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Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry 25th ID
- Vietnam Timeline: Counteroffensive Phase II, 1 Jan 67 - 31 May 1967 (Part II) We are building
timelines for the Troop's service in Vietnam. If you have award
citations, SITREP's, AAR's or other documents, they can provide
dates that can add to the timelines. Richard Bradley is our
volunteer coordinator for the Counteroffensive timeline.
Note 1: Entries that include an exact time or grid coordinates have been extracted from official documents. If no time is provided it is a recollection from a unit member. Note 2: Email Richard Bradley or the website to provide additions or corrections for this time-line. Jan 1 1967 25th Divison begins Operation SAM Houston along the Laos border. A Trp conducted Operation ROADRUNNER and had one plt at the Go Dau Ha Fire Support Base. 0815 hrs SPOTREP A15 leaflets in eng(?) at XT555171. 0905 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav convoy lead at CP K. 1005 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav convoy lead at CP 171. 1150 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1327 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav march unit 1 crossed SP from Tay Ninh. 1345 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav march unit 2 crossed SP from Tay Ninh. 1459 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav march unit 1 clear CP J. 1525 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav march unit 2 clear CP J. 1555 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav march unit 2 clear CP K. 1609 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav march unit 1 clear CP L. 1640 hrs A Trp convoy from Tay Ninh closed Cu Chi base camp. 1800 hrs A Trp elements departed base camp to drop off ambush. 2025 hrs A Trp ambush in position. Jan 2 A Trp conducted Operation ROADRUNNER and had one plt at the Go Dau Ha Fire Support Base. 0643 hrs A Trp elements departed base camp to pick up ambush. 0725 hrs A Trp ambush back in base camp. 0750 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4/ Cav departed base camp for MSR security. 0922 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4/ Cav march unit 1 at SP. 0940 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4/ Cav march unit 2 at SP. 1006 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4/ Cav march unit 3 at SP. 1050 hrs A Trp march unit 2 lead at CP J. 1100 hrs A Trp march unit 3 rear at CP K. 1114 hrs A Trp march unit 3 rear at CP I. 1136 hrs A Trp march unit 2 rear at CP J. 1155 hrs A Trp reports Lowboy broke down CP J & vehicle went into at CP 170 don't know unit yet. 1350 hrs A Trp march unit 1 departed from Tay Ninh returning to Cu Chi. 1450 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP 169 & tail at CP (?). 1530 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP 31 & tail at CP 169. 1635 hrs A Trp convoy lead closed base camp. 1725 hrs A Trp all elements closed base camp. 2041 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4/ Cav will not go to CP 178 until 1130 hrs tomorrow to give them 1/2 day of maintenance. 2305 hrs A Trp reports theft of wallet, SP5 R.W. Head lost wallet w/$900, wallet found empty & MPs notified. Jan 3 (Daily summaries to the journals were discontinued by S3 starting on 3 Jan, also 0900 hrs to 2200 hrs missing) 0620 hrs A18 ambush departing positon and headed for pickup point. 0718 hrs A18 picked up and headed for base camp. 0740 hrs A18 ambush back in base camp. Jan 4 (no A Trp entries on journal) Jan 5 (no A Trp entries in journal, assume that A Trp is convoy escort) 0835 hrs convoy North at SP. 0915 hrs convoy North at CP K. 0935 hrs convoy North has 2 march units w/169 vehicles. 0936 hrs convoy tail at SP. 0950 hrs convoy lead at CP 179. Jan 6 (0100 hrs to 2100 hrs missing, no A Trp entries in journal) Jan 7 (no A Trp entries in journal) Jan 8 (no A Trp entries in journal) 25th Division begins Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. Jan 9 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 1015 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has road block at XT 157558 consisting of pegs/stakes in road, checked with mined detector, no mines & continuing mission. 1844 hrs A Trp all elements closed base camp forward at this time. Jan 10 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0851 hrs A Trp convoy to Tay Ninh SP w/122 vehicles. 1240 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1332 hrs A Trp convoy returning from Tay Ninh w/72 vehicles. 1806 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav element in position (1st Plt A/3/4 Cav on perimeter duty). 2135 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav reaction force departed base camp to Vinh Cu. 2240 hrs DTOC directed A Trp reaction force elements to return from Vinh Cu with wounded ARVN. SaberBravo 16 will meet elements at main gate with ambulance. 2253 hrs SaberBravo 16 is at main gate. 2320 hrs A Trp reaction force element closed main gate with 2 wounded (1 walking, 1 litter). Jan 11 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0816 hrs SPOTREP A30 has propaganda leaflets at XT553170, will evacuate. 0830 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav deployed to Vinh Cu for sweep mission (late entry from 2135 hrs). 0935 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP K. 1227 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1500 hrs A Trp convoy departed Tay Ninh to Cu Chi w/99 vehicles. 1630 hrs A Trp convoy closed base camp. 1 vegetable truck hit 2 children at XT203497, taken to hospital, nature of injuries not known. 1800 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav assumed control of perimeter. 1930 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp with ambush. 1943 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav dropped off ambush. 2010 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav firefight at XT695143, 10 minutes, continued mission. Jan 12 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0744 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav clear base camp. 0746 hrs A65 reports landing zone is clear. 0805 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav secured 20 in horseshoe. 0905 hrs ROADRUNNER SP delayed 30 minutes. 0930 hrs A Trp convoy SP w/116 vehicles. 1215 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 169. 1259 hrs A Trp convoy tail closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1335 hrs A Trp convoy SP from Tay Ninh to Cu Chi. 1348 hrs A Trp convoy tail clear base camp. 1510 hrs RedHat 1 ambush in position A. 1700 hrs A Trp convoy tail at release point. 1750 hrs A Trp ambush moving from position A to B. 1900 hrs RedHat 1 closed into base camp. 1902 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav on the move to Vinh Cu. 2210 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav closed back into base camp. Jan 13 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0933 hrs A Trp convoy crossed SP. 1019 hrs A Trp convoy clear CP K w/119 vehicles. 1245 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1700 hrs A Trp convoy returning from Tay Ninh closed Cu Chi base camp. 2117 hrs A Trp alerts platoon to go to Doc Hoa on standby at this time. 2119 hrs warning order issued to A6, LONGBOW. 2120 hrs D Trp notified to provide a C&C & gunteam for A Trp. 2146 hrs A28 moved out. 2158 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav clear CP 22. 2211 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav crossed CP WW. 2229 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at objective at this time. 2336 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav cleared dirt mounds at XT564063 & continuing mission. 2345 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed on airfield vicinity XT545050 (near Duc Hoa). Jan 14 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0016 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav moved back to villiage to check report of a firefight. 0018 hrs DTOC gave permission to have 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav return at first light. 0645 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed Doc Hoa for Cu Chi. 0650 hrs A20 requests a dust off for a WIA (individual wounded self with a M79). 0720 hrs A20 reports dust off complete. 1100 hrs SPOTREP A20 has 6 spider holes at XT650135, 5'x5' will destory. Jan 15 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0733 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav & 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav moved out to secure highway and horseshoe. 0741 hrs A65 reports LZ by gate is clear. 0828 hrs A65 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav in position on highway. MEDCAP element in position. 0850 hrs A Trp convoy crossed SP. 1215 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1235 hrs MEDCAP treated 183 people. 1635 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav will take LRRPs out. 1840 hrs A Trp convoy closed Cu Chi base camp. 1900 hrs A27 is in position. 2045 hrs A21 dropped off LRRPs. 2055 hrs A21 closed base camp. Jan 16 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0805 hrs A Trp in position for ROADRUNNER. 0902 hrs A Trp convoy crossed SP. 0940 hrs A Trp convoy at CP K w/105 vehicles. 1136 hrs A Trp A15 elements in position. 1145 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav dropped off CORN elements. 1153 hrs SPOTREP A10 received small arms fire at XT578145 at 1145 hrs, employing element to engage. 1205 hrs A Trp all elements closed base camp. 1212 hrs SPOTREP A10 follow up to 1153 report; captured 1 VC, 1 VC KIA. 1345 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav sweeping areat at XT664124, 1 regional force wounded and dusted off. 1450 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 1630 hrs A Trp convoy closed Horseshoe. 1803 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is in position. Jan 17 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0800 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp. 0830 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp for operation South of Cu Chi. 1010 hrs A Trp convoy with 128 vehicles dropped off 11 vehicles at the Trung Lap road. 1142 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav found a grave with Chinese symbols at XT601117. 1240 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1335 hrs A Trp convoy departed Tay Ninh returning to Cu Chi. 1400 hrs A Trp RedHot departed base camp. 1430 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP I w/81 vehicles. 1445 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav vound air shaft to tunnel 4'x6'x3', used smoke with negative results. 1455 hrs A Trp RedHot 1 in position A. 1505 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav completed mission & returning to base camp. 1545 hrs A Trp RedHot 2 now in position A. 1650 hrs A Trp convoy closed base camp. 1800 hrs A Trp Redhots 1 & 2 in positions B. 1937 hrs A Trp Redhots now in base camp. Jan 18 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0900 hrs A Trp convoy crosses SP. 0945 hrs SPOTREP A20 1 man fired 1 small arms round at A21 at XT445228, checked area with negative results. 1236 hrs A Trp convoy lead elements closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1335 hrs A Trp convoy SP Tay Ninh returning to Cu Chi. 1415 hrs A Trp convoy contains 101 vehicles. 1650 hrs A Trp convoy closed Cu Chi base camp. Jan 19 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0715 hrs A 27 & A30 returned to base camp. 0715 hrs A Trp reports Centaur 32 ambush moving out of position. 0843 hrs A Trp reports Centaur 32 ambush out of position. 0900 hrs A Trp convoy North crosses SP. 0937 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP K & rear at CP L. 1004 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP J. 1014 hrs A Trp convoy rear at CP K. 1032 hrs A Trp convoy rear at CP J. 1040 hrs A Trp convoy lead cleared CP I. 1109 hrs A Trp convoy rear at CP I. 1132 hrs A Trp convoy lead at release point & rear at CP A. 1207 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1320 hrs A Trp convoy enroute to Cu Chi SP at this time. 1440 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 179 (XT198508). 