Đồng Tâm Base Camp

1966–9 Đồng Tâm Base Camp was established on the northern bank of the Mekong River 7 km west of Mỹ Tho upon COMUSMACV General William Westmoreland's decision to gain full control over the upper Mekong Delta region. Westmoreland personally took part in site selection. Westmoreland chose the name Đồng Tâm meaning "united hearts and minds" or "singleness of mind, in thoughts, and actions" in Vietnamese. The total construction price for the Army and Navy ran close to $8,000,000. Dredging work to create the base commenced in August 1966 and involved the reclamation of 600 acres of swampland. From June–December 1967 base facilities grew providing improved support and rest and recreation for the MRF. The Vietcong regularly harassed the base with mortar fire. When President Dương Văn Minh announced the unconditional surrender of South Vietnam on 30 April 1975, ARVN Brigadier General Trần Văn Hai committed suicide at the base. ==Current use==

The base was abandoned and turned over to farmland and housing while the harbour area is used for fishing and transport vessels. As of 2018 the harbor is government controlled and leases facilities for civilian marine construction purposes. Access to the area requires government approval. ==References==