Vietnam War Reconnaissance

Photos capturing American troops on reconnaissance missions, interacting with local villagers, and uncovering military supplies during the Vietnam War.

Members of the III MAF Transit Facility observe and oversee the administrative processing line in Vietnam. This image captures the clerical operations taking place on January 28, 1970. The photograph was taken by the Defense Department and belongs to the Marine Corps.

"Second Lieutenant Major Benton, platoon leader of the 3rd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, leading his men on a reconnaissance patrol in Tri Binh Province, South Vietnam. The photograph was taken on September 19, 1965 and shows the troops navigating through rain and mud. (MARINE CORPS) A185688 P"

Marines of the 11th Engineer Battalion attend a memorial service in Docg He, RV to honor Corporal Ronald C. Kissinger, the first casualty from their unit in action. The service was conducted by Chaplain LCDR Michael A. Ondo, with Lt. Col. E.L. Halford and Major H.L. Welch in attendance. (Photo: Sgt. J.L. Blick)

Caption: "American and Communist Chinese hand grenades, numbering over a hundred, were discovered in a Viet Cong bunker by the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion during Operation TRAILBLAZER on October 24, 1965. The photograph, taken by LCpl. Costello, shows the terrifying arsenal uncovered during the mission. Defense Department Photo A186002."

Local villagers from a village near Chu Lai in South Vietnam observe as Marines pass by in July 14, 1965. This photograph captures a moment of Vietnamese civilian life during the Vietnam War. Image taken by a Defense Department photographer from the Marine Corps.

Marines of Company "O", 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and Helicopter Support Teams evacuating Vietnamese families for safety during Operation Hevada on April 13, 1966. The operation took place in Quang Ngai, Vietnam. This photograph was taken by SSgt R.L. WHITE and is from the Defense Department's image archive.

A Marine displays captured gear consisting of food, flags, and supplies during Operation Hastings in Vietnam on July 15, 1966. The photograph shows over 1,000 pounds of medical supplies that were seized on the first day of the operation. Photo credit: GySgt. Butts, Defense Department.

Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation JAY as they search a Viet Cong house for weapons, ammunition, uniforms, documents, or Viet Cong bodies. The photo was taken on June 26, 1966, near Hue, South Vietnam. The camp, located 13 miles north of Hue, was heavily defended by the North Vietnamese Army.

Members of the III MAF Transit Facility observe and oversee the administrative processing line in Vietnam. This image captures the clerical operations taking place on January 28, 1970. The photograph was taken by the Defense Department and belongs to the Marine Corps.

Staff Sergeant Edward McCourt, Jr., from the 3rd Marine Division, attempts to eat a piece of raw breadfruit in Vietnam on May 25, 1965. The photograph, taken by Cpl. J.F. Gorak, shows that the breadfruit is rather tasteless. This image is from the Defense Department Photographic Collection.

"Damage caused by enemy rocket mortar and sapper team attack on Mortar Transport compound, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division on August 12, 1969. The photo captured the aftermath of the incident, revealing significant destruction. This image is part of the collection depicting American military activities during the Vietnam War."

Soldiers from the 3rd Marine Division trek through thick vegetation during a patrol in Vietnam on May 21, 1965. Despite the challenging terrain, they diligently search for enemy activity both in the dense foliage and neighboring villages. This photograph, taken by SSgt. J.S. Brown, captures the difficult conditions faced by American troops during the war.

US Marine Lance Corporal C.R. Dustin from Las Vegas, Nevada, sets up his machine gun in an open field during Operation Macon. He is providing cover fire for advancing Marines of H Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment on July 10, 1966. The photograph was taken by LCpl. Degin and is part of the Defense Department's collection.

A Vietnamese funeral procession passes members of the 1st Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. They are seen awaiting the word to move out. This photograph was taken on October 20, 1965, by Sgt. Gorak in Vietnam. It is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with the identifier A186012.

Military personnel inspect captured gear, including food, flags, and supplies, on October 24, 1965 in Danang, Vietnam. The gear was taken from a Viet Cong complex discovered by Marines of the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion during Operation TRAILBLAZER. In the background, smooth and finished planks can be seen, evidencing the Viet Cong's building activities. This photograph was taken by LCpl. Costello and is part of the Defense Department's collection, identified as A185997.

