Vietnam 1967 Mekong River Wargame

This week on Little Wars TV we travel up Vietnam's Mekong River in September 1967 to refight the Battle of the Rac Ba Rai. Part of Operation Coronado V, this combined-arms attack would forever be known as the Battle of Snoopy's Nose by American troops who likened the sharp bend in the river to the iconic cartoon. Before our wargame, Tom and Tony discuss the development of the Mobile Riverine Force and set the stage for September 1967. Then, five of our players refight this engagement on a stunning custom tabletop with hundreds of 15mm Battlefront figures. Will the Americans clear this sector of suspected VC forces, or can the Vietcong maintain a presence in the province?
A huge THANK YOU to Battlefront for collaborating with us on this spectacular episode. We love gaming 15mm Vietnam in the club and Battlefront makes some of the nicest figures available for the war. This episode has it all--Hueys, riverine monitors, APCs, bunkers, ambushes, and of course, some classic 1960s period music that will immediately transport you into the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta.
To learn more about Team Yankee, Nam, and Battlefront's 15mm range, visit them here:
vietnam.team-y...
We also want to thank our amazing Patreon supporters for helping us produce the best historical wargaming content we possibly can! We'll be back in the coming weeks with a Nam rule review and an interview with Dr. John Sherwood, author of "War in the Shallows."

[@jacobantis7014]

I miss the old guys who played historical games at our local game store. They were so much fun and they always had unique models and lively settings.

[@Kaanfight]

I have some at my store, I need to talk to them more

[@TechieGuy2011]

The board looks awesome!!!

[@treposey4107]

Your job is doing that for the young people of your store! Be that person!

[@Jamiethedragon365]

The revolutionary tips had me. Not even finished video and enjoying it loads.

[@Jalu3]

Communism doesn't work

[@LittleWarsTV]

Ed brought this whole list of historical quotations and it was too funny not to use them!

[@kylejohnson423]

@@Jalu3 capitalism is nothing but work.

[@Jamiethedragon365]

@@LittleWarsTV Ed is by far my favourite of the littlewarstv lot. Don't know why just seeing him puts a smile on my face.

[@Kaanfight]

@@Jalu3 “The socialist system will eventually replace the capitalist system; this is an objective law independent of man's will. However much the reactionaries try to hold back the wheel of history, eventually revolution will take place and will inevitably triumph.” -Chairman Ed “Mao” Ze Dong

[@gaian2000]

That scene at 1:00 brought back memories. I was platoon RTO for 3rd platoon, Co E, 4/47th Bn, 2nd Bde, 9th Inf Div from the first week in May, 1968. I was a replacement for casualties from the Tet Offensive. I arrived in the middle of the May Offensive (VC/NVA attacking Saigon and lots of other towns again). May, 1968 had the most casualties of any month of the entire conflict but nobody talks much about that battle. At the end of May I was one of 12 survivors in 3rd platoon and an accepted combat veteran. We got replacements during June and July but were hit hard again in August during the Phase III Offensive. I know you have never heard of that one. I was finally wounded by an RPG-7 on 8/18/1968 in a river ambush, but was patched up in the field and finished the operation. We started out that day with 25 or 26 grunts. After the ambush I was one of the 4 who walked away from the ATC. We were hit regularly again for a while and I somehow survived until my platoon leader returned from the hospital and pulled me out of the field to work with him in S-2 brigade intelligence. I didn't think I would survive combat and just wanted it to be a quick death. Imagine my surprise to return home and start college in fall 1969. I love the models but probably wouldn't enjoy playing this game. I assembled a few of these miniatures and used the ATC number for the Tango I was on in that river ambush. I met the guy who was driving it, the boat captain and a few others who survived at an MRFA reunion in 2013. Thanks for keeping those days alive and remembering that we did our best.

[@snipeefox]

I play a lot of battletech, but you guys are really convincing me to branch out into historical war gaming. This medevac mechanic is very interesting. Would like to see more of this, and maybe some ww1 or civil war battles

[@Lazy-Monkey]

It's never a bad idea to dabble in other games you haven't played, if you have people you can play them with. There's a lot of fun gems out there. We can like more than one thing at a time.

[@deathmagnetic300]

They did Gettysburg, Antietam, and Bullrun before. Just check the channel. Great stuff!

[@snipeefox]

I’d seen most of their videos by the time I posted that comment. Merely emphasizing the need for more ‘nam and civil war plus maybe add some ww1

[@rc59191]

Lol dude I still got all my Battletech figurines from the clix game version of it also got a ton of infantry units.

[@rustybuttshoe6312]

Oooh, I'd love if these guys tackled ww1, there's some amazing rule sets out there, trench hammer, the chain of command variant

[@michaeldecarlo6945]

Having grown up during the Vietnam War (HS class of 1974 - the last class to actually go down to a draft board and register for a draft card, which I still have) and as a gamer, I have always wanted to game that conflict, but haven’t made the investment. This was a great video that fed my interest and wetted my appetite for Vietnam War gaming. BTW, when I lived in Montgomery AL in 1981-83 I was a CW reenactor. In my ACW unit was a Navy Vietnam Veteran of the Mekong Riverine force stationed on the Cambodian border, protecting a helicopter barge. He told stories of standing watch at night, peering through a night scope and seeing the VC come down to the opposite riverbank to fire RPGs at the barge and parked helicopter. There’s a scenario!

[@manuelkong10]

Thanks for almost serving!

[@corbinnewman8886]

Always love the costumes and creativity and everything you guys bring to this channel. Would love to see more medieval or WWI aviation stuff!

[@olympiangamers7007]

Even though Greg isn’t in front of the camera, you can see all the effort in the production, editing, and sound. Fantastic work from all involved, high quality videos like this are the best ambassadors for the hobby.

[@conscript900]

Just got to say, I love the detail terrian work and bomb and smoke additions. little things like that bring table top wargaming alive.

[@scottanderson4077]

This was fan-freaking-tastic! We used to do some Vietnam gaming back in the day, but our table never looked nearly as superb as this does. You can tell the love put into this terrain. Kudos to you guys on another great game and video (and the Revolutionary quotes by Comrade Ed were brilliant!). As for what to do next, would love to see a more in-depth terrain tutorial on this one, especially more on how you made the river; we are planning on doing Aspern-Essling in the future and would love to mimic this for the not-so-blue flooding Danube. Great stuff guys!

[@danaskaggs2645]

Great game with awesome terrain and setup. The background before the game definitely adds a lot of flavor to the play through. This recipe that you guys use is highly entertaining. It would be interesting to see almost a full unedited version versus an edited version of one of your games. It would be great to see some more episodes that are based on pre gunpowder battles.

[@MiniatureGameMontage]

You guys are incredible! History, comedy, battle play, great music, sound effects and length. The table was stunning. The figures were well painted. Absolutely loved it!

[@caprikar21]

That panning shot at 21:23 with the helicopters landing at White Beach and with Miles out of focus in the background was my favorite moment in a great video. I don't have a particular request for your future efforts. I mean, I wouldn't have picked a Vietnam battle, and here it is on my list of one of the top videos you've done. I trust your club's instincts! :-)

[@thunderccr5056]

My Australian mother in law was a casevac sister flying in on C130’s. Her pilot said to her that he carried a pistol and if they crashed and survived, he would shoot her rather than she fall into enemy hands. She said that he’d have to shoot her in the back as she’d be running away!! She brought back many wounded and dying men back to Oz. Great game and well done on the table, absolutely fabulous! Regards!

[@v.paulbernardinoiii4180]

I agree with one of the other comments that this is by far you best yet. Though I may be biased. Tom, I hadn't realized when I played on the terrain at Historicon that the terrain could be reconfigured. OUTSTANDING!!!

[@atlasallen-manning6092]

I've watched a bunch of LWT battle reports now and I just love the style you've settled on of 20-30 min videos narrated with historical context at the beginning. It's just much more digestible than a real time or even an hour long video showing every dice roll. Keep up the good work 🙂

[@lachlankirk6615]

Fantastic video! It's got me wanting to play the Vietnam War now. Interestingly, my friend at the local wargames club here in New Zealand sculpted many of those figures for Battlefront, so it's really amazing to see them being used all the way over in the USA

[@martindice5424]

Many, many years ago I began wargaming with the late Charles Grant in Dover UK. In the 90’s I was a very active wargamer in the UK but have since strayed from the fold. Your shows are brilliant and have rekindled my love of the hobby. Bravo! Well done chaps!

[@benjaminloyd6056]

The sound effects and music accompanyment were great. I really like battles with twists.

[@davidstanco]

I really liked the video. I thought it would be cool if you did more Vietnam games.

[@bolognajones2860]

When I was a teen I would buy green (more like stems and seeds) from an old head who was a Vietnam vet. Everytime I would get cornered for an hour or so as he told me the same stories over and over because he was always baked out of his mind. Tbh, they never got old. He had a way of telling a story. Your channel has that same feel. This batrep sent me down memory lane, I thank you.

[@wileydutkiewicz3569]

Yesssss! Fortunate Son with the Heli Landing. Good stuff as always, love love love it!

[@jpavlvs]

Way to memories flood back. Welcome home to those who spent time with me in the Nam.

[@HeavyH2006]

The award has to be for the best wargame soundtrack to date! Loved it! Game on!

[@byronzeigler4427]

Thanks for sharing these videos. I have just started war gaming because of y’all. Thanks.

[@stephennutt4083]

This is one of the best looking games LWTV have ever put on. It's inspired he to dig out my 15mm collection once again. I am sure I've got some Gomi Design riverine stuff somewhere in the garage............

[@obxsocom]

When I joined the army 1982, (harmony church), my drills served in S.E. Asia. Awesome instructors. Never played Nam (only FOW) but enjoyed this video. Awesome table you have here. Sound tracks was a nice touch. Time to listen to the animals :)

[@norseman2834]

Watched this before playing some tabletop games myself! Excellent video, and great music throughout!

[@caseymilstein-brennan2163]

Love seeing Veronica in more stuff! Those ambushes were great. I'd be happy to see more hidden unit battles and specifically Vietnam era scenarios. Really has a lot of planning for both sides going in which is really fun to watch!

[@_oldirtyben]

Unbelievable what a great atmosphere you have conjured up on the table.The whole video was excellently produced and the historical background was presented in a great way. I really enjoyed it Thank you all from LWTV for the Entertainment

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thanks Ben!

[@radec5437]

The field of play Is beautiful looking! It's incredible how Much care and passion you put!

[@conorshaw5755]

Great video ! Loved the period era music as well.

[@joeokabayashi8669]

Beautiful terrain board! Excellent playthrough vid as always.

[@dnd_beyond_is_bad7605]

The Revolutionary tips had me laughing each time. Great delivery!

[@jasonb1776]

This is exactly why I love your channel. A great game, great table and a superb well put together video. You all look like you genuinely had a great day. I must admit that I much prefer seeing your club games, and all the banter, than some of the other content (Caesars, other clubs etc though I appreciate that this is for the good of the hobby). I look forward to watching more in-house club games :-)

[@LittleWarsTV]

More games en route!

[@DarkEmpireGames]

Haven't watched your channel in quite some time and was left with a big smile at the end of the video, thanks again for amazing content!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Welcome back, Justin!

[@trinovante6083]

I just found this video , I thought it was superb what great sound effects painted minis and terrain , It was really explained well , and the filming of the battle was excellent , well done people

[@Nico-ig1mr]

Love this setting, fingers crossed there's more content on Vietnam

[@LittleWarsTV]

This seems to be a popular sentiment around here, somewhat to our surprise!

[@Nico-ig1mr]

@@LittleWarsTV Something about the scale of 15mm that makes battles so intriguing. The terrain and plot of this video were also extra amazing. Loved the addition of the music as well.

[@frankbarnes7986]

Tom's Mekong Delta board - Fantastic! Very well executed! The 'Dust Off" and the 113s were also very cool! But for me the coolest moment of the scenario was when the A4 Skyhawks made their napalm runs!...Run Charlie run lol! The period music was the "icing on the cake"! Bravo Little Wars TV! Bravo!

[@manuelkong10]

REALLY interesting game....not really into Vietnam but I would like to see more of this game played BEAUTIFUL boards!!!! they have the right FEEL....I remember watching the war on TV as a kid....your boards REALLY brought back those memories

[@kimchapman9198]

Been looking forward to this one, and it didn't disappoint :D I also liked the way you handled the history as well, something you guys do exceptionally well, an almost unbiased approach which is genuinely refreshing to see. Keep up the good work, you have a devoted follower here

[@chipbrenner9981]

Great video and game. Beautiful table. Thoroughly enjoyable. Top notch all the way around as usual.

[@iLuv2sixty9]

You guys have gotten me into historical wargaming, I personally enjoy all the time periods you have done.

[@kylejohnson423]

Same, the thing is you really don't have to break the bank. You could literally start with a set of plastic army men, a few friends, and a back yard.

[@bloodsteel8111]

One of the best AARs you guys have published! The table was amazing and the models were too. The whole thing is inspirational to me. I especially like Ed's Revolutionary Tips. Nice touch!

[@danielward5600]

As a Riverine Force player this was awesome! The table was fantastic and it really looked like a fun time had by all. Historical themed battles are the bomb!

[@joecox3169]

MORE VIETNAM!!! Awesome work on this, absolutely amazing

[@richardhelliwell1210]

Really captured the essence and period of this conflict. Love the table and the revolutionary quotes! Could you do a 12th century crusades battle like Arsuf or Horns of Hattin?

[@thelonelybolter8245]

What a gorgeous table and battle, really enjoyed that! The smoke/explosion effects are me favorite :D

[@bpnforsyth]

Wow did not know how awsome Vietnam wargaming could look and play!

[@g.mantua1195]

Great game and video and I really appreciate the soundtrack with the music of the period. It really added to the video.. We'll done

[@josephcade6425]

I believe - for me at least - this is my favorite of all your many excellent AARs. Terrain was top notch, a challenging scenario with a lot of well painted troops. Looked like a lot of fun to play. Great job and hope to see more Vietnam games down the road. I'd hate to think you made that magnificent table for just ONE game.

[@sterlingmoose9335]

What a beautiful looking game! Well painted troops and vehicles on both side and the terrain - wow! A great AAR. Loved the Revolutionary Tips.

[@Samuelkelly90]

Rarely see vietnam played, good to see it on the table!

[@westernfreedom5031]

Well done LWTV!!!! You have truly outdone your selves!

[@daveymccrazy2977]

My favorite vid from you guys so far.... Very cinematic, felt like I was watching a Vietnam movie!

[@Scott-Plays-o7]

The quality of this video has progressed so much from your initial efforts. Working with professionals is really making a difference. Fantastic game and look forward to many more from you guys.

[@googleandyoutubeareevil]

My dad served in C Company 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry Regiment with his tour being December 1966-1967. Excellent game there.

[@jmroesler77]

another great production from the channel. great job guys!

[@greydwarf5751]

Great Video... Loved the music and the revolutionary tips!

[@JohnLaudun]

You all have taken this to the next level. This was such a great video. I enjoyed every moment of it and I would have happily spent my entire lunch hour watching more.

[@underarmbowlingincidentof1981]

I ADORE the style of your videos! The mix of beautiful boards, lovely humor and just pure entertainement!

[@deece1482]

Amazing video guys. Lovely table, great models.

[@Kolomaq]

Absolutely fantastic video, very informative, and well produced! It was a pleasure to play on this very table at historicon 2021!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Same table, different rules! Hope we can use this awesome table several times...

[@EricAlainDufresne]

Great episode. I loved the revolutionary quotes!

[@dennisheinen3898]

This was a great video. Wonderful background and history.

[@crusaderknight379]

I love war tv especially when they do the war games

[@durindor3281]

Great Battlereport! Enjoyed it very much. I Especially like These introductions, which helps me understand the whole thing 😊👍

[@steveb1196]

Loved this. I love playing FoW from Battlefront and have long had my eye on the 'Nam rules. This video just makes me want it more. Beautiful table, I felt it really captured the Mekong, or at least what it seems like it was supposed to be like. Well played game. Loved it.

[@ethanevenson3855]

One of my favourite videos yet!

[@duncansBoB]

Top work folks! Great game, wonderful terrain and models, and of course, great head-gear!

[@LittleWarsTV]

We are all about the headgear in this club!

[@militarywargaming7840]

Great work again and excellent umpiring

[@andersolsen3237]

Gorgeous terrain and another exciting game from Little Wars TV. Well done.

[@philipkelly7369]

Always happy to see more little wars

[@jonathanowen9917]

Excellent video! The board and terrain are absolutely beautiful. The miniatures are nicely painted too. The fun hats, historical quotes by Ed, napalm and explosions, and period music took this over the top. The Vietnam War has so many good gaming opportunities. I hope you do many more videos on this war. Thanks for a very cinematic experience.

