Operation Hood River
Part of Vietnam War

Operations Hood River and Benton, August–September 1967
Date2–13 August 1967
Location
Quảng Ngãi Province, South Vietnam
Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
 United States
 South Korea
 South Vietnam		 Vietnam North Vietnam
Commanders and leaders
United States MGen Richard T. Knowles
South Korea BG Kim Yun-sang
South Vietnam Gen Nguyễn Văn Toàn
Units involved
United States 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment
United States 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment
United States 196th Infantry Brigade
South Korea 2nd Marine Brigade
South Vietnam 2 Ranger Battalions
South Vietnam Airborne Battalion		 1st Regiment
21st Regiment
Casualties and losses
United States 21 killed US body count: 166 killed

Operation Hood River was a joint U.S., South Korean and South Vietnamese operation conducted in Quảng Ngãi Province, lasting from 2 to 13 August 1967.[1]: 246 

Background

In late July the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) II Corps received intelligence that the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 1st Regiment was regrouping in Base Area 121, 20 km west of Quảng Ngãi and would soon be joined by the 21st Regiment in preparation for an attack on Quảng Ngai before the Presidential election on 3 September.[1]

The new Task Force Oregon commander, MGen Richard T. Knowles planned for the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment to be deployed by helicopter to the west of Base Area 121, the South Korean 2nd Marine Brigade would move in from the north and two ARVN Ranger Battalions would move in from the south backed up by an ARVN Airborne Battalion operating from the Minh Long Special Force Camp. A mechanized task force of the 196th Infantry Brigade would patrol Route 529. Surprise would be essential to the plan.[1]

Operation

The operation commenced on 2 August with the forces reaching their initial objectives by nightfall. The Allied forces engaged small groups of PAVN but were unable to locate either of the PAVN Regiments which were supposed to be in the area. Meanwhile, PAVN attacks increased in the areas vacated by the Allied forces.[1]: 247–8 

Aftermath

Operation Hood River officially concluded on 13 August, PAVN losses were 166 killed, Allied losses were 21 killed. The operation was a disappointment and it was speculated that the PAVN had been tipped off by spies within the ARVN staff or that the original intelligence was misinformation.[1]: 248 

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 MacGarrigle, George (1998). Combat Operations: Taking the Offensive, October 1966 to October 1967. United States Army Center of Military History. ISBN 9780160495403.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

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