Vietnam War Operations

Photographs capturing U.S. Marines during various engagements in Vietnam, highlighting military operations, local interactions, and tactical training.

Walter Cronkite, a renowned reporter/correspondent, takes a break on the patio at CIB, III MAF, Da Mang during his visit on February 1, 1968. This candid moment captures the civilian correspondent enjoying some downtime under the sun. The photograph is credited to Barratt and was taken by the Defense Department.

Members of the 11th Ranger Battalion in the Danang Special Sector prepare for an assault on Viet Cong positions near the Danang Air Base. This photograph, taken on April 30, 1965, shows them checking their weapons and ammunition before the mission. Credit: Sgt. E. Smith, Defense Department photo, 65-76-C, 3rdMarDiv (HAC-16), Vietnam.

A Marine from the 3rd Battalion, Fourth Marines, engages in conversation with a North Vietnamese Army prisoner during Operation Prairie on November 2, 1966. This photograph captures a moment of communication and interaction between the two individuals. The image was taken by Cpl Romina and is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Photograph entitled "Officers and Officials - 1967" showcases Hubert Humphrey, Gen William Westmoreland, and Sen Harry F Byrd in January 1967. Negative CMC VISIT, dated January 1967, shows General Wallace M. Greene, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, with Brigadier General James E. Herbold, Jr., Commanding General FLC. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A288140.

Armored personnel carriers from the 3rd Tank Battalion and the security platoon from Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division conduct a joint patrol west of Quang Tri Combat Base in Vietnam on January 11, 1969. The security platoon is responsible for patrolling the area surrounding Quang Tri Base.

A member of the 1st Marine Sentry Dog Platoon, Private First Class Tom Brent, is seen with one of the scout dogs during the Vietnam War. The dogs were utilized in Operation GEORGIA to locate the Viet Cong and protect the lives of the Marines. This photo captures the role of animals in military activities. Note: The image described above is not provided, so the caption is based solely on the information provided about the image.

Former Viet Cong member returning to his village aboard a helicopter. He surrendered under the Chien Hoi program and was taken back to his village by the Marine Civil Affairs Team. This photo was taken on October 13, 1968, in Thua Thien Province, Hue, Vietnam, by photographer Lpl R. K. Nystrom.

Row of weapons captured by American forces from the Viet Cong during Operation HOP SPRINGS in Quang Ngal, Vietnam, on April 22, 1966. In the foreground, a .50 caliber machine gun is prominently displayed. This image was captured by Cpl. Gaspard and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

American Marines utilize a 106mm Self-Propelled (SP) ONTOS (H50A1) tank to combat enemy forces during operation Hue City in Vietnam on February 21, 1968. The tank, equipped with multiple anti-armor weapons, proves effective in neutralizing the enemy. Photo taken by Cpl Smedley, Defense Dept. PHOTO (Marine Corps) A371417 127 GVB-329.

A-4 Skyhawk aircraft on the flight line at MAG-12 in Chu Lai, Vietnam on May 2, 1966. Photo taken by LCpl. A. Halstead. This image, labeled "22," depicts the military activities of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Vietnam. It is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Marine UH-34D helicopter taking off after undergoing damage from Viet Cong fire during a resupply mission for "F" Company, 9th Marine Regiment, as part of Operation KING. The incident occurred 18 miles south of Danang, Republic of Vietnam in 1966. This photo was taken by LCpl. D. Durbin, and it is part of the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps) A186870 127 GVB -2/2.

Marines, accompanied by a mine and booby trap dog, enter First Support Base Ross accompanied by tank retriever "Buil". They are conducting operations with "Alice's Restaurant" 25 miles south of Danang, Vietnam. The photograph, taken on October 19, 1970, showcases the soldiers against the fading skylight.

Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak conversing with Corporal Levis Barcenes, a section leader in the 1st Motor Transport Battalion, during their deployment in Vietnam. The photograph was taken on September 3, 1966, and shows a moment of interaction between the two military personnel.

A Marine A-4 Skyhawk aircraft is shown refueling from a KC-130 Aircraft Tanker over Vietnam on January 1, 1971. This photograph was taken by GySgt H.A. Mahan. The image is a 70mm negative with the reference number 1W-174-1-71(J). It is an official Department of Defense photo, belonging to the Marine Corps. The caption on the photograph reads: "22 1-174-1-71(J) 1st Maw 1 Jan 71 Vietnam. 70mm Negative Photog:GySgt H.A.Mahan A Marine A4 plugged into a KC-130 Aircraft Tanker for refueling over DEFENSE DEPT PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) bh 422884 127. GVB-22 WL 2081 MARINE."