[@hamsteronthepaintingtable6465]

brilliant !!! fantastic terrain, game layout and video. loved every minute , keep them coming :-)

[@wolflancer4]

Nothing like having some fun watching a video, and learning at the same time. Never knew anything about what was touched on in this episode. In the future we clearly need more revolutionary tips!

[@andyedwards9222]

That is a fantastic table, film set quality! Brilliant report.

[@dirkbogart3672]

Wow, I just started watching you guys about a month ago. You have just added yet another period I want to game in the future. I am currently painting up my Tombstone figures and my Ravenfeast vikings. Once I master making the playing surfaces I will expand into new periods. This video puts Vietnam high on my list.

[@robertseidle1828]

Awesome board, from the terrain and smoke markers to the infantry and models. Loved the use of MEDEVAC (I was MEDEVAC for over half my 27yrs...most of it in Hueys), and really liked that their use is in the rules. You all always put on excellent games (videos and conventions); not just in going over the rules, but also going over the historical aspect as well. I'm new to Little Wars TV, so now I have to check out all your other videos...especially if you have ones on how to make the awesome terrain you had on this table. Thanks for the show...looks like I just found another game system to get into!

[@pritchmr]

Great video. I got to play on the board at historicon it's an amazingly well made board

[@andrewdad10]

I love how you held off using 'Fortunate Son' until the Helicopters Reinforcements arrived. That was the perfect timing for it!

[@zacharyjarvie8191]

Very Cool! You guys make it look easy, but clearly a tremendous amount of work went into making that absolutely gorgeous table!

[@ngokhang6536]

I believe the correct spelling of the battle name is "Rach Ba Rai", "rạch" in Vietnamese means a small canal. Other than that very amazing video, the visualization of the battlefield is so vivid.

[@doomguy9049]

Beautiful work guys, thanks for posting this

[@stuartbaxter-potter8363]

Beautiful work on the table, Tom! By far my favorite this season and possibly in all of LWTV.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Favorite ever? Wow...high praise indeed. Thank you!

[@chase_mcdude4833]

I've been so looking foward for this video. Excellent game guys! Beautiful board and minitures. I feel this one really captured the historical element of the Vietnam. It's always a great day when Little Wars posts a video.

[@TheRealSonBae]

Awesome job y’all! Love seeing ‘Nam on the table...and what a table it was. Complemented by great minis...LOVE it!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Battlefront’s Nam range is fantastic, no question. Love the minis!

[@robertsolberg4957]

Great Game team. Always enjoy the content and seeing what a real club looks like.

[@85Funkadelic]

Your crew never ceases to amaze me or entertain me. I love how you get into character!!!

[@Aaronfromprojectwargaming]

Great video guys. This table is beautiful.

[@mrgunn2726]

Awesome video, those detonation markers are just fantastic, they really capture the feeling from the film and photo documentation of the era. The fog of war in these adjudicated scenarios is something I love too. Well done, long live the LWTV revolution!

[@comradedimitri5075]

This was awesome more Vietnam please!

[@zaynevanday142]

Should be talking with the men who fought on the Rivers while they are still with us

[@LonestarWargaming]

Loved the gameplay footage and narration, it’s the perfect combination for an AAR. Hope to see more Nam in the future! And just became a Patreon member a couple weeks ago, looking forward to making the list next time!

[@MrRschwab]

Nice game! Great looking table! Tom, you did a great job with the hidden units. Thank you Little Wars TV for this quality content!

[@waywornwyrm8135]

That was one of the best looking boards you guys have shown. Great game. I'd like to see more scenarios from Vietnam.

[@danielcannon9893]

Beautiful beautiful work. I’d love to see more from the Vietnam War or the Korean War.

[@historyinminiature]

Man the revolutionary quotes killed me lol loved this video! Great to meet some of you at H-con

[@thestuGmaster]

I haven’t been in the flames of war Vietnam mood in years but after watching this I have been working on my Vietnam collection. You can’t find anything Vietnam anymore. I went to all my local hobby stores and they had nothing. Same with online and eBay. No Vietnam flames of war miniatures anywhere! I want a rifle platoon that surfs.

[@harold-p1l]

We use some 1/72 British North Africa plastic figures for N.V.A. figures - they have the same helmets !

[@DuxBrit-66]

Drat! I was at the point of selling my 15mm Vietnam collection having not played the period for some twenty years or so. I think you guys may have persuaded me to keep them...

[@ilmarsgromuls7467]

Wonderful narration and flow of the story! Thank you!