One of the most vulnerable areas was in a gorge where Highway 9 crosssed the Quang Tri River about half way between Ca Lu and Khe Sanh called the "Hairpin". This was evident by the two bridges which had been blown out when the Vietnamese were fighting the French. After the first bridge had blown out a Bailey bridge had been erected, but the center support was later blown out making it useless to vehicles.The majority of the planks had been removed torn up and taken away, but there remained one row which allowed it to still be used as a foot bridge by the Montagnards when traveling to and from market in Quang Tri.

The engineers had extended the road up river and placed a portable bridge at the crossing. The road was then reconnected on the opposite bank. The bridge would be placed the day before a Rough Rider convoy. Lima company would stand security throughout the night.

Photo by Rus Jewett

Looking into the gorge on Highway 9 known as the Hairpin. Vehicle is a PC (Personnel Carrier).

Photo by Rus Jewett

Securing the area at the Hairpin.  Mortars were used to set fire to the elephant grass on the hills overlooking the position to clear the ground cover.

Photo by Rus Jewett

Photo by Rus Jewett

Looking down on dump truck with portable bridge in the back. Note the old concrete bunker between the river and the truck. The river under the bridge was a great swimming hole. The water was 15 to 20 feet deep and was cool and refreshing. Marines are 12th Engineers preparing to get to work setting up the bridge.

The road in the foreground is coming from Ca Lu. It continues out the right side of the photo crosses a portable bridge and then continues back up the other side of the gorge on its way to Khe Sanh. The old Bailey bridge was hazardous even to foot traffic. Note the Lima Marines crossing the bridge.

Photo by Rus Jewett