Firebase Betty


Firebase Betty is a former U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam base south of Phan Thiết in Bình Thuận Province, southern Vietnam.

History

The base was established at the French-era Phan Thiết airfield approximately 5 km southwest of Phan Thiết and 2 km east of Highway 1.
The first U.S. Army unit based here was the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry from September 1966 to December 1967 as part of Operation Byrd.
The 192nd Assault Helicopter Company was based here from October 1967 to January 1971.
The 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry was based here from February 1968 to December 1969 giving the base its alternative name of Currahee Base Camp.
The 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry was based here from October 1969 to December 1970.
Other U.S. Army units based here included:
On the morning of 25 February 1968 the base was hit by People's Army of Vietnam mortar and rocket fire which exploded an ammunition bunker and was followed by a PAVN sapper attack. U.S. losses were 3 killed and 29 wounded and 21 PAVN killed and 1 captured
On 24 April 1969 a DC-3 of Far Eastern Air Transport was damaged beyond repair while landing at the airfield.

Current use

The base is abandoned and has reverted to farmland and housing. The former airfield is now Truong Van Ly road.