[1]:82. The River Patrol Force headquarters were subsequently moved to Can Tho. In a Senate-House conference the limit was raised to US $1 billion, and a bill including that amount was signed by President Gerald Ford on 5 August, but it soon became apparent that the appropriation for South Vietnam would be much less. NSA Danang was under the operational control of Commander III Marine Amphibious Force. The Defense Attach and his assistant had direct access to the Ambassador on all attach matters and were to keep the Ambassador fully informed. For this reason, the MAAG was retained as a separate headquarters. Vietnam. c Attached for administration and logistics. During their approach to the compound, they experienced a firsthand view of the PAVN's firepower as they shelled nearby Tan Son Nhut Airport with ground, rocket and artillery fire. This explained frequently unperceived influences on the relative power, flexibility and tactical potential of the opposing armed forces. The 5th Special Forces Group was also established in-country by 1965. [5] Initially, Westmoreland exercised this command through the Chief, Naval Advisory Group. A small U.S. military headquarters was needed to continue the military assistance program for the South Vietnamese military and supervise the technical assistance still required to complete the goals of Vietnamization and also to report operational and military intelligence through military channels to DOD authorities. Become a member of MRFA! [3]:1212, In May 1972 following the withdrawal of most U.S. military forces from South Vietnam, USARV was merged with MACV to become USARV/MACV Support Command.[6]. But months passed before the DOD, the Services and Congress could adjust to the changed situation with a new military assistance program. [8]:196. The conquering Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces crushed a few pockets of resistance by diehard defenders and . The senior officials of DAO scrupulously avoided any offer of operational advice to the Vietnamese with whom they worked intimately and continuously. For the next two years, this section oversaw the dwindling U.S. military assistance to South Vietnam. [1]:19, In 1973, relying on information supplied by the JGS, DAO Saigon began reporting statistical and descriptive information on ceasefire violations. The HSAS transported mail, commissary and exchange items to far-flung U.S. bases in-country and along the coast. U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam ( MACV) was a joint-service command of the United States Department of Defense . [4]:323. "[5]:63, In August 1974 the DAO recommended a substantial reduction in RVNAF training in the United States in order to save costs. Westmoreland's proposals were approved by Waters and the Department of the Army. During late 1954 and 1955, the Navy presence in Saigon increased to handle the large numbers of refugees from the north. USARV was commanded by COMUSMACV, but in practice the deputy commander of MACV actually supervised its operations. At the end of 1964, American leaders anticipated a major build-up of U.S. and allied forces within the Republic of Vietnam. In the RVNAF, squadrons were reduced from 66 to 56; no replacements were ordered for 162 destroyed aircraft; flying hours, contractor support, and supply levels were further reduced; and 224 aircraft were placed in storage, among them all 61 remaining A-1 Skyraider fighter-bombers, all 52 C-7 Caribou cargo airplanes, 34 AC-47 Spooky and AC-119 gunships, all 31 O-2 observation planes and 31 UH-1 Huey helicopters. With the change of July 1965, both positions were occupied by the same individual, Westmoreland. MACV occupied its new headquarters early in August 1967. In early 1965, a headquarters and operations center was established at the NAG for the Commander, Coastal Surveillance Force. Abrams claimed late in 1971 that he held onto the USARV command primarily because "I wanted control over assignment of General Officers." Contact Us Shop Military Gear Recognize these names from Saigon Support Command, Vietnam? The Navy's Headquarters Support Activity, Saigon (HSAS), was established in July 1962. The Trn Hng o site subsequently became the headquarters of Republic of Korea armed forces in Vietnam. [9]:18, The advance echelon of USSAG/7AF moved from Tan Son Nhut Air Base to Nakhon Phanom on 29 January 1973. Harkins became the senior U.S. military commander in South Vietnam and responsible for U.S. military policy, operations and assistance there. Description: Washington: GPO, 1986. Saigon U.S. MACV was created on 8 February 1962, in response to the increase in United States military assistance to South Vietnam. The Defense Attach Office Saigon was organized according to requirements established by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CINCPAC, and MACV, and was activated on 28 January 1973. Combat and administrative support units had added about 30,000, for a new strength of over 100,000. The OIC of Construction and his staff oversaw the building of airfields, warehouses, and other facilities by civilian contractors. Social Media The Sextant. Under their combined pressure, K gave way. Back; Virtual Archive. The rest of the support was provided by the United States Navy through Headquarters Support Activity, Saigon because the Navy had been designated as the executive agency responsible for supporting the Military Assistance and Advisory Groups and missions in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Saigon Support Command. The South Vietnamese, even when they were able to discover the enemy's intent in advance, were often unable to move sufficient reserves to the battle area in time to forestall defeat in detail. Saigon definition, former name of Ho Chi Minh City: capital of