1637 hrs A Trp convoy closed Cu Chi. Jan 20 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0742 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav clear base camp. 0910 hrs A Trp convoy crossed SP. 1229 hrs A Trp convoy closed base camp. 2113 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 2 patrolling to Cu Chi. 2255 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 28. 2320 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. Jan 21 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0905 hrs A Trp convoy to Tay Ninh crossed SP. 1222 hrs A Trp convoy closed Tay Ninh base camp w/111 vehicles. 1338 hrs A Trp convoy returning to Cu Chi crossed SP. Jan 22 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 1508 hrs SPOTREP A10 received 2 rounds of small arms fire at XT675104, checking area. Jan 23 Operation Fitchburg 196th Inf Bde continues with Troop A, 3d Sqdn, 4th Cav assuming mission of base camp security, S&D, and Road clearing operation vic TAY NINH. 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0805 hrs 3/4 Cav tasked to provide one troop to 196th In Bde. 1035 hrs A Trp elements depart base camp. Jan 24 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. (no A Trp entries on journal for this date) Jan 25 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 2002 hrs A Trp to be released from OPCON at 0800 hrs. Jan 26 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0800 hrs A65 requests emergency rations for the 27th. A rations for 150 men, C rations for 20 min, for breakfast, dinner, & supper. A Trp has cook in base camp. He is to take charge of the rations. 1515 hrs A Trp is at CP 179 (XT198508). 1800 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav has signs at XT544177 and mine signs on road side. 1830 hrs A36 had an accident at XT591149. The tank hit a truck, knocking the bed off into a car, no casualties. MPs are at the location. 1912 hrs A Trp closed base camp minus A36 and the truck. Jan 27 25th Division continues Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. 0720 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp. 0805 hrs A Trp positioned 2 tracks at Hoc Mon Bridge. 1005 hrs A Trp platoon will be attached to 3/21 Inf Bn 196th Inf Bde at Tay Ninh. 1320 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp. 1630 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at release point near Tay Ninh. 1940 hrs DTOC Maj Griffith reports amubsh patrol in contact at XT606139. Have broken contact at this time. A Trp reaction forces alerted for possible mission. 1950 hrs A Trp reaction force committed at this time. 1958 hrs A Trp reaction force moving at this time. 2007 hrs A Trp reaction force clear main gate. 2015 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has picked up PF force. 2025 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 22 and moving. 2030 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav in objective area with negative contact, sweeping area. 2130 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at Cu Chi sweeping area. 2215 hrs ARVNs with 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has picked up 2 male & 1 female VCS at XT605137. 2300 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has returned to base camp. 2302 hrs wrap up from 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav swept south of villiage wher ambush was located (XT605138). Jan 28 25th Division ends Operation Cedar Falls in the Iron Triangle. Phase XVI Operation Fitchburg (27 January 31 January) 3rd Bn, 21st Inf, 196th Inf Bde conducted a BUDDY operation with PHILCAG's Civic Action program. Battalion CP, Co B and 2nd plat A Trp, 3/4 Cav, departed base camp 280858 hrs and closed FSB vic XT160467 at 0946 hrs. No significant enemy contact was made. 0655 hrs 2nd Plt B/3/4 Cav took over perimeter from A Trp. 0900 hrs A Trp convoy MSR North crossed SP. 1015 hrs A Trp convoy trail at CP 31 (XT316352) with a down vehicle. 1020 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP J (XT381251) 1050 hrs A Trp got the 50 cal machine guns to 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav. 1100 hrs A Trp convoy lead at XT316352. 1140 hrs accident 300 meters South of CP 169 (XT316352). Load was slipping on truck, driver got out to adjust, cut hand bad, picked up by A5 in chopper and flown to Tay Ninh. Trail party will have wrecker adjust load and take truck to Tay Ninh. Vehicle is #62T47 from 7th Trans Co of 48th Trans Group. 1200 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP A (XT198508). 1255 hrs A23 is at CP 28. 1258 hrs A Trp tail of convoy has closed Tay Ninh base camp. 1320 hrs A23 is at CP 2. 1340 hrs A23 is at CP 170. 1400 hrs A Trp convoy SP Tay Ninh back to Cu Chi w/132 vehicles. 1505 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP I. 1545 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP J. 1610 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP K. 1650 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP 22. 1730 hrs A Trp elements closed Cu Chi base camp minus 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav which is the reaction force at Go Dau Ha. Jan 29 (no A Trp entries on journal for this date) Jan 30 0810 hrs A Trp and HHT Tac CP at CP 31 (XT489194). 1030 hrs A Trp and HQ Tac CP have closed Tay Ninh. 1050 hrs Sgt Deal reports A Trp w/squadron tactical CP has closed Tay Ninh, negative contact with VC. 1410 hrs Liberator G3 asked for platoon to continue mission A Trp has been on for 24 hrs. Lightning 6 concurs. 1955 hrs Cpt Bolin 196 Inf Bde reports that mission for 3/4 Cav platoon with 3/21 Inf Bn for tomorrow has been canceled by 196th Bde S3. 2015 hrs Major Brown S3 message to A65; 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav will recon North to destination. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav will remain there as security. 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav will outpost for GROUND HOG & return to S3's location tomorrow night. Jan 31 0730 hrs from A65 through Saber98; convoy will depart at 0900 hrs. 0815 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav are departing at this time. 0817 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP Q. 0819 hrs A65 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP Q. 0820 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP U. 0825 hrs A65 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP U. Stake out for CP 22 to CP 171 has been completed. 0846 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP X. 0910 hrs A65 reports convoy crossed SP. 0920 hrs A65 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP T. Message from S3; Blaster element coming up along your route in 30 to 60 minutes. Complete your mission as early as possible and get back on the outpost. 0924 hrs A65 to S3; 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav have completed there mission. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav will outpost & 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav will go to Trang Bang to link up with the other element. 0925 hrs A65 reports trafficablility from CP X to CP T on both sides of road is ok for Perch & Shark escort. It is a little soggy on the extrem left side. 1022 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav says they will stay and wait for the other unit. 1025 hrs SPOTREP A10 roadblock at XT157558, pegs and sticks driven into road, checked with mine detector, found no mines and removed. 1053 hrs A65 reports tail of 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP X. 1054 hrs A10 hit a bomb 150 meters South of CP U. 1055 hrs A65 reports convoy lead at CP T. 1100 hrs A65 reports GroundHog lead at CP X. 1125 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog cleared CP N & rear at CP Q. 1135 hrs Ground Hog at SP. 1145 hrs A65 has 2 Ground Hogs. 1805 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed location. 1823 hrs A Trp at CP Q. 1844 hrs A Trp closed our location. 1850 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav manning perimeter at this time. 2020 hrs A28 spotted a man in front of vehicle. A20 has been instructed to apprehend him, but if he runs fire on him. 2034 hrs A65 reports grunchers sent to location where man was spotted but he had disappeared. We will have some Perches standing by in case he is spotted again. Feb 1 0710 hrs A Trp departed perimeter. 0815 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav picked up a VCS at 1630 hrs last night. Turned him over to the SP camp up at Trai Bi. Saw supspect looking over perimeter. Went out and checked him out. He didn't have ID. Took three men to hold him down. 0856 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog at SP tail at CP T. 0905 hrs A65 reports 2nd Ground Hog at CP X. 0926 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog South at SP. 0927 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North at CP U. 0931 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North at CP X. 0945 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North at CP T. 0950 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog South at CP U. 1003 hrs A65 reports an element is clearing road at west sector, negative results. 1026 hrs A65 reports a small Ground Hog North is at CP Z. 1215 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog at CP U. 1240 hrs A65 reports no large Perch at CP Q. 1250 hrs A65 reports Mohawk Ground Hog at CP U. 1730 hrs A Trps down vehicle has closed their location. 2025 hrs A65 spotted a 3/4 ton and a Whiskey truck in front of their perimeter. Feb 2 0805 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav encountered a log on road at XT143590. They could not bypass. Moved log and traffic is moving. 0834 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is at CP X. 0943 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North at CP Q. 0946 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North is at CP U. 1003 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North is at CP X. 1255 hrs A Trp picked up a man without an ID card. Bridge is in. 1302 hrs A5 picked by syl(?) and kid. 1408 hrs A Trp has one broken Shark at CP X. A40 and HQ89 (VTR) are out to pick up the Shark. 1415 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav checking out tunnels at XT145546. 1420 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP U. 1430 hrs A40 and HQ89 are at location of broken down Shark. 1457 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav has completed his sweep and linked up with 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav. They are now on teh road at XT145546. 1545 hrs A10 and wrecker are back at this position. 1923 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP X. 1945 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP Q. 2007 hrs A Trp reports perimeter around division is secure (2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav & Dusters). 2013 hrs A65 reports all elements closed base camp. 2133 hrs A Trp elements to include attachements in position on Tropic Lightning perimeter. 2143 hrs A65 reports that A31 has closed his position. Feb 3 0240 hrs A23 spotted a person going to open fire on him. A20 had A23fired a few rounds with negative results. 0721 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav started clearing the road to Trang Bang. Ring road with Engineer support is being cleared. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is returning to base camp. 0730 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP U. 0746 hrs A6 is on the ground at Saber33 location. 0747 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP X. 0758 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP T. 0808 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in position, road is clear. Ground Hog is getting ready to depart at this time. 0820 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is moving out. 0836 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is at CP Q. 0845 hrs A65 reports that in the 0240 hrs entry A23 had fired at a stump. 