Caption: "An injured Marine being medically evacuated from the Demilitarized Zone of South Vietnam during a joint operation by the Ninth Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and Fourth Hartne Regiment. The operation aimed to search for North Vietnamese soldiers and supplies. September 18, 1968. Photo by SSgt D. L. Shearer. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A191961 127 GVB-243."

Marine Sergeant Walter Bolt installs a new fuel filter on a two and a half-ton truck as part of maintenance activities. He is a member of the Maintenance Section, Truck Company, Force Logistic Command in Vietnam. This photograph is a Defense Department image taken during the Vietnam War.

Corporal Brian D. Day, a member of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron (HAMS)-36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, engages in a skin diving activity at Ky Ha, Vietnam on December 23, 1966. This photograph captures his off-duty recreational excursion during his rest and relaxation period. The image was taken by SSgt Milligan EKEN and is an official Defense Department photo.

Caption: "Corporal Larry R. Miklos and an unidentified corpsman react in horror as an enemy machine gun opens fire on their medevac helicopter. Miklos, an artillery forward observer, was wounded during an enemy ambush on September 1, 1967, during a search and destroy mission south of Da Nang in Vietnam."

Sergeant Greg Brewer of HMH-463's Maintenance section installing a flare dispenser in a CH-53 helicopter. All helicopters were equipped with this device for the evacuation exercises during Operation Frequent Wind in Saigon, April 15, 1975, due to the SA-7 rocket threat in the area.

Factual Caption: An F4-B, part of Operation Scotland II Truesdale North, carries out close air support for the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines by conducting air strikes on North Vietnamese Army positions. On September 17, 1968, the aircraft dropped six bombs. Photograph taken by SSgt D. L. Shearer, a 35mm negative from the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps). Identification number 127 GVB-37 3D-10-3270-68 3dMarDiv Vietnam 17Sept68.

Marine corporal from "M" Co. Third Battalion, Fifth Regiment engages in combat by throwing a grenade at a Viet Cong sniper position, around 30 meters away during Operation Union II. The photograph was taken on June 7, 1967, 20 miles Southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam by ICpl C.E. Acker.

Proof, if any was needed, that the German Air Force still was able to mister some bombardment strength of its own and to direct it at the most unsuspecting targets was given on the night of 21 June 1944 at the Poltava Airfield, in the Ukraine

In this 1969 photograph taken in Vietnam, two Marine sentries, Cpl John Hackett and a dog named Sarge, are pictured on top of Monkey Mountain near Da Nang. They are stationed there to guard the perimeter of Marine Aircraft Control Squadron 4 and are attached to the 3rd Military Police Battalion, Force Logistic Command.

Villagers of Cam Lo resettlement village gather around a water point following the dedication ceremony of the Cam Lo Reservoir on July 22, 1968. The reservoir, a joint project between American and South Vietnamese authorities, was constructed by Marine engineers and serves approximately 250,000 refugees in the region. The photograph was taken by Pfc. Phil DeFazio and is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps).

"SSgt Jim E. Travers and Cpl Wilber J. Gregg, members of the 3rd Marine Division, review a map to consider potential alterations to their planned operations. The two communicate via radio to provide an update on their progress to the Battalion Headquarters. Photograph taken on July 6, 1967 in Vietnam."

Soldiers of "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines participate in Operation Rush near Hills 479 and 500, around 4,000 meters southwest of Phu Bai, Vietnam. This photo captures the medical evacuation process that took place on August 5, 1967, during the Vietnam War. LCpl Porter was the photographer.

