The 720th MP Battalion ~ Tactical Area Of Responsibility
11 September 1967 through 25 July 1970

TAOR Overflight Photographs - The first row of photographs were taken during 1968 through 1970. The second row were taken by satellite sometime in 2006.

TAOR-north 1968	An Xuan-west/central 1969	Rabbit Ears-north 1969	Rabbit Ears-northeast 1969
			Rabbit Ears 2006

TAOR Overflight Photographs - The first row of photographs were taken during 1968 through 1970. The second row were taken by satellite sometime in 2006.

TAOR-north/west 1969	TAOR-Hill-15 1969	Dong Nai River Bridge 1968	Do you have any Overflight photos, if so please, notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.
The Islands 2006	Hill-15 2006	Dong Nai River Bridge 2006	The Finger of Land 2006

Other TAOR Landmarks - The first row of photographs were taken during 1968 through 1970. The second row were taken by satellite sometime in 2006.

Gate-11 1969	The Tank 1968	French Fort 1967	Steel Bridge 1969	Outpost-1 1968	Outpost-2 1968	Outpost-3 1968	Outpost-4 1968
Gate-11 2006			Steel Bridge 2006	Outpost-1 2006	Outpost-2 2006	Outpost-3 2006	Outpost-4 2006

1967	It all began with USARV

Sometime in early to mid 1967 The United States Army Republic of Vietnam (USARV) Headquarters was moved from Saigon to Long Binh Post. Shortly thereafter the 18th Military Police Brigade delegated to the 720th MP Battalion the responsibility of securing a Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR) bordering the southern perimeter of Long Binh Post.

The two principal reasons for the assignment was to provide a security zone for the southern perimeter of Long Binh Post (Highway #317), and the approach to Bien Hoa.

The TAOR was a portion of the area bordering Long Binh Post that had previously been under the operational control of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

199th

North- The TAOR was bordered by Highway #317, separating it from the southern perimeter of Long Binh Post.

South- The TAOR was bordered by the Dong Nai River and the Buong River that formed an intersection refered to as "The Boot." The 9th Infantry Division was responsible for for operations in the entire area from Highway QL-15, southwest along the Buong River to the Dong Nai River. In 1968 when the 9th Infantry Division started moving its operations to the Mekong Delta, the Black Panther Division of the Royal Thi Army would assume operational control.

9th

East- by Highway OL-15. The southern border was the Buong River. Where Highway QL-15 crossed the river there was a MACV ARVN outpost that guarded the village of Phuoc Cang and the Highway QL-15 bridge over the river.

Military Assistance Command Vietnam

West- By the Dong Nai River or Song (river) Dong Nai. On the west side of the river was the 1st Infantry Division area of operations. The northern border was Highway 317 that ran east to west and separated the TAOR from the southern perimeter of Long Binh Post.

1st

The mission became historically significant to the United States Army and the Military Police Corps because it was the first time in the history of the United States Armed Forces that a Military Police Battalion was tasked with an infantry mission.

The assignment was designated as Operation STABILIZE, and would last from 11 September 1967 through 25 July 1970.

Under the initial plan of “Operation STABILIZE,” the 22 square mile area containing four principal villages and approximately 5,000 inhabitants became the joint responsibility of the 720th MP Battalion’s three organic companies along with the 615th MP Company, subordinate to the Battalion until 10 February 1968.

To accomplish the infantry mission the Battalion was required to conduct several types of operations that historically, were not a normal function of a Military Police Battalion. The mission also created a logistical problem in that the TO&E of an MP Battalion at that time lacked the necessary authorization for the (official) acquisition of needed training, weapons, and equipment to staff a functional infantry company.

The new Battalion responsibilities were; ambush and reconnaissance patrols; cordon and search operations; village outpost duty; river patrol transport and security and civic action programs. The four principle villages with the TAOR, in order of size and population were, An Hoa Hung, Long Binh Tan, Long Hung, and An Xuan.

NVA

VC

The primary enemy command that exercised control of the Viet Cong units operating in the Tactical Area Of Responsibility was the D445 Viet Cong Battalion.

To get the Battalion started, selected members of A, B and C companies, and the 615th MP Company, were given crash training in ambush and reconnaissance tactics by the 5th Special Forces Group, A Company, Camp-3, in Bien Hoa.

5th

Another primary objective in support of the operations was to get the people to believe in and support their own government. To demonstrate to the villagers through the civic action programs and increased security, that their government was concerned with their welfare.

The final goal of the operation was to make the area secure enough for the Vietnamese National Police (Canh Sat) and local Popular Forces (PF) militia units to eventually take the reins of control from the MP's. Towards this end “precinct” police stations were to be established.

To make the mission a success the 720th MP Battalion first had to effectively disrupt and eliminate the long existing Viet Cong infrastructure within the villages of the Tactical Area of Responsibility, which in turn would eliminate the close-in-strike capability against Long Binh Post, and relieve the local villagers of the burden of enemy forced conscription and paying Viet Cong war taxes.