0904 hrs A65 reports that Ground Hog is held up at CP Q. 0937 hrs A65 reports that Ground Hog is at CP X. 1134 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog SP going South. 1225 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav relieved on posting road. 1235 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is moving again. 1245 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog South at CP U. 1255 hrs A65 reports Trotter 10 is at CP Q. 1300 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav has returned to our location. 1305 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is at release point. 1315 hrs A65 reports last Trotter element at release point. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav enroute to this location. 1325 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP Q. 1341 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at base camp. 1405 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav picked up Castle elements and have moved out. 1423 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog at SP. 1537 hrs equipment report to be given to S4. A6 needs a M113 transfer case, A27 has blown left bank on power pack, A55 (VTR) is at Cu Chi in ordinance, E19 (generator) low power output, A3 salvaged. 1610 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 179. 1705 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog SP. 1840 hrs A65 reports 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav in position on perimeter. 1845 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav with B36 elements, & Brushfire 433 are all in position. 2030 hrs Locomotive elements passed through A Trp's area. Feb 4 (no journal entries from 0001 hrs to 0855 hrs) 0850 hrs from Saber 98 1st Ground Hog SP time was 0812 hrs w/12 vehicles. 0855 hrs A65 reports both vehicles on Ground Hog are secured. 0930 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog has closed Trang Bang. 1240 hrs A2 has a message from Flexible. 1345 hrs A65 reports Valentine has crossed SP. 1845 hrs A Trp & Brush Fire are in position. 1849 hrs A Trp has Fighter Bravo elements in position. 2026 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav has his claymores in position. Feb 5 0655 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav returning to his location. 0702 hrs A65 reports last nights patrol is returning. 0805 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP Q. 0807 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North at SP. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP U. 1114 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog South is at CP T. 1445 hrs A65 has submitted deadline report by landline. M48A3 has transmission oil leak, generator E19 has low power output. M181 (A3) is salvage. 1815 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog South is at base camp. 1836 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in position. 1959 hrs A65 reports aid is in position in front of Division Command Post. 2010 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav has all guns in position. Feb 6 0240 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed area. 0320 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav returned. 0645 hrs A65 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav returning to A65's location. 0655 hrs A65 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departing this location. 0700 hrs A65 reports A66 is in postion. 0723 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP Q. 0726 hrs A35 reports the road is clear. 0812 hrs A66 is back at his location. 1613 hrs A65 reports that Ground Hog is leaving Trang Bang w/10 vehicles. 1705 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is in base camp. 1725 hrs A65 reports all elements in returned D. 1835 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in position in front of Division Command Post. 2000 hrs Brush Fire 413 (attached) reports 2 rounds came towards their direction from just inside or outside of the perimeter to the West. 2003 hrs Brush Fire 413 estimates first round was a 7.62 and the second round was a tracer. 2025 hrs A65 reports that Charger Charlie 3 observed a light in front of his location at 2500 meters on azimuth of 40 degrees. It appeares to be an old overrun CORN compound. Under surveillance. 2130 hrs SPOTREP A20 reports observing 2 or 3 people on far side of Tropic defensive position at XT 149526. Received several incoming rounds fired at tank searchlight. 2 rounds hit A26 and passed over A28. Engaged with small arms, M79, coax, one man fell and others ran to the east. Sending 3 APCs out to check area. 2252 hrs A65 reports 3 APCs have returned. Feb 7 Phase XVIII Operation Fitchburg (1 February 18 February) 4/9 Inf and A Trp, 3/4 Cav were placed OPCON to the 196 Inf Brigade for base camp defense and security of the 25th Infantry Division Fwd CP at TAY NINH. 0730 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav cleared ring road. Found an army cot at XT132542, checked for booby traps, found none and continuing to clearing mission. 0745 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav found a dud M79 round. Marked dud and send location later. 0746 hrs A20 reports dud is at XT147536, marked with stick with white markings. 0800 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav found evidence of about four people. They came in form the NE and moved to the SE. Appear to escaped down a gulley at the location. 0805 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP X. 0807 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has made contact with 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav. 0920 hrs A65 reports convoy SP. 1038 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog SP w/21 vehicles. 1325 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog North at SP. Trotter 33 is in charge and has 2 Trotter escort vehicles. Total of vehicles is 7. 1711 hrs A65 reports Ground Hog is at CP T. 1950 hrs A65 reports Charger 3 and Brush Fire 413 are in position. Feb 8 0545 hrs A Trp ambush, Centaur 33, has departed position. 0715 hrs SPOTREP A30 anti tank mine at XT693096. A37 hit mine in center of the road, blew 4 support arms and 4 road wheels off, no casualties. 6' crater in the road (blocker). 0915 hrs Saber 5 requires that A Trp get the 2 rats that were killed in the operation yesterday back for medical personnel to examine. A Trp will depart at 1000 hrs. 0955 hrs A Trp main has returned w/A38 that hit a mine. 1030 hrs Saber 6x reports there was an accident with a civilian just outside of the main gate (200 meters) with a 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav vehicle. No serious injuries. 1045 hrs A6 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has closed objective area with negative contact. Will check area for rats and move out. 1050 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav back in base camp. 1215 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav returning to base camp. 2055 hrs Patrol departed base camp. A Trp provided transportation. Feb 9 1015 hrs A25 observed one person at XT267588 near a fire. Person was watching A20 and the Castle element with him. Feb 10 (0001 hrs to 0700 hrs missing from journal, no A Trp entries for this date) Feb 11 1800 hrs SPOTREP A30 recon on Trung Lap road, observed 10 ox carts and 15 persons spread out toward Trung Lap. Wire off the road on trail at XT578183. Feb 12 0911 hrs SPOTREP A26 & A28 1 claymore & 3 booby trapped grenades in old ARVN compound at XT147570, will block off area and blow in place. Feb 13 0808 hrs A Trp reports Ground Hog departed w/24 vehicles. Will be at release point at 0938 hrs. 1812 hrs Ground Hog going South at release point. Feb 14 (no A Trp entries for this date except for routine radio checks) Feb 15 0605 hrs A Trp alerted to pick up patrol. 0623 hrs elements of 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav picked up patrol (Centaur 33). 0645 hrs 1st Plt a/3/4 Cav with patrol at main gate. 1145 hrs Div G3 reports VC ambush in Cu Chi sub sector at XT582155 consisting of 6 VC and at XT588172 consisting of 2 squads of VC. Forwarded to A Trp. 1204 hrs A Trp to be sent to ambush site. Cu Chi sub sector has authorized Arty fire in area. 1301 hrs A Trp departed main gate. 1340 hrs A Trp receiving small arms fire at XT603154. 1350 hrs S3 informed A Trp to move and work away from the road to let RoadRunner through. 1420 hrs A Trp requested Arty fire at XT 594172. Cu Chi sub sector gave ok and fire commenced. 1430 hrs S3 directed A6 to move to the objective but do not move west of the 59 grid line as there is a known tunnel at XT599171 and is suppose to have people. 1445 hrs A Trp completed sweep of area and is moving North to new objective area at XT599171. 1500 hrs SPOTREP Centaur 22 working in front of A Trp spotted 1 VC with 6 coils of wire running down ditch line at XT59919658, took under fire with unknown results. 1520 hrs A65 reports 1 VC body at XT599194 credit to Centaur 22. 1525 hrs A65 reports Centaur 44 spoted 6 coils of silver wire and a black bag. 1600 hrs A Trp has found a tunnel complex at XT598170. 1630 hrs S3 requests a FireFly on Saber 6's order. FireFly is committed forward, can get Arty and Spooky if contact is made. 1631 hrs A65 reports tunnel complex at XT598170 with food and 100 rounds of 50 cal ammo, destroyed both. Also in another tunnel at same location found 50 rounds of 50 cal ammo, booby trapped. Blew up using a grappling hook. Found 1 hypodermic needle and 3 rats. Rats appear to be drugged. 1640 hrs A65 reports VC were wounded and bandaged earlier. Was carrying wire to detonating device. Threw these into the creek, and we could not find the device or items. 1650 hrs A Trp has 2 wounded personal: the 1st SGT and the Arty FO's SGT wounded by a booby trap at XT598169, Centaur on site medevaced them to the 12th Evac Hosp, 1 walking & other is serious. 1710 hrs A Trp starting to pull out of objective area.http://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=246115 1725 hrs A Trp on the way in. 1805 hrs A Trp closed into base camp. 1955 hrs A Trp reports ambush patrol (Centaur 33) is departing main gate. Feb 16 0600 hrs elements of 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav leaving CP 22 to pick up LRRPs. 0612 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav has picked up LRRPs and is on the way back in. 0647 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp with LRRPs. 1430 hrs B Trp will depart at 1800 hrs for Go Dau Ha. A Trp will have bridge and MSR responsibility until B Trp returns. A Trp is perimeter and reaction force also. 1947 hrs A Trp ambush departing perimeter at this time. 1950 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav elements at CP 21. 2010 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav elements closed CP 22. 2115 hrs A Trp ambush wants white star cluster at FW082. 1 was fired. 2130 hrs A Trp elements on Hoc Mon bridge observe on an azimuth of 340 degrees at 3000 meters 3 green star clusters and Arty weapons fire. Feb 17 0100 hrs late entry from A Trp: Bunker 16 reported 2 1/4 ton left the main gate with the said mission of setting up flares beyond CP X. A Trp reported that 2 personnel were being held at CP E at the TOC's request. The 1/4 ton with the same personnel ran the roadblock. A20 had set up and was to far down the road to stop. Personnel caught by MP heading North from Saigon and now headed North to base camp. The 1/4 ton and personnel were from the 269th Helicopter Assault Bn at Cu Chi. The vehicle commander is a SGT McDonald. 1801 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is going on to the bunker line. Feb 18 (no A Trp entries for this date except for routine radio checks) Feb 19 0755 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav relieved from duty on bunker line. 1005 hrs from S3 A/2/34 AR Bn is relieved at 1300 hrs from MSR South. A Trp will replace them. Also on the bunker line. 1259 hrs A40 is on the bunker line. 2015 hrs B40 & B41 dropped off patrol and made contact with A Trp. 2120 hrs A Trp reports ambush is in position. Feb 20 1316 hrs all A Trp elements on the move from Tay Ninh to Cu Chi. 1332 hrs A Trp at CP A (XT67111). 