CHAPTER IV
Phase II-The Hammer Swings
As dawn broke on D plus 1 (9 January
1967) the units forming the anvil of Cedar Falls were maneuvering into their
final posi-tions as the 1st Division's 2d Brigade continued its day-old
operation in Ben Suc. The hammer forces of the 1st Infantry Division (the
organic 3d Brigade and Task Force Deane) initiated their assault at 0800 with
simultaneous attacks across the Iron Triangle and into the Thanh Dien forest.
The impact of the hammer on enemy forces was imminent.
3d Brigade
The mission of the Iron Brigade was to
conduct airmobile assaults with five battalions into the Thanh Dien forest,
conduct search and destroy operations to kill or capture enemy forces, destroy
enemy installations, and evacuate all inhabitants from the area of operations.
The operations order had been issued to all participating battalions on 5
January, and the previous four days had been spent in detailed planning and
preparation. The initial positions for the elements of the 3d Brigade formed a
semicircle to the north of the Thanh Dien forest. Six landing zones (LZ's) were
designated. The terrain in this area ranges from flat to gently roll-ing; the
undergrowth is dense. The few streams in the area are fordable with minor
difficulty.
The 3d Brigade's area of operation,
according to intelligence sources, was thought to be an important supply base
and hospital area. The enemy units believed to be in the area were listed as
base caretaker elements and headquarters defense units. The Americans expected
to find base camps and supply installations and well-constructed bunkers,
tunnels, and trenches, all protected by exten-sive mines and booby traps. These
expectations proved to be accurate.
Major units constituting the task
organization of the ad Brigade included five infantry battalions, two cavalry
squadrons, and one artillery battalion. At 0735, 9 January, an extensive air and
artillery preparation began on Landing Zone 1, the northernmost point of the
ring of men and weapons that was soon to be formed around the Thanh