Major General Charles F. Widdecke, Commanding General of 1st Marine Division, visits his old squadron on June 28, 1970. He is seen in the front cockpit of the Gunslip, with Captain Morton, the pilot, explaining its features to him. This photo was taken by Sgt R. H. Nelson and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

"Factual caption: Captured enemy weapons found during a search and clear operation on Charlie Ridge, located 17 miles southwest of Da Nang. The photograph, taken on April 19, 1970, black and white image, captured by Captaincies R. M. StClair/ Capt B.M StClair, is part of the collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War, specifically the 1stMarDiv's operations from 19-27 April 1970. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A373201 127 GVB-71 1352-4-70 LotharDiv Vietnam 19-27Apr70 Photog: Capt B.M. StClair Captured enemy weapons found while on search and clear operation on Charlie Ridge, 17 miles southwest of Da Nang, DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) ats A373201 127 GVB->/"

Marines carry out search and clear mission during Operation Deckhouse VI in Vietnam, February 1967. Photograph shows Marines crossing an inundated area in the defense department photo.

Troops from Echo Company 2/7 sprinting towards a CH-46 helicopter at the start of Operation Ballard Valley on April 29, 1968. This photograph shows their movement from L.Z. hill 55. Photo taken by Cpl. R. DelVecc- hio, Defense Department/Marine Corps photo (A374481, damaged negative 127 GVB-158).

Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Regiment, along with Popular Force troops and the 3rd Division Marines, conduct a patrol six miles south of Phu Bai, Vietnam on January 10, 1967. The photo, taken by Cpl. Holbert, captures the soldiers moving towards their objective during the Vietnam War. (Caption: Marines patrolling in Vietnam, January 1967)

Lieutenant General Levis Wels, Commanding General of the 122nd Marine Amphibious Brigade, and Major General Lewis J. Fields, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, visit Chu Lai in May 1966. They inspect a well and shower unit installed for the local Vietnamese population near the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment area.

Vietnamese Montagnard boy applies first aid, learned from a Corpsman, to a friend with athlete's foot. May 30, 1968, Vietnam. This image captures the resourcefulness and adaptability of the local population during the war. Photo taken by Sgt. Dickman and registered as Negative 30May68.

Brigadier General Louis Metzger, Assistant Division Commander of the 3rd Marine Division, operating a battery of 175mm guns in support of Marine operations into the Ashau valley on August 1, 1967. The Ashau valley was a Viet Cong stronghold. Captain Michael Clay commanded the artillery battery.

A Marine A6A aircraft from the VMA-225 Squadron flies over South Vietnam carrying 250 pound bombs on January 1, 1971. The photo, taken by GySgt H.A. Mahan, is a 70mm negative from the 1st MAW. This image is recorded as Defense Dept. Photo (Marine Corps) A422876 127 GVB-34.

Sgt. R. J. Thibault and Lance Cpl. Steven Hawkins are seen moving through a jungle canopy during Operation Dawson River. The photo captures members of the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conducting patrols in search of enemy supply and weapons caches. The operation took place east of Khe Sanh and south of the Demilitarized Zone. This photograph was taken on January 3, 1969, by LCpl. Don Barr, a photographer for the Marine Corps.

Sergeant J.I. Henderson, a motion picture cameraman with 1stMarDiv photo, is seen loading his camera. This photograph was taken on August 31, 1970, during the Vietnam War. It is part of a collection by combat photographer Larry Burrows and was captured using a 35mm negative. The image was published by Time/Life.

Marine Corps gunner Prather, a former LSU quarterback, participates in Operation Essex on November 20, 1967, 20 miles south of Danang during the Vietnam War. This image captures the American military activities during the operation. Photography by C. E. Aker. (Negative ID: 8-327-67 1st MarDiy Vietnam, Defense Department photo)

A photograph taken on March 18, 1965, at Danang Airfield during the Vietnam War shows a tent area belonging to Battalion Landing Team 1/3 of the 3rd Marine Division. The image depicts the living conditions of the troops stationed there. The photograph was taken by Egt. Batchelor.

View of women's quarters and garage in Da Nang, Vietnam. The structures, belonging to USMC and Vietnamese forces, are pictured on February 1, 1968. This photograph, taken by Barrett for the Defense Department, showcases the buildings and bunkers during their military activities in Vietnam. Source: 3M-36-1627-68 IIIMAP Vietnam 1Feb68.

CH-46 helicopters were commonly used during the Vietnam War. This specific photo shows a CH-46 that was downed by enemy fire during flood evacuation missions near Danang in Vietnam on October 30, 1970. The image was taken by SSgt L.H. Slifer and is an official Defense Department photo (Marine Corps).

