Marine Fitted for Combat in the Mountainous Jungles of the
Laos-South Vietnam Border
Helicopters like the CH-53 Sea Stallion and the dual rotor CH-46 Sea Knight inserted
regimental size task forces deep into the jungles to seek out the enemy and interupt
supply routes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Jungle mountain tops were cleared for landing
zones by 15,000 lb bombs and artillery. This was followed by combat engineers who
buldozed the tops flat. Operations lasted months requiring Marines to live in the field
relying completely on supplies delivered by helicopters.
Exhibit on loan from Captain Tad Pritchett, USMC
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division Vietnam 1968-69