Operation Virginia Ridge

Part of Vietnam War

Date	2 May – 16 July 1969
Location	Quảng Trị Province, South Vietnam 16°51′N 106°50′E / 16.85°N 106.84°E / 16.85; 106.84
Result	U.S. victory

Belligerents

United States

Commanders and leaders

COL Lafond

Unknown

Strength

3rd Marine Regiment

27th Regiment
36th Regiment
33rd Sapper Battalion

Operation Virginia Ridge was a US Marine Corps operation that took place in northwest Quảng Trị Province, lasting from 2 May to 16 July 1969.

In early May 1969, U.S. reconnaissance detected that 2 People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) Regiments, the 27th and 36th were infiltrating through the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into the central section of Quảng Trị Province. The 3rd Marine Regiment was given the mission of engaging both Regiments, preventing any threat to Route 9 and protecting the rice harvest.

The operation began on 2 May 1969 with the 1st Battalion 3rd Marines landed by helicopter at Landing Zone Sparrow (16°52′05″N 106°55′59″E / 16.868°N 106.933°E / 16.868; 106.933), 8 km northwest of Cam Lộ Combat Base meeting light resistance. The 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines secured Firebase Fuller and Firebase Pete north of Elliot Combat Base and then swept towards the DMZ. The 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines secured Con Thien and the surrounding area. By 6 May 1/3 Marines had swept 3 km west of Landing Zone Sparrow along Mutter's Ridge. On the early morning of 10 May an estimated PAVN Platoon attacked Company D 1/4 Marines night defensive position killing 8 Marines and wounding 10 in just 10 minutes.

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