A
Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry 25th ID -
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI, 2 Nov 1968 - 22 Feb 1969 Last Updated on: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 08:08:04 PM 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. Mel Moss, Trp Cdr from
Sep. 68 to Feb. 69, is our volunteer coordinator for the Phase V
timeline.
Note 1: Entries that include an exact time or grid coordinates have been extracted from offical documents. If no time is provided it is a recollection from a unit member. Note 2 Email us and provide additions or corrections for this timeline. Nov
1
Summary: Outpost & secure MSR operating from Tay Ninh base camp. 0553 A Trp will outpost 1st plt from CP03 – CP022 0628 A Trp departing Main Gate of Tay Ninh 0724 A Trp reports that the tanker (which was at CP02) which was laying on its side in the rice paddy is now back on the road. 0740 A Trp, foad clear in sector, beginning sweep of rubber, MSR clear Hoc Mon to Tay Ninh http://home.comcast.net/~ATrp3-4Cav/Photos/index.html 0937 Sqdn CO inroute to B Trp’s location, then to A Trp’s, location then on to Tay Ninh. 1351 A Trp elements at CP23 1403 A Trp elements at CP02 1408 A Trp elements at CP23 1420 A Trp elements at CP01 1435 A Trp element trail at CP31 1437 A Trp lead at CP86 1446 A Trp at CP87 1453 A Trp elements closed Tay Ninh 1745 Ref to log 165, relayed to A Trp 1822 A & B Trps security checks neg; Nov 2 0055 3-4 Cav sitrep no contacthttp://home.comcast.net/~ATrp3-4Cav/Photos/index.html 0548 A Trp entering net 0632 A Trp sweep at CP87 0648 A Trp at CP86 0705 A Trp approaching CP04 0708 A Trp at CP24 0728 A Trp at CP23 0731 Convoy crossed bridge 0740 A Trp sector clear 0745 A Trp outpost: A30 from CP22 – CP03, A10 from CP03 - CP23 0808 A Trp has cleared & outposted rubber 0924 A Trp Reports an Engr Convoy of 10 veh coming south on MSR, presently at CP03 1320 A Trp, 3rd plt rolling up, securing Engrs at CP23 1338 A trp at CP02 1347 A Trp at CP24 1405 A Trp at CP31 1417 A Trp at CP87 1419 A Trp closed Tay Ninh, wpns cleared, all personnel accounted for 1426 Lead at main gate and trail at CP09 1726 A Trp left net Nov 3 0015 A Trp neg sitrep 0637 A Trp outpost: A30 from23 – CP03 & A20 from CP03 – CP22 0644 A Trp at CP86 0649 A Trp at CP31 0704 A Trp at CP01 0709 A Trp at CP24 0719 A Trp elements at CP02 0730 A Trp elements at CP23 0735 A Trp at CP03 0743 A Trp sweep at CP22, MSR is open 1323 Maj Jordan is enroute to A Trp’s position then going to their night lager 1336 Maj Jordan will arrive at A Trp’s position in 2 min. if anyone wants him he will be at their position 1355 SPOTREP A Trp 3rd platoon Booby Trap at XT316355, 1 US Grenade & trip flare, cont mission, will blow in place 1358 Maj Jordan airborne to Tay Ninh at this time 1405 A Trp reports 4 MU in vic of CP01 1450 A Trp MU 3 is at eastern portion of big rubber, two wreckers, 1MP Jeep, also consist of trail, there is a quad 50 downed at CP23. 3 bolts on right front wheel of Veh, request someone come down from Tay Ninh to tow the downed veh. 1458 A Trp reports there is a wrecker there to tow the downed veh at CP23 back to Tay Ninh 1531 A Trp lead at CP02 1542 A Trp lead at CP24 1600 A Trp lead at CP86, trail at CP31 1628 A Trp all elements have entered main gate Tay Ninh at this time. Nov 4 0144 A Trp Sitrep N/C 0606 A Trp entered net 0631 A Trp cleared main gate at Tay Ninh 0632 A Trp 10 will outpost from CP03 – Cp22 and 20 from CP23 – CP03 0648 A Trp lead at CP86 0710 A Trp lead at CP24 0722 A Trp lead at CP02 0734 A Trp lead at CP23 0738 A Trp lead at CP03 0751 A Trp reports road swept to CP22 1328 Maj Jordan, Sqdn XO airborne at this time to check out the Aerorifles and then on to check on the rest of the 3-4 Cav elements 1340 CO A Trp given permission to roll up as soon as convoy passes, Engrs are working at CP23, secured by the PHILCAV, Bailly Bridge is now open and in use (CP23) 1344 Trail passing eastern edge of big rubber, A Trp outposts rolling up. 1359 A Trp located at CP23 1445 A Trp lead at CP 31 1446 A Trp lead at CP 86 1457 A Trp lead at CP87 1500 A Trp closing Tay Ninh, all wpns cleared and elevated, all personnel accounted for 1312 Maj Jordan, Sqd XO, departing Tay Ninh for Cu Chi 1655 A Trp leaving net until tomorrow morning 1743 A & B Trps internal security ok Nov 5 0604 A Trp entered the net. 0626 A Trp beginning sweep: A Trp at CP87, outposts will be: 3rd platoon from CP3 to CP22, 1st platoon from CP3 to CP23 0650 A Trp lead at CP31 0906 A Trp reports an ARVN convoy, vic big rubber moving east on MSR, approx35-40 veh with a few US veh w/them 1020 SQDN XO (MAJ Jordan) airborne enroute to A Trp CO’s Location 1131 SQDN XO off Tay Ninh enroute to Cu Chi 1436 Late entry: A Trp rolling up, now located at CP23 1445 A Trp at CP02, Air strikes are continuing at XT2833 1538 A Trp closed Tay Ninh 1743 A Trp Checked area, cleared of all personnel 2100 All 3-4 Cav Sitrep N/C Nov 6 0052 3-4 Cav Sitrep N/C 0158 DISCOM: reports believed incoming mortars & rockets on Cu Chi Base Camp, informed to get all personnel into bunkers, all Trps notified (HQ, A, B, C, D, & LRPs 0225 To DISCOM & 554 Engrs. Neg mortar rds impacted in 3-4 Cav area, neg casualties and neg damage 0231 CPT Hallanck: stand down complete at this time, all Trps notified, (HQ, A, B, C, D, & LRRPs) 0251 3-4 Cav Sitrep N/C 0615 A Trp enroute to Main Gate Tay Ninh 0630 A Trp at CP86 0647 A Trp at CP31 0703 A Trp at CP01http://home.comcast.net/~ATrp3-4Cav/Photos/index.html 0717 A Trp at CP02 0737 A Trp at CP03 0759 A Trp Sector clear 0802 ETA of convoy at Hoc Mon, 0830H acknowledged by A,B,C Trps 1436 CO A Trp: trail of convoy at CP03, MPs inform him that there were not any stragglers. 1451 Trail at CP22 1518 A Trp at CP31 1544 A Trp lead at CP87 1548 A Trp closed gate at Tay Ninh 1653 A Trp leaving net until tomorrow 1707 A Trp Security check neg results Nov 7 0603 A Trp entered the net 0625 A Trp started sweep outpost: A10 from CP22- CP03, A20 from CP03 – CP23 0626 A Trp at CP87 0648 A Trp at CP31 0711 A Trp lead at CP24 0720 A Trp lead at CP02 0732 A Trp lead at CP23 0739 A Trp lead at CP03 0753 A Trp swept to CP22 0801 A Trp reports that ARVN convoy at CP03, heading east consists of APCs 0813 Visual reconnaissance on the way 1042 MAJ Jordan airborne to A Trp’s location in Tay Ninh 1231 A Trp: last MU at CP06, trail at eastern edge of Big Rubber 1430 CO A Trp: lead MP at CP03, also an ARVN convoy directly behind the lead MP 1431 Convoy lead at CP01 1550 Trail cleared by A Trp’s area. A Trp outposts rolling up at this time 1620 A Trp trail at CP02 1622 A Trp lead at CP24 1625 A Trp lead at CP01 1647 A Trp lead at CP86 1707 A Trp closed Tay Ninh 1742 A Trp internal security ok 1855 Sp4 Niles, Cu Chi Subsector – no aval – VC will try to launch a winter-spring offensive 68-69 end of Nov attacking Inf Trps in force 2300 3-4 Cav sitrep N/C Nov 8 0559 A Trp entered Net 0632 A Trp lead at CP87 0645 A Trp lead at CP86 0652 A Trp leat at CP31 0736 A Trp outposting status: CP03 – CP22 3rd platoon, CP03 – CP23 1st platoon 0746 A Trp sector clear; MSR cleared and outposted in ¾ Cav area 0820 CPT Kitchin (Maint Officer) going out on MSR today w/1 APC to check on tanks & maintenance problems 0959 A Trp reports hearing some shots, believed to be ARVN test firing, will check 1443 Trail at CP03, A Trp will roll up when convoy clears area 1507 A Trp at CP02 1521 A Trp at CP24 1526 A Trp at CP01 1527 A Trp to leave sweep team at Tay NinhThank you for all you have done on this project. 1543 A Trp at CP31 1545 A Trp At CP86 1705 A Trp closed Tay Ninh approx 15 min ago 2123 A Trp security check: all clear Nov 9 Summary: Escort division resupply convoys, clear & outpost MSR, & strongpoint MSR at night. 0620 A Trp entered the net 0628 A Trp road swept to CP08 0655 Convoy ETA Phu Cuong 0740H; 3MU for Dau Tieng, 8MU for Tay Ninh 0744 A Trp lead at CP03, trains and HQ elements at CP23 0745 A Trp sector clear; MSR open and outposted 0752 A Trp status: 1st plt from CP03-CP22,3rd Plt from CP03 to CP23, 2nd Plt will become CPCON to C Trp, and OP from CP09-CP11 0756 Convoy now located at Phu Cuong Bridge 0759 A Trp 2nd plt lead at CP22 0806 A Trp 2nd plt lead at CP04 0814 A Trp 2nd plt at CP21 0821 A Trp 2nd plt at CP05 0827 A Trp lead at CP19 0842 A Trp 2nd plt at CP19 0905 A Trp 1st plt at CP08 0948 Trail of convoy at CP09 1006 Lead of Convoy at CP05 1010 A Trp 20 at CP09 1018 A Trp 20 going up on C Trp push, will be under C Trp control for the rest of today 1024 A Trp HQ elements cleared Cu Chi main gate, all wpns cleared & elevated, personnel accounted for 1024 Lead of Convoy at CP21, trail at CP08 1027 Lead of Convoy at CP04 1054 A Trp 2nd Plt now outposted crom CP09-CP11 1100 Lead of Convoy at CP02 trail at CP20 1413 Convoy closed Tay Ninh at 1315H 1444 A Trp reports a downed veh at CP03, A Trp will leave security and begin rolling up 1500 A Trp at CP22 1513 A Trp at CP04 1519 A Trp at CP21 1523 A Trp reports trail of trail at CP22 1526 A Trp at CP05 1534 A Trp trail of trail at CP22 1536 A Trp reports lowboy at CP20 1543 A Trp at CP20 1548 Trail Party at CP06 1553 Trail Party at CP20 1601 DISCOM has people taking care of downed lowboy at CP20, will pull it into FSB Stewart 1604 Trail party at CP07 1610 A Trp: Trail of trail at CP07 1626 A Trp at CP17, starting to outpost at An Duc 1630 Trail at CP16 1646 A10 outposted from An Duc to CP09 1656 Convoy closed CP16 1704 A Trp line up north to south 30-10-20 1816 A Trp 1st & 3rd plts moving to night laagers 1828 Col request: LOH to fly cover for COL Riley and General Long visit to outposting elements 1834 A Trp 1st & 3rd plts in night laagers 1839 Lt Gillard gave A Trp permission to test fire at 1930H 1843 A Trp security check clear 1848 A Trp vehicle status rept: 24 tracks, and 9 tracks operational, 3 downed tracks 1920 A Trp 2nd plt in night lager 1928 A Trp 1st & 3rd plts test firing at this time 1946 A Trp 3rd plt AP Departing for night laager 1949 A Trp 1st plt test fire complete 1955 A Trp 3rd plt radar report: L 153 deg, R 268 deg, range L1000m, R 10m, C3500m 2004 A Trp 1st & 3rd plts AP’s in position 2010 A Trp 1st plt sniper team departing for position 2021 A Trp 2nd plt to test fire on a 25deg azimuth 2033 ¾ Cav sitrep N/C 2035 A Trp 3rd plt sniper team in position 2039 A Trp 3rd plt sniper team and AP’s in position 2106 A Trp: All elements in position 2140 A Trp Neg Sitrep 2359 Change and check Secure Nov 10 0026 A Trp and LRP teams neg Sitrep 0620 A Trp 3rd plt on move to northwest 0628 A Trp 2nd plt on move to south, will outpost from CP09-CP11, A Trp 1st plt from night laager to CP17 then into base-camp for stand down; 3rd plt outpost from northern boundary to CP09 0639 A Trp 20 in VP16 0645 A Trp 10 at CP09, A30 at An Duc 0700 SPOTREP A Trp 30 2 mines at XT531183, 30lb mines, pressure type, homemade, 1 on north and 1 south side of road, blown in place, crater 4’x3’ / LE cont mission 0715 A Trp clear CP11 to CP17, from CP08 to An Duc clear 0730 A Trp sector clear and outposted 0743 A Trp reports he sent an element (1st Plt) in Ambush Gate. He was not informed it was closed to cav vehicles, The MP’s gave the entire platoon a DR. 0750 Convoy from Cu Chi: 12 MU to Go Dau Ha, 10MU to Tay Ninh, 2 to Dau Tieng 0945 LTC Riley is airborne starting at CP11 will move up MSR to Tay Ninh 1314 A Trp reports 554th Engr elements will be at CP17 for the rest of today 1700 A Trp 1SG Barney, security check rear area at Cu Chi: no mines or booby traps 1725 A Trp trail at CP17 1735 A Trp 1st plt departing main gate 1740 A Trp trail at CP16, also A Trp rolling up 1751 A Trp line up from north to south: 10-20-30 1753 A Trp trail clear CP09 1756 A Trp 1st plt at CP17 1759 A Trp has 4 APC’s and 16 personnel for bunker line reaction 1806 A Trp 2nd plt at CP09 1814 A Trp 2nd plt at CP17 1845 A Trp 1st plt in night laager, also 3rd plt at CP17 1848 A Trp 3rd plt in night laager 1939 A Trp 3rd plt AP moving out at this time 1955 A Trp 2nd plt AP and sniper team now departing 2014 A Trp 3rd plt reports AP in position 2026 A Trp radar report: 1st plt Left 100deg, Right 280deg, Center 190deg, Range Left 300m, Right 900m, Center 1000m; 3rd plt, Left 60deg, Right 140deg, Center 104deg, range 9000m 2047 A Trp 3rd plt Sniper team in position 2113 A trp neg sitrep Nov 11 0323 A Trp Sitrep N/C 0432 A Trp: D Trp AP will remain in position and sweep the area at first light 0503 A Trp 1st and 3rd plts stand-to complete 0505 A Trp 2nd plt stand-to complete 0618 A Trp 1st and 3rd plts beginning road sweeps 0624 A Trp 2nd plt beginning road sweep 0645 A Trp 20 at 200m w/o CP17, A30 at CP10 0652 A Trp 20 at CP17 0653 Aerorifles swept area of A Trp contact w/neg findings 0659 A Trp 30 at CP15, A10 at CP17, A20 at CP09 0710 A 20 at CP16 0721 A Trp sector clear from CP11 to An Duc and down to Mui Lon 0734 A Trp 20 entering Cu Chi, all wpns clear 0745 To A,B,C Trps; Convoy crossed bridge at Phu Cuong 1145 A Trp 10 reports vehicles at CP17 receiving stray rds, the 2/12 is in contact at XT5817 1315 Convoy closed Tay Ninh 1255 hrs 1512 A Trp reports Engrs have left CP08 1545 A Trp southern elements at CP11 to CP16 starting to roll up 1600 A Trp 3rd plt at main gate Cu Chi, all wpns cleared, all personnel accounted for 1603 A Trp rolling up, leaving 2 vehs to secure Engrs at CP17 and CP08 1732 A Trp all elements on move also up from north to south: 20-30-10 1735 A Trp 2nd plt departing main gate 1738 A Trp 3rd plt departing main gate 1739 A Trp security check clear 1740 A Trp 2nd plt at CP16 1748 A Trp 3rd plt at CP09 1749 A Trp permission to fire: 2nd plt 180deg max range 700m, 3rd plt can fire due south 1758 A Trp 2nd plt at CP17 1803 A Trp 1st plt at CP19 1808 A Trp 2nd plt in night laager test firing 1832 A Trp 3rd plt request to fire toward south 1844 A Trp 3rd plt test firing 1937 A Trp 2nd plt sniper team in position, also 3rd plt radar report: 114deg, Right 229deg, Center 172deg, range Left 1000m, Right 1000m, Center 3500m 1939 A Trp AP element they have working w/them have departed for night laager 2001 A Trp 2nd plt radar report; L 20deg, R120deg, C70deg range 500m 2025 A Trp 1st plt AP departing at this time also neg sitrep 2035 A Trp 1st plt AP in position 2056 A Trp: AP that is working with them is in position 2120 A Trp Sitrep N/C 2223 A Trp neg Sitrep Nov 12 0506 A Trp stand-to complete 0613 A Trp sweep and outpost status: 2nd plt sweep from middle of An Duc to eastern edge of Bao Tre, 3rd plt sweep from night laager to CP17, then back to CP16 and down to Mui Lon and into base camp for stand down, 1st plt sweep from night laager to CP11 and outpost from CP11 to CP17 0614 A Trp 1st plt beginning sweep 0626 SPOTREP A Trp 1st plt (15) /LB road obstacle / LC Xt614133 time 0615/ LD road obstacle consists of tree branches from rubber trees, 3’ high x 3’deep, completely across road/ LE clearing road 0631 A Trp 30 has made turn around, A10 is on move again 0651 A Trp 10 at CP15, 0655 A Trp has swept to Mui Lon 0659 A Trp 10 finished sweep now outposted 0700 A Trp 30 at CP16 0708 A Trp 30 at Main Gate, all wpns clear 0709 A Trp sector clear 0900 Convoy lead at main gate 1527 A Trp asked permission to roll up southern elements, 2nd plt will remain outposting from An Duc to CP16 to secure Engrs and convoy 1602 A Trp 1st plt at CP17, HQ101 at CP17 1607 A Trp closed main gate, all wpns elevated, all personnel accounted for 1724 Convoy has closed 1725 A Trp is rolling up 1728 A Trp 2nd plt securing downed Engr veh at XT567164 1758 A Trp 3rd plt at CP09 1803 A Trp 3rd plt at CP17, 1st plt at CP09 1811 A Trp 1st plt at CP17 1812 A Trp security check clear 1819 A Trp 3rd plt at CP08 1908 A Trp 3rd plt in night laager, also 2nd plt in night laager, 1st plt will wait until darker to move out. 1927 A Trp 1st plt reports their D Trp AP that is working with them has departed, also 3rd plt sniper team has departed 1947 A Trp 3rd plt radar report: L 100deg, R180deg, C 140deg, range L 400m, R700m, C3000m 1948 A Trp 2nd plt has departed 1956 A Trp report: D Trp AP that is working with them is in position, also sniper team is in position 2013 A Trp Sitrep N/C, also new location: XT528185 2056 A Trp 2nd plt radar report: Left 34deg, Right 76deg, Center 56deg, range 700m 2126 SPOTREP A Trp, 3rd plt sniper team/ LB XT531184? LC 3rd plt sniper team spotted 1 light flickering on and off on north side of road/ LE sniper team will engage next time light goes on. Nov 13 0519 A Trp 10 & 30 stand-to complete 0611 A Trp 10 sweep south to Mui Lon then stand down. A Trp 20 sweep south & outpost from CP11 to CP09. A Trp 30 sweep south & outpost from An Duc to CP09 0615 A Trp 10 on the move 0621 A Trp 10 at CP17, A30 on move 0626 A Trp 20 on the move 0629 A Trp 20 at CP09 0653 A Trp: road obstacle at XT673100, spot report to follow 0711 SPOTREP: LA A Trp 2nd plt/ LB road obstacle/ LCXT673101 time 0650/ LD consists of 25 dirt mounds 16” in dia. X 10” high stretching across the road for 30m; directly behind this was one solid row of dirt 1’ high w/pal, leaves stuck in mound; behind the mound another 30 dirt mounds, 16” in dia and 10” high, stretching 20m across the road/ LE continuing mission 0716 A Trp: sweep to Mui Lon complete 0741 Ref Log 31: Late Entry: at 0700 A Trp 2nd plt also reports that the spot where the road obstacle was is also a spot where OP veh pulled in; personnel noticed a lot of small foot prints ( child sized) believe possibly VC had children make road obstacle. 0754 A Trp: road clear in Sector III, MSR clear and outposted in ¾ CAV area 1555 A Trp 2nd plt except 23 & 26 at main gate, all wpns elevated all personnel accounted for 1724 A Trp lineup from north to south: 10-20-30 1728 A Trp 1st plt departing Cu Chi 1735 A Trp 1st plt at CP16 1740 CO A Trp stopped by Cu Chi Sub, informed them of Aerorifles AP 1740 A Trp 2nd plt departing motor pool 1745 A Trp 1st plt at CP09 1746 A Trp 2nd plt at CP16 1750 A Trp 1st plt at CP17 1819 A Trp reports a down tank from 65th Engrs at CP17 1825 A Trp 3rd plt at CP09 1830 A Trp informs us an ARVN convoy of 14 veh passed his location, also the broken down tank at CP17 also passed his location; also 1st & 2nd plts in vic of night laagers, 3rd plt east of CP09 1852 A Trp have RF/PF with them 1902 A Trp 3rd plt in night laager 1918 A Trp 1st plt in night laager, AP on way to night laager 1937 A Trp 2nd plt AP departed, also D trp AP that is with 3rd plt departed 1940 A Trp 2nd plt radar report: Left 120deg, Right 300deg, Center 210deg range 3000m 1948 A Trp 1st plt AP sniper team departing from night laager 1950 msg from G2, VC squad is supposed to infiltrate into Cay Trom, XT585155 to collect taxes, intel information from Cu Chi Sub – A Trp notified 2005 A Trp 2nd plt AP in position 2028 A Trp neg Sitrep 2030 A Trp 2nd plt radar report: L 3900mills, R 4820mills, C 4630mills, range 400m also 2nd plt AP in position 2038 SPOTREP LA 2nd plt / LB 2 moving lights/ LC XT566154 time 2038/ LD 2nd plt observed lights blinking in wood line, moving west to east lights blinking on sporatically/ LE requesting arty 2050 A Trp all elements in position 2053 in ref to log 214 at 2038 Arty has been brought in 2140 SPOTREP LA A Trp 2nd plt AP/ LB 1 light/ LC XT583158 time 2140/ LD light blinking on & off/ LE moving east to west Nov 14 0525 A Trp Stand-to complete 0620 A10 will sweep north & outpost from An Duc to CP09, A20 will sweep N to CP08, then to base camp, A30 will sweep south & outpost from CP09 to CP11 0622 A10 & A20 on the move 0625 A30 on the move 0630 A30 at CP16 0649 A Trp swept from CP08 to An Duc, making turn 0652 A Trp 1st plt at CP 08 0653 A Trp 3rd plt at CP15, 2nd plt at CP08, Turning around 0658 A Trp 3rd plt at CP11 0659 A Trp 3rd plt at CP17 0710 A Trp 1st plt at CP09 outposting 0718 A trp at CP16, road swept in A Trp’s sector 0737 A Trp 2nd plt at main gate Cu Chi, all wpns elevated, all personnel accounted for 0751 A Trp reported lead MP jeep at CP16 0806 advanced of convoy at CP08 1508 A Trp elements between CP11 and CP16 rolling up 1603 A Trp given permission to roll up their elements 1720 A Trp 2nd plt departing motor pool 1740 A Trp 20 at CP09 1747 A Trp 30 departing Main Gate, A Trp 20 at CP17, A Trp will only have 1 radar tonight at PPS 5 1758 A Trp 30 at CP16 1803 A Trp 30 at CP09, A20 holding in position 1808 A 30 at CP17 1822 A Trp line-up N-S: 20-30-10 1839 A Trp internal security check OK 1920 SPOTREP: A Trp 20/ LB 1 mortar rd/ LC XT527194, time 1919/ LD 75m to south of road/ LE continue mission 1951 A Trp 30 AP departing 2004 A Trp 10’s AP’s and sniper team departing 2013 Ref log 212 (1920): LA A Trp 20/ LB lights and movement/ LC XT527194, time 2000 / LD received 1 mortar rd, returned with Arty, fire is burning, also spotting lights & movement, Arty is continuing, A Trp Firing into area/ LE continue mission 2033 Ref log 217, & 212: Arty was fired into area, then 3-4 lights were spotted moving west to east, will engage with main gun 2037 A Trp 10 & 30 AP’s in position 2050 A Trp reports an ARVN AP (XT567164), A trp will move their AP back towards their plt. 2115 CPT Skiff gave A Trp permission to roll back their AP that was in conflict with ARVN AP 2122 A Trp 20 radar boundaries: L112deg, R 227deg, Range 3000m 2400 ¾ CAV Sitrep N/C Nov 15 0508 A Trp all platoons stand-to complete 0623 A Trp: 2nd platoon will sweep from An Duc to east of Bao Trai, 3rd plt will sweep from night location to CP19 and Mui Lon and then go back to Cu Chi; 1st plt will sweep from night location to CP11 east of Bao Trai; 3rd platoon on the move at this time. 0628 A Trp 1st & 2nd Plts on the move at this time. 0634 A Trp 1st Plt at CP09, 2nd Plt at western edge of An Duc, 3rd Plt at CP17 0644 SPOTREP: LA A Trp 2nd plt/ LB road obstacle/ LC XT531383 Time 0635/ LD debris from hootch, table, wood, roofing, bricks, completely covers road, 50m long x 1m high at highest point/ LE continue missionhttp://home.comcast.net/~ATrp3-4Cav/Photos/index.html 0710 A Trp sector clear except for 200m north of CP09, from CP09 to southern sector outposted 0715 CO A Trp calls Dust Off for 1 VN (male) who caught scrap metal in chest when road obstacle was cleared ( ref log 52) 0729 CO A Trp is taking injured VN civilian out of built up area on stretcher. Dust off 158 will pick up in 10-15 min. 0738 A Trp: Dust off complete at 0737Hrs 0745 A Trp stand down 3rd plt is at CP16 0757 A Trp 3rd plt entering main gate, all wpns clear, all personnel accounted for 1600 A Trp 1st plt in Cu Chi 1602 A Trp 2nd plt coming in except 1 tank and 1 APC at An Duc w/Engrs and 2 APC’s at CP17 w/ Engineers 1615 A Trp 2nd plt at main gate, ref log 156 Engrs at An Duc finished, veh moving to CP17 1715 A Trp: leaving net at this time 1807 A Trp internal security check neg, also has 21 APC’s & 8 Tanks for reaction force. Nov 16 1901 A Trp internal security check neg: bunker line defense status: 21 APC, 8 Tanks Nov 17 1817 A Trp internal security check neg. Nov 18 No entries for A Trp in staff journal. Nov 19 0655 A Trp 10 on the move 0659 A Trp 30 on the move 0707 A Trp elements 10,20,30, have cleared Chu Chi main gate 0712 A Trp 2nd plt at CP16 0716 A Trp 30 at CP16 & A Trp 10 at CP09 0720 A Trp 20 at CP09 0729 A Trp 20 at CP08. 