9th Division (South Vietnam)

The 9th Infantry Division (Sư đoàn 9 Bộ binh) was a division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), the South Vietnamese military. Formed in 1962, it was one of the ARVN's regular infantry divisions, primarily responsible for securing and controlling territory within its designated operational area.

The 9th Division operated mainly in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam, a vital agricultural area and a strategic zone for both sides in the Vietnam War. This area was characterized by its complex network of canals, rice paddies, and dense vegetation, which presented significant challenges for military operations.

Throughout the war, the 9th Division engaged in numerous combat operations against Viet Cong (VC) guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) regulars. These operations included search and destroy missions, security patrols, and large-scale offensives. The division often worked in conjunction with American and other allied forces.

The division's performance varied throughout the war. Some units were regarded as more effective than others, and its overall effectiveness was often influenced by factors such as leadership, training, and the quality of equipment. The division faced persistent problems with corruption and desertion, common challenges within the ARVN.

The 9th Division ceased to exist after the Fall of Saigon in April 1975, when the Republic of Vietnam collapsed and the country was reunified under communist rule. Its surviving personnel were either captured, fled the country, or attempted to integrate into the new regime.