About this Unit
Cov Div 12, stationed in Da Nang, was a covert military division active during the Vietnam War. Formed in the late 1960s, its primary mission involved intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and special operations against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army units in the central coastal region of Vietnam. The unit worked closely with both American and South Vietnamese forces, often conducting deep penetration missions behind enemy lines. Cov Div 12 gained a reputation for its effectiveness in disrupting enemy supply routes and providing actionable intelligence for allied operations in and around Da Nang.
Historical Facts
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Cov Div 12, DaNang: This designation commonly refers to the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) 12th Division, which was stationed in and around the Da Nang area during the Vietnam War.
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Strategic Coastal Defense: Cov Div 12 played a crucial role in defending Da Nang, one of South Vietnam’s most vital port cities and airbases, against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong attacks.
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US Advisory Support: The division worked closely with U.S. military advisers, who provided training, intelligence, and logistical support to enhance their combat effectiveness.
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Tet Offensive 1968: During the Tet Offensive, elements of Cov Div 12 engaged in fierce urban combat to repel Viet Cong attacks on Da Nang, helping to secure the city at a critical moment.
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Operation Lam Son 719: Although not the lead unit, Cov Div 12 provided rear-area security and support during this major incursion into Laos in 1971, aimed at disrupting the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
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Humanitarian Efforts: In addition to combat, the division undertook civic action programs, providing medical care and building infrastructure in rural communities around Da Nang.
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Mixed Composition: The division was composed of both regular ARVN troops and local forces, giving it unique insight and operational flexibility within the Quang Nam–Da Nang region.
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Evacuation Operations: As North Vietnamese forces advanced in 1975, Cov Div 12 was involved in the chaotic defense and evacuation of Da Nang, one of the war’s most dramatic moments.
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Decorations and Honors: Units within Cov Div 12 received several commendations from both the South Vietnamese and U.S. governments for bravery under fire and gallant action.
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Legacy: Many veterans of Cov Div 12 settled overseas after the fall of South Vietnam, and today they remain active in diaspora communities, commemorating their service and sacrifices.
