The bridge security was provided by a security outpost on the south end staffed by local South Vietnamese Regional Forces-Popular Forces.
As the war buildup continued through the late 1960's new convoy stops and destinations were added to the list including Operation OVERTAKE, the transport of high end post exchange cargo from the docks to Long Binh Post. During Overtake the MPs escorted the civilian contracted vehicles to prevent organized criminal theft.
The Battalion established a checkpoint at the north end of the bridge.
1967 The checkpoint was staffed by two teams of U.S. Military Policemen, Vietnamese Military Police (Quan Canh) and Vietnamese National Police (Canh Sat). They checked U.S. military vehicles and Vietnamese civilian and military vehicles. Their primary function was to interdict weapons, undocumented civilians, unauthorized military personnel and black market contraband.
5 February 1968, 0100 hours The 273d Viet Cong (VC) Regiment, already battered from an unsuccessful attack on Thu Duc the previous day (1968 Tet New Years Offensive), attempted to blow up the Newport Bridge. Unaware of the impending attack, gun jeeps of A Company, 720th MP Battalion assigned to Operation OVERTAKE Night escorts were situated on the south side of the bridge awaiting orders to depart, and became a deciding factor in its defense that the Viet Cong had not planned for. The Battle For The Newport Bridge |
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