Operation Chopper (Vietnam)

Operation Chopper (Vietnam)
Operation Chopper
Part of The Vietnam War
Date January 12, 1962
Location South Vietnam
Result Several allied victories.[1]
Belligerents
 United States

 South Vietnam

South Vietnam Vietcong
Commanders and leaders
John F. Kennedy None
Strength
American Helicopters transported over 1000 50
Casualties and losses
None 6 Killed

Operation Chopper occurred on January 12, 1962 and was the first time US forces participated in major combat in the Vietnam War.

In December of 1961, the USNS docked in Saigon with 82 US Army Piasecki H-21 helicopters. A little more than 12 days later, Operation Chopper commenced.[2]

The helicopters transported over 1,000[3] South Vietnamese paratroopers for an assault on a suspected NLF stronghold 10 miles west of Saigon. The Viet Cong were surprised and soundly defeated, but they gained valuable combat experience they would later use with great effect against US troops. The paratroopers also captured a sought-after underground radio transmitter.[2]

This operation heralded a new era of air mobility for the U.S. Army, which had been slowly growing as a concept since the Army formed twelve helicopter battalions in 1952 as a result of the Korean War. These new battalions eventually formed a sort of modern day cavalry for the Army.[2]

References

  1. ^ Battlefield Viet Nam Episode 5 "The Undeclared War" PBS.
  2. ^ a b c Lieutenant General John J. Tolson, CMH Pub 90-4 AIRMOBILITY 1961-1971 (WASHINGTON, D. C.: Department of the Army, Center of Military History, 1989).
  3. ^ http://www.vietnam-war.info/battles/operation_chopper.php


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