Operation Imperial Lake was a U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marine Corps and U.S. Army operation in the Quế Sơn District, Quảng Nam Province, South Vietnam that took place from 1 September 1970, to 7 May 1971. It was the last operation of the 1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War.
Elements of the 1/5 Marines await a heli-lift from Hill 510 to Hill 34 near Danang
Charles Fred Widdecke was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps who reached the rank of major general. Widdecke received the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat, for his actions during the Recapture of Guam in July 1944. He later commanded the 1st Marine Division at the end of Vietnam War.
Lieutenant General James W. Sutherland, center, commander of XXIV Corps, looks out from FSB Ryder with Colonel Edmund G. Derning, Jr., left, commander 7th Marines, and Major General Charles F. Widdecke, commander of the 1st Marine Division