The Big Red One, officially known as the 1st Infantry Division, was stationed in various regions of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, including areas like the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta.
During the Vietnam War, the renowned 1st Infantry Division, famously known as “The Big Red One,” was deployed to different regions of South Vietnam. This division held a significant presence in key areas such as the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta. Let’s dive into more captivating details about the division’s operations and its historical significance.
“The Big Red One stands for the big unit in a big war, for the big red one is the oldest division in the United States Army.” – General William E. DePuy
Interesting facts about The Big Red One:
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Oldest Division: The 1st Infantry Division, established in 1917, is the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army.
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Battle-hardened Legacy: The division earned its infamous “Big Red One” nickname during World War I, where it faced fierce fighting on the Western Front.
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Arrival in Vietnam: The 1st Infantry Division arrived in Vietnam in July 1965, marking the beginning of its involvement in the conflict. It was one of the first U.S. Army divisions to be deployed to the region.
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Headquarters: The division’s headquarters was initially based in Di An, a town near Saigon, in III Corps Tactical Zone. Later, it was relocated to Lai Khe, closer to the Cambodian border, to enhance operational effectiveness.
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Operations: The Big Red One was engaged in a wide range of operations throughout South Vietnam. These included combat missions, search and destroy operations, securing major cities, and conducting pacification campaigns.
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The Central Highlands: The division played a crucial role in the Central Highlands region, which was a strategically significant area due to its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the border with Cambodia.
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The Mekong Delta: The Big Red One also operated extensively in the Mekong Delta, a densely populated region traversed by numerous waterways. Its presence aimed to disrupt Viet Cong activities and provide security to the local population.
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Notable Battles: The division participated in several noteworthy battles, including Operation Attleboro, Operation Junction City, and the Battle of Ap Gu in 1967.
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Awards and Honors: Throughout its service in Vietnam, the 1st Infantry Division received numerous commendations, including several Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for its valor and exemplary performance in combat.
Below is a table depicting the key regions of deployment and notable battles:
| Deployment Regions | Notable Battles |
|---|---|
| Central Highlands | Operation Attleboro |
| Operation Junction City | |
| Battle of Ap Gu | |
| Mekong Delta | Operation Cedar Falls |
| Operation Malheur | |
| Operation Gallant |
In conclusion, the Big Red One, the 1st Infantry Division, played a significant role in the Vietnam War. With its extensive deployments in various regions of South Vietnam, including the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, the division carried out vital operations that left a lasting impact on the conflict. Their dedication and bravery resonate in the words of General William E. DePuy, highlighting their historical significance: “The Big Red One stands for the big unit in a big war, for the big red one is the oldest division in the United States Army.”
Video response
This YouTube video titled “1st Infantry Division in Vietnam 1965-70 (Restored Color)” showcases the history and combat experiences of the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the “Big Red One,” in Vietnam. The division demonstrated its combat prowess and determination through various engagements, successfully repelling Vietcong attacks and achieving significant victories. The video also highlights the division’s involvement in major operations such as Operation Cedar Falls and Operation Junction City, where they effectively disrupted enemy plans and cleared out enemy forces. Medical missions and training programs were also important aspects for the division, ensuring a high level of professionalism and providing assistance to the Vietnamese people. Despite the tragic loss of General Ware, the division continued its operations under Major General Owen Si Talbot, engaging in frequent contact with the enemy and employing various tactics to overcome resistance. Additionally, the video mentions the division’s amphibious operations and its transformation to a mechanized unit upon redeployment. Overall, the 1st Infantry Division remained committed to its mission and confident in its ability to carry out future tasks.
There are alternative points of view
For five years the Big Red One fought main force Viet Cong (VC) and regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon.
The Big Red One was a part of the 1st Infantry Division, which was the first division-sized American unit to be sent to Vietnam in July 1965. For five years, the Big Red One fought main force Viet Cong (VC) and regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon. It suppressed enemy infiltration along the Highway 13 corridor to Cambodia and sought to clear the enemy from its bases in the heavy jungle of the Iron Triangle and near the Michelin Plantation.
