DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 3d Marine Division, (Rein) FMF FPO San Francisco 96602 3 5750 Ser: 070-66 10 July 1966 CONFIDENTIAL From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF Subj: Command Chronology Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) DivO 5750.1 Encl: (1) Command Chronology (2) Staff Journals (3) SITREPS 1. In compliance with the references, enclosures (1) through (3) are submitted. (Signature) BRUCE A. HEFLIN CONFIDENTAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 PART I 1. Reporting unit - 3d Antitank Battalion, 3d Marine Divisio, FMF 2. Period covered - 1 - 30 June 1966 3. Date of submission - 10 July 1966 4. Commanding Officer - 1 - 30 June 1966 Lieutenant Colonel Bruce A. HEFLIN, USMC 5. Command Post - Republic of South Vietnam (AT987711) Map AMS Series l 701, Sheet No. 6659 III. ENCLOSURE (1) 1 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 PART II 1. Operational Data, including attachments: a. Designation/Location (1) Headquarters and Service Co (-) (DANANG TAOR) (2) Co "A" (DANANG TAOR) (3) Co "B" (PHU BAI TAOR) (4) Co "C" (DANANG TAOR) (5) Co "A" (-), 1st ATBn (DANANG TAOR) b. Period covered by report: 1-30 June 1966 c. Name/Rank of Commanding Officer and Staff, and principle sub- ordinates, including T/O billet assignment. BATTALLION 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 D. L. TAYLOR (1 - 9 June) 1stLt. H. R. MARWITZ (10 - 30 Jun) Ordinance Maintenance Officer................................................GySgt C. P. Mc DONALD (1 - 6 Jun) and (29-30 Jun) 1stLt S. T. FLYNN (7 - 28 Jun) Communications Officer.............................................................2ndLt M. C. SCHROEDER Medical Officer...........................................................................HMC G. K. LAW, USN Headquarters and Service Co. (-) Commandant...............................................................................1stLt B. M. MATHEWS Company "A" Commanding Officer..................................................................Capt. S. R. STEWART ENCLOSURE (1) 2 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL Executive Officer.......................................................................Unassigned (1 - 28 Jun) 1stLt S. T. FLYNN (29-30 Jun) 1st Plt Commander....................................................................SSgt C. E. WEBB (1-10 Jun) 2ndLt E. A. ROBITAILLE (11-30 Jun) 2nd Plt Commander...................................................................2ndLt R.W. BERNARD 3d Plt Commander.....................................................................1stLt M.P. KINGSTON Company "B" Commanding Officer.................................................................Capt. D. C. SATCHER Executive Officer......................................................................Unassigned 1st Plt Commander....................................................................2ndLt T. J. MEEHAN 2nd Plt Commander...................................................................1stLt D. J. NOONAN (1 - 9 Jun) SSgt A. MAMARIL (10 - 30 Jun) 3d Plt Commander....................................................................2ndLt M. H. PONDER Company "C" Commanding Officer................................................................Capt F. FIRING Executive Officer.....................................................................1stLt M. M. WOOD (1 - 10 Jun) Unassigned (11 - 30 Jun) 1st Plt Commander...................................................................SSgt R. R. ABRAMOWICZ (1 - 10 Jun) 2ndLt H. J. RILEY (11 - 30 Jun) 2nd Plt Commander..................................................................2ndLt A. W. HOOF 3d Plt Commander....................................................................1tLt D. K. CASWELL Company "A" (-), 1st ATBn (chop from 1st MarDiv to OPCON 3d ATBn. 28 June 1966) Commanding Officer................................................................Capt G. R. VAN HORN Executive Officer.....................................................................1stLt G. J. FORBES 1st Plt Commander...................................................................Sgt. J. W. ANDROLOWICZ 3d Plt Commander..................................................................GySgt V. L. STREET ENCLOSURE (1) 3 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 d. Average monthly strength during the period: Officers Enlisted ENL-Enl 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 22 322 12 (a) H&S Company 9 107 6 (b) Company "A" 6 70 2 (c) Company "B" 3 73 2 (d) Company "C" 4 72 2 (e) Company "A", 1st ATBn (ADCON 1st MarDiv) 2. Sequential listing of significant events a. Personnel and Administration. During the month there was one appointment to Warrant Officer, two promotions to First Sergeant, three to Gunner Sergeant, seven to Staff Sergeant and seven to Sergeant. The battalion sent 35 men on R&R. There were four men medically evacuated out of country for non-battle reasons. One man was granted an emergency leave to CONUS. There were seven WIA; in addition to this there were two men wounded as a result of accidential injury. There were four article 15 punishments awarded by Company Commanders, two Summary Courts-Martial were awarded by the Battalion Commanding Officer. Three officers, 84 USMC enlisted and one USN enlisted were transferred during the month. The battalion joined four officers and four USMC enlisted during the same period. Three members of the battalion were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation ribbon for participation in Operation STARLIGHT. Five Purple Heart medals and five Good Conduct medals were awarded during the month. All companies remained on Company Administration and utilized the Addressograph PAS system. b. Battalion Command Post Activity (1) Important visitors to the Battalion Command Post during the month included: 1 June Mr. Bill COOKE, USAID Representative 6 June Agriculture Team from QUANG NAM Province, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Colonel T. M. HORNE, USMC, Prospective AC/S, G-2, 3d MarDiv 15 June BrigGen L. E. ENGLISH, USMC, ADC 3d MarDiv BrigGen PLEASANCE, New Zealand Army (Rtd) Col SPENCE, New Zealand Army (Rtd) ENCLOSURE (1) 4 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 22 June Mr. D. BRELIS, NBC-TV, with Crew 29 June Mr. Bob JONES, Correspondent, "Hololulu Advertiser" 29 June Civil Affairs Officers (U. S. Army) attached to the 3d Marine Regiment (2) Red Cross ladies visited the Battalion C.P. on three occasions during the month to conduct audience participation games in the Enlisted Men's Club. c. Intelligence. Information concerning the enemy and terrain was received from USMACV, IIIMAF, 3d Marine Division, 9th Marines, and HOA VANG District Headquarters. On the night of 31 May - 1 June a Viet Cong courier was shot and killed by a squad sized patrol of the 3d ATBn in the vicinity of CAM HOA Hamlet (AT983703). A search of the body produced seven Viet Cong propaganda document, which were evacuated to G-2 section, 3d Marine Division for Evaluation. d. Training. for the month of June was primarily on-the-job training in all fields. Class room type was held in Gun Companies on such sub- jects as: map and compass, Code of Conduct, NBC and riot control, and first aid. Special classes on troop orientation, religion in Vietnam and operation communications security measures were held. Headquarters and Service Company conducted familiarization firing of the M-14 rifle at the HOA CAM Regional Training Center (AT970713). Technical training was continued throughout the month by the Battalion Communications/ Electronics and Ordinance Maintenance Sections. These sections utilized the contact team method of instruction down to and including the ONTOS section level. The Battalion Motor Transport Section continued the weekly operation and maintenance school for all wheeled vehicle drivers of Companies in the DANANG TAOR. The Battalion sent 25 enlisted men to the 3d Engineer Battalion school on "VC Mines, Booby Traps and U. S. Mines." In addition to this, 25 enlisted men attended the 3d Engineer Battalion's school on Field Fortification Training. One Marine was sent to Okinawa for training in the Basic Infantry Weapons Repair Course held by the 3d Force Service Regiment. e. Operations. The 3d Antitank Battalion continued to provide general support to the 3d Marine Division in the DANANG and PHU BAI TAORS. One 1 June the disposition and support rules of the units of the Battalion were as follows: ENCLOSURE (1) 5 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 (1) 3d Antitank Bn in general support of the 3d Marine Division. (a) H&S Co (-) (Bn CP) located DANANG TAOR (b) Company "A" in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment (DANANG) 1st Plt, Co "A" in direct support of Company "D", 1/3. 2nd Plt, Co "A" in direct support of Companies "C", 1/3, "H", 2/3 and Battery "K", 4/12. 3d Plt, Co "A" in direct support of Companies "G" and "H", 2/3. (c) Compan "B" in direct support of the 4th Marine Regiment. (PHU BAI TAOR). 1st Plt, Co "B" in direct support of the 4th Marines. 2nd Plt, Co "B" in direct support of the 4th Marines. 