Operation Linebacker

Operation Linebacker was the codename of a U.S. Seventh Air Force and U.S. Navy Task Force 77 air interdiction campaign conducted against North Vietnam from 9 May to 23 October 1972, during the Vietnam War.

For the December 1972 military operation, see Operation Linebacker II.

Operation Linebacker
Part of the Vietnam War

A 388th TFW SAM hunter-killer team refueling on its way to North Vietnam, October 1972
Date9 May – 23 October 1972
Location
North Vietnam
Result Both sides claim victory
Belligerents
United States
 South Vietnam		 North Vietnam
Commanders and leaders
John W. Vogt Jr.
Damon W. Cooper		 Nguyen Van Tien
Casualties and losses
134 aircraft lost
in combat or operational accidents
10 aircraft lost
North Vietnamese claim: 651 aircraft shot down, 80 warships sunk or damaged		 U.S. claim: 63 aircraft shot down
North Vietnamese claim: 49 aircraft shot down

Its purpose was to halt or slow the transportation of supplies and materials for the Nguyen Hue Offensive (known in the West as the Easter Offensive), an invasion of the South Vietnam by the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) that had been launched on 30 March. Linebacker was the first continuous bombing effort conducted against North Vietnam since the end of Operation Rolling Thunder in November 1968.

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