1445 hrs A Trp convoy at CP I. 1515 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 169 (XT316352). 1520 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 31 (XT489194). 1720 hrs A Trp convoy closed base camp. Feb 21 0655 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp to outpost MSR South. 0701 hrs SPOTREP A10 small anti personnel mine on a hand grenade exploded at XT651139 outside the main gate, In(?) injuries, and waiting for MPs. 0706 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp to outpost MSR North. 0814 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav in outpost positions from CP 22 to CP 178. 1025 hrs A Trp lead of convoy at base camp. 1207 hrs A Trp rear of convoy at CP 171 (XT387251). 1240 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 169 (XT316352). 1445 hrs A Trp convoy trail at CP 179 (XT198500). 1515 hrs A Trp convoy lead crossed SP. 1526 hrs A Trp lead convoy at CP 179. 1550 hrs A Trp convoy tail at CP. 1620 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP 169. 1705 hrs A Trp convoy tail at CP 169. 1710 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP 171. 1730 hrs A Trp convoy lead at CP K. 1927 hrs A Trp trail party cleared CP 20. Feb 22 25th Division begins Operation Junction City in Tay Ninh province. On 22 Feb 67, 1st Bde assumed responsibility for Op ALA MOANA and dispatched Co A, 4th Bn, 9th Inf (MANCHU) to the FILHOL Plantation (XT701190) to clear the road from CU CHI to PHU HOA DONG, and to provide security for attached Engineer elements in clearing the wooded area. 0030 hrs Co A 4th Bn, 9th Inf (MANCHU) was attacked by an est VC battalion (probably 1st Bn MR IV), utilizing mortars, rifle grenades and human wave assault tactics. The attack was repelled by AW, Arty, Gunships and Airstrikes. 0310 hrs the Division base reaction force (Trp A, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav and Co B, 4th Bn, 9th Inf) was committed to link up with Co A, 4th Bn, 9th Inf. 0410 hrs Division reaction force (Trp A, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav and Co B, 4th Bn, 9th Inf) linked up with Co A, 4th Bn, 9th Inf. 0800 hrs A Trp terminated reaction force mission. 0930 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 31. 1012 hrs A Trp convoy at CP 171. 1025 hrs A Trp tail of convoy at CP 22 (XT630126). 1045 hrs A Trp reports 271 vehicles in convoy. 1130 hrs A Trp reports convoy lead in base camp. 1135 hrs A Trp tail of convoy at CP 171 (XT387251). 1205 hrs A Trp convoy tail at CP 169 (XT316352). 1258 hrs A65 reports convoy tail at CP 169. Feb 23 (no A Trp entries for this date except for routine radio checks) Feb 24 A Trp is on Operation STRIKE. 1115 hrs A65 reports that A Trp captured 6 huts with adjoining tunnels containing 35 lbs of rice, a crossbow, a battery w/electrical wiring at XT483171, blown in place. 1305 hrs A Trp is terminating Operation STRIKE. Destroyed 1 bunker in area of operations. No enemy contact. 1358 hrs A Trp departing area of operations for Operation STRIKE to return to base camp. 1820 hrs A Trp closed base camp. Feb 25 0345 hrs DTOC reports 4/9 Inf Bn ambushed at XT617143, division reaction force directed to respond. 0400 hrs A6 has a scout section departing main gate. 0420 hrs A6 reports scout section has arrived at ambush site. Found 3 US WIA, will tow vehicle, & no VC spotted. 0450 hrs A6 reports scout section has returned to main gate. 1408 hrs SPOTREP A6 perimeter plt received small arms fire at XT661144 at 1340 hrs, reacted with scout section and rifle squad. 1520 hrs Army Advisor Cu Chi request a platoon join ARVN to investigate VC activity at Tai My. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav directed to do so. 1530 hrs A6 reports Searcher has a tunnel complex at XT659144. 1633 hrs A65 reports civil defendent detained at XT519153. 1640 hrs A65 has 5 VCS at XT519193, unknown results. 1645 hrs A65 reports 2 draft dodgers picked up at XT519149. All detainnes delivered to 25th at IPW point. 1715 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav fires at truck at XT518138. Truck exploded, 4 persons flee and are shot at w/ 1 VC KIA. 1910 hrs A65 reports perimeter in position. 2000 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav back in base camp. Feb 26 0030 hrs A Co, 4th Bn, 9th Inf, with elements of Co A, 6th Engrs attached, received heavy SA, AW, rifle grenade and mortar fire from an estimated 250 VC, at XT701191. A reactionary force consisting of Co B, 4th Bn, 9th Inf elements and Trp A, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav encountered an ambush en route to Co A, 4th Bn, 9th Inf's location, but penetrated it successfully. 0120 hrs DTOC directs reaction force to XT702190 to check out mortar & small arms fire. A Trp notified.http://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=246115 0326 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav tank hit by RPG2 at XT672157, no injuries or damage. 0417 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav received automatic weapons fire, returned fire killing 6 VC (confirmed) & 6 other possible. 0600 February operation terminated, VC casualties were 113 KIA (BC) and 33 KIA (poss). Captured were 2 US BARs, 1 AK 47 rifle, 1 CHICOM carbine with grenade launcher, 1 Russian light machine gun, 2 RPG 2 rocket launchers with 18 RPG 2 rds, 1 M1 rifle and 1 .50 Cal tripod. A PW, HUYNH VAN HUYNH, captured in the area was identified as an Assistant Squad Leader, 2nd Plt, 5th Company, 1st Battalion, MR IV. Numerous documents captured on the battlefield made reference to the MR IV Bn, indicating that 1st Bn, MR IV was the unit that initiated the action. 0655 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav holding 1 VC WIA and searching grid XT6715. 0900 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav search results were 9 VC KIA, 3 VCC, 2 ChiCom hand grenades booby traps, 2 carbines, 1 Browning Automatic Rifle, 2 40mm rocket launchers, 2 RPG 2s, 18 RPG rounds, 1 37 mm mortar, 1 50 cal with 200 rounds. Destroyed small arms in trench. 1115 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav has completed MEDCAP. 1920 hrs A65 reports perimeter platoon has perimeter secure. Feb 27 0740 hrs A65 reports crater in road 4'x5' at XT552172, element attempting to bypass. 0840 hrs A6 reports convoy North at SP. 0920 hrs A54 reports that 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has cleared roadblock reported by Dawn Patrol at XT443228. 0955 hrs A65 reports 219 vehicles in convoy to Tay Ninh. 1415 hrs A65 reports 251 vehicles in convoy from Tay Ninh back to Cu Chi. 1725 hrs A65 reports convoy closed Cu Chi. 1905 hrs A6 is located at Hoc Mon Bridge. Feb 28 0700 hrs A65 is departing Hoc Mon Bridge. 0820 hrs A65 reports convoy SP now. 0910 hrs A65 reports 231 vehicles in convoy. 1125 hrs Saber 98 reports A Trp has closed Tay Ninh. 1230 hrs Saber 98 reports A Trp has departed Tay Ninh. 1755 hrs A65 reports vehicles outposting at Trang Bang recieved 3 rounds RPG 2, 60 80 rounds of automatic weapons fire at XT497199. 1 US WIA, dustoff requested, returned fire, and search underway. 1840 hrs A65 reports search at Trang Bang produced 1 civilian defendent, will bring to IPW. 1900 hrs A65 reports A Trp in position at Hoc Mon Bridge. Mar 1 1010 hrs SPOTREP A20 has booby trapped mortar rounds, 81mm & 4.2" at XT171764, continuing mission. 1105 hrs SPOTREP A10 has 2 Chicom AT mines covered w/plastic at XT191768, blown in place. 1230 hrs SPOTREP A6 has 5 bunkers facing road at XT193769, blown in place. 1337 hrs SPOTREP A5 reports concealed huts 10'x20' at XT204759, continuing to observe. 1610 hrs SPOTREP A10 reports 2 anti personnel mines at XT228772, blown in place. 1630 hrs SPOTREP A15 reports 2 mined huts at XT204769, destroyed huts and bringing back a bottle of pills. 1720 hrs A6 requests 1 VTR from A Trp. The one on location crushed foot between APC and VTR driver. A Trp VTR driver at Cu Chi has only use of one eye. CW Ayers says use one of the three remaining drivers on the VTR. Mar 2 1115 hrs SPOTREP A38 saw 6 people at XT678098, requests helicopter to check area. 1117 hrs D Trp gun team is checking area. 1550 hrs SPOTREP A10 found a box of 7 grenades believed to be Japanese at XT197777, blown in place. 1600 hrs SPOTREP A10 found one anti tank mine at XT198770, blown in place, left crater 4'x3' & continuing mission. 1934 hrs A Trp will pick up at least 2 MP gun jeeps at the marshalling area in Tay Ninh in the morning. Mar 3 0101 hrs A35 on bunker line observed one man this side of Bac Ha #2 in middle of the road and approaching the area. Appeared to be planting a mine. Still observing. 0559 hrs A35 departing main gate with MPs and wrecker for Tay Ninh. 0729 hrs A6 reports that the Castle element that was supposed to go around and join A Trp at Tri Bieu are not ready and will be 30 minutes more. 0750 hrs SPOTREP A30 has crater in the road, 3' wide/3' deep, at XT601141. Valentine can bypass but it should be repaired ASAP. 0820 hrs A Trp reports that Castle is not ready to move to Trang Bang. Tropic unit at Trang Bang is ready and will move ahead to Tay Ninh and wait for there for Castle. Mar 4 1305 hrs A Trp taking over the bunker line. 1321 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departing for Operation MOBILE Checkmate. 1950 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed main gate. 2005 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav reports QC on Mobile Checkmate. Picked up 2 VC confirmed. Mar 5 (no journal entries from 1230 hrs to 2400 hrs) A Trp escorting convoy when M113 hits a mine. PFC Donald White (photo/shadowbox) & PFC Dennis Jensen (Medic) (photo/shadowbox) KIA. & SGT Walter Blalock wounded. 1007 hrs D Trp completes dustoff. One person could not be evacuated, was trapped under APC. PC had exploded. 1012 hrs Centaur 44 message to A6: 2 personnel were observed running from PC into a hut and disappeared into the hut. 1024 hrs A20 enroute from base camp to CP 8. Will pickup interpreter at MEDCAP site. Needed for mission. Saber 6 will ask for reenforcements from Manchu. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav will pick up 1 platoon from 4/9 Inf Bn at resupply pad and report to CP 8. 1040 hrs A20 is to pick up interpreter at main gate on the way out of base camp. 1042 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is on the move. Has 4/9 Inf Plt and the interpreter. 1045 hrs D Trp reports 1 man DOA at 12th Evac from the dustoff. 1135 hrs report from S3 to DTOC: APC hit mine while outposting road. Did not hit convoy, no road damage. 1140 hrs A6 reports that the APC is now upright. Body will be out in a few minutes. Dustoff from D Trp will pickup body. 1145 hrs TOC to A6 it will be 20 to 30 minutes before Centaur arrives at your location. Secure road and have him land on road. 1229 hrs A6 requests 'rules of engagement' for his elements on Operation Swordfish. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in the blocking position and 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is starting his sweep. Mar 6 SGT Walter Blalock DOW (see Mar 5). (photo/shadowbox) 0700 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp for operation with the LRRPs. 0815 hrs SPOTREP A6 during recon of MSR received 1 round of small arms fire at XT383428, no hits sustained, no response. 0840 hrs A65 reports convoy at SP (Horseshoe). 0950 hrs A65 reports convoy has 3 march units and 186 vehicles. 1155 hrs A65 reports convoy at CP A. 1240 hrs A6 at SP bringing convoy South from Tay Ninh. 1730 hrs A65 reports convoy has closed base camp. 1900 hrs A6 reports perimeter and Hoc Mon Bridge secure. Mar 7 0700 hrs A Trp elements departing Hoc Mon to outpost MSR South. 0820 hrs A65 reports convoy North SP at Horseshoe. 0945 hrs A65 reports convoy North to Tay Ninh has 3 march units & 211 vehicles. 1220 hrs A6 reports convoy North at release point. 1245 hrs DTOC reports an ambush in the vicinity of Phuoc My, committed the reaction force. A Trp was alerted and told to move at 1300 hrs. 1305 hrs A6 reports SP for convoy heading South from Tay Ninh. 1400 hrs A6 reports convoy has 4 march units and 250 vehicles. 1500 hrs A65 reports A Trp ( ) moved to Bau Dieux after preparing area with artillery. 