"Combined effort results in 'thunderous' operation" — Operation Thunder, datelined FSB King
Combined effort results in 'thunderous' operation
FIRE SUPPORT BASE KING — The firebase was way out in nowhere, probably the farthest 3rd Bde. (SEP), 1st Air Cavalry Division firebase from Bien Hoa. It was the first firebase in recent memory on the other side of the mountains, but it had a good reason for being there.
FSB King was built as a launching site for Operation Thunder, by which a combined force of Regional Forces and American troops recently combed the Nui Be Mountains in search of the command and control element of the VC.
An examination of Thunder showed a highly motivated and well-coordinated team effort, involving the Binh Tuy Regional Forces and all branches of the American Forces.
Preceding the operation, Air Force bombers cut commando vaults all over the mountain tops; their 15000 lb. bombs making instant LZs (landing zones) in previously inaccessible terrain.
The Navy sent 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. a dozen Marines to coordinate supporting fire from a destroyer supporting the Cav. from the South China Sea, just a few klicks to the south.
This marked the first time the RFs have worked directly with Cav. units in a combined effort of this size and, according to 2nd Bn., 8th Cav.'s commanding officer, the dividends were high.
"Working directly through an interpreter improved communications with the RF units immensely," commented Lt. Col. Willis Bacon, the battalion commander, "and consequently made them more effective in the operation."
Much of the smoothness of the operation can be attributed to Dai Uy (Capt.) Trung Uy, commander of the Regional Forces, who worked directly with Bacon in commanding all the ground forces.
Through his interpreter, Trung Uy expressed the belief that his men have gained confidence and valuable experience in working with the 1st Cav. "They and I have learned a great deal that will help us defend the province after the Americans leave," he explained.
"By incorporating the Cav's method for troop deployment, we have seen better results and less casualties. This in itself has helped to build the confidence of the men."
The initial discovery was a complex of more than 50 bunkers, which have since been rendered unserviceable by the engineers.
A few days later, elements of the operation uncovered an ordnance depot and medical facilities. Again the element of surprise proved valuable. The enemy left so hastily he was forced to leave large stores of handmade claymores and grenades and much needed surgical and first aid equipment. A huge factory-size sewing machine, several typewriters and a large cache of foodstuffs were also uncovered.
"Aside from the Vietnamization of the defense of Binh Tuy Province," concluded Bacon, "this operation has shown immeasurable success in that we have compromised the enemy's base AO (area of operation) and that we are keeping him constantly running and in a state of confusion."
