Firebase Checkmate Explained

Firebase Checkmate
Type:Army
Built:1969
Used:1969-1975
Occupants:2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry
Battles:
Vietnam War

Firebase Checkmate (also known as Hill 342) is a former U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) firebase southwest of Huế in central Vietnam.

History

The base was established along Route 547 15 km southwest of Huế.[1]

The base was first established by the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry.

During the Easter Offensive in April 1972 as part of their attack on Huế, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) attacked the base. The ARVN abandoned the base on the night of 28 April, shortly after Firebase Bastogne fell to a PAVN assault. The base was recaptured by the ARVN in mid-May.

On 6 July 1972 a PAVN assault captured the base with more than 120 PAVN reported killed.[2]

Current use

The base has reverted to jungle.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Kelley, Michael. Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. 2002. 978-1555716257. 5–103.
  2. News: The New York Times. Showdown near at Quang Tri City. Sydney Schanberg. 7 July 1972. 1.