Battle of Ia Drang Valley

LZ X-Ray

Pleiku (Camp Holloway)

• Airbase attacked by VC on Feb. 6, 1965

• Killed 8 Americans, 128 wounded

• Became justification for putting troops in South Vietnam

Facts

• Two Part battle

•Nov 14-18, 1965

• First major battle between US & NVA

• Located Central Highlands South Vietnam along Drang River

Why?•CIA had seen build

up of NVA in the area

•US Strategy: Test air power especial of helicopters-send in 3 air cavalry units

•NVA Strategy: Engage in close fighting-have 6 infantry units

Leaders• Lt General Hal

Moore & 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry -“LZ X-Ray”

• 6 Other Landing Zones including “LZ Albany”

•NVA Leader Nyugen Huu An

Battles• http://www.wtj.com/articles/xray/

Outcome

•US Casualties: over 300 KIA, over 500 Wounded

•US Estimates NVA/VC casualties over 1,500

• Both Sides claimed victory

Credits• Visit: http://www.lzxray.com/ to see photos

used etc.