About this Unit
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.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Designation: The 196th Infantry Brigade, also known as the "Chargers," was activated in September 1965 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, specifically for service in the Vietnam War.
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Deployment to Vietnam: The unit deployed to Vietnam in July 1966, initially operating as a separate brigade before joining larger formations.
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Part of Operation Attleboro: The 196th Infantry Brigade played a significant role in Operation Attleboro in late 1966, one of the largest search and destroy missions of the war, uncovering major Viet Cong supply caches.
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Americal Division Assignment: In September 1967, the 196th became part of the reactivated 23rd Infantry Division (Americal), alongside the 11th and 198th Infantry Brigades.
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Battle of Kham Duc: Elements of the 196th fought in the intense Battle of Kham Duc in May 1968, helping evacuate the besieged Special Forces camp under heavy enemy attack.
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Engagement in Tet Offensive: The brigade was actively engaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive, repelling enemy attacks and conducting counteroffensive operations.
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Decorations and Honors: The 196th Infantry Brigade earned numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award, for extraordinary heroism in combat.
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Notable Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from the 196th received the Medal of Honor for their valor, including SPC4 Thomas W. Bennett, a combat medic who sacrificed his life aiding wounded comrades.
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Longevity in Vietnam: The 196th was one of the last combat infantry brigades to leave Vietnam, remaining until June 1972, long after many other U.S. combat units had redeployed.
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Legacy and Reassignment: After Vietnam, the brigade was inactivated in 1972, but later reactivated in Hawaii. Today, the 196th Infantry Brigade serves as a training and readiness unit in the U.S. Army Pacific.
