Marines from 3rd Battalion 5th Marines participate in Operation Mameluke Thrust in June of 1968. The intent of the operation was conduct a spoiling attack into the valleys west of Danang and around Thường Ðức Camp.

Operation Mameluke Thrust was a months long operation carried out by the 1st Marine Division and the PAVN. In total, 269 United States Marines would be killed in action during the operation. An additional 2728 enemy fighters would be confirmed killed by the Marines and PAVN throughout the duration of Mameluke Thrust.