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View Full Version : The 1970 US/ARVN Cambodia Incursion

Doc 2/47
17-06-04, 17:37
On 1 May 1970 the US Army in Vietnam launched the first of it's assualts accross the border into Cambodia in what was to become known as the Cambodia Incursion.The US portion of the incursion was to last 60 days,while ARVN troops(not being limited by declarations from Washington DC.)were there a little longer.My unit,2nd Bn.(Mech.),47th Reg.,3rd.Bde.,9th Inf. Div.,along with some attached tanks from 2-34 Armor was the first ground combat unit to enter Cambodia.The purpose of the incursion was to capture or distroy enemy supply caches,stageing areas,and troop concentrations.The results of this operation were as follows:

NVA/VC Killed:11,349 Captured:2,328

US KIA:284 WIA:2,339 MIA:13

ARVN KIA:800 WIA:3,410

Captured/distroyed:
Individual weapons: 22,892
Crew-served weapons: 2,509
Small-arms ammunition: 15,000,000rds.
Antiaircraft ammo: 199,552rds.
Rockets,recoilless rifle and mortar rounds: 143,000
Grenades: 62,022
Mines: 5,482
Satchel charges: 1,002
Explosives: 83,000 lbs.
Trucks,jeeps,and motorcycles: 435

It was estimated that this number of individual weapons would have equiped 55 Battalions.This number of crew-served weapons would have equiped 82 Battalions and the small-arms ammo captured would have provided the basic load for 52,000 enemy troops.In addition,enough rice was captured to feed 6 enemy regiments for a year.
Bombardier
17-06-04, 17:45
Jeeeesus!!!, are these stats correct buddy, if so thats an incredible result. :shock:
Doc 2/47
17-06-04, 18:09
Those results should be correct except that the stats for the ARVNs are an estimation of their losses for the 60 day "offical" period rather than their exact losses for the total time they were there.These figures were taken from Keith Nolan's book "Into Cambodia" which I highly recommend to anyone with an intrest in this kind of thing.
Bombardier
17-06-04, 18:51
Im looking for a copy now buddy. If a VN vet reccomends it, thats good enough for me. Thanks :cool:
Doc 2/47
17-06-04, 19:56
If you manage to get hold of a copy,let me know.In several places I can fill you in on "the rest of the story".I am mentioned(although not by name)a time or two.2/47 was awarded the Valourous Unit Citation for actions during this operation,and I am rather proud to have served with such a great bunch of guys.
Bombardier
17-06-04, 19:59
And so you should be!, as you Yanks say "Thank you for your service" hel;