Nghia Hanh Valley, south of Hill 922, was the battle site where David F. Winder, medic for A Company and Medal of Honor recipient, was killed in action on May 13, 1970, near the village of O Bau which was located in the southern part of the valley.
The northern end of Nghia Hanh Valley was also the location of one of Charlie Company's larger battles with the NVA/VC during September 2 and 3, 1970. At this time, Charlie Company was working with Echo Troop, 1st Cavalry west of the village of Nghia Hanh near the foothills of the mountains.
The going was good because everyone was riding on top of the APCs and tanks. But, after awhile, the company dismounted and made a sweep of the area on foot while E Troop made a flanking manuever.
Charlie Company had gone about 200 yards when a pointman stepped into a perimeter trench that surrounded an NVA/VC bunker and tunnel complex. He opened up with automatic fire killing two surprised NVA/VC. Then all hell broke loose. The rest of the company rushed toward the trench under heavy gun fire from the enemy. The fighting was intense with the enemy popping out of the tunnels from everywhere.
They must have been watching Charlie Company and the APCs and tanks from Echo Troop as they moved into the area.
During the night, another company from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry was flown in by helicopters to reinforce Charlie Company. After two days of fighting the battle was over. Later, a dead NVA officer was found with orders on him to destroy a certain amount of tanks, APCs, helicopters, and infantry, which he accomplished.
If anyone remembers this battle, the night-time landing, or anything else about this incident, please contact Phillip Tinkle.
This "Virtual Tour" was provided by Phillip Tinkle who was a rifleman with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry from July, 1970 to July, 1971.
Photograph by Phillip Tinkle
This is "Drippy Dick," one of the Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from E Troop. PFCs Ed Benson and Larry (Mouse) Moore are on the ground next to it.
Photograph by Phillip Tinkle
Here is a picture of a "Shark" gunship as it flew over Phillip and Charlie Company during the fighting.
Photograph by Phillip Tinkle
During the battle, Phantom jets were called in for an airstrike. Here, a jet drops napalm on the NVA/VC who were trying to escape from the battle area.
Photograph by Phillip Tinkle
This is another view of the airstrike.
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