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 .
Combat for a particular "battle" lasted anywhere from several seconds to several days; the Ia Drang fight (film: We Were Soldiers...) lasted about 3 days. Combat for the actual war lasted from about '55 to '75.
1965.
3 days.
The morning of November 14, 1965, It started with several platoons of American troops landing by helicopter at a clearing located in the Ia Drang River Valley, Vietnam. This was the first of several battles in the area.
Ia Drang valley.
WWII validated the "Airborne" divisions (paratroopers) Vietnam validated the "Airmobile" divisions (helicopters); Ia Drang battle in '65.
Ia Drang...300 dead GI's, in three days.
Resulted in the permanent establishment of US Army Airmobile Divisions. Ia Drang was the US Army's first official Airmobile Division battle .
Ia Drang and the commencement of Rolling Thunder.
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.
Ia Drang battle in '65; 300 dead GI's in 3 days.
Harold G. Moore has written: 'We were soldiers once-- and young' -- subject(s): Accessible book, Ia Drang Valley, Battle of, Vietnam, 1965, American Personal narratives, Vietnam War, 1961-1975
The new experimental "air cavalry" was looking for a fight; the NVA accepted the challenge.