Operation Hump, the first major battle between the U.S. Army and the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, took place November 5-9, 1965, in South Vietnam's War Zone D. Known as "The Hump," it would change the nature of the war, escalating it from a hit-and-run guerrilla conflict to a bloody contes Early in the evening I had many of the dead and wounded moved to the rear of my position on top of the hill. operation hump, the first major battle between the u.s. army and the viet cong and north vietnamese forces, took place november 5-9, 1965, in south vietnam's war zone d. known as "the hump," it would change the nature of the war, escalating it from a hit-and-run guerrilla conflict to a bloody contest between communist main force units and Amongst the last of the seventeen missing they found one alive. Nonetheless, we made good use of the trip flares and fortunately none of them went off during the night. In 1947, Admiral Richard E. Byrd led 4,000 military troops from the U.S., Britain and Australia in an invasion of Antarctica called "Operation Highjump", and at least one follow-up expedition. On a closer look I found Lt. Waller had been hit in one shoulder and his opposite hand. The dead were Lt. Thurston and Specialist 4th Class Wayne W. Humphries. C Company was to conduct its search northwest of the battalion base in the direction of hill 65. He took the Chin Chillars prisoner when they sought refuge on his "farm" (actually a stolen car operation) and made the beautiful Mrs. Chin Chillar his personal slave and paramour. He was still recovering in a ward with one of our great leaders, Platoon Sergeant Adam A. Bernosky of the first platoon. December 11, 2020. jeremy kemp singer wikipedia. The second platoon, led by First Lieutenant Robert A. Frakes, would extend to the right of the first platoon further winding around the hill. It was a standby. I led him to each soldier in their squad tent. However, I had three serious reservations in providing it to anyone: First, at several points I am critical of someone or some unit. The VC are estimated to have sustained 1200+ casualties in this battle, including over 400, dead. He had done enough getting our dead and wounded out. The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, deployed south of the Dong Nai River while the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, conducted a helicopter assault on a LZ northwest . 4th Class Wallace S. Tao and Sgt. When I found my third man at the hospital I said Your going home. Angered he put on quit a scene. Comparing the two books' episodes of combat shows how platoon-level tactics barely changed during the two years after Operation HUMP and the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley fighting supposedly altered . However, giving their timing and the alternatives we faced, I wasnt inclined to acknowledge their well reasoned arguments as I was troubled in my decision to call off the Air Force rescue helicopter. Task Force 68 included 4,700 men, 13 ships, and 33 aircraft. Operation Hump, the first major battle between the U.S. Army and the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, took place November 5-9, 1965, in South Vietnam's War Zone D. Known as "The Hump," it would change the nature of the war, escalating it from a hit-and-run guerrilla conflict to a bloody contes. Bullets were flying. The adjustment the enemy made, as a result of our effective artillery, was to move closer to us in order to avoid the devastating fires. He said he always enjoyed the opportunity to talk with paratroopers and thanked me. Our drill focused minds and energy on getting ready for the next operation, highlighted by my conduct of a stand by 100 percent inspection of everyone and everything we owned, and to whichever platoon fared the worse the honor of pulling all major details until we moved out on the next operation. I had to for awhile. How the first task played out would determine how difficult this day would be. The answer to the first task came quickly. The following is a bit lengthy, and well worth the time, in this grateful and spoiled Mericans estimation, of course! The Hump The 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry, in the First Major Battle of the Vietnam War $ 19.99 In stock Add to cart Add to Wishlist SKU: 9780786499250 Categories: Military History, Vietnam War Tags: Airborne, Army, PTSD, Vietnam About the Book About the Author (s) Bibliographic Details Table of Contents Book Reviews & Awards Early Stages of Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery. The same report came from the only survivor of the seventeen missing from C Company on the following day. Operation Highjump: The diary of a young sailor. I received a similar report from my third platoon. We hadnt made much progress on a landing zone. I then estimated that we could be up against as many as three Viet Cong battalions. . Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Some of us knew his pilot, WO Charles Smith, and believed if there ever was someone to take on this task he was the guy. Bryant, I figure the Viet Cong would have been able to hold roll call the next morning in a telephone booth. I laughed for the first time in days. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. He further informed me that the situation was not clear on hill 65, and that while speed was of the essence, I was not to take any undo risks. Operation Hump was a search and destroy operation initiated by United States and Australian forces on 5 November 1965, during the Vietnam War. After some brief exchange we moved out and at approximately 1625 hours an improvised squad of the third platoon, made up mostly of non-commissioned officers, lead by SSgt Wear, recovered the remains of their fallen leader. From-the first and third platoons I talked with several of my soldiers recalling only PFC Manual Garza, SSG Wallace A. I informed Colonel Tyler that we were up to it, we had a plan and we were ready to execute. As the battalion had secured and spent the night of November 7 together I cautioned my third platoon leader, 2nd Lieutenant Clair H. Thurston Jr., to move cautiously out of the battalion perimeter and to take his time searching forward. We were ready for the worst. We deployed the company as planned, began to move to the creek, totally surprising the enemy force to our front. Reaching for the radio, I readied for my toughest report. I called my leaders together, informed them as to the Generals comments, thanked them and announced a winner (that I cant recall) of the six-hour drill. Operation Hump was a search and destroy operation initiated on 8 November 1965 by the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in an area about 17.5 miles (28.2 km) north of Bien Hoa.Operation Hump. The VC are estimated to have sustained 1200+ casualties in this battle, including over 400, dead. The meeting took place in St. Petersburg. While not a country music fan, Ive been advised a band called, Big and Rich wrote a song to memorialise the heroes of Operation HUMP. By . So Niles, heres to a true American hero. For several days the press continued to report the battle. Five times, over five trips we put a critically wounded paratrooper in a basket they lowered through the canopy, and five times the Air Force wenched our troopers through that triple canopy jungle in an attempt to save each of them. Feb 5, 2014 - Korean troops encounter terrified villagers sheltering from their helicopter assault in Bong Son, Vietnam, in June of 1966. Which is, Everybody has their own 8th of November. Not only you. Niles Harris, now retired from a lengthy career with the US Army.Harris got his first taste of combat in the mid-1960s in Vietnam, deploying as a Sky Soldier with the legendary 173rd Airborne Brigade's 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment. That article caused a reaction in the states that would lead to us sending Terry and all seventeen year old soldiers home. Unless we made enemy contact earlier, the third platoon was to hold up just short of the creek at approximately grid coordinate- 108309, a creek bed just east of hill 65, at which time I intended for both the third and first platoons to go on line with the first platoon moving to the left of the third platoon and the second platoon following the third platoon onto hill 65. My platoons reacted quickly, almost without direction, repositioning machine guns and troopers to meet the blunt of the attack. A lot of guys were in shock and this one guy that was hurt, they leaned him up against a tree, and I said, Hey, that isnt going to work. I was just screaming, Get down! That was too high I was making myself real skinny. Both had been wounded in action in early October near Ben Cat as we penetrated the Iron Triangle. The third was seriously wounded and I wondered if he would even live. They succeeded and were willing to continue to try and save more as it began to get dark. I spoke briefly with Chaplain Hutchens, he still had that rare smile, looked good and was collecting visitors to the point that some wanted us out of there. In preparation for his visit I called my Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants together and issued my instructions. On order my third and first platoons moved quickly! Still thinking about my soldiers in the hospital, being tired and dirty, having not slept, shaved or washed in two days, I had little patience and sent some folks packing. As their lead platoon left the battalion base it was hit hard by an enemy force. Within an hour we closed on the battalion base. In these situations, surgery can be performed to decrease the curvature in the spine. We would not locate those remaining seventeen until the following day. The hill was heavily vegetated with teakwood trees and what is generally referred to as triple canopy