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News on this date during the Vietnam war

May 16

1945:  OSS arrives in Vietnam to assist Viet Minh against Japanese

Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Deer Team under MAJ Archimedes Patti arrived in Indochina to assist Viet Minh guerrillas against Japanese.

1955:  Time limit given by Geneva agreement for refugees extended

The May 16 time limit given by the Geneva agreement for the exodus of the refugees from North to South Vietnam (and vice versa) is extended to July 20.

1965:   Accident at Bien Hoa kills 27 U.S. servicemen

What is described by the United States government as "an accidental explosion of a bomb on one aircraft which spread to others" at the Bien Hoa air base leaves 27 U.S. servicemen and 4 South Vietnamese dead and some 95 Americans injured. More than 40 U.S. and South Vietnamese planes, including 10 B-57s, were destroyed.

1966:  AC-47 Gunships will fly over the Sihanouk Trail.

AC-47 aircraft authorized to fly night armed reconnaissance missions over Laotian section of the Sihanouk Trail.

1966:  RF compound attacked in Phu Yen Province

An estimated Viet Cong company attacked a Regional Forces compound in Phu Yen Province. Losses: Friendly-23 KIA, 20 WIA, 1 MIA, 33 individual weapons and 1Crew-served weapon was lost. Losses: Enemy 3 KIA, 1 invividual weapon captured

1966:  Operation Wahiawa commences

1st and 2nd Brigades, 25th Infantry Division conducted a search and destroy operation in the Bo Loi Woods, Ho Bo Woods and Filhol Plantation in Hau Nghia Province, III Corps. Dates: May 16– 27, Enemy losses were 157 KIA, 10  Enemy Captured, 9 VC Surrendered, 32 Individual weapons and 1 Crew-served weapon, Rice 847.4 tons, Peanuts 615 lbs, Dried fish 3800 lbs, Salt 375 lbs, and Documents 5,181 captured. 234 Tactical air sorties were flown in this operation. US Casualties 25 KIA

1966:  Operation Crazy Horse/Operation Bun Kae 66-7 commenced

The 1st Cavalry Division, ROK Capital Division and ARVN forces, conducted search and destroy operations commenced during the hot summer, with the temperature soaring to 110 degrees. The assignment extended into the heavy jungle covered hills between Suoi Ca and the Vinh Thanh Valleys, in Binh Dinh Province, II CTZ.  Dates: May 16 – Jun 5. The allied action launched a 22-day operation against elements of one VC and two NVA regiments Results of the operation were. LOSSES: Enemy-478 KIA, 27 VC Captured, 114 VC Surrendered, also 88 individual weapons and 15 Crew-served weapons were captured; LOSSES: Friendly-78 KIA, 213 WIA, I MIA, 18 individual weapons and 1 Crew-served weapon lost.

1966:  Operation Davy Crockett terminated

The 3/1 Cavalry and ARVN 22nd Division conducted a search and destroy operation in Bong Son in Binh Dinh Province. Dates: May 4–16. Revisiting the Operation Masher/White Wing area; the NVA and VC offered resolute resistance, often entrenched or firing out of large, hardened clay anthills. Results of the Operation; Enemy 345 KIA (BC), 192 KIA (EST), 82 VC Captured,  720 Detained, also there were 40 Individual Weapons , 12 Crew Served Weapons , 89 Grenades , 28 Mortar Rounds , Rice 9 Tons and 3,396 Small Arms Ammo captured.  Friendly Casualties were 27 KIA, 155 WIA and 1 MIA. 

1967:   Navy pounds enemy positions in S. Vietnam

Naval Gun Fire in RVN- The USS Ault destroyed 13 emplaements and 11 sampans in Vinh Binh Province. The USS MANSFIELD destroyed 3 emplacements, damaged 1 in Quang Tri Province. The USS ST. PAUL (Cruiser) shelled enemy atrillery positions in the DMZ.

