The Vietnam War: A Series of Operations and their Impacts

The Vietnam War was a conflict that lasted for over a decade, involving several nations and costing the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians. One of the defining aspects of the war was the sheer number of operations that were conducted by the United States and its allies. These operations ranged in size, scope, and effectiveness, and contributed to the overall narrative of the war. Here, we will take a closer look at some of the key operations that took place during the war and their impact.

1) Operation Houston, 26 Feb. 1968. Unit: 1st Marine Division

Operation Houston was a mission that aimed to clear the area surrounding the Khe Sanh Combat Base of enemy forces. The operation was largely successful, but it came at a heavy cost. The United States suffered over 200 casualties, while the North Vietnamese Army lost over 600 soldiers.

2) Operation Napoleon / Saline, 29 Feb. 1968. Unit: US Marine Corps

This operation was a part of the larger Battle of Hue, which was fought in the city of Hue. The goal of the operation was to clear the area of enemy forces and retake the city. The operation was successful, but not without significant losses. The United States suffered over 100 casualties, while the North Vietnamese Army lost over 1,000 soldiers.

3) Operation Truong Cong Dinh, 1 March 1968. Unit: ARVN Unit & US 9th Infantry Division

This operation was a joint mission between the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and the United States 9th Infantry Division. The mission aimed to clear the area around Saigon of enemy forces. The operation was successful, but it did not have a significant impact on the overall war effort.

4) Operation Quyet Thang, 11 March 1968. Unit: US 1st, 9th and 25th Infantry Division, airborne battalion from ARVN 5th & 25th Division and selected Vietnamese Marine Corps

This operation was another joint mission between the United States and ARVN. The operation aimed to clear the area around Tam Ky of enemy forces. The operation was successful, but it did not have a significant impact on the overall war effort.

5) Operation People’s Road, 17 March 1968. Unit: US 9th Infantry Division.

This operation was a part of the larger effort to clear the area around Saigon of enemy forces. The operation focused on the Ho Bo Woods, where enemy forces had been hiding. The operation was successful, and it significantly weakened the North Vietnamese Army's hold on the area.

6) Operation Cochise Green, 30 March 1968. Unit: US 173rd Airborne Brigade.

This operation aimed to clear the area around Dak To of enemy forces. The operation was successful, but it came at a high cost. The United States suffered over 200 casualties, while the North Vietnamese Army lost over 1,200 soldiers.

7) Operation Carentan II, 1 April 1968. Unit: unknown

Not much is known about Operation Carentan II. It is believed to have been a mission to clear the area around Quang Ngai of enemy forces. The operation was successful, but it did not have a significant impact on the overall war effort.

8) Operation Pegasus, 1 April 1968. Unit: 1st Air Cavalry Division, 1st Marine & element from ARVN

This operation was a part of the larger effort to clear the area around Khe Sanh of enemy forces. The operation was successful, and it helped to lift the siege of Khe Sanh