Delta's final chapter. As American forces withdrew across Vietnam, the unit continued running patrols into some of the most dangerous territory in the country until the very end.
LTC Robert Moore commanded through the winter of 1969-70. MAJ Shane Soldato took command in January 1970 and was killed on May 23, 1970, becoming the only Delta detachment commander killed in action during the unit's six-year history. MAJ George "Gentle Ben" Aiken assumed command and oversaw the unit's deactivation on June 30, 1970.
The final months were marked by the same kind of operations Delta had always run: small teams inserted deep into enemy territory, gathering intelligence that no one else could get. SP4 Stephen Spiers, a medic who had earned the Silver Star, was killed on March 10, 1970. SGT Eugene Moreau was killed shortly after.
After six years, roughly 600 Americans, 29 killed in action, 55 to 60 named operations, and the identification of 68 enemy units, Project Delta closed its books. Twenty members became field-grade officers. Two became general officers, including General Hugh Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Fifty-nine became command sergeants major.
Delta continued reconnaissance operations through its final months. The 281st AHC ended its direct support in December 1969. MAJ Soldato was killed on May 23, 1970 in Quang Tri Province during what was among the unit's final operations.
Project Delta was officially deactivated on June 30, 1970. MAJ Aiken oversaw the stand-down. The unit colors were cased. The most decorated single unit of its size in the Vietnam War ceased to exist.
On October 24, 2008, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command dedicated a memorial stone for Project Delta at the USASOC Memorial Plaza. LTG Robert Wagner said: 'Your accomplishments were invaluable. You operated at the tip of the spear before the term was coined.'
| Name | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SP4 Stephen A. Spiers | March 10, 1970 | Silver Star. Medical NCO. Lexington, MA. |
| MAJ Shane N. Soldato | May 23, 1970 | Commanding Officer. Panel 10W, Line 88. Only Delta CO KIA. |
| SGT Eugene R. Moreau | 1970 | Andover, MA. Bronze Star V. |
| SGT Gregory Dotson | 1970 | 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).