Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division was the first 5th Marines unit to permanently deploy to the Republic of Vietnam. Arriving at the Chu Lai Base Area on 12 April 1966, they would spend the next nine months conducting expeditionary, combined-arms combat, and mechanized operations across the southern provinces of I Corps.
Hotel Company was formed in late 1965 at Camp Pendleton, California, under the command of 1st Lieutenant Jerome "Jerry" Doherty. On 19 January 1966, Doherty led Hotel Company from Long Beach, CA aboard the USS Bexar. The company underwent three months of intensive Jungle Warfare School training on Okinawa before deploying to Vietnam.
Hotel Company arrived at Chu Lai on 12–13 April 1966, making them the first element of the 5th Marines to permanently deploy to Vietnam. On 14 April, Hotel Company was assigned to Hill 76, where they began patrolling the extreme western portion of the Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR).
In mid-April, the full 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines replaced the 2/4 Marines which moved north to Da Nang. On 22 May, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines replaced the 3/1 Marines. By 27 May, the 5th Marine Regiment headquarters relocated to Chu Lai. By 1 June, the 1st Marine Division had over 17,000 men in a 340-square-mile TAOR around Chu Lai.
The 1st Marine Division assumed responsibility for the three southern provinces of I Corps: Quang Nam, Quang Tin, and Quang Ngai. The 3rd Marine Division deployed north to Quang Tri and Thua Thien to meet threats near the DMZ. The 5th Marines at Chu Lai became the primary regiment for operations in the Quang Tin and Quang Nam border region, including the strategically vital Que Son Valley.
Hotel Company was one of the combat companies attached to 2/5 Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF). Sister companies included Echo, Foxtrot, and Golf Companies, plus Headquarters & Service Company and Weapons Company. The battalion was part of the 5th Marine Regiment, one of three infantry regiments (along with 1st and 7th Marines) of the 1st Marine Division.
Hotel Company's primary missions included security patrols, search-and-destroy operations, pacification support, and civic action programs. From March through August 1966, III MAF units conducted over 68,000 patrols ranging from 4 to 40 men. Only 10 percent made contact with the enemy, reflecting the elusive nature of the PAVN/VC forces in the region.
The command structure for Hotel Company, 2/5 Marines during April–December 1966, from III MAF down to company level.
A chronological account of Hotel Company and 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines events from April through December 1966.
Hotel Company departs Long Beach, California aboard the USS Bexar, bound for Okinawa for jungle warfare training under 1stLt Jerome Doherty.
Three months of intensive jungle warfare school training at Camp Hansen / Camp Schwab, Okinawa, preparing for combat deployment to Vietnam.
Hotel Company arrives at Chu Lai Base Area aboard the USS George C. Clymer, becoming the first 5th Marines unit to permanently deploy to Vietnam. An advance party had arrived earlier to prepare for the company's reception. Marines recall their first night on the beach.
Hotel Company is assigned to Hill 76 in the extreme western portion of the Chu Lai TAOR. They begin daily security patrols, ambush operations, and civic action in the surrounding villages.
The full 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines replaces the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines at Chu Lai. The 2/4 Marines move north to Da Nang.
The 7th Marines conduct Operation Hot Springs northwest of Quang Ngai City. Over 150 enemy killed and 23 weapons captured. Operations in the broader Chu Lai TAOR.
Search-and-destroy operation conducted in the Chu Lai area of operations, likely involving elements of the 5th Marines.
1st Battalion, 5th Marines replaces the 3/1 Marines at Chu Lai, bringing more of the regiment into the area.
Lieutenant Colonel Walter Moore assumes command of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.
The 5th Marine Regiment headquarters officially relocates to Chu Lai. The regiment is now fully operational in the Quang Tin/Quang Nam area. By 1 June, over 17,000 Marines operate within a 340-square-mile TAOR.
A two-phase cordon-and-search operation in the Dai Loc area of Quang Nam Province. VC forces were generally reluctant to engage in pitched battles, instead relying on mines and harassment. A 2,000-meter mine belt was discovered straddling Highway 14.
