Operation Garfield

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Operation Garfield was a United States Army operation during the Vietnam War, carried out by the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Darlac province, South Vietnam, from 25 February to 25 March 1966. The area lies south of Pleiku, with rolling terrain and rugged mountains, jungles, and a dry-season climate that favored campaigning.

Purpose and scope
The mission was to search for North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) forces north and west of Ban Me Thuot, in a large zone bounded by Highway 14 to the east, the Cambodian border to the west, Ban Me Thuot to the south, and the Darlac/Pleiku boundary to the north. Intelligence suggested a possible PAVN battalion about 30 km north of Ban Me Thuot, but information about enemy activity was limited. The goal was to disrupt a long-standing safe haven for the PAVN and to generate usable intelligence for future operations.

Forces and leadership
The operation was led by Colonel Everette A. Stoutner, commander of the 3rd Brigade, with General Stanley R. Larsen controlling Task Force Alpha. The Army of the Republic of Vietnam contributed security forces to protect the brigade headquarters, freeing U.S. troops to conduct maneuver operations.

Timeline and actions
- February 25–28: The brigade was airlifted in by C-130s from Pleiku to Ban Me Thuot East Airfield, and Stoutner established his command post there.
- February 28–March 7: Air assaults and saturation patrols focused on the Mewal Plantation area, about 20 km north of Ban Me Thuot. Encounters were light, with the largest contact a small-scale clash.
- March 4 onward: The base was moved to Buon Brieng airfield, north of Ban Me Thuot. From March 8–15, patrols moved westward along the Darlac–Pleiku boundary using CH-47 Chinooks to transport troops and artillery, allowing broader terrain coverage.
- March 15: The brigade faced its first major combat. A night mortar attack preceded a ground engagement by PAVN forces, likely from the 32nd Regiment. U.S. forces, aided by close air support and artillery, counterattacked, overran the PAVN position, and pursued withdrawing forces.

Aftermath and results
From March 15–25, smaller engagements continued as Stoutner’s units probed the area. By the end of the operation, U.S. and allied forces reported 21 American soldiers killed and 27 wounded. PAVN losses amounted to about 122 killed, with additional weapons captured and other equipment recovered. The operation was considered an operational success, achieving its aim of maintaining pressure on PAVN forces and keeping them off balance ahead of the rainy season, while gathering intelligence to support future missions.