As long as the Viet Cong infrastructure remained in place the civic action programs to improve the lives of the villagers and their confidence in their government would be doomed to failure and the lives of the MP's working in the TAOR placed in serious jeopardy.

11 September The Battalion took the first step to accomplish that goal in the TAOR with a multiple force search and destroy cordon operation called Operation CORRAL.

The 72 hour cordon and search operation of the four primary villages within the TAOR would become the first phase of Operation STABILIZE. The operation was conducted by the 720th MP Battalion, 615th MP Company, with assistance from, 2nd Battalion of the 39th Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, 9th MP Company, Vietnamese National Police Field Forces (NPFF), and the local village Regional Forces/Popular Forces militia. All the primary villages within the TAOR were thoroughly cordoned off and searched.

Clearing the "Finger of Land," (see 615th AO map link above) situated (at its closest point) just several hundred yards from the southeastern perimeter of Long Binh Post, was a heavily wooded ridge line that ran west for approximately 2 kilcks (2,000 meters) from Highway QL-15 towards the Rach Bien River. The local Viet Cong used the cover of the wooded ridge line to mortar the post on a regular basis. To eliminate this threat the area was assigned for clearing.

The engineers with members of the 615th MP Company serving as equiptment escort and site security, bulldozed the ridge of all vegetative cover and left only a narrow dirt roadway along half of the top that connected with Highway QL15.

The exact dates of the clearing operation (sometime in the fall of 1967) are unknown. Sketchy information identifies the Engineer unit as elements of the newly arrived 20th Engineer Brigade, headquartered at Long Binh Post, August of 1967. If you can identify the dates and verify the Engineer unit(s) assigned to the clearing operation, please contact the History Project Manager via this Email Link.

In the years following Operation CORRAL additional cordon and search operations of the villages would continue to root out and weaken the Viet Cong infrastructure in the villages

The four existing Popular Forces village outpost in An Hoa Hung, Long Hung, Long Binh Tan, and An Xuan were jointly staffed with MP's and structurally improved for added security. Initial staffing of the northern most outpost, An Hoa Hung and Long Binh Tan were the responsibility of C and A Company, respectively. The two southern outpost, Long Hung and An Xuan were staffed by B Company.

The added MP manpower, firepower, and communications enhancement would greatly improve the security of the villages and limit the daily enemy influence on the populace and economic structure. The MP's and PF's at the outpost's were a ready reaction force within the TAOR when needed.

Civic Action Program (CAP) assessments were evaluated, prioritized and coordinated with the local village and district government to improve the quality of life and educational needs of the villages. The CAP projects strengthened the status and influence of the South Vietnamese government, both local and national.

A combined River Patrol Unit, Ambush and Recon, and MP motorized Civic Action Patrols were formed and equipped. All three organic companies and the 615th MP Company shared in the assignments.

The motorized jeep patrols would provide a daily emergency service to the local villagers and act as a constant reminder of the new area security.

The river and ambush patrols went into the surrounding countryside and forced the local enemy forces to abandon their oppressive control of the area. They limited the Viet Cong abilities to transport weapons and forces, collect war taxes, harass the village government and press local men into forced service.

Operation STABILIZE also expanded the function of the 212th MP Company mission from that of a physical security Sentry Dog mission to adding a Scout Dog Unit to their Long Binh Post detachment to assist the 720th Ambush and Recon Patrols in the field.

29 November In the southeastern corner of the TAOR, a combined (A,B & C Company) Ambush Squad was approaching the flank of a Viet Cong force attacking the MACV Outpost at Phuoc Cang on Highway 315 when a 9th Infantry Division gun jeep proceeding north on the highway spotted movement and opened fire on the ambush squad resulting in the death of SGT Ward G. "Pop" Walter of C Company.

6 June A Viet Cong land mine planed on a dirt trail on the Finger of Land in the north eastern section of the TAOR resulted in the destruction of a Company motorized jeep patrol and the deaths of SFC Frank "Pappy" A. Condon and SP/4 Lewis R. Lovell, Jr.

12 June During the construction phase of Freedom Bridge, the only avenue providing land access to Outpost #1 and An Xuan Village, a Viet Cong land mine disabled an Engineer Company 3/4 ton dump truck and wounded its driver.

26 June To improve organizational and operational control of the mission the task of Operation STABILIZE was reorganized under a single company concept and delegated entirely to the MP's of B Company. They would draw on the other organic companies for support when needed.

22 September Combined B Company Ambush Squads conducted a search for a Viet Cong Base Camp on information provided by the local fisherman. The unoccupied camp was located on the bank of the Dong Nai River just a few hundred yards south west of An Xuan Village.

October A request for defoliation of several heavily wooded and jungle areas within the Battalion Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR), particularly those areas bordering rivers and streams, was forwarded to higher authority for approval.