former South Vietnam 1954-76. These activities became part of Task Force 115 and were named Operation MARKET TIME. Another important criterion for port selection was the presence of Vietnamese Naval installations that could provide base facilities and defenses for American naval tenants. MARKET TIME activities were subsequently moved to Cam Ranh Bay. The Port of Saigon has 12 deep-draft quays for ocean-going ships. The third a major military offensive to cause the immediate collapse of South Vietnam's government and armed forces. On the other hand, the PAVN not only possessed considerable flexibility in choosing objectives and selecting forces to employ, but it also had six full-strength infantry divisions, adequately supported by artillery, tanks and supplies, to throw into the battle at the decisive moment. On this airlift, thirteen C-123s delivered 475 troops and over 12,000 pounds of equipment. Harkins had the task of advising the South Vietnamese government on security, organization, and employment of their military and paramilitary forces. [1]:62, In early October 1973, the DAO suggested that North Vietnam had three courses of action from which it would select the one most likely to provide the earliest achievement of its national goal, the conquest of South Vietnam. Thus he was put in the position of having to serve two masters: the Commander in Chief, Pacific, and the Commander in Chief, U.S. Army, Pacific. The PAVN's advantages also accounted for its ability to accomplish its objectives through the expenditure of far less ammunition than the defenders. It also continued to provide messing, berthing, medical and dental, administrative, and personnel services during this time. The PAVN now had twice as many tanks in South Vietnam (about 700) as did the ARVN (352). In July 1965, in response to the growing size of U.S. Army forces in the country, United States Army Vietnam was established, and both the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division as well as the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, deployed from the United States. Between 1955 and 1961, American advisors made progress in both men and equipment. Engler concluded that MACV was no longer operating as a military assistance command in the true sense of the term, since U.S. tactical forces had been so greatly increased and their mission expanded. To improve logistics flow to naval units in the field, NSA Saigon established subordinate detachments at An Thoi, Cam Ranh Bay, Cat Lo, Nha Be, Qui Nhon, Can Tho-Binh Thuy, Dong Tam, Sa Dec, Vinh Long, Vung Tau, and Ben Luc. Edited at newspaper offices at US Military Assistance Command Vietnam near Long Binh. The latter unit formed the naval component of the joint Army-Navy Mobile Riverine Force. During the twelve months of 1964, HSAS supplied over 100 local and field exchanges, maintained 186,000 square feet of warehouse space, 200,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage, and 127,000 square feet of outside storage. [5]:612 General Murray advised the Pentagon that "the ARVN is compelled to trade off blood for ammo, that the casualties are going up as the ammo allocations go down. In addition a multi-service organization was required to plan for the application of U.S. air and naval power into North or South Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, should this be required and ordered. Furthermore, the PAVN possessed the frequently decisive advantages of surprise and the ability to mass overwhelming force. [9], A multi-service organization was required to plan for the application of U.S. air and naval power into North or South Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, should this be required and ordered. On the other hand, MACV's Chief of Staff, Major General Richard G. Stilwell, held that an Army component command would prove to be a valuable coordinating link between MACV, the U.S. Army, Pacific and the U.S. Army Support Command. [5]:82 Only 55 percent of available transportation could be fueled, and tactical movement required the approval of the Corps' commander. The advisors also provided assistance to the Saigon Naval Shipyard, the largest facility of its kind in Southeast Asia. Bandages and surgical dressings were washed and reused, as were other disposable surgical supplies such as hypodermic syringes and needles, intravenous sets, and rubber gloves. [193] CHAPTER X Airmobile Developments, 1968 Change of Command at Military Assistance Command, Vietnam On 11 June 1968, General William C. Westmoreland passed command of the U. S. forces in Vietnam to General Abrams, who would serve as Acting Commander until General Westmoreland was sworn in as Chief of Staff of the Army on 3 July. NSA DaNang, 1966-1967. The blue center represents the United States, together with the sword it alludes to the U.S. Military in Vietnam. This was hardly the posture for an armed force on the eve of its final battle for survival. Another reason for the popularity of the name "Saigon" is because many foreign visitors find it easier to remember than "Ho Chi Minh City", and the "SGN" abbreviation is also used for flights from or to Ho Chi . Join Your Unit Today. "[5]:83, Signs of the coming PAVN offensive did not go unobserved. The ARVN would get about US$410 million, half of what it needed. Due to ongoing reporting requirements the Secretary of Defense designated CINCPAC to assume responsibility for remaining DAO Saigon Defense Assistance Vietnam functions and records after 31 August. The DAO remained in existence until August 1975. The Navy established the headquarters of Naval Construction Battalions, U.S. Pacific Fleet Detachment, Vietnam. In addition USARV assigned responsibility for the construction of dependent housing for the South Vietnamese