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Vietnam War History

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Vietnam War History DEPARTMENT OF THE GOLDEN WEST (CALIFORNIA / NEVADA) Santa Clara County Unified Chapter #63 “Winner – Department of California President’s Cup – 2003 – 2004” “Winner – ROA National Distinguished Chapter Award – 2004 – 2005” “Winner – ROA National Sustaining Chapter Award – 2005 – 2006” “Winner – ROA National Sustaining Chapter Award – 2008 – 2009” “Winner – Department of California President’s Cup – 2010 – 2011” “Winner – Department of the Golden West President’s Cup – 2013 – 2014” “Winner – Department of the Golden West President’s Cup – 2014 – 2015” “Winner – Department of the Golden West President’s Cup – 2016 – 2017” After Action Report -- Saturday -- 28 October 2017 Cadet Travis Chew, Army ROTC – Santa Clara University The History of the Vietnam War Cadet Travis Chew, AROTC accepts the 2017 LTC Frank Holt Memorial Army ROTC Scholarship Certificate from Capt Jerry Kromrey, USAFR (Ret.) at the 10 May 2017 Santa Clara University Father President’s ROTC Award Ceremony. Cadet Chew shared his Vietnam War presentation developed as an ROTC project with Chapter #63 on 28 Oct 17. The brutality of the Vietnam War--mud, blood, and terror--has been described by America’s war correspondents and captured by combat photographers. One of the most famous images of the Vietnam War is “Reaching Out,” the moment when wounded Gunnery Sgt. Jeremiah Purdie, photographed with a blood-stained bandage tied around his head, is drawn to his fellow soldier, who lies wounded on the ground. By January 30, 1968, the Tet offensive, U.S. public opinion took a negative turn with no evidence the war was coming to an end. The chapter’s late October luncheon speaker was San Jose State University student and Santa Clara University ROTC Bronco Battalion cadet Travis Chew, who provided a modified illustrated presentation delivered May 25, 2017 to meet a military history course requirement. His topic was the history of the Vietnam War and he provided a summary of actions which led to the war, some of the major battles and conflicts, and the events that resulted in U.S. force withdrawal. Cadet Chew provided Vietnam maps describing the operational environment faced during the war, specifically dense jungle and high elevations encountered which effectively allowed enemy forces to hide, conduct effective ambushes, and transport supplies undetected. Elevations allowed establishment of effective defense postures. The background, buildup and operations during the period 1950 to 1967 was instructive and explained the French failure of colonalism, the rise of Ho Chi Minh, and later the battle of Dien Bien Phu resulting in French surrender and agreements. This was followed by the emergence of South Vietnam and the 1957 rise to power by Ngo Ding Diem, who established an anti- communist state. By 1959 insurgents called the Viet Cong (VC) rose in numbers, having 5,000 men and later by 1964 more than 100,000. The VC, with support from the populace, initiated Dense Vegetation Torrential guerilla attacks against the South Vietnamese Army (SVA). Rain In 1961 a new American President, John F. Kennedy, was elected and quickly moved to increase the size of U.S. forces, make equipment available, create the Special Forces, experiment with new approaches such as Air Assault, and increase the U.S. Army presence. By 1964 most South Vietnamese Army elements were supported by helicopters; 22,000 U.S. troops were in-country. Diem’s early strategy, along with the battle of Ap Bac, demonstrated the failure of counterinsurgency efforts; Diem died in 1963. Vietnam victory at Dien Bien Phu Ap Bac changed views of Vietnam War By July 1965 President Johnson planned to approve additional forces but had problems expanding the Army; however, by the end of 1967 the Army had 490,000 troops. General Westmoreland’s strategy included (1) Create defense positions around Saigon; (2) begin attacks against major enemy forces; and (3) locate and destroy sanctuaries and VC bases. In 1965 the fight began in The Highlands against North Vietnam with the first major engagement the Battle of Ia Drang and Landing Zone X-ray which proved a significant test for U.S. airmobile tactics. Landing zone X-Ray On January 30, 1968 the Tet offensive was underway along with the desperate Battle of Hue, which included seven NV regiments. Although U.S. public opinion soured the battle increased local support for the U.S. and South Vietnamese governments. The American people thought the war was coming to an end; a military request for an additional 206,000 troops showed just the opposite. The Army Reserve was finally activated; the last phase of American involvement, called Vietnamization, was about to begin. Responsibility for ground combat went to the South Viet forces, along with an increase in that force’s capabilities, as well as a decrease in U.S. artillery and the beginning of withdrawal. Phoenix was a pacification program that entailed searching for and capturing or killing enemy hiding in South Viet villages. The degree of success is still debated today. In 1969 U. S. troop withdrawal began with the return of communist forces to South Vietnam. General Abrams created a strategy to counter the new threat, using air cavalry for heavy assault and establishment of a dozen fire bases along the Cambodian border. The battle of Hamburger Hill, a human meat-grinder, was notable with 70 U.S. Forces killed and 341 wounded and more than 600 enemy KIAs. In just 3 weeks the NVA reoccupied the hill, enraging the American public. By March 1972 withdrawal was underway with all soldiers evacuated except for 100,000. The Easter offensive began with the NV forces attacking on 3 fronts but by November 24th they were losing momentum; in 1975 the NVA attacked again. 7,000 people—U.S. military and SV—were evacuated, and the war was over. Phoenix Program: VC headed to jail Last flight out of Vietnam In 2016, Cadet Chew graduated from Cochise College with an AA degree in Intelligence Operation Studies. He graduated with honors from basic combat training in 2015 and served two years as an intelligence analyst in the Army and Army Reserve. During his time in the reserves, he competed in the Best Warrior competition, making it to the Division level and was awarded two Army achievement medals. Cadet Chew is an ROA member. SOURCE: Cadet Travis Chew MORE– Keep Reading Scenes and Moments from the 28 October 2017 Luncheon Program Left: LtCol Maurice Casey, USMC (Ret.) – Chapter President – and Vietnam combat veteran – welcomes the group. Right: BG Gerald Griffin, U.S. Army (Ret.) – a medical doctor and battlefield physician from both Gulf Wars shares a story with 2LT Alexander Amoroso, USAR (a recent Santa Clara University ROTC graduate) – and guest speaker Cadet Travis Chew, AROTC. MG Robert Ostenberg, U.S. Army (Ret.) – a Vietnam combat veteran -- briefs and presents the "The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin” to eligible attendees. Living United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive one lapel pin. Cadet Chew begins his presentation – drawing close attention of former classmate – 2LT Alexander Amoroso – Vietnam combat veteran MG Robert Ostenberg – and other attendees. It was a unique experience for both Cadet Chew -- and his audience of seasoned veteran officers – and one second lieutenant. At the end, President Casey thanked Cadet Chew for an outstanding job well done. Santa Clara County Unified Chapter #63 – Department of the Golden West -- ROA.
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