Operation Dewey Canyon 18.January - 18.March

   January 1969 – HQ of III MAF and I Corps pointed on enemy activity in Annamit mountains, where „commies“ were moving from Laos to South Vietnam. Growing numbers of enemy soldiers were recognised in area 611 near the border with Laos.

   HQ of 9^th Marines was at Vandegrift Combat base. Its battalions were send here for rest and refit. Regiment was supported by artillery of 2/12, engineer company, aircrafts from 1^st MAW and paratroopers of 101^st Airborne. Later came 2^nd ARVN regiment and 3^rd Marines.

   Dewey Canyon started on January 18^th, when 9^th and 2/12^th established fire support bases and blocking positions - Henderson, Tun Tavern and Shiloh. „Built by engineers, defended by infantry and manned by artillery“, FSB were examples of Marine flexibility. They were build for short term use to provide to infantry an artillery support and abandoned when they were not useful. 

   Alpha company under 1^st Lt Fox came at Shiloh on 21 January. They should secure two batteries of 105mm howitzers and supplies from Vandegrift. 

   On 22 January 2/9 Marines under LtCol Fox  was helicoptered forward to secure FSB Razor and LZ Dallas. There were established fire and air control centres, hospital, headquarters and logistical group. Two days later came 3/9 Marines under LtCol Laine and established FSB Cunningham.

   Now whole area of operations was under control of supporting artillery fire. Because of high numbers of anti-aircraft guns, it was decided not to risk helicopter assault and attack objectives One, Two and Three„on foot“.

   FSB Erskine was established and 2/9 and 3/9 made a light contact with enemy. On 2 February an NVA hospital was overrun and 2/9 fought at Hill 1175. FSB Cunningham got under artillery fire. Bad weather restricted air support. 

   Barrow decided to hold ground until things will be better. Units made defensive positions in rain and had to be supplied by parachute drops. Nine days of bad weather cost 9^th Marines moment of surprise and enemy was able to prepare. On 10 February 1/9 Marines under LtCol Smith was helicoptered to FSB Erskine. 9^th Marines was complete for the action.

   On 12 February 1/9 ran into NVA. On 17 February FSB Cunningham was hit by sapper attack. 

   Between 18 and 22 February there was heavy fighting in A and C companies sector.  They found well camouflaged road and 122mm guns and enemy positions. A company moved through C company and secured ammunition and trucks. 

   2/9 Marines got permission to cut Route 922 in Laos on 21 and 22 February.

   On 22 February there was the last heavy engagement in Dewey Canyon. Some Marines were send for water and they got under mortar and artillery fire. 1^st Platoon A company hit a company-size defensive position, 2^nd and 3^rd Platoon had to come to help very soon. Because of short range between both sides it was very hard to use support fire. Command group of A company was hit and everyone was wouded or killed. 1^st Lt Fox was wouded but still coordinated aircraft support with moves of his men. In final assault was wounded again, he reorganised his men in defensive position and D company  came to help. 

   On the left flank 3/9 cleared Route 548 and Hill 1228 (Tiger Mountain) and on 23 February found 122mm guns, ammunition depots etc. FSB Turnage was established to cover this phase.

   On 26 February D company found one of the largest supply depots captured during war – 100 tons of ammo and more than 700 weapons.

   On the right flank 2/9 fought in Laos on 1 March, captured 20 tons of food, ammo and two 122mm guns. This move blocked Route 922 when 1/9 and 3/9 were pushing from the other side. This was final phase of Dewey Canyon operation and units were helicoptered to FSB Vandegrift. The last unit was 1/9 Marines.

   During Dewey Canyon operation were killed 1617 NVA soldiers, captured 1223 small arms, 104 machine-guns, 26 mortars, 73 anti-aircraft guns, 16 artillery pieces, 800 000 rounds of ammunition, 2920 mines, 800 pounds of explosives, 110 tons of rice and two of salt 92 trucks and 14 bulldozers.  

   Marines lost 130 dead, 932 wounded, one missing and one shot down helicopter. 9^th Marines earned Unit citation for the most succesful regimental operation of the conflict.