DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 3d Marine Division, (Rein) FMF FPO, San Francisco 96602 3 5750 Ser: 9225-66 10 Oct 1966 CONFIDENTIAL From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF (Attn: SSC-3) Subj: Command Chronology, September 1966; submission of (U) 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) D. E. NEWTON CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 PART I 1. Reporting unit - 3d Antitank Battalion, 3d Marine Division, FMF 2. Period covered - 1 - 30 September 1966 3. Date of submission - 10 Oct 1966 4. Commanding Officer - Major Donald E. NEWTON, USMC 5. Command Post - Republic of South Vietnam (AT987711) Map AMS Series L 701, Sheet No. 6656 III. CONFIDENTIAL 1 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 PART II 1. Operational Data, including attachments: a. Designation/Location (1) Headquarters and Service Comany (DANANG TAOR) (2) Company "A" (DANANG TAOR) (3) Company "B" (PHU BAI TAOR) (4) Company "C" (DANANG TAOR) (5) Company "A" (-) (Rein) , 1st ATBn (OPCON (DANANG TAOR) 3d ATBn) b. Period covered by report: 1-30 September 1966 c. Name/Rank of Commanding Officer and Staff, and principle sub- ordinates, including T/O billet assignments. BATTAION HEADQUARTERS Commanding Officer.......................................................................Maj D. E. NEWTON Executive Officer............................................................................Capt. D. C. SATCHER S-1/Adj.............................................................................................2ndLt C. P. WAGER (1-7 Sep) 2ndLt F. A. GUILE (8-30 Sep) S-2....................................................................................................WO C. C. HARRIS S-3....................................................................................................WO C. C. HARRIS S-3A.................................................................................................Unassigned Liaison Officer................................................................................Unassigned S-4....................................................................................................Capt. D. C. SATCHER Supply Officer.................................................................................2ndLt R. U. BOKELMAN Motor Transport Officer................................................................Capt. H. R. MARWITZ (1-19 Sep) Unassigned (20-30 Sep) Ordnance Maintenance Officer.....................................................2ndLt C. P. WAGER Communications Officer.................................................................2ndLt M. C. SCHROEDER (1-19 Sep) 2ndLt J. L. WEIS (20-30 Sep) Medical Officer..............................................................................CPO G. K. LAW, USN (1-10 Sep) HM1 A. D. McDOLE, USN (11-30 Sep) CONFIDENTIAL 2 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 Headquarters and Service Company Commanding Officer.................................................................1stLt D. K. CASWELL Company "A" Commanding Officer.................................................................Capt. A. A. COMPTON Exectuve Officer.......................................................................Unassigned 1st Plt Commander....................................................................2ndLt W. M. HAYES 2nd Plt Commander...................................................................2ndLt E. B. O'NEIL 3d Plt Commander.....................................................................2ndLt R. L. GIBSON Company "C" (-) Commanding Officer.................................................................Capt. S. T. FLYNN Executive Officer......................................................................Unassigned 1st Plt Commander...................................................................OPCON Co "A" (-) (Rein), 1st ATBn (OPCON 3d ATBn) 2nd Plt Commander..................................................................GySgt A. W. AMBRAMOWITZ (1-3 Sep) 2ndLt E. H. SAUER (4-18 Sep) 3d Plt Commander....................................................................SSgt H. A. ZIMMERMAN (1-3 Sep) 2ndLt W. J RILEY (4-18 Sep) Chop to OPCON BLT 1/9 18 Sep 3d Plt Commander....................................................................1stLt J. C. BEBILIO (Formerly 1st Plt Co "A" 5th ATBn) (27-30 Sep) Chop from BLT 1/26 27 Sep Company "A" (-) (Rein), 1st ATBn (OPCON 3d ATBn) Commanding Officer................................................................Capt. G. R. VANHORN (1-10 Sep) Capt. D. M. HUTSON (11-30 Sep) Executive Officer.....................................................................Capt. G. J. FORBES 1st Plt