Firebase Birmingham
Firebase Birmingham (also known as FSB Birmingham, LZ Birmingham and Huế Southwest Airfield) is a former U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) base southwest of Huế in Thừa Thiên–Huế Province, Vietnam.
| Firebase Birmingham | |
|---|---|
 A UH-1D prepares to land at Birmingham with supplies for members of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 28 January 1969 | |
| Coordinates | 16.363°N 107.533°E |
| Type | Army |
| Site information | |
| Condition | abandoned |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1968 |
| In use | 1968-75 |
| Battles/wars |  Vietnam War |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division |
History
1968
The base was originally established in March/April 1968 by the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division on Highway 547 as part of Operation Jeb Stuart. The base is located approximately 12 km southwest of Huế.[1]
1969-70
Birmingham was used to support the 101st Airborne's major operations in the A Sầu Valley - Operation Apache Snow in 1969 and Operation Texas Star in 1970.
1972
On 1 February 1972 in a turnover ceremony attended by Brigadier General John G. Hill, Jr, assistant Division commander, 101st Airborne Division and Major General Phu, Birmingham was handed over to the ARVN.
The base was overrun by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) during the Easter Offensive, but later recaptured by the ARVN.[1]
1975
The base was captured by the PAVN again during the 1975 Spring Offensive.[1]
Current use
The base is abandoned and turned over to farmland and housing.
References
- Kelley, Michael (2002). Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. pp. 5–59. ISBN 978-1555716257.