Operation Bribie ( 17–18 February 1967 ) , also known as the Battle of Ap My An , was fought Hostile_encounter during the Vietnam War in Phuoc Tuy province between Australian forces from the 6th Battalion , Royal Australian Regiment ( 6 RAR ) and two companies of Viet Cong from D445 Battalion , likely reinforced by North Vietnamese regulars .

On the afternoon of 17 February , American UH-1 Iroquois helicopters and M113 armoured Wearing personnel carriers ( APCs ) deployed Arranging 6 RAR into the area north-west of Hoi My .

Following an airmobile assault into an unsecured landing zone at 13:45 , A Company 6 RAR was surprised by a strong , well-sited and dug-in Viet Cong force — which , rather than withdrawing Escaping , had likely remained Presence in location in an attempt to ambush Attack any reaction force sent to the area .

Initially believing they were opposed Agree_or_refuse_to_act by only a company , 6 RAR subsequently launched Process_start a quick attack by two companies .

In their first battle Hostile_encounter with the PVA , the 3rd Battalion , Royal Australian Regiment ( 3 RAR ) captured Conquering a well defended Defending hill with only limited Limiting offensive support , and held Defending it in the face of heavy counter-attacks before confused Perception_active command Control decisions Deciding resulted in Causation a disorganised night withdrawal Escaping while still in contact Communication .

By early morning the PVA attack had been checked Preventing_or_letting and 3 RAR had redeployed Placing to new positions in the paddy fields around the railway crossing north of Maenjung-dong .

The battle Hostile_encounter was fought Hostile_encounter between Australian forces from 3rd Battalion , Royal Australian Regiment ( 3 RAR ) and the 17th Tank Brigade of the Korean People 's Army ( KPA ) for control of Chongju , North Korea and the surrounding area .

That evening the KPA were strongly reinforced Cause_change_of_strength , attacking Attack the Australian southern flank manned Giving by D Company 3 RAR , and partially penetrating Destroying their perimeter .

After two hours of fighting Hostile_encounter the assault Attack was repulsed Defending , and the KPA subsequently launched Process_start a furious assault Attack against A Company 3 RAR on the northern position , which also failed Earnings_and_losses amid heavy losses Earnings_and_losses .

The operation Military_operation targeted Aiming a key Viet Cong headquarters that was believed Statement to be concealed Hiding_objects underground , and involved two brigades under the command Control of the US 1st Infantry Division , including the 1st Battalion , Royal Australian Regiment ( 1 RAR ) which was attached Connect to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade .