Existing comment:
Armor on the Demilitarized Zone;
Separating North and South Vietnam was a demilitarized zone (DMZ). North Vietnamese conventional forces routinely infiltrated across the DMZ to attack targets in South Vietnam. However, the arrival of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, in 1968 posed an obstacle to them. This unit included mechanized infantry, armor, and cavalry. It operated as a concentrated mass, capable of rapid response to enemy incursions. After several clashes with this mechanized force, the North Vietnamese sought to avoid contact. The 1st Brigade therefore shifted its focus to identifying, tracking, and destroying North Vietnamese and Viet Cong personnel throughout its area of operations. The unit achieved considerable success in part by working closely with local South Vietnamese soldiers and agents. In this manner, important operations linkages were established among the brigade, civilians, and South Vietnamese government and military personnel. |