Faced with increasing attacks, US Commander Westmoreland shifts tactics. His aim? To force the Vietnamese into a traditional battle where American firepower dominates. Operation Starlight marks the first major offensive. #VietnamWar #Westmoreland #OperationStarlight #MilitaryHistory #USHistory | War Stories

It's #MarineMonday! Today, we highlight Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. USMC (Retired). On December 18, 1965, while serving in Vietnam as an artillery forward observer with Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Barnum took command of his company after his company commander and radio operator were taken out of the fight. While under heavy enemy fire, he evacuated the wounded and led a counterattack. For his heroic actions, Barnum was awarded the nation's h

136K views · 15 reactions | On this day in 1965, Operation Starlite came to an end. It was the first regimental-sized battle of the Vietnam War. Fifty-four American lives were lost in the week-long battle. Before Starlite, the enemy had no appreciation of how the Marines could apply power from the sea. After Starlite, they never again positioned another large unit near the coast. Semper Fidelis, Marines. | U.S. Marine Corps | Facebook