The post-Tet period saw Delta continue high-tempo operations even as American strategy shifted toward Vietnamization and the political landscape at home turned decisively against the war.
MAJ Robert May took command in June 1968, inheriting a unit that had just navigated the chaos of Tet. Under May and then LTC Alan Park, Delta continued to be deployed at the request of division and corps commanders across Vietnam. The operational procedures refined under Allen's command remained in effect, and the partnership with the 281st AHC continued to produce results.
This was the bloodiest era for Delta in terms of total American casualties. The operations continued to push recon teams into heavily contested territory, and the losses mounted. Multiple Americans serving with B-52 were killed during this period, reflecting both the intensity of the operations and the growing strength of NVA forces in the areas where Delta typically operated.
Under MAJ May's command, Delta resumed full operations following the disruptions of Tet. The 81st Rangers returned to Delta's operational control, and the unit was deployed to commanders who needed eyes in territory they could not otherwise see into. Specific operations require the B-52 AARs for documentation.
LTC Park commanded Delta through the first eight months of 1969. American forces were beginning the long drawdown, but Delta continued to run patrols into some of the most dangerous terrain in Vietnam. The unit's unique capability meant it was one of the last reconnaissance assets to be reduced, even as conventional units were being pulled out.
| Name | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SFC Little J. Jackson | March 7, 1968 | Thua Thien Province. Panel 43E, Line 45. |
| SFC Paul D. Spillane | July 26, 1968 | Leicester, Massachusetts. |
| SFC James D. Weeks | 1968 | Detachment B-52. |
| CPT Douglas E. Dahill | April 17, 1969 | Thua Thien Province. Panel 27W, Line 99. |
| SGT Karl Prevedel | April 17, 1969 | Thua Thien Province. Panel 27W. |
| SFC Ronald Glidden | 1969 | Detachment B-52. |
| SFC Charles Long | 1969 | Detachment B-52. |
| SFC Michael Webb | 1969 | Detachment B-52. |
| SFC Earl Cook | 1969 | Detachment B-52. |
| SGT Michael Gaffney | 1969 | Detachment B-52. |
B-52 Personnel Database, compiled by Sherman (specialforcesbooks.com/B52.htm).
281st AHC I Corps Operations History, compiled by Bob Mitchell for the VHPA from official B-52 and 281st After Action Reports.
Jim Morris, "Project Delta" series, Special Forces Chapter 78 Sentinel.
VVMF Wall of Faces (vvmf.org).
USASOC, "USASOC honors clandestine SF unit from Vietnam War," army.mil, Oct 28, 2008.
Complete B-52 After Action Reports are declassified and held at NARA College Park, MD (Record Group 472).