1600 hrs SPOTREP A65 A Trp ( ) located a tunnel complex at XT598170 containg food, 100 rounds of 50 cal ammo. An adjacent tunnel cotained more 50 cal machinegun which was booby trapped. 1650 hrs A65 reports 2 WIA from a booby trapp at XT598169. Dustoff is underway. 1750 hrs A65 reports convoy South at Cu Chi release point. 1900 hrs A65 reports perimeter and Hoc Mon Bridge elements in position and secure. Mar 8 0630 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav escorted teh 1/27 Inf elements from the main gate to Bao Tri. 0700 hrs A65 reports A Trp elements at Hoc Mon Bridge departing. 0755 hrs SPOTREP A20 has a tank that hit an anti tank mine at XT593096, minor damage and no injuries. 1000 hrs A65 reports A Trp is sending one platoon to Phouc My to recover documents left yesterday. 1050 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav returned to base camp. 1900 hrs A65 reports perimeter and Hoc Mon Bridge elements in position and secure. Mar 9 A Trp is on the perimeter and the Hoc Mon Bridge. 0700 hrs A Trp departs Hoc Mon & outposts MSR South. 1900 hrs A Trp in position on the perimeter and the Hoc Mon Bridge. Mar 10 A Trp is on the perimeter and the Hoc Mon Bridge. 0700 hrs A Trp elements departed Hoc Mon Bridge. 0915 hrs A65 reports convoy SP with 3 march units and 169 vehicles from Cu Chi to Tay Ninh. 1628 hrs A65 reports convoy from Tay Ninh to Cu Chi at release point. 1900 hrs A Trp in position on the perimeter & Hoc Mon Bridge. Mar 11 A Trp is on the perimeter and the Hoc Mon Bridge. 0700 hrs A6 reports A Trp has departed the Hoc Mon Bridge. 1900 hrs A Trp is in position on the perimeter. Mar 12 A Trp is on the perimeter. 0700 hrs A6 reports A Trp ( ) departed main gate enroute to Trai Bi (XT1674). 1035 hrs SPOTREP A65; A Trp elements destroyed an anti personnel mine at XT170764. 1130 hrs SPOTREP A65; 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav destroyed an anti personnel mine at XT170764. 1200 hrs SPOTREP A65; 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav destroyed an anti personnel mine at XT183765. 1443 hrs SPOTREP A65; A20 destroyed an anti tank & an anti personnel mine at XT187768. Mar 13 A Trp is at Trai Bi securing Artillery and Engineers. 1010 hrs SPOTREP A65, A Trp has a platoon securing the Engineer work party at Trai Be. The platoon destroyed a booby trapped mortar round at XT171164. 1100 hrs SPOTREP A65, A Trp destroyed to Chicom anti tank mines at XT191786. 1610 hrs SPOTREP A65, A Trp destoryed 2 huts at XT204759. Made of mud, logs, etx. Could be used as a defensive structure. Mar 14 A Trp is at Trai Bi securing Artillery and Engineers. 1600 hrs SPOTREP A65, A Trp destroyed an anti tank mine at XT198170. Mar 15 A Trp is at Trai Bi securing Artillery and Engineers. 1755 hrs A Trp is on the perimeter. Mar 16 A Trp is on the perimeter. 0359 hrs A Trp stand to is complete. 0611 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav Tay Ninh to Cu Chi convoy SP. 0840 hrs A65 reports a platoon is departing base camp main gate for a mobile check. 1013 hrs A6 reports 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav has arrived at the Cu Chi base camp main gate. 1300 hrs A65 reports platoon has assumed perimeter security. Mar 17 0745 hrs SPOTREP A30 road block at XT477203. 17 mounds of dirt, 1' high w/2 hand grenades in dirt, removed and blown in place. 0931 hrs B12 has departed to escort A Trp's VTR to CP E (XT712071). 1106 hrs A6 reports an unidentified trailer at XT317353. Tires and wheels had been removed. 1115 hrs S3 informs A6 that 11th ACR had left trailer there on 15 Mar. 1221 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 1302 hrs Div Spt Cmd notified about the trailer. They will take care of it. 1651 hrs 1st Plt & 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav has closed base camp. Mar 18 0750 hrs A65 reports A Trp element arrived in base camp. 1038 hrs B Trp off of Operation LOUDSPEAKER. A Trp alerted for LOUDSPEAKER. 1100 hrs SPOTREP A6 graveyard w/26 open graves at XT249418 & 38 freshly dug open graves at XT247248. 2nd location has 9 other graves also. 1618 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 1628 hrs A Trp ( ) and trail party closed into base camp. Mar 19 0820 hrs SPOTREP A30 propaganda leaflets at XT556168 on poles along road, protesting American policy. Continuing mission. 1125 hrs A6 reports that graves reported open yesterday at XT247428 are closed today. Graves at XT248420 are still open. 1545 hrs A Trp has accident below CP 28 at XT570164. A US individual recieved a gash on head. Seemed ok for shape he was in. Dusted off by A5. 1950 hrs A21 departed base camp for ambush. 2020 hrs SPOTREP A21 heard automatic weapons fire vicinity of Cu Chi 1300 meters west of present location and 1200 meters due South of CP N at XT628118, continuing mission. Mar 20 0426 hrs SPOTREP A26 saw 2 lights and personnel moving around at XT657125, continuing mission. 0735 hrs Centaur 12 reports crater 40' in diameter & 6' to 8' deep at XT380279. Traffic North & South is blocked. 0741 hrs Little Bear will fly MPs to crater to control traffic. 0825 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav will secure engineers. 0830 hrs A21 has closed base camp. 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has closed base camp. 0840 hrs A Trp elements have departed with the engineers. 0905 hrs A Trp has the engineers on the way to the crater. 0910 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has secured the crater area. 0920 hrs A65 reports A Trp found wire leading into crater. Also found booby trap, will blow in place. 1135 hrs from S3 to A65, A Trp will provide security for Laterite trucks to Cu Chi and to crater site vicinity of CP 183. 1139 hrs SPOTREP A65 needs dustoff at XT382275, dump truck hit mine with 2 WIA. 1 is a litter and 1 has been evacuated by OH23 to 12th Evac Hosp. Dustoff on way for other. 1145 hrs SPOTREP A33 booby trap at XT383273 consisting of 2lbs of TNT strung up between 2 bamboo stakes with a trigger device, will blow in place. 1148 hrs Dust off of 2nd WIA from engineers is complete. 1204 hrs A6 reports that when A33 attempted to blow booby trap it set off an anti tank mine. No casualties. 1206 A65 reports that the front of the dump truck that hit the mine was completely destroyed. Mar 21 0707 hrs A Trp elements departed for Trang Bang. 0719 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP 22. 0738 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav cleared CP 28. 0808 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 5. 0821 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 171. 0839 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 170. 0849 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 169. 1000 hrs SPOTREP A21 small arms round fired but not directly at them at XT662146, continuing to observe. 1200 hrs Saber 6 to A6. Prepare A Trp HQ elements to move after lunch to Tay Ninh. Another unit will join him in Tay Ninh. Take plenty of wire & claymore mines. Do not take platoon with you that is at Cu Chi. 1415 hrs A Trp HQ elements crossed SP for Soui Da. 1758 hrs A24 is departing for Hoc Mon Bridge. 1826 hrs A26 & A23 elements are in position at CP E. 1845 hrs A18 departing main gate. 1950 hrs base reaction force has changed from A Trp to B Trp. Mar 22 0704 hrs SPOTREP A23 found 1 dead VC on side of road with 2 bullet holes in him. Dressed in civilian clothes at XT699089. ARVN checking it out. Continuing mission. 1340 hrs S3 alerted A Trp to be prepared to move out for reinforcements on short notice. 1500 hrs SPOTREP A6 reports 5 ton truck hit a mine and overturned, 1 man slightly wounded. Truck can be salvaged. Located at XT393620. 1755 hrs A6 is on the road from old area to new area. 2 vehicles hit mines. A dump truck with 2 serious WIA. An AVLB driver has ruptured ear drums, 1 man on ground injured slightly and not evacuated. Location is XT386624. Dustoff completed. 2036 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in the motor pool. Mar 23 1257 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has departed this location for reconn mission in Filhol. 1307 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has passed Ann Margaret Gate. 1315 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav in reconn area in the Filhol Plantation. 1356 hrs A5 reports that 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is conducting both mounted and dismounted actions in Filhol area. So far nothing of interest to report. 1418 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav checked area vicinity 6518 with negative results. Is returning to base camp. 1445 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav returned to base camp. 1820 hrs A23 cleare CP K. 1826 hrs A22 clear CP D. 1906 hrs A Trp reports Hoc Mon Bridge received 15 rounds of mortar fire within 300 meters of his position. 1945 hrs A Trp reports Arty has chopper over area. US rounds being fired. 2046 hrs A65 requests senior aidman be replaced before SB St Aidman. So aidman coan go on R & R. Mar 24 0620 hrs A Trp reports generator went out. Will take one hour to repair but they have land line. 0708 hrs A23 departed CP E at 0700 hrs and is at CP D. 0714 hrs A23 just cleared CP K. 0725 hrs A23 cleared CP 22. 0726 hrs A23 closed from Hoc Mon Bridge. 1825 hrs A16 is in position. 2005 hrs A205(?) requested one barrel assembly for a m60 machinegun. Sent up by C&C ship. 2130 hrs A Trp & B Trp informed to furnish once each APC driver tomorrow. Be at Sqdn HQs at 1230 hrs. Mar 25 0844 hrs A Trp requested dustoff from D Trp. Cpt Stevenson reports that A Trp has 1 KIA and 2 WIA. D Trp is sending dustoff and ROADRUNNER chopper to scene. (the KIA report for A Trp was erroneous. 3/4 Cav had no KIAs on this date, KIA would be from another unit) 0850 hrs Cpt Stevenson reports the element was in a fire fight at the bridge in Suoi Da, had 1 KIA & 3 WIA, & are still in a firefight. 0934 hrs Centaur 30 evacuated 3 walking wounded, 2 litter & 1 KIA. An aircraft from Tay Ninh picked up some others, number unknown. 0955 hrs Centaur 30 has a total of 6 wounded, w/litter cases, & 4 walking wounded at XT389627. 1027 hrs B65 to A65 the center boards on the bridge at CP 5 have come loose. Also work that was done at CP 176 will need to be repaired today or tomorrow. 1415 hrs B Trp will replace A Trp at the fire support base. He will have 2 elements with attachments. 1555 hrs S3 to A6 change of mission for tomorrow because B Trp elements will depart your location tomorrow. He will see A6 today. 2025 hrs A6 from S3 your mission will be terminated tomorrow or Monday at the latest. A Trp assumes ROADRUNNER tomorrow. Since you may return tomorrow or Monday Saber 6 desires you do not switch A30 & A30A. B Trp Sharks will be at the marshalling area at 0930 hrs. Mar 26 0725 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed for the MSR. 1125 hrs SPOTREP A18 accident between VTR & car, gash on arm of 1 person at XT304358. Treated wound, dustoff complete. 1130 hrs Cu Chi sub sector request a check of area around XT5815 for a VC platoon. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav will check. 1225 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav reports negative sightings at XT5815. 1655 hrs A5 (VTR) just busted a track South of CP 5. Would like gun team on standby in Cu Chi if they need help. 2200 hrs message to A6; your element will return to Cu Chi on 280800 hrs. Mar 27 0545 hrs A65 requested a dustoff at his forward location. He was firing his 50 cal and a round exploded. Has fragments in right shin. 0610 hrs A65 reports that it was the 50 cal that exploded not the round. 0640 hrs A Trp dustoff is completed. 1700 hrs A Trp reports tail of convoy closed CP L. Mar 28 0900 hrs A Trp departed Soui Dau enroute to Cu Chi. 1015 hrs A Trp now at Tay Ninh enroute to Cu Chi. 1135 hrs A Trp now at CP 169 enroute to Cu Chi. 1338 hrs A Trp elements closed Cu Chi base camp. 1525 hrs SPOTREP A30 has a short round at XT499196, seems to be 155mm white phosphorous 150 meters off of the road, negative damage to convoy. 1615 hrs SPOTREP A65 civilian vehicle, truck, hit MP jeep and knocked MP out of jeep. Injured seriously. Located at XT540178, dustoff complete. 