101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) — Military Region 1, Vietnam
Operation Texas Star
The official declassified operations narrative by General John J. Hennessey — the campaign that led to the Battle of Firebase Ripcord
1 April — 23 July 1970
Official Military Record
Operations Overview
114
Days of Operation
3
Brigades Involved
Jul 23
Ripcord Evacuated
101st
Airborne Division
What Was Operation Texas Star?
Operation Texas Star was a major combat operation conducted by the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) in Military Region 1 of South Vietnam, commencing April 1, 1970. The operation was part of the broader Vietnamization program — the strategic effort to transfer combat responsibility to South Vietnamese (ARVN) forces as American forces began their withdrawal.
The operation covered a vast area of operations in the mountainous terrain of northern South Vietnam, involving multiple fire support bases including Ripcord, Henderson, O'Reilly, Maureen, Granite, Kathryn, and many others. The 101st faced determined resistance from the 803rd and 6th NVA Regiments, as well as elements of the 304th NVA Division.
The operation culminated in the Battle of Firebase Ripcord — one of the last major engagements of the Vietnam War involving large numbers of American ground troops. On July 23, 1970, under relentless enemy pressure, Firebase Ripcord was evacuated. The battle cost 138 American lives and remains one of the most intense and costly engagements of the war.
Source & Attribution: This report is the official Operations Narrative authored by General John J. Hennessey, declassified under Authority 927623. It was copied by Ted McCormick, B Co, 1/327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, 1969–70, on May 17, 2005. Some elements have been abridged from the original report. Non-combat information, routine troop movements, and division information not pertinent to the combat history of Operation Texas Star and the Battle of FSB Ripcord have been omitted.
Declassified Operations Narrative
Day-by-Day Combat Report
Click any period header to expand or collapse that section.
1–14 April 1970 — Operation Commences
▼1 April 1970 — Firebase Ripcord, YD 343198
Operation Texas Star commenced with renewed efforts in the Vietnamization of combat operations in northern Military Region 1. At 1003 hrs, the battalion forward command post and Company B, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry received small arms fire on their landing zone at Ripcord from an enemy force at a range of 40 meters, followed by 82mm and 60mm mortar fire. The element returned organic weapons and artillery fires. Contact continued intermittently throughout the day, increasing in intensity when Medevac and other aircraft attempted to enter the landing zone. At 1430 hrs the recon platoon was inserted during a heavy mortar attack to patrol north of the firebase. After extensive deployment of artillery, air strikes, and aerial rocket artillery (ARA), contact was broken at 2230 hrs.
7 US KIA
21 US WIA
3 April 1970 — AO Pear, YD289198
The 4th Battalion, 1st Regiment (ARVN) discovered a cache containing eleven tons of rice.
4 April 1970
Troop A, 2nd Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry, employing pink teams (1 AH1G and 1 OH6A) throughout the day, killed a total of 16 NVA in five separate contacts.
16 NVA KIA
6 April 1970 — Firebase Arsenal, YD 812080
Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 502nd Infantry received RPG fire followed by the attack of approximately 50 enemy sappers from the south. A flare ship and ARA were on station in ten minutes. Artillery fires were employed on suspected enemy escape routes while the defenders repulsed the attack. A search revealed six NVA KIA and two POWs. US casualties were four WIA.
4 US WIA
6 NVA KIA
10 April 1970 — A Shau Valley
A bulk CS-2 agent drop was conducted in the A Shau Valley to interdict resupply operations of the 6th NVA Regiment along Route 9222. A total of 58 drums of the agent were dropped by two CH47 aircraft.
11 April 1970 — Firebase Ripcord
Firebase Ripcord was occupied and secured by Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry, with no enemy encountered.
13 April 1970 — Firebase Bastogne
Enemy indirect fire attacks increased in the AO. The command post and Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 327th Infantry at Firebase Bastogne received three separate 82mm mortar attacks.