The 1st Marine Division launches Operation Kansas in the Que Son Valley to locate the PAVN 2nd Division headquarters. The famous Battle of Hill 488 occurs on 15–16 June when a Marine reconnaissance platoon fights off a vastly superior enemy force. Results: 9 Marines KIA, 85 PAVN killed.
Elements of 2/4 and 2/1 Marines conduct operations in northern Thua Thien Province along the Street Without Joy. 24 US Marines KIA, 475 VC claimed KIA.
A Hotel Company Marine is wounded in action in the Chu Lai/Red Hill area, per veteran accounts.
A major operation near the DMZ involving approximately 8,000 Marines and 3,000 ARVN troops against the PAVN 324B Division. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines executes the initial helicopter assault into the Song Ngan Valley ("Helicopter Valley"). This diverts Marine resources northward, affecting operations in the Chu Lai area.
The largest operation for 2/5 during this period. Colonel Widdecke's 5th Marines and ARVN 2nd Division launch a search-and-destroy operation in the Que Son Valley to engage the PAVN 2nd Division. LtCol Moore's 2/5 is helicoptered to Hiep Duc on 6 August. The operation features fierce close-quarters combat near Cam Khe during driving rainstorms. The 1/5 Marines bear the heaviest fighting on 8 August when they encounter two battalions of the NVA 3rd Regiment.
Rice harvest security operation in Mo Duc District south of Quang Ngai City. Marines protect more rice from VC seizure in September 1966 than during any previous harvest season in years, denying the enemy critical supplies.
Extended search-and-destroy operation in the 1st Marine Division area of operations.
Major General Herman Nickerson Jr. relieves Major General Lewis J. Fields as Commanding General, 1st Marine Division.
Search-and-destroy operation in Quang Ngai Province, conducted primarily by 3/1 Marines.
Extended operation running through the end of the year in the 1st Marine Division area, reflecting the ongoing security requirements in southern I Corps.
Operation in Quang Ngai Province involving ROK Marines (Blue Dragons) under III MAF operational control. Enemy casualties: 154 VC KIA. Allied losses: 38 ROK Marines.
Joint USMC/ARVN operation in the 1st Marine Division area of responsibility.
Lieutenant Colonel Walter Moore is relieved from command of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines after approximately six months leading the battalion.
Continuing operations extend through the end of 1966 and into January 1967.
Colonel Charles F. Widdecke completes his tour as Commanding Officer of the 5th Marine Regiment and departs Vietnam. He is awarded the Legion of Merit with "V" Device and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star.
All named operations in the 1st Marine Division area of responsibility during April–December 1966, with confirmed or likely involvement by 2/5 Marines and Hotel Company.
| Operation | Dates | Location | 2/5 Involvement | Casualties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs | 20–23 Apr | NW of Quang Ngai City | Area Op | 150+ enemy KIA |
| Montgomery | 7–14 May | Chu Lai TAOR | Likely 2/5 | Unknown |
| Liberty | 7–30 Jun | Dai Loc, Quang Nam | Area Op | Limited contact |
| Kansas | 16–22 Jun | Que Son Valley | Likely 2/5 | 9 USMC KIA, 85 PAVN KIA |
| Jay | 25 Jun–2 Jul | Thua Thien Province | 4th Marines | 24 USMC KIA, 475 VC KIA |
| Hastings | 15 Jul–3 Aug | Quang Tri, near DMZ | 3/5 Marines | Major engagement |
| Colorado / Lien Ket 52 | 6–22 Aug | Hiep Duc / Que Son Valley | Confirmed 2/5 | 99 USMC KIA, 212 WIA; 283+ PAVN KIA |
| Golden Fleece | 17–27 Sep | Mo Duc, S. of Quang Ngai | Area Op | Harvest security |
| Kern | 21 Sep–25 Oct | 1st MarDiv AOR | Likely 2/5 | Unknown |
| Teton | 13–22 Oct | Quang Ngai Province | 3/1 Marines | Unknown |
| Pawnee III | 29 Oct–23 Dec | 1st MarDiv AOR | Likely 2/5 | Unknown |
| Dragon Eye | 9–27 Nov | Quang Ngai Province | ROK Marines | 154 VC KIA, 38 ROK |
| Rio Blanco / Lien Ket 70 | 20–27 Nov | 1st MarDiv AOR | Likely 2/5 | Unknown |
| Sierra | 12 Dec–21 Jan 67 | 1st MarDiv AOR | Likely 2/5 | Unknown |
The most significant operation for the 5th Marines during this period. A joint USMC-ARVN assault into the Que Son Valley to destroy the PAVN 2nd Division. This section provides detailed coverage.
