Battle For An Loc, 1972

The 1972 Easter Offensive was a four-prong attack into South Vietnam. An Loc astride Highway 13 from Cambodia to Saigon was a strategic target from the North Vietnamese Army.

A handful of US Army Advisors were determined to deny this prize to the North Vietnamese Army that came at them in the form of three divisions. Rallying the South Vietnamese defenders, they would curtail all attempts to seize this strategically important town.

The Battle of An Loc presents the actions of the battle in the sequence they occurred and credits those that fought there. The conversations are what would have been said under the circumstances.

Air power provided by the US Air Force from 0-2 Forward Air Controller aircraft to B-52 bombers were the pivotal tool of the US to influence the battle. Advisors worked closely with the Forward Air Controllers, and attack helicopters to blunt the attacks while UH-1H aircraft provided the resupply, troop life and medivac so desperately needed. At times the situation was so critical that OH-6 scout helicopters were called upon to execute medivac missions.

This is the story of determination, courage, and loyalty on the part of many, some out of professionalism, some out of necessity, to overcome a determined foe. Know the men that turned the tide of war, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

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