Commander...................................................................2ndLt B. H. BAILEY 3d Plt Commander....................................................................2ndLt C. W. SOOTER 1st Plt Co "C" (-), 3d ATBn....................................................2ndLt H. J. RILEY (1-3 Sep) 2ndLt F. E. RIVERA (4-30 Sep) CONFIDENTIAL 3 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 PHU BAI TAOR Company "B" Commanding Officer................................................................1stLt S. L. CAMBY Executive Officer.....................................................................Unassigned (1-20 Sep) 2ndLt R. F. PINION (21-30 Sep) 1st Plt Commander...................................................................2ndLt J. B. BROCK 2nd Plt Commander..................................................................2ndLt R. F. PINION (1-20 Sep) 2ndLt J. G. RICHARDSON (21-30 Sep) 3d Plt Commander....................................................................2ndLt M. L. BAILEY d. Average monthly strength during the period: Officers Enlisted USN-Enl 3d Antitank Ballalion (Rein) 21 335 07 (a) H&S Company 08 103 04 (b) Company "A" 04 79 01 (c) Company "B" 05 74 01 (d) Company "C" 04 79 01 (e) Company "A", 1st ATBn (ADCON 1st MarDiv) 2. Sequential Listing of Significant Events. a. Personnel & Administration. During the month One First Lieutenant was appointed to Captain, One Sergeant was promoted to Staff Sergeant, Ten Corporals to Sergeant, and four Privates to Private First Class. Four Meritorious Combat Promotions were awarded to this battalion, on Lance Corporal promoted to Corporal, and three Privates First Class to Lance Cor- poral. The battalion sent 25 men on R&R. There were six men wounded. There were two Article 15 punishments awarded by Company Commanders, one by the Battalion Commander and one Special Court Martial was convened. Four Viet- namese Gross of Gallantry, five Purple Heart Medals and six Good Conduct Medals were awarded to members of the battalion. Six officers, 46 enlisted and five navy enlisted personnel were dropped during this period. Five officer and 56 enlisted Marine personnel were joined as replacements for the month. CONFIDENTIAL 4 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 b. Battalion Command Post Activities. (1) The Ballalion Executive and Special Staff Sections underwent a Commanding General Inspection during the period of 5-11 September. (2) The Battalion Commander established a Combat Operations Center which works out of the Command Bunker (S-2/3 bunker) from 2200-0600 daily. (3) The Battalion Radio Communications Center and the switchboards were moved into the Command Bunker. c. Intelligence. Information concerning the enemy and terrain was received from USMACV, III MAF, 3d Marine Division, HOA VANG district head- quarters, HOA CAM Regional Forces Training Center and 3d Tank Bn INTSUMS. On 23 Sep NGUYEN LUOM, age 17, was apprehended in the village of YEN BAC (AT985708). He was pointed out as being a member of a three man team which assassinated the Police Chief of HOA THO village on 27 Aug. Suspect was taken to HOA VANG district headquarters. d. Training. Battalion level training was accomplished using the contact team method, with the one exception being the Motor Transport Section. The Motor Transport Officer conducted weekly training for drivers at the Battalion CP. The classes were repeated each Saturday morning, allowing 25% of the drivers in the DANANG TAOR to attend each week. The Communications section sent a contact team to PHU BAI where they held school on the newly issued AN/PRC-25 for Company "B". Formal Schooling was held at the Company level on such subjects as Map Reading, Troop in- doctrination, Code of Conduct and NBC. The various familiarization firing activities conducted in September included the 106MM recoilless rifle, Cal 30 machinegun, M-60 machinegun, M-14 rifle, Cal 45 pistol and the Cal 50 spotter rifle. A program for familiarization firing of the M-14 is set up to fire all newly joined personnel by H&S Company, barring other commit- tments, within the first week of joining. The Gun Companies, where the greater percent are armed with 45 pistols, used "field firing" for familiarization due to operational committments. e, Operations: The 3d Antitank Battalion continued to provide general support to the 3d Marine Division in DANANG and PHU BAI TAORS. On 1 Sep- tember the disposition and support roles of units of the Battalion were as follows: (1) 3d Antitank Bn. in general support of the 3d Marine Division. (a) H&S Co (Bn CP) (DANANG TAOR) (b) Company "A" in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 3d Marine Regiment (DANANG TAOR). CONFIDENTIAL 5 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 1st Plt Co "A" in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 3d Marines. 2nd Plt Co "A" in direct support of the 1st Bn, 3d Marines. 3d Plt Co "A" in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 26th Marines. (c) Company "C" (-) in direct support of the 9th Marine Regi- ment. (DANANG TAOR) 2nd Plt Co "C" (-) in direct support of the 3d Bn, 9th Marine. 3d Plt Co "C" (-) in direct support of the 1st Bn, 9th Marines. (d) Company "A" (-) (Rein) 1st ATBn (OPCON 3d ATBn) in direct support of the 1st Marine Regiment (DANANG TAOR). 1st Plt Co "A" in direct support of the 3d Bn, 1st Marines. 3d Plt Co "A" in direct support of the 1st Bn, 1st Marines. 1st Plt Co "C" 3d ATBn in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 1st Marines. (e) Company "B" in direct support of the 4th Marine Regiment. (PHU BAI TAOR) 1st Plt Co "B" in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 9th Marines. 2nd Plt Co "B" in direct support of the 4th Marines, (Fwd). 3d Plt Co "B" in direct support of the 3d Bn, 4th Marines. (2) DANANG TAOR (a) H&S Company During the month of September, the company continued the normal functions of providing administrative and logistical support for the ONTOS companies. The reaction force continued to conduct ambushes and patrols within the Battalion's Patrol area of responsibility. Two sweeps of the YEN BAC Village Complex were made during the month act- ing on information received from the villagers of possible VC activity, with negative results. Work on the improvement of the CP defensive perimeter continued. (b) Company "A" continued in direct support of the 3d Marine Division. The First Platoon remained in direct support of the 2n Bn, 3d Marines. The heavy section was located on hill "65" in support of F/2/3. The light section was located in support of G/2/3. There was no enemy con- tact or direct fire missions for this period; however, this platoon expen- ded 1416 major rounds (106mm recoilless rifle HEP-T) on H&I missions with unknown results. The Second Platoon remained in support of the 1st Bn, 3d Marines for the entire period with the heavy section supporting A/1/3 at AI VAN Pass and hill "358" and the light section in support of D/1/3 at positions near LE MY. CONFIDENTIAL 6 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 On 17 Sep seven major rounds were fired at suspected enemy movement from LE MY with undetermined results. This platoon expended a total of 2060 major rounds on H&I fire missions with unknown results. The Third Platoon continued in direct support of the 2nd Bn, 26th Marines with a light section on hill "20" in support of G/2/26. 816 Cal 30 MG rounds were fired at sus- pected VC positions from hill "20" on 8 Sep with undetermined results. This section supported a two day platoon patrol with a G/2/6 platoon on 26 and 27 Sep. ONTOS on this patrol fired fifty Cal 30 MG rounds at VC snipers on 26 Sep with undetermined results. The Third Platoon heavy section continued to support F/2/26 on hills "22" and "41" with a single ONTOS on each hill. The third ONTOS from heavy section remained at the platoon CP in support of H/2/26. This platoon fired a total of 731 major rounds on H&I fire missions during the month. (c) Company "C" (-) continued in direct support of the 9th Marine regiment with its First Platoon OPCON of Co "A" (-) (Rein) 1st ATBn, (OPCON 3d ATBn). The First Platoon continued in support of the 3d Bn, 9th Marines providing security for engineers workig on highway 14. On the 2nd of Sep While supporting I/3/9 on a sweep, ONTOS received VC sniper fire, and returned 13 major rounds (106MM Recoilless Rifle HEP-T) and four Cal 50 spotter rounds which resulted in three VC KIA (Prob) and two VC WIA (Prob). On 3 Sep ONTOS were used to resupply I/3/9 and continued on sweep. Sweep was ambushed by estimated VC company which resulted in one USMC WIA (MED- EVAC) and one Cal 30 MG damaged. ONTOS returned 15 major rounds and 12 Cal 50 spotter rounds with eight VC KIA (Prob) and six VC WIA (Prob). On 5 Sep, in support of I/3/9 and L/3/9, ONTOS were ambushed by VC. One ONTOS damaged extensively and three USMC WIA (two MEDVAC). ONTOS returned 16 major rounds and 1100 Cal 30 MG rounds with undetermined results. For the remainder of this period the 2nd Platoon continued in support of 3/9 by providing security in defensive positions. The Third Platoon commenced this period in support of the 1st Bn, 9th Marines with the light section supporting C/1/9. On 3 Sep ONTOS in support of B/1/9 observed three VC and fired one major round plus four Cal 50 spotter rounds at them with undetermined results. This section received 200 round automatic weapons fire from VC positions. ONTOS returned fire with five major rounds and nine Cal 50 spotter