Just prior to the TET Offensive, the units of the 2nd Brigade
deployed north to I Corps to join the 1st Air Cavalry Division in
Operation Jeb Stuart. Initially landing and setting up at the PhuBai
airfield, the 2nd Brigade troopers started search operations
immediately and soon moved north to LZ Sally. At the outbreak of the
TET Offensive, 2nd Brigade troopers under the operational control of
the 1st Cav, shared the fighting in the battle of QuangTri and Hue,
killing 94 enemy who had tried to penetrate Screaming Eagle defenses.
During the following weeks the score of enemy killed and captured
mounted as 2nd Brigade troopers cleaned out resistance in numerous
villages between Hue and Quang Tri. The 1st Bn.,502nd Abn. Inf.
launched a road clearing operation along Highway 1 south of Quang
Tri. Villagers pinpointed as NVA battalion in an ambush site for the
troopers.
Calling in artillery and gunships, the "First Strike" paratroopers
blocked escape routes. As the NVA fled the bombardment, the
infantrymen ripped into the enemy with withering fire. When the
battle ended, 72 enemy bodies lay in front of the paratroopers'
positions.
With the offensive blunted near Saigon, the 1st Brigade was airlifted
to I Corps. In two weeks, the troopers had cleared the route
following Highway 547 to the A Shau Valley. A firebase, Birmingham,
was established 16 km from the NOVA stronghold, to support the driving
paratroopers, who continued to push westward through the mountains.
Enemy supply routes were cut, troop movements were interrupted, and
arms caches were uncovered by the onrushing troopers.
Operation Jeb Stuart ended with the TET lunar offensive
nullified. In 40 days of bitter fighting over 1000 of the
infiltrating and VC were killed. Battles along Highway 1 and the"
Street without Joy" became mourning grounds for the 812th NVA Regiment
and the 324th NVA Division.
