CAPTURE OF BASE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30635, 29 December 1964, Page 9

CAPTURE OF BASE

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

SAIGON, December 28.

Government troops, after a 24-hour battle, today captured a major Communist base from 1000 guerrillas south of Saigon, American officials announced.

Captured documents indicated the base was the Viet Cong zone headquarters for the whole of western South Vietnam, officials said. They said a “record” haul of weapons had been taken in what they called a “great Government victory.”

The battle took place in a horse-shoe-shaped position 10 miles from the American Soc Trang helicopter base. Two South Vietnam ranger battalions supported by rocket-firing American helicopters launched the fighting yesterday morning. More than 65 guerrillas were killed and many wounded.

First reports said five Government soldiers had died and 14 were missing. Eight Americans were wounded and one United States helicopter shot down.

Weapon Haul Weapons seized included one 57m.m. and two 74m.m. recoilless cannons, three 60m.m. mortars, and five antiaircraft machine guns. The bodies of at least 67 guerrillas were counted after the Communists had retreated. Government losses numbered 11 dead and 42 wounded, officials said. Lieutenant-Colonel James Lee, an American military adviser, said the Government forces made “one of the most courageous attacks I've ever seen.” Nine other Americans were reported wounded in other actions in the Mekong Delta yesterday. The attack began when Government troops called for

reinforcements after exchanging fire with the guerrillas. Thirty - six helicopters, armed with rockets and heavy machine guns, dropped on top of the Viet Cong position. They discharged two battalions in seven waves. Air Force planes poured bombs and cannon fire into the area. About 650 Government troops took part. Viet Cong strength was estimated at two battalions under the command of a majorgeneral. It was not known whether he was among the dead. Were Massing Government troops were still recovering bodies today as sporadic fighting continued. The heavy Communist casualties were attributed partly to a new type of fuse to the Government's bombs. These burst in the air and scatter shrapnel over a wide area. Vietnamese officers speculated that the Communists had been massing for an attack and were caught off guard.