Private First Class James M. Murray, hailing from Hialeah, Florida, takes a moment during the Operation NAPOLEOR/SALIE to compose a letter to his parents. The photograph captures him seated and writing under the afternoon breeze near the Qua Viet River, south of Dong Ha, Vietnam, on May 7, 1968.

Aerial view of various structures in the CEB Compound, including both US Marine Corps buildings and Vietnamese bunkers, taken on February 1, 1968, during the Vietnam War. The photograph captures the compound from the river, showing the layout and construction of the defensive structures. Official Defense Department photo.

Marines from the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment are seen disembarking from a Sea Knight helicopter in Vietnam on July 27, 1967. The operation took place west of Dallang, and helicopters from Marine Aircraft Group-36 were used to transport the troops. This photograph was taken by Cpl. Russ Corren and is from the Defense Department's collection.

U.S. military personnel operating mine sweepers during the Vietnam War. The photograph was taken on October 9, 1968, by photographer Schackmann. The image shows servicemen conducting mine clearance operations as part of the 3rd Marine Division's activities in Vietnam. This is an official Defense Department photo.

Major General Raymond G. Davis (right) and Lieutenant Colonel Archie Van Winkle, both winners of the Medal of Honor, are pictured in July 1968. The photograph shows them actively working to deter North Vietnamese infiltration in the Khe Sanh area during the Vietnam War. This image provides a glimpse of the dedication and bravery displayed by American military personnel during the conflict.

General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, attends a press conference in Dallang, South Vietnam on July 17, 1970. The photograph was taken by Sgt. C.H. Gardner and is labeled as negative AMD-1986-1-70.

Vietnamese girl poses for the photographer while collecting ammunition tubes for her family's new home. She was one of the flood refugees in Quang Nam Province. Image taken on November 1, 1970 by Sgt Wiegand of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) bh 374173 127 GVB-376.

A Vietnamese boy collects pieces of ammunition crates to help build his family a new home. He was a refugee flood victim in Quang Nam Province. This photo was taken on November 1, 1970, by Sergeant Iegand, part of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. (DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO, MARINE CORPS)

Gunnery Sergeant James R. Johnson receives the Silver Star Medal from Major General Raymond G. Davis. The ceremony took place at Dong Ha, Vietnam, on February 26, 1969. Johnson was recognized for his heroic actions in leading a patrol from the Third Reconnaissance Battalion, resulting in the killing of 25 enemy soldiers during a communist assault on their position. A Defense Department Photo taken by the Marine Corps. Reference number: A192795.

"Factual caption: Second Lieutenant Irvan Weldvolgel, a S-1 Officer with the 7th Engineer Battalion, hands out caps at a village eight miles west of Danang in 1966. The caps were sent by Mrs. K. Mo of Detroit, Michigan, through the Chamber of Commerce as aid for the needy in Vietnam. (Defense Dept. Photo)"

Factual caption: "Formal portrait of Second Lieutenant Henry W. Buse, III, during his duty in Vietnam. The photograph was taken on October 9, 1965 at the III MAF Deneng, Vietnam military base. It is part of the collection depicting American military activities during the Vietnam War. Photo by LCpl. Atherton."

Chaplains Paul J. Everts of MAG-12 and James W. Robinson of MAG-36 deliver a section of stained glass window to a Vietnamese fisherman on Cu Lae Re Island, Vietnam. The window was promised by MAG-36 18 months prior and when assembled, it shows Christ calling the fisherman. Photograph taken by 1stLt. Joe Collins on July 17, 1968.

A Vietnamese girl holds onto a new rag doll given to her by U.S. Marines. In June 1965, the Marines in Chu Lai, Vietnam, distributed clothing and food items to the girl and her fellow villagers, providing a brief moment of peace amidst the war. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A184551 rum 127 GVB-37/

"Sergeant Peter M. Gorczewski of the 3rd Marine Division receives the Bronze Star Medal for heroism and a second Gold Star for his Purple Heart at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion headquarters in Vietnam. He was recognized for his brave actions during a reconnaissance patrol near Danang. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A187822 127 GVB-76."

USMC and Vietnamese buildings and bunkers are visible in this photo taken on February 1, 1968. The image shows the back of a compound near the Enlisted Club, facing south in CXB, III MAF, Da Nang. It is a defense department photo taken by photographer Barrett, under the identification number GV8-327.