Corpsman, HM-3 D. S. Barnett, from Pittsfield, Mass., treats a local villager from the Chau Son area, 13 miles southwest of Danang, Vietnam. This photo was taken on January 23, 1970, during a MEDCAP mission conducted by "Mike" Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines as part of the Combined Unit Pacification Program. The image is from the Photographs of American Military Activities during the Vietnam War.

Marines from A Company, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a new area for their command post group during Operation Mobile on May 28, 1966 in Vietnam. Corporal Leodis Dixon, Jr. and Corporal James R. Belk are seen examining the site. Photograph: Pfe. Norman, istorDiv Vietnam

General Wallace M. Greene, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, is seen asking Colonel W. G. Johnson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group-36, a question during a tour of Marine facilities at Chu Lai in Vietnam. This photograph was taken on January 7, 1966.

Marines from the Third Division move into an attack position on a village during Operation Prairie in 1966. The First Battalion, 26th Regiment initiated the attack while planes, artillery, and naval guns provided support. The photograph captures the intensity of the operation, which involved explosions and fires.

"Operation Prairie - Snipers Corporal J.L. Coster and Private First Class T.L. McRoy of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, take aim at an enemy target near the demilitarized zone on October 5, 1966. Both snipers display their dedication with Corporal Coster's helmet motto stating, 'One Shot Kills'. Defense Department Photo by LCpl. Romine, GVB-326."

A Company antitanks Battalion pouring heavy fire into a valley infested with Communist forces at Phu Bai, South Vietnam. Photograph taken on October 7, 1965 by Sgt. Reid, depicting American military activities during the Vietnam War. Caption sourced from the Defense Department.

PFC D. J. Harrington, a soldier from Mankato, Minnesota, is seen working on administrative processing. Flanked by 1st Lieutenants L. G. Hogg, J. D. Bowen, William V. T. Uehling, and Gordan Tayler, he is busy at the typewriter. This photograph was taken on January 28, 1970, during the Vietnam War. (Caption consists of 50 words)

Soldier Randolph D. Fassett from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam receives the Silver Star Medal from Brigadier General Lovell E. English, Assistant Division Commander. The ceremony took place on October 12, 1966.

Tents and shelters providing living conditions for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. This image captures the scene from below the crest of Hill 225 near the Marine base at Phu Bai, South Vietnam on October 5, 1965. Photog: Sgt. Reid.

"View of Villa and Radio and TV section (right), showing a mix of USMC and Vietnamese structures and bunkers. Taken on February 1, 1968 in Da Nang, Vietnam. The image captures the defense activities of the CIB, III MAF. Photo by Barrett, as part of the American military activities during the Vietnam war."

This photograph depicts Marines from the 3rd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, during Operation Cormorant in Vietnam in 1966. The Marines walk cautiously through sharp grass as they search for Viet Cong insurgents. They face the constant risk of ambushes along their path. Photograph taken by LCpl. Finnell. (Source: Defense Department photo, Marine Corps, A187277)

"Medical treatment being administered to young Vietnamese boy by Hospital Corpsman Donald W. Vogt, stationed in Vietnam on February 12, 1969. Vogt is part of the Second Platoon "L" Company, Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, searching for enemies in the village located 8 miles southwest of DaNang, Vietnam. Photo taken by LCpl Sanchez, a member of the 1st Marine Division."

First Lieutenant Nguyen Hink Hoe, a 19-year-old member of the Kit Carson scouts, assists LCpl Robert J. Dickerson, also 19, in translating a notebook found in the living quarters of a deceased NVA soldier in Quang Nam, Vietnam. The notebook provided valuable information to the Marines. (AP Photo/Defense Department)

Captain D.F. Rankin, commanding officer of Company "D", 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, discussing the purpose and mission of his company with Israeli General Moshe Dayan (center), retired, and Brigadier General William Stiles, Assistant Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, in North Vietnam on August 2, 1966. (Photo ID: A369560 127 GVB-270)

Caption: Chaplain W. W. Bartlett leading sunrise services for Marines on a hill, overlooking the helicopter landing strip at Marble Mountain Marine Corps Air Facility, Danang, South Vietnam. Lt. Car. Bartlett serves as the chaplain for Marine Air Group-16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. This photo was taken on March 14, 1966.

