Firebase Tomahawk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Firebase Tomahawk |
|
|---|---|
Firebase Tomahawk handover, 15 November 1971
|
|
| Coordinates | 16°16′30″N 107°54′43″E / 16.275°N 107.912°E |
| Type | Army |
| Site information | |
| Condition | abandoned |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1969 |
| In use | 1969 |
| Battles/wars |  Vietnam War |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | 101st Airborne Division |
Firebase Tomahawk was a military base used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. It was also known as Tomahawk Hill or Hill 132. This base was located in central Vietnam, southeast of a city called Huế.
Contents
Building Firebase Tomahawk
Firebase Tomahawk was built in 1969. It was constructed by soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. The base was set up near a town called Phú Lộc. It was also close to a main road, Highway 1. This area was about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Huế. It was also north of an important mountain pass called Hải Vân Pass.
Key Events at Tomahawk
On June 19, 1969, Firebase Tomahawk faced a big attack. Soldiers from the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) tried to take over the base. At the time, the base was defended by U.S. Army units. These included the 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 138th Artillery. The U.S. soldiers fought back and stopped the attack. This battle was very tough for the Kentucky Army National Guard. It was their deadliest fight during the entire Vietnam War.
Other military groups also stayed at Firebase Tomahawk. One of these was the 327th Infantry.
Handover of the Base
On November 15, 1971, Firebase Tomahawk was officially handed over. The U.S. Army gave control of the base to the South Vietnamese Army. Major General Thomas M. Tarpley was there for the ceremony. He was the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division. The base was given to the 5th Regional Forces of the ARVN.
What Happened to the Base?
Today, Firebase Tomahawk is no longer a military base. The area has gone back to being wild jungle.