1720 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 1730 hrs Complete A Trp convoy is at Cu Chi and preparing to move to base camp. Mar 29 1645 hrs SPOTREP A13 found 81mm mortar round at XT501195. Round was 1/2 buried on right side of road. Will destroy once convoy has passed. 1810 hrs A Trp reports rear of VALENTINE at CP 22. 1850 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is now in base camp. Mar 30 0728 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp for Operation ROADRUNNER. 0845 hrs SPOTREP A20 road is caving in at XT349336. Appears to be an old crater that has been filled up. Engineers notified and will inspect it. A20 if afraid convoy would cave it in. Convoy is being held up. 0955 hrs A6 is going to move the convoy. 1257 hrs A6 reports that Castle elements are not on location. 1300 hrs A Trp is approximately 20 minutes North and departing. 1305 hrs Castle elements are at Sabre 98's location enroute to sink in road. 1500 hrs A5 reports Castle element has repaired the road at CP 5. On the way to CP 182. 1630 hrs A Trp will bring detail of accident to S1. 1705 hrs A5 reports location of accident as XT505191 at 1600 hrs. 1 military vehicle & 1 civilian vehicle. 1 civilian VN woman cut above eye. Chooper dustoff arrived a 2nd woman jumped on ship and complained her ribs were hurt. A5 will bring details to S1 later. 1735 hrs A65 reports trail party at CP 28. 1830 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed Go Dau Ha. 2005 hrs Major Savage (Lumber elements) will provide a mine sweeping capability to A Trp for 310430 hrs to sweep Trang Bang football field. 2101 hrs 65th Engineers mine sweeper team will be from B/65 En Bn and report to Trp A motor pool in AM. Mar 31 0545 hrs SPOTREP A16 has roadblock at XT534181 consisting of mounds of dirt, bamboo, and limbs. Cleared and continuing mission. 0620 hrs A65 reports 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP 31. 0750 hrs A Trp elements on way to outpost MSR. 1333 hrs A25 is at CP 22 road junction to met QC. QC is not there. 1700 hrs A25 is in position at CP E. Apr 1 0116 hrs SPOTREP A28 automatic weapons fire at XT678112. Sounds like a large fire fight, no fire on A28's position, continuing to observe. 0550 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav located at November of the MI. 0606 hrs A Trp reports A28 ambush patrol departed their position. 0622 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is on the bunker line. 0635 hrs A Trp element on the Hoc Mon ambush patrol on the way in. 0940 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav just closed base camp from Go Dau Ha. 1955 hrs A Trp ambush departed the main gate. Apr 2 0350 hrs A Trp lost contact with Raider 6 team. 0446 hrs A Trp has contact with Raider 6 team. 0615 hrs Raider 6 element returning to base camp. 0625 hrs SPOTREP A20 has small arms and M79 fire at XT668122, cause unknown, continuing mission. 0640 hrs A26 departing CP E and returning to base camp. 0705 hrs Raider 6 has closed base camp and departing A Trp net. 1147 hrs AVLB launcher is at CP 5. It is being escorted to CP 8 by A Trp. 1446 hrs main gate reports 5 men in black PJs at XT660134. A Trp sent to check out the unusual activity. 2 bunkers were destroyed at same location. 1510 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav sent to check the SVCS at XT660134. 1925 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav will be working in the cloverleaf tomorrow. Apr 3 0805 hrs A Trp has ambush tonight. LRRPs have it tomorrow night. 1045 hrs G3 committed reaction force to move to XT596189. 1 VC observed carrying away body, Arty fired at 1040 w/9 bodies observed on the ground. 1050 hrs A Trp & D Trp alerted. 1055 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav committed. B Trp FO to go with platoon. 1110 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav moving to Horse Shoe and standing by. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav on 10 minute alert standby. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp at 1100 hrs. 1121 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav to be committed in addition to 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav. 1143 hrs S3 to A65 inform A6 that Centaur 35 has been placed on alert and is under A Trp control. 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is moving out of Horse Shoe now. 1152 hrs A6 & 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav turned off of the Red Ball enroute to the AO. 1204 hrs A6 found a 500lbs bomb at XT606161, will not blow but will bring to EOD. 1229 hrs SPOTREP A20 foot prints in mud along stream at XT609177, checking out fresh foot tracks. 1225 hrs SPOTREP A13 105mm round near tunnel at XT608170, will blow in place. 1400 hrs S2 notified to get interpreter and 2 National Police for A Trp's operation. S24 has the personnel at Centaur location. 1425 hrs SPOTREP A65 mine in road, no damage, continuing mission. 1430 hrs SPOTREP A20 many booby traps in area at XT603182, checking huts, and continuing mission. 1440 hrs SPOTREP A20 vehicle A28 hit anti personnel mine at XT604184 with negative damage, continuting mission. 1446 hrs A Trp is calling Arty into area at XT604184. 1505 hrs A Trp is sweeping from Island at XT612172 back to MSR. 1510 hrs SPOTREP A20 dud 105mm round at XT615176, blew in place. 1522 hrs A Trp releases A20 that has mechanical problems so it can return to Cu Chi. 1605 hrs A Trp elements closed into base camp. 1635 hrs SPOTREP A14 has 2 8" arty round duds, informed C&C on the bunker. They will take care of it. 1948 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed main gate with the ambush. 2010 hrs A Trp A28 ambush has been dropped. 2045 hrs A Trp A28 ambush moving locations. 2156 hrs A28 ambush is in position. Apr 4 0138 hrs A28X requested a fire mission at defensive concentration 093, 074, & 075. Cpt Narvarte handled this mission. 0505 hrs SPOTREP A28 has 2 oxcarts at XT677114 moving south, continuing to observe. 0515 hrs A28 has moved out of their position. 0535 hrs A28 heard 16 rounds of small arms and automatic weapons fire at XT671128, continued mission. 0707 hrs A Trp departed for the MSRs. 0712 hrs A28 back in base camp. 0917 hrs A31 found and destroyed 1 old tunnel at XT658133. 0935 hrs A31 saw 6 persons milling around area at XT662132, all checked OK with ID cards. Also found 1 punji pit at XT662132. 1055 hrs SPOTREP A30 caught one man running at XT675115, checking for further suspects. 1059 hrs A30 reports man checked out and has been released. 1215 hrs SPOTREP A30 one abandoned home at XT703096 with drawings of tank, tunnels, choppers, APC, & 1 piece of paper of Vietnamese writing burned in. Looks like a classroom. 1417 hrs (?) called A Trp to find out why and who authorized their being outside the perimeter this AM. LT Webster stated that A Trp Cdr authorized the training mission w/coordination through Maj Brown. 1430 hrs Lt Appler indicates that A Trp will transport LRRP to ambush site for tonight's patrol. 1445 hrs A20 heard small arms overhead believed to be carbine rounds, fired from the South at XT660143, no casualties & continuing to observe. 1507 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 1645 hrs Mortar support is assigned to A Trp. 1942 hrs A Trp element departed base camp with LRRP. 1955 hrs SPOTREP A26 one person at XT718073 ran into the river. Result unknown & continuing to observe. 2015 hrs LRRP element is in position. 2050 hrs A13 closed into base camp. Apr 5 0650 hrs A26 returned to base camp from Hoc Mon Bridge. 0755 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav elements departed main gate for mobile check. 0815 hrs A31 clear CP 21 enroute to CP 31 on mobile check. 1115 hrs A31 at CP 31 for CHECKMATE. 1300 hrs A31 departs CP 31 for CHECKMATE. 1330 hrs Cpt McCarthy to G3 Air requests Forward Air Controller orbit on call for A Trp at 070830 to 090600. 1710 hrs A31 closed base camp from MSR South. 1855 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in position with the engineer work party at CP 5. 1945 hrs A20 called for a dustoff. Had man bitten by snake or insect. Centaur is sending a chopper. 2015 hrs Dustoff of man bitten is complete. Apr 6 0030 hrs A Trp reports a trip flare went off on the perimeter at XT654142. 0425 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav clear CP 22. 0449 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 0643 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is in position on bunker line. 0925 hrs A20 reports tank range has begin to fire. 1142 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav moving to support 2/14 Inf Bn. Co B, 2nd Bn, 14th Inf assisted by a 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav of Trp A, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav conducted a Search and Seal Op at VINH CU (XT6815) resulting 1 VC KIA (BC) and 12 detainees. 2003 hrs A Trp reports ambush patrol departed base camp. Callsign is Panner Delta. Apr 7 Operation SABER THRUST begins by 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry in five phases. All phases involved S & D and patrolling in the vic of the CU CHI base camp and along the Main Supply Route. Phase I on 7 and 8 April vic TRANG BANG (XT489194 was conducted by Trp A with Battery B, 2nd Bn, 13th Arty in direct support. 0800 hrs A Trp departed base camp for Operation SABER THRUST. 0807 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 22. 0831 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed CP 31. 0835 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 31, SABER THRUST. 1005 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav crossed LD. 1030 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav in objective area 1. 1055 hrs SPOTREP A18 reinforced tunnel at XT527246, 2'x2' high with small side shelters, searched with negative results, will destroy. 1055 hrs SPOTREP A6 one Viet male at XT528248 stated he was captured by 15 to 20 armed VC. VC have mines & booby traps. He escaped this morning and surrended to A6. Name is Le Tan Hai from Trang Bang. He was put in chopper with interpreter to point out place of capture. He wants to be taken to the Trang Bang District Chief. 1115 hrs SPOTREP A18 tunnel 2'x6' at XT525245, found nothing in them & destroyed them. 1145 hrs SPOTREP A18 2 tunnels at XT525241 & XT524243, 2'x2' & 15 to 20 feet long. Searched and blew in place. 1230 hrs SPOTREP A18 two punji pits 4'x4' at XT324244, blew in place & continued mission. 1305 hrs A30 enroute to Obj 1, w/Centaur35 will sweep area looking for weapons. 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is 1/3 the way through Obj 2. 1335 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav found 2 tunnels in hedge row at XT539231, no value have tops collapsed, not used, blew in place, & continued mission. 1410 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav checked both areas where VC were supposed to be in Area of Operations BOOT. Found nothing and moved to CP 31 to pickup A45. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is moving North to AO White. 1550 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav closed CP 31 and will move to Trung Lap if vehicle is repaired prior to dark. If not he will move at 1st light. 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed Stopper to go to AO White to link up w/3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav completed sweep of obj 2. Enroute to meet 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav. 1645 hrs Duty Officer called wrap up on A Trp's Operation SAGE BRUSH (SABER THRUST). 1850 hrs Leapfrog TOC has forwarded 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav, 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav, & A Trp HQ positions for tonight to the DTOC. 2030 hrs A6 informed by S3 that Fluffy Beach elements will be operation up to the 23 grid line. 2045 hrs A Trp ambush is in position. 2150 hrs SPOTREP A21 one tunnel & 2 spider holes at XT565280, negative contact & continuing mission. 2213 hrs SPOTREP A21 saw lights vicinity of ambush site. Patrol located 150 meters south of ambush site. Observing & continuing mission. 2240 hrs reference last SPOTREP the lights were inside a house. Apr 8 An ambush patrol of Trp A engaged a VC squad resulting in 2 VC KIA (BC). Troop column returns to Chu Chi, thru Trung Lap near the area where the Arvin Rangers trained. 2nd PLT received small arms and automatic weapons fire. LT Webster, 2nd PLT Ldr, was hit, A6 was overhead and authorized return fire with all weapons. 0615 hrs SPOTREP A20 in ambush fire fight at XT574283 2 VC KIA, sending gunteam for reinforcement. 0705 hrs A Trp ambush jumped an unkown VC force at XT574283 at 0610 hrs. Captured 2 weapons, killed 2 VC, found several tunnels and spider holes that were destroyed. 0735 hrs SPOTREP A20 picked up 1 detainee at XT577221 in area where ambush was at. He is cut & scratched above left eye. Age is 30 35, will hold for pick up. 0850 hrs SPOTREP A18 received sniper fire and found tunnel at XT581221 0837 hrs A Trp started sweep of AO. 0850 hrs SPOTREP A18 received sniper fire and found tunnel at XT581221. No casualties from fire. Tunnel is 2'x2' wide and about 200' long. Tunnel rats, SP4 Bradley & SP 4 McElroy are checking tunnel. 0925 hrs SPOTREP A32 located and destoryed 2 bunkers at XT561268. Bunkers were 4'x5' with 2 openings. 0926 hrs SPOTREP A32 found personnel without ID cars at XT561268. 2 men & 5 women w/one 15 year old boy chained to a bed. Interrogated by S2 and released as innocent civilians. 0943 hrs SPOTREP A24 found and destoyed a small rice cache at XT567228. 1015 hrs SPOTREP A24 found and destroyed a small rice cache at XT562268. 1016 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav & 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav located at XT563267. 1030 hrs SPOTREP A23 located and destroyed 1 tunnel 2' high by 9' long at XT563267. 1155 hrs SPOTREP A26 hit mine at XT569261, negative casualties but heavy vehicle damage. 1220 hrs A65 request VTR to evacuate A26. Saber 8 contacted. 1235 hrs A65 reports another mine 5 meters to the rear of A26. 1244 hrs SPOTREP A30 three punji pits at XT572258. Pits were 2'x2'x2' w/bamboo sharpened stakes, stakes are camouflaged. 1255 hrs SPOTREP A20 two punji pits at XT576257. Pits are 3'x2'x2' with sharpened bamboo stakes at bottom. Blew in place. 1255 hrs SPOTREP A17 hit mine at XT579219. Mine was about 50 lbs with trip device that exploded under tank. Damage to brake pedal assembly. One man bruised, found fresh holes in area, also a 155mm round fresly buried, will blow in place. 1325 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT573254. 1345 hrs A Trp reports man from A17 with bruised leg was dusted off a 1325 hrs with possible broken leg. 1410 hrs HQ89 VTR is moving out with 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav elements to pick up A17. 2nd & 3rd Plts A/3/4 Cav remain at XT523354. 1415 hrs A6 directed by Saber 6 to execute Saber Thrust SOUTH. A6 acknowledged and will move in about 10 to 15 minutes. 1441 hrs Saber 6 is airborne and going to A Trp's location. 1450 hrs SPOTREP A10 has his A18 element that hit a 50 lbs anti tank mine at XT585201. Two people burned, SP4 Bradley & driver WIA. One other man WIA with broken ribs. Mine made a crater 3' in diameter, 3 road wheels on each side of track damaged, checking area & continuing mission. 1500 hrs A17 will be ready to be moved in 15 minutes. 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav will move out east ot open area. From there A6 will guide them to the next location. 1505 hrs dustoff for A18 wounded personnel complete. 1600 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at XT587236. 1602 hrs A Trp enroute to XT583244. 1610 hrs troop has 1 WIA at XT583230. LT Webster with sniper wound to left shoulder, medevaced by A6 in C&C chopper. 1615 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is at XT583255. 1655 hrs A65 requests that as much water as possible be dropped at their location this evening when they set up. Dirt needed. 1700 hrs A Trp is at XT586200. Alos location of Arty that is with them. 1910 hrs troop had 2 WIA earlier in 1st PLT, A12. Medevaced SP4 Bradley & PFC Wright w/burns from AT mine. (from morning report) 1945 hrs A Trp is in position. 2030 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is escorting POL and VTR into base camp. A40 and one wheeled vehicle will be at Trang Bang tonight. A Trp ( ), 14 tracks and 6 tanks, will be at XT563057. 2110 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP 22. 2135 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav closed with A6. 2150 hrs A19 is stuck in ditch near main gate. Saber 8 elements notified. 2225 hrs HQ 89 VTR from squadron departing base camp. Apr 9 Phase II involved a squadron controlled sweep vic LOC THANH (XT438166) on 9 and 10 April. Squadron Task Force included Trp B and Trp D, Co C, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf (Mech) (detached from 1st Bde) and Btry A, 2nd Bn, 13th Arty. With the PF Co from TRANG BANG in a blocking psn, the Sqdn detained 42 Vietnamese moving NW. 0733 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departing w/Vampire elements. 0737 hrs A Trp lead elements have turned onto the Redball. 0749 hrs A Trp lead elements at CP DD. 0750 hrs A Trp lead elements at CP WW. 0759 hrs A Trp elements closing main gate. 0810 hrs A Trp elements closed base camp from Operation Saber Thrust I. 0935 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav took over the bunker line. 0948 hrs A Trp will provide escort for 725th Maint lowboy to Trung Lap to pick up APC that hit mine yesterday. 1046 hrs A Trp escort at CP 21. 1055 hrs Phua Doung (XT7219) is being mortared. A Trp ( ) is alerted to move. HHT alerted to take over bunker line. 1103 hrs A Trp is cranked up and ready to move on call. 1115 hrs A40 has reached the down vehicle at Trung Lap. 1124 hrs A Trp reports APC is loaded on lowboy. Damaged tank will return on own power. 1655 hrs A40 found an anti personnel mine at XT572183, destroyed in place. 1800 hrs B Trp VTR is towning A17 from Trhe(?) back to base camp. 1920 hrs SPOTREP A40 mine at XT576185, blown in place, crater 4' wide & 2' deep. 1926 hrs A40 cleared CP 28. 1929 hrs A40 cleared CP 21. 1955 hrs A40 was towing A17 from Trung Lap when the tank caught fire at XT621130. Tank is burning, no ammo exploding, no casualties. A Trp has sent 4 APCs to secure area. 2005 hrs A18 departing base camp for ambush patrol. 2010 hrs A Trp reports receiving small arms fire at XT620130. Request gun team. 2020 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp to secure area at XT620130. 2030 hrs some of 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav coming back to base camp to pick up firefighting equipment. 2040 hrs A18 is position. 2320 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. Apr 10 Morning report submitted by XO, LT Appler: total 4 officers, 174 enlisted, 26 attached. Present for duty 4 officers & 186 enlisted. 0030 hrs All A Trp elements have closed base camp. 0445 hrs A Trp requests DEFCON 093 be fired. Oxcarts to M4 front. DEFCON fired. 0510 hrs A18, ambush, is moving his position to XT672120. 0558 hrs A Trp ready to move at this time. 0559 hrs A18 requests illumination at DEFCON 093. Not granted, Arty is firing another mission. 0630 hrs A Trp element with B/4/23 Inf Bn are on the move to XT6617. Will sweep on 2 axis. 0638 hrs A Trp elements at Hoc Mon Bridge have returned to base camp. 0724 hrs A65 is moving from Ann Margaret to this location. 0730 hrs A Trp online and starting the sweep. 0813 hrs SPOTREP A20 found a tunnel at XT651177. Tunnel was 35 meters long. 0830 hrs A Trp located at ST645177. 0840 hrs SPOTREP A30 destroyed 1 dud 106mm round, continuing mission. 0841 hrs SPOTREP A25 located 2 105mm duds at XT659177. Blew in place & continuing mission. 0900 hrs A Trp is at objective 1. B/4/23 IN is at obj 4. 0912 hrs SPOTREP A25 destroyed 1 dud 105mm round at XT644203. 0918 hrs SPOTREP A10 destroyed one 155mm dud round at XT638178. 0930 hrs Saber 5 directed A6 to have troop check XT644203, XT634174, & XT643176 in that order. Then return to base camp. Location is reported site of mortar attack. 0945 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is located at XT634174. 0950 hrs SPOTREP A10 destroyed one 155mm dud at XT635178. 0951 hrs SPOTREP A25 destroyed one tunnel complex at XT635175 containing cooking utensils and cooking pots. 1040 hrs SPOTREP A25 found ammo clips, possible mortar position, 4 anti personnel mines, & 8 punji pits at XT631178. 1100 hrs SPOTREP A30 found one 105mm dud & 1 45 cal pistol at XT512515. A6 has pistol & blew dud in place. 1221 hrs SPOTREP A30 one 4.2 mortar round dud at XT655178, blew in place. 1225 hrs A Trp front line trace is 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at 'no cage', 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT636178, & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT654178. 1400 hrs A25 has a thrown track. 1435 hrs A14 made hook up with VTR & is on the way back to Cu Chi. 1500 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav located at XT655179. 1538 hrs SPOTREP A6 one 105mm dud at XT656177, blown in place. 1600 hrs A Trp returning to base camp. 2005 hrs A Trp ambush departing base camp. 1835 hrs A Trp elements for security are at Hoc Mon Bridge. 2120 hrs A Trp ambush (Centaur 23) is in position and request marking round of illumination be fired at concentration 097. Apr 11 0645 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav replaced 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav on the bunker line. A40 is on the bridge. 0700 hrs A40 returned to base camp. 0720 hrs A12 reports a civilian truck, 2 & 1/2 ton size, broken down and blocking 1/2 of road at XT380279. 1/2 of road is passable. 0815 hrs A12 has negative report on area C 6. 0838 hrs A12 negative report on perimeter. Apr 12 0630 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav is on the bunker line. 0816 hrs A38 found 1 butterfly bomb in the road. 1140 hrs A6 in C&C ship received 3 rounds of sniper fire at XT369374. Gunship returned fire, results unknown. Apr 13 Phase III SABER THRUST was conducted by 3/4 Cav from 13 15 April, with an attached rifle platoon from Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Inf (Mech) with Btry A, 2nd Bn, 13th Arty in DS. 0608 hrs A25 departed Hoc Mon bridge to return to base camp. 0630 hrs A25 closed base camp 1510 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 22. 1520 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 21. 1521 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 28. 1527 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 8. 1612 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav made pickup, mobile check. 1718 hrs A65 reports all elements closed base camp. 1831 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 1910 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 28. 1915 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 2. 1925 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 22. 1940 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed base camp. 2052 hrs A Trp reports drop of ambush complete. Apr 14 During Operation SABER THRUST by 3/4 Cav, an ambush patrol engaged an estimated VC squad, resulting in 1 VC KIA (BC). Gunships in support of the op killed 5 VC (poss). Later an APC from Trp A was struck by an RPG 2 round at XT583157 (no US casualties, minor damage to vehicle). Results: 2 detainees, 1 VC KIA (poss). 0910 hrs B Trp tank broken down at XT485196. VTR with escort from A Trp sent to recover. 1035 hrs A Trp mobile check by 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav from 0400 hrs to 0930 hrs resulted in finding 2 draft dodgers, 4 VC suspects, 3 AWOL ARVN, 5 kilograms of chemistry sugar, 16kg of Cambodian sugar, 8 pair Cambodian shoes, 4 lbs of Marijuana. ARVN has personnel and contraband. 1240 hrs S3 to A Trp; have Lt. Appler contact S4 reference POL truck and escort for it. Must be at Trang Bang NLT 1600 hrs. 1400 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed main gate w/resupply for Trang Bang. 1625 hrs A65 directed to release gun team on station at Go Dau Ha for ROADRUNNER. 1815 hrs A36 & A38 in position on Hoc Mon Bridge. Apr 15 During Operation SABER THRUST by 3/4 Cav a Checkmate and encirclement of the hamlet of PHUOC MY (XT585153) was conducted. Results: 4 VC PW's and 12 Civil Defendants detained. 