Operation Benton

Operations Hood River and Benton August-September 1967

Operation Benton was a military operation conducted by the United States Army during the Vietnam War. The operation took place in the Quang Ngai Province of South Vietnam from 13 July to 3 August 1967. The primary objective of Operation Benton was to engage and neutralize the Viet Cong forces operating in the region.

Background

The Vietnam War was a prolonged conflict between the communist forces of North Vietnam and the non-communist forces of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies. The Viet Cong, a communist insurgency group, operated in South Vietnam and was supported by North Vietnam.

Operation

Operation Benton was initiated by the Americal Division of the United States Army. The operation aimed to disrupt the Viet Cong's activities in the Quang Ngai Province, which was a significant area of Viet Cong operations. The operation involved extensive search and destroy missions, with the goal of locating and eliminating Viet Cong forces and their supply bases.

Forces Involved

The primary units involved in Operation Benton included:

• 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
• 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment
• 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment

Tactics

The operation utilized a combination of air assaults, artillery bombardments, and ground patrols to locate and engage the Viet Cong. The terrain of Quang Ngai Province, characterized by dense jungles and rugged mountains, posed significant challenges to the U.S. forces.

Outcome

Operation Benton resulted in the disruption of Viet Cong activities in the Quang Ngai Province. The U.S. forces reported significant enemy casualties and the destruction of numerous Viet Cong supply caches. However, the operation also faced criticism for the collateral damage inflicted on civilian populations and the environment.

Aftermath

Following Operation Benton, the U.S. Army continued to conduct similar operations in the region as part of their broader strategy to counter the Viet Cong insurgency. The Vietnam War continued until the fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the conflict and the reunification of Vietnam under communist control.

Related Pages

• Vietnam War
• Viet Cong
• Americal Division
• Quang Ngai Province
• Search and destroy