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Called Most Significant Battle In Vietnam
(Below Copy Of Stars And Stripes Article, Author Unknown, Edited by Fred Stella)
See also Map Number: MAP 6538-3
DAK TO (MACV-IO) Ð The Dak TO area is a crossroads complex in the Central Highlands Province of Kontum. Army of the Republic of Vietnam Units and elements of the U.S. Special Forces-trained Civilian Irregular Defense Group. The Battle of Dak To began when it became apparent from intelligence reports that the North Vietnamese Army Units in the area were preparing battlefield positions from which to attack the Garrison at Dak To. The 4TH Infantry Division immediately deployed troops (1/92 Artillery, Battery B and PLT of Battery A (-) into the area. Additional, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was sent into the area to reinforce the 4TH Infantry Division Units. As the battlefield was developed, U.S. and ARVN troops, supported by Air Force aircraft, Army helicopter gunship and Artillery made and maintained contact with the enemy. Breaking the enemy's thrust, the U.S. Forces then pursued his withdrawal. In addition to the pressure from the ground troops and air power and artillery, B-52 Bombers struck repeatedly at the enemy support bases and along his escape routes to the west. U. S. and ARVN Forces in blocking positions in the northwest and northeast repulsed enemy units attempting to enter the battle area to relieve the pressure on the NVA elements under attack.
The last major engagement was Hill 875. There the NVA chose to stand
and fight for four days. U.S. Troops killed over 1208 NVA troops in
those four days and 275 individual weapons and 94 crew- served weapons
were captured. 1641
NVA KILLED - 379 WEAPONS CAPTURED |
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ORDER OF BATTLE: ARVN
U.S.
NVA |
FIRE
SUPPORT: 1,869 - U.S. Air Force tactical air strikes 2,101- Army helicopter sorties 92 -B-52 Strikes 151,991- Rounds of Artillery Fired |