They may not have had the desire or the means to go in there in 1967, Bob. It has been described as the HCM Trail's "off-ramp" into the Central Highlands.

Bad. I don't have to tell you how much protection altitude or a chicken plate is vs. a .50 cal.

We were held and diverted for a dustoff from the western valley floor late one day. Grunts were taking WP arty from across the border plus small arms from distant woodlines. Only time I ever saw heavy artillery or WP. We took as many as we could lift; two didn't make it to Kontum. I've got no idea who they were.

Ugly, godforsaken place.

Bob