Battle of Ia Drang at LZ X-Ray

In a conflict that would come to dominate world affairs for a generation, there was a battle that started it all and put the name Vietnam on the map for Americans. This engagement was the Battle of Ia Drang, a battle fought in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, which would become known as the first major engagement of the Vietnam War. The Battle of Ia Drang is an engagement that still affects military doctrine today because it was the first time the strategy of air calvary was used on a large scale. The Battle of Ia Drang at Landing Zone (LZ) X-Ray fought from November 14-16, 1965, was an American victory because of overwhelming fire support, along with the bravery that every American showed.