jungle. My eyes began to blur, we had paid a dear price. The invention relates to a nose column prosthesis for hump nose operation, comprising: a strut section having a strut main body section constituting a nasal strut; Through five decades they have remained close friends and even inspired the Big & Rich smash hit 8th of November, an ode to their struggles. Fifty-two years ago today, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was halfway through its year of service in Vietnam. Subsequently we learned that C Company had deployed its second platoon, led by First Lieutenant Ben Waller, north of the battalion base in direction of hill 65 and was in contact with an enemy force of about platoon size. Leaving my rear detachment under the control of my Executive Officer, First Lieutenant Charles E. Johnson, Jr., B Company deployed with five officers, 195 enlisted men and one ARVN interpreter. Sylvester Bryant, SSgt. Forty-eight American soldiers lost their lives that day, many more wounded, and 403 dead PLAF troops. 18. "On November 8th, 1965, the 173rd Airborne Brigade on Operation Hump, War Zone D in Vietnam, were ambushed by over 1200 V.C. I reported to the battalion that I had a very confusing situation on my hands, that while I was on the hill and had contact with a small element of C Company, it was difficult to determine exactly where all elements of the company were located. Our contact appeared to have closed on the enemies left flank and with the element of surprise we were virtually unopposed in getting on the hill. I doubted that I would ever forget that message. The enemy had fled leaving many of their dead (some reportedly stripped of their uniforms). A second alternative was that we were fighting a main line PAVN unit. Some of those wounded he had dragged out of the firing. At about 0600 on the morning of 8 November C Company began a move northwest toward Hill 65, while B Company moved northeast toward Hill 78. Put differently, many owed credit for their bravery are not recognized because I fail to recall their names or the particulars. Keep it Clean. In this case we stayed on the ground until the battalion headquarters flew out. He was in pain but he smiled. I said I didnt, but I had. Reporter Tom Tiede published a detailed account of Specialist 4th Class Langston and the paratroopers cut off during the battle. The third platoon was in the lead followed by my headquarters and a small element of the weapons platoon, the first platoon and then the second platoon. The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. Video footage of Putin's remarks was published by TASS. Today, for Harris, the other impactful impression from that day are the service pictures of the fallen that flash in a certain segment of the Big & Rich 8th of November video. Operation Hump, the first major battle between the U.S. Army and the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, took place November 5-9, 1965, in South Vietnam's War Zone D. Known as "The Hump," it would change the nature of the war, escalating it from a hit-and-run guerrilla conflict to a bloody contest between Communist main force units and American commands of battalion size or larger. Colonel Tyler kindly intervened in the heated discussion and brought it to a halt. one of my soldiers with a speech defect felt pushed to the point that after several questions, the last of which was: How do you know you killed the enemy? responded without a stutter, Because I got his blood all over me. While they talked I would look at their weapons and equipment. operation hump, the first major battle between the u.s. army and the viet cong and north vietnamese forces, took place november 5-9, 1965, in south vietnam's war zone d. known as "the hump," it would change the nature of the war, escalating it from a hit-and-run guerrilla conflict to a bloody contest between communist main force units and Earlier I became aware that A Company was tasked to attempt to get to us. Operation HUMP is considered the first major battle of significance in the Vietnam War by most historian-types. In that contact A Company lost a platoon leader, Second Lieutenant David L. Ugland, a classmate of Lt. Thurston. Date 5-8 November 1965; Location: South Vietnam, Bien Hoa: Result: United States/Australian victory, Viet Cong retreats. When Colonel Tyler came on the net it took everything I had to report I estimated our two companies had more than forty dead, approximately seventy wounded, and were missing up to another twenty. Experience first hand, through the eyes of 19 year old Richard "Dick" Miller, the daily events aboard the S.S. Pine Island. Colonel Tyler ordered me to move and assist C Company at approximately 0845 hours. Trying to determine the situation, the best I could get from them was that they had approximately twenty-one effective soldiers left on the hill. Overall, Operation HUMP proved to be one of the deadliest days in the 173rd's long and storied history. On November 8, 1965 during the Vietnam War, US, Australian, and New Zealand forces launch Operation Hump, a search-and-destroy operation near Bien Hoa in South Vietnam. It was a painful decision but I called them off. Stage 1. This was even slower than when he came in. IN THE HUMP'S EARLY DAYSfrom its inception in early 1942 through the spring of 1943the U.S.