0735 A30 in position. A10 spotted some propaganda leaflets nailed to stakes on the right side of MSR at CP17. 0821 A Trp day time outposted north to south. A10, A20, A30. 2 APCs at Trang Bang Bridge & 1 at Laterite Pit. 0950 A Trp trains departing Cu Chi for Trang Bang. 0953 A Trp had 2 APCs sweep to CP11 and return to CP10. 1035 A Trp trains closed FSB Stewart. 1210 A10 will conduct RIF today. A20 will oupost at CP08 & A30 will outpost at CP07. 1318 A Trp Cdr (Cpt Moss) request info on the Engrs that are bing flown to his position. 1355 A30 is at CP09. 1403 A30 is at CP08. 1414 A10 has started the RIF. 1417 A10 is at CP L. 1427 A10 is at CP X. 1431 A10 is at CP Z and starting RIF at this time. 1510 A10 is at CP T. 1515 A10 is at CPB. 1543 A30 is rolling up behind the convoy. 1550 A10 has 2 tanks stuck 1000 meters east of CP08. No assistance needed. 1640 A20 is securing Engrs at An Duc & CP08. 1658 A Trp still has one tank stuck. His VTR is being escorted out to the position now. 1714 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB APC hit mine; LC XT465238 at 1712 hrs; LD A13 hit mine, negative casualties; LE enroute to determine damages to vehicle. (photo) 1743 Follow-up to SPOTREP: crater was 4' wide & 3' deep, north side of road, damage to vehicle: final drive housing and roadwheels on right side, don't know if combat loss or not. Crew Phil Hicks, Alton Philips, Paul Brockman, & Warren Yeagley. 1802 A Trp has damaged APC hooked up to a tank. VTR enroute to stuck tank. 1843 A20 departing FSB Stewart enroute to night laager. 1852 A20 & A30 in night laagers. 1858 A Trp line-up north to south: A20, A30, A10. A10 will be located at XT442269 due to the tank being stuck. 2001 A30 ambush patrol is in position. 2002 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB campfires; LC XT532192 at 1959hrs; LD campfires in the woodline observed with a starlight scope; LE preparing to engage with 50 cal and 90mm. 2040 A Trp & HHT report CS gas in troop area in Cu Chi. 2118 A Trp radar scans: A30 L 250 mills, R 750 mills, C 500 mills & range 1000 meters; A20 L 2400 mills, R 4300 mills, C 3350 mills & range 1000 meters. Nov 20 0508 A Trp Stand-to complete. 0620 A Trp sweeps: A30 south of FSB Stewart, 2 APCs sent to escort VTR; A20 sweep to A30's night laager, do a 180 turn at CP20 and outpost at CP08. A10 works on stuck tank. 0625 A20 is on the move. 0648 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB road obstacle; LC XT535181 at 0640hrs; LD wood racks & straw 25 meters long & 5 meters wide & 1.5 meters high across road; LE clearing and continuing mission. 0717 Cdr Trp A: A20 ouposting Vic CP07, A30 outposting vic CP08, & A20 will conduct RIF. 0756 A10 tank is unstuck, returning to the MSR. 0825 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB mine; LC XT435272 at 0820 hrs; LD Engr found 1 Soviet P-27 AT mine in mud hole, had been run over several times; LE engrs blew in place, was a dud. 1110 A20 has started his RIF. 1211 A20 location at XT534186. 1236 SITREP: A20 is 75 meters from XT534186, moving north, found 10 old foxholes that have not been used recently. 1249 A20 RIF is 800 meters north of MSR. 1302 A20 is complete to XT533192. 1308 A20 RIF is 50 meters from XT533192 and found 1 M17 protective mask. 1330 A20 is at northern most extent of RIF, turning around to sweep back south. 1334 A20 has completed turn-around. 1420 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB tunnel; LC XT534196 at 1416hrs; LD tunnel of left of road going south parallel to road, just big enough for one person to crawl through; LE blew tunnel & continued mission. 1435 A20 RIF completed. 1448 A20 enroute to FSB where Cpt Moss will debrief. 1520 A Trp rolling up elements from the north. 1620 A30 rolling up his elements from the south, leaving some elements to secure Engrs at An Duc & CP08. 1804 A Trp elements departing FSB Stewart enroute to night laagers, A30 elements will stay at FSB. 1807 A20 is at CP08. 1812 A20 is at CP17. 1819 A10 is at CP08. 1823 A20 is in NDP. 1833 A20 has been given permission to test fire. 1932 A20 ambush patrol is departing night laager. 1948 A20 radar scans: L 2800 mills, R 4740 mills, C 3770 mills & range 100 meters. 2007 A20 ambush patrol is in position. 2015 A10 radar scans: L 3800 mills, R 5400 mills, C 3200 mills & range 800 meters. 2027 A10 sniper team is in position. Nov 21 0020 A Trp negative SITREP 0035 Message to A Trp from Maj Harrison, S3, at first light or ASAP A Trp is to send 1 platoon to sweep to the FSB at Go Dau Ha (XT443238) and relieve A/2/22 IN and secure the Arty battery at FSB. 0535 3rd PLT will relieve A/2/22 IN at FSB near CP20. A20 will outpost at CP08 and A10 will outpost at CP07. 0618 A30 departing FSB. 0627 A30 at CP07. 0628 A20 is on the move. 0629 A10 is on the move. 0653 Message from Cpt Johnson, 3rd Bde 25th ID, A30 is to pickup the Arty battery on MSR between CP5 & CP21. 0715 A30 has picked up 2/77 Arty and moving to CP20 for security mission. 0731 Cdr A Trp: new location for 2/77 Arty FSB changed from CP20 to XT385254. 0751 A10 and A20 in day positions. A20 enroute to CP09. 0800 A20 in day positions. 1602 A Trp mission for tonight: secure Arty at Go Dau Ha with 1 platoon, have 1 platoon at FSB Stewart, & 1 platoon on standdown at CP08 w/no ambush patrol. 1722 A20 is at FSB vic CP05. A30 is at CP20 headed to FSB Stewart. 1814 A20 enroute to night laager. 1825 A20 holding just short of CP08. 1853 A30 is in night position. 1924 Cpt Moss reports that someone is firing out of Thai My again just like they did last night. 2020 A10 radar status: left 3000 mills, right 5200 mills, center 4100 mills, & range 800 meters. 2030 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB 2 lights; LC XT526180 at 2030 hrs; LD seen with starlight scope what appears to be 2 cigarettes or pen lights; LE did not engage because they went out. 2045 A30 ambush patrol is in positon. 2247 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB 1 individual; LC XT525186 at 2239 hrs; LD recieved AK sniper fire from north side and south side of MSR, returned fire with all weapons; LE require dustoff for 1 US wounded w/head wound, urgent but ambulatory, and Arty being called in. 2315 Cu Chi Dustoff: ETA 15 min callsign Dustoff 158. Nov 22 0008 Dust-off completed. 0031 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0516 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0623 A Trp sweep status: A10 from night laager south to CP15 then to FSB Meade; A20 will sweep south to FSB Lincoln to CP07, remain at CP07 until rest of plt is released from FSB Lincoln, then outpost at CP08; A30 will sweep through An Duc then back to CP07. 0626 A30 beginning his sweep. 0645 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB road obstacle; LC at XT531183 at 0640hrs; LD boards, branches, and trash spread across the road 30 meters in depth; LE being cleared by engineers. 0658 A10 & A30 will conduct plt RIFs. A20 will outpost CP08. 0731 A10 is in day position. 0740 A Trp notified of makeup of convoy units. 0900 A Trp Cdr rpts his element at CP08 has some sporadic automatic wpns fire near CP17. 0905 2nd Bde 25th ID rpts ambush of convoy vic CP17. A Trp sending 4 APCs to secure convoy. More to follow. Fire seems to be coming from XT562188. 1/5 INF also at the scene. 0931 Cdr A Trp reports firing stopped at 0920hrs. Negative reports on casulaties or damages. 0934 Cdr A Trp reports convoy was ambushed at XT562168. Drew automatic weapons fire from the north side of the road, one explosion from possible RPG, 2 plts from 1/5 INF at scene along with 2 plts from A Trp. Firing stopped at 0920hrs, no casualties or damages. 0950 A20 elements are now OPCON to 2nd Bde 25th ID for sweep of ambush site at CP17. 1010 A20 and plts from 1/5 INF being sweep. Have a possible contact and firing maingun. 1020 A30 has crossed his LD and is putting dismounts out. 1100 A6 reports that A10 has found 3 fighting positions and tunnel at XT611139. Very old & unused, blown in place. 1106 A10 & A30 have crossed Line Tango on RIFs. 1111 A10 is at Phase Line Pear. 1132 A20's sweep for 2nd Bde is complete. found 2 detainees and some spider holes. Returning to MSR. 1135 SITREP: A6 rpts A10 & A30 are just short of search area. Only 3 bunkers found so far, all destroyed. 1145 A6 reports A10 & RF dismounts making sweep of area. 1328 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB attached RF's claim one body count; LC XT605152 at 1315hrs; LD 1 VC in tunnel; LE threw grenade in tunnel, 1 body count, continuing mission. 1352 A20 has 4 vehicles stuck 400 meters north of CP08, will probably need a Chinook. 1359 A20 released from OPCON to 2nd Bde. 1402 RF's departing from A Trp, A10 is back on the MSR. 1404 A Trp rpts 1 ARVN element heading back to Cu Chi and 1 will stay with A Trp. 1425 A Trp in open heading into rubbers & returning to the MSR. 1445 A Trp A20 elements stuck at XT555176. 1446 2nd Bde in contact at XT560190 receiving sniper fire. Will not interfere with A20 recovery. 1456 A Trp on Ambush Rd retuning ARVNs to Cu Chi. 1502 A30 is at CP16, A10 is at CP08 & will stay in Horseshoe until convoy passes. 1655 A Trp has commo with 1st plt of B Trp, rest of B Trp is at Tay Ninh, 1st Plt B Trp OPCON to A Trp. 1745 Late entry A20 has 1 more APC out for a total of 2, working on getting 3 more out. 1800 A10 elements received 1 mortar round, calling in gunships. 1816 A20 has 1 more APC out, 1 more still stuck. 1836 A20 has all APCs unstuck but one threw a track at the same location. 1838 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB 1 mortar round; LC XT555176 at 1800 hrs; LD 1 mortar round approximately 20 meters in front of their lead vehicle; LE negative casualites or damage, put suppressive fire out. 1840 A20 has track back on vehicle and element is on the move. 2034 A Trp has negative SITREP. Nov 23 0100 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0610 A Trp sweeps: A20 south to CP15 and return to CP07; A30 north to CP05; A10 to FSB Stewart, south down RT 8A to FSB Meade. 0624 A30 is on the move. 0644 1st Plt B Trp released from OPCON to A Trp. 0647 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB road obstacle; LC XT538180 at 0653hrs; LD consists of branches, schrubs, & a box, no mines or booby traps; LE cleared by engineers. 