Hills of the Central Highlands
The Central Highlands of Vietnam were aptly named for the frequent changes in elevation, creating a mess of hills and deep valleys along the border of Laos and Cambodia. Hill 875, named for its elevation, became the site of a very significant battle in Vietnam. Dak To was a location in the valley, secured by the U.S. military and had been using the area to conduct reconnaissance and also to monitor activity along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, much like the case in Khe Sanh. By the summer of 1967, the U.S. forces encountered small attacks enacted by the NVA and it soon became apparent that the NVA were focusing an increased amount of attention to the area around Dak To. Major General William R. Peers was the commander of the 4th Infantry Division and sought it necessary to allocate more troops to the area, pulling them away from South Vietnam. This played into the strategy of the NVA, using this location along the border as a diversion to pull U.S. troops away from the populated cities and villages in the lowlands of South Vietnam. The hills
surrounding the valley where the U.S. was set up around Dak To, gave the NVA the perfect spot to set up elaborate defensive positions and provoke the U.S. forces to try and overtake the hills. The NVA had progressively been setting up booby traps, bunkers, and artillery positions on the hills, preparing to engage the U.S military and destroy a brigade-sized unit. Critical information was leaked by a former NVA artillery specialist on the locations and intentions of the NVA army. This information led to the launch of Operation MacArthur, which sent
U.S. forces to the hills to eliminate the NVA units set up in the hills south of Dak To. First contact was made on November 3rd when NVA forces were found in the highlands, set up in a defensive position. Military units were sent to Hill 823 to set up a firebase. After a heavy bombing raid to destroy the forest canopy on the hill to exploit enemy positions, the 4th Battalion arrived on top of the hill where they were soon engaged in close combat with an NVA unit who soon retreated after a long struggle with the U.S. forces. Hill 875 soon became the next target of assault which kicked off on November 19, 1967. Airstrikes upon the hill were to no avail on the dense forested canopy so infantry units had to be sent up the hill. As the units closed in on the top of the hill, they realized they were set up in an ambush as NVA forces came up behind them. Calling in airstrikes were not effective and resupplying was impossible due to the vegetation. Unfortunately, one of the worst friendly-fire incidents in Vietnam occurred on Hill 875 which killed 42 and injured more. Retreat from the area was ordered and more heavy airstrikes and bombings ensued which finally destroyed the vegetation on the hill. The U.S. commenced their assault on Hill 875, got to the top and found that the NVA had retreated off the hill already. Once again, although the U.S. suffered fewer casualties and won the tactical war, the NVA was successful in their strategy of using these hills to distract and disband the U.S. forces. The characteristics of the hills in Vietnam once again became a pivotal aspect in the strategy, tactics, and outcome of many battles.
surrounding the valley where the U.S. was set up around Dak To, gave the NVA the perfect spot to set up elaborate defensive positions and provoke the U.S. forces to try and overtake the hills. The NVA had progressively been setting up booby traps, bunkers, and artillery positions on the hills, preparing to engage the U.S military and destroy a brigade-sized unit. Critical information was leaked by a former NVA artillery specialist on the locations and intentions of the NVA army. This information led to the launch of Operation MacArthur, which sent
U.S. forces to the hills to eliminate the NVA units set up in the hills south of Dak To. First contact was made on November 3rd when NVA forces were found in the highlands, set up in a defensive position. Military units were sent to Hill 823 to set up a firebase. After a heavy bombing raid to destroy the forest canopy on the hill to exploit enemy positions, the 4th Battalion arrived on top of the hill where they were soon engaged in close combat with an NVA unit who soon retreated after a long struggle with the U.S. forces. Hill 875 soon became the next target of assault which kicked off on November 19, 1967. Airstrikes upon the hill were to no avail on the dense forested canopy so infantry units had to be sent up the hill. As the units closed in on the top of the hill, they realized they were set up in an ambush as NVA forces came up behind them. Calling in airstrikes were not effective and resupplying was impossible due to the vegetation. Unfortunately, one of the worst friendly-fire incidents in Vietnam occurred on Hill 875 which killed 42 and injured more. Retreat from the area was ordered and more heavy airstrikes and bombings ensued which finally destroyed the vegetation on the hill. The U.S. commenced their assault on Hill 875, got to the top and found that the NVA had retreated off the hill already. Once again, although the U.S. suffered fewer casualties and won the tactical war, the NVA was successful in their strategy of using these hills to distract and disband the U.S. forces. The characteristics of the hills in Vietnam once again became a pivotal aspect in the strategy, tactics, and outcome of many battles.
*Elevation range is same as the map above.