On 30 July 1966, the 5th Marine Regiment was instructed by Major General Lewis J. Fields to begin planning a search-and-destroy operation in the Hiep Duc and Song Ly Ly valleys in coordination with the ARVN 2nd Division. The objective: locate and engage the PAVN 2nd Division (also known as the 620th Division), a first-rate combat formation that controlled the strategically vital Que Son Valley.
The Que Son Valley was a populous, rice-rich area astride the boundary between Quang Nam and Quang Tin provinces. It was one of the key terrain features in the fight for control of South Vietnam's northernmost provinces. The NVA 2nd Division had established firm control over the valley and used it as a base for operations throughout central I Corps.
LtCol Walter Moore's 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines is lifted by MAG-36 helicopters to landing zones southwest of Hiep Duc, a town 7 miles southwest of the Que Son Valley. The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines stands by on reinforcement alert. The 3rd Battalion under LtCol Edward J. Bronars remains in reserve.
The 2/5 Marines explore the southwestern portion of the Colorado tactical area near Hiep Duc. After two days of patrolling without significant enemy contact, the battalion returns to Tam Ky to provide security for the regimental command post.
The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, preparing to move from Dai Dong eastward toward Route 1, begins receiving harassment fire. By 15:00, as the Marine column approaches the hamlet of Cam Khe in a driving rainstorm, approximately 30 PAVN are spotted running across a paddy field. The Marines engage, and soon the entire regiment is fighting at close quarters. Poor visibility from the rain prevents calling in supporting arms until 17:30 when the skies clear enough for UH-1 gunships from VMO-6 and A-4 Skyhawks from MAG-12 to hit PAVN positions. The Marines discover their antagonists are two battalions of the NVA 3rd Regiment.
South Vietnamese Marines and ARVN cavalry forces engage two PAVN battalions near Vinh Huy in an all-day battle fought in driving rain. Air support is limited until 13:30. Frontal assaults across 400–500 meters of flooded paddy land under heavy fire are repulsed twice before the South Vietnamese pull back. South Vietnamese losses: 26 KIA, 54 WIA. Over 140 PAVN bodies are left on the battlefield.
By 18 August, all units of the 5th Marines return to Chu Lai. Operation Colorado officially ends on 22 August. The operation succeeds in temporarily driving the NVA 2nd Division from the Que Son Valley, but fails to bring the entire Hiep Duc–Que Son zone under allied control. Increasing Marine commitments near the DMZ prevent General Walt from implementing pacification plans for the valley.
Personal narratives from Hotel Company, 2/5 Marines veterans who served during 1966. These accounts are drawn from veteran correspondence on the Hotel 2/5 websites and published sources.
Marines and Navy Corpsmen identified through official records, veteran accounts, and memorial databases as having served with Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during the April–December 1966 period. This is an ongoing effort to build the most complete roster possible.
| Rank | Name | Position | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1stLt | Jerome "Jerry" Doherty | Company Commander, Hotel Co. | Late 1965 – 1966 | First CO of Hotel Company; formed the unit at Camp Pendleton; led training on Okinawa; brought company to Chu Lai |
| LtCol | Walter Moore | Battalion Commander, 2/5 | 24 May – 30 Nov 1966 | Commanded 2/5 during Operation Colorado; led helicopter insertion at Hiep Duc |
| Col | Charles F. Widdecke | Regimental CO, 5th Marines | Aug 1965 – Dec 1966 | Commanded 5th Marines during Colorado; Legion of Merit with "V" Device |
| S/Sgt | Guiterrez (first name unknown) | Hotel Company NCO | April 1966 | Greeted new arrivals on Hill 10 after their first firefight, per veteran account |
| Rank | Name | Assignment | Dates | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sgt (E-5) | Name Unknown | Platoon Guide, Hotel Co. | Apr 1966 | Arrived with advance party; seeking contact with fellow veterans |
| Unknown | Name Unknown | Weapons Platoon, H/2/5 | 1966 | Deployed from Camp Pendleton aboard USS Bexar; trained on Okinawa |
| Unknown | Name Unknown | 2nd Platoon, H-2/5 | Apr 1966 – Jan 1967 | Served through 14 operations |
| Unknown | Name Unknown | Hotel Co. 2/5 | 1966 | WIA 17 July 1966, Chu Lai/Red Hill area |
A curated collection of media resources and archives related to Hotel Company, 2/5 Marines in Vietnam during 1966.
