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This rescue mission is featured in "Privileges of War", a book by Thomas Ross, former Special Forces Intelligence Officer. CBS News filmed the video shown here in August of 1968. On August 4, 1968, my 19th birthday, I was privileged to participate in the mission. Under the direction of then Lt. Tom Ross, members of the 281st AHC, US Air Force PsyOps aircraft, the CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defense Forces), and Special Forces Detachment A-502, swept in and rescued Montagnard villagers who had been held as slaves. They were forced by the Viet Cong to grow corn for eight years. The villagers were starving and in poor health. The video shows the final day and small portion of the operation as we picked up the last stragglers. An article about the mission also appeared in the August 1968 issue of the Green Beret Magazine. It can be read in its entirety on this site. Any members of the 281st who would like a CD of this presentation, please let me know.
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Rescue in the "Valley of the Tigers" (please turn your volume up) |
