DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 3d Antitank Battalion 3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF FPO Sn Francisco 96602 3/ERL/alw 5750 Ser: 022-66 CONFIDENTIAL 9 May 1966 From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 3d MarDiv (Rein), FMF Subj: Command Chronology, April 1966, submission of Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) DivO 5750.1 Encl: (1) Command Chronology (2) Staff Journals (S-1 & S-2) (3) SITREPS #235-241 (4) Company Operational Summaries, Period of 1-30 Apr 1966. H&S, A, B & C 1. In compliance with reference (a) and (b) enclosures (1) through (4) are submitted. (Signature) BRUCE A. HEFLIN CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 PART I 1. Reporting Unit - 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 2. Period covered - 1-30 April 1966 3. Date of Submission - 9 May 1966 4. Commanding Officer - 1-30 Apr 1966 Lieutenant Colonel BRUCE A. HEFLIN, USMC 5. Command Post - Republic of South Vietnam (AT987711) Map AMS Series L701, Sheet No. 6659 III ENCLOSURE (1) 1 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 PART II 1. Operational Data, including attachments: a. Designation/Location (a) Headquarters and Service Co. (-) (DANANG TAOR) (b) "A" Co. (-) (Rein) (DANANG TAOR) (c) "B" Co. (-) (Rein) (HUE-PHU BAI TAOR) (d) "C" Co. (-) (Rein) (DANANG TAOR) b. Period covered by report: 1-30 April 1966 c. Name/Rank of Commanding Officer and Staff, and principle sub- ordinates, including T/O billet assignment. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS Commanding Officer................................................................LtCol B. A. HEFLIN Executive Officer.....................................................................Maj E. H. GRAHAM S-1/Adj......................................................................................2ndLt G. DOHSE S-2.............................................................................................Maj E. R. LARSON S-3.............................................................................................Maj E. R. LARSON S-3A..........................................................................................Unassigned Liaison Officer.........................................................................Unassigned S-4.............................................................................................Capt K. E. SHARFF Supply Officer..........................................................................2ndLt R. U. BOKELMAN Motor Transport Officer.........................................................1stLt H. R. MARWICZ 1-12 April 1stLt D. L. TAYLOR 13-30 April Ordinance/Maintenance Officer.............................................1stLt B. M. MATHEWS Communication Officer............................................................2ndLt M. C. SCHROEDER Medical Officer........................................................................HMC G. K. LAW, USN Headquarters and Service Co. (-) Commandant............................................................................1stLt J. T. MATHEWS Company "A" (-) (Rein) Commanding Officer................................................................Capt S. R. STEWART Executive Officer.....................................................................Unassigned 1st Plt Commander...................................................................2ndLt P. F. MC ALEER 1-15 April SSgt F. G. MISEMER 16-30 April ENCLOSURE (1) 2 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 2nd Plt Commander.................................................................1stLt M. P. KINGSTON 1st Plt, Co "A", 1st AT Bn Commander................................2ndLt R. W. BERNARD Company "B" (-) (Rein) Commanding Officer................................................................Capt R. F. LANPHIER Executive Officer.....................................................................Unassigned 1-23 April Capt D. H. SATCHER 24-30 April 2nd Plt, Co "A", 1st AT Bn Commander...............................1stLt D. J. NOONAN 3d Plt, Co "A", 3d AT Bn Commander..................................SSgt J. A. RODRIGUEZ 1-9 April 2ndLt M. H. PONDER 10-30 April 3rd Plt, Co "B", 3d AT Bn Commander................................2ndLt T. J. MEEHAN 24-30 April 24 April: Chop from Company "C", 3d AT Bn d. Average monthly strength during the period: Officers Enlisted (1) 3d Antitank Battalion 22 436 (a) Headquarters and Service Company 10 165 (b) Company "A" 3 90 (c) Company "B" 5 96 (d) Company "C" 4 85 2. Sequential listing of significant events. a. Personnel. During the month there were 15 promotions to Corporal, 3 to Lance Corporal, and 8 to Private First Class. The Battalion sent 49 men on R&R. One Officer and three enlisted were medically evacuated for non-battle reasons. One man was granted emer- ENCLOSURE (1) 3 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 gency leave to CONUS. There were two WIA casualties. One man was killed and two wounded (non-battle) when they were caught in the back blast from an accidential firing of an ONTOS. There were five Article 15 punishments awarded and one summary court-martial. During the month two officers, 40 enlisted and one Corpsman were rotated to CONUS. Three officer, 64 enlisted, and four Corpsman were joined as replacements. b. Administration. All companies were on Company Administration during this period, and employed the Addressograph PAS system. c. Intelligence. Information concerning the enemy and terrain was received from III MAF, 3d Marine Division, 9th Marines, and HOA VANG District Headquarters. During the reporting period five Viet Cong Suspects were apprehended in the vicinity of YEN BAC hamlet (AT985701) and evacuated to higher headquarters for interrogation. Of this total, two were subsequently released, and three VCS are still being held for further interrogation. d. Training. Training for the month of April was highlighted by familiarization firing of T/O weapons by all companies. Utilizing the contact team method of instruction, the Battalion Ordnance Maintenance Section sent teams to the gun companies for preventive maintenance and technical training on the ONTOS. Plans are being completed for the Battalion Ordnance Maintenance and Communications Sections to send contact teams on a regularly scheduled basis to work with the individual ONTOS platoons on an instructional and application basis, the prime objective being improved 1st echelon maintenance on the ONTOS and organic ordnance. The communications contact team will visit on the same schedule, with emphasis on 1st echelon maintenance of the communi- cations equipment of the ONTOS. It is planned to further expand this program into the areas of Motor Transport, Maintenance, and Supply. Antitank company training followed the same pattern as in the past, with on-the-job training being the primary method of instruction. Occasional special subjects were covered to meet the ever changing situation in Vietnam, such as briefings on intelligence, currrent policies, prisoner handling, and "Religions of Vietnam". The Battalion Motor Transport Section conducted school for all drivers in the DANANG enclave on preventative maintenance and operation of the wheeled vehicles organic to the battalion. Periods of instruction were held on Vietnamese traffic signs and regulations. Formal classes on maintenance and func- tioning of the M-60 machine gun were held for the Battalion security element. Two Marines attended a one-week Generator Operator courses at 3d Engineer Battalion, and received operator's licenses. Eleven enlisted men and one officer of the Battalion Reaction Platoon attended the 3d Engineer Battalion's school on VC mines and booby traps. A three day program of accelerated training on riot control forma- ENCLOSURE (1) 4 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 tions and employment of riot control agents was conducted during the month. This training, along with additional Protective Mark drill was in preparation for possible commitment of one ONTOS platoon and a Pro- visional Rifle Platoon as part of a Mechanized Task Force for the pro- tection and evacuation of U. S. nationals from the City of DANANG. The Operations Chief attended a Riot Control Agent seminar at Head- quarters, 3d Marine Division. Operations. On 1 April 1966 the Battalion was deployed as follows: (1) 3d Antitank Bn in general support of the 3d Marine Division. (a) H&S Co (-) (Bn CP) located DANANG Enclave. (b) Company "A" (-) (Rein) in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment. (DANANG) 1st Platoon. Co "A" in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment. (DANANG) 2nd Platoon. Co "A" in direct support of the 2nd Batta- lion, 3d Marines. (DANANG) 1st Platoon. Co "A", 