Posted on Feb 24, 2023
When Only 600 Marines Fought, the Enemy Never Expected This
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Scattered attacks had intensified during the last hours of April 30, 1968, at the Dong Ha sector. The Marines, fierce as ever, were all-in for some combat, but something was off. These skirmishes seemed coordinated.
By the time the Marines made one of the prisoners speak about the nature of the attacks, it was already too late to call reinforcements.
The sector was being invaded by more than 10,000 NVA troops coming from all directions, and there were only 600 Marines to stop them.
It was now up to the outnumbered Leathernecks to fend off a massive assault from taking over the sector. Even so, many Devil Dogs were optimistic. The odds were not even. Not for the NVA…
By the time the Marines made one of the prisoners speak about the nature of the attacks, it was already too late to call reinforcements.
The sector was being invaded by more than 10,000 NVA troops coming from all directions, and there were only 600 Marines to stop them.
It was now up to the outnumbered Leathernecks to fend off a massive assault from taking over the sector. Even so, many Devil Dogs were optimistic. The odds were not even. Not for the NVA…
Marines
Vietnam War
Military History
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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The NVA may have thought Victory would be easy but found out that wasn't the case at all and found a far stronger foe than they ever expected. .
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I never underrated the Maines in combat Myself, on the defense of Da Nang Air Base, (there were a several miles of perimeter) We of the 366th Security police Squadron worked about 2/3rd of the perimeter and 1st MP Bn, Marines worked the remaining area. No enemy force was getting through either of us. All the K9 (45 dogs) though were ours even around the Marine Posts We even had some Maines living with us in our huts and assigned what We call a Flight, which would be a platoon in the Marines. One, a Sergeant We even used as a Squad Leader. The only time the enemy got through our perimeter it was through a few hundred feet 41st Army Signa BN worked, within a quarter mile of the edge of that compound We of the 366th SPS killed all 45 of them. Two of the dead VC were barbers that worked in our hut area during the day. The third didn't show up for work again, not sure if He was dead and We could ID Him or just though better of returning to work the next day, I'm sure He heard of their demise. None evet got through us during the time I served there in 1968-69 of the USAF 366th SPS though or the 1st MP BN, Marines.
I may add a few of our guys from 366th SPS also worked Town Patrol with the 3rd MPs.
I may add a few of our guys from 366th SPS also worked Town Patrol with the 3rd MPs.
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While watching I started to get the feeling in my gut like I was going to shit my pants. It reminded me of getting ready to go on patrol. It is weird how I grew to liking the feel of purging my bowels in aniticipation of glorious death.
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