0630 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav relieved 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav on the bunker line. 0750 hrs A65 element at CP 22. 0945 hrs A6 has detainee found near mined area at XT376286 that Centaur 21 reported earlier. 1000 hrs detainee released when mother brought his ID card. 1635 hrs SPOTREP A21 truck accident at XT5691654. A24 was towin a Castle dump truck (C23). The truck hi a Lambretta and turned it over. Minor damage to fender of dump truck & no injuries to personnel. Apr 16 1700 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at Ann Margaret with LRRP for drop off mission. Waiting for word to move from Saber. 1705 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav with LRRPs brought back to A Trp area and placed on standby. 1712 hrs S3 indicates LRRP mission is delayed 24 hours. 2005 hrs A Trp ambush patrol departed base camp. 2027 hrs A31 reports dog barking at XT652127, halted to check. Requests illumination, then cancelled fire mission and is moving again. 2130 hrs A31 ambush patrol is in position. Apr 17 Phase IV Operation SABERTHRUST began on 17 April and concluded 19 April. It involved Trps A and D, and 1 rifle platoon of Co A, 1st Bn, 5th Inf (Mech) conducting S & D Ops vic TRUNG LAP (XT585198), with Btry A, 2nd Bn, 13th Arty in DS. 0605 hrs A Trp relieved on the bunker line. 0615 hrs A31 ambush patrol back in base camp. 0707 hrs A Trp departed main gate. 0820 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is at CP SCOTCH and in the blocking position. 0840 hrs A Trp departed Trung Lap. 0900 hrs A Trp front trace is 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT5316, 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT585221, & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT585233. 1050 hrs A Trp front trace is 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT575223, 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT583227, & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT582231. 1048 hrs SPOTREP A10 one pnji pit at XT573228, blew in place which set off a secondar explosion of an AP mine, continuing mission. 1050 hrs SPOTREP A6 has 2 female detainees at XT588225. One had an ID card put none of crowd knew her. Other has ID card from Cu Chi. The interperter feels she is a liaison officer for this area. Gunship standby will pick them up and take to D Trp to turn over to S2. 1245 hrs SPOTREP A65 one male detainee, no ID card, & old scar on inside of leg. 1255 hrs SPOTREP A15 2 RPG rounds fired at his tank, both missed from XT568218. 1329 hrs SPOTREP A25 four punji pits at XT568232, blown in place & continued mission. 1331 hrs SPOTREP A34 1000lbs of rice in hut at XT578233. 1 old woman and 1 child hurt, observed 3 males running away as A34 approached. Numerous spider holes in area. Rice for market & not touched or evacuated. 1410 hrs SPOTREP A26 one punji pit at XT575238 freshly dug, blown in place. 1420 hrs SPOTREP A25 documents found at XT561236, had 2 males who were lying in creek bed. Holding for investigation. 1515 hrs SPOTREP A65 has captured 7 detainees at XT531236, waiting for evacuation. 1530 hrs A Trp front trace is 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT5752232, 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT573231, & 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav at XT588233. 1540 hrs A65 has released 5 of the 7 detainees. 1610 hrs SPOTREP A30 one rat in cage at XT575235, still alive in cage. 2 females, no ID cards, a lot of people with no ID cards. National Police & A6 will check. 1646 hrs A6 released the detainees reported at 1610 hrs. 1647 hrs A Trp on the move to night defensive position. 1718 hrs A65 reports all elements at Trung Lap. 2020 hrs A Trp locations for tonights ambushes are XT568264 & XT560245. Apr 18 (no journal for this date) Apr 19 During Phase IV Operation SABERTHRUST an ambush patrol from Trp A engaged an estimated VC squad. Results: 1 VC KIA (BC) and 1 VC KIA (poss). 0008 hrs SPOTREP A28 sighted 8 lights at XT400200, continuing to observe. 0100 hrs SPOTREP A28 took lights under fire at XT449203 with M60 machinegun & small arms. Resulted in 1 KIA w/no ID carrying bamboo poles, also 1 blood stain along trail. 0604 hrs All Trps alerted that the base camp was under mortar attack. 0610 hrs S3 notified that A Trp was in position & will not return to BC position until further notice. 0620 hrs DTOC issued stand down from mortar attack (dry run). 0645 hrs A Trp on the way back to base camp. 0810 hrs A Trp closed into base camp. 1830 hrs A65 lead elements at CP 28. 1919 hrs SPOTREP A30 roadblock at XT493224 consisting of brush and limbs. Check with mine detector found mine, will blow in place. 2110 hrs A Trp elements all in position. 2230 hrs A Trp reports ambush patrol going on mission now. Ambush patrol 1 is returning. Apr 20 Phase V of SABER THRUST occurred on 20 April. A Squadron Task Force operated in a sweep leading to AP BAU DUNG (XT370370). Forces involved were Trp A, Trp D, Co B, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf (Mech) and Btry A, 7th Bn, 11th Arty. Three airstrikes were employed. Two gunships of Trp D accounted for 2 VC KIA (BC), and the Aero Rifle Platoon, Trp D also killed 2 VC (BC). Trp A killed 11 VC (BC) and suffered two US WIA. Co B, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf (Mech) killed 2 VC (poss) and captured extensive medical supplies. A sweep of the area by ARVN forces on 21 April reported finding 32 VC bodies, a result of this operation. A document found on one VC body identified the VC unit as the 401 Co, D 14 Bn. Results of Operation SABER THRUST to date were: 51 VC KIA (BC), 10 VC KIA (poss), 4 VC PWs, 66 detainees. Captured were: 1 AK 47 rifle, 1 CHICOM Carbine, 10 lbs Medical Supplies. Destroyed were: 15 tunnels, 36 bunkers, 30 punji pits, 11,450 lbs rice, 1 blacksmith's forge, 2 15mm rounds, 2 company size base camps, 1 squad size base camp, 5 structures, 3 trench lines, 1 mess area. 0030 hrs SPOTREP Ambush Patrol 1 has one individual 75 meters east of his location at XT481243. Went into hedge row carrying a weapon. Trench 2' wide and 200 meters long. 0630 hrs A Trp on the move. 0640 hrs SPOTREP A33 two roadblocks at XT513190 made of logs and trees, can pass with difficulty. Blocked to south with small white signs. 0653 hrs A33 heldup at XT513190 by large truck stuck in a ditch. 0703 hrs A Trp recovery team is on the move at CP 178. 0718 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav is located 100 meters southwest of CP 92 on the Candy Stripe Road. 0722 hrs 2nd & 3rd Plts A/3/4 Cav crossing ford from BUD left 1.3. 0731 hrs A Trp clear CP 90. 0734 hrs A Trp recovery team is at CP 92. 0758 hrs A Trp is located from CHERRY right 1.4 and down 1.0. 0815 hrs A Trp from ORANGE left 0.5 and up 2.9. 0826 hrs A Trp from CHERRY up 2.3. 0838 hrs last of A Trp elements crossed the LD. 1115 hrs A Trp from PLUM up 1.0 and left 1.0. 1122 hrs A Trp line trace is from PLUM left 0.9 & up 1.5. 2000 hrs A Trp SP at this time. 2125 hrs SPOTREP A6 roadblock at XT433272 made of tin and light metal across road, checking it out. Apr 21 0001 hrs A Trp clear CP 31. 0015 hrs A65 reports A Trp lead at CP 28. 0048 hrs SPOTREP A14 one round of RPG2 or recoilless rifle fire hit his vehicle at XT585154 (Phuoc My). Round went completely through vehicle. One WIA not serious, has been dusted off. 0120 hrs Cpt Laskin, doctor, reports Ronald Strangefield at 12th Evac Hosp has frag wounds to the face and stomach, not too serious. 0128 hrs A65 reports A Trp closing into base camp. 0150 hrs all A Trp elements closed into base camp. 1305 hrs A Trp sending 3 vehicles to Go Dau Ha to pickup down vehicle. 1420 hrs A Trp on mission to retrieve a vehicle reported down at CP 178. 1519 hrs A40 returning with down vehicle is at CP 5. 1543 hrs A40 is halted at CP 31 to allow South bound convoy to pass. 2145 hrs A Trp reports D Trp's ambush patrol is in position. Apr 22 0120 hrs A Trp departed motor pool. 0130 hrs A Trp lead at CP 22. 0147 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 28. 0150 hrs SPOTREP A20 propaganda leaflets from XT511172 to XT556170 on edge of road attached to stakes 50 to 60 meters apart. Some in English against American forces. Picked up to bring back to camp. 0205 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 31. Negative contact with Dragon elements. 0243 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 171 still no contact with Dragon elements. 0333 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 2 stopped. One element has an oil leak, trying to repair, if not will take under tow to base camp. 0445 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav on the move. 0500 hrs 2nd Plt A/3/4 Cav at CP 31. 0635 hrs A Trp elements now in base camp. 0655 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departing base camp. 0728 hrs SPOTREP A36 propaganda leaflets at XT554169 on 25 to 30 bamboo stakes. Picked up leaflets and continuing mission. 1800 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav closed motor pool. 2050 hrs A Trp reports Raider 6, ambush patrol, is in position. 2145 hrs SPOTREP A35 sanpan at XT675234 destroyed possible 1 VC KIA, continuing mission. Apr 23 Morning report submitted by Cpt Strickland: total 5 officers, 145 enlisted, 24 attached. Present for duty 5 officers & 156 enlisted. 0610 hrs A Trp reports Raider 6 is out of position and returning to base camp. 0943 hrs SPOTREP A Trp Vietnamese civilian turned in location of one AT mine and 1 105mm round rigged for command detonation. Destroyed by B Troop. S2 making payment at XT497197. 1959 hrs A Trp reports Centaur 32, ambush patrol, departed base camp. 2128 hrs A Trp reports ambush patrol is in position. Apr 24 S3 daily summary reports A21 had 1 dustoff from a mine, A35 had an RPG hit 2 suspension system, & RPG 2 fired at A26 but missed. 0656 hrs A Trp reports ambush patrol has returned to base camp. 0815 hrs SPOTREP A37 road block at XT528184 consisting of barb wire and small mounds of dirt. Checked and found 1 AP mine. Blew mine in place and removed roadblock. 1000 hrs SPOTREP A66 Tu Dia sign at XT563167 marking spot of mine on South side of road. Bypassed and continuing mission. 1638 hrs DTOC reports a 1st Inf Div aircraft was last seen in vicinity of XT639132. 1640 hrs A Trp assigned to secure aircraft. 1825 hrs A Trp ambush is at main gate awaiting pickup. 1910 hrs A31 picked up Castle elements at gate. 1937 hrs A31 returned to base camp. 2030 hrs SPOTREP A26 small arms and automatic weapons fire on ARVN compound. 2 heavy weapons explosions in area at XT703084. Compound returned fire. Continuing to observe. Apr 25 0643 hrs 1st Plt A/3/4 Cav has taken over the bunker line. 0645 hrs A26 is on the way back from Hoc Mon Bridge. 0710 hrs Centaur 32 ambush patrol returned to base camp. 0810 hrs 3rd Plt A/3/4 Cav departed base camp for MSR South mission. 0843 hrs A12 departed base camp to pick up steam roller at Phouc Kiep with HQ89 VTR and Low Boy. Will escort them to Bau Tri. 1117 hrs SPOTREP A65 accident at XT336343 one military truck stopped and another ran into the back of it. Negative injuries, towing truck to Tay Ninh. Other is still operational. Trucks belong to 7th Trans Co 48th Group and 534th Trans Bn. Continuing mission. 1130 hrs A12 returned to base camp with steam roller. When engineers finsih work they will return them to Bau Tri. 1350 hrs A12 departed for Bau Tri with steam roller. 1021 hrs A65 reports Centaur is on station and Issue 14 has been released. 1905 hrs SPOTREP A65 relays that B37 hit an anti tank mine at XT675227, blew for track blocks and 1 road wheel, repairing for tow in. 10 element being sent out to tow in. May 1 In support of Operation Manhattan, Troops A and D, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry were making sweeps back and forth across the southern edge of the Boi Loi and HoBo Woods to spot and engage any Viet Cong who might try to flee that way. They made three contacts with the enemy during the first week of May, resulting in two Viet Cong killed and five Viet Cong captured. May 12 SP4 John E Carmack, (photo/shadowbox) PFC Raymond A Gibbs, (shadowbox) and SGT Clarence R Husk (photo/shadowbox) KIA. Join the 3/4 Cav Association!  |
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