Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 1, 2026

Firebase Checkmate

Firebase Checkmate is a former U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) firebase southwest of Huế in central Vietnam.

Last revised
Jun 1, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
179 w
Citations
2
Source
Firebase Checkmate
Site information
TypeArmy
Location
Map
Coordinates16°20′38″N 107°27′36″E / 16.344°N 107.46°E / 16.344; 107.46 (Firebase Checkmate)
Site history
Built1969
In use1969-1975
Battles/wars
Vietnam War
Garrison information
Occupants2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry

Firebase Checkmate (also known as Hill 342) is a former U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) firebase southwest of Huế in central Vietnam.

History

The base was established along Route 547 15 km southwest of Huế.1

The base was first established by the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry.

During the Easter Offensive in April 1972 as part of their attack on Huế, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) attacked the base. The ARVN abandoned the base on the night of 28 April, shortly after Firebase Bastogne fell to a PAVN assault. The base was recaptured by the ARVN in mid-May.

On 6 July 1972 a PAVN assault captured the base with more than 120 PAVN reported killed.2

Current use

The base has reverted to jungle.

References

References

  1. Kelley, Michael (2002). Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. pp. 5–103. ISBN 978-1555716257.
  2. Sydney Schanberg (7 July 1972). "Showdown near at Quang Tri City". The New York Times. p. 1.