I Corps tactical zone

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During the Vietnam War, the Army of the Republic of Viet Nam (ARVN) defined I Corps tactical zone (I CTZ) as the five northernmost provinces of South Vietnam: from approximate north to south, these were

Provinces in I CTZ
1965 name Capital Current name
Quang Tri Dong Ha Quang Tri
Thua Thien Hue Thua Thien-Hue
Quang Nam Tam Ky Quang Nam
Quang Tri Dong Ha Quang Tri
Quang Ngai Quang Ngai Quang Ngai


Its northern border was the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with North Vietnam. On the west, it bordered Laos and areas of the Ho Chi Minh trail.

The largest cities of the zone were Hue and Danang. Major engagements, at small locations, included the Battle of Khe Sanh and the Battle of Con Thien.

North Vietnamese equivalents

These areas came under Military Regions 4 and 5, as well as the B-5 Front.[1]

U.S. equivalents

American forces in I Corps began with III Marine Amphibious Force, its name changed from the usual designation of III Marine Expeditionary Force due to "expeditionary force" having unfortunate connotations, to the Vietnamese, from French usage. Later in the war, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, asserted more control over the Marines, variously putting a forward echelon of MACV there, and establishing TASK FORCE OREGON and Provisional Corps, Vietnam.

References

  1. Pearson, Willard (1975), Vietnam Studies : The War in the Northern Provinces, Office of the Chief of Military History, U.S. Army