1967:  Marines battle around Con Thien

During Operation Prairie IV 2 kilometers E of Con Thien, 26th Mar Company engaged an enemy company in prepared positions. USMC were reinforced with a Compay . Results were 73 NVA KIA. Friendly casualties: 15 KIA 60 WIA. 2 kilometers SE of Con Thien, a 9th Mar Company supported with Tanks engaged an enemy company. The USMC reinforced with a Company. Results of the engagement  22 NVA KIA. Friendly casualties: 3 KIA 23 WIA. The Enemy attacked a 4th Mar eliment at Con Thien with artillery, rockets, and mortars in 3 separate attacks. Counter-mortar was fired, with one secondary explosion the results were Friendly casualties: 9 WIA. The Days results: 96 Enemy KIA

1968:  17th Air Cav directs attack on enemy force 14 miles NNW of Saigon

In Binh Duong Province Elements of 17th Air Cavalry observed an estimated to be 150 enemy in the vicinity of Phu Cuong 14 miles NNW of Saigon. The Air Cav directed Artillery and Tac Air onto the enemy position.  They observed and reported 21 Enemy KIA.

1968:  7th Rgt, 1st Mar Div engage enemy 9 miles NE of An Hoa

During Operation Allen Brook in Quang Nam Province elements of the 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division engaged an estimated enemy battalion 9 miles NE of An Hoa. The Marines were supported by artillery and Tac Air strikes the results of the action was 131 Enemy KIA, 6 individual weapons and 6 Crew-served weapons captured; 26 US KIA, 37 WIA.

1968:  Medal of Honor Recipient, Donald E. Ballard

Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 5 December 1945, Kansas City, Mo.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Company M, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the 3d Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating 2 heat casualties, HC2c. Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, HC2c. Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. HC2c. Ballard then directed 4 marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the 4 men prepared to move the wounded marine, an enemy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. HC2c. Ballard's heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

1968:  Medal of Honor Recipient, Anund C. Roark

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 17 February 1948, Vallejo, Calif.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. Sgt. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company-size force, approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic weapons fire from enemy occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, Sgt. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. Sgt. Roark's magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army .

1969:  Operation Lamar Plain commenced

23rd Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and ARVN 1st Division conducted operation southwest of Tam Ky, Quang Tin Province On 16 May, Operation Lamar Plain commenced in an area 16 km southwest of Tam Ky in Quang Tin Province. The three battalions under control of the lst Bde, 101st Abn Div (Ambl), had the mission to find, fix, and destroy VC/NVA main force units operating In the vicinity of  BA 117 and posing a threat to Tam Ky City, the provincial headquarters. The 1st Bn, 501st Abn Inf and lst Bn, 502nd Abn Inf moved to Quang Tin Province to reinforce 23rd 1nf (Americal) Div elements in the Tam Ky area, The operation terminated on 13 Aug. Enemy losses during the three month period were 524 killed. In addition, 62 crew-served and 256 individual weapons were captured. US casualties were 105 killed and 333 wounded of whom 297 were evacuated. The operation was supported by 1, 142 tactical air strikes. Elements of the NVA 2d Div were contacted during the operation.

1969:  2 Coast Guard Cutters transferred to VN Navy

Two 82-foot Coast Guard cutters, the Point League and the Point Garnet, are transferred to the Vietnamese Navy in ceremonies in Saigon. These are the first USCG ships to be turned over to RVN.

1969:  Hamburger Hill battle rages on

A first-light check by C Company found fourteen NVA bodies in their area. The day began just like the previous six days: saturation bombing, air strikes, and ceaseless artillery volleys onto the known or suspected enemy locations. One NVA platoon hit the lead elements of the battalion that was receiving heavy fire from Hills 800, 900, and 916. The NVA attacks prevented the 1/506th from getting to the mountain in time to support the 3/187th's assault. The Officer in charge called off the attack without the help of 1/506th. Frustrated  he thought that 1/506th was taking too long, and he sensed that the NVA was bringing up reinforcements from Laos to beef up the mountain.

