| Firebase Bird | |
|---|---|
 PAVN dead at Bird, 27 December 1966 | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Army |
| Condition | abandoned |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 14°17′46″N108°53′17″E / 14.296°N 108.888°E /14.296; 108.888 (Firebase Bird) |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1966 |
| In use | 1966–7 |
| Battles/wars |  Vietnam War |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry 6th Battalion, 16th Artillery 2nd Battalion, 19th Artillery |
Firebase Bird was a U.S. Armyfirebase located in theKim Son Valley in southernVietnam during theVietnam War.[1]
In December 1966 Bird was occupied by C Battery6th Battalion, 16th Artillery and B Battery2nd Battalion, 19th Artillery and defended by elements of the1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry. On the early morning of 27 December after preparatory mortar fire Bird was attacked by 3 Battalions of thePeople's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 22nd Regiment. The PAVN quickly breached the perimeter and occupied all the 155mm and some of the 105mm gun pits. The remaining guns of 2/19 Artillery were then used to fireBeehive rounds directly at the PAVN stopping the attack. Supporting artillery fire was called in from nearby Firebase Pony and helicopter gunships also arrived to give supporting fire, forcing the PAVN to retreat.[2]
U.S. losses at Firebase Bird were 27 dead and 67 wounded, more than 60 percent of the defenders, while the U.S. claimed that PAVN losses in the attack and a four-day pursuit of the attackers were 267 dead.[3][4]
Acts of valor were recognized. Piper and Crain earned the Distinguished Service Cross. The Silver Star went to Spec. 4 Turnage, Campanella, Staff Sgt. Gregerio Nieto, Spec. 4 Frederick Weidman, and Spec. 4 David Osborne. Five of those killed also received Silver Stars.
B Battery 2/19 Artillery was awarded aPresidential Unit Citation for its actions,[2] while SSGTDelbert O. Jennings would be awarded theMedal of Honor for his actions during the battle.[2]: 238
The attack on Bird was the subject of the bookBird by military historianS.L.A. Marshall. Today the base has reverted to jungle.
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