4 US KIA
16 US WIA
15–30 April 1970 — Escalating Contact
▼16 April 1970 — YD328198
The CP, 1st and 3rd Companies, 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment (ARVN) received small arms and RPG fire from an estimated enemy squad. Organic weapons, artillery, and ARA were employed. A search revealed nine NVA KIA and 250 RPG rounds and 500 82mm rounds captured.
9 NVA KIA
3 ARVN KIA
4 ARVN WIA
17–18 April 1970
Heavy and accurate ground fire from enemy small arms, RPG, 12.7mm, and reported 23mm weapons rendered eleven aircraft of the division non-flyable. Continued sporadic enemy indirect fire attacks led to the decision to move an AN/MPQ-4A radar from Firebase Strike to Firebase Granite to increase counter battery fire. On 18 April, Ranger team "Cicada" was inserted to conduct sensor readout activities — the first employment of ranger teams to monitor sensors.
21 April 1970
The 21st of April was the first day of Operation Texas Star on which the enemy did not employ indirect fire.
23 April 1970 — YD362165
Company A, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry received RPG fire and satchel charges in their NDP. The attackers resumed the attack at 0610 hrs with RPG, small arms, and 60mm mortar fire. A first light search revealed seven NVA KIA, two RPG launchers, one SKS, and five AK-47s.
1 US KIA
11 US WIA
7 NVA KIA
24–25 April 1970
Gunships of the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry and ARA from the 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery responded to aircraft sightings by destroying four 12.7mm machine guns, four trucks, and one bulldozer northwest of the A Shau Valley.
28 April 1970 — YD510072
The 2nd Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 502nd Infantry engaged an estimated enemy platoon. A search of the contact area revealed 12 NVA KIA. A subsequent search of three heavily damaged enemy bunker complexes revealed 50 additional enemy KIA.
1 US KIA
18 US WIA
62 NVA KIA
29–30 April 1970 — YD505077
The 2nd Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 502nd Infantry received mortar and intense small arms fire at a distance of 10 meters. Reinforced by the remainder of the company and Companies C and Recon Platoon, the enemy was driven through three successive bunker complexes. Firebase Granite received five separate mortar attacks the same night resulting in 34 US WIA.
60 US WIA
15 NVA KIA
1–9 May 1970 — Firebase Henderson Overrun
▼6 May 1970 — Firebase Henderson — Major Ground Assault
Firebase Henderson received RPG, small arms, satchel charges, recoilless rifle fire and mortar fire, followed by a well-organized and coordinated ground assault by the 8th Battalion, 66th NVA Regiment. Fires ignited by NVA flamethrowers caused approximately 1,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition to explode. Defending forces supported by ARA, cannon artillery, and gunships accounted for 29 NVA killed. The enemy withdrew at 0720 hrs.
32 US KIA
33 US WIA
19 ARVN KIA
29 NVA KIA
7 May 1970 — Firebase Maureen, YD429122
The 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry received 60mm mortar fire, small arms fire, and satchel charges from an estimated enemy company. The platoon returned fire while a flare ship and ARA were employed. Six US soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded.
6 US KIA
12 US WIA
4 NVA KIA
9 May 1970 — YD495054
Company A, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 502nd Infantry received small arms, RPG fire, and fragmentation grenades from an estimated 12–15 enemy in bunkers. A search of the area revealed 18 NVA KIA.
1 US KIA
12 US WIA
18 NVA KIA
13 May – 1 June 1970 — Continued Operations
▼16 May 1970 — YD487065
Company A, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 502nd Infantry received RPG fire from multiple directions. A Cobra gunship engaged a 23mm anti-aircraft position, killing 35 enemy and destroying two trucks.
4 US KIA
22 US WIA
35+ NVA KIA
17 May 1970 — YD417398
A CH47 from Company B, 159th Aviation Battalion was hit by enemy ground fire, crashed and burned. The aircraft was a total loss and five US soldiers were killed.
