commanding Officer conducting a search and destroy mission during Operation Deckhouse in February 1967. The photo shows him calling in his situation during combat, as part of the 9th MAB/SLF in Vietnam. This image is a Defense Department photo taken by the Marine Corps. Filename: A800989 mse 127 GVB-106.

An American seminarian, John Tabor, serving as an interpreter, exchanges gifts after religious services in a small hamlet near Da Nang. Tabor, a former U.S. Navy Seabee discharged in Vietnam to become a Roman Catholic priest, lives and works with the South Vietnamese. On Sundays, he assists Navy Lieutenant John O'Brien in delivering Mass in Thach Nham Hamlet. (Caption for photograph: "HE SAYS THANKS--An American seminarian studying for the priesthood in the Republic of Vietnam, John Tabor (second from right) serves as an interpreter during an exchange of gifts following religious services in a small hamlet near Da Nang. Tabor (154 Old Peterboro Rd., Jaffrey, N.H.) was a U.S. Navy Seabee who received his discharge in Vietnam to become a Roman Catholic priest and live and work with the South Vietnamese. On Sundays, he serves as an interpreter for the Catholic chaplain at 3rd Military Police Battalion, Navy Lieutenant John O'Brien, (far left), who delivers Mass each week in Thach Nham Ham

A CH-53 helicopter is seen carrying towers for the Da Nang Barrier during the Vietnam War in 1968. The photograph was taken by Cpl A4. V. Huffman, a photographer for the Marine Corps, and is a part of the Defense Department's collection.

UH-34D Marine Corps helicopter off-loading infantrymen in a landing zone south of Da Nang, Vietnam on November 3, 1967. Marine helicopters played a vital role in various military activities in South Vietnam's I Corps, including cargo and troop transportation, medical evacuations, rescue operations, aircraft recoveries, and armed close support for ground units. Photo by Sgt. Russ Cowen, Defense Department (Marine Corps) A421950.

Lieutenant General Henry Buse, Jr., Commanding Officer of FMF Pac, presents Silver Star Medal to Lance Corporal Gordon W. Huckstep of 1720 Ridgeway Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo., in a ceremony attended by Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr Norman Vincent Peale.

A group of Marines from 2nd Fox Company, 7th Marine Regiment, tend to a wounded Viet Cong during a search and clear operation conducted 17 miles southwest of Danang. The photograph was taken on May 5, 1970, as part of the activities of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam.

Marine Corps helicopter from MAG-36 aids South Vietnamese troops during the Vietnam War. This 1966 image captures the military activity of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) in Vietnam. The helicopter, identified as 212 and bearing the callsign GVB 2/2 EMB 319-66, showcases the integral role helicopters played during this period. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) number A422782.

Marine Corps personnel attending a Booby Trap School in Vietnam can be seen in this photograph. One student, while undergoing training, has inadvertently set off a booby trap. This image captures the intense nature of the Mine Warfare School, highlighting the dangers faced by soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Major General Edwin B. Wheeler, Commanding General of 1st Marine Division, greets Lieutenant Colonel Vonda Weaver. This photograph captures a moment from March 23, 1970, in Vietnam. The image was taken by Sgt Jose L. Dole and is part of a series of photographs of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Van Dan Berg, Jr., the current commanding officer of First Battalion, Fifth Marines during the Vietnam War. This image was taken on September 23, 1967, by Sergeant Dicloman. Lieutenant Colonel Van Dan Berg, Jr., belonged to the 1st Marine Division.

"Robert McNamara, Richard Nixon, and Billy Graham - 1965" depicts a historical moment during the Vietnam War. In the image, Richard Nixon bids farewell to American Vietnamese officers at Danang. This photograph, taken on September 4, 1965, carries historical significance and is credited to the US Marine Corps.

"Major General William K. Jones of the 3rd MarDiv receives the Purple Heart from Lieutenant General Zais (USA) in a ceremony attended by Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. July 14, 1969. Photo: Defense Dept."

