II Corps (South Vietnam)

II Corps was a military formation of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), the army of South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. It was responsible for the defense of the central highlands region of South Vietnam, encompassing a large and strategically important area. The corps was headquartered in Pleiku.

The area of responsibility for II Corps included provinces such as Kontum, Pleiku, Binh Dinh, Phu Bon, and Phu Yen. Due to the difficult terrain and proximity to communist infiltration routes from Laos and Cambodia, the area saw intense fighting throughout the war. The corps faced significant challenges from North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces.

Key units under the command of II Corps included various ARVN divisions, ranger groups, and support elements. The performance of II Corps varied throughout the war, with periods of success and periods where it faced heavy losses and setbacks. Leadership changes and morale issues sometimes plagued the corps.

Notable operations conducted by or involving II Corps include battles in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965, the defense of Dak To in 1967, and later engagements during the Easter Offensive of 1972. The collapse of II Corps in March 1975, during the final North Vietnamese offensive, contributed significantly to the fall of South Vietnam. Its hasty retreat and subsequent disorganization led to a rapid loss of territory and further demoralized the ARVN.