Viet Cong (VC) operatives detonated explosive charges causing the entire building to collapse.

Following the VC Attack on Camp Holloway on 6–7 February 1965, the U.S. and South Vietnamese launched Operation Flaming Dart, a series of retaliatory airstrikes against North Vietnam.

A 100-pound plastic charge was detonated next to the staircase which provided the main structural support for the building.

[2] Following this attack President Johnson ordered Operation Flaming Dart II.

[3] All U.S. dependents in South Vietnam were returned to the U.S.[4] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.