5 US KIA
23 May 1970 — Firebase Kathryn
Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry was attacked by 60mm and 82mm mortar fire — including rounds containing CS agent — which impacted inside the perimeter. ARA and cannon artillery were employed against suspected enemy locations.
3 US KIA
25 US WIA
26 May 1970 — Medevac Helicopter Shot Down
While lowering a jungle penetrator to evacuate wounded soldiers, a UH1H Medevac helicopter from Company C, 326th Medical Battalion received one RPG round in the fuel cell, crashed and burned. All four crew members were killed in action.
4 US KIA (Medevac crew)
28 May 1970 — Firebase O'Reilly
The 1st and 2nd Companies, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment (ARVN) received mortar fire followed by a ground attack. The enemy was repulsed before daylight. A first light search revealed 77 NVA KIA, two POWs, 29 AK-47s, eight RPG launchers, three Soviet LPO flamethrowers, and two CHICOM radios.
77 NVA KIA
3 ARVN KIA
2–25 June 1970 — Major Cache Discoveries
▼2 June 1970 — Firebase Tun Tavern
The 2nd Battalion, 54th Regiment (ARVN) received an attack from all sides by the 9th Battalion, 66th NVA Regiment employing 82mm mortar, 75mm recoilless rifle, RPG, and small arms fire. The enemy penetrated the perimeter and occupied bunkers on the east side. The enemy was driven from the firebase at 1115 hrs after fierce fighting.
2 US KIA
50 ARVN KIA
81 NVA KIA
17–25 June 1970 — Operation Leatherneck
A 600-man NVA hospital complex was discovered west of the Leatherneck area. A combined task force located and destroyed enemy installations and foodstuffs. Operational totals for the period: 69 NVA KIA, two POWs, 52 tons of rice, three tons of salt, 19,500 AK-47 rounds, 4,600 12.7mm rounds, 310 RPG rounds, 40 75mm recoilless rifle rounds, and 15 122mm rockets captured. A total of 283 bunkers were destroyed.
69 NVA KIA
23 June 1970 — Near Firebase Jerome, YD184256
The 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment (ARVN) engaged two enemy platoons and discovered a large enemy base camp containing 10 individual weapons, 11 crew-served weapons, 158,450 AK-47 rounds, 30,000 12.7mm machine gun rounds, 780 RPG rounds, 30 anti-tank mines, 160 bunkers, two animal cages, and two POW cages.
47 NVA KIA
26 June – 7 July 1970 — Ripcord Under Daily Attack
▼26 June 1970 — Camp Eagle Attacked
Camp Eagle was attacked twice by fire. Ten 82mm mortar rounds impacted in the division artillery area, killing one US soldier and wounding eight. Hours later seven 122mm rockets impacted in multiple areas of the camp, resulting in four additional US WIA and destruction of aircraft and vehicles.
1 US KIA
12 US WIA
1–7 July 1970 — Firebase Ripcord Under Siege
A marked increase in enemy activity in the 3rd Brigade AO as elements of the 803rd and 6th NVA Regiments conducted daily attacks by fire on Firebase Ripcord. More than 160 rounds of 60mm, 82mm mortar, and 75mm recoilless rifle fire were directed at the firebase during the first seven days of July alone.
18 US KIA
104 US WIA
30 NVA KIA
2 July 1970 — Hill 902, YD337172 — Night Sapper Attack
The CP and 1st and 2nd Platoons, Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry received RPG, small arms fire, and satchel charges in their NDP. An estimated NVA sapper company in a well-organized and executed attack successfully penetrated the perimeter and occupied positions within the NDP. The company commander was killed in the initial exchange of fire. The company medic immediately organized the defense of the position until relieved by the artillery forward observer. The enemy within the perimeter were killed and the remainder withdrew at 0420 hrs.