3d Plt, Co "B" in direct support of the 1st Bn., 4th Marines. (d) Company "C" in direct support of the 9th Marine Regiment (DANANG TAOR) 1st Plt, Co "C" in direct support of the 2nd Bn., 9th Marines. 2nd Plt, Co "C" in direct support of the 1st Bn., 1st Marines. 3d Plt, Co "C" in direct support of the 1st Bn., 9th Marines. (2) DANANG TAOR (a) H&S Company (-). Normal administration and logistical support of the ONTOS companies was provided during the month. In addition the Battalion portion of the Southern Sector, Division Rear Area was covered by night time patrols, working out of the Battalion's Patrol Base in YEN BAC Hamlet (AT986605). One fire team (reinforced) of the reaction platoon furnished security for an Engineer well- digging site at (AT990699) on two occasions during the month. One rifle squad of the reaction platoon was placed under OPCON of 3d Marines on 8 June to pro- vide nightly security for the LAAM Battery on Hill 317 (AT972738). This commitment is still in effect. ENCLOSURE (1) 6 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 (b) Company "A" (-) continued in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment. The 1st Plt. remained in direct support of "D" 1/3 from 1-8 June. On 8 June the 2nd platoon assumed this mission, and the 1st platoon returned to the Company CP. On 14 June the platoon moved into a staging area in preparation for Operation LIBERTY. One ONTOS section was positioned on Hill 22 (AT954667) and the other section was positioned on Hill 41 (AT935664). On 16 June both ONTOS sections jumped off, one in direct support of "G" 2/3 and the other in support of "H" 2/3, working through grid squares (AT9260 - 9259 - 9359 - 9160 - 9159 and 9058). On 18 June the ONTOS sections supported the infantry companies in the attack. One ONTOS was used to recon by fire with the 30 Cal. machinegun. No confirmed results were reported. From 18 to 29 June the ONTOS fired 24 rounds of 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds of nightly Harrassing and Interdiction fires. On 29 June one ONTOS section moved to Hill 65 (AT878577) and the other ONTOS section moved to the 2/3 CP on Hill 37 (AT916582). One ONTOS was switched to support of "I" 3/3 where it assumed the mission of a 2nd Plt ONTOS. This ONTOS fired H&I fires from (AT929691) with undetermined results. The 2nd Plt. continued in direct support of "C" 1/3 adn "K" 4/12. On 3 June the support of "K" 4/12 was withdrawn, and the platoon was given the mission of supporting "D" 1/3 at LE MY (AT899820) and "H" 2/3, also continuing the support of "C" 1/3. On 16 June at the start of Operation LIBERTY, the support of "H" 2/3 was dropped and the platoon assumed support of "I" 3/3. On 16 and 17 June the ONTOS section with "C" 1/3 fired four direct fire missions under the direction of the Company "C" Commander. No confirmed results were reported. The support of "I" 3/3 was turned over to the 1st platoon on 29 June. On 21 June, two direct fire missions were fired from Hill 358, the target being a group of lights at (AT903888). On 27 June the ONTOS section at LE MY fired a direct fire mission from (AT890835). The target was suspected VC in the area. Eight rounds of 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T ammunition were fired, with unknown results. On 28 June the ONTOS were moved into position on the HAI VAN pass, with the mission of denying the VC of use of Highway 1. The 3d Plt. commenced the reporting period in direct support of the 2nd Battalion, 3d Marines. On 6 June the platoon was chopped to OPCON of Company "C", 3d ATBn. Administrative control remained with Company "A", 3d ATBn. Major Rounds. The Company fired 1232 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds during June. There were 1144 fired on H&I missions and 88 on direct fire missions. (c) Company "C" (Rein) continued in direct support of the 9th Marine Regiment. The 1st Plt. continued in direct support of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. At the start of June one ONTOS section was in support of "E" 2/9 (BT001612), the other ONTOS section was in support of "H" 2/9 (BT015633). On 9 June the ONTOS section with "E" 2/9 was with- drawn to the platoon CP (BT015627). On 10 June the other ONTOS section supported a 2/9 operation in the vicinity of the SONG LA THO river. ENCLOSURE (1) 7 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 No contact was reported. On 13 June the platoon supported a patrol involved in sweeping PHONG LUC (2) (BT015628) and LA THO BAC (1) (BT008628). No contact was reported. On 15 June the platoon was sent to PHONG LUC (2) to assist a patrol receiving VC sniper fire. The ONTOS crewmen fired 600 rounds of Cal .30 machinegun ammunition at the VC, who broke contact. On 