0706 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB road obstacle; LC XT400243 at 0705hrs; 75 dirt mounds 50 to 75 meters in depth across road, mounds 12" in diameter & 6" high; LE engineers cleared. 0750 A20 completed sweep of Mui Lon. 0750 A30 in outpost positions. 0825 A10 will conduct RIF today; A20 will outpost at CP07; A30 will outpost at CP08. 0832 A20 in outposting position; A10 is at the Horseshoe (CP16). 1014 A10 made coordination with Cu Chi Sub-sector. RF force will be ready. RIF will start at 1100hrs. 1054 A10 & RF's moving to RIF location. 1114 A10 began RIF at 1100hrs. 1145 A10 at RIF location (XT635155); negative SITREP. 1228 A10 rpts RIF complete with negative results. 1250 A10 is at CP A. 1253 A Trp is at XT640150; negative SITREP. 1303 A10 is back at Ambush Gate. He will give a SITREP on the RIF with the RFs. 1332 A10 reports the road from Wolfhound Gate to the 62 north/south gridline is passable for tracks & wheels; from the 62 to the 61 for tracks only; west of the 61 is impassable due to bomb craters and brush 3' high. On the RIF with the RFs at XT615170 was a built up area with hooches that are shown on the map but no longer there; some foot trails but negative findings. 1337 A30 rpts that a US jeep pulled up to their position at 1320hrs at CP08 and said they received 2 or 3 rds of sniper fire in An Duc. A30 sent 2 APCs to check with negative results. 1811 A30 enroute to night strong point position. 1835 A dustoff helicopter landed on MSR at CP08; ship had an oil leak & was carrying VC POWs; A Trp will secure until relieved or recovered. 1856 A Trp Cdr reports POWs have been picked up by another helicopter. Helicopter vic of XT5420 being shot at, no return fire. 1901 G3 to LTC Riley directing that the 3/4 Cav will begin working in the Filhol Woods AO. 1930 Change of mission to A Trp & C Trp for squadron operations in Filhol Woods AO. Info to LTC McGowen & 3rd Bde. 1936 Cdr A Trp is securing downed Dustoff ship. Will be pipe-smoked out on 24 Nov. 2002 A30 ambush patrol is in position. 2320 A Trp negative SITREP. Nov 24 Summary: A & C Trps begin squadron operations in Filhol Woods. 0023 A Trp Negative SITREP. 0543 A Trp sweep status: A10 to sweep thru An Duc then back to FSB Steart & outpost at CP08; A30 sweep from NDP to CP15 then back to CP16 & to FSB Meade at Mui Lon; A20 sweep from FSB Stewart to CP05 and return to the FSB. 0620 A30 is on the move. 0632 A10 & A20 are on the move. 0721 A30 is heading back to base camp. 0723 A20 is at CP19 and heading back to Cu Chi. 0727 Down chopper north of An Duc is blocking traffic. Will be 30 minutes before removed. 0746 A30 is in Cu Chi. 0751 A Trp is monitoring heavy volume of fire at XT522197, civilians in large numbers leaving area. 0753 Chinook is about 2 min out of A Trp Cdr's location. 0756 Chinook is landing at this time. 0800 Corrected entry was not a Chinook that landed. Was a slick with straps for the Chinook. 0822 Chinook and downed chopper are off of the MSR. 0836 A20 is at the south edge of An Duc headed for Cu Chi. 0838 A10 is at CP17. 0840 A Trp trail element is at CP Oscar. 0845 A Trp lead is at CP09, trail is at CP17. 0851 A Trp trail at CP09, MU 1 almost to Phuou Hiep. 0853 A10 is held up at the Horseshoe. 0857 Rest of A Trp is held up at CP16. 0919 A10 is at the main gate at Cu Chi. 0926 A Trp trains at CP 16 headed towards main gate. 0932 A20 is in Cu Chi at this time. 1345 A Trp departed motor pool. 1359 A Trp departs Ann Margaret Gate for AO Blue (Filhol Woods). 1415 A Trp reaches AO Blue and putting out dismounts. 1441 A Trp has cleared their SP. 1500 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB spider hole; LC XT675174 at 1455hrs; LD scout track ran over fallen tree which disclosed the hole; LE destroyed with a grenade. 1537 A Trp located at XT682179. 1550 A Trp moving into its NDP. 1742 A Trp internal security check (base camp) is negative. 1750 A Trp is at XT690184. 1830 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB tunnel; LC XT690184 at 1810hrs; LD tunnel spotted while setting up trip flare, 7' deep & 30' long, fresh prints in area; LE blown in place with C4 & CS. 1915 A Trp request dustoff, 1 US ambulatory at XT690184. LZ is secure, shrapnel in right arm. 1923 A Trp ambush patrol and listening posts in position. AP is at XT671182, LP at XT685182. 1945 A Trp dustoff is complete. 2000 A10 & A30 ambush patrols in position. A10 ambush patrol at XT692175 & A30 ambush patrol at XT686184. 2352 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Nov 25 0033 Message from Col Taylor, G3, at 0730hrs 3/4 Cav is OPCON to 2nd Bde 25ID. 0536 A Trp standto is complete. 0733 A10 & A30 on RIFs. A20 checking tunnel found last night. 0754 A Trp starting RIFs at this time. 0938 A Trp is at XT692178. 0944 A Trp tank has sheared a sprocket. Being towed back to base camp. 1025 A Trp APC having trouble bringing up security, 15 minute wait. VTR with down tank is in Cu Chi. 1055 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB tunnel complex; LC XT692182 at 1030hrs; LD tunnel leds to room 4'x5'x6', fresh ashes, 1 booby trap (Chicom hand grenade), mud wall with wood wall behind it; LE tearing down wall. 1135 SPOTREP: LA A6; LB hedgerow w/bunkers; LC XT695177 at 1135; LD fresh bunkers & spider holes heavily booby trapped; LE calling in Arty. 1141 A Trp leaving bunker area and calling in Arty. 1246 A Trp still at XT695177 1329 A Trp on move to investigate bunker complex that Arty fire was called on. 1353 A Trp knocking down bunkers with tanks, dismounts checking area. 1357 A10 securing hedgerow, A30 continuing RIF. 1410 SPOTREP: LA A6; LB recently setup area; LC XT698177 at 1410hrs; LD several booby traps, tunnel complex, fighting positions 2'x3', spider holes 5'x2', VN clothes, rat traps with rats in them, bamboo stakes and barbed wire for a perimeter. 1421 A Trp: clum of trees w/path leading into it. Recon by fire into it with M60. 1430 A30 has destroyed 15 fighting positions, now on the move. 1450 SPOTREP: LA A6; LB foxholes; LC XT695177 at 1450 hrs; LD 20 to 25 foxholes, 5'x1', 1 week old, tunnel 8 to 10 feet long a couple of days old, ground recently broken up, 2 VC grenades, 4 bottles of lotion, 1 VC hat, 1 bottle of pills; LE destroying. 1455 A Trp found a cave 1.5' deep leading into a thicket, found some old bandages. 1526 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB entrenchment; LC XT697181 at 1510; LD L-shaped entrenchment 16'x2'x4', trail leading to it, spider holes containing rice canisters, bamboo baskets, 2 Chicom grenades on trail make unknown; LE bringing one grenade in for ordnance and destroying one. 1540 A Trp moving back to road where they started. 1553 A Trp: HQ6 & 7 tracks with C Trp at this time. 1622 A Trp night position is at XT695186. 1900 A Trp internal security check (base camp) complete. 1908 A Trp ambush patrol locations: A10 XT697189, A20 XT693185, A30 XT694188. 1927 A20 ambush patrol and listening post departing for positions. 1940 A20 AP & LP in position. 2021 A Trp requests resupply of watter & Class I. 2222 A Trp has negative SITREP. 2307 LTC McGowen rpts 3/4 Cav DEFCONS for A & C Trp are being fired at this time. Nov 26 Summary: Troop moves North of the Filhol into the Iron Triangle NDP on the bluffs above the Saigon River. 1st Platoon tanks engaged sampans on the Saigon River. 0025 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0536 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0718 A Trp reports that the ARVNs are at his location. Sending one element to C Trp. 0753 A Trp requests that they test fire 1 50cal due north on the ground. Request granted. 0818 A10 & A20 on RIFs. A30 securing the trains and will follow later. 0827 A Trp has 45 ARVNs on the sweep with them. 0848 A Trp location is XT695195. 0857 A Trp rpts old bunkers that have been destroyed by air strikes/napalm. 0909 A Trp location XT694197. 0938 A & C Trps request permission to reconn by fire into hedge row. Denied by 2nd Bde. 0956 A Trp location is XT688200. From this location they will sweep southwest to AO boundary then turn around & sweep to new night location. 1033 A Trp starting sweep to the southwest. 1121 A Trp is at wood line on a 250 degree azimuth. Putting dismounts out at this time. 1150 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB spider hole; LC XT687200 at 1140hrs; LD 5'x2'x1.5'; LE negative findings, being destroyed. 1200 A Trp location XT679202. 1321 A Trp location XT679205, starting turn around on sweep. 1407 A Trp has completed turn and is moving out. 1410 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB 2 objects; LC XT682202 at 1400hrs; LD 2 objects shaped like football gridlines, made of bamboo strips, 3' off ground, 5' long facing southeast & one northeast, with hole 2'x2'x2' between them; LE negative findings, 1424 A Trp reports objects are ARVN special forces setup. 1456 A Trp position is XT693204. 1617 A Trp reports a camouflaged barge floating down the river, request permission to engage. Permission granted by 2nd Bde if they do not hit far bank of Saigon River. A15 engages barge. 1627 A Trp NDP is at XT689213. 1635 2nd Bde has given clearance to fire on anything on river if the opposite bank is not hit. 1649 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB 2 bardges on river; LC XT696213 at 1625hrs; LD 1st barge left the bank, paddled to middle of river, is camouflaged, a 2nd barge drifted out; LE 1st barge out of range, engaged 2nd barge, hit it and saw secondary explosion. 1910 A Trp ambush patrol locations: XT689217, XT689200, XT687212; Listening posts at XT689211, XT688212, & XT700212. 1932 A Trp radar: left 1000 mills, right 2400 mills, center 1200 mills, & range 1000 meters. 2018 Major Harrison informed A & C Trps that ARVNs must be returned to compound by 1000hrs. 2020 A & C Trp told to disregard message on ARVNs. 2025 ARVNs will be available to trps for next 2 days. Pick up at XT705195 hrs tomorrow. 2400 A Trp has negative SITREP. Nov 27 Summary: LTC McGowan assumes command of squadron. 0100 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0549 A Trp stand-to complete. 0621 Cpt Moss rpts that A Trp's DEFCONs did not get fired last night. 0855 B Trp received RPG fire, request dustoff for 3 litter & 4 ambulatory at XT695210. 0925 B Trp will establish blocking position at current location. A Trp will sweep into that area from the north. 0940 S3 & Trp Cdrs enroute to location of contact. 1055 A Trp has their element on the north sweeping SW to NE. Sweeps moving at this time. 1114 Maj Harrison to LTC McGowan: The sweeps with A Trp & B Trp are going slowly, encountering many spider holes with recent activity & bunkers. 1120 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB spider holes; LC XT695210 time now; LD spider hole 2x3x5', also 2 saws, rain jackets, shower shoes, fresh meat, & rice nearby; LE blown in place. 1121 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB spider holes; LC XT695210 time now; LD spider hole 2x3x5', recent activity; LE blown in place. 1141 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB well; LC XT695210 at 1132hrs; LD well w/soap & paths, brush for overhead cover; LE blown in place. 1150 A Trp resupply on the way into Cu Chi. 1203 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB pole; LC XT695210 at 1146hrs; LD poll flattened on one end, possible paddle for sampan. 