Timeline, September 6th

[David]

HISTORICAL:
September 6, 1944 (Year of the Monkey [Giap Than]): The USS Independence begins use of a specially trained air group for night work. It is the first time that a fully equipped night carrier has operated with a fast carrier task force.

SECOND INDOCHINA WAR:
September 1960 (Year of the Rat [Canh Ty]): At a Party Conference in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh vows to "liberate" South Vietnam.

September 6, 1961 (Year of the Ox [Tan Suu]): Viet Cong attack a South Vietnamese self defense corps post on Highway 19 near An Khe.

September 6, 1964 (Year of the Dragon [Giap Thin]) (US Advisory): Ambassador Taylor reviews the current political situation, and General Westmoreland the current military situation in South Vietnam.

September 6, 1966 (Year of the Horse [Binh Ngo]) (US Counteroffensive Phase II): Operation Bangor begins.

September 1967 (Year of the Goat [Dinh Mui]) (US Counteroffensive Phase III): Attack squadrons from the Oriskany, Constellation, Coral Sea, and Intrepid hit previously off-limits areas in North Vietnam: the port of Haiphong and in the smaller ports of Hon Gai and Cam Pha.

September 6, 1967 (Year of the Goat [Dinh Mui]) (US Counteroffensive Phase III): Operation Swift update: Two battalions of the 1st VC Regiment attack the lead company of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Bravo Company is isolated and nearly overrun before artillery-delivered tear gas drives the enemy back. During the fight, Sgt. Rodney Davis sacrifices his life so his platoon can hold onto its position. Meanwhile, the nearby 3rd Battalion becomes heavily engaged a few hours later. When India Company is dispatched to attack a VC-held hill, it is isolated and nearly overrun by the 1st VC Regiment's previously uncommitted 3rd Battalion. Kilo Company is sent to relieve India and, though it eventually fights through, the two-company force can't move because of many casualties. That night, they repulse two VC assaults, and Mike Company eventually fights through to them against what is now meager opposition. By dawn on the 7th, the VC have disappeared.

September 6, 1971 (Year of the Boar [Tan Hoi]) (US Consolidation I): South Vietnamese launch a major sweep against North Vietnamese positions near the Laotian border.