FSB Ripcord Quad 50 1970- photo by Jack Wilhite 2/506 The Vietnam War was coming to its bitter end for the US Army by 1970 and America was seeking a way out of the conflict The public back in the States was already dissatisfied with the war and there was a strong anti-war movement growing in the sixties. American President, Richard Nixon, started to covertly reduce the number of troops back in 1969, due to the public pressure. By 1970, many American positions were weakened by the cuts in troop numbers and its forces were stretched to their limits. The only full strength division left in Vietnam was the famous 101st Airborne. In an attempt to retake the initiative The 101st, under the command of General Ben Harrison, was given the lead on an operation codenamed “Texas Star”. The plan was to rebuild the abandoned Fire Support Base Ripcord in the A Shau Valley, this relied heavily on the helicopter, for support in the difficult terrain. The firebase was set on four hilltops and were to be used as outposts for the planned offensive by the Marines to search and destroy the NVA supply lines in the mountains overlooking the valley. The operation was held with as little press coverage as possible for it was happening during the time of the Cambodian incursion. This was a series of 13 major missions conducted covertly in Cambodia, this country was neutral , but Cambodian communists were helping North Vietnam with logistics and other types of support. It was also
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