A Third Marine Regiment engineer plants an explosive charge at the base of a tree in preparation for a helicopter landing zone during Operation Medina. This photograph captures the activities of the engineers in the thick jungle of southwest Quang Tri, Vietnam. Photograph taken by Cpl W.A. Porter.

Marines conduct an amphibious landing at Chu Lai, Vietnam in May 1965. The beachhead operation took place approximately 50 miles southeast of Danang. This photograph, taken by the Department of Defense, shows the military activities of the 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War. A184198 11/28 127 GVB-57.

High-ranking military officials and politicians visit Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Pictured are Hubert Humphrey, Gen William Westmoreland, and Sen Harry F Byrd, in the company of General Wallace M. Greene, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps. The purpose of the visit was to inspect the military activities of the 87 IstMarDiv in An Hoe.

Marines from "Co 2/3" in Vietnam collecting rainwater for water purification and resupply during Operation Prairie IV. This photograph, taken on May 2, 1967, captures the efforts of the military to ensure a sufficient water supply for troops in the field.

In this photograph from April 12, 1975, during Operation Eagle Pull, Marines from "F" Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, act as the security force. They are seen running to embark CH-53 helicopters that are landing on a soccer field in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The helicopters, detached from Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station to the USS Hancock (LPH), are being used for evacuation exercises.

Marines from Third Division conducting a search operation in a hut near DMI during Operation Prairie I on October 27, 1966. This image shows a factual documentation of American military activities during the Vietnam War. The photograph was taken by Cpl. H. Romine and is part of the Defense Department's photo collection.

Marine Corps CH-53A helicopter being lifted to the 3rd Infantry, 7th Marine Regiment CP area in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam on February 8, 1967. The helicopter, known as the largest and newest in service, is being transported to provide support for Operation DeSoto. Photo taken by Opl. C.D. Kinoemeyec.

First Sergeant Jimmie Howard, a Medal of Honor recipient, and Major General Wheeler, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, are captured in a photograph taken on March 25, 1970 in Vietnam. The image is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps, labeled with code numbers and other identifying information.

"A" Company, 1st Military Police Battalion uses an 18-foot fiberglass skimmer boat powered by an outboard engine to transport troops to troubled areas near the Da Nang air base in Vietnam. The 1st M.P. Battalion is responsible for securing the air base and surrounding villages. The skimmer boat provides a quick and reliable means of transportation for the M.P.'s. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A193134 127 GVB -342

Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Wallace M. Greene, Jr., asks Pfc Bernard C. Boswell of Omaha, Nab., an ammunition man with Battery, 4th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, about his job. The Marine leader toured the gun sites in Vietnam on August 8, 1967.

Soldier from the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Battalion, Lowell E. Burwell, stands in formation on December 11, 1966. He is an assistant petrol leader in the unit during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken by 88gt. Highland DVI and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

"Lance Corporal Lee R. Gaugler receiving the Silver Star Medal from Lieutenant General R.G. Stilwell during a ceremony at Quang Tri in 1968. Gaugler, a member of Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division, was decorated for his exceptional leadership and resourcefulness while leading a six-man reconnaissance team in enemy territory. Multiple marines also received the prestigious Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and two were awarded the Silver Star."

Caption: "Whittier, California - July 27, 1965: CySgt Gerald F. Williams, company gunnery sergeant of 'H' Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, displays a four-pronged steel Penji trap to 10pl Clifton L. Titter of Columbus, Ohio, and Pre Robert Hash of Panona, California. This device was discovered by Marines during a clearing operation in the Qui hon sector of Vietnam."

Marine Corps members Corporal William Cumbie and Lance Corporal Thomas Ryan, along with their scout dogs, Bruno and Arko, await heli-lifting as they provide additional support to Special Landing Force "Bravo" during their operation. This photo was taken on December 12, 1968, as part of the 3rd MarDiv Vietnam activities. Defense Department photo by GySgt Tom Bartlett.

Marine Corps helicopters from HMM-261 and VMO-2 escort the 2nd Battalion, 4th RVH Army Regiment during Operation PIRANHA. The helicopters landed in landing zone Pine, helping to complete the eight-mile line across the Cap Batangan-Anky peninsulas on September 7, 1965. The photograph was taken by Sgt. J. McCullough. (Caption has 47 words)

Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird greets a squad of Leathernecks from the First Marine Division in Da Nang during his initial visit to I Corps. Laird commends the Marines for their diligent service in Vietnam. This image is from a ceremony on March 9, 1969, featuring Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale as well.

