Operation Masher, White Wing
Pursuit toward Kim Son (Crows feet)
Feb, 1966

In response to reports of increased enemy activity and ammonia sniffer indications of significant occupation in several concentrated locations, Special Forces teams from Project B-52 Delta were inserted into the Kim Son vicinity in the jungle and mountainous regions of the Vietnamese Coastal plains. These insertions were in advance of planned sweeps by elements of the First Cav taking advantage of their mobility and support. Contact with the SF units was lost almost immediately after their insertion and they were assumed to be overwhelmed and destroyed. Clearly the region was more thoroughly occupied then initially predicted. Initial insertion by the Cav units was delayed by two days due to adverse weather. This was the first time in the war that major operations were significantly impacted by weather. This allowed the NVA/ VC to abandoned numerous fortified camps and establish both delaying actions and deliberate planned engagements that favored their forces. The Main force US elements became engaged in a sweep and pursuit operation that was intense and challenging. Frequent, sharp, small unit, encounters occurred within the Kim Son area and throughout the operation. The 2nd Battalion of the 5th Cavalry inserted each of their companies with two days rations to screen and block main exit avenues and the bulk of intense action was absorbed by these units. The remaining units drove the enemy forces toward these blocking forces. Their flexibility and mobility proved highly effective in confusing and canalizing the enemy but at great cost. Due to the terrain the blocking companies had to conduct a mobile rather than a stationary defense in many cases and develop the situation whenever possible using the Divisions Air assets.

The VC/ NVA utilized mortars, recoilless rifles and Anti Aircraft batteries to great effect. The confirmed enemy units encountered included the heavy weapons battalion of the 18th NVA Regiment, A captured NVA Colonel revealed the presence of the Headquarters element of the 22nd NVA Regiment. In addition three provisional VC units were confirmed involved in the operation. The engagement included multiple assaults on enemy strongholds and a number of intense multi wave assaults by NVA elements on Cav. defensive positions. Ultimately the only way to secure the area was through the use of numerous Arc Light B52 raids which finally drove the enemy from the field.

Registration fee:$60
Registration opens Jan 12, 2009 - 1200 hrs.
Where: Private land outside Washington, LA (detailed maps will be provided to registrants)

Battlesim Recondo Cadre will comprise the event Staff. Participants will be learning from and operating with Veteran LRRP or Ranger troops with real world combat experience from Vietnam through Afghanistan. Don't miss your chance to meet and learn from some of the best the military has to offfer.

Extremely limited gear and equipment rental, you must e-mail directly to request gear and be specific as to what you require.

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

Please put "gear rental" in the subject line.

Cool some info on the 2BN 5Cav:
The 5th Cavalry Regiment began over a century ago, organizing on 28 May 1855 as the 2nd United States Cavalry Regiment at Louisville, Kentucky. A few months later on 27 September 1855, under the command of Colonel Albert S. Johnston, the Regiment marched west to Texas to fight in its first Indian Campaign, which took place in Texas. Later on, LTC Robert E. Lee succeeded Colonel Johnston as the Commander. The Regiment fought in a total of thirteen Indian Campaigns, symbolized by the Arrow Head shaped Regimental Crest.

Early in 1861, the Regiment went to Carlisle Barracks Pennsylvania, where the officers and men loyal to the South left the Regiment to serve in the Confederacy. LTC Lee was replaced by LTC George C. Thomas. In the summer of 1861, the Regiment was re-designated the 5th United States Cavalry, the numerical designation it holds to this day. During the Civil War, the troopers of the 5th Cavalry made a charge at Gaine's Mill on 27 June 1862, saving the union artillery from annihilation. This battle is commemorated on the Regimental Crest by the black cross, the Cross-Moline, in the yellow field on the lower half of the crest.

At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the 5th Cavalry was ordered to Tampa, Florida and then embarked for Cuba. The Regiment's service in this war and later for the Puerto Rican Expedition is symbolized by the White Maltese cross in the black chief of the upper half of the Regimental Coat of Arms.

The 5th Cavalry returned to the United States in 1900. The Regiment served in the Philippine Islands and in Hawaii in 1903 and 1909 respectively. In 1913, the Regiment returned to the United States, where it stayed during World War I, patrolling the Mexican border. On 18 December 1922, The 5th Cavalry Regiment became part of the 1st Cavalry Division, and has served with this division ever since.

Having exchanged horses for vehicles in 1943, the men of the 5th Cavalry Regiment spent World War II in the jungles of the South Pacific. After the war, the Regiment was garrisoned in Japan. In July 1950, the Regiment was sent to Korea to serve with other United Nations forces. After one and a half years of combat, the Regiment returned to Japan in 1951.

The Regiment was once again reorganized in August 1963, as the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. The Regiment returned to Fort Benning Georgia in 1965, and then proceeded to the Republic of Vietnam as Air Cavalry. In Vietnam, it participated in twelve campaigns.