More On The Battle

There are many interesting historical facts about the Battle for Lang Vei.  Here are three such facts with many more in Route 9 Problem: The Battle for Lang Vei.

  • US Army Medal of HonorThe display of courage during the battle for Lang Vei was boundless. The Special Forces camp was one of the most highly decorated battlefields in Vietnam: One Medal of Honor, two Distinguished Service Crosses (a move is underway to upgrade one to the Medal of Honor), one Distinguished Flying Cross, 20 Silver Stars, 13 Bronze Stars with “V” Device, 21 Purple Hearts, and more than a dozen Air Medals and other awards. Pictured at right is a US Army Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to Eugene Ashley Jr. for his actions at the battle for Lang Vei. The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress to U.S. military personnel only. There are three versions of the medal, one for the Army, one for the Navy, and one for the Air Force. Personnel of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard receive the Navy version.

 

  • The Lang Vei Special Forces camp was among the smallest battlefields fought by all four of America’s armed services. US Navy Seabees built the formidable command bunker.

US Armed Services Lang VeiIt’s rare and special when air and ground warriors are united many years after a battle. Lang Vei was one such incredible reunion. The patches below represent from the left, US Army Special Forces; US Navy VA-25 (Fist of the Fleet); US Air Force 20th TASS; US Marine Corps HMM-262 (Flying Tigers) and VMO-6.

Air Ground