CUT OFF: The Epic Stand of the 'Lost Platoon' | Battle of Ia Drang | Clyde "Earnie" Savage

The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam. It would also be the first large scale operation involving helicopter air assault landings at LZ X-Ray and LZ Albany.

Clyde Earnest Savage was a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, Company B under the leadership of Lieutenant Henry Herrick. Soon after hitting the battlefield, Herrick spotted enemy troops and his platoon set off in hot pursuit, running right into 150 North Vietnamese troops. His platoon was surrounded and became the infamous “Lost Platoon”.

After his platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and weapon’s squad leader were mortally wounded, Savage took command, saving the lives of three wounded comrades and calling in artillery support.

For his actions, he would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

VIDEO HERE  (26:12 minutes)