Ira A. Hunt Jr. - The 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Unparalleled and Unequaled

American Warriors

Throughout the nations history, numerous men and women of all ranks and branches of the United States military have served their country with honor and distinction. During times of war and peace, there are individuals whose exemplary achievements embody the highest standards of the U.S. armed forces. The aim of the American Warriors series is to examine the unique historical contributions of these individuals, whose legacies serve as enduring examples for soldiers and citizens alike. The series will promote a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the U.S. armed forces.

S ERIES EDITOR: Roger Cirillo

An AUSA Book

THE
9TH INFANTRY
DIVISION
IN VIETNAM

Unparalleled and Unequaled

Major General Ira A. Hunt Jr.,
USA (Ret.)

Copyright 2010 by The University Press of Kentucky

Scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth,
serving Bellarmine University, Berea College, Centre
College of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University,
The Filson Historical Society, Georgetown College,
Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky State University,
Morehead State University, Murray State University,
Northern Kentucky University, Transylvania University,
University of Kentucky, University of Louisville,
and Western Kentucky University.
All rights reserved.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hunt, Ira Augustus, 1924
The 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam: unparalleled and unequaled /
Ira A. Hunt Jr.
p. cm. (American warriors)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-8131-2647-0 (hardcover: alk. paper)
ISBN 978-0-8131-2648-7 (ebook)
1. Vietnam War, 19611975Regimental historiesUnited States. 2. United States. Army. Infantry Division, 9th. 3. Vietnam War, 19611975Campaigns. I. Title. II. Title: Ninth Infantry Division in Vietnam.
DS558.4.H85 2010
959.704342dc22
2010032803

This book is printed on acid-free recycled paper meeting
the requirements of the American National Standard
for Permanence in Paper for Printed Library Materials.

Manufactured in the United States of America.

To the valiant soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam

In the mid-1960s, the security of the Delta, the densely populated rich rice bowl of agrarian South Vietnam, was poor and getting worse. Viet Cong (VC) insurgents were severely disrupting the commerce and welfare of this vital region. The 9th Infantry Division, the only U.S. Army division activated and trained in the United States for active duty in South Vietnam, was specifically designated to operate from a base deep within the Communist-controlled Delta with the mission to improve the security of the area so that the Government of South Vietnams (GVN) pacification program could be successful. Upon its arrival in Vietnam in February 1967, the division from day one focused on finding and eliminating the oppressive enemy and on assisting the GVN in its pacification efforts.