1st Infantry Division in Vietnam 1965-70 (Restored Color) Get this video & the more on our new “The US Army in Vietnam” DVD http://bit.ly/1EfBCQw In July 1965, the “Big Red 1,” one most storied in the US Army, was the first division sized American unit to be sent to Vietnam.
For five years the Big Red One fought main force Viet Cong (VC) and regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon. It suppressed enemy infiltration along the Highway 13 corridor to Cambodia and sought to clear the enemy from its bases in the heavy jungle of the Iron Triangle and near the Michelin Plantation.
People also ask
Moreover, Where is the Big Red One unit located?
The reply will be: Fort Riley, Kansas
The Big Red One is headquartered at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Thereof, Where was the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam?
October 1, 1965
The second full U.S. Army division to deploy to Vietnam—the 1st Infantry Division—takes up station near Saigon. Specific units of the 1st Infantry already in-country, including the 2d Brigade, are now joined by their entire parent division.
Consequently, Was the Big Red 1 in the Battle of the Bulge? Response to this: “On Dec. 16, 24 enemy divisions, 10 of which were armored, launched a massive counterattack in the Ardennes sector, resulting in what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. The Big Red One held the critical shoulder of the “Bulge” at Bullingen, destroying hundreds of German tanks in the process.
Besides, When did the Big Red One deploy to Vietnam?
The reply will be: When he deployed to Vietnam in 1966, he took command of A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry in the 1st Infantry Division. He describes his company’s role in the Battle of Ap Gu on March 31, 1967, as part of Operation Junction City, including pursuing the Viet Cong 271st Regiment to the Cambodian border.
Furthermore, Why did the Big Red One move to di an? In July 1969 the Big Red One soldiers began a coordinated war effort between their division and the South Vietnamese 5th Division called “Dong Tien” (Progress Together) in an attempt to train the ARVN soldiers in combat operations. The division moved to Di An shortly before deployment back to the United States as Increment III of the withdrawal.
When did the Big Red One move to Lai Khe?
The division then moved to Lai Khe in March 1968 and remained there to perform pacification activities. In July 1969 the Big Red One soldiers began a coordinated war effort between their division and the South Vietnamese 5th Division called “Dong Tien” (Progress Together) in an attempt to train the ARVN soldiers in combat operations.
When did the 1st Infantry Division go to Vietnam?
The 1st Infantry Division was alerted for Vietnam in 1965 and its 2nd Brigade under Colonel James E. Simmons became the first element of an infantry division to arrive there. The 1st Infantry Division served in the III Corps Tactical Zone and by mid-1966 the division was fighting in Binh Long Province against the 9th Viet Cong Division.
Where did the Vietnam War take place?
As a response to this: Many battles occurred along the Highway 13 corridor and various spurs North-Northwest of Saigon on the road to An Loc. During the enemy Tet Offensive of 1968, the 1st Infantry Division secured the Tan Son Nhut Airbase the primary hub for air operations within all of Vietnam. They returned to their home at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1970.
What did the Big Red One do in Vietnam? For five years the Big Red One fought main force Viet Cong (VC) and regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon. It suppressed enemy infiltration along the Highway 13 corridor to Cambodia and sought to clear the enemy from its bases in the heavy jungle of the Iron Triangle and near the Michelin Plantation.
Also asked, What is the story of the Big Red One?
The answer is: Their story is the 1st Division’s story, and the 1st Division’s story is America’s story. The story of the Big Red One is our story. Colonel (then Major) Robert R. McCormick at Trussencourt in the Cantigny Sector; France, April 20, 1918, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, First Division Headquarters.
When did the Big Red One move to Lai Khe?
As an answer to this: The division then moved to Lai Khe in March 1968 and remained there to perform pacification activities. In July 1969 the Big Red One soldiers began a coordinated war effort between their division and the South Vietnamese 5th Division called “Dong Tien” (Progress Together) in an attempt to train the ARVN soldiers in combat operations.
What did the 1st Infantry Division do in Vietnam? As an answer to this: 1965-1970: The 1st Infantry Division was one of the first two divisions sent to defend the Republic of Vietnam in 1965. For five years the Big Red One fought main force Viet Cong (VC) and regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon.