First Battle of Loc Ninh

BelligerentsUnited States
South VietnamViet CongCommanders and leadersJohn H. HayHoàng CầmUnits involved1st Infantry Division
ARVN Rangers
South Vietnamese Regional Force
Civilian Irregular Defense Group9th DivisionCasualties and losses 50 killed U.S body count: ~852

The First Battle of Loc Ninh during the Vietnam War occurred between 29 October and 7 November 1967, fought by the Viet Cong, Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), Civilian Irregular Defense Group and the United States Army.

The battle was part of the Operation Shenandoah II campaign. This battle represented the first time that Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) had coordinated attacks from different divisions, and was intended as "rehearsal" to experiment with urban-fighting techniques to be used for the Tet Offensive in 1968.

Operational goals of COSVN were in part, to draw US and ARVN forces away from the cities in an upsurge of activity, in preparation for the Tet Offensive.