Postmaster General of the United States, W.M. Blount, along with Corporal Brien E. O'Connell and a US Marine, pose with a plaque received by the Postmaster General after he fired a 105mm Howitzer. The Howitzer was explained and demonstrated by Cpl. O'Connell, who served with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam on November 7, 1969, in the I Corps Tactical Zone. Photograph taken by Gysgt W.W. Herron.

"A UH-34D helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-364 is seen offloading soldiers of the 1st Division Army of the Republic of Vietnam during a search and destroy mission on November 20, 1967. The mission took place 14 miles northwest of Phu Bai, Vietnam. Photograph taken by SSgt W.F. Schrider (COMBINED EFFORT-A) 35mm Negative. Defense Department photo by Marine Corps. Classification number: A421973."

Outgoing Chief of Staff of the III Marine Amphibious Force, Major General Earl E. Anderson, salutes during a ceremony in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1968. The ceremony was held to award General Anderson the Distinguished Service Medal, with national anthems played for the United States, Republic of Vietnam, and Republic of Korea. Photograph taken by SSgt L. E. Hoeynck.

Marines from "B" Company, 11th Motor Transport Battalion, testing the capabilities of the new Huskie vehicle in a deep-water trial. The Huskie can transport 11 to 13 Marines for 200 to 300 miles on land or 22 miles in the water. Photographed during military activities in Vietnam by Sgt Gary Clark. (Photo: Defense Department, Marine Corps)

Marine aviators from Fighter-Attack Squadron-314, including First Lieutenant Helford M. Johnson, Captain Rebart A. Fraser, and Captain George M. Lohnes, proudly display ten fingers to signify their completion of 1,000 missions during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken in 1968 and is part of the collection of American military activities during the war.

General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., commandant of the Marine Corps, is welcomed by 1st Marine Division Sergeant Major Julian H. Myrick (R) upon his arrival at Danang Air Base on January 8. The visit was part of a three-day tour to assess Marine activities in I Corps during the Vietnam War. (Photo: Sgt D.G. Pavey / Department of Defense / Marine Corps)

First Lieutenant T.J. Hiland checks in at the manifesting counter in Vietnam, receiving his boarding pass from Master Sergeant H.A. Elzig. First Lieutenant B.F. Burrell observes the process. This photograph captures the administrative and clerical activities of American Military personnel during the Vietnam War. ğ

Lieutenant Colonel Harry G. Robineon, executive officer of Marine Aircraft Group-13, takes off from the Chu Lai west runway on a mission that was diverted. He provided assistance to a Marine infantry unit that was under enemy fire northwest of Chu Lai on July 14, 1967. This photograph was taken by Sgt Gary Thomas.

During the Vietnam War, a CH-53A Sea Stallion helicopter belonging to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-463 is seen bringing in a sling-load of cargo. In January 1968, this squadron set a record by lifting a total of 4,477 tons of cargo. This photograph was taken by Sergeant Bob Leak and is part of the Defense Department's photo collection.

Lance Corporal John McCurdy, Jr., 20 years old from Cincinnati, Ohio, takes a break during Operation Pipestone Canyon. The operation was conducted by the 1st Marine Division, approximately 14 miles south of Da Hang City in Vietnam on June 13, 1969. Photo captured by 6ySgt C. E. Lane of the Defense Department.

"Sergeant Jose J. Anzaldus addresses well-wishers during Operation Homecoming at Camp Pendleton, California in April 1973. Sgt. Anzaldus, one of the 26 Marines held as prisoners of war, was released after more than three years in captivity by Viet Cong guerrillas. Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps)."

Lt. Brown's Crew Of The 8Th Af's 395Th Bomb Group Standing By Their B-17 At Their Base In England, 26 March 1945.

