I read in Wikipedia that during the Vietnam War, members of the 7th Army (USAREUR) were sent to Vietnam.
Were units of the 7th Army sent to Vietnam as a whole, or were individual members of 7th Army commands transferred to USARV units as individuals? Were there soldiers in Vietnam who were still part of 7th Army units, or were they ex-members of the 7th Army who were now members of other commands?
Soldier's were offered the opportunity to be assigned to RVN from USAREUR either thru voluntary(1049), enlistment extensions w/bonus&leave, or re-up option. The only organization that I recall being sent to RVN was 24th Infantry Division headquarted in Augsburg, and that may have implemented thru a redesigation and transferring the organizational colors.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: daCAT,
Originally posted by Laurion: I read in Wikipedia that during the Vietnam War, members of the 7th Army (USAREUR) were sent to Vietnam.
Were units of the 7th Army sent to Vietnam as a whole, or were individual members of 7th Army commands transferred to USARV units as individuals? Were there soldiers in Vietnam who were still part of 7th Army units, or were they ex-members of the 7th Army who were now members of other commands?
Thanks in advance.
The best source for such information is Vietnam Order of Battle by Shelby Stanton (US News Books, ISBN 0-89193-700-50). It lists the majority of units that served in country and in most cases lists the physical location of the unit prior to reassignment to RVN.
Shelby Stanton"s order of battle is inccorrect. He uses only Official stated dates when units were assigned, when often the units had been there for months or even a year before they were Officially assigned.
Originally posted by k9corps: Not sure but thought Aviation units from Germany sent to RVA in respnse to NVA spring '72 offensive.
I was at RGAAF at that time, though our unit was signal, we were avaition equip heavy in HQCo&CoA. The 67N types had been in OVERAGE status throughout the early 70s many ended up in USAREUR after completing their tour in RVN, be it they had 181 days or more left on their enlistment.
The possibility of Aviation units of being sent from USAREUR to RVN woulda' been slim. There mission was required in Germany. Deployment of units would have been from a COUNUS base. As I recall in '72 the requirments of personnel in RVN was on the decrease. Toward the end of '73 tours were being reduced from 12 months to 181 days.
Originally posted by mplcs: Shelby Stanton"s order of battle is inccorrect. He uses only Official stated dates when units were assigned, when often the units had been there for months or even a year before they were Officially assigned.
Stanton is not perfect but the book does provide an excellent record of unit affiliations and the overall force structure.
Originally posted by mplcs: deCAT, by the end of "73 there were NO American Soldiers left in Vietnam, they were all goen by June of 1973.
There were no American “combat” soldiers left in Vietnam by the end of 73, there were still “military advisors” up until the fall of Saigon in 75, and of course there were Embassy Marines until the last helicopter left the roof of the Embassy on the morning of 30 Apr 75.
BTW the last US combat casualties were 2 Marines KIA in a rocket attack on Tan Son Nhut at around 0100 local time on 29 APR 75.
Originally posted by mplcs: deCAT, by the end of "73 there were NO American Soldiers left in Vietnam, they were all goen by June of 1973.
In 1974 and 1975 we were stationed in Japan. I remember going to the flight line with my mother to pick up my dad (he was a pilot) and there would be Soldiers and Marines (living, dead, and wounded) coming off of the planes. So I know there were American Soldiers past '73.
Originally posted by stillkit: I believe the 11th Armored Cav was sent directly from Germany to Vietnam.
But, I could be wrong.
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment left Germany in '64 for Ft Meade, MD. Two years later, 1966, the Regiment deployed to Vietnam. Upon assignment to Vietnam the Blackhorse Regiment was issued their distinctive SSI.
