Battle of Ia Drang Valley

LZ X-Ray

Means “River”

Airbase attacked by VC on Feb. 6, 1965

Killed 8 Americans, 128 wounded

Became justification for putting troops in South Vietnam

Camp Holloway

Two Part battle Nov 14-18, 1965 First major battle

between U.S. & NVA

Note: PAVN (People’s Army of Vietnam)

Located Central Highlands South Vietnam along Drang River

Ia Drang Valley

CIA had seen build up of NVA in the area

U.S. Strategy: Test air power especial of helicopters-send in 3 air cavalry units

NVA Strategy: Engage in close fighting-have 6 infantry units

6 Other Landing Zones including “LZ Albany”

NVA Leader Nyugen Huu An

Lt General Hal Moore & 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry -“LZ X-Ray”

There is a dry creek bed to the west

Herrick’s platoon will be separated

In the first few hours the U.S. bunches up in low area surround by trees because there are less than 200 U.S. troops vs. 1,600 NVA in mountains

http://www.wtj.com/articles/xray/

U.S. Casualties: over 300 KIA, over 500 Wounded

U.S. Estimates NVA/VC casualties over 1,500

Both Sides claimed victory

Why is this battle significant in the war?

Visit: http://www.lzxray.com/ to see photos used etc.