Marines from Bravo Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, are seen near an old church during Operation Rio Blanco on November 23, 1966. The photograph, taken by SSgt R.E. Wilson, captures the patrols conducted by American military personnel during the Vietnam War. (Caption information sourced from the provided details)

Vietnamese children from Ky Huong Enulot, near Chu Lai, surround HM1 Melvin S. Fisher. The children presented Corporal Fisher with a letter of appreciation for his civil action work done in their village. This photograph was taken on August 24, 1966, by LCpl Mincenoyer.

"An ARVN soldier from the 314th Infantry Division participates in a three-day operation near Ky Tra, 40 miles south of Da Nang, in 1969. The mission was to destroy Viet Cong Base Camps. Multiple camps were discovered, along with numerous documents, food, and weapons. This photograph shows the Regional Force soldier in action."

Vietnamese civilian children observe with interest as American soldiers walk past them in Chu Lai, Vietnam. The photograph captures a small boy holding his younger brother, emphasizing the bond of brotherhood. Photo taken on June 30, 1965 by 8gt. L.D. Choate, a defense department photographer.

Marine F4B aircraft prepare to refuel in flight from a KC-130 Aircraft Tanker on January 1, 1971 in Vietnam. The image captures the moment when the F4B probes are about to connect with the refueling equipment. This photograph was taken by GySgt H.A. Mahan and is part of the Defense Department collection.

"North Vietnamese peasant women working in the fields during Operation Homecoming, a repatriation mission for US Marine POWs in Vietnam. This photograph was captured during the Confinement Series, showcasing the daily activities of locals amidst ongoing military activities. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) ECC A900170"

Marine Lieutenant Colonel Johnny O. Gregerson, the Commanding Officer of Marine Air Support Group-3, presents a rice thrasher to the hamlet chief of Trung Toan hamlet near Marine Air Base, Chu Lai, Vietnam. The rice thrasher, donated by the people of the United States, will help the Vietnamese villagers speed up their rice harvest. A young admirer of the Marines watches with approval.

A photograph depicting the aftermath of a battle in Hue City, South Vietnam on February 12, 1968. The image shows the casualties suffered by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces as a result of their aggression. This photograph was taken by Reid, a photographer from the Marine Corps, using a 56mm negative. It is listed under the reference number 34-6-248-68 and can be found in the Defense Department's collection with the code A801052. The image was credited to GVB-348.

"Major G.L. Gill, ars. Bernice Warmer, and Field Director of the Red Cross Hospital, Navy Regional Medical Center, holding a Vietnamese infant at Camp Tulega onboard the Marine Corps Base, MCB Camp Pendleton, California. This photograph was taken on April 29, 1975, with Claudia Cardinale, Nguyen Cao Ky, Rosemary Clooney, and Betty Ford visiting Vietnamese refugees in the US."

Caption: Lieutenant Colonel Edison W. Miller's youngest son holds a bracelet with his father's name on it, symbolizing his father's captivity during the Vietnam War. Miller was captured on October 13, 1967, in North Vietnam while serving as a pilot. He was later released on February 12, 1973, marking his involvement in Operation Homecoming.

Marine Otter vehicle provides support to the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines during the battle near Dai Do Village. The week-long battle took place in May 1968 as part of Operation Napoleon/Saline, resulting in over 1,000 confirmed North Vietnamese Army casualties. Defense Department photo by LCpl Teacher, taken in Vietnam.

A Marine Corps soldier converses with Vietnamese civilians in Vietnam during the year 1969. The photograph was taken by PFC. Rocky Pearson and is a part of the Defense Department's collection of images capturing American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A-4 Skyhawk launching from Chu Lai on March 20, 1967. The aircraft is armed with four rocket pods. The launch was in response to a Marine reconnaissance patrol that was pinned down by enemy fire. Pilots of Marine Attack Squadron-223 silenced the guns, allowing helicopters to rescue the patrol. (Defense Department Photo, Marine Corps)

Chaplain Nilus W. Hubblo, 4th Marines Regimental chaplain, conducts religious services using a chalice donated to the 4th Marines by Mrs. J. C. McDonald. The chalice is donated in memory of her son, Pfc. Janos McDonald. This photograph was taken in 1968 during the Vietnam War by LCpl. D. L. Randolph of the 3rd Marine Division.

Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk

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