17 June an ONTOS section supported an infantry patrol from "G" 2/9 to LA THO BAC (3) (BT002612). No contact was reported. On 18 June one ONTOS section supported a "G" 2/9 patrol through the village of QUANG DONG (2) (AT994623). The patrol was taken under fire by the VC. The ONTOS crewmen returned fire with 500 Cal. 30 machinegun rounds and ten 106mm Recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds. There were no con- firmed results, and the VC broke contact. On 19 June the ONTOS section provided security for a downed helicopter. The same day the platoon's 3/4 ton truck was taken under VC sniper fire near BICH NAM (1) (BT001632). The vehicle sustained minor damage, with no casualites. Later that afternoon one ONTOS section supported a "G" 2/9 patrol in the village of LA THO BAC (2) (BT003621). The ONTOS crewmen fired 500 rounds of Cal. 30 machinegun ammunition and 13 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds in the destruction of various structures and huts. No confirmed VC KIA or WIA reported. On 20 June all of the platoon ONTOS were located at the 2/9 CP (BT016636). On 21 June one ONTOS section displaced to support "H" 2/9 (AT994584), and at approximately 2300 two ONTOS crewmen were wounded by incoming VC 60mm mortar fire. They were not medically evacuated. On 22 June this ONTOS section supported a '"H" 2/9 search and clear operation. The ONTOS crewmen fired 2000 Cal. 30 machinegun ammunition and 80 roundsof Cal. 50 spotting rifle rounds at VC in the sweep area. One ONTOS received small arms fire and sustained superficial damage. On 23 June the ONTOS section supported "H" 2/9 in a search and clear of (BT005570), with no contact reported. On 25 June the section with "H" 2/9 switched support to "G" 2/9 (AT994564). That same day the section supported a search and clear operation along route 14 conducted by "G" 2/9. The ONTOS crewmen fired 18 rounds of 106mm recoilless rifle ammunition at suspected VC positions with undetermined results. On 25 June the section located at the 2/9 CP supported "F" 2/9 in a sweep of LA THO BAC (3) (BT002612). No contact was reported. On 26 June the ONTOS section with "G" 2/9 supported a search and clear operation of NHI KINH (1). The ONTOS fired 14 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds and 40 Cal. 50 spotting rounds in support of this sweep, results un- determined. The ONTOS section switched support from "G" 2/9 after this sweep to "E" 2/9 (BT001560). This ONTOS section supported a "E" 2/9 search and clear operation at (BT002562), no contact reported, On 28 June the ONTOS section reverted to direct support of "G" 2/9 (BT070575), which displaced on 30 June to (BT024577). The other ONTOS section ended the month at the 2/9 CP (BT016636). The 2nd Plt. continued in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. On 1 and 3 June the ONTOS provided convoy security on the road from a bridge located at (BTl72701) to the 1/1 CP. No contact was reported. ENCLOSURE (1) 8 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 On 5 June one ONTOS section supported a "D" 1/1 operation to (BT093678). The ONTOS crewmen fired 300 rounds of Cal. 30 machinegun ammunition, 200 rounds at a group of VC. One VC WIA was confirmed. That afternoon the ONTOS were sent to "B" 1/1 (BT060606). The 1/1 Battalion Commander ordered the section back to the 1/1 CP. One ONTOS ran out of gas and was re- supplied via helicopter. The helicopter came under VC small arms fire from an estimated 40 VC. The ONTOS fired 200 rounds of Cal. 30 machinegun, 150 rounds of 7.62mm machinegun and three 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds at the VC. Three structures were destroyed, resulting in one secondary explosion. An estimated 25 -30 VC were KIA from this action, and eleven VC weapons were captured. As the ONTOS section was returning to the1/1 CP one of the ONTOS detonaed an unknown type of mine at (BT083677). The ONTOS was destroyed, four USMC WIA were sustained, including the 1/1 Battalion Commander. A perimeter was established to allow the wounded to be evacuated. The VC directed sporadic small arms fire into the area. The ONTOS countered with 160 rounds of Cal. 30 machinegun fire. One 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T round was fired at the source of the VC small arms fire. All fire ceased at 2400. On 8 June this platoon was joined by the 3d platoon, Company "A", 3d AT Bn. The reinforced platoon was then deployed as follows: One ONTOS section with "C" 1/1, one ONTOS section with "D" 1/1 and one ONTOS section with "B" 1/1. The reinforced platoon was used on a battalion sweep as flank security and as elements of the blocking forces. No contact was reported. On 10 June one ONTOS working with "C" 1/1 fired 20 Cal. 50 spotting rifle rounds and two 106mm recoil- less rifle HEP-T rounds at a group of VC located in an area from (BT089638) to (BT084605), resulting in four VC KIA (Poss). On 12 June the ONTOS section supported "B" 1/1 participating in Operation LIBERTY. One ONTOS detonated a 155mm artillery round (BT064635) rigged as a mine. The round did not fully detonate and the ONTOS sustained only minor damages. One Marine was wounded, but not evacuated. As Operation LIBERTY continued an ONTOS detonated an unknown type of explosive device (believed to have been an AP mine) at (BT063647). No casualties resulted and only slight damage to the vehicle was sustained. On 15 June an ONTOS detonated an unknown type of mine/explosive device at (BT128634). Two ONTOS crewmen were WIA. The ONTOS suffered extensive damage. The crater was 2 ft. deep by 7 feet across. On 18 June an ONTOS supporting "B" 1/1 at (BT077603). fired eight cal. 50 spotting rifle rounds at VC positions, no determined results were reported. On 20 June one ONTOS supporting "B" 1/1 fired 750 Cal. 30 machinegun rounds at VC positions. No determined results were reported. On 20 June the platoon was withdrawn to Battalion Main- tenance for the remainder of the reporting period. On 22 June the platoon displaced to the Company "C" CP (Rear) (AT998723) where it remained for the remainder of the reporting period. The 3d Plt started the reporting period in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. One ONTOS section was located on Hill 22 (AT954667), and the other ONTOS section located on Hill 55 (AT971620). On 5 June the section on Hill 22 was moved to Hill 55, the other section remained on Hill 55 until 12 June when it was sent forward to work with "B" 1/9. ENCLOSURE (1) 9 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 On 13 June the section with "B" 1/9 fired nine 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds at houses and bunkers in support of Company "B"'s sweep. On 14 June they fired seven more rounds, and on the 16th they fired 17 additional rounds. On the 17th they fired 16 major rounds, and on the 18th they fired an additional 15 major rounds, all in support of "B" 1/9. Most of this work was done in the vicinity of BAU TAY (2) (AT954577). On 20 and 21 June the ONTOS section on Hill 55 supported "K" 3/9 on a sweep of the area adjacent to the Hill 55 mass, with no contact reported. The ONTOS section with "B" 1/9 supported a sweep south of the SONG THU BON river from (AT9253) to (AT9354) on 26 June. The ONTOS crewmen took a group of VC boats under fire; using six 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds, and destroyed 14 25 foot boats on the river. On 26 June this same ONTOS section in support of "B" 1/9 fired 20 106mm recoilless rifle rounds and 35 Cal. 50 spotting rifle rounds at another group of boats on the DONG THU BON river (AT9353) with un- determined results. On 27 June this ONTOS section fire 36 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds in support of "B" 1/9 against buildings and a tree line in CHAU SON (2) (AT957603). The results were not reported. On 30 June this ONTOS section fired at a group of VC armed with 57mm recoilless rifles. The fire was distributed from (AT901532) to (AT902531), but the results were undetermined. The same day the ONTOS fired nine 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds, 20 Cal. 50 spotting rounds and 500 Cal. 30 machinegun rounds in support of "B" 1/9. Results undetermined. That same evening the ONTOS section was called to fire their major weapons, being given the mission to fire at a signal light located at a village at (AT913555). Six 106mm recoilless HEP-T rounds and two Cal. 50 spotting rifle rounds were fired and the light was extinquished. The 3d Plt Company "A" was placed under OPCON of Company "C" on 8 June, and was used to reinforce the 2nd Platoon of this Company in the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines zone of the TAOR. Joint operations are covered under the "2nd Plt." from 8-22 June one ONTOS section was placed in direct support of "D" 1/1. The two companies made a sweep from a line between (BT075685) and (BT089695) northward. No contact was reported. On 24 June the section in support of "A" 1/1 fired 500 Cal. 30 machinegun rounds at the VC while continuing the sweep, with no confirmed results. On 25 June one ONTOS section was withdrawn to the 1/1 CP for maintenance. The other ONTOS section was placed in support of "K" 3/1 (BT080645). On 30 June the platoon was placed in direct support