Pacific Stars and Stripes information
for 1 ATF
For date 680518
1 ATF was a Australian Army unit
Primary service involved, Australian Army
South Vietnam
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "Aussies Beat Back NVA Attack on Camp."
Saigon (AP) - Hundreds of North Vietnamese troops stormed an Australian patrol base northeast of Saigon Thursday and penetrated the Aussies' defense. It was the second attack against the base this week. The australian command said North Vietnamese troops were driven out after launching two "determined waves" of pre-dawn ground attacks about two hours apart. "The enemy withdrew at 7 o'clock this morning" an announcement said. Thirty-three enemy soldiers were reported killed, but the count was expected to go higher, Australian casualties were reported as light. The Red troops slammed big rockets, artillery and mortar fire against he 1st Bn., Royal Australian Regt., to cover the assault by their infantrymen. The shellings were kept up during the 4 1/2 hour fight. Headquarters said it is believed the enemy were members of the North Vietnamese 148th Regt. The regiment is estimated to number 2,900 but it appeared unlikely that the attackers were at full strength. The base is 25 miles northeast of Saigon. Australian and U.S. artillery was leveled at charging enemy force, while American fighter-bombers and rocket firing helicopters raked the enemy. At least 17 of the enemy dead were found inside the base. It was the heaviest action the Australians have faced since their task force arrived in Vietnam in 1966. The Aussies had moved into the patrol base only last Sunday to block off North Vietnamese troops moving toward Saigon. A less intense attack against the camp failed earlier this week.
The source for this information was 6805pss.avn supplied by Les Hines
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Last updated
02/23/2000
Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023