Battle of Kontum

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

The Battle of Kontum

January 30 - February 12

1968

At the end of January, 1968, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese launched an offensive throughout the entire country of South Vietnam.
Every major city and every Provincial Capital was attacked.

The attack on Kontum, the capital of Kontum Province, was initially stopped
by elements of the South Vietnamese Army, who prevented the enemy
from taking complete control of the city.
However, during the attack, enemy forces managed to occupy large areas of the city
and some of the outlying territory.
The US Army force responsible for this area of operations was the 4th Infantry Division. Several units of the Division were tasked with clearing the enemy out of the city
and pursuing him into the countryside.
The Commander of 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry was placed in charge of the operation
and was directed to assume command of all 4th Infantry Division forces in the area.

The ensuing 14 day battle became known as the Battle of Kontum.

Soldiers of the 1/22 Infantry return fire during the battle of Kontum.

The 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry was awarded the Valorous Unit Citation for its actions
in the defense of the Provincial Capital of Kontum, during the Tet Offensive of 1968.

The following extracts are taken from:

Combat Operations After Action Report (RCS: MACV J3-32)

Declassified February 26, 1999

THE BATTLE OF KONTUM:

Background, Operational Planning & Deployment

Operations - Phase I & Phase II

Operations - Phase III

Fire Support - Artillery & Air Support

Newspaper articles & photos of the Battle

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