military. Naval History and Heritage Command U.S. Navy Seabee Museum. Command then passed to the Commander USSAG/Seventh Air Force at Nakhon Phanom. [10]:397[11]:48 U.S. air support operations into Cambodia continued under USSAG/7th AF until August 1973. Vietnam Center & Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive Digital Materials. Combat units had gained 58,000 men and now had over 200,000 men. In about September, 1967, the Support Command moved to Long Binh. Each service continued to provide its own logistical support. I brought this copy home with me and have preserved it intact for all these years. Unresolved differences between the Ambassador and the Defense Attach concerning attach matters were to be referred by the Defense Attach to the Director of the DIA. The Command mission is to provide all supplies and services to include medical required by U.S. Under his proposal, administrative and logistical functions concerning U.S. Army activities would be transferred from MACV headquarters to the new component command; the Army advisory effort would be similarly shifted, although the MACV commander would retain operational control. Army ammunition requirements alone, originally estimated at US$400 million, would be US$500 million at 1974 prices. [5]:1245, On 11 June 1974, the United States Senate passed the FY 75 Military Procurement Bill with a US$900 million limit on Vietnam MASF. Search this site. With the elapse of five months, all the three same brigades remained in the new division, but the brigade at Chu Lai was now named the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, after a responsibility swap that had occurred in August. Besides providing area signal support for the numerous troop units, the 69th directly supported the headquarters of the US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, US Army, Vietnam, and the US Army's 1st Logistical Command. Harkins concurred and General James Francis Collins, commander of United States Army Pacific and Admiral Felt approved the redesignation. This series contains data from daily and weekly Operations Summary Reports (OPREP-5) sent by teletype from Military Assistance Command-Vietnam in Saigon. Company G occupied the eastern section of the Annex, while Company H assumed control of the western section. Transfer of the main body, drawn largely from the operations and intelligence sections of MACV and Seventh Air Force, began on 10 February. [1]:19, Three divisions within DAO managed the complex military assistance programs for the ARVN, the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) and the Republic of Vietnam Navy: the Army, Air Force and Navy Divisions. As the U.S. military presence in South Vietnam grew, MACV quickly outgrew the Pasteur Street quarters and expanded into a proliferating number of buildings throughout downtown Saigon. However, HSAS continued to function with increased responsibilities during 1965. The old Navy section of MAAG became the Naval Advisory Group, Vietnam, and by the end of 1964 there were 235 naval personnel in the 4,900-man MACV command to attend to the needs of the growing Vietnamese Navy. [1]:80[6]:272, In April 1974 with ongoing combat between the PAVN and South Vietnamese forces, DAO calculated that even including ammunition in transit, only 121,000 short tons of ammunition would be available to South Vietnamese forces by the end of that month. Under CINCPAC's responsibility, however, were the Defense Attach's military assistance functions. From Albert's Peach Cobbler to an Irish Chicken Dinner, we have them all! Inside, according to one staff officer, "the well-waxed corridors had the fluorescent feel of an airport terminal." [6]:4456, His term of assignment completed, and facing retirement, General Murray left Saigon in August 1974. At 08:00 on 15 February, USAF General John W. Vogt Jr., as USSAG/7AF commander, took over from MACV control of American air operations. Between 1950 and 1954, hundreds of ships and craft, including the light carrier USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), amphibious ships and craft, riverine craft, yard craft, barges, and floating cranes were provided to the French Expeditionary Forces in its unsuccessful fight against the Viet Minh forces. Because DAO Saigon was subordinate to USSAG in operational and intelligence fields, the normal flow of tasking and reporting was through USSAG to CINCPAC and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington. The attach element was under the supervision of the Defense Attach and the United States Ambassador to South Vietnam to the extent provided by law and in accordance with Executive orders and such other instructions as the President of the United States might promulgate. [6]:2 Naval Support Activity Danang (NSA Danang), provided logistic support to all American forces in I Corps, where the predominant Marine presence demanded a naval supply establishment. Later, dedicated units from Mine Squadron 11 operated from Nha Be. The second a limited military offensive designed to create a military, economic and political situation beyond the capability of South Vietnam to handle. The first minesweeping units were converted landing craft operating from Saigon Naval Shipyard. The DAO concluded that North Vietnam was not yet ready for a major, decisive offensive despite heavy infiltration of replacements, some PAVN units in the South were still too far understrength, but that as the failures of the political struggle became more evident, the PAVN would embark on a phased offensive to create gradually conditions beyond the capacity of South Vietnam to cope with. By mid-year of 1973 the total was reduced by half. NSA Da Nang was responsible for all activities within the I Corps Tactical Zone. The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 10 February 1966. It also provided liaison and assistance to the JGS and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Signal Department. The following sections - Historical Note, Scope and Content Notes, and Arrangement and Description - were written by the collection's original processors, Dr. Oscar Fitzgerald and Mrs. Sharyn Walker, on 13 December 1974. See more. [1]:87 General Vin restricted ARVN operations in each Corps to one 10-day operation per month. [4]:3301 The deployment of a division-sized U.S. Army force would allow the 1st Marine Division to move north, to provide greater support for the 3rd Marine Division in the northern portion of the I Corps Tactical Zone. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group ( MACV-SOG) was a highly classified, multi-service United States special operations unit which conducted covert unconventional warfare operations prior to and during the Vietnam War. The DAO and the Embassy each reported in their own channels events which presaged the approaching campaign and both were occupied with furnishing information to Washington to support the supplemental appropriation for Vietnam military assistance requested by the Ford administration. of the Army Pamphlet 672-3. The DAO postulated that North Vietnam would base its decision for 1974 primarily on expectations of Soviet and Chinese military and economic support and on an assessment of the probable U.S. reaction to an escalation of the war. The construction contractor was RMK-BRJ, at a cost of $25 million. By mid-1967, USARV, 1st Logistical Command, and many other Army units dispersed in Saigon were moved to Long Binh Post to resolve centralization, security, and troop billeting issues. [1]:144 DAO presented these congressional visitors with its estimate of the numerical strength changes that had taken place in PAVN forces in South Vietnam since the ceasefire. [3]:51[4], The DAO occupied the offices turned over to it by MACV adjacent to Tan Son Nhut Airport, and most of its employees and officials conducted their work from those offices. Explore a glossary of terms, manuals, statistics, historical accounts and reports, maps and articles by MRFA members. Through the U.S. Army Support Commands at Saigon, Qui Nhon, Da Nang, and Cam Ranh Bay, the petroleum products are received, tested, and distributed to U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, South Vietnamese, and other allied forces, and various civilian agencies throughout the country. A Naval Advisory Group was established and the Commanding General, 2nd Air Division, became MACV's Air Force component commander. Search . Home > Hi-Lite, Autumn 1968. Join us for our 2017 reunion by making a reservation today! On 25 September 1967 the 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division) was activated to control the blocking force, replacing the provisional task force HQ. (TIOH Dwg. The United States establishes Headquarters Support Activity, Saigon (HSAS). By 20:30 the last evacuees had been loaded onto helicopters. The Long Tau was the main shipping channel that all supplies had to transit to reach the port of Saigon from the South China Sea. [1]:50[2]:51, The appointment of Westmoreland as USARV's commanding general was a step away from the creation of a true Army component command. [3]:37, MACV was reorganized on 15 May 1964, and absorbed MAAG Vietnam within it, when combat unit deployment became too large for advisory group control. These developments strengthened the arguments of planners who wanted an Army headquarters to command U.S. Army ground forces. Explore gatherings, speakers and events. Dept. USSAG was activated on 11 February 1973 under the command of commander of MACV, but at 08:00 on 15 February, USAF General John W. Vogt Jr., as USSAG/7AF commander, took over from MACV control of American air operations. These sites were chosen because of their proximity to the waterways on which the combat units operated and their accessibility to support ships and craft. Thiu however believed that the Nixon administration would be able to convince Congress to restore the funding and no land would need to be abandoned. "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, For he today that sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother." Home. This organization was composed of two Transportation Battalions (Aircraft Maintenance and Supply) the 14th with one direct support company and the 765th with one general and two direct support companies. Chapter IV: Ammunition Logistics This chapter identifies the problems that developed in ammunition support. In late April 1966, with the Saigon regime locked in a tense confrontation with Buddhist and ARVN rebels in I Corps, Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. and Westmoreland reopened the effort to acquire the Tan Son Nhut soccer field. MACV was created on 8 February 1962, in response to the increase in United States military assistance to South Vietnam. The brigade from the 101st Airborne Division was originally planned to replace the 173d Airborne Brigade but, with the need for additional combat forces, both brigades remained in South Vietnam. SP5 Albert Gore, Jr., recounts the events of a battle at Fire Support Base Blue in an article for the "Castle Courier" Engineer Command Newspaper on April 5, 1971. [2]:59, MACV was disestablished on 29 March 1973 and replaced by the Defense Attach Office (DAO), Saigon. A subordinate command of the Navys Bureau of Yards and Docks (BuDocks), the Officer-in-Charge of Construction, established his office on Tu Do Street. To accomplish its mission while planning on phasing out, DAO had to employ contractors to perform many functions.
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