rounds with undetermined results. The light section in support of B/1/9 on 8 Sep expended 15 Cal 45 MG rounds at suspected VC positions with undetermined results. The third platoon continued in positions supporting 1/9 until 18 Sep when they were chopped to BLT 1/9. On 27 Sep the First Platoon Company "A" 5th ATBn was chopped from BLT 1/26, joined "C" Co 3d ATBn and was redesignated 3d Platoon. This platoon moved into defenive positions in support of the 1st Bn, 26th Marines where they remained throughout the reporting period. (d) Company "A" (-) (Rein) 1st ATBn (OPCON 3d ATBn) continued in direct support of the 1st Marine Regiment. The First Platoon commenced this period with only a heavy section in the DANANG TAOR in support of K/3/1; however, the light section arrived from CHU LAI on 5 Sep and assummed posi- tion in the support of K/3/1. There was no enemy contact untit 18 Sep when CONFIDENTIAL 7 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 11 major rounds were fired at VC sniper positions with one VC KIA (Conf). This platoon occupied defensive positions with K/3/1 until 18 Sep when two ONTOS were dispatched to secure a MEDEVAC site for a squad from K/3/1. ONTOS fired 11 major rounds at VC positions, VC fire ceased, and the MED- EVAC was accomplished. On 22 Sep two ONTOS were dispatched to support an ambush patrol from K/3/1. These ONTOS fired 32 major rounds which silenced VC fire though enemy casualties were not determined. On 23 Sep ONTOS fired eight major rounds at suspected VC ambush positions with unknown results. On 24 Sep ONTOS fired 17 major rounds at VC positions in support of a platoon from K/3/1. VC fire ceased. Again on 27 Sep ONTOS expended one major round at a VC sniper. Sniper fire ceased. On 28 Sep ONTOS fired four major rounds at VC ambush with a resultant cessation of enemy fire. On 29 Sep ONTOS were dispatched to secure a MEDEVAC site form K/3/1. Twelve major rounds were expended at VC positions, which caused VC to terminate their attack. Also on 29 Sep two ONTOS were sent to a VC ambush site and fired twelve major rounds, destroying three houses from which VC were firing. No confirmed VC casualties. During this period the 1st platoon fired 97 major rounds on H&I fire missions with undetermined results. The Second Platoon remained at CHU LAI under OPCON 1st ATBn during this entire period. The Third Platoon commenced this period in the support of the 1st Bn, 1st Marines with the mission of patrolling a beach with C/1/1. On 3 Sep ONTOS fired 12 Cal 50 spotter rounds and one major round at six fishing boats which fled at approach of ONTOS. Also on 3 Sep one major round was fired at VC sniper positions with undetermined results. On 9 Sep while in support of a squad sized patrol, ONTOS A-35 hit a mine, believed to be a 155mm shell. The ONTOS was badly damaged and three crew- men received slight wounds. They were treated and returned to duty. Still supporting C/1/1, ONTOS A-34 struck a VC mine estimated at ove 100 lbs of explosive. The ONTOS was destroyed and one crewmen KIA plus the other two crewmen WIA (MEDEVAC). From 22-28 Sep this platoon assumed blocking positions in support of C/1/1 with no enemy contact. There was no enemy contact for the remainder of this period. First Platoon Co "C" 3d ATBn OPCON Co "A" (-) (Rein) 1st ATBn (OPCON 3d ATBn) began this period in support of the 2nd Bn, 1st Marines. On 1 Sep ONTOS C-14 was submerged while trying to cross a stream. The vehicle was retrieved and coded R-4. On 4, 5 and 7 Sep while in support of H/2/1 ONTOS fired 1700 Cal 30 MG rounds at sniper positions with undetemined results. ONTOS fired six major round at VC sniper located in a house on 12 Sep. The house was destroyed but no confirmaton of VC casualties was made. On 13 Sep ONTOS received several rounds of VC sniper fire. Seven hundred Cal 30 MG rounds were returned with negative results. Continuing in support of H/2/1 an ONTOS Commander was WIA (MEDEVAC) by VC sniper fire. Fire was returned with six major rounds and 700 Cal 30 MG rounds with unknown results. On 22, 24, 26 Sep ONTOS fired six major rounds and 1680 Cal 30 MG rounds at VC sniper positions destroying two houses. VC casualties undetermined. There was no further contact during this period. CONFIDENTIAL 8 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 (3) PHU BAI TAOR (a) Company "B" continued to support the Fourth Marine Regiment. The First Platoon operated in two sections. The heavy section in support of G/2/9, and the light section in support of H/2/9. Both sections accompa- nied patrols and mine sweep teams and maintained security/reaction forces for their combat bases as well as providing blocking forces for infantry sweeps. On 11 Sep the heavy section was dispatched to assist