Operation Lam Son 719
South Vietnamese and US forces suffered a catastrophic defeat when they invaded Laos in order to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail
- History
Oscar 8
Objective
The Oscar Eight attack, launched on June 2, 1967, was a major operation conducted by US Special Forces against an NVA base in Laos. The base was hidden the bottom of an escarpment north of the abandoned La Hap Village. The target, codenamed Oscar Eight, was an NVA forward headquarters (Binh Tram 34) responsible for facilitating the movement of troops and materials to the border west of Hue and Danang, thus playing a crucial role in the NVA’s war effort.
Initial Attack
Intelligence reports suggested the presence of General Vo Nguyen Giap, North Vietnam’s top general, in the area, prompting a mission to capture or kill him. The operation involved a multi-pronged approach, starting with a massive B-52 bombing raid to cripple NVA defences and demoralise the NVA troops. The initial bombing run involved nine B-52 bombers, dropping a payload of nearly a thousand 500- and 700-pound bombs, resulting in widespread destruction and numerous secondary
Trouble Ahead
Following the bombardment, a Hatchet Force, a company-sized unit specialising in large-scale raids, was deployed to assess the damage, eliminate resistance, and capture any valuable equipment. This force comprised approximately 100 commandos, including Special Forces operators and Nung mercenary troops.
However, the operation quickly encountered serious problems. The base was perfectly defendable because it was surrounded on three sides by a prominent escarpment. NVA anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) guns on the ridgelines had clear and overlapping target lines of all inbound aircraft. Despite the intense bombing, NVA troops rapidly emerged from their bunkers, indicating their resilience and the limited effectiveness of the B-52 strikes. Sergeant Major Billy Waugh, a seasoned Special Forces operator observing the situation from the air, immediately recognised the danger and advised against the Hatchet Force’s insertion, but his warning arrived too late.
However, the operation quickly encountered serious problems. The base was perfectly defendable because it was surrounded on three sides by a prominent escarpment. NVA anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) guns on the ridgelines had clear and overlapping target lines of all inbound aircraft. Despite the intense bombing, NVA troops rapidly emerged from their bunkers, indicating their resilience and the limited effectiveness of the B-52 strikes. Sergeant Major Billy Waugh, a seasoned Special Forces operator observing the situation from the air, immediately recognised the danger and advised against the Hatchet Force’s insertion, but his warning arrived too late.
Disaster
The first two CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters carrying the Hatchet Force were shot down, along with two UH-1 Huey gunships providing close air support. As the situation deteriorated, an H-34 helicopter attempting a rescue mission was also brought down by intense NVA fire. These losses highlighted the heavy anti-aircraft defences protecting Oscar Eight, including various-sized AAA guns positioned on the ground, in trees, and expertly camouflaged.
The surviving members of the Hatchet Force found themselves pinned down, seeking refuge in bomb craters and relying on their firepower to fend off the numerically superior NVA forces. Air support was crucial in preventing their complete overrun. Two F-4 Phantom jets were called in for close air support, but one was shot down, with the pilot perishing in the crash. Two A-1 Skyraider aircraft also attempted to provide support, but one succumbed to the overwhelming anti-aircraft fire and crashed.
The surviving members of the Hatchet Force found themselves pinned down, seeking refuge in bomb craters and relying on their firepower to fend off the numerically superior NVA forces. Air support was crucial in preventing their complete overrun. Two F-4 Phantom jets were called in for close air support, but one was shot down, with the pilot perishing in the crash. Two A-1 Skyraider aircraft also attempted to provide support, but one succumbed to the overwhelming anti-aircraft fire and crashed.
Heads on Stakes
The intense fighting continued for three days, with the Hatchet Force struggling to survive and extract their casualties. A total of 23 Americans and approximately 46 Nungs were killed in the operation, and six Americans were listed as missing in action.
One of the captured Americans, Charles Wilklow, was severely injured in a CH-46 crash. The NVA used him as bait for a rescue attempt, leaving him exposed in a clearing for several days. He saw NVA soldiers place the heads of some of his comrades onto stakes. Wilklow endured this ordeal and eventually escaped, rescued five days after the battle began.
One of the captured Americans, Charles Wilklow, was severely injured in a CH-46 crash. The NVA used him as bait for a rescue attempt, leaving him exposed in a clearing for several days. He saw NVA soldiers place the heads of some of his comrades onto stakes. Wilklow endured this ordeal and eventually escaped, rescued five days after the battle began.
Aircraft Lost
Two CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
Two UH-1 Huey gunships
One H-34 transport helicopter
One F-4 Phantom jet
One A-1E Skyraider
Two UH-1 Huey gunships
One H-34 transport helicopter
One F-4 Phantom jet
One A-1E Skyraider
Video
By Digby Greenhalgh
Digby Greenhalgh is the founder of Explore Indochina, and a recognized expert on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. All motorcycle tours are designed and guided by Digby.
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