7 US KIA
6 US WIA
15 NVA KIA
8–16 July 1970 — 9th NVA Regiment Discovered
▼8 July 1970 — XD8236 — 150–200 NVA in the Open
A pink team from Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry observed 150–200 enemy in the open. The area was engaged by machine gun and rocket fire. Additional gunship and ARA support arrived within 30 minutes. Troop D was inserted to make a ground search and captured three prisoners and a large number of enemy documents identifying the unit as the 9th NVA Regiment. Air to ground contact continued throughout the day resulting in 139 enemy killed.
6 US KIA
5 US WIA
139 NVA KIA
8 July 1970 — Hill 1000 — Fierce Fighting Continues
Companies C and D, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry were again engaged by the enemy in well-fortified bunkers on Hill 1000. Intensive fire from at least three mutually supporting bunkers pinned the companies down. One bunker was neutralized with M72 LAW fire but the other two were not destroyed. The companies again moved off the hill.
2 US KIA
4 US WIA
10 July 1970 — Firebase Ripcord — Eight Attacks in One Day
Firebase Ripcord was attacked by fire on eight separate occasions during the day. The enemy employed 60mm, 82mm mortar, and 75mm recoilless rifle fire.
2 US KIA
17 US WIA
14 July 1970 — Hill 1000 — Another Assault Fails
Companies A and B and the Recon Platoon, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry made yet another attempt to eject the enemy force from Hill 1000. They were engaged by RPG, small arms, and mortar fire. Organic weapons, ARA, cannon artillery, and air strikes were employed against the enemy in well-fortified bunkers. Friendly elements eventually withdrew.
1 US KIA
20 US WIA
5 NVA KIA
17–23 July 1970 — The Evacuation of Firebase Ripcord
▼17 July 1970 — First Use of 120mm Mortars
Firebase Ripcord received sporadic mortar fire throughout the day. The enemy employed 120mm mortars in the division AO for the first time in 18 months. The firebase received six attacks by fire from enemy forces employing 60mm, 82mm, and 120mm mortars between 0704 hrs and 1745 hrs.
14 US WIA
18 July 1970 — CH47 Crash — Catastrophic Damage to Ripcord
A CH47 from Company A, 159th Aviation Battalion, carrying a sling load of 105mm howitzer ammunition to Ripcord, was hit by 12.7mm machine gun fire while approaching the firebase. The aircraft crashed into the 105mm ammunition storage point, causing a major fire. All six 105mm howitzers of Battery B, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 319th Artillery were destroyed. An AN/MPQ-4A counter-mortar radar, two 106mm recoilless rifles, and one radio set were also destroyed. Despite the fire and exploding ammunition, the perimeter remained intact and fires were under control by late afternoon.
1 US KIA
9 US WIA
19–22 July 1970 — Final Days Under Fire
Firebase Ripcord continued to receive sporadic mortar fire throughout the period. A total of 34 stand-off attacks were conducted by the enemy during those four days. A total of 51 tactical air strikes were directed into the Ripcord area. Because of the buildup of enemy forces and the increased tempo of attacks, it became apparent that the cost and effort required for the defense of Ripcord placed the accomplishment of future operations in jeopardy.
7 US KIA
35 US WIA
23 July 1970 — The Evacuation of Firebase Ripcord
The 3rd Brigade directed the extraction of the 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry from Firebase Ripcord. Extraction from the firebase began at 0545 hrs and was completed, despite heavy indirect and 12.7mm machine gun fire, at 1214 hrs. Company B was assaulted to a landing zone to assist the extraction of Company A. Extraction of Companies A and D began at 1305 hrs and was completed without damage or casualties at 1401 hrs. Seventy-four Air Force, Marine, and Navy tactical air sorties, and continuous ARA and cannon artillery fires were employed in support of the extraction.
Firebase Ripcord was evacuated on July 23, 1970 — ending one of the last major battles fought primarily by American ground forces in the Vietnam War.
Note: This operations narrative covers the period April 1 through July 23, 1970. It represents the official military record of Operation Texas Star as authored by General John J. Hennessey, abridged by Ted McCormick, B Co, 1/327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Grid coordinates (YD, XD) refer to the military map grid system used during the operation.