joseph rich

The 196th Infantry Brigade, known as the "Chargers," was activated in September 1965 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and deployed to Vietnam in July 1966. Initially operating independently, the brigade conducted combat operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone, focusing on areas around Da Nang and Chu Lai. In September 1967, the 196th became part of the newly formed Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division), participating in major campaigns such as Operation Wheeler/Wallowa and the Tet Offensive. The brigade earned a reputation for aggressive patrolling and effective counterinsurgency before returning to the United States in 1972.