About this Unit
During the Tet Offensive in early 1968, Hill 55—located just southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam—served as a key U.S. Marine Corps outpost. The hill, also known as "Camp Muir," was manned primarily by elements of the 1st Marine Division. During the offensive, Hill 55 became a critical defensive position, repelling attacks by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong forces attempting to threaten Da Nang. Marines stationed on Hill 55 played a pivotal role in securing the area, helping to blunt the enemy’s advance and maintain control of a vital approach to the city.
Historical Facts
•
Strategic Location: Hill 55, also known as "Camp Muir," was a prominent terrain feature located about 16 km southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam. Its elevation and proximity to key routes made it a vital observation and artillery position for U.S. and ARVN forces.
•
Marine Base: The hill was established as a major U.S. Marine Corps fire support base in 1966, hosting artillery, infantry units, and support services throughout the Vietnam War.
•
Tet Offensive Role: During the Tet Offensive in 1968, Hill 55 served as a critical defense point for Da Nang, with Marines and ARVN forces repelling multiple coordinated attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong units.
•
Artillery Powerhouse: The base housed several batteries of 105mm and 155mm howitzers, providing essential artillery support during engagements in the Quang Nam province, including the defense of neighboring outposts and villages.
•
Nicknamed "The Gunfighters’ Nest": The hill earned this nickname due to its heavy concentration of artillery and machine guns, which provided overlapping fields of fire and strong protection against enemy assaults.
•
Frequent Attacks: Hill 55 was repeatedly targeted by mortar, sapper, and ground attacks. Its defenders endured intense combat, especially during the Tet Offensive, when enemy forces attempted to breach its perimeter as part of the broader assault on Da Nang.
•
Command and Control Hub: The hill served as the command post for several Marine units, including the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and later the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, making it a nerve center for operations in the area.
•
Medal of Honor Actions: Several acts of valor occurred on and around Hill 55, with Marines such as PFC Robert C. Burke earning the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during engagements linked to the Tet Offensive.
•
Helicopter Operations: Hill 55 was a key site for helicopter insertions and medevac missions, with its landing zones facilitating rapid troop movement and casualty evacuation during the height of the fighting.
•
Legacy and Memorials: After the war, Hill 55 became a site of remembrance for veterans who served there. Reunions and memorial visits have been organized, and its story is preserved in Marine Corps history and numerous personal memoirs.
