Swamps and mud are harsh opponents as American troops patrol during Operation Eagle Flight in Kien Province (Visnews production number 340-69)

Swamps, rice paddies and mud proved to be a difficult enemy as American troops patrolled through parts of Kien Phong Province on the Cambodian border early this week during Operation Eagle Flight. The three day operation, involving troops from the 9th Infantry Division, took place from last Saturday (4 January) to Monday (6 January). The Americans were looking for Viet Cong in the area, 55 miles (89 km) southwest of Saigon, in the Mekong Delta. In the wet swamps and the high grass where Operation Eagle Flight was being held, the troops found conditions very difficult. Men were stuck in mud and some had to be assisted by others who were on more solid ground. Loaded with equipment and their weapons, the troops had a hard time making progress. On Monday afternoon, after the completion of Operation Eagle Flight, US Infantrymen attacked a Viet Cong company of about 700 men entrenched in bunkers near Cao Lanh, in Kien Phong Province. In the 18 hour battle, 74 miles (118 km) west of Saigon, 54 Viet Cong and 3 Americans were reported killed.