G/2/9; how- ever, the VC broke contact when the ONTOS arrived on the scene. From 12 Sep through 20 Sep the platoon remained in defensive positions with 2/9. On 20 Sep the 1st platoon returned to the company CP where they were posi- tioned in defense until 29 Sep when they moved into security positions for artillery. There was no further contact during this period. The Second Platoon continued in direct support of the Fourth Marine Regiment (Forward) with defensive positions at DONG HA. A light section provided security for Montagnard tribesmen clearing likely ambush sites along route 9 until 15 Sep. The heavy section maintained defensive positions for artillery posi- tions near CAM LO until 29 Sep when it conducted a patrol in support of 2/9. On 30 Sep the light section displaced to the "rock pile" (YD979568) in sup- port of 2/9. The Third Platoon continued in support of 3/4 on Operation PAWNEE through 6 Sep and returned to the "B" Co CP at the end of the oper- ation. On 8 Sep Operation PAWNEE II Continued. On this operation the platoon occupied CP security positions at night and conducted patrols during the daylight. Operation PAWNEE II ended on 14 Sep and the third platoon returned to the Co CP where it was put in support of 2/9 defensive perimeter, with additional task of accompanying infantry sweeps. On 23 Sep the light section on a patrol with E/2/9 sank one VC sampan. On 23 Sep while on a sweep near hill "163" (YD799109) ONTOS received sniper fire and returned five major rounds which silence the VC sniper fire. The month endend with all third platoon ONTOS at the Company CP in defensive positions. f. Communications and Electronics. The Communications section con- tinued in their Comm-Elec. Support of the Gun Companies as well as contin- uing their normal functions within the Battalion CP. The section serviced and delivered AN/PRC-25 radios to Company "B" located in the PHU BAI TAOR. Completion of overhead wiring throughout the Battalion CP was accomplished. During the month the Communicatons switch board and the radio communica- tions center was relocated from the old "Comm bunker" into the S-2/3 bunker. On 20 Sep 2ndLt. M. C. SHROEDER was relieved as Communications Officer by 2ndLt J. L. WEIS. g. Logistics. During the reporting period, the Commanding General's inspection parties inspected the battalion S-4 and all sections under the cognizance of the S-4. All sections received a satisfactory or satisfactory with descrepancies. CONFIDENTIAL 9 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3 5750 (1) ONTOS Ordnance/Maintenance. During the month of September, the fol- lowing vehicles were evacuted. a. ONTOS - mine damage - Coded "X" b. ONTOS - submergred - Coded "R-4" c. ONTOS - mine damage - awaiting Cod "X" A 7% deadline was maintained for the month. (2) Motor Transport. During the reporting period, motor transport dis- patched 1056 trips for a total of 12,648 miles. A 14% deadline was main- tained and one truck, M-35, was coded "R-4". (3) Supply. Battalion supply invoiced out two reinforced platoons. Two platoons are presently being received by invoice. One critipak was received during the month. h. Civic Action (1) Medical Assistance. The Medical Contact Team dispensed a total of 181 treatments to the inhabitants of YEN BAC (AT985708) and CAM HOA (AT970704) Hamlet Complex. Upper respiratory infections and disease of the skin accounted for 70% of the treatments dispensed. (2) Community Development. Cement and roofing tin were furnished for building of an additional room on the school for CAM HOA Subhamlets #1 through #7. Plans were made for construction of a school to accomodate children of CAM HOA Subhamlets #8 through #9 and for new wells for CAM HOA Sub- hamlets #5, #8 and #9. It is anticipated that these "Self-Help" projects will commence about 15 October 1966. The permanent dispensary building in YEN BAC was completed during the first week of September 1966. Daily sick call for villagers is held from 0800 - 0900. (3) Commodity Distribution. Several items of clothing were distri- buted to the children of YEN BAC and CAM HOA at an Autumn Festival party held at HOA CAM Training Camp. One hundred and seventy children from YEN BAC and CAM HOA attended this affair. Approximately 1200 lbs. of solid and liquid waste and garbage was furnished to a YEN BAC as fodder for animals. (4) Special Projects. Sixty new bowls and spoons were purchased for use in the YEN BAC school lunch program. School books were procurred from Division G-5 and distributed to YEN BAC and CAM HOA schools. QUANG NAM district school office furnished a teacher for the YEN BAC school. CONFIDENTIAL 10 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
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