of "D" 1/1. On the evening of 30 June one ONTOS vehicle was mired in a rice paddy lily pond at (BT046655) and remained sub- merged at the close of the reporting period. An infantry platoon from "K" 3/1 and one ONTOS provided security at the site. Major Rounds. The company fired 231 106mm recoilless HEP-T rounds during the month, all on direct fire missions. ENCLOSURE (1) 10 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 (d) Company "A" (-), 1st ATBn. Moving from CHU LAI to DANANG the advanced party arrived via LST 1096, USS ST CLAIR COUNTY at 280730H June. The remainder of the Company arrived at 301730H June via LST 1146, USS SUMMIT COUNTY. The Company was placed under OPCON of the 3d ATBn effective 281400H June. It was placed in direct support of the 1st Marine Regiment. The Company arrived with the 1st and 3d platoons, both of which were assigned a direct support role of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. (3) HUE PHU BAI TAOR (a) Company "B" continued in direct support of the 4th Marine Regiment. The 1st Plt commenced the month in direct support of the 4th Marines. The mission for the first 15 days of June was that of CP security at the Company "B" CP. On 16 June the platoon was assigned the mission of direct support for the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, participating in Operation DODGE. On 18 June the platoon received sniper fire, and returned 75 rounds of Cal. 30 machinegun fire at the VC. No determined results were obtained and the VC broke contact. At the conclusion of Operation DODGE the platoon returned to the Company CP (YD894143). On 24 June the Company received a Frag Order from the CO, 4th Marines to stage for Operation JAY. The 1st platoon displaced to (YD527364). Enroute it provided convoy security for "I" 3/4. The convoy arrived at the 4th Marines CPat 251210H, where the platoon provided Regimental security. On 28 June a Frag Order was received to displace to PHU BAI. As the plt was displacing from the Regimental CP and heading toward Highway 1 it came on the site of a VC ambush of a convoy comprised of a Vietnamese Marine Unit. The U. S. Marine advisor was contacted by the 4th Marines to offer assistance. Artillery and ONTOS assistance was requested. At 0925H this platoon was committed, along with the second platoon and one ONTOS section from the 3d platoon. Company "I" 3/4 provided security for the pontoon bridge crossing at (YD519348), which had been under VC mortar fire and was suspected as a relief ambush site. This platoon along with the remainder of the company proceeded to (YD512351) where the Vietnamese Marines indicated the VC were on a ridge line parallel to Highway 1. At this point one wounded Vietnamese Marine was aided by an ONTOS crewman. From this point the AT Company Commander place the company (-) on line, covering an area 400M wide and swept an area from (YD512351-YD495341). Numerous VC were sighted and taken under fire by the massed ONTOS with 106 recoilless rifles, 30 cal machineguns, and the crewmen even fired their Cal .45 pistols. One VC was captured at (YD497341) with all equipment. Twelve VC KIA (body count) were credited to the Company during this sweep. Numerous other VC were fired at but exact body count was impossible due to close brush, absence of infantry support and close physical pursuit. The VC was sent back along the chain to the Company CP (YD505345). During the sweep, the combat CP came under VC sniper fire from (YD504346). ENCLOSURE (1) 11 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 The sweep was halted due to air strikes in front of and adjacent to the massed company of ONTOS. At 1200H the company displaced to (YD522351) where ti captured five CHICOM grenades, three CHICOM 75mm recoilless rifle rounds, 50 CHICOM 7.62 rifle rounds, and 20 CHICOM 12.7 heavy machinegun rounds. This platoon then joined "L" 3/4 and set up a block- ing position between (YD460356) and (YD466364). The Company returned to the Regimental CP at 1130H on 30 June, and at 1200H a Frag Oder was received to return to PHU BAI. The Company started the return trip act- ing as convoy security for Comapny "B", 3d MTBn. The 2nd Plt. started the month in direct support of the 4th Marine Regiment, and was located at the Company CP, maintaining defensive positions within the Regimental CP area. On the 15th of June the platoon was placed in direcg support of the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, participating in Operation ATHENS. The ONTOS fired twelve 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds into a aban- doned village to clear the area of suspect VC. No determined results