Firebase Atkinson Explained

Firebase Atkinson
Type:Army
Built:1970
Pushpin Map:Vietnam
Used:1970
Occupants:7th Cavalry Regiment
Battles:
Vietnam War
Cambodian Incursion

Firebase Atkinson is a former U.S. Army firebase northwest of Tây Ninh in southwest Vietnam.

History

The firebase was first established in March 1970 by the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 7 km northwest of Đồng Xoài.[1]

On 16 April 1970 the base was occupied by Companies B and E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry and B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 19th Artillery. At approximately midnight the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 95C Regiment hit the base with mortar, rocket and recoilless rifle fire and then attacked the base perimeter. The PAVN attacks were beaten back by 02:00. U.S. losses were 7 killed, while 66 PAVN dead were found around the base perimeter.[2]

Current use

The base has reverted to farmland.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Kelley, Michael. Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. 2002. 9781555716257. 23.
  2. Book: Laurence, John. The Cat from Hue. registration. Public Affairs. 2001. 1586481606. 723.