The Battle of Ia Drang lasted from 14 November through 18 November in 1965 .
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Ia Drang...300 dead GI's, in three days.
The Battle of Ia Drang was fought from November 14 to November 18, 1965 between the United States and North Vietnam. The result of the battle was inconclusive, with both sides claiming victory.
GI's called it "I" Drang.
It was the first time American soldiers battled the the North Vietnamese soldiers in a large battle . The use of the airborne (helicopters) were also tested . Ia Drang cost the Americans a heavy toll along with the enemy giving way to war of atrrition , and "body counts" that gauged a units sucess . Both sides claimed a victory .
President Johnson called the death of James Davis, SP4, US Army "the first American to fall in defense of our freedom in Vietnam." Perhaps the DoD and the CIA had failed to inform him of deaths before Davis died on 22 December 1961. Perhaps the deaths of Advisers or Field Agents in 1954 until then were still classified.