1969:  1st Brigade, 4th Inf engage enemy 6 miles ENE of An Khe

In Binh Dinh Province at 1605H, elements of the 1st Brigade, US 4th Infantry Division, sweeping an area 6 miles ENE of An Khe contacted an estimated enemy company located in bunkers. The troops engaged the enemy with organic weapons and called for artillery and helicopter gunship support. The enemy returned fire with small arms and automatic weapons. During the engagement, elements of the divisions armored unit in Tanks reinforced the troops in contact. The action continued until an unreported later time. Results: 30 Enemy KIA. US casualties were 1 KIA and 3 WIA.

1969:  3rd Bde, 82nd Abn engage NVA 11 miles SW of Ben Cat

In Binh Duong Province at approximately 1320H, elements of the 3rd Bde, 82nd Abn Division, operating in an area 11 miles SW of Ben Cat, made contact with and engaged an unknown size NVA force. The contact lasted for approximately 50 minutes. Artillery and helicopter gunships supported the troops. Results: 38 NVA KIA, 14 individualk weapons and 4 Crew-served weapons were captured. There were no US casualties.

1969:  Recon platoon, 1st MAR Div engage enemy 11 miles SW of Da Nang

In Quang Nam Province at approximately 1130H, a recon platoon from the 1st MAR Div, made contact with an unknown size enemy force in an area 11 miles SW of Da Nang. The MAR engaged the enemy with small arms fire and were supported by Tac Air. The platoon maintained contact until approximately 1515H. The results of the engagement, Enemy losses were 18 KIA. There were no Marine casualties.

1969:  AMERICAL units find enemy bodies

During Operation Frederick Hill in Quang Tin Province at approximately noon, infantry from an element of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, AMERICAL Div, discovered the bodies of 25 enemy soldiers 11 miles SW of Tam Ky. The enemy apparently had been killed by artillery and Tactical Air 2 to 3 days earlier.  At approx 1650H, troops fr an element of the armored cav squadron of the AMERICAL Div discovered the bodies of 16 enemy soldiers 4 miles SW of Tam Ky. The enemy apparently had been killed by Tac Air and artillery about 1 to 2 days earlier. The 41 enemy bodies found raised the total to 162 enemy killed in the area by AMERICAL Div troops and supporting fires, during the period 13 to 15 May. The enemy unit identified in contact was an element of the NVA 2nd Div.

1970:  Operation Cuu Long II commenced

Operatiox- CUU LONG I1, initiated on 16 May and terminated on 24 May, was conducted in Cambodian areas north and west of the RVN province of Chau Doc. Elements of the 21st and 9th ARVN Divs, the 44th STZ, the 4th Armored Bde, and the 4th Ranger Gp crossed the Cambodian border to deny the enemy access to sanctuaries. The AO was from the Bassac River (the Song Hau Giang River in RVN) to Kampot. The Cambodian towns Kampot. Tuk Meas, and Kompong in Kampot Province, Takeo in the province of the same name, and Prek Thel in Kandal Province were secured. Highway No. 2 from Takeo to the RVN border was secured, as was Highway No. 16 from Kampot to Tani, Kampot Province. Armored cavalry elements swept Highway No. 3 north of Kampot to a point about 14 km northeast of Kampot and another stretch from the vicinity of Ph Kaoh Russei, Kampot Province to the vicinity of Tram Kak, Takeo Province. The hill masses in the vicinity of Hills 451 and 278 in Takeo Province and 442 in Kampot Province were searched. They formed a chain running northwest from RVN's celebrated Nui Coto Mountain in Chau Doc Province. There were 21 signiftcant contacts and 26 caches located. The operation terminated on 24 May with the withdrawal of the 21st ARVN Div from Cambodia. Elements remaining in Cambodia assumed the entire AO previously held by the 21st ARVN Div and became Operation CUU LONG III froth 24 May The final results of Operation CUU LONG II were: enemy, 612 KIA, 52 detained, 792 individual weapons, and 84 crew-served weapons captured; friendly, 36 KIA, 122 WIA.

