The Big Picture - The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam (1969)

This US Army documentary covers the activities of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (The Blackhorse) in Vietnam. The unit proved that armored vehicles could be used effectively in the challenging weather, mud, and overgrown jungle terrain found in Vietnam.

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is a uniquely independent combined-arms unit of the US Army. It functioned in Vietnam as a highly mobile armored fist, re-enforcing other units in action and a wide variety of other roles including scouting, convoy protection through enemy territory and jungle clearing.

Arriving in Vietnam in 1966, operating out of Xuan Loc, East of Saigon in III Corps--they were responsible for numerous firsts that you'll see used in combat. The unit developed armored vehicles for local conditions like the "ACAV" Armored Vehicle, an essential upgrade of the M113 armored personnel carrier with additional machine guns & steel shields to protect gunners. ACAVs were soon adopted throughout Vietnam.

The 11ACR were also the first to operate the Army's innovative new M551 Sheridan AR/AAV light tank. You'll also see the M-48A3 Patton tank that was used for heavier operations; the regiment's Air Cavalry component, "Thunderhorse"; as well as 103mm & 155mm self-propelled howitzers in the field. An Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge--or AVLB--is also seen in action. The 11th ACR teamed up with other units in numerous firefights, including the Australian Army in "Operation Santa Fe."

More info on the Blackhorse: https://www.blackhorse.org/
More info on The Big Picture:
http://www.armypictorialcenter.com/the_big_picture.htm

URL - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4523995
NAID Identifier: 4523995
Local ID: 330-DVIC-30249
Agency Identifiers:
30249DA
TV 770