Operation Texas Star

Operation Texas Star
Part of the Vietnam War
Date 1 April to 5 September 1970 Location A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam Result U.S. and South Vietnamese victory
Belligerents
United States Republic of Vietnam	North Vietnam
Casualties and losses
36 killed 117 wounded 370 killed	589 killed 1,139 wounded 5 captured

Operation Texas Star was a military operation of the Vietnam War in the A Shau Valley and the mountains east of the valley. It aimed at regaining the initiative in the area. The operation culminated in the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord. Operation Texas Star during the Vietnam War took place from April 1, 1970 to September 5, 1970. Both the 101st Airborne Division and the ARVN 1st Infantry Division were involved in the operation. The operation took place mainly in the Western Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces of Vietnam. During the period from 1 April to 5 September 1970, the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry was responsible for approximately one-third of the enemy killed by the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). The cavalrymen killed a total of 589 enemy soldiers. They captured 5 NVA prisoners. They captured 58 weapons and destroyed 20 weapons. The Squadron lost 36 killed and 117 wounded during the six-month period. The cavalry Squadron conducted the majority of its missions beyond the range of supporting artillery against a well-disciplined and highly motivated North Vietnamese soldier. Aviators and crewmembers in the troops daily braved anti-aircraft fire to strike heavy blows to the enemy. Squadron ground forces rappelled into tree-covered, enemy-held landing zones, striking hard and fast, then departing the area before enemy elements could regroup and counter-attack. Personal courage, determination, and devotion to duty were virtues possessed by every man in the Squadron. These qualities repeatedly exemplified that the cavalry was not only the eyes of the Division, but also the teeth. On 6 August when the Hac Bao Company and elements of D Troop were inserted west of Fire Support Base Ranger near the Da Krong River. The cache contained 600 pounds of C4 explosive, 500 NVA uniforms, 300 RPG rounds, 200 82-mm mortar rounds, 50 boxes of medical supplies, 36 cases of AK-47 rounds, 25 pounds of documents, and 15 rucksacks. On 16 August, the Hac Bao Company was inserted northeast of Fire Support Base Ranger and discovered the second cache consisting of 550 pounds of rice, 100 122-mm rockets, 60 NVA uniforms, 14 boxes of medical supplies and 7 cases of medical instruments.

References

• "Operation Texas Star". http://www.ripcordassociation.com/operation_texas_star.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-09. 

• "Operation Texas Star". http://www.b2501airborne.com/TEXAS_STAR.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-09. 

• "Operation Texas Star". http://www.b2501airborne.com/TEXAS_STAR.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-29.