US Marines launching the MEDICARE program for the villagers of Cam-Ne Village in Vietnam. This photo was taken in January 1966 by Sgt. J. A. Reid and shows the start of the medical aid initiative. (Image: Defense Dept. Photo / MARINE CORPS)

Vietnamese workers preparing sandbags and straw for placement against wire screens during the Vietnam War. This image showcases the need for defense preparations and the involvement of Vietnamese civilians in military activities. Photographed by Sgt A. V. Huffman on July 6, 1969, as a part of the 1stMarDiv Vietnam operations.

Security forces conducting a search of passing villagers for weapons during Operation Macon in Vietnam, on July 6, 1966. Lance Corporal Samuel W. Frye from Weaubleau, Missouri, checks the baskets while Lance Corporal Larry Moulock from Chester, New Jersey, watches over a woman whose belongings are being searched. The area saw an increase in refugee movement after the Marines cleared it of Viet Cong presence. They belong to D Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

Marines from A Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment, conducting a patrol outside of Khe Sanh air base in Vietnam on October 14, 1966. The soldiers are climbing a hill during their mission. This photograph was taken by MeVeigh and is an official Defense Department photo (Marine Corps).

Lance Corporal Dennis W. Alnutt, B Company, 1st LVT Battalion, receives food from a Vietnamese child in Hoa Long Village, Vietnam in 1965. This photograph showcases a typical People to People interaction during the Vietnam War. Photo taken by the Defense Department and belongs to the U.S. Marine Corps.

South Vietnamese Marines prepare to board United States Marine Helicopters during the Joint Operation Ion Son-72 in Okinawa, June 1972. The helicopters shown in the photograph are CH-46s, operated by the 3rd Marine Division. The image was captured by Marine Corps Cpl S.G. Lively.

Marines conducting Operation Double Eagle during the Vietnam War. An auto-rifleman from F Company, 4th Regiment, proceeds towards the rear exit of a bunker while other Marines release non-poisonous smoke into the opposite end to drive out any potentially hidden personnel. Photograph taken by K. Henderson on January 29, 1966.

Combat photographer, Chief Warrant Officer Harley L. (Chet) Entley, prepares to take off in Danang during the Vietnam War. Entley, who hails from Thompson Falls, Montana, flies in the back seat of OV-10 Broncos capturing motion picture footage of combat missions. This photograph was taken by LCpl Jesse A. Fulgham, a photographer with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) in Vietnam.

Members of the 1st Battalion, Sch Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, are seen awaiting transportation via helicopter from H111 510 in the Que Son Mountains to Hill 34 near Danang on March 23, 1971. This marked the beginning of their stand down procedures before redeployment.

Ordnanceman from H&MS-15 loading a 500-pound (MK-82) ordnance used in air strikes by Marine Phantoms of Marine Aircraft Group 15. The image captures the process of delivering the ordnance to the flight line during June 1972. It is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with the identification code A422966, 127 GVB-34.

Lance Corporal John W. McKenzie, from Alton, Ill., is promoted by Lieutenant Colonel V.D. Bell from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment on July 7, 1966 in Vietnam. McKenzie earned the promotion for successfully removing three Viet Cong from a cave. Photo taken by Cole Lance Corporal. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) TUD A187577 127 GVB-76.

Corporal Gary L. Bingham from Clearfield, Utah provides perimeter security as a member of the mai-563 Combat Recovery Team, during a photo taken on June 14, 1965. The team, comprised of 23 volunteers, specialized in rescuing injured men from aircraft crash spots by rappelling from helicopters. Gary, who is a motor transport mechanic, also undertakes this role in his normal working hours. This photo was taken by SSgt. Savatt and is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Brigadier General William A. Stiles, Commanding General of Task Force X-Ray, firing the 175mm "big guns" owned by the U.S. Army at Chu Lai, Vietnam. Photograph taken on October 24, 1966. The image is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with identification number A36963 OCRD TVB 127.

