The Marine Corps In Vietnam
By Joey Sanzone
During the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps played a key role. One of its missions involved providing air support to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) against its adversary the National Liberation Front (NLF). This included the support of helicopter squadrons and fixed winged aircrafts that struck various targets throughout Vietnam. It further involved providing advice and assistance to ARVN personnel. One of the jobs of the Marines sought to decrease the amount of infiltration of communists troops across the entire “Demilitarized Zone ''(DMZ) that separated northern and southern Vietnam. Overall, an estimated 500,000 Marines contributed to the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1975, in which 13,000 were killed and at least 52,000 wounded.
In his interview, Vietnam War Veteran Samuel C. Thompson described his experience serving in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Lieutenant Thomspon deployed as part of the 1st battalion 5th regiment. This unit, Thompson had described as being a very well known and successful type of unit that they ordered him to. While in this unit, Thompson worked as a supply officer that helped to load and unload helicopters with supplies, weapons and munitions. Thompson remembered, “The principle function of the Marine Corps is to pursue infantry type of actions.” Captain Thompson also mentioned being promoted to Commanding Officer of Headquarters Company 5th Marines. He said, “And that was the best job that I’ve ever had in life.” He also described some of the responsibilities that came along with defending the (Phu-Bai air base), including perimeter security. Thompson described his work in Vietnam as 24/7, day in and day out, ensuring to defend the airbase.
The United States Marine Corps played a very important role in supporting and defending America’s Vietnamese allies during the Vietnam War. The important tasks that the Marine Corps carried out to support their allies included deploying ground units, providing air support, and installations such as the American embassy in Saigon. The Marine Corps also provided personnel to unload supplies in and out of helicopters, and to advise their (ARVN) counterparts or Army of the Republic of Vietnam allies against their enemies of the (NLF) National Liberation front. The Marine Corps served the American effort in Vietnam by fulfilling a variety of essential roles.