2st AT Bn in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. (DANANG) (c) Company "B" (-) (Rein) in direct support of the 4th Marine Regiment. (HUE-PHU BAI) 2nd Platoon, Co "A", 1st AT Bn in direct support of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. (HUE-PHU BAI) 3d Platoon, Co "A", 3d AT Bn in direct support of the 4th Marines. (HUE-PHU BAI) (d) Company "C" (Rein) in direct support of the 9th Marine Regiment. (DANANG) 1st Platoon, Co "C" in direct support of the 2nd Batta- lion, 9th Marines. (DANANG) 2nd Platoon, Co "C" in direct support of the 3rd Batta- lion, 9th Marines. (DANANG) ENCLOSURE (1) 5 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 3d Platoon, Co "C" in direct support of the 9th Marines. (DANANG) 3d Platoon, Co "B" in direct support of the 3d Bat- talion, 3d Marines. (DANANG) (2) DANANG Enclave (a) H&S Co (-). The Battalion area of responsibility was covered by 24 daylight patrols during the month. In addition five night ambushes were established in the area. The Company furnished a rein- forced fire team for security of an Engineer well-digging site on six occasions. A Provisional Rifle Squad was designated for employment as needed by Headquarters, 9th Marines for a Rear Area Defense counterattack strike force composed of units within the 9th Marines TAOR. The Compa- ny provided a squad-sized blocking force to support a ARVN sweep of CAM NE (3) sub-hamlet (AT978697). On 20 April a Vietnamese Popular Forces platoon with U. S. Army advisors passed through Battalion lines for employment as a blocking force for a sweep of YEN BAC (AT985701) and CAM HOA (1) (AT965703) and CAM HOA (2) (AT976701) hamlets by a company of 51st ARVN Regiment. Construction of the Battalion mess hall was completed and the first meal was served on 24 April. A bunker rebuilding program was instituted during the month, and several additional troop strong- backs were constructed. Visitors to the Battalion Command Post during the month included Colonel J. B. SWEENEY, USMC, Prospective Chief of Staff, 3d Marine Division, and Colonel E. H. SIMMONS, USMC, Commanding Officer, 9th Marines. Both Officers were briefed by the Battalion Commanding Officer and escorted on a tour of YEN BAC (AT985701) hamlet. Brigadier Gen- eral R. R. VANSTOCKUM, USMC, visited the 3d Tank Battalion CP on 9 April and was briefed by the 3d Antitank Battalion Executive Officer at that location. Two Red Cross ladies conducted audience participation games in the Enlisted Men's Club on two occasions during the month. (b) Company "A" (-) (Rein) continued in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment. The lst Plt. remained in reserve at the Company C. P. with the mission of direct support of the 3d Marines. During the period of 1-10 April this platoon conducted practise firing at LE MY (AT899820), firing 106mm HEP-T and .50 Cal. spotting rifles on all ONTOS. On 5 April the platoon was placed on standby for possible comittment to aid in the evacuation of U. S. citizens from the City of DANANG, but they were not called out. During the period of 11-20 April the platoon conducted familiarization firing with all T/O weapons, including the 30 Cal. machine gun. ENCLOSURE (1) 6 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 The month closed out with the platoon conducting a 40 mile road march for driver and crew training. The 2nd Plt. continued in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 3d Marines. During the period of 1-10 April the pla- toon conducted practice firing on the 106mm recoilless rifles and .50 Cal. spotting rifles at TRUE BAO (AT9071). From 8-10 April one ONTOS was placed on standby at the 3d AT Bn C. P. for possible employment in an armored column. During the remainder of the month the platoon de- veloped defiladed firing positions in support of Companies G and H, 2nd Bn, 3d Marines. 