Radio Show Discussion: The Tip - Incident at Hiep Hoa
In the heart of the Vietnam War, Captain Mike Eiland served with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) from the spring of 1966. One of his most significant assignments was the reestablishment of a Special Forces camp at Hiep Hoa, a task that carried a heavy historical burden.
The camp, situated astride a main Viet Cong line of communication, had been overrun in November 1963, with four Americans captured. The previous camp's tragic fate weighed heavily on Eiland and his team, making their mission all the more crucial.
Eiland's experiences during the attack and subsequent events were significantly influenced by Master Sergeant Richard Pegram, his team sergeant. Pegram's advice and counsel proved invaluable in navigating the challenges they faced.
Eiland's initial deployment was to War Zone D, west of Saigon. Upon arriving at Hiep Hoa, they set about rebuilding the camp, unaware that the same Viet Cong Main Force regiment that had attacked the previous camp in 1963 would strike again.
On May 12, 1966, the camp was attacked. Eiland's team's living quarters were breached, but they managed to repel the attack, thanks in part to Pegram's leadership and the team's quick thinking.
The interview with Captain Mike Eiland and his wife, Chan, was conducted by the West Point Center for Oral History. The interview, which can be listened to in full, provides a gripping account of their experiences in Vietnam.
For those interested in learning more about Captain Eiland's story, subscribing to The Spear podcast is encouraged. The Spear podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, and other podcast platforms. Ratings and reviews can be left on these platforms to help spread the word about this captivating podcast.
The Green Beret officer who served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 and helped reestablish the Special Forces camp in Hiep Hoa was Captain Ray A. Davis. Davis's leadership and bravery were instrumental in the success of the mission.
The image credit for this article is from the Office of the Command Historian, US Army Special Operations Command. We encourage readers to reflect on the sacrifices made by men like Captain Eiland and Captain Davis, whose stories continue to inspire us today.
