Battle of Van Tuong
The Battle of Van Tuong is also known as Operation Starlite. This battle is considered to be the first attack solely by the US army against the People's Army of Vietnam. At the time, even though Vietnam's army didn't have any attacks on the US army, the US army still decide to undertake a "preemptive strike" towards The Vietnam's army. The reason for that was the protection of the US army over their Air Base in Cu Lai, Van Tuong.
On August 18, a VC defector claimed that North Vietnam intended to launch an attack on the American Chu Lai Airbase. This triggered the US army and causes them to launch their first attack with helicopters, tanks, and naval ships near the border of North and South Vietnam. With this first attack, the Battle of Van Tuong begin.
The Battle of Van Tuong lasted for 7 days and finally ended on August 24 with victory at the hand of the US army. After the battle, the US army lost 45 of its soldiers but killed off 614 soldiers from The Vietnam's army. However, Vietnam's army also claimed their victory since they were able to keep the US forces out of their territory.
- Date: August 18 - 24, 1965
- Location: Van Tuong, Vietnam.
- Result: US victory