Famous combat photographer Tim Page captured images of Marines making their way through the An Lao Valley during Operation Colorado in 1966. Available via Corbis archives.
View on Flickr →Published in Marine Corps History magazine (Summer 2020), this photographic essay documents Hotel Company operations. While focused on the An Hoa period, it provides visual documentation of the unit.
View PDF (USMCU) →The hotel25vv.org "Those Who Served" pages contain photographs of Marines who served with Hotel Company, with clickable images. Covers the full 1966–1971 period.
Visit Page →HD stock footage of Hotel Company during the Battle of Hue, February 1968. Includes footage at the Military Assistance Command compound and nighttime tracer fire during firefights. Available from CriticalPast archives.
View Footage →Official USMC video of the 5th Marine Regiment Vietnam Memorial dedication ceremony, honoring all who served with the regiment in Vietnam.
Watch on Marines.mil →Stanley Kubrick's film portrays the Marines of Hotel Company, 2/5 during the Battle of Hue in 1968. While fictionalized, it is the most well-known depiction of the unit in popular culture.
Map of the I Corps tactical zone showing the five provinces (Quang Tri, Thua Thien, Quang Nam, Quang Tin, Quang Ngai) and key locations including Chu Lai, Da Nang, and Hue.
View Map →Detailed information about the Chu Lai Base Area, including the airfield, TAOR boundaries, and surrounding operational areas used by the 5th Marines.
View on Wikipedia →The official USMC historical publication covering all Marine Corps operations in Vietnam during 1966. Contains detailed accounts of operations including Colorado, Kansas, Hastings, and more.
Download PDF (Marines.mil) →Monthly command chronologies for the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines from December 1965 onwards. These contain the most detailed day-by-day records of unit operations, including casualty reports.
Records of War →The National Archives holds the complete collection of Marine Corps command chronologies from the Vietnam era, including organizational data, narrative summaries, event logs, and supporting documents.
National Archives →Comprehensive database of Vietnam War military operations, unit records, and oral histories. Contains searchable records for operations, units, and individuals.
Texas Tech Vietnam Archive →Detailed account of Operation Colorado in the Que Son Valley, covering the planning, execution, and aftermath of the operation. Published April 2017.
Read Article →Book about 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines operations at An Hoa in 1967, by a veteran of the unit. Provides context for the unit's evolution after the 1966 period covered here.
View on Google Books →The primary website honoring Hotel Company, 2/5 Marines Vietnam veterans (1966–1971). Contains first-hand accounts, photos, "Mail Call" veteran correspondence, memorial pages, and unit history. Maintained by Larry D. Tyler.
hotel25vv.com →Veterans association and forum for all companies of 2/5 Marines. Contains member rosters, personal accounts, and unit reunion information.
2ndbn5thmarines.com →Searchable database of USMC Vietnam War casualties organized by unit of assignment. Allows searching for 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines fallen Marines.
VirtualWall.org →Dedicated memorial page honoring Hotel Company, 2/5 Marines who gave their lives in Vietnam. Part of the hotel25vv.org veterans site.
Lest We Forget →Comprehensive history and honors of the "Fighting Fifth" Marines, including Vietnam-era service with the 5th Marine Regiment.
Dana Point 5th Marines →Official Department of Defense casualty database with searchable filters by branch, unit, date, and other criteria for Vietnam War casualties.
DCAS Database →