-run operation was what some likened to a civilian flying club run by its pilots. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Battle On Hill 65 (ORIGINAL HERE)(Operation HUMP 5 to 9 November 1965)by: Lowell D. Bittrich. Big Kenny began by offering a toast to the 173d and the survivors for their 50th anniversary of deployment to Vietnam. This paper was prepared in May 1966 following my turning over of command of Company B, lst Battalion 503D Infantry and preparing to return to the United States and Fort Benning, Georgia. Deadwood Mountain Grand donated the facility and all employee time for the event, while Reinhart Foods donated food for the meal. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. our paratroopers were the best our government has ever put on any battlefield. My final instructions were to move to the sound of the firing in the general direction of hill 65 . Follow, A Site Geared to the Interests of Veterans and Non-Veteran Patriots, Ill pour the 1st cup, after that youre on your own, Welcome to Wednesday, January 18, Known as Uncle and Auntis Anniversary, Welcome to Tuesday, January 17, Conversation, Welcome to Monday, January 16, Conversation, Welcome to Sunday, January 15, Conversation. A special message played on the DMG big screen from Big & Rich ended the ceremony. accounts, the history behind an article. Finally, General Williamson radioed he was coming in. Choose wisely! The Hump: The First Major Battle of the Vietnam War, Jefferson, North Carolina. How in the hell were we going to protect him, why take the chance? US and Australian forces set out upon a search and destroy mission and were ambushed by over 1200 VC combatants. From the Bien Hoa Air Base they sent a fire-fighting helicopter to hover above us while lowering a basket. None of the positions were occupied and a number of the enemy lay dead close to the positions. Operation Hump was a search and destroy operation initiated by United States and Australian forces on 5 November 1965, during the Vietnam War . I watched as Specialist 5th Class Lawrence Joel, a medic from C Company, hit several times in one leg, treated several of our wounded. As we were honoring our dead the ist Air Cavalry Division would lay claim to that record as they fought North Vietnam regulars from November 14 to 19 in a battle for the Ia Drang Valley. Because of their efforts all five survived. Having reported the establishment of our base at approximately _117319, I ordered Clair to begin moving in the direction of the trail in the vicinity of _110328. The company had recently been issued the PRC 25 radio and had insufficient radios to operate below the company level, thus all platoons were on the company frequency. In about two hours all the wounded were on their way to the Third Surgical Hospital and our dead were beginning their long journey home to their loved ones. OPERATION HUMP 08 November 1965 On 05 Nov 1965 the 173rd Airborne Brigade initiated "Operation Hump", a reconnaissance in force in an area about 15 miles north of Bien Hoa. Now we knew the Dust Off would be coming in. He was new to the battalion and had moved with C Company on this operation. There were well traveled trails leading off the north and south sides of the hill. The weapon was pointed to the north and I was anxious to get it moving back that direction. Over a short fifteen minute period, three desperate reports came from three different non-commissioned officers over the company net. They came and left as fast as we could load them. I grabbed his harness and continued my climb. In the past we allowed our wounded to choose if they would return to the unit or go home. Having a bit of a phobia on being in a hospital, usually getting sick to my stomach if there more than about fifteen minutes, it became my habit to get there as quickly as possible to avoid any excuses. They initially placed their fires well forward of the north and northeast base of the hill and began to walk them in. We went back to work, blew out more trees. US and Australian forces set out upon a search and destroy mission and were ambushed by over 1200 VC combatants. Shortly after 0815 hours I took three actions; first, ordering all platoons to halt their movements and to hold their current positions; second, to get prepared to move in the direction of the firing; and third, notified the battalion we had stopped our search pending any instructions to continue, return to the battalion base or to move in the general direction of hill 65. He pleaded to return to the unit. Here my notes on the wounded are mixed with wounded from another fight. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Second, we had to find the missing soldiers from c Company. We only had his name when all radio contact was lost. With the sound of firing coming from many directions, my initial reaction was that he was hit. The combined American/Australian troops seriously underestimated the number of enemy fighters and the desire to which they would fight to hold their ground. I alerted my platoons that if they suspected they were receiving friendly fires they were to hold their position until I could work it out. It was time to say enough even to one tough paratrooper. 1942 raid of Allied shipping by the Imperial Japanese Navy Flying in perfect weather, on the very cold night of Sunday, October 16, 1944 an Army Air Force bomber barely nicked the western . Local Boy Scouts participated in the opening ceremonies. Jerry had been the lone survivor of his 12-man patrol during the deadly mission. The fact that we were getting fire from those guns from three distinct and well dispersed directions caused me to believe we were in contact with a much larger enemy force then previously reported. In any case, from the second platoon I talked with PFC John C. Dutch Holland, PFC Larry Anderson, PFC Ronald G. Apodaca, Specialist. We had no difficulty crossing the creek and began to climb the hill having stacked enemy bodies as we went. In available hunting leases. I called Colonel Tyler and asked him to intervene. Later, several days following the operation, I was indirectly criticized by medical personnel (none of which were with us on hill 65) in a battalion staff meeting not for my decision to call off the rescue helicopter but for having placed the dead and wounded so close to each other and so close to my command post. Sonny says Hill 65 is. Early that evening we received a torrential rain, the last of the rainy season. Hector Membreno. For the second time I experienced a long pause on the radio followed by a pained out. Geared to the Interests of Veterans and Non-Veteran Patriots. I then visited the other wounded. The search for four people still missing after a major plane crash in Nepal resumed on Monday, as a video purportedly filmed by one of the passengers . Kris Kristofferson does an introduction and while I still have yet to hear the song, Kristoffersons contribution is quite nice . It was all about staying low that day.. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. They gave me a lecture on morale in combat. Frankly, I wasnt impressed and I told them so. At about the same time I received two disturbing reports, one from my second platoon and one from Captain Tucker, of the enemy in differing types of uniforms and some wearing helmets. My mind now centered on how we were going to get our remaining wounded and dead out of this place. He published a third story covering PFC Edward C. Bable and his effort to save his wounded buddies. My artillery team was monitoring that situation to preclude our walking into fires. I could not recall a case where they chose to go home. Be Proactive. Moving initially with the first platoon my headquarters element crossed the creek and began climbing hill 65. That is what Lovelace remembers most vividly from the day of the battle. So each year on the 8th of November, Harris puts on a suit and tie, and has a drink out of respect for is fallen brothers. I cautioned them to keep the helicopters clear of us so we could hear . When you see all these guys who are dead, Harris said. Still not good enough; they began dropping smoke grenades trying to mark areas that had to be taken out. It was time to take calculated risks. I was wrong and would learn it shortly. When we thought we had finally got the job done we called for a medical evacuation helicopter (Dust Off). Its all about giving back, said Deadwood Veterans Salute organizer Randy Nelson. This memoir of an Operation Hump survivor begins with the sequence of events leading up to the battle, from the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. To protect them I ordered the second platoon to assign two squads (eighteen paratroopers) to secure the area. Having learned of the details of the failed A Company effort and the mortar attack on the battalion, a third even greater disappointment was yet to come. I believe that C Company had successfully pushed the enemy off the hill and generally to the north of the hill. All but one of my soldiers responded they had fired their weapon. Survivor's memoir of the battle, the war's basis,. Titled "8th of November," a reference to the official start of Operation Hump, the song brings to life the story of one Master Sgt. Tim Page While we exacted a heavy toll on the enemy, we paid a terrible price for not adequately covering our rear. SSgt Wear said he knew where Lt. Thurston had fallen and he was willing to lead a recovery effort.