Landing Zone Brace

Landing Zone Brace (also known as LZ Brace) is a former U.S. Army landing zone west of Kontum in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Landing Zone Brace
Coordinates14.345°N 107.605°E / 14.345; 107.605 (Landing Zone Brace)
Site history
Built1969
In use1969
Battles/wars
Vietnam War
Garrison information
Occupants3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry

History

The landing zone was established on the afternoon of 3 March 1969 by Company A of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry during Operation Wayne Grey an operation against the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 24th and 66th Regiments in the Plei Trap Valley[1][2] and was located approximately 44 km west of Kontum.[3]

On establishing their perimeter at the LZ a patrol was sent out which encountered and pursued 2 PAVN soldiers. The patrol was soon engaged by a PAVN force (later estimated as being of Battalion strength) and was reinforced by a platoon and then the entire Company. After an extended firefight the Company formed a night perimeter which was defended by artillery and gunships. On the morning of 4 March a patrol was sent out to locate missing personnel and was again engaged by the PAVN and forced back to the night perimeter which was then attacked by the PAVN. Company B 3/8 Infantry was sent to combat assault to support Company A, but encountered heavy PAVN fire at their intended landing zone and was forced to deploy to another landing zone, meanwhile Company A was forced to retreat to another firebase. Company A lost 21 killed in the engagement at LZ Brace. On 6 March Companies B and C 3/8 Infantry assaulted LZ Brace and with artillery and air support succeeded in capturing the hill.[2]

On 16 March 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery moved to LZ Brace.[1]:366

Current use

The landing zone has reverted to jungle.

References
  1. Carey, Ronald (2004). The War Above the Trees. Trafford Publishing. p. 351. ISBN 9781412035033.
  2. "Combat Operations After Action Report for Operation Wayne Grey" (PDF). Department of the Army. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  3. Kelley, Michael (2002). Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. pp. 5–66. ISBN 978-1555716257.
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