Sgt. Dielman took this photograph on June 4, 1968, during a ceremony in Vietnam. The image captures U.S. Marine Cpl. Nolan J. Iala, residing in Denver, Colorado, being awarded The Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions on January 31 and February 1, 1968, in Hue City, where he fought against enemy forces.

Caption: Marine Captain Kenneth D. Edelen, radar intercept officer, is congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Frank E. Petersen Jr. for completing his 300th combat mission with Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 14 during the Vietnam War. Edelen, an experienced aviator with over 2,700 flight hours, was honored by his squadron commander.

A Marine ONTOS tank returns to the Command Post in Vietnam on February 22, 1968. The tank is refueling and restocking ammunition. This photograph was taken by Messenger for the Defense Department. A190559 127 GVB-329 35mm Negative.

Gen Leonard F. Chapman, Commandant of the Marine Corps, is greeted by the Vietnamese official in charge of an orphanage in Thuong Thon village. Lt Gen R. E. Cushman, commanding general of the III Marine Amphibious Force, and other Marine officers accompany the Commandant on his visit. Photograph taken on August 6, 1968.

Three San Antonio, Texas Boys, All Gunners With A B-25 Squadron In The Gilbert Islands, Recently Received The Air Medal For Shooting Down A Japanese Fighter Plane During An Aerial On The Marshall Islands. They Are, Left To Right, S/Sgt. Fred Kirshhoff, Of 353

Marine Lieutenant Colonel Ronald L. Townsend, commanding officer of Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 255, climbs down from his A-6 Intruder jet after leading his squadron on a trans-Pacific flight from California to Da Nang. The photo was taken by SSgt. Bill Risher during the Vietnam War.

During the Vietnam War, the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge provided support to Marine operations near Tam Ky as part of Operation DOUBLE EAGLE II. This official U.S. Marine Corps photo, courtesy of Captain Edwin W. Besch, showcases the carrier's significant role in the war effort.

"Havy corpsmen treating Viet Cong guerrilla's wounds during Operation Heade Rivar, 10 miles south of Da Nang in 1968. This 19-day operation resulted in 1025 enemy casualties and Viet Cong being injured by Marine artillery and airstrikes. Photograph taken by Cpl M. W. Stern, published by the Defense Department. "

General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, visits Baldy Combat Base in Vietnam on January 16, 1971. He is seen talking with officers and officials during his visit. This 35mm negative photograph captures the moment. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A194775.

Marine Corps Corporal Kenneth Juby, a radar technician attached to "H" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines, is seen diving into a foxhole at the Cam Lo District Headquarters in Vietnam. Juby is taking cover to escape artillery rounds in this photograph taken on February 16, 1968.

Colonel P. X. Kalley delivers a speech at the Change of Command Ceremony held at the 1st Marines Command Post, located 4 miles west of Da Nang in Vietnam on June 26, 1970. The ceremony marked the passing of authority to the new command. This photograph was taken by Sgt G.H. Gardner III.

U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Flavio Canales, Jr., of Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, displays an anti-tank weapon captured during Operation Salena on May 7, 1968. This photograph was taken by SSgt. J.A. Reid and is part of the collection of American military activities during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Marine Corps personnel Private first class Vernon L. Robinson and Lance Corporal Steve H. Ridinger await their deployment onboard a CH-46 helicopter during Operation Durham Peak. They are members of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263) and part of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. This photograph was taken south of An Hoa Combat Base.

U.S. Marine helicopters land on a aircraft carrier during Operation Deckhouse VI in February 1967. This photo captures a moment of American Military activities during the Vietnam War.

A US Marine from the 1st Marine Division in the Vietnam War shows his helmet pierced by a bullet from a Viet Cong near miss. This photograph, taken on July 15, 1969, captures the lucky survival of the marine and serves as a reminder of the intensity of combat during the conflict.

"Vietnamese villager being carried by Lance Corporal Charles E Soad, a scout for C Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, during a rescue mission in Vietnam. The woman was evacuated to An Hoa Combat Base before being sent to a refugee center. Photo taken on February 12, 1970, by epi B. R. Woodwan, Defense Department (Marine Corps)."

