Location
Con Thien was located at 16°54′35″N 106°58′48″E / 16.90972°N 106.98°E / 16.90972; 106.98 (MGRS 48QYD113703) and was originally established as a Special Forces/CIDG camp before being taken over by the Marines in December 1966. Together with Marine bases at Gio Linh, Dong Ha and Cam Lo, Con Thien enclosed the area known to the Marines as Leatherneck Square. Con Thien was intended to be used as a base for the McNamara Line to prevent NVA infiltration across the DMZ. The firebase was strategically important because it offered unfettered views for 15 km east to the coast and north into North Vietnam. It was also very vulnerable because it was within range of NVA artillery north of the DMZ which was largely immune to counter-battery fire.
-
Map of northern Quang Tri Province showing location of Con Thien
-
Map of the strongpoint obstacle system or McNamara Line
Read more about this topic: Con Thien