1210 A Trp resupply at Ann Margaret gate. 1211 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB ammo; LC XT695210 at 1200hrs; LD spider hole containing 6 claymore mines, 1 81mm mortar round, 1 can of 50cal ammo, 3 Chicom grenades, 1 can of AK47 ammo, 4 M79 rds, 2 to 3 lbs of rice, entrance 2' in diameter. 1239 Followup to last SPOTREP: spider hole entrance leads to room 7'x15'x7'. 1331 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB 2 sampans; LC XT697213 at 1310hrs; LD 2 well camouflaged sampans in brush 50 meters apart moving from center of Saigon River to south bank; LE continuing to observe. 1404 LTC McGowan enroute to A Trp's location. 1440 A Trp located at XT695208. 1547 A Trp located at XT678219. 1736 A Trp night position is at XT687218. 1842 A Trp ambush patrol #1 at XT688219, listening post #1 at XT689216, & listening post #2 at XT687215. 1955 A Trp LPs in position. 2011 A Trp LPs in position, AP departing. 2027 A Trp AP in position. 2055 SPOTREP: LA A Trp Radar; LB engine on river; LC XT687223 time now; LD engine noise on radar, moving down river; LE will attempt arty then maingun after arty ceases. 2155 A Trp Arty mission complete. Nov 28 (Thanksgiving 1968) Summary: Special Thanksgiving meal with all the trimming from mess section. (view menu) Col McGowan lands in NDP and scoops out ice cream for the troops. 1st Platoon tank fell into tank trap in camouflaged bomb crater. 1st Platoon and Troop Hqs laagered around tank for the night in thick brush. 1st PLT 60mm mortar periodically fired throughout the night. (View annotated map of area) 0527 A Trp negative SITREP. 0702 LTC McGowan to Maj Harrison: Setup NLT 1500hrs to set up properly. A Trp to secure squadron trains in the field. 0802 SPOTREP: LA A65; LB RVN Marine fighting positions; LC XT686215 at 0755hrs; LD moved to set-up for today's operation, moved through RVN Marine positions, found c-ration cans; LE destroyed by running tracks over them. 0925 Maj. Harrison to all Trps; Change of Mission: instead of a detailed search, recon the entire Filhol, moving as far and as rapidly as feels safe. RIF area for A Trp from XT678215 to XT665234 to XT650215 to NDP at XT676225. 1000 A Trp located at XT588216. 1118 A Trp located at XT674214. 1300 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB spider hole; LC XT656224 now; LD 1 spider hole 3'x4'x4', cigarette ashes about a week old; LE blowing in place. 1415 A30 is braking track on a tank, rest of trp proceeding to NDP. 1505 A10 & A20 in NDP at XT676255. 1645 A30 elements are now in the NDP. 1649 A Trp (rear area Cu Chi base camp) internal security check Negative. 1713 A Trp escort for RVN Marines arrived at C Trp NDP. 1756 A Trp is at XT676277. Trains have reached their location. 1818 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB bunker & tunnel complex; LC XT677277 at 1810hrs; LD bunker 8'x4'x4', entrance is 2x'x3'x3, tunnel length not known; LE blown in place. 1823 A Trp listening post positions: XT676224, XT678225, & XT676226. 1941 A Trp will recon by fire on the river occasionally throughout the night. 2010 A30's ambush patrol has departed NDP. 2024 A Trp's LPs are in position. 2056 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB movement; LC XT676228 at 2045hrs; LD spotted movement, reconned area; LE continuing to observe. 2105 A Trp radar status: Left 0000 mills, right 1995 mills, range 800 meters. 2230 A Trp has negative SITREP. Nov 29 Summary: VTR stuck after trying to extracting tank. Finally, several vehicles daisy chain a together to pull VTR out. Ramp pulled off of APC. 1st platoon crew unbeknown to Plt Ldr & Trp Cdr shoots large hawk during recovery operation. (photo) 0530 A Trp stand-to is complete. Negative SITREP. 0805 A Trp lined up and moving out on RIF. 0806 B Trp has 1 tank with a blown pack. Being towed to A Trp's location so that VTR can bring it into Cu Chi. 0857 A Trp location is XT669209. 1002 A Trp location is XT669209. 1200 A Trp has VTR stuck, working on it now at XT660213. 1253 A Trp is linking 3 APCs & 1 tank to VTR to pull it out. 1320 A Trp has the stuck VTR out. Is now working on the stuck tank. 1430 A Trp has tank partially clear, will wench him out with VTR. 1 APC down with final drive failure & 1 1 APC with track off. 1519 A Trp tank unstuck, 2 APCs are bieng lined up. 1630 A10 is at XT683200. The VTR has run out of gas. 1640 A Trp needs MOGAS. 1657 A Trp has 1/2 tank of gas in VTR but can't get it started. 1702 A10 element is at a halt. Tank has thrown a track. 1704 A Trp has VTR started. 1735 A30 w/resupply is at XT700190. 1757 A Trp closing into NDP. 1855 A20 has closed into NDP. 1945 A30 listening post departing NDP for XT697188. 2009 LTC McGowan requests Engr Stakes & PSP in large quatity tomorrow for all troops. 2011 A30 LP in position; A20 LP at XT699190; A10 LP at XT699188. Radar operational: left 0000 mills, right 2400 mills, center 1200 mills, & range 800 meters. 2100 A10 LP is in position. 2145 From LTC McGowan: trains will be escorted by C Trp to A Trp; A Trp will escort trains to B Trp; A Trp will pickup B Trp trains and escort to Cu Chi. Return trains will be escorted by HHT Radar. 2220 A Trp negative SITREP. 2345 Late Entry: At 2310 hrs an explosion occurred in the A Trp area in base camp. DISCOM has sent EOD to location. EOD states it was a grenade explosion. A Trp will hold police call in AM to find particles. Nov 30 Summary: Troop re-enters Ann Margaret Gate, passes through base camp, and proceeds to MSR vicinity of Trang Bang. Operations center out of FSB Stuart. Lt Ayres assigned to A Trp. Colonel McGowan directed A Troop to conduct operations in the Ho Bo Woods. Troop minus the tank sections moved north of FSB Patton and Trung Lap into the Ho Bo Woods. Terrain too soft for the tanks. Late afternoon, light small arms fire & A10, Lt Moore's APC, hits a mine. A10 driver (Kurt Pearson) and TC (Carroll Hawley) medevaced by helicopter. Troop continued movement North to enter Ho Bo Woods with only APCs. SA fire received and returned. Tanks called forward. Movement continued till directed to move to NDP and link up with tanks and colonel's track. Troop proceeds to NDP and about to link up with Lead 3 Tanks get stuck up to sponson boxes just as they leave dirt road in soft ground. (photo) Remainder of tanks redirected to FSB Patton. Troop sets up NDP around 3 stuck tanks. A10 recovered and pulled into NDP. (photo) Two 1st platoon tracks go back South and escort 1SG Barney up to NDP with hot meal and resupply. (photo of 1SG Barney) Col. McGowan's helicopter just about to touch down in NDP, hit by RPG after dark. RPG entered fuel tank and blew through and out the other side. Word received Colonel McGowan, 2 pilots, door gunners and S3 Air all secured. Troop returned fire. (view annotated map of area) 0100 A Trp Negative SITREP. 0101 CPT Allstatt of the EOD Team reports that the explosion in A Trp's base camp area yesterday was a M79 rd based on his findings. All that was left was small pieces of shrapnel & no crater. 0722 A Trp closing on Cu Chi base camp. 0724 A Trp at Ann Margaret gate, all personnel accounted for & all weapons clear. 0734 A Trp in base camp, all personnel accounted for & all weapons clear. 0825 A Trp clear Ambush Gate. 0852 A Trp at CP16. 0900 A Trp lead is at CP17. 0901 A Trp is at CP17, sweep is down and are far enough to the side to let traffic pass. 0920 A Trp is clear CP 17. 0933 A Trp is at XT680181 0941 A Trp location is XT573175 0950 A Trp has meet other sweep team. 1011 A Trp location is XT585200 on Hwy 7A. 1033 A Trp location is XT599222. They are leaving the tanks back. 1045 A Trp reports that at XT595220 the culvert is blown out, rice paddies are deep and 3.5' of water on the trail. 1106 A Trp reports that the A30 element is the only one across at this time. 1120 SPOTREP: A Trp; LB explosion; LC XT608223 now; LD sounds like blowing explosives; LE could have been arty. 1128: SPOTREP: A Trp; LB 1 woman; LC XT609221 at 1121hrs; LD came out of hooch yelling "beau coup VC, beau coup mines"; LE no interpreter, continuing mission. 1145 A Trp reports vehicle hit a command detonated mine, receiving small arms fire, developing situation, need dustoff for 2 personnel on litters, at coordinates XT610220. 1150 Dustoff 155 ETA 10-15 mins. 1213 Dustoff complete. 1229 Sqdn Cdr requests someon to come out to pickup A Trp's APC. 1240 A Trp to send it's VTR up to pick up it's combat loss APC by order of MAJ Harrison. 1320 A Trp is presently at XT616232. 1428 A Trp is located at XT603248. 1429 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB camouflaged hooch; LC XT601248 at 1422hrs; LD old hooch, one blue shirt, some khakis on top; LE ran over and destroyed hooch, continuing mission. 1432 A Trp reports A30 elements towing the down APC hit a mine and are receiving small arms fire at XT598221. 1444 A Trp reports sniper fire has stopped and are hooking up downed APC. 1445 2nd Bde 25ID is working on clearance for air strikes around XT598221. 1506 LTC McGowan rpts that the road only passable to APCs. The subelemnts are spread to far apart to conduct RIF effectively, request they be able to regroup at XT616227. The sub elements are at Trung Lap, XT602248, & XT613255. 1520 2nd Bde 25ID directs A Trp regroup and setup NDP at XT616227. 1705 A Trp trains at CP17. 1747 A Trp has permission to recon by at XT602221. 2nd Bde 25ID requests they mak max us of M79 & do not fire at houses. 1850 A Trp has 1 tank stuck and bringing up another to pull it out. 1940 A10 elements at XT613227. 1950 Everything south of the 21 grid cleared by CPT Skiff from 010800hrs to 011800hrs for DIV Chemical for defoliation. 1952 A Trp: 4 vehicles stuck at XT613227. Have APC starting to work on them. 1955 A Trp night location is northeast of Trung Lap. 2025 LTC McGowan's C&C helicopter hit by ground fire. He is alright, firing has stopped. A Trp returning fire at this time, A Trp perimeter receiving mortar rounds. 2030 Ref: 2025hrs helicopter was hit by rpg while landing, crew and LTC alright, gunships called, XT615226, Arty coming in. 2037 Gunships on their way at this time. 2040 Heavy Fire Team on station at this time. 2045 Arty in check-fire due to HFT on station. 2049 A Trp not receiving fire at this time, have moved to location of stuck tanks. 2135 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB 1 RPG & AK47 fire; LC XT618224 at 2045hrs; LD C&C ship landing in NDP hit by 1 RPG, crew alright, C&C destroyed, returned fire with organic weapons, gunships put in fire on XT618224 & 617230, small amount of AK fire; LE have regrouped, also received 5 mortar rds, negative damage to vehicles. 2215 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB mined section of Rt 7A; LC XT599222 at 1730hrs; LD 4 mines, 1 booby trapped grenade, 20 meters apart in a 100 meter section; LE blown/craters 4'x6', continuing mission. 2215 A10 radar status: left 2800 mills, right 4740 mills, center 3770 mills at 1000 meters. 2300 LTC McGowan said A Trp's mission for tomorrow is altered; 1st get stuck tanks unstuck, then make sweep of area where C&C was hit, then continue sweep to north.
