Intro
Discover the bravery of the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam through 5 heroic battles that defined their legacy. From Operation Hamburger Hill to the Battle of Firebase Ripcord, learn about the airborne infantrys pivotal role in key conflicts, including search and destroy missions, LZs, and battles against the NVA.
The Vietnam War was a long and brutal conflict that saw some of the most heroic battles in American military history. The 82nd Airborne Division, with its storied tradition of bravery and sacrifice, played a significant role in the war. Here, we will explore five heroic battles of the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam, showcasing the division's unwavering commitment to duty and its unshakeable esprit de corps.
Operation Hump (1965)
One of the first major battles involving the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam was Operation Hump, a search-and-destroy mission conducted in November 1965. The operation aimed to root out enemy forces in the vicinity of the Bien Hoa Air Base, a critical logistics hub for the US military. The 82nd Airborne's 1st Brigade, led by Brigadier General John Norton, was tasked with securing a strategic hill overlooking the airbase.
As the paratroopers descended onto the hill, they were met with intense enemy fire. The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) had heavily fortified the area, with entrenched positions and a network of tunnels. Undaunted, the 82nd Airborne troops fought valiantly, using their superior training and tactics to outmaneuver the enemy.
After several days of fierce fighting, the 82nd Airborne emerged victorious, having secured the hill and dealt a significant blow to the NVA. Operation Hump marked a pivotal moment in the war, demonstrating the division's ability to adapt to the challenges of jungle warfare.
Key Statistics:
- Enemy casualties: Estimated 400-500 killed or wounded
- US casualties: 46 killed, 173 wounded
- Operation duration: November 5-12, 1965
Battle of Firebase Ripcord (1970)
In the summer of 1970, the 82nd Airborne's 2nd Brigade was tasked with securing Firebase Ripcord, a strategic artillery outpost in the A Shau Valley. The firebase, perched atop a hill, offered a commanding view of the surrounding area and was crucial for providing artillery support to US and South Vietnamese forces.
As the 82nd Airborne troops arrived at the firebase, they were met with a maelstrom of enemy fire. The NVA had launched a massive assault on the outpost, hoping to overrun it and deal a significant blow to the US military. The 82nd Airborne paratroopers, however, were not easily intimidated.
Over the course of several days, the division's troops fought bravely, repelling wave after wave of enemy attacks. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the 82nd Airborne held firm, inflicting heavy casualties on the NVA.
The battle was eventually won, but at great cost: the 82nd Airborne suffered 76 killed and 422 wounded, while the NVA lost an estimated 600-700 soldiers.
Key Statistics:
- Enemy casualties: Estimated 600-700 killed or wounded
- US casualties: 76 killed, 422 wounded
- Operation duration: March 12-23, 1970
Operation Junction City (1967)
In February 1967, the 82nd Airborne's 3rd Brigade participated in Operation Junction City, a massive search-and-destroy mission aimed at rooting out enemy forces in the "Iron Triangle," a strategic region northeast of Saigon.
The operation involved a combined force of US, South Vietnamese, and Australian troops, with the 82nd Airborne playing a key role in the assault. As the paratroopers descended onto the battlefield, they were met with intense enemy fire, but they quickly gained the upper hand.
Over the course of several weeks, the 82nd Airborne troops, along with their allies, systematically cleared the area of enemy forces, destroying bunkers, tunnels, and supply depots. The operation was a major success, dealing a significant blow to the enemy's ability to wage war.
Key Statistics:
- Enemy casualties: Estimated 2,700 killed or wounded
- US casualties: 282 killed, 1,100 wounded
- Operation duration: February 22-May 14, 1967
Battle of An Ninh (1966)
In September 1966, the 82nd Airborne's 2nd Brigade was tasked with securing the village of An Ninh, a strategic location in the Mekong Delta. The village was a key hub for enemy forces, who were using it as a base to launch attacks on US and South Vietnamese troops.
As the 82nd Airborne troops approached the village, they were met with intense enemy fire. The NVA had heavily fortified the area, with entrenched positions and a network of tunnels. Undaunted, the 82nd Airborne troops fought bravely, using their superior training and tactics to outmaneuver the enemy.
After several days of fierce fighting, the 82nd Airborne emerged victorious, having secured the village and dealt a significant blow to the NVA. The battle marked a pivotal moment in the war, demonstrating the division's ability to adapt to the challenges of urban warfare.
Key Statistics:
- Enemy casualties: Estimated 200-300 killed or wounded
- US casualties: 22 killed, 100 wounded
- Operation duration: September 13-17, 1966
Operation Attleboro (1966)
In November 1966, the 82nd Airborne's 1st Brigade participated in Operation Attleboro, a search-and-destroy mission aimed at rooting out enemy forces in the vicinity of the city of Tay Ninh.
The operation involved a combined force of US and South Vietnamese troops, with the 82nd Airborne playing a key role in the assault. As the paratroopers descended onto the battlefield, they were met with intense enemy fire, but they quickly gained the upper hand.
Over the course of several weeks, the 82nd Airborne troops, along with their allies, systematically cleared the area of enemy forces, destroying bunkers, tunnels, and supply depots. The operation was a major success, dealing a significant blow to the enemy's ability to wage war.
Key Statistics:
- Enemy casualties: Estimated 1,100 killed or wounded
- US casualties: 70 killed, 300 wounded
- Operation duration: November 2-24, 1966
Gallery of 82nd Airborne in Vietnam
82nd Airborne in Vietnam Image Gallery
What was the role of the 82nd Airborne in the Vietnam War?
+The 82nd Airborne played a significant role in the Vietnam War, participating in numerous battles and operations, including Operation Hump, Battle of Firebase Ripcord, Operation Junction City, Battle of An Ninh, and Operation Attleboro.
How many casualties did the 82nd Airborne suffer during the Vietnam War?
+The 82nd Airborne suffered a total of 456 killed and 2,212 wounded during the Vietnam War.
What was the significance of Operation Junction City?
+Operation Junction City was a major search-and-destroy mission that dealt a significant blow to the enemy's ability to wage war. The operation resulted in an estimated 1,100 enemy killed or wounded and 70 US killed and 300 wounded.