Villagers assembled to receive food supplies from Marines evacuation of villagers to American helicopters, smoke over village.




Initials JRG-O-JF-PW-BB



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Background: In Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam, American Marines mounted "Operation Morgan" to secure the village of My Loc, under the direct control of the Viet Cong since early last year.

South Vietnamese Government officials accompanied the Marines to watch over the evacuation, and promise medical care and rehabilitation.

The Marines gave a concert and the Government officials handed out gift food supplies. 115 families - about 400 men, women and children -- decided to leave the village.

And with rice supplies and their belongings, they boarded American helicopters to fly to a government-sponsored hamlet. While the villagers were being evacuated, the Viet Cong attempted to probe the Marines' defences of the village and the Marines responded with a mortar barrage.

A few villagers decided to remain behind and they were allowed to do so. During the operation, the Marines took 29 prisoners.