Fall of I Corps

President Thieu orders his commanders to move two divisions to the Saigon area, and to begin further withdrawals south. I Corps is defended by three South Vietnamese army divisions, a marine division, an armor brigade, and three ranger regiments. Highway 1 becomes choked with refugees, complicating troop movements. Five North Vietnamese divisions, with multiple armor, sapper, artillery, and anti-aircraft regiments in support, press east. They cut Highway 1 and force a South Vietnamese withdrawal toward coastal pockets at Da Nang, Chu Lai, and Hue. With a lack of government support, collapsing troop morale, and masses of refugees, I Corps falls under North Vietnamese control.¹