In 1970-71 the 1st Bn 6th Inf operated in the Operation Nantucket Beach tactical area in the coastal
lowlands from Chu Lai southward to Quang Ngai city.  The total Area of Operations (AOR),
approximately 270 square kilometers (12 miles long and 6 miles wide), was marked on the west by
Highway QL1, on the east by the South China Sea, and on the south by the Song Tra Khuc (river).

Three photos supplied by Wayne Johnston (1-6 Inf, 1970-71)

Highway QL1, looking eastward near the northern end of the AOR (above) and just north of LZ Dottie.

The South China Sea along the coast of the AOR.

The beauty of Vietnam was evident from far above the booby traps and fighting.  1971 photo of the
mouth of the Song Tra Bong (river) south of Chu Lai provided by Ray Tyndall, B/1-6 Inf.

The area was characterized in the lowlands by a checkerboard of small fields bounded on all sides by
tall, thick, practically impenetrable hedges that limited observation to twenty or thirty meters.  The low
hills were covered with thick, jungle like vegetation.  This view is of the Monestary hill mass looking north.

Four photos below provided by Dennis Linn (B/1-6 Inf.1070-71).

This photo shows the "Monestary" hill mass at BS 678 859.  This dominant terrain feature was
located approximately 5km east of LZ Dottie

Typical larger village on the Batangan Peninsula in the 1st Bn 6th Inf area of operations 1970.

1970 Self-portrait from a UH-1H lift helicopter over a possible single ship LZ.  Note the
photographers knees in the view--he is seated on the floor of the aircraft with his feet dangling free.
The photo captures the speed, vibrations, and anticipation.

1970 Bunkers in this hamlet are clearly visible from the air.  Construction of these may have been
for prudent reasons other than hostile intent.  Photo by Dennis Linn
 

Typical hedgerow and paddy terrain in the 1st Bn 6th Inf tactical area of operations.  1970 photo
provided by Rick Wade 3/C/1-6 Inf  1970-71

View of the hedge and dry paddy areas east of LZ Dottie.  Visibility was limited to the distance
to the next hedgerow.  With adequate noise discipline and no smoking, the location was practically
undetectable.  The poncho shelter here was used to get out of the sun during the day.  It could not be
seen from the next dry paddy.  A daytime patrol position was usually limited to one or two adjoining
dry paddies. Sometimes the hedgerows concealed trench lines or well defined trails.  Stepping through
a hedgerow and into the next dry paddy could be an adventure -- one soldier from the 1st Bn 6th Inf
walking point confronted ten VC as he stepped through the hedge.  He lived--they did not.  Photo
provided by Rick Wade, (3/C/1-6 Inf 1970-71).
 
 

Select additional photos from the index at left, or link to the 1st Bn 6th Inf  Home Page.