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[demon]stration of modern technology and sheer power; it was a microcosm of the problem facing all our forces in Vietnam—the shadow Viet Cong "government" and how to deal with it.
Operation VINH LOC, a combined operation of elements of the 101st Airborne Division, the U.S. Navy, and Republic of Vietnam forces was conducted in Thua Thien Province during the period 10-20 September 1968. Vinh Loc Island, fifteen miles east of Hue, is a sub-tropical island with sandy beaches, palm trees, and rice paddies. (Map 8) It is almost completely flat with the exception of two small hills on the southeastern end.
The Tet offensive had left a power vacuum on the island since most of the Regional and Popular Force units had been pressed into service at Hue. Viet Cong forces moved into this vacuum and established a sanctuary, prepared defensive positions, and established caches. As a symbol of their power, they had staged a public execution of a village elder and a thirteen-year-old girl to demonstrate the consequences which local residents could expect if they failed to support the Viet Cong.
One allied operation had been conducted on the island prior to Operation VINH LOC. On 9 July 1968 the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st U.S. Marine Division, had begun a one-week operation. The Marines did not encounter organized resistance, for most of the enemy preferred to hide or mingle with the civilians rather than fight. The civilians were reluctant to provide information about the enemy because they felt the Viet Cong would reassert their dominance as soon as the Marines withdrew.
When three Regional Force companies tried a sweep operation of the area on 4 September, they were pinned down by intense mortar, rocket, and small arms fire. Only the suppressive fire of the armed helicopters of the 101st Airborne Division allowed these units to break contact. American advisors estimated that there were at least two Viet Cong reinforced companies and possibly a battalion in the area.
While these activities were occurring, plans were being made for a combined operation to end enemy influence on the island. The concept of operations envisaged cordoning the island with naval and ground forces while air assaults were planned to overcome organized resistance and to fragment enemy units. All available district resources would be used in this search.
General Zais, Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), Major General Truong, Commanding General, 1st Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division, and Colonel Le Van Than, Province Chief of Thua Thien, approved of the concept for