were reported. On 17 June the platoon returned to the Company CP and reverted to a direct support role for the 4th Marines. On 24 June the Company received a Frag Order from the CO, 4th Marines to stage for Oper- ation JAY. This platoon participated on 24 June with the 1st platoon in providing convoy seurity for "I" 3/4 to (YD527364). On 26 June one ONTOS section supported "I" 3/4 on a sweep of (YD535375) - (YD542384) - (YD483403) and (YD501407). The sweep netted one VC and seven VCS. The platoon was involved in the action noted under "1st Plt" above on 28 June, after which it supported a sweep of "I" 3/4 along a line from (YD493344) to *YD477354), returning to the Regimenal CP at 1830H. This platoon then joined the remainder fo the Company (-) and returned to PHU BAI on 39 June. The 3d Plt. commenced the reporting period in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, manning three defensive positions nightly in the 1/4 TAOR. On 10 June one ONTOS was called on to provide counter fire for small arms rounds being received from an un- known number of VC, the fire coming from a walled grave. The ONTOS fired four 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds at the position, with destruction of one portion of the wall. The VC fire ceased. On 24 June when the Company received a Frag Order for Operation JAY, one ONTOS section displaced to participate in the operation, assisting in the convoy security for "I" 3/4 to (YD527364). On 26 June the platoon participated in the sweep with "I" 3/4 mentioned under "2nd Plt" above. On 28 June it participated in the Company operation mentioned under "1st Plt" above. On the afternoon of 28 June the platoon participated in the "I" 3/4 sweep mentioned under the "2nd Plt" above. This ONTOS section the join- ed the Company for the return to PHU BAI on 39 June. The other ONTOS section remained in the 1/4 TAOR during Operation JAY. Major Rounds The Company fired 48 106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T rounds on direct fire missions during June. In addition, 201 rounds were fired for familiarization. ENCLOSURE (1) 12 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 f. Communication and Electronics. In addition to the normal Command Post communications functions, the following events took place during the month of June: On 1 June, the Battalion received a new frequency from 3d Marine Division for Battalion Command Net #2. On 6 June, the AN/MRC-36 radio jeep went to Marble Mountain area to relay information to the CP on the recovery of a blown ONTOS. On 7 June, a request was submitted to 1st Radio Battalion to monitor Company "A" Command net for possible "jamming". On 8 June, communications personnel attended radio security school given by 1st Radio Battalion at the 1st Amtrac Battalion's SNCO club. On 11 June, the wire section rewired the majority of the AN/PSR-1 Seismic Intrusion Devices around the CP perimeter. On 14 June, the wire section wired the new tent provided for the Civic Action Team. From 15- 30 June, monitored 1st platoon, Company "C" command net 24 hours per day. From 21-26 June, the radio section built a locker in the communications bunker for all the radio gear. With the approach of the monsoon season, this will be used as a "hot box" to keep the radio gear dry. From 28-29 June, lighting protection was placed around the ammunition bunker ac- cording to specifications promulgated in DivO 5101.3. g. Logistics. During the month of June 36 disassembled track sec- tions were received with sufficient bolts to assemble 16 sections. The track situation remains critical. One "Criti-Pak" was received with a partial fill of the normal listing. Five ONTOS were damaged by mines in June, two of which were evacuated to higher echelon for repairs. An FLSG contact team completed an inspection of all 106mm recoilless rifles in the Battalion on 27 June with very favorable results. (1) Ordinance/Maintenance. A total of eight ONTOS were deadlined during the month and 13 were returned to service. Quarterly maintenance services were performed on five ONTOS. Thirteen contact teams were dis- patched to provide services for units of this command. There were 11 work orders accepted and nine were completed. (2) Motor Transport. During the month 35 work orders were re- ceived and 38 were completed. Twenty-three quarterly services and one annual service were performed. A total of 1497 vehicle dispatches were made covering 19,846 miles. (3) Supply. In June the following major supplies were received: Item Qty TRLR, Cargo M-416-13............................8 Degreaser, Portable....................................1 Tent, General