1st Plt. Co "A", 1st AT Bn. continued in direct support of the 1st Bn, 3d Marines. From 1-10 April H&I missions were fired from a firing point located on hill 358 (AT933885) into GS (AT8988, AT9087, AT9088 and AT9089). On 8 April one section was placed on standby at the 3d AT Bn C. P. for possible employment in an armored column. They were released on 10 April, without having been commited. During this same period one ONTOS assumed a defensive role at NAM-O bridge (AT935 876) in place of an M-48 Tank that was on standby for the armored col- umn mentioned above. For the remainder of the month the platoon con- ducted nightly H&I fire missions from positions on hill 358. On 28 April the platoon conducted a direct fire mission in support of Co "D" 1/3, achieving good results in target area. (c) Company "C" (Rein) continued in direct support of the 9th Marine Regiment. The 1st Plt. was in support of the 2nd Bn, 9th Marines. The platoon commenced the reporting period with one section in support of "F" 2/9 and the other section with "G" 2/9. On 1 April the section with "F" 2/9 supported a sweep of (BT0161). On returning from that location they were taken under VC small arms fire. The ONTOS returned .30 Cal. machine gun fire with no confirmed results. On 2-3 April the section with "G" 2/9 supported a platoon sized patrol. On 3 April the section received small arms sniper fire from a railroad car (AT995616). The sniper fire ceased after the section returned fire with eight .50 Cal. spotting rounds and three rounds of 106mm HEP-T. On 8 April the section with "F" 2.9 supported a platoon patrol with no VC contact. On 9 April the section reinforced a platoon from "F" 2/9 in establishing a road block at THANH QUIT bridge (BT042621). On 10 April the section with "G" 2/9 supported a platoon sweep. That evening the section assumed defensive positions at QUANG DONG (3) (AT993617). At 0100, 11 April the defensive perimeter was hit with heavy VC small arms and automatic weapons fire. One ONTOS received a direct hit (weapon or Cal. unknown) causing a secondary explosion by detonating the 106mm HEP-T ammunition in one of the recoilless rifles. The section sustained two WIA's during this action. On 14 April the section supporting "F" 2/9 came under sniper fire from a house at PHONG LUC (3) (BT018624). The ONTOS used .30 Cal. machine- guns in support of the advancing infantry, and then fired three 106mm HEP-T rounds at the house. Sniper fire ceased. ENCLOSURE (1) 7 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 On 15 April one ONTOS section supported two squads fro "F" 2/9 at a blocking position at THANH QUIT (1) (BT028625). No contact was re- ported. On 17 April the section with "F" 2/9 supported a patrol and came under fire from approximately 30 to 40 VC who were spotted along the SONG THANH QUIT river (BT025612). The section returned .30 Cal. machine gun, .50 Cal. spotting rounds and 21 106m HEP-T rounds with an estimated 15 VC KIA (unconfirmed). On 20 April "E" 2/9 relieved "G" 2/9 and an ONTOS section now supported "E" 2/9. On 21 April "H" 2/9 relieved "F" 2/9 and an ONTOS section now supported "H" 2/9. On 25 April this section supported a S&D patrol, and was taken under fire by an estimated squad of Viet Cong. The ONTOS returned fire with .30 Cal. machine gun fire and five rounds of 106mm HEP-T. A search of the area disclosed expended .30 Cal. M-1 cartridge casings and trails of blood, indicating possible VC KIA/WIA's, but no confirmed count. On 27, 28 and 30 April the same section supported "H" 2/9 S&D missions. The 2nd Plt. was in support of the 3d Bn, 9th Marines. The platoon start- ed the reporting period with one section at Battalion Maintenance and the other section at the platoon C. P. (BT074657). On 2 April one sec- tion supported "K" 3/9 in operation "GOLDEN FLEECE", at KHAI TAY (2) (BT045677). On 4 April a section again supported "M" 3/9 on a blocking position between (BT068677) and (BT071698). On 13 April the 3/9 C. P. received VC small arms fire and one ONTOS section was immediately commited on the line and returned fire with .30 Cal. machine guns. Proximity of friendly troops precluded the use of 106mm recoilles rifles. On 14 April a section supported an "M" 3/9 sweep, with no de- termined results. On 19 April while supporting "M" 3/9 between (BT063 642) and (BT092588), one VCS was captured. The patrol turned the suspect over to "M" 3/p (3/9?) and continued on their mission. At (BT056654) the patrol received small arms fire. Return fire resulted in the capture of two VCS and one VC KIA. After the patrol returned to the "M" 3/9 C. P., the Company "M" Commander dispatched two fire teams with the prisoners to the 3/9 C. P., the ONTOS section acting as es- cort. On 21 April as troops were embarking on helicopters at the 3/9 LZ, .50 Cal. machine gun fire from the northeast and southwest of the perimeter was received. An ONTOS was sent to the scene and caliber 30 machine guns neutralized the enemy fire. There was one friendly WIA during this exchange of fire; enemy casualties were undetermined. On 27 April "M" 3/9 received enemy small arms fire from (BT062648). An ONTOS section returned .30 Cal. machine gun and 106mm HEP-T fire. The VC withdrew under fire, with no determined results. On 30 April the section with "M" 3/9 supported a S&D operation in ?? (BT0662) and (BT0661). No contact was reported. The 3d Plt. continued in direct support of the 9th Marine Regiment, being used to reinforce the 1st and 2nd platoons, Company "C" and the 3d Platoon, Company "B". One section was in support of 3/3 on hill 55 (AT971620), and one ENCLOSURE (1) 8 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 section remained at the platoon C. P. (AT990678). On 1 April one section supported "G" 3/3 at HA DONG bridge (AT990642) with no VC con- tact. On 7 and 8 April a section provided road security at the 2/9 C. P. . On 9 and 10 April the section was placed on standby alert at the 2/9 C. P. , then established a blocking force at (BT033646), with no enemy contact. One section remained with the 2/9 C. P. as part of the reaction force until 19 April. One ONTOS from the section on hill 55 (AT971620) fired at Viet Cong troops located at CHAU SON (1) (AT944 613). The VC who had been firing at a "L" 3/3 patrol broke contact. Later a group of villagers approached the perimeter of hill 55, rre- questing a casket to bury one man (believed to be a VC KIA). On 21 April the 3d platoon was assigned a new mission of direct support of the 3d Bn, 3d Marines. (The 3d platoon, Company "B", formerly in direct support of 3/3, reverted to OPCON of Co "B", 3d AT Bn). One ONTOS was placed on hill 55, one section on hill 22 (AT954667) and the other section at AN TRACH (1) (AT969649) with no contact. 3d Plt. Company "B" continued in direct support of the 3d Bn, 3d Marines. The reporting period commenced with one section with "M" 3/3, one section with "K" 3/3 and one section on hill 55. The section with "K" 3/3 supported an extended operation of this company until 3 April. On 3 April one sec- tion provided convoy escort fom the 1/9 area to hill 22. On 15 April "H" 2/4 relieved "K" 3/3 on hill 22 and the ONTOS section now supported "H" 2/4. On 19 April the section with "M" 3/3 at AN TRACH (1) sup- ported a sweep conducted by "L" 3/3 with no enemy contact. On 23 April the platoon was relieved of its direct support mission of 3/3. The platoon moved to HUE-PHU BAI as part of a "Rough Rider" convoy, and upon arrival came under OPCON of Company "B", 3d AT Bn. (3) HUE-PHU BAI Enclave (a) Company "B" (-) (Rein) continued in direct support of the 4th Marine Regiment. The 2nd Plt, Company "A", 1st AT Bn was in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 1st Marines. On 5 April one section had the mission of reinforcing a road block at (YD875148). They returned the following day, with no enemy contact. On 10 April the platoon par- ticipated in a company firing exercise at DONG HA Training center. The platoon's primary mission during the remainder of the month was that of manning three defensive positions with the 2/1 TAOR. The only other special mission during the month was the support of a reconais- sance patrol to (YD825245). The 2nd Plt. Company "A", 3rd AT Bn commenced the month in direct support of the 3d Bn, 4th Marines. On 15 April the platoon was placed in direct support of the 1st Bn, 4th Marines. On 16 and 17 April the platoon was given the mission of providing convoy escort for the battalion during the displacement of the Command Post to (YD522 300). During the early morning hours of 18, 19 and 20 April the battalion ENCLOSURE (1) 9 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 received enemy 60mm, 81mm and 82mm mortar fire within the perimeter. During the 20 April mortar attack the ONTOS commanders of one section observe muzzle flashes eminating from suspected VC mortar positions (YD524290). The ONTOS Section directed 19 rounds of 106mm recoilless rifle fire at the position. A morning patrol reported negative results. On 20 April one section supported an infantry patrol on an unnamed village at (YD474276) with no contact. On 21 April one ONTOS provided security of Engineers on a mine sweep. On 22 April one section pro- vided direct support for "A" 1/4, setting up a blocking position at (YD4827). On 30 April one section was placed in direct support of "A" 1/4, with the mission of reinforcing a blocking force at (YD521288). Enemy troops were sighted at DON O O (YD5226). Eight rounds of 106mm recoilless rifle and twenty .50 cal. spotting rounds were directed at the Viet Cong, with unknown results. The 3d Platoon, Co "B", 3d AT Bn. The platoon was joined from Company "C", 3d AT Bn on 24 April, having departed from the DANANG Enclave with a mission of security for a "Rough Rider" convoy. The platoon arrived at the Company "B", 3d AT Bn C. P. (YD894143) with no contact. The platoon was placed in direct sup- port of the 4th Marine Regiment and assumed defensive positions within the 4th Marines TAOR. f. Communications and Electronics. In addition to the normal Command Post communication functions the following events took place during the month. During the period 10-23 April, the wire section wired the Battalion's new mess hall for electricity. On 19 April three Seismic Intrusion Detectors were relocated around the permanet patrol base at YEN BAC hamlet (AT985701) in an attempt to attain increased security for the patrol base. During the period 21-23 April, the Bat- talion Communications Officer and Communications Chief visited Company "B" at HUE-PHU BAI to deliver AN/PRC-25/GRC-125 components and to ac- quaint the communication personnel and officers with the radio equip- ment. On 23 April, a radio-jeep was sent to hill 327 to monitor "Rough Rider" convoy radio communications. During the period 26-28 April, the wire section replaced several power line poles with sturdier poles contructed out of bomb racks. On 29 April technicians prepared two AN/PRC-25 radios with LTI and condition codes for turn in to FSA. g. Logisitics. The problem caused by lack of track section for ONTOS was somewhat alleviated by the receipt of 192 sections. There remain 446 sections of track on valid requisition, of which 126 sec- tions are on "RED BALL". The Criti-Pak list for this Battalion was modified and submitted to Division Supply Officer during April. (a) Ordnance Maintenance. A total of 13 ONTOS were deadlined during the month and 17 were returned to service. Quarterly Maintenance services were performed on 11 ONTOS. Seven contact teams were dis- ENCLOSURE (1) 10 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 patched to provide services for units of this command. There were 15 work orders accepted and 15 were completed. Two men completed a one week course for generator operators conducted by 3d Engineer Battalion. One ONTOS was damaged due to hostile action and evacuated to FLSG. (b) Motor Transport. During the month 43 work orders were received and 40 were completed. Eleven Quarterly services and one annual service were performed. A total of 1055 vehicle dispatches were made covering 12,346 miles. A contact team from FMFPAC made a courtesy inspection of the Motor Transport operations and recommended corrective measures in certain areas. One M-49 tanker truck was damaged when in- volved in an accident on 24 April. An investigation is being conducted. (c) Supply. In April, one M422 truck was received from FLSG. One M50A1 ONTOS and two caliber .30 machine guns were coded "X" and one M422A1 truck was coded "R-4". Requisitions were submitted as fol- lows: 11 priority two, 52 priority five, and 359 priority twelve and seventeen for a total of 422 requisitions. Requisitions filled during the month were: 5 priority two, 24 priority five, and 161 priorities twelve and seventeen for a total of 190. Two M422A1 trucks were in- voiced to 1st Antitank Battalion. h. Civic Action. During the month the Battalion Civic Action Team improved and created new projects while expanding the civic action program beyond the limits of YEN BAC hamlet. (AT985701). The medical team of the Battalion continued to operate the aid station in the ham- let daily, except Sunday, from 0800 to 1600, treating 217 adults, and 171 children. In addition, 3 dental treatments were administered. As in previous months over half of the treatments fell into the "Upper Respiratory Infection" and "Disease of the Skin" category. During this month 134,274 Piasters were contributed to the Vietnamese economy for laundry services and ice. The hamlet of YEN BAC received approximately 6,260 pounds of garbage and liquid waste from the Battalion messhall for animal feed. During the week 1 through 9 April Marines and Viet- namese continued working together on civic action projects