Era IV: Hayes, Asente & Norman

One of the early operations following the reorganization after Op 2-66. Delta deployed to Dong Tre for over a month of reconnaissance in Binh Dinh Province, the same general area where the An Lao disaster had occurred less than a year earlier. The return demonstrated the unit's restored confidence. Details from the B-52 AAR would provide further specifics.

Nearly a month-long operation in the Central Highlands. Buon Blech was a Special Forces camp in Darlac Province. This was one of the longer Delta operations, suggesting sustained reconnaissance activity in a contested area near NVA infiltration routes from Cambodia. Details from the B-52 AAR would fill this out.

Very short two-day operation. Tay Ninh Province bordered Cambodia and was a major NVA/VC infiltration corridor into III Corps. The brevity suggests either a rapid-response mission or early termination due to contact or weather.

A Search and Rescue mission, outside Delta's normal reconnaissance role but within its broader mission set. The unit's ability to conduct SAR operations demonstrated its tactical flexibility and the trust MACV placed in the detachment.

A major operation in War Zone C, one of the most heavily contested areas in III Corps. War Zone C was a vast NVA/VC base area along the Cambodian border that served as the headquarters for COSVN, the Central Office for South Vietnam. Running nearly a month, this was a significant reconnaissance effort in extremely dangerous territory.

The first time Delta deployed to Khe Sanh, which would become one of the most contested areas of the war. The recon teams were inserted into terrain that was a primary infiltration route for NVA troops moving south along the Ho Chi Minh Trail into I Corps.

The operation proved exceptionally costly for the 281st, which suffered 4 KIA. CAPT Charles Frederick Swope, a USAF Forward Air Controller who flew O-1E Bird Dog observation aircraft in support of Delta's recon teams, was killed on November 9, 1966 (attached to the unit from a separate mission). He was one of only two Air Force personnel killed while serving with Project Delta.

Listed as cancelled in available records with N/A for AARs. The reasons are not documented in public sources. Possible factors include stand-down for reconstitution, weather, or shifting priorities. This gap may have been used for training, personnel turnover, and equipment maintenance between the Khe Sanh deployment and the next major operation.

Delta returned to the An Lao Valley and An Khe area, the same general region where Operation 2-66 had been so costly just over a year earlier. This time the unit was far better prepared. The operational procedures had been refined, the coordination with aviation assets vastly improved, and the recon teams were operating at peak effectiveness.

SFC Allen H. Archer of Rutland, Vermont was killed on March 22, 1967, during this operation in Binh Dinh Province. His name is on the Wall at Panel 17E, Line 16.

One of the most significant and dangerous operations of the era. Delta deployed to Phu Bai to conduct reconnaissance in the A Shau Valley, the primary NVA infiltration corridor into I Corps. The FOB was established at the Dong Ha Training Center.

The enemy situation was severe. On May 14, SSG Charles Wrobleski was hit during extraction. His Huey, piloted by WO1 Jerry Ledzinski, took intense fire. Wrobleski was left behind and listed as MIA. On May 17, SSG Patrick Gallagher was killed. WO1 Thomas Crawford made six attempts under fire before successfully extracting Gallagher's recon team. Multiple 281st helicopters were shot down or damaged.

Delta closed operations at Phu Bai on June 16, 1967 and returned to Nha Trang after two months of sustained combat.

A short shakedown operation conducted close to Delta's home base at Nha Trang. These were typically used to integrate new personnel, test new procedures, and maintain operational readiness between major deployments.

SAMURAI I sent Delta and the 281st into Happy Valley, west of Da Nang. The FOB was established at An Hoa. The enemy situation near the FOB was so severe that the 281st had to relocate all aircraft to Marble Mountain Airfield (Da Nang) every night, with aircraft not arriving until 2100-2200 hours and pre/post-flight inspections done by flashlight.

The AAR documented 985 flying hours, 1,655 sorties, 1,901 passengers, and 265,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition expended. Ranger operations included 5 platoon, 4 company, and 1 battalion-size missions. Average flyable aircraft rate was only 4.5 of 6 slicks and 2.2 of 4 guns.

MAJ Allen assumed command on July 15, 1967, mid-operation. This was the transition point between Era IV and Era V.