1972:   U.S. bombing destroys main fuel line

A series of air strikes over five days destroys all of North Vietnam's pumping stations in the southern panhandle, thereby cutting North Vietnam's main fuel line to South Vietnam. These strikes were part of Operation Linebacker, an air offensive against North Vietnam that had been ordered by President Richard Nixon in early April in response to a massive communist offensive launched on March 30.

1974:  The Battle of the Iron Triangle

The Battle of the Iron Triangle took place on May 16, 1974, when the 9th Division of the Vietnam People's Army backed by a small contingent of tanks launched an attack on Rach Bap, took possession of An Dien and pushed south towards Phu Cuong.

The ARVN battled with NVA tanks on June 4th and inflicted heavy casualties on the NVA forces. Six weeks after the ARVN regrouped and reinforced they drove the NVA from its stronghold , Rach Bap. The ARVN retook Rach Bap on November 20th unopposed. No US ground forces took part in the 1974 Battle of the Iron Triangle, as most of them had already been withdrawn from the conflict-torn region due to the policy of Vietnamization undertaken by the Nixon Administration in 1969.

With government forces clinging only to a narrow bridge connecting Ben Cat and An Dien, MR3 commander Lieutenant General Pham Quoc Thuan deployed the 18th ARVN Division in a multipronged counterattack designed to recapture all of the lost positions by May 22. The 43d Infantry supported by the 322d Armored Task Force attacked from the south toward Rach Bap and Hill 82. Task Force 318 advanced from the east toward An Dien, while three battalions of the 7th Ranger Group struck from the north toward Hill 82. None of these efforts met with success.

By May 28, with the counterattack bogged down, Thuan decided to regroup for a fresh assault. On June 1 spearheaded by the 52d Infantry began a renewed push, which crossed the Thi Tinh River south of Ben Cat then turned north toward An Dien, while other elements of the 18th Division attacked the village over the semi-repaired An Dien bridge. On June 4 government troops battling enemy tanks finally entered An Dien. Although captured NVA soldiers reported terrible casualties among their comrades, the Communists launched a furious counterattack on the night of June 5 to 6 with two reserve battalions. Between June 7 and July 1 the men of the 18th ARVN Division along with supporting armored task forces repeatedly attacked NVA position east, south, and north of Hill 82, only to be driven back by enemy artillery and antitank fire that claimed thousands of government casualties. By the end of the month the troops he had originally committed had been so roughly handled that General Thuan abandoned the attempt to retake Hill 82 until new plans could be devised. Driven back through pouring rain by fierce artillery fire and tank assaults, the task force was replaced by three battalions of the 9th Regiment which began still another assault on September 19. Using effective counterbattery fire and small assault teams, the 1st and 3d Battalions inched forward, eliminating enemy bunkers one by one. Joined on October 2 by a battalion of the 25th ARVN Division, the attackers pounded NVA defenses with salvos of 155MM howitzer fire that forced the remaining enemy soldiers from their shattered earth and log fortress. Finally government soldiers placed their flag atop Hill 82. Six weeks passed while ARVN regrouped and reinforced its battered units before driving the NVA from its last foothold in the Triangle, Rach Bap. In the interim the southern Communist command received instructions from Hanoi to prepare for the offensive strikes to begin at the end of the year. Withdrawing most of its units to base areas farther north, the enemy left behind only token forces. The Battle of the Iron Triangle was over.

POW/MIA's Reported missing on this date during the Vietnam war.

Since the end of American involvement in Southeast Asia, over 10,000 reports relating to Americans have been received. Nearly 1000 of these reports are first-hand, eyewitness reports. Many concern American prisoners who were not released at the end of the war. Collectively, they present a compelling case that Americans are still held against their will by an enemy many of us have forgotten.

May 16

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