Ambush at LZ Albany*
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Date: November 17, 1965*
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Battle Location:  LZ Albany, Ia Drang Valley, South Vietnam*
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Battle Type: US Army delay vs North Vietnam Advance*
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Description: The 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry had been used to reinforce other elements of the 1st Cavalry Division during the savage battle at LZ Xray in November 1965. On November 17, the fighting at LZ Xray essentially over, the American forces were ordered to clear out of the area while a B-52 strike would plaster LZ Xray.*
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The 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry was to proceed north-northwest, companies in column, three kilometres through the jungle to a different LZ, this one codenamed Albany.*
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As the point element of the battalion reached the clearing the surrounding jungle came alive with enemy forces. The 8th Battalion of the NVA 66th Regiment reinforced by units previously engaged at LZ Xray pressed home a furious attack on the entire length of the American column.*
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Notes: Your battalion is strung out in the jungle south of LZ Albany. It includes A, C, D and Headquarters Companies of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry with A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry attached. The first turns are crucial, if you can survive the initial NVA rush, artillery and air support will become available. Hold the LZ, parts of Bravo Company is being flown in by helicopters and will need a place to land. Also, the battalion and company commanders are inconveniently gathered at the head of the column - try and get them back to their respective companies. Expect a though fight - in reality losses in the 2nd Battalion exceeded 70 percent at LZ Albany.*
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Sources: Gwin, L - Baptism.*
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Design by:  Ulf Lundstrom.**

