Bitter Fighting On Mekong Delta

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30479, 29 June 1964, Page 13

Bitter Fighting On Mekong Delta

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SAIGON, June 27. Sixty-three men have been killed and 2 United States aircraft have been lost in two days of bitter fighting between the Communist Vietcong and American-advised Vietnam Government forces near Ap Tan Hoa, 60 miles south-west of Saigon.

Latest reports say the battle is still raging in the flooded Mekong River delta country. American officials said the action began after a Vietcong company, about 200 strong, was reported on June 25 to be moving near Ap Tan Hoa. Early yesterday morning, Government commando rangers units were moved by helicopter on to the flanks of the Communists, while local militia undertook a blocking movement from the front. Fighting broke out between Rangers and Vietcong on th? right, and continued through out the day. Two American aircraft, a T-28 fighter bomber and a close-support helicopter, wer? shot down by Vietcong ground fire. Two Americans were killed in the helicopter, and two were injured, one seriously.

The two-man crew of the bomber parachuted to safety. Government casualties, including the Americans, were 20 killed in action and 17 wounded, according to official reports. Thirty-two Vietcong were killed.