5th Marines 1967*
*
USMC vs NVA and VC*
*
January - December 1967*
*
The 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division arrived in the Republic of Vietnam from Camp Pendleton, California in the summer of 1966. They were assigned to Task Force X-Ray at Chu Lai in I Corps. Throughout the remainder of the conflict 5th Marines were in the thick of the action in Quang Ngai, Quang Tin, and Quang Nam provinces. In 1967 they earned a Presidential Unit citation.*
*
You have been given command of "Mike" Company, 3rd Battalion. You now lead 150 of the bravest, toughest, best-trained warriors in the world. You and your fellow Marines will fight against a skilled and determined enemy. It's your job to accomplish your missions while keeping yourself and your men alive during your "Tour of Duty."*
*
Gameplay Notes:*
*
1. You have enough build points in the beginning to purchase a reinforced US Marine infantry company.*
*
2. Few support points are available in individual battles. But, usually generous support units have been assigned. Most of the time you will have supporting helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, and-or artillery. You can use support points to purchase USMC, or U.S. Army and South Vietnam units (as Allies).*
*
3. In some of the missions you may fall short of victory. What you are being asked to do in a couple of hours of "real" time often took a day or two in actuality. In this campaign, any result will move you forward to the next battle. Since inter-battle build points can be sparse, you should generally err on the side of caution rather than execute a rash attack that cripples your force.*
*
Good Luck!*
*
Sources and extra information*
*
Semper Fi Vietnam by Edward R. Murphy*
*
The Rise and Fall of an American Army by Shelby L. Stanton*
*
http://usmcwife.hypermart.net/ *
*
http://www.nexus.net/~911gfx/SVNmap.html (topo maps)*
*
Ballad of the 5th Marines*
*
I could not resist giving you the "Ballad of the 5th Marines" by Harry R Geibus (sung to the tune of, and in response to, the "Ballad of the Green Berets")*
*
Fighting men from our land,*
They have shaken the devil's hand,*
And when they wear their battle greens,*
They are known as the 5th Marines.*
*
We're the men of the 5th Marines,*
Dirty rotten and fighting mean,*
From the states we came this way,*
Couldn't care less about the Green Beret.*
*
We stalk the paddies night and day,*
Don't need shutes or a green beret,*
Have no wings upon our chest,*
U.S. Marines our country's best.*
*
We patrol and kill V.C.*
Fighting Cong to make men free,*
One hundred men overrun today,*
We saved their ass the Green Berets.*
*
I saw Marines who gave their lives,*
So Green Berets could tell their lies,*
If I should die in this far land,*
I hope it will be for a better man.*
*
While they jump and sing their songs,*
We search the fields and kill the Cong,*
We are the men who fight each day,*
Since '76 its been that way.*
*
Back at home a young wife waits,*
Her brave Marine has met his fate,*
He has died so others could live,*
For his land that's what he'll give.*
*
I know this song won't be a hit,*
But a good Marine don't give a shit,*
And when it comes to glory and fame,*
We'll kick your ass and take your name.*
*
Dedication*
*
During my research I was amazed again and again at the bravery and skill of the Marines who fought and died thanklessly for nameless villages thousands of miles from home. This campaign is dedicated to them.*