An Ontos vehicle and 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment troops are seen moving along a hedgerow during Operation Iowa, a sweep of an area 14 miles north of Chulai, Vietnam, April 9, 1966. This photo was taken by Pvt. Russell and is part of the 90 ID-17-99-66 collection.

"United States Marines and Vietnamese Popular Forces soldiers raising the Vietnamese flag at Thuy Luong village in Vietnam. The flag was purchased by the Marines of 1st Platoon, Joint Action Company, Hue-Phu Bai, Vietnam. The photograph was taken on September 25, 1965, during the Vietnam War. Photo credit: Sgt. J. Reid, Defense Dept."

Marine Division Chaplain T. J. McDonnel, aged 44, gets to know orphans at Sacred Heart Nursery in Danang, Vietnam. The nursery received clothes, diapers, and food donated by people in the United States in response to the Marines' call for help. The orphanage is near the 1st Marine Division's base.

The Farrington Recorder, a data processing machine, is seen at Force Logistics Command during the Vietnam War. This photo was taken on January 23, 1970, by Marine Corps Corporal R.D. Bell. It is part of a series of photographs documenting American military activities during the war.

"Underwater Demolition Team 12 of the 3rd Marine Division on Red Beach in Dennng, Vietnam on April 14, 1965. The team swept the beach at 0300, April 13, and stayed during the landing to provide lifeguard duty for the Marines. Photo taken by GySgt. R.F. Ayers. Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) A183976."

Marine from F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines engages in a firefight with the Viet Cong during Operation Utah. The photo shows the Marine in a firing position after being lifted by a helicopter. The image showcases a range of US weapons that were in use during the Vietnam War, including various firearms.

"Major General Lewis J. Fields and Major General Hoang Xuan Lam, along with their staff, view captured weapons from the Viet Cong during Operation Hot Springs. The display was held at Quang Ngai on April 22, 1966. Photo taken by Cpl. G. Gaspard."

Marines from 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, board UH-34 helicopters to return to the USS IWO JIMA after a 10-day operation near the Demilitarized Zone in Vietnam. The date is September 23, 1966, and the photo is taken by Set COTERAN RAFIOS E CEHOUSE. Image reference: A187882 127 GVB-222.

"Aerial photograph taken on January 27, 1969, shows the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment's camp in An Hoa, Vietnam. In the image, the remains of Liberty Bridge can be seen on the extreme right side. The photograph was taken by GySgt Krueger, and is a part of the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps) numbered 4371822."

Marines from wg Co. of the Second Battalion, First Regiment, conducting Operation Shelby in Vietnam on September 29, 1967. They check identification cards of locals as they move through villages located 25 miles South of Da Nang. This photograph was taken by Cpl M.J. Coates and is part of the Department of Defense's collection.

ARVN soldiers from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam can be seen examining PRC-25 radio equipment they received from the 1st Marine Division on September 22, 1970. The photograph captures this interaction during the Vietnam War. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A373590.

Marine from H & S Company, 81am Mortar Platoon takes time to have his hair cut by a local barber. Pfc Sewell, part of H & S Company, 8lm Hortar Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, is located 10 miles northwest of Danang Air Base. June 19, 1965. Photo by LCpl L. D. Hartsock. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS).

Sergeant Major Marion Vierra of Providence, R.I., takes a bath in Pha Qui during Operation PIRANHA, which took place in September 1965. This photograph captures the importance of showers and personal hygiene for American military personnel during the Vietnam War. Defense Department photograph (Marine Corps), A185351 TWM 127 GVB-324.

