On 23 May 1965 the 7th Marine Regiment left Long Beach and San Diego for the Far East. They arrived in
Okinawa between the 9th and 18th of June. Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Bodley’s 3rd
Battalion, 7th Marines made an unopposed landing near the city of Qui Nhon on 1 July 1965. On 7 July,
it was relieved and resumed its duties as the Special Landing Force. In August, India Company participated in "
Operation Starlite", the first major battle of the war. This operation took place on the Van Tuong Peninsula, south of
Chu Lai.
In October of 1965, the original officers and men of India Company, were redesignated as Golf Company, 2nd
Battalion, 4th Marines. At the same time, G-2-4 became the company now known as India Company,
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. This exchange was was made to prevent too many units from one
battalion from rotating home ate the same time.
During early 1966, India was based south of the Chu Lai airstrip. From there they ran uncountable patrols and
ambushes, as well as participated in numerous major operations. They gradually expanded their tactical are of
responsibility and operations throughout most of 1966.
In September of 1966, India was transported to northern I Corps close to the DMZ for "Operation Prairie".
They first provided support for an artillery group and then went on deep patrols very close to the DMZ near Con Thien.
The company then went to the mouth of the Cua Viet River to guard a fuel dump.
In late November of 1966, the company was moved south of the Da Nang area near Dai Loc on Hill 65. From here numerous
patrols and operations were carried out during the remainder of 1966.
In Mid-January of 1967, the company was first displaced to the northern Da Nang area and then moved south to Duc
Pho for "Operation Desoto". This operation was one of the most costly of the war for India. They were trapped
in a rice paddy near Hai Mon Ville for most of a day. Heavy fire poured upon them from all four sides and they suffered numerous casualties.