1 October A Viet Cong land mine in the roadway between Outpost #1 (An Xuan, and Outpost #2 Long Hung, caused the death of PFC Robert Alicia and severely disabled PFC James Brunotte, both members of B Company.

When needed, the Battalion was able to obtain operational control of infantry assets to utilize to support specific Battalion operations, or to use as a ready reaction force within the TAOR.

11 December to 16 December Increased enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the 720th receiving operational control of B Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

21 December 1968 to 8 January Intelligence on increased enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of A and D Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division.

82nd

1969	Post Tet Offensive attack on Long Binh Post is defeated in the TAOR

January The River Patrol Unit continued to be headquartered under the Dong Nai River Bridge until late December 1968 or early January 1969. During that time the units operations were moved to a floating converted 40’ by 12’ barge called the "Houseboat" that was anchored out in the river just southeast of the Dong Nai Bridge. The barge was provided by the 458th U.S. Army Transportation Company (PBR) and included a sleeping quarters, maintenance area, and tactical operations room. The 458th was a transportation unit attached subordinate to the 18th MP Brigade and wore the 18 MP Brigade patch.

Ground transportation of boat crews during shift change was accessible when the docks were under the bridge, with the floating dock the crews utilized the old "French Pier." located north of the bridge at the Cogido Docks and Barge site.

17 January to 19 January Increased enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of A Company, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

22 February to 4 March Increased enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of C Company, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

23 February Once again the 720th MP Battalion would make its mark in Military Police Corps history when the Battalion and specifically B Company, would be severely tested during the Post Tet Offensive attack that targeted the southern perimeter of Long Binh Post.

During the attack by elements of the 5th North Vietnamese Army Division, the 720th MP Battalion would become the first MP Battalion to ever have infantry, armor and artillery under their operation control in support of B Company MP ambush and recon squads in the field fighting as infantry. The 720th MP Battalion prevailed in the night long battle and crushed the NVA assault.

In the morning the Battalion was joined by elements of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in a sweep of the battle field. Over 113 NVA dead were carried from the field with B Company suffering only seven wounded.

11th

February through April The herbicide spraying program request submitted in October 1968 was approved and initiated in the TAOR. The primary area targeted was the Buong River banks and primary stream junctions along the southeastern border. The tree and jungle shrouded stream junctions were the route used by the NVA to enter the TAOR during the 23 February 1969 Post Tet attack on Long Binh Post. The spraying was conducted by US Naval vessels adapted for that use and their on board security provided by members of the B Company Ambush teams.

23 February to 7 March Continued enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of B and D Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade, and elements of B Troop 1st Battalion 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

4 March to 21 March The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

10 March to 20 March The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of elements of E Troop, 2nd Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

20 March to 27 March The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of elements of G Troop, 2nd Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

21 March to 2 April The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

29 March A Viet Cong antipersonnel mine was tripped by members of a B Company Ambush Team as they were leaving Hill-15. The explosion resulted in the death of SSG Richard E. Slaven and the serious wounding of SP/4 Robert Cressman, PFC Larry W. Holton, and the PF Interpreter CPL Lee Van Muon.

Spring Two new "remote" outposts (officially referred to as fortified command post) would be established, one on the Finger of Land in the north eastern sector, and one on Hill-15 in the southeastern sector.

2 April to 21 April The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of B Company, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

9 May to 11 May The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of C Company, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

11 May to 15 May Increased enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of B Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

12 May B Company Ambush Team discovered and destroyed a Viet Cong booby trap consisting of a Rocket Propelled Grenade [RPG] round and a pressure plate. Also that night a Vietnamese civilian was wounded by another booby trap near An Xuan Village.

15 May to 31 May The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of C Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

12 July to 16 July The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of B Company, 4rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

29 July to 31 July The continued threat of enemy activity within the TAOR resulted in the Battalion receiving operational control of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

2 August, All Outpost Missions In The TAOR Terminated B Company abandoned the two fortified command post, on Hill-15 and the Finger of Land, both were built in the spring of 1969. The fortifications at both locations were destroyed. The Village Outpost's staffed from late 1967, #1 An Xuan, #2 Long Hung, #3 An Hoa Hung, and #4 Long Binh Tan, were turned over to the local Popular Forces. All B Company personnel withdrawn from the facilities were committed to increased reconnaissance and ambush missions within the Tactical Area of Responsibility.

1970	Vietnamization ends Operation STABILIZE

25 July A result of the Vietnamization Program, Operation STABILIZE came to an end when all B Company missions in the Tactical Area of Responsibility were turned over to the Army of The Republic of South Vietnam and the 25th Infantry Division.

25th

Under the 720th MP Battalion the combined combat and pacification program that was part of Operation STABILIZE for three years would be instrumental in changing the course of Military Police Corps history, training, and future missions for the next four decades.