A group of American soldiers guards Viet Cong suspects and prisoners during Operation Macon, July 1966. A member of the Vietnamese Regional Forces, Staff Sergeant Lot, identifies one of the prisoners as Viet Cong. The operation takes place along the Song Ky Len River, south of Danang. Image courtesy of the Defense Department/Marine Corps. (Original caption: 354 - Viet Cong Suspects and Prisoners - 1966 - July 1966 131 1 30-3-1074-66 3rdlarDiv Jul66 Photog: Finnell DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A187257 TWI 127 GVB-354)

Members of the Psychological Warfare Drama Team entertain villagers at Le Son Village in Vietnam on September 23, 1970. The village is under the jurisdiction of Tango 1 Combined Unit Pacification Program of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines from the 1st Marine Division. This image is part of the efforts of the 1st Marine Division G-5 in psychological warfare. (Source: Defense Department Photograph, US Marine Corps, A373574)

The Village church of Thach Nam Village, located 5 miles southwest of Da Nang, received a bell from the Leathernecks of the 4th Battalion, 11th Marines on August 9, 1970. The photo, taken by Sgt. C. H. Horn, depicts the church and the bell. It is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Marine from "p" company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, takes a water break under a tree during Operation DOUBLE EAGLE in Vietnam, January 1966. The photo was taken by Sgt. J.A. Reid for the Defense Department. Caption credit: Marine Corps.

Colonel Jerry F. Mathis, FLC assistant operations officer, congratulates scout dog Kelly and his handler, Cpl. Richard G. Rodgers, on their completion of FLC's NCO Leadership School. Kelly, attached to Alpha Co. lat MP Bn., FIC, was one of two K-9s to receive a graduation certificate during a ceremony at PLC Headquarters on Oct. 24. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS)

A Marine sergeant from Regimental Landing Team moves a tank into position at Chu Lai, South Vietnam in May 1965. The photograph captures military activities during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Marines conducting patrols during Operation Mallard in Vietnam on January 12, 1966. In this photo taken by Sgt. J. Reid, Marines discover Viet Cong rice hidden in family homes, bomb shelters, and garden toolsheds.

"Vietnamese children from the ty Loc area curiously watch Private First Class James L. Pierce and Ronald E. Bailey, both from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, trim their fingernails in May 22, 1966. This image captures civilian life during the Vietnam War. (Department of Defense, Photo ID: A369128)"

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, (HMM)-361, preparing to land and resupply the 11th Marine Regiment artillery unit during Operation Colorado, a search and destroy operation in the southern "I" Corps area of Vietnam on August 13, 1966.

Marines inspect a captured cache of ammunition in Operation Hastings, about 40 miles north of Hue during the Vietnam War. The cache included over 50,000 rounds of small arms and 185 rounds of 82mm mortar ammunition. This photograph was taken on July 15, 1966, by Gysgt. Butts. A187269 127 GVB-67.

Troops from "C" Company and command group Alpha move through tall grass during Operation Virginia. This photograph was taken by LCpl Mont Finnell, Jr. in 1966 during the Vietnam War.

"Brigadier General J. R. Jones (left) makes opening remarks at the FLC chapel during a panel discussion with junior officers. Marine Corps Commandant, General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., visited FLC on January 15, as part of his three-day visit to South Vietnam. (Photograph taken by SSgt R. D. Lucas). DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) mis A194696 1 127. GVB-276

A US Marine, Lance Corporal Robert Munday, from Charleston, West Virginia, is seen entering a village during a patrol on May 12, 1966. The photograph, taken by Corporal Gilles, captures a moment of search operation carried out by Munday in Vietnam as a part of the 3rdMarDiv.

Four Marines from the 2nd Platoon of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, crossing a rice paddy to inspect a village hut during Operation Skull on October 16, 1965. The operation took place in Thanh Troung, located 10 miles west of Danang, in Vietnam. (Photograph: Cpl. Dahl)

Corporal Richard M. Keen of Long View, Washington is seen running through a simulated window with his guard dog Natsu in Danang, Vietnam on October 24, 1965. This exercise is one of ten obstacles that the military dogs must endure to maintain their physical stamina. This photograph was taken by WO J. T. Smith and is part of the American military activities during the Vietnam War. (Image Caption: Corporal Richard M. Keen training with his guard dog Natsu in Vietnam.)

Marines from the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, during Operation TRAILBLAZER in 1965, have discovered over 200 booby traps in a warehouse near Danang. The traps include wooden box structures, believed to be molds for panji traps containing steel spikes and cement bottoms. This photograph was taken by Corporal Costello as part of the Documentation Department of the Defense Department.

