Objective: to support the pacification of the peninsula by clearing out VC forces and converting the Communist stronghold into an area of government control

Description: In this operation, the U.S. forces helped to round up VC forces. They relocated civilians to tents where they were screened for VC cadres, and then returned home. CORDS and the government approved these actions because the civilians would be returned to their homes in about a month. When the operation began, the USMC battalions landed on the peninsula while Task Force Cooksey from the 23d Division blocked the southern boundary. During the time of the operation, Army engineers destroyed more than 13,000 yards of underground passages and hiding places along with all the houses in the area of operation. The 23d Division claimed it identified 256 memebers of the Viet Cong Infastructure, though some reports place the number as low as 50. The civilians were not allowed to rebuild on their original home sites, but were moved to new settlements south of the peninsula. It was not untl 1971 when security improved enough to allow the refugees to return home. This operation mainly succeeded in alienating the people. There were no lasting military gains. The area remained insecure and the VC continued to assert a major influence on the people. This operation was later followed by NANTUCKET BEACH.

Title: The Encyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History

Vietnam Center & Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive