22nd Division (South Vietnam)

The 22nd Division was a military formation of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), the armed forces of South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. It was primarily responsible for the defense of the Central Highlands region, specifically the provinces of Bình Định and Kontum.

Formed in the mid-1950s, the 22nd Division saw extensive combat throughout the conflict. Its area of operations was strategically important due to its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail and its vulnerability to infiltration by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces. The division's performance was often criticized, particularly regarding its leadership and operational effectiveness.

Throughout its history, the 22nd Division participated in numerous major operations, often in conjunction with other ARVN units and U.S. forces. However, it suffered significant losses and setbacks. One of the most notable engagements involving the 22nd Division was during the Easter Offensive in 1972, when it was severely weakened and forced to retreat under heavy pressure from the NVA.

Following the Easter Offensive, the division was reorganized and re-equipped. Despite efforts to improve its capabilities, the 22nd Division was ultimately overwhelmed during the final North Vietnamese offensive in 1975. The fall of Qui Nhơn, a major coastal city within its area of responsibility, marked a significant blow to South Vietnamese morale and contributed to the collapse of the ARVN. The 22nd Division ceased to exist with the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.