Operation Patrick

Operation Patrick was a security operation conducted during the Vietnam War by the U.S. 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Bình Định Province, South Vietnam from 1-30 March 1968.

Operation Patrick
Part of Vietnam War
Date1-30 March 1968
Location
Bình Định Province, South Vietnam
Result U.S. claims operational success
Belligerents
 United States North Vietnam
Commanders and leaders
Col. Eugene Forrester
Strength
3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment		 3rd Division
Casualties and losses
US body count: 70 killed

Background

The 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment had been patrolling Bình Định Province since September 1967 supporting South Vietnamese and South Korean units. In early March the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division commanded by Col. Eugene Forrester was deployed to improve security in the coastal lowlands.[1]:473

Operation

On 9 March, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 22nd Regiment, 3rd Division attacked the 1/50th Infantry's base camp, Landing Zone Litts (14.197°N 109.061°E / 14.197; 109.061), 2km north of Phù Mỹ District.[2][1] The attackers failed to penetrate the perimeter and suffered 36 killed.[1]

On 15 March during a patrol north of Phù Mỹ the 1/50th Infantry engaged a force from the 22nd Regiment killing a further 34 PAVN.[1]

Aftermath

The operation concluded on 30 March when the 3rd Brigade moved to the Central Highlands to rejoin the rest of the 4th Division. The 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment began Operation Cochise Green continuing the mission of Operation Patrick.[1]:474

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.

  1. Villard, Erik (2017). United States Army in Vietnam Combat Operations Staying the Course October 1967 to September 1968. Center of Military History United States Army. ISBN 9780160942808. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. Kelley, Michael (2002). Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. p. 5–298. ISBN 978-1555716257.
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