Marines from "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines, engaged in combat during Operation Rush near Hills 479 and 500, approximately 4,000 meters southwest of Phu Bai, Vietnam. Photographed by LCpl Porter on August 5, 1967, the image captures the intense fighting in the Vietnam War.

On February 8, 1967, a dedication sign was observed outside the U.S. Marine and Navy Memorial Chapel at Dong Ba, Vietnam by Sgt. McVeigh. The Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) captured the moment. The sign honored the brave U.S. Marines and Navy personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.

BGen Harry C. Olsen passes FLC colors to BGen James A. Feeley during FLC change of command ceremony on October 21, 1968. F.little salutes both generals. The photograph was taken by Col W.A. Jackson and is labeled as a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

ARVN soldiers examining night observation scopes received from the 1st Marine Division, in a photograph taken on September 22, 1970. This image captures military activities during the Vietnam War. The photograph is labeled as 2¼ Negative AMD-2464-3-70 taken by Sgt B.L. Paulus, with the Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) number A373589 mis 127 GVB-315.

Troops from "C" Company and the command group Alpha move through tall grass on the third day of Operation Virginia in 1966. The photograph, taken by LCpl Mont Finnell, Jr., is an image from the Vietnam War showing American military activities. It is a Defense Department photo taken during the 3rd Marine Division's deployment.

Marines of H Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, discover a cache of rice hidden under a false floor in the village of Nhan Hoa during Operation Nevada in Quang Ngai Province on April 15, 1966. This photo shows captured gear including food supplies found during the operation. Photographer: Pfc. Mincemoyer. A369036 rum.

Brigadier General William A. Stiles, Commanding General, Task Force X-Ray, is shown lifting the phone jack to establish communication with the 1st Marine Division Chief of Staff in Danang on March 12, 1967. This photograph captures the moment when General Stiles informs them about the newly operational Chu Lai switchboard, which is operated by the 7th Communications Battalion of the Marine Corps.

A convoy consisting of various vehicles, including jeeps, mules, trucks, and dune buggies, moves through a Vietnamese village on its way to Danang from Chuted. The photograph was taken on December 18, 1966, during the Vietnam War by Cpl. A. Lowes of the 3rd Marine Division. It is a Defense Department photo taken by Marie Cores.

"A Marine parachutist performs an air delivery operation over Khe Sanh during a military mission on September 15, 1967. The First Marine Aircraft Wing's KC-130 aircraft was used for the drop, with the parachutists providing information on landing zones. The KC-130s from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-152 have been instrumental in delivering supplies and troops in Vietnam."

Marine Corps personnel from the 3rdlarDiv in Vietnam are shown using automated equipment to construct gun emplacements at Fire Support Base Russel on September 17, 1969. The photograph, taken by B. L. Randolph, captures a scene of construction activities carried out by the military during the Vietnam War.

Image captures a view of the military structures, showcasing the buildings and bunkers used by the United States Marine Corps and Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. The photograph was taken on March 4, 1971, of a location known as "Baldy" after the departure of the Marines. It was captured by Sergeant C.E. Kissmann and is part of the Defense Department's photo collection.

Lieutenant Colonel G.C. McNaughton, Lieutenant Commander A.M. VonAlmen, and Sergeant Major H. H. Brawner of the 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, inspect gifts received for Christmas from the Downey Junior Women's Club in Downey, California. This image captures a festive holiday celebration during the Vietnam War. (Factual description of the image)

General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., the Commandant of the Marine Corps, is briefed on a list of captured weapons by Sergeant John O'Donnell and Colonel Duong. This image was taken during General Chapman's visit to Combined Action Platoon 3-5-4 in Vietnam on August 8, 1969.

PFC Larry Rasca of the 1stMar Div is seen using a flamethrower during Operation New Castle on March 26, 1967, in Vietnam. He is burning a Viet Cong memorial that honors their dead. This photograph was taken by LCpl J.L. McClory and is a Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps.

Personnel from the 5th Marine Regiment, stationed 18 miles southwest of Da Nang in Vietnam, utilize portable food containers on February 16, 1970. The photograph captures the various food items present in the containers. This image showcases the practices surrounding food supply in the American military during the Vietnam War.