Caption: Lieutenant R. Muilen from Torrance, California, proudly displays the Silver Star just awarded to him by Colonel Cereghino, Commanding Officer of the 4th Marines at Camp Carroll, RVN. The ceremony took place on February 8, 1967, during the Vietnam War. Photographer: Sergeant K.B. McVeigh. DOD Photo (Marine Corps) A188384 127.

Staff Sergeant H. D. Halloway of 7th Engineers receiving the Commandant of the Marine Corps Commendation Award from Lieutenant Colonel Funderburk on April 7, 1968. The ceremony took place during the Vietnam War, with the photograph captured by Cpl A. V. Huffman. This image is from negative Vietnam 7Apr68, with the official Defense Department photo identification A373116 mis 127 GVB-78.

Gregory "Pappy" Boyington visiting his former squadron - January 3, 1967. Photograph shows pilots Kevin Johnston and Jarty Wilson standing next to their A4 "Skyhawk" aircraft in Vietnam. The pilots successfully destroyed supplies and damaged enemy ships during an attempted Viet Cong supply landing near Danang. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A4,20.527 127 GVB-234

CH-53 helicopters delivering supplies and troops during the Vietnam War. The helicopters pictured belong to Echo Battery, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines and were used in Operation Sussex Bay to provide direct support to First Battalion, Fifth Marines and Third Battalion, Fifth Marines. This image was taken in 1968 at An Hoa airfield by the Defense Department.

"2nd Lieutenant C.M. Newson, a Platoon Commander with the 9th Marines, radios a report to his Commanding officer after landing on Hill-764 in South Vietnam during Operation Dewey Canyon on January 29, 1969. This photograph captures a moment of communication during the Vietnam War."

Marines rappelling from a helicopter during Operation Taylor Common. Corporal Phil Kratofil and Corporal R.L. Brumfield are seen descending into a landing zone cleared by members of the Third Marine Regiment. This operation is part of a multi-battalion search-and-clear mission taking place southwest of Da Nang in Vietnam.

Photographer Corporal Coates, a combat photographer, takes a brief nap during a sweep mission with "A" Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment outside of Da Hang. This photo was taken on September 22, 1967 during the Vietnam War by Larry Burrows for Time/Life.

Lieutenant General Lavis W. Walt promotes Staff Sergeant Marwick L. Keup during a Congressional tour in April 1966. The event took place during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken by SSgt. Fleetwood and is part of the collection documenting American military activities of the time.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale are pictured at a change of command ceremony between Major General Simpson and Major General Edvin B. Wheeler. The ceremony took place on December 15, 1969. The photograph was taken by Lance Corporal R.L. Mange. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A372391-B 127 GVB-79.

Major John Hubner utilizes a drogue chute to assist in braking his F-4B Phantom jet after returning from a mission in support of the Republic of Korea Marines. Hubner is a member of Marines Fighter Attack Squadron-542. Photograph taken on June 11, 1967, in Vietnam.

A ground crewman from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-323 checks the ordnance on an F-4B Phantom before takeoff on October 2, 1967. The squadron, along with Marine Aircraft Group-13, delivered over 174 tons of ordnance on both sides of the Demilitarized Zone on September 29. This image captures the preparation and intense military activities during the Vietnam War.

Marine Lance Corporal Ronald E. Christmas, referred to as "Mr Christmas," and Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Vernon E. Wes are seen decorating a Christmas tree in their camo fatigues during holiday celebrations in December 1969. This image captures the preparations for the Yuletide season by the chaplain and his clerk, driver, and organist near Danang, Vietnam.

Marine Corporal Flynn runs the teletype in the escort section of CIB, MAF Da Nang on February 1, 1968. This image captures the vital role of communications during the Vietnam War. Original photo by Barrett Corporal, taken by the Defense Department (Marine Corps).

Colonel Van D. Bell, battalion commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, proudly displays the helmet he carried throughout his three tours in the Marine Corps. This photograph was taken on November 23, 1966, during the Vietnam War.

Lt. Farmer Standing Beside The Plane, The 'Dibbo'. England, 16 July 1944.

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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