About this Unit
Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division (B Co. 3/47th, 9th Inf) served prominently during the Vietnam War. Activated as part of the U.S. Army’s efforts to bolster its riverine and ground operations, the unit was deployed to the Mekong Delta, where it engaged in a range of combat and pacification missions from 1967 to 1970. The company participated in major operations such as Operation Coronado and Operation Giant Slingshot, working closely with the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Riverine Force. Known for its adaptability and resilience, B Co. 3/47th earned commendations for its actions under fire and its contributions to inter-service cooperation in challenging environments.
Historical Facts
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Vietnam War Service: B Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment (B Co, 3/47th), part of the 9th Infantry Division, was activated for service in the Vietnam War and played a crucial role in the Mekong Delta region.
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Mobile Riverine Force: The 3/47th Infantry was among the units assigned to the unique joint Army-Navy Mobile Riverine Force, conducting operations from boats and landing craft along rivers and canals.
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Operation Coronado Series: B Company participated in several major operations, including the Coronado series, which targeted Viet Cong strongholds and disrupted enemy supply lines in the dense Mekong Delta.
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Mekong Delta Challenges: Soldiers often operated in flooded rice paddies, dense jungles, and hostile villages, facing booby traps, snipers, and difficult terrain that required innovative tactics.
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Waterborne Assaults: B Co. regularly conducted waterborne assaults using Armored Troop Carriers (ATCs), assaulting enemy positions directly from rivercraft, a rare tactic among U.S. infantry.
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Valor and Decorations: Members of B Company earned numerous medals for bravery, including Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts for actions under fire.
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Notable Engagements: The company saw heavy combat during the Tet Offensive of 1968, helping to repel major enemy attacks and secure key towns and installations.
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Brotherhood and Camaraderie: Veterans of B Co, 3/47th maintain strong bonds, often holding reunions to remember their shared experiences and honor fallen comrades.
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Casualty Rates: The unit faced significant casualties, reflecting the intensity of fighting in the Delta and the dangerous nature of riverine operations.
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Legacy and Remembrance: Today, B Co, 3/47th's service is commemorated through websites, memorials, and veteran organizations, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.