OPERATION STARLITE*
*
US Marines Assault*
_______vs.*
North Vietnam Defense*
*
Date: August 18, 1965*
Location: South Vietnam*
*
The first major US ground operation of the Vietnam War began after a Viet Cong deserter revealed that the Viet Cong planned to attack the US airbase at Chu Lai. The commander of the III Marine Amphibious Force, Major General Walt, ordered a preemptive attack against the Viet Cong. On August 18th, the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Marine Regiment made an amphibious landing near the village of Van Tuong, while the 2nd Battalion of the 4th Marine Regiment landed by helicopter inland. Initial resistance was light, except at LZ Blue where the Marines landed almost on top of the VC 60th Battalion. After hard fighting, combat ended with the Viet Cong melting into the jungle.*
*
Number of Turns: 8*
*
The US Marine side is suggested for the human player.*