Marines from O Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, jump a ditch while on a patrol against the Viet Cong during Operation HARVEST MOON. The photo was taken on December 12, 1965, in Vietnam. (DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO MARINE CORPS A186270 XWm)

A U.S. Marine, Second Lieutenant C. O. Waber, from "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, receives medical assistance for a wound sustained during Operation Citrus on December 25, 1967. The photograph was taken by LCpl D. J. Brusch and is part of the collection of American military activities during Vietnam war. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps).

Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Warner, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale participate in ceremonies in 1969. In the image, Congressman McKneally shakes hands with Sgt. Larry Lavancher, age 22, from Syracuse, N.Y. Photo taken by Cpl P.J. LaBrecque. This photo is part of the 1st MarDiv Vietnam collection, dated December 31, 1969.

Members of a mortar team firing at a sniper during Operation Union II, approximately 20 miles Southwest of Da Nang in June 1967. The photo shows the team members covering their ears in response to the loud noise. Defense Department photo taken by LCpl C.E. Acker, documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A-4 Skyhawk being catapulted into the air every 90 seconds at Chulai Airfield in Vietnam, July 13, 1966. The jet engine powered catapult, installed to enhance the combat capability of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)-12, is in regular operation. Photo taken by Pfc. Jeffrey Dry. (Defense Department Photo, Marine Corps)

A Marine CH-46 helicopter is prepared for launch from the USS New Orleans during the joint US and South Vietnamese operation Lom Son-12. The photo was taken on September 9, 1972, by LCpl J.W. Bruce, and is part of a series documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.

A Marine wounded in the left leg is being brought in by a Medical-Evacuation helicopter aboard the USS IWO JIMA on August 19, 1966. The photo was taken as part of Operation DE CKEOUS III-A by photographer Set CO2HRAN. The Marine is immediately taken to sick bay for treatment.

US Marines overseeing transportation and supply routes during the Vietnam War. This aerial view shows Liberty Bridge near Hoi An, Vietnam. The image depicts American military efforts to maintain critical logistics infrastructure for the war effort. Taken by the Department of Defense, this photo showcases the involvement of the Marine Corps in the conflict.

During Operation HASTENGS in 1966, a captured Viet Cong was provided water by Staff Sergeant Tong and Corporal Peter J. Buzzanell. SSgt. Tong, an interpreter with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, interrogated the prisoner and learned that nearby Viet Cong units possessed weapons including 60mm mortars and 50 caliber mobile guns. As the questioning took place, the group was fired upon by these exact weapons. This photograph was taken by LCpl. Finnell and is part of the Defense Department's records.

In this photograph from August 4, 1970, a Marine from the CAP (Combined Action Program) is seen entering an enemy bunker complex armed with a flashlight and a pack of C-4 plastic explosives. The bunker had two levels, sleeping quarters, a sniping hole, and two entrances. It was over 30 feet in length and eight feet deep. This image captures the demolition disposal activities during the Vietnam War.

A helicopter picks up Viet Cong suspects during OPERATION MEADE RIVER in 1968. This photograph was taken by Cpl J.D. Gallo of the 1stMarDiv in Vietnam. It is an official Defense Department photo from the Marine Corps. File number: 1D-15-329-68, ID number: MIS A373878, and GVB-356.

Lt Gen Lewis W Walt visits Free World Forces, Vietnamese military and civilian officials, and 1st Marine Division units during his farewell tour in the lat Military Regions. This photograph captures an official moment of the visit.

Marine vehicles known as "Mike" boats from the USS Paul Revere LPH 248 enter the Naval Base at CamNes to pick up South Vietnamese Rangers who took part in the Joint US and South Vietnamese Operation Lom Son. This photograph was taken on September 7, 1972 at Camp Butler, Okinawa.

Sergeant James R. Mussik, from Aurora, Illinois, sorts incoming mail at the Phu Bai post office in Vietnam. The post office processes over 14,000 pounds of mail every month. This photograph was taken on November 19, 1965, by Sergeant Reid, and is a Defense Department photo by the Marine Corps.

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