1.
GV Troopcarrier along highway
0.05

2.
SV South Vietnam troops(3 shots)
0.13

3.
SV,CU Troops in country firing (5 shots)
0.27

4.
GV Smoke, troops advancing (2 shots)
0.32

5.
SV,SCU Airborne troops checking parachute equipment(2 shots)
0.42

6.
SV Marker flare & troops watching
0.43

7.
GV,SV Paratroops dropping from sky (5 shots)
1.12



Initials SGM/1534 SGM/1549



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the far north of South Vietnam, the crack South Vietnamese Airborne Division holds government controlled territory west of Highway One in Quang Tri Province. Five weeks after the ceasefire, fighting continued. Last week the Airborne engaged the Viet Cong in a small, but intense, battle when, claim the Airborne, the Viet Cong infiltrated one of their positions on Monday (5 March) night. Two companies of the 9th Battalion have remained in contact with the enemy since then. Airborne losses so far are 8 dead, 20 wounded and 20 missing.

In spite of the Quang Tri battle overall tension is South Vietnam has decreased since the ceasefire. Last week the Airborne pulled out some troops to carry out practice parachute drops. Airborne troops have to jump at least 4 times a year in order to keep their "Jumper's Wings" insignia.