U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam | |
---|---|
Active | 1962–1973 |
Country | United States of America |
Part of | United States Pacific Command |
Garrison/HQ | Tan Son Nhut Airport, South Vietnam |
Nickname(s) | "MACV" |
Decorations | Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) with Palm[1]: 3 |
Battle honours | Vietnam[1]: 4
|
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Paul D. Harkins William C. Westmoreland Creighton W. Abrams Frederick C. Weyand |
The U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was a joint-service command of the United States Department of Defense, composed of forces from the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Air Force, as well as their respective special operations forces.
MACV was created on 8 February 1962, in response to the increase in United States military assistance to South Vietnam. MACV was implemented to assist the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Vietnam, controlling every advisory and assistance effort in Vietnam. It was reorganized on 15 May 1964 and absorbed MAAG Vietnam to its command when combat unit deployment became too large for advisory group control.[2]: 59
General Paul D. Harkins was the first commanding general of MACV (COMUSMACV), and was previously the commander of MAAG Vietnam. After reorganization he was succeeded by General William C. Westmoreland in June 1964, followed by General Creighton W. Abrams (July 1968) and General Frederick C. Weyand (June 1972).[2]: 59
MACV was disestablished on 29 March 1973 and replaced by the Defense Attaché Office (DAO), Saigon. The DAO performed many of the same roles of MACV within the restrictions imposed by the Paris Peace Accords until the Fall of Saigon.[2]: 59