Summary - Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon located vicinity XT482195; 1 platoon located FSB STUART vicinity XT501194; 1 platoon strong point located vicinity XT543177. At first light, platoon at strong point sweeps Hwy 1 from Trang Bang to 2nd Bde boundary vic XT459250. 0540 A Trp stand-to complete. 0640 A Trp at CP19. 0650 A30 elements at CP 20 and starting back. 0700 A Trp sector clear from CP8 to CP20. A30 elements at CP 19. 0758 A20 elements at CP 19. 0810 SPOTREP A Trp needs dustoff at FSB Stuart for 1 VN child w/frag wounds in stomach. 0822 A20 elements are at XT470232 and putting dismounts on the ground. 0900 A Trp starting move to the Rubber. 0917 A20 elements at XT467235. 0919 A Trp at CP 4 and in contact w/1st Bde 25th ID. 0930 A20 elements at XT465239. 0951 A20 elements at XT460250. 1035 SPOTREP A18 found mine at XT459251 in grass at side of road. It consisted of a 105mm rd with pressure release wire across road. Blown in place. 1102 A Trp elements in the Big Rubber are to be on 4/9 IN Bn's freq. 1105 ARVNs are disorganized. A Trp is sweeping w/them to check area. 1 ARVN wounded from a sniper. 1114 A Trp is moving on the sweep. 1130 SPOTREP A30 has 3 spider holes at XT513194 appear fresh. Have destroyed. 1152 A Trp reports blood trails at XT514194. Still checking area. 1155 2nd Bde 25th ID is airlifting a dog team to A Trp. 1210 A30 elements are at the western boundary of the RIF. Making a turn on 180 degrees. 1225 A10 elements have completed sweep of Hwy QL 19. A30 elements at XT511192. 1232 Dog team will be late. Chopper was diverted to another unit that is in contact. 1305 Dog team on the way. ETA is 10 to 15 mins. 1334 Dog team has arrived at A Trp's location. 1336 A10 elements are at FSB Stuart. 1420 A Trp can't go any further due to soft ground. ARVNs are still following the dog team. 1438 A30 elements returning to road at this time. ARVNs continuing to track VC, are cutting south toward road at this time. 1500 A30 elements are 400m from FSB, meeting with ARVN Advisors. ARVNs found 1 stick of Flex-X, 1 pair of Ho Chi Minh sandals, dogs will be picked up at the FSB at 1530 hrs. 1524 A30 elements at FSB Stuart. A20 elements are at CP 4 held up by the convoy which has down vehicle. 1528 Dog team is leaving the FSB, returning to Cu Chi on the convoy. 1555 A Trp on seep of MSR will pick up a track at the Main Gate and escort it to FSB Stuart. Will sweep from CP 16 to CP 20. 1620 A20 elements closed FSB except for 1 VTR towing tank and 1 tank excorting it. 1645 A Trp's 2 tanks & VTR are in FSB Stuart. 1758 A20 elements departing for night laager. 1817 A20 elements in position. 1835 A Trp ambush patrols are at XT555169 & XT478198. 3 LPs out also. 1839 MAJ Harrison, S3, to CPT Moss: A20 elements will be OPCON to B/2/12 IN who will laager at the same location. A20 is to aid 2/12 with the defenses. 1900 A30 elements in position. 1955 From CPT Johnson, 3rd Bde 25th ID, the plt of A Trp that will sweep the Big & Little Rubber will come up on 4/9 IN Bn's push when they reach the 3rd Bde boundary. 2215 A Trp reports that they saw aircraft on an 80 to 50 degree azimuth, estimated at grid XT5620. 2230 A Trp reports that C/2/12 IN at the Trang Bang Bridge had a man drop some explosives on the bridge. They have a dustoff coming in. 2245 SPOTREP C/2/12 IN has 1 WIA at the Trang Bang Bridge. Man lit a new explosive and attempted to throw it into the river. It exploded prematurely, blown off 1 arm and part of 1 leg. Dustoff called in by 2/12 IN BN. 2304 Dustoff at Trang Bang bridge complete. Dec 14 Summary: Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon located Trang Bang football field; 1 platoon located FSB STUART; 1 platoon strong point vicinity XT543174. At first light, Troop A (-) swept Hwy 1 fm Cu Chi to 2nd Bde boundary and Hwy 19 from Trang Bang to 2nd Bde boundary, vicinity XT459250; 1 PLT provided escort for convoy to Dau Tieng and back. At 0920 hrs vicinity XT533195, 1st platoon tank detonated a 60 lb anti-tank resulting in 4 US WIA from Co C 2-12 Inf OPCON; major damage to tank. 0030 MAJ Harrison directed that B/2/12 IN & 1 PLT A/3/4 Cav sweep the high ground between XT539180 to XT530120 after road sweep. 0532 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0553 A30 elements on the way to FSB Stuart. 0604 A30 elements at FSB Stuart. 0638 A20 elements on the move. 0641 A30 elements on the move. 0642 A30 elements at CP 7. 0653 A20 elements at CP 9. 0656 A20 elements at CP 17. 0700 A20 elements at CP 16 0725 A20 elements at CP 09. 0729 A20 elements at CP 17. 0740 A20 elements at FSB Stuart. 0806 A10 elements moving from FSB Stuart to pick up B/2/12 IN for RIF. 0812 A10 is at CP 8 coordinating w Cdr B/2/12 IN. 0832 1st PLT A/3/4 Cav is OPCON to B/2/12 IN. 0840 TM B/2/12 IN with 1/A/3/4 Cav starting RIF. 0841 3rd PLT A/3/4 Cav OPCON to 3rd Bde 25th ID. 0844 A Trp security for CP 19 & CP 20 departing. 0920 Request dustoff for 4 wounded from tank hitting mine at XT533195. Urgent & area is secure. Dustoff 163 ETA 15 mins. 0920 SPOTREP A10 OPCON to B/2/12 IN had tank hit a 60 lb mine at XT533195. 4 dismounted infantry wounded. Tank has damage to 3 roadwheels and 3 roadwheel arms. 0954 Dustoff complete for A Trp. 1025 A Trp has brought tank to MSR. Is preparing to pull it in. 1107 TM B/2/12 IN with 1/A/3/4 Cav is at XT531200. 1120 SPOTREP A10 OPCON to B/2/12 IN has 4 old punji pits & 2 female detainnes. 1 has a mutilated ID card. Will destroy punji pits. 1205 A30 elements released from OPCON. Returned to A Trp control. Will be going to CP 17 as security for the convoy. 1211 TM B/2/12 IN with 1/A/3/4 Cav is at the pickup zone for B/2/12's airlift. 1241 A30 elements returning at this time. 1249 A Trp notified that pickup time for the RF/PFs is 1330 at CP 17. 1303 A30 elements have closed FSB Stuart. 1315 A Trp's RIF with the RF/PFs goes from CP 8 compound to the East. Sweep this area to support operations to the North & East. Mainly look for wounded from last night's contact. 1345 A20 elements picking up the RF/PFs and beginning the move. 1350 A30 elements at CP 4 1400 A20 elements at XT554174 lining up for the RIF. 1404 A10 has 2 vehicles departing FSB to outpost CP 19 & CP 20. 1435 SPOTREP A20 has 155 Arty rd on the ground at XT557176, not booby trapped or setup as a mine. Blowing in place. 1520 SPOTREP A20 has 105 Arty rd on the ground at XT560173, not booby trapped or setup as a mine. Blowing in place. Also has a tank stuck 5m from the MSR> 1540 A Trp elements have completed the RIF. Will have his VTR pull out the tank. 1631 A20 elements are at CP 08. 1642 A20 elements at the FSB. 1740 A10 elements departing FSB. 1741 From CPT Skiff, S3 Air, to A, B, & C Trps he must be notified before any vehicle is towed that will tear up the road. 1750 A Trp requests test fire from FSB Stuart on azimuth of 65 degrees. Approved by 2nd Bde 2th ID. 1759 A20 elements & A10 elements are in their night laagers. 1828 A10 requests test fire for his elements on azimuth of 240 degrees. Approved by CPT Skiff. 1940 A10 elements have completed their test fire. 2246 2nd Bde 25th ID to S3 and A Trp that there is terrorist activity reported at XT4620, 487188, 489187, & 494192. 2247 A Trp from the Trang Bang Sector Advisor that there is contact at XT467198 w/2 VC plts, at XT467198 w/ 1 VC squad, & at XT473192 w/1 VC squad. Dec 15 Summary: Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon NDP located Trang Bang football field vicinity XT484196; 1 platoon located FSB STUART vicinity XT501194; 1 platoon strong point vic XT550193. At first light, Trp A (-) swept and cleared Hwy 1 from Cu Chi to Northwest to 2nd Bde boundary. 0538 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0640 A20 elements on the move. 0645 A10 elements on the move. 0652 A20 is at CP 19 & A10 is at CP 17. 0655 A10 is at CP 9. 0700 A10 is at CP 9 & A30 is at CP 20. 0700 SPOTREP A10 has propaganda leaflets of VC origin in the Village of Bao Trai at XT615133 on about 200m of the MSR. Collected samples and continuing sweep. 0727 SPOTREP A10 has road obstacles of 1 log 10' long, brush, grass across MSR at XT533183 not booby trapped, clearing and continuing the mission. 0735 A20 elements closed the FSB 0740 A10 elements closed the FSB 0746 A30 is at XT484210. 0758 A10 elements departing FSB on the way to the Big Rubbers. 0810 A10 is at CP 19. 0815 SPOTREP A30 has road obstacle of debris, trash, leaves, & sticks width of road at XT481218 no booby traps. Engrs clearing & continuing the sweep. 0830 SPOTREP A30 has a mine at XT480217 of undetermined size, green powder in plastic with 13' bamboo detonator powered by 2 flashlight batteries. Blow in place, estimated at 80lb, left crater 6' deep. Will need 5 tons of gravel to fill. 0917 A10 is at the Big Rubber, A20 is at CP 19, & A30 is XT4801217. 1025 A30 is at XT478219. 1145 A30 is at XT459251, just short of completing the sweep. 1244 A30 elements at FSB Stuart. 1313 Aerorifle Plt D Trp will remain in Cu Chi tonight and return to A Trp tomorrow. 1315 Aerorifle Plt D Trp completed 3 sides of cloverleaf sweep at XT650230 found fresh digging of spider holes and well constructed bunkers. Trails show recent activity. Looks like platoon size base camp. 1352 A Trp & Aerorifles entering area of aerorifle cloverleaf sweep. 1433 A Trp informed that 65th Engrs report that 2 of the 4 gravel trucks that were going to FSB Stuart were in an accident and will not make it. 1520 A10 closed FSB Stuart. 1525 A30 reports the 2 gravel trucks have dumped their loads and are returning to Cu Chi. 1825 A30 elements in night laager and wishes to test fire on 10 degree azimuth. Permission granted by 2nd Bde 25th ID. 1830 A10 elements in night laager position. 2000 SPOTREP A30 has received automatic weapons fire at XT540178 of unknown number of rounds. Returned fire. No fire at this time. 2029 A10's ambush patrol departing for position. 2030 A10's listening post departing for position 200 degree azimuth at 100m from night laager. 2043 A10's LP is in position. 2115 A Trp radar scan: left 2900 mils, right 4840 mils, range 1000m. A10's ambush patrol is in position. 2215 SPOTREP A30 has movement coming toward his position at XT545173 using starlight scope. Engaged with small arms. Negative results and continuing to observe. 2340 The Commanding General is concerned about the numerous lights spoted in the Ho Bo & Boi Loi Woods. Alert all personnel about this report and make sure trps in the field report & engage any lights or movement observed. Believed sightings to be of a larger force in the area. Mid Dec Troopers write message to VC on hootch near deserted hamlet. VC write message back to A Troop. Dec 16 SummarY: Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon NDP located Trang Bang football field; 1 platoon located FSB STUART vicinity XT501194; 1 platoon strong point FSB STUART. At 2215 hrs vicinity XT545173 Troop observes movement with starlight scope and engaged with SA; neg results. At 2008 hrs vicinity XT543178, Troop receives automatic weapons fire; returns fire; neg casualties, VC losses unknown. 