BLOODY Dawn of the Vietnam War: Battle of Ia Drang at LZ X-Ray
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Published 2023-11-14
The air resonated with the thumping of helicopter blades, creating an intense sense of anticipation. Echoes of distant artillery fire reverberated through the hearts of young American soldiers, as their faces etched with the grim understanding that they were venturing into the very jaws of danger. These brave men, members of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), were about to embark on a mission that would test their mettle.
As the UH-1D transport helicopters descended upon Landing Zone X-Ray, a clearing amid the thick jungle, the tension was palpable. Below, the treacherous terrain awaited, concealing an invisible adversary – the North Vietnamese forces – who lay in wait, ready to unleash a torrent of fury.
This was the moment, the beginning of an epic struggle where bravery confronted fear, and determination battled despair. The Battle of Ia Drang was about to begin.
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Contents of this Video:
00:00 Bloody Clash at Ia Drang
01:13 Prelude to the Battle
04:15 The Plan
06:30 Day One
16:34 Day Two
22:37 Day Three
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The Militology Channel does it's best to produce historically accurate content for history enthusiasts. All content is carefully researched and sources shared. Images and footage of the actual events may not be 100% accurate due to availability, but we do our best. Some images and footage may be used for dramatic effect, but the narrative content adheres to historical accuracy based on available sources. Please reach out with any concerns around historical accuracy so we can incorporate feedback. We also want to hear your constructive interpretation of historical events in our video comments.
Contact:
[email protected]
Script Author:
Dejan Milivojevic
Sources:
1st, United States. Army. Cavalry Division. Combat Operations After Action Report, Pleiku Campaign: Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 Oct-26 Nov 1965, 1966.
Carland, John M. Combat Operations: Stemming the Tide, May 1965 to October 1966 (Paperback): Stemming the Tide, May 1965 to October 1966. Department of the Army, 2000.
Cash, John A. Seven Firefights in Vietnam. DIANE Publishing, 1985.
Harris, J. P., and J. Kenneth Eward. Ia Drang 1965: The Struggle for Vietnam’s Pleiku Province. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020.
Galloway, Joseph. “Ia Drang – The Battle That Convinced Ho Chi Minh He Could Win.” HistoryNet, October 18, 2010.
Miskimon, Christopher . “Bloody Clash at the Battle of Ia Drang.” Warfare History Network, December 10, 2019.
All Comments (21)
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God bless you all thanks for everything
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LTC Moore and his 1st Cav (AirMobile) proved the concept of Air Assault works. I spent the overwhelming majority of my Army career in an Air Assault BN. Loved it.
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As a former infantryman, I love watching these documentaries. It brings back memories, and it shows me how big the boots are we are trying to fill. We American combat soldiers stand on the shoulders of giants !!
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LTC Hal Moore - dam fine officer who cared a lot for his men - total respect from an ex english soldier
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I have a good friend who was a gunner on the Hueys... Would never talk about it. Except that he was able to get a 50 cal back home somehow........
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Hal moore and Sgt Plummley were absolutely brilliant
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Just the fact that abaut 5.600 american helicopters were Lost in Vietnam says it all how dangerous were those missions. Those pilots had to have nerves of steel. They were real heros in so many,many ocasions,and they keep being so Underrated until today.
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God Bless you All that was before my time there 💪 Very Brave men
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Great Documentary.
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So much bravery and so much incompetence.
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VICTOR CHARLIE WAS NOT STUPID....HE WAS SMART , KNEW THE TERRAIN LIKE THE BACK OF HIS HAND HE WAS BRAVE IN ACTION.....IN SHORT HE WAS A DANGEROUS INTELLIGENT FOE .
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I have the only autographed book of We Were Soldiers signed by all 3 CMH recipeants and Hal Moore Basil Plumley Joe Galloway Bruce Crandell Ed Freeman Walter Marm and got to speak with them via phone and email. Walter Marm called me and talked for 45 minutes. 50+ other troopers also signed. Back of book autographed by Barbara and Camille Geoghan who also sent 30 35mm pictures of the 2005 Ia Drang reunion in Washington DC. Over 2000 hours of research I spent obtaining this treasure.
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I wish that I could thank every single soldier from Vietnam.What a waste of a war and the lost so many young lives.
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This narration reminds me of the A-team. 😮
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MY UNCLE SERVED IN THE ARMY HE SAID DRIVING THOSE TRUCKS HE WAS ALWAYS AFRIAD OF BEING BLOWN UP BY A MINE, BUT HE MADE BACK
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I remember watching the TVNews as a 6 yr old, always the image of the Sth Viet Army Lt shooting the Nth Viet insurgent in the head, that image never goes away.
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I read from Vietnam perspective, initially Vietnamese took heavy artillery casualties, however in this battle they learnt to grasp the enemy's belt buckle. ie. get close so that they can't bring artillery down.
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As soon as I heard 1st Cavalry I knew what this was. I was a pre teen and young teen during the war. My dad had been in the 🇨🇦 military and we shared a love of it. I paid attention. I remember so much, but in watching all these documentaries and interviews I’m delving deep into it. It’s overwhelming. So so much respect and admiration for the men and women who went to Vietnam, and after seeing just the small tip of the iceberg, it’s disgusting how the soldiers who fought were treated when they got back. Will check out Part 2.
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I was 9 years old and 9 years later I was scheduled for Paris Island
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NO JOKE PEOPLES !! Just nearly 2 an 1/3 years later , mid / 3 - 68 , lost my uncle "Andy " ( Kia) near Pleiku , Central , Highlands ,South Vietnam with the US of As 1st Air Cav. AirMobile / Air Assault Div. @ tail end of bloody TET , 2 wks. B-4 my 11 th bday !! Seen friends brothers , neighbors sons sent to S outhVietnam from 65-69 ; last one hm by late 71 . All palpable PSTD , and " AGENT Orange " issues