such as a modern pig pen, reconstruction of an old well, and laying the the foundation for a school house. A substantial amount of lumber was con- tributed to the hamlet for the pig pen and school house, and tin for the lining of the well. A photographic identification project was start- ed by the Civic Action Team by taking pictures of family groups in the hamlet in connection with the census program. During the week 10 through 16 April activity commenced with the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer of the Battalion attending a presentation of an expen- sive meidcal instrument from the people of the USA to the DUY TAN Hos- pital. The Battalion Civic Action Officer held a conference with the people of the hamlet to discuss a school project which they have approved. ENCLOSURE (1) 11 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 Map 1966 Vietnamese and Marines together built a small school room in the hamlet and the first day of school found 20 children in attendance. Lessons in English were given by Marines through the Battalion interpreters. In the middle of the week the children of the hamlet began to stay away from the school. The aid station, merchant stores and barber shop closed down. This lasted but a few days and at the end of the week attendance at school increased, treatments at the aid station returned to normal and the stores and barber shop began operating as usual. The unrest among the villagers can be contributed to two factors. First, the political unrest in the City of DANANG choked off supplies for the hamlet stores; secondly, a suicide squad entered neighboring hamlets and threatened the people. The new school project had probably startled the Viet Cong as it was contrary to their doctrine. At the end of the week the Battalion established a permanent patrol base next to the aid station in the shopping center of YEN BAC. The base effectively denined access to a main trail between hamlets during curfew hours. Previously this route permitted movement unrestricted by GVN check points. During the week 17 through 23 April school attendance increased to 36 children a day, and plans were discussed to enlarge the now overcrowded school room. Many children from neighboring hamlets were also attending the classes. Hamlet routine returned to normal, and the aid station, barber shop and merchant stores had their usual business. During the week 24 through 30 April the school attendance skyrocketed to 43 children. Down came the walls of the small school house and work was begun by Marines and Vietnamese in construction of a bigger school. The increase in attendance can be attributed to several things, one being that the 40 Piaster fee to attend private school is beyond the economic means of peasant farmers. Another factor is that when the schools in the neighboring hamlets are open the children of YEN BAC are needed in the fields to herd the cows. We have scheduled school hours in the hamlet from 1200 to 1400 during the noon heat, when children are resting from labor in the fields. The pig pen was completed and there are plans to by American-Vietnamese cross-bred pigs and have them crossed with the hamlet swine. There is hope that this will improve the quality of pig breed. The Hamlet Agricultural advisors from USAID have said it looks like a sound program with great prospects. In the middle of the week the Battalion Civic Action Officer took the officers and non-commission- ed officers of the Battalion on a tour through the hamlet to meet the people and get a better understanding of their customs and way of life. It was found in the past that patrols were misinterpreting customs of the people, mistaking them for Viet Cong inspired. This week school children were given soap, CARE school kits and an extra treat of a hot meal. The elders of the hamlet were not neglected. They received CARE sewing kits which they rapidly put to use in repairing and making outer garments of clothing. The success of the Civic Action Program in the hamlet of YEN BAC seems to be spreading. The hamlet chief of CAM HOA ENCLOSURE (1) 12 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3/ERL/alw 9 May 1966 (AT965703) has requested aid for his village from this Battalion. He expressed a desire to have a population census and house number signs as in YEN BAC hamlet. ENCLOSURE (1) 13 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