Purpose................................18 Pistol, Cal. 45...............................................15 Road Wheel, ONTOS.................................2 Typewriter....................................................1 5ft. Metal Stakes.......................................415 ENCLOSURE (1) 13 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 The following major items were dropped: Item Qty Reason Pistol, Cal .45................................6.................Spl. Adj. Rifle, 7.62mm M-14.....................1..................Spl. Adj M50A1 ONTOS...........................3..................Code X Submachinegun, M3A1................1..................Code X Rifle, 7.62mm M-14.....................1..................Code X Pistol, Cal. 45................................1..................Code X Tent, General Purpose.................10................Code X Requistions were submitted as follow: five priorty two, 18 priority five and 266 priority 12 and 17 for a total of 295 requisitions. Requi- sitions fille during the month : Zero priority two, 18 priority five and 232 priority 12 and 17, for a total of 241. h. Civic Action. (1) Medical Assistance. The Medical Contact Team of this com- mand dispensed a total of 477 medical treatments in the Hamlet of YEN BAC (AT985708). Medical coverage was also expanded to the CAM HOA Hamlet com- plex (AT970704). A total of 523 treatments and 13 dental extractions were affected in CAM HOA. Emergency medical assistance and evacuation was ren- dered to one Vietnamese National who has since been returned to the hamlet. Appoximately half of the treatments dispensed were in the "disease of the skin" and "upper respiratory infection" category. (2) Agricultural Assistance. Assistance was rendered through the timely and effective distribution of some eight tons of fertilizer to the YEN BAC, CAM HOA Hamlet complex. An Animal Husbandry Team from USAID successfully vaccinated 67 pigs against smallpox and a Disease Control Team from Province Headquarters, QUANG NAM, vaccinated 10 water buffalo and 80 cows. An agricultural team also presented 150 assorted fruit trees to the two hamlet complex to diversify its agricultural spectrum. Ex- tensive repairs were made on the irrigation system of both hamlet. A Model "A" engine was coupled to a large capacity water pump which in conjunction with two other high capacity water pumps furnished by this command delivered an estimated five million gallons of water into the rice paddies of both hamlets. Two hundred kilos of "MUNK" peanuts were also distributed through the cooperation of USAID in an effort to improve local strains of peanuts. Classes were also given the villagers in the proper use of fertilizers and the operation and maintenance of irrigation pumps. ENCLOSURE (1) 14 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 (3) Commodity Distribution. The distribution of commodities to both YEN BAC and CAM HOA included eight woodcarving kits, 120 school kits, 90 gallons of cooking oil, two physical education kits, 2,900 pounds of grain, assorted scrap lumber and building materials and seven boxes of writ- ing paper. Distribution was affected through the existing hamlet leader- ship according to the dictates of established custom. Distributed commod- ities were well received and led to a closer relationship between the two hamlets and this command. (4) Area Security and Pacification was assisted through the continued employment of four Popular Forces soldiers by this command. At 0045 on 1 June 1966 a Viet Cong operative was killed in YEN BAC by security elements of this command while he was attempting to disseminate Viet Cong propaganda in the area. His presence seems indicative of the Viet Cong interest in disrupting the substantial gains made in the area through our Civic Action efforts. At 0015 on 4 June members of a security patrol accidential wounded a YEN BAC woman and killed her infant child. Immediate command attention prevented a serious "backlash" incident. An equitable settlement was made with the woman and no further ram- ifications resulted from the incident. (5) Visitors to the CAM HOA and YEN BAC Hamlets during June included BrigGen ENGLISH accompanied by two New Zealand Officers, a CIB photographer, a reporter from the Honolulu ADVERTISER, and an NBC-TV camera team. While the latte was filming its report, a stray round, apparently from across the SONG CAU DO river, stuck and injured two Vietnamese Nationals. The entire incident was recorded on film and should make for some interesting viewing at some future date. ENCLOSURE (1) 15 CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
