About this item
Highlights
- In November 1969, what Time Magazine called the "largest battle of the year" took place less than two miles from the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone.
- About the Author: Lou Pepi was drafted into the Army in March of 1968.
- 225 Pages
- History, Military
Description
About the Book
On November 10, 1969, during Operation Fulton Square, heavy fighting erupted in Quàang Tri Province about 2 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), at a location called Leatherneck Square. US Army Task Force 1-61 fought three reinforced battalions of the 27th NVA Regiment in the vicinity of Hill 162. According to Time Magazine, captured documents indicated that the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) believed a successful surprise attack timed to correspond with the large US peace marches scheduled for November 14-16 (the Vietnam Moratorium) would provide a bargaining chip for peace negotiations. The author, who served with the US 61st Infantry, 1st Battalion, Alpha Company, has assembled this account from the recollections of nearly fifty participants who were present at this relatively unknown battle.Book Synopsis
In November 1969, what Time Magazine called the "largest battle of the year" took place less than two miles from the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Three companies of Task Force 1-61 met 2,000-3,000 North Vietnamese. American forces fought for two days, inflicting heavy casualties and suffering eight killed. Late on November 12, it became evident that the American position could be overrun. Alpha Company was airlifted in darkness to reinforce a small hill in the jungle. Three hours later, well past midnight, the Americans were attacked by 1,500 NVA. There was a twist: A secret Vietcong document captured near Saigon urged intense action before November 14 in anticipation of the Vietnam War Moratorium Demonstrations set for November 15 in many cities in America. The Vietcong planned to inflict a stunning defeat in "an effort to get the fighting in step with the peace marchers."
The author, a member of Alpha Company who rode in on the last helicopter, offers unique insights into the story of the men who fought those three days in 1969.
Review Quotes
"An impressive amount of research...unique insights...recommended"-The VVA Veteran; "Lou Pepi's book, My Brothers Have My Back, relates the story of one of the fiercest, yet relatively unknown, 3-day battle in the Vietnam conflict in 1969. It resulted in the elimination of three reinforced battalions of the 27th NVA regiment as effective combat units. This is a factual documentary which everyone can read and realize both the horror and the humanity of war..... The average "line doggy" (infantryman) never knows in detail why their unit is assigned to go to a specific area nor the strategy behind such a movement. Lou expands this by providing intricate details of this battle including the numerous units involved, the important roles they played, and a much wider view of the fight that took place over these three days. Only a last minute, late-night air insertion of another company of soldiers to reinforce an isolated mortar platoon prevented their position from being overrun and annihilated. I know... I was there."-Russell Widener, Major, U.S. Army (Ret)
About the Author
Lou Pepi was drafted into the Army in March of 1968. Returning from Vietnam he worked in the construction field and then in building code and zoning enforcement. He lives in West Boylston, Massachusetts.