Operation Ivory Coast was a significant military operation conducted by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War aimed at rescuing American prisoners of war believed to be held at the Sơn Tây camp near Hanoi. The operation was meticulously planned and executed, involving about 130 soldiers from the U.S. Army's 5th Special Forces Group and United States Air Force pararescue teams. Utilizing helicopters for infiltration, the task force swiftly entered the camp under the cover of darkness on November 21, 1970. However, upon arrival, they found that the prisoners had been relocated just days before the operation.

Despite this setback, the operation showcased the capability and readiness of U.S. military forces, as they were able to execute a complex raid deep within enemy territory. The assault resulted in the killing of over 10 North Vietnamese soldiers, and the American forces suffered no casualties. The operation was significant for demonstrating the commitment of the U.S. government to attempt to rescue its soldiers, even during a period when public interest in the Vietnam War was waning. Although the main goal was not achieved, the raid did reveal vulnerabilities within the North Vietnamese prison system.

The broader implications of Operation Ivory Coast were felt long after the raid, influencing future military strategies regarding intelligence gathering and prisoner rescue operations. It sparked discussions about the treatment of POWs and the lengths to which the U.S. would go to recover its service members. The lessons learned from this operation would shape the planning and execution of subsequent missions in various conflicts, reinforcing the need for precise intelligence and the importance of special operations forces in modern warfare.