An unidentified U.S. soldier looks out over the perimeter of FSB Ripcord, July 15, 1970. (Christopher Jensen/Getty Images)
Episode 3275 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the battle at FSB Ripcord. The featured story is titled: Historian’s nearly two decade quest to piece together America’s last major offensive in Vietnam. The story appeared on the Army Times website and was submitted by Claire Barrett.
Barrett reported that: The Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord stands as one of the most intense and courageous chapters of the Vietnam War, showcasing the grit and sacrifice of the American soldiers who fought there. Historian James Smither uncovered the largely forgotten story after receiving a call in 2007 from veteran Jeffrey Wilcox, who insisted Ripcord was a battle few Americans truly understood. That conversation led Smither on a nearly twenty-year journey researching what became The End of the Rope: The Ripcord Campaign and American Disengagement in Vietnam.
From March to July 1970, soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division fought to regain control of the strategically vital A Shau Valley, a major North Vietnamese Army stronghold. Facing nearly 25,000 entrenched enemy troops, the Americans endured relentless attacks, difficult terrain, and constant danger. The men at Ripcord were also burdened by leadership rotations that placed inexperienced officers into combat during critical moments of the campaign.
Despite these obstacles, the soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery. Many were young draftees who never wanted war, yet they fought with determination to protect one another and complete impossible missions under horrific conditions. Even when under devastating rocket and ground assaults, they continued to hold their positions and support their fellow troops.
The battle became one of the deadliest engagements for American forces in Vietnam, costing 139 American lives. Heroes such as Lt. Col. Andre Lucas, later awarded the Medal of Honor, gave everything in the struggle. Though overlooked for decades, the story of FSB Ripcord remains a powerful testament to the courage, endurance, and brotherhood of the soldiers who fought there.
Listen to Episode 3275 and discover more about the battle at FSB Ripcord.
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