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Battle of Ia Drang Valley. Means “River”. LZ X-Ray. Pleiku (Camp Holloway). Camp Holloway. Airbase attacked by VC on Feb. 6, 1965 Killed 8 Americans, 128 wounded Became justification for putting troops in South Vietnam. Facts. Two Part battle Nov 14-18, 1965
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Battle of IaDrang Valley Means “River” • LZ X-Ray
Pleiku (Camp Holloway) Camp Holloway • Airbase attacked by VC on Feb. 6, 1965 • Killed 8 Americans, 128 wounded • Became justification for putting troops in South Vietnam
Facts • 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
Why? • 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
Leaders • 6 Other Landing Zones including “LZ Albany” • NVA Leader Nyugen Huu An • Lt General Hal Moore & 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry -“LZ X-Ray”
Problems • 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
Battles • http://www.wtj.com/articles/xray/
Outcome • 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?
Credits • Visit: http://www.lzxray.com/ to see photos used etc.