Operation Happy Valley

Operation Happy Valley - 1965 (Vietnam War 1955-1975).

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Operation Happy Valley was a search and clear operation in the Binh Dinh province.

An extract from the Counterinsurgency - Lessons Learned No.58 pdf linked below reads:

ENEMY SITUATION

In March 1965, an influx of VC into Vinh Thanh Valley began and with them came a large increase in frequency of terrorism. Forts, schools, churches, bridges, and other buildings were methodically burned, By Hay, VC domination was complete; the former village and hamlet leadership had been destroyed or discredited, and the population reorganized. Propaganda, recruiting, and food assessment teams were created and active. Because of the lack of GVN or US Army influence in the area, intelligence was minimal.

MISSION

Within the framework of the overall plan, the mission of the 1/5th Cavalry was to provide security for Batteries A and C, 77th Artillery, and Company B, 8th Engineers, during the construction and establishment of a US Special Forces camp; to pacify the valley through offensive military opera- tions, and to establish and conduct'psychological and civic action programs.

The main objective is to build the special operations base in An Khe which is represented by a 15-point objective. whilst doing that you need to secure the base and then pacify the valley and eliminate the Viet Cong. Elements of the 325th Viet Cong Infantry Division were active in the valley but they evaded contact and there were no major battles. However, you might play it differently. However, it’s not possible to reflect the search and destroy aspect, ie the hidden units and fog of war. (note, I could do something to near reflect that, random units that don’t appear until encountered, but that wouldn't give the Viet Cong much to do if you didn't encounter them). I prefer to advise that both sides plot movement based on a reasonable premise, and then carry that and if they encounter each other then combat occurs. Of course, the Viet Cong plan could be to attack An Kke.

The scenario also include air transport elements to air lift air mobile units off the map.

The artillery is airmobile for deployment but placed with the intention that its a static position in the An Khe fort, and as such it has been given extend range to offer fire support where required.

There is also air support.

However, all in all, a difficult 'game' to play and really more of a graphicaly representation of the operation.

Note, the lessons learned document makes for a great read to put these types of operations into perspective. ie, the area was controlled by the Viet Cong and so the United States placed an base there to restore South Vietnamese authority to the area. No doubt, if they had left then the Viet Cong would have just come straight back.

James H Willbanks book Vietnam War Almanac on page 140 notes that the operation reopened the Pleiku-An Khe highway, as shown and destroyed a 50 bed enemy hospital that was equipped with US medical supplies.

see Counterinsurgency - Lessons Learned No.58

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