Key Facts
- Date
- 23–24 February 1966
- Operation
- Operation Rolling Stone
- Distance from Bien Hoa airbase
- 30 km north-west
- Road completed
- 2 March 1966
- Attacking force size
- Regimental-sized Viet Cong unit
Strategic Narrative Overview
On the night of 23–24 February 1966, a regimental-sized Viet Cong force launched a night assault against positions held by the US 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and the attached Australian battalion. The attackers were met with massed firepower from artillery and tanks, which inflicted heavy casualties and forced the Viet Cong to withdraw before morning. Neither side pursued after the battle.
01 / The Origins
In early 1966, American forces launched Operation Rolling Stone to protect military engineers constructing a road of tactical importance near Tan Binh in central Binh Duong Province, roughly 30 kilometres north-west of Bien Hoa airbase. The road's strategic value made it a target for Viet Cong interference, and US forces were reinforced by Australia's 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, attached for the operation.
03 / The Outcome
Following the repulse of the night assault, Allied forces focused on securing the battlefield and evacuating their casualties rather than pursuing the Viet Cong. Subsequent Viet Cong harassment through sniper fire and mortars proved ineffective in disrupting engineer work. The road was completed on 2 March 1966, fulfilling the operational objective of Operation Rolling Stone.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
3 belligerents
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.