Special Forces-CIDG Camp Overrun By Viet Cong

A U.S. Special Forces and Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) camp in the A Shau Valley near South Vietnam’s border with Laos is overrun by Viet Cong troops after coming under heavy mortar fire. The camp consists of approximately 280 men, most of whom are South Vietnamese civilian fighters, supported by ten U.S. Special Forces personnel. The battle highlights the immediate need for more effective mobile reaction forces to reinforce isolated CIDG and Special Forces camps near the DMZ. U.S. commanders authorize greater use of these mobile forces in June.¹