0540 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0635 A30 elements sweep from night laager to CP 16 then back to FSB Stuart. A10 elements sweep from night laager to CP 20 and then back to FSB Stuart. A20 elements sweep Hwy QL 19. A10 elements to conduct RIF vicinity XT5119. 0636 A10 & A30 started their sweeps. 0657 A10 elements at CP 20. 0645 SPOTREP A30 has road obstacle of brush & dirt piles on road at XT557169. Cleared & on the move. 0707 A20 elements starting to sweep Hwy QL 19. 0713 A Trp requests dustoff for 5 VN civilians, litter patients from Arty shrapnel at XT498195. Priority requested. 0718 A30 elements completed sweep to CP 9. 0730 A20 elements at XT 482212 with dismounts out and beginning sweep. 0739 A30 elements swept to CP 16. 0747 A20 elements at XT480217. 0748 2nd Bde 25th ID reports Dustoff 163 ETA 7 to 10 mins. 0750 A Trp dustoff is complete. 0755 A30 elements returned to CP 8 and beginning sweep to FSB Stuart. 0758 A20 elements located at XT479219. 0800 SPOTREP A30 has road obstacle of heavy logs and brush on road at XT535182. Cleared road. 0829 A20 is at XT478221. A10 is enroute to RIF area. A30 has completed sweep to FSB Stuart. 0838 A20 elements at XT477223. 0843 A Trp has mission to provide one plt to escort Arty convoy from FSB Stuart to FSB Pershing. From MAJ Huff. 0850 SPOTREP A10 found four 8" arty rds at XT521192. Ground was caved in and the hole had 4 rounds with fuses removed. Will bring them back to FSB Stuart. 0900 A20 located at XT472227 0913 A20 at XT470232 & A10 XT520200 0920 SPTOREP A20 found 1 AK47 magazine & black PJs at XT520200 near base of tree in deserted village. PJs were torn & ripped badly. Request permission to recon by fire. 0950 A20 is at XT461248. 1039 A Trp reports Hwy QL 19 is swept. A20 elements have returned to FSB. A10 elements are at XT515207. 1122 A10 elements have closed FSB Stuart. A30 elements are escorting Arty convoy. 1135 A30 is at XT512261. 1145 A30 is at FSB Pershing. 1343 A30 elements are returning from FSB Pershing. 1402 A30 is at XT499243. 1410 A30 is at XT489211. 1423 A30 has reached FSB Stuart. 1540 A Trp's southern most platoon's strong point changed to XT525186 w/ambush patrol at XT529187. 1625 A30's ambush patrol will be at XT4871197. A10 & A20 elements at FSB Stuart. 1725 A Trp line-up from N to S is A20, A10, A30. 1729 A20 elements departing Main Gate. 1830 A20 elements in night laager. A30 elements enroute to night laager. 1930 A Trp will sweep RT 6A for 2/12 IN Bn in the morning to XT499244 and provide a roving patrol until convoy has returned from FSB Persing. 30 RF/PFs will be available at 0730 hrs at XT490215 to assist. Convoy will be on push 44.55. 1941 A30 elements have finished test firing. 2010 A30's ambush patrol is departing. Radar scan: left 0000 mils, right 1940 mils at 1000m. 2030 SPOTREP A30 ambush patrol had 2 people at XT478187 spotted building a fire. When people moved away fire died down. 2040 A20's ambush patrol is in position. 2130 SPOTREP A30 has 3 people at XT478184 in vicinity of fire reported earlier. Engaged with unknown results. 2150 SPOTREP A20 has 10 lights moving west to east at XT520174 engaged with Arty & lights went out. Dec 17 Summary: Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon NDP located Trang Bang football field; 1 platoon located FSB STUART vicinity XT501194; 1 platoon strong point vicinity grid XT501194. Troop (-) sweeps Hwy 1 from Cu Chi NW to 2nd Bde boundary. 2d Platoon moved out of FSB Stuart near Trang Bang to conduct morning sweep. 2nd platoon tank slews turret to the right and accidentally fires main gun. Young 8 year old girl walking at edge of road accidentally killed from concussion and canister round impacts the Buddist Temple. At 1150 hrs vicinity XT503260, 3rd platoon tank and truck detonated separated mines; results, 2 US WIA (dustoff), minor damage to vehicles. 3rd platoon Tank teeters on bridge that VC command detonated north of Trang Bang. Troop CO and 2d Platoon Leader, SFC Smith meeting when mortar rounds start impacting, 2d Platoon exits FSB for NDP. Trang Bang FSB received and returned small arms fire that night. 1st Platoon NDP receives and return small arms fire. 3rd platoon AP observed 3 personnel and eng with SA; negative returned fire; results unknown. 0553 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0641 A10 elements will sweep RT 6A. A20 elements will sweep from night laager to CP 16 & back to the FSB. A30 elements will move from night laager to CP 20 & back to FSB. 0644 A30 elements at CP 19. 0650 A20 elements on the move. 0652 A30 is at CP 20 and turning around. 0655 A30 is at CP 19 & A20 is at CP 8. 0702 A30 is at CP 2 & A20 is at CP 17. 0706 A20 is at CP 9 & A30 is closing into FSB. 0715 A20 is at CP 16 & is turning around. 0723 A10 elements have started sweep at CP L. 0728 A20 is at CP 9. 0733 A20 is at CP 17. 0736 A20 is at CP 8. 0746 A20 elements have closed FSB Stuart. Road is completely cleared. 0752 A10 is at XT490215. 0824 A10 is at XT491219. 0828 A20 elements departing FSB to sweep Hwy 19. 0855 A Trp reports that a main gun fired a cannister round by accident killing a VN girl. More to follow. 0900 A10 is at XT494225. 0905 A Trp report on accident: A27 tank was moving down MSR about 75m. They had 1 cannister round in the chamber. The TC went down to override w/main gun off to the right. Rd went off and hit a little VN girl. Medics went down to help but the girl died instantly. 0935 A20 at XT482212 & A10 XT495235 0948 A Trp sweep team on RT 6A has linked up w/sweep team from FSB Pershing. Outposting at this time. 1002 A20 is at XT477233. 1023 SPOTREP A20 reports that their A25 element has received small arms fire. 1045 A20 is at XT468235. 1102 A20 is at XT463244. 1118 A30 is at XT488206. 1123 A20 is at XT461249. 1129 A30 is at XT494230. 1138 A30 is at XT506260. 1141 A Trp reports that a vehicle escorting the convoy hit a mine. SPOTREP to follow. 1145 SPOTREP A30 lead tank of escort hit a mine at XT508260 on the right side of the road roadwheel. Also 1 truck hit a mine off the side of the road. Clearing tank to determine trafficability of bridge. 1150 SPOTREP A Trp reports 2 mines at XT508260 were hit one by a tank and one by a truck in the convoy. 2 US WIA, dustoff has been called. 1158 Dustoff 155 has an ETA of 20-25 mins. 1230 Warning Order to A Trp from MAJ Huff. Be prepared to escort a VTR to CP 26 with 1 of your plts. 1245 Dustoff for A Trp is complete. 1333 SITREP A Trp: Cpt Moss feels that will need AVLB. Also need a VTR to remove tank from bridge. Before the VRT or AVLB can come up the road the convoy will have to pull off to side of the road. 1417 A Trp reports the VTR has the tank off of the bridge and is preparing to tow it to FSB Stuart. 1505 A Trp reports the bridge is passable to wheeled vehicles. 1516 A Trp requests a dustoff for 1 VN civilian. 1536 A Trp given mission by 2nd Bde 25th ID to supply 1 platoon to escort convoy to FSB Wood. 1637 A30 elements returning to FSB Stuart at XT503242. 1706 A Trp has Arty convoy at Ambush Gate and is departing now. 1708 A Trp dustoff is complete. 1724 MAJ Rigby directs that the platoon escorting the convoy to FSB Wood will stay there tonight. 1737 A Trp will escort the convoy to FSB Wood. 1809 Convoy w/A Trp escort is at CP 20. A Trp going onto 3rd Bde 25th ID push. 1815 Convoy w/A Trp escort is at CP 5. 1830 A Trp reports internal security (base camp) is OK. 1831 Convoy w/A Trp escort is at CP 6. 1935 Convoy w/A Trp escort closed FSB Wood II. 2010 SPOTREP A30 reports a fire with movement at XT483197. Spotted fire burning & could see 2 to 3 individuals when fire flared up. Reconning area by fire, unknown results. 2359 Base camp under rocket & mortar attack. Dec 18 Summary: Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon NDP located Trang Bang football field vicinity grid XT484196. 1 platoon located at FSB STUART vicinity grid XT501194. 1 platoon strong point vicinity grid XT550193. At first light Troop (-) swept Hwy 1 from Cu Chi NW to 2nd Bde boundary and Hwy 19 from Trang Bang to 2nd Bde boundary. 0040 A Trp mission change: after road sweep they will wait for and pick-up convoy by CP 20 & proceed to Tay Ninh. Go on 1st Bde 25th ID push between CP 22 & CP 33. Pick-up Dau Tieng convoy between CP 25 & CP 36. Switch to 3rd Bde 25th ID push and be under their control. Release convoy in Dau Tieng, move back & pick-up one platoon in woods, go to Go Dau Ha & then to FSB Stuart. 0541 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0630 A30 elements sweep to CP 20, A10 elements sweep to CP 16. 0650 A30 is at CP 20, A10 is at CP 8. 0657 A30 is at CP 19, A10 is at CP 9. 0709 A30 returned to FSB Stuart, A10 is at CP 16. Road is clear from CP 20 to CP 16. 0835 A30 is at CP 19. 0857 A20 elements have picked up the Dau Tieng convoy and are at CP 7. 0914 A10 at CP 20 with Dau Tieng convoy. No commo with 3rd Bde 25th ID. 0925 A10 elements at CP 5. 0931 A30 reports lead of the convoy at CP 21. 0940 A10 is at CP 18. 1007 A10 is at CP 12. 1330 A10 lead elements at CP 18. 1337 A10 lead elements at CP 6. 1348 A10 trail elements at CP 12. A Trp leaving 2/22 IN Bn push. 1350 A10 lead elements at CP 5. 1359 A Trp lead elements at CP 20. 1435 A30 elements at CP 4. 1437 A20 elements at CP 20. 1440 A30 elements at CP 21. 1445 A30 elements at CP 5. 1451 A20 is at CP 19 & A30 is at CP 20. 1500 A20 is at the FSB & A30 is at CP 19. 1501 A10 elements closed the FSB. 1508 A30 elements at the FSB. 1721 A20's ambush patrol is at XT478199. A10's ambush patrol is at XT544176. 1817 A10 elements on the move. 1850 A10 elements in night laager. Requests permission to test fire. Granted. 1855 A Trp receiving RPGs, estimated 8 rounds, & sporatic small arms fire at FSB Stuart. Returned fire. 1915 SPOTREP A Trp has 15 incoming rocket rounds at XT514195 from wood line Northeast of FSB Stuart. Returned fire with organic weapons. Firing has ceased, observing area, & checking for casualties. 1916 Cdr A Trp believes attack was a coordinated effort. FSB Stuart, FSB Pershing, & ARVN compound all hit at the same time. 2120 A Trp operation for tomorrow as follows: come up on 2/22 IN Bn push, set up strong points at following positions: XT460430 position C; XT464450 position B; & XT470470 position D. 2153 A Trp elements that escorts convoy contact 4/9 IN Bn as son as 1st vehicle is at CP 20. 2200 A20's ambush patrol is in position. 2210 Warning Order from LTC McGowan to A Trp: Be prepared to change with B Trp & move to Tay Ninh. Dec 19 Summary:Troop (-) moved North to outpost Big and Little Rubber vicinity Tay Ninh. Troop (-) provides escort for convoy to Dau Tieng. 0541 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0605 A20 elements departing night laager going to FSB Pershing. 0625 A20 elements returned to FSB Stuart. 0642 A10 elements starting sweep. 0705 A Trp has swept from CP 7 to CP 8. 0707 A20 elements departing FSB Stuart. 0715 A20 is at CP 7. 0716 A30 is at CP 16. 0727 A20 is at CP 19 & A30 is at CP 17. 0730 A30 is at CP 8. 0740 A20 has completed sweep to CP 20. 0742 A20 is now on 4/9 IN Bn push. 0920 Lead of Dau Tieng convoy is at FSB Stuart. A30 elements lining up to escort. 0922 A30 & convoy lead at CP 7. 0935 A Trp convoy lead at CP 17. 0938 A Trp convoy trail at CP 7 & lead at CP 20. 0945 A Trp convoy lead at CP 5 & trail at CP 19. 0956 A Trp convoy lead at CP 6. 0959 A Trp convoy trail at CP 20. 1023 A Trp convoy trail at CP 18. 1350 A Trp reports 2nd march unit is at CP 6. 1416 A Trp with convoy at CP 20, trail at CP 18. 1422 A Trp with march unit 2 is at CP 20. 1425 A Trp lead at CP 19. 1444 A10 elements closed to FSB Stuart. 1455 A30 elements closed FSB. 1525 A20 is at CP 20. 1532 A20 is at CP 19. 1541 A20 is at CP 7. 1556 A20 closed FSB Stuart. 1717 A Trp ambush patrols will be at XT525186 & 529184. 1748 A10 elements on the move. A Trp line-up from North to South wil be A10, A20, & A30. 1818 A Trp just outside of night laager at this time. 1820 A10 elements in NDP. 1823 A Trp NDP is at XT525186 with ambush patrol at XT529184. 1829 A Trp internal security check of rear area at Cu Chi is negative. 1900 A30 elements in night laager. 1934 A30 ambush patrol in position. 1951 A10's ambush patrol location is XT479197. 2024 A10's ambush patrol is in position. 2036 A Trp radar scan: left 2500 mils, center 3470 mils, righ 1440 mils & range 1000m. Operational at this time. Dec 20 Summary: Troop establishes 3 NDPs. 1 platoon NDP located Trang Bang football field; 1 platoon located at FSB STUART vicinity grid XT501194. 1 platoon strong point located vicinity grid XT550173. At first light Troop (-) sweeps Hwy 1 from Cu Chi NW to 2nd Bde boundary. 1 platoon North to outpost the Big and Little rubber vic Tay Ninh. Troop (-) provided escort for convoy to Dau Tieng. Company B 1/5 IN Inf(M) was conducting a RIF one kilometer north of the junction of Highways 1 and 7A, when at 1355 hours, they made contact with an estimated reinforced enemy company at XT 560180. Company C, 1/5th(M) along with Companies B and D of the 2/12th Infantry and A/3/4 Cav were moved into the area of contact. Air strikes, LFTs and artillery were called in to support the forces. After the contact ended, a sweep of the battlefield was conducted. Enemy dead along with miscellaneous weapons and equipment were cleared from the battlefield. Troop remains in Tay Ninh under OPCON of 1st Bde, 25th ID. First night of operations in Tay Ninh, incident with VN SF. Troop requests permission to test fire, Bde Hqs approves and rescinds approval once Troop opens up. 0605 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0620 A10 on the move to the FSB. 0625 A10 is at CP 7. 0637 A30 is on the move. 0645 SPOTREP A30 has road obstacle at XT534182 consisting of debris, brush, sticks, 7 logs on road. Clearing at this time. 0705 A30 is at CP 16 and is turning around. 0710 A20 is starting to move, A30 is at CP 7. 0720 A20 is at CP 7 & A30 is at CP 17. 0726 A20 is at CP 19 & A30 elements are at FSB Stuart. 0740 A20 is at CP 20 & is leaving the A Trp net. 0804 A10 elements are in the Soccer Field. 0950 A Trp has march unit 1 (Dau Tieng) at FSB Stuart. 0953 A Trp is at CP 07. 1035 A Trp is at CP 18. 1431 A Trp is at CP 36 with a down tank. Convoy has cleared. Will hold about 30 mins to fix tank. 1843 A Trp internal security check of rear elements at Cu Chi is OK. Dec 21 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. Dec 22 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. 1836 A Trp internal security check of rear elements at Cu Chi. 4 EM & 1 APC for reaction force. Dec 23 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh Dec 24 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. Dec 25 1968, Christmas Troop on blocking positions around Tay Ninh. Christmas meal served at Tay Ninh base camp & in field. (View menu cover) (View menu) (Photo 1) (Photo 2) A10 replacement track held in Cu Chi to be used as a bunker next to stage for the entertainers from the Bob Hope Show. Doug Langdon, driver of A10 got to see the Bob Hope show. Major fireworks display in Tay Ninh area Christmas Eve. No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to Bde at Tay Ninh. 1919 A Trp rear element at Cu Chi has pyrotechnics locked up. Dec 26 Summary:Troop still at Tay Ninh. Late December conducted night operations including escort of night resupply convoy for division. Platoons conduct NDP near Nui Ba Dinh. (photo) No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. Dec 27 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. 1905 A Trp internal security check of rear elements at Cu Chi is negative. Dec 28 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh Dec 29 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. Dec 30 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. Dec 31 1968, New Years Eve Troop in NDPs again major fireworks to celebrate the arrival of 1969 No journal entries in 3/4 Cav Daily Staff Journals, attached to 1st Bde 25th ID at Tay Ninh. Jan 1, 1969 Summary: Troop remains in Tay Ninh Base Camp in preparation to rejoin Squadron. Troop moves back down alt MSR, highway QL22. NDP at Trang Bang. (View 25th Inf Div Summary of Action for Jan 69) 1553 A Trp at CP18. 1624 A Trp at soccer field at Trang Bang. Trail just south of CP18. 2132 A Trp has negative SITREP. Jan 2 0032 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0525 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0719 A Trp elements have swept to CP20 and are returning. 0750 From MAJ Huff, S3, B Trp sub-element to provide security for the advance party until A Trp arrives. 1240 A Trp lead is at XT494228. 1243 A Trp lead is at XT508260. 1340 A Trp is in NDP. B Trp released from outposting. 1645 A Trp NDP is at XT529283 (southern Boi Loi). 1800 A30's plt NDP is at XT527277. 1820 A30 element is in his NDP. 1920 A30 rpts civilians leaving villages vic XT524275. Requests test fire of .50 cal. Granted on 320 degree azimuth by LT Kaiser. 2033 A Trp SITREP: no change. Jan 3 Summanry: Troop moves North up the road to Boi Loi Woods. One tank hits mine and is evacuated. 0025 A Trp SITREP: negative. 0602 Stand-to complete in A Trp. 0615 A Trp ambush patrol has returned to the perimeter. 0700 A Trp on the move and sweeping. 0720 A10 finished sweep, negative findings. 0835 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB 1 M79 rd; LC XT516264, time 0830hrs; LD lying in road, engr can't determine if booby trapped; LE using grappling hooks to pick up. 1041 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB tank hit mine; LC XT541301 at 1010hrs; LD blew road wheel off and 1 track; LE VTR coming to get tank & fill hole in road. 1226 A Trp blowing some tunnels & moving through. 1240 A Trp is at XT530325. 1253 Squadron HQ starting to setup CP. 1905 A10 element is at XT550312. 1958 A20 listening post is in position. 2328 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 4 Summary: Squadron S3, Maj Huff, and Chaplain ___________with the Troop. 2 Plts establish laager to secure Squadron HQ. Trp Cmd Section and 3d Platoon conduct reconnaissance west of NDP. 1st PLT conducts independent sweep. Operations conclude late afternoon and rejoin 2d Platoons in NDP. 1st platoon mortar fires 2 illumination rounds as registration to support C Troop NDP. Division CounterMortar Radar picks up rounds and authorizes counterbattery fire mission. ARVN Arty Battery fires the mission. Rounds impact on and in front of NDP. No injuries to personnel or damage to equipment. 0321 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0600 A10 moving out of NDP on their sweep. 0620 A10 is located at XT542303. 0630 A30 moving out of NDP on their sweep. 0800 A10 has closed on the troop NDP. 0920 A30 is at XT536288. A Trp is at XT535287. 1040 A30 location is XT544306. 1113 A30 location is XT516265. 1225 A30 location XT494233. 1230 A30 location XT490306. 1304 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB tunnel complex; LC XT555305 1240hrs; LD 3'x4' freshly built containing 2 ponchos, 3 steel helmets, penicillin bottles, 40 empty sardine cans, 2 bodies (7 or 8 months old), & 1 sandal; LE continue to search area. 1355 A30 is located at XT489205. A10 located at XT559319. 1400 A30's location is XT544233. 1431 A30 is at CP GIN. A10 has closed on CP's location. 2058 A10 listening post departing position. 2103 A10 ambush patrol in position. 2123 SPOTREP: LA A20 Listening Post; LB voices & movement; LC XT564323 2120hrs; LD voices & movement to front of LP, size not known; LE continuing mission. 2135 A Trp is relocating LP and will recon by fire. 2152 A Trp LP relocated at 355 degrees 100 meters from perimeter. Jan 5 0124 A Trp SITREP: A Trp had a claymore with a bad detonator and blew it accidentally. 0455 A20 & A30 listening posts have returned to NDP. 0650 A20 is escorting the squadron resupply convoy. 0857 A Trp sweep location is at XT542301. 0908 A Trp located at XT540295. 0925 A Trp sweep at XT535288. 1005 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB booby trap; LC XT531283; LD 1 US grenade in a can with the pin pulled with wire stretched across the road; LE blowing in place. 1013 A Trp rpts convoy made it past the first mud hole. 1022 A Trp rpts resupply trains at XT541300. 1027 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB foot prints; LC XT530283 at 1025hrs; LD sandal prints of about 15 to 20 people moving east down trail. 1100 A20 sweep at XT519266. 1120 A20 sweep at XT509259. 1130 A20 sweep at XT502250. 1150 A20 at XT495230. 1153 A20 at XT488205. 1156 A20 at FSB Stuart. A30 is on the move. 1240 A30 is at XT547303. 1250 A Trp will reconn on 100 degree azimuth. 1301 A20 is on the way from FSB stuart with resupply to squadron's location. 1305 A20 is at XT488205. 1315 A20 is at XT495230. 1320 A Trp lowboy crossed into FSB Pershing. 1329 A30 is at XT562303. 1330 A Trp reports that they left one APC in FSB Stuart. Parts will be sent out to it. 1333 A20 is at XT510260. 1340 A Trp reports that lowboy w/dozer on the move to this location. 1344 A20 is at XT529283. 1358 A10 is at XT540295. 1415 A20 is at XT555313. 1435 A30 has closed on squadron CP. 1446 A20 is at XT555313. 1515 A Trp will escort lowboy back to FSB Stuart. 1641 A20 coming from FSB stuart has picked up a VTR, lowboy, and APC on the way back to squadron CP. 1725 A20 dropped off 2 elements, has B Trp vehicle & returning to squadron NDP. 1748 A Trp reports all elements have closed on NDP. 1750 A10 listening post 240 degrees, 100 meters. 1800 A20 listening post 45 degrees, 100 meters. A30 listening post 100 degrees 315 meters. 1935