The photo below was taken just weeks before the North Vietnamese Army launched a surprise night attack on March 28, 1971. FSB Mary Ann, though vulnerable from being surrounded by high ridges and jungle, had never before been attacked.
Thirty-one United States soldiers were killed, and another 82 were wounded, making this the greatest American combat loss in Vietnam during the previous four years from any one attack. A military investigation determined that guards who were supposed to be on duty that night had been sleeping.
Major General James Baldwin, who had been commander of the U.S. Army 23rd Infantry Americal Division in Vietnam, was relieved of his command. Ditto for Colonel William Hathaway, commanding officer of the 196th Brigade. Three other officers were demoted or reprimanded.
The artillery piece in the upper, left side of the photo is a United States 105mm Howitzer.
Fire Base Mary Ann was located in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. Its purpose was to prevent enemy troops
and supplies from passing through the area in order to protect Da Nang and nearby South Vietnamese coastal villages.
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