Operation Deckhouse Five was a significant military undertaking in the Mekong River Delta, initiated by the United States Marine Corps in conjunction with ARVN troops. Commencing in January, the operation aimed to target and eliminate Viet Cong troops who were entrenched in the region. The Mekong Delta was a strategic area for both the Viet Cong and U.S. forces, characterized by its network of rivers and dense jungles, which facilitated guerrilla warfare. By collaborating with ARVN, the U.S. sought not only to disrupt Viet Cong logistics but also to enhance the operational effectiveness of South Vietnamese forces.

The execution of Operation Deckhouse Five involved extensive planning and preparation, as U.S. commanders aimed to combine air support with ground maneuvers. This included the use of helicopters for rapid troop insertion and aerial bombardments to soften any concentrated enemy positions. The operation was part of a broader strategy to assert military dominance in the south of Vietnam and shift the tide of the war in favor of U.S. and allied forces.

However, the operation faced challenges typical of jungle warfare, including difficult terrain, the presence of civilian populations, and the elusive tactics used by the Viet Cong. Despite these difficulties, Operation Deckhouse Five showcased the evolving military tactics employed during the Vietnam War, including the implementation of combined operations and a greater emphasis on engaging ARVN forces. The outcomes of the operation influenced subsequent U.S. military strategies and the political calculus regarding the level of involvement in Vietnam.