Firebase Cunningham
Firebase Cunningham (also known as FSB 2, FSB Cutlass or Hill 672) is a former U.S. Marine Corps firebase southwest of Đông Hà, Quang Tri Province in central Vietnam.
| Firebase Cunningham | |
|---|---|
 UH-1Es at Firebase Cunningham during Operation Dewey Canyon | |
| Coordinates | 16.4°N 107.04°E |
| Type | Marines |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1969 |
| In use | 1969 |
| Battles/wars |  Vietnam War |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines |
History
The base was established overlooking the Đa Krông Valley 38 km southeast of Vandegrift Combat Base 1 km north of Route 922.[1] The base was named after Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine Corps aviator.[2]
The base was established on 25 January 1969 by the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines in support of Operation Dewey Canyon. Over the next 5 days the Regiment command post and five artillery batteries from 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines moved to Cunningham.[2]:31 On 2 February the base was hit by 30-40 rounds of People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 122mm artillery fire resulting in 5 Marines killed.[2]:34 On the early morning of 17 February PAVN sappers attacked the base resulting in 4 Marines and 37 PAVN killed.[2]:39 From 10 March the Marine units began withdrawing back to Vandegrift and by 18 March Cunningham was closed.[2]:49–50
Current use
The base has reverted to jungle.
References
- Kelley, Michael (2002). Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. pp. 5–126. ISBN 978-1555716257.
- Smith, Charles (1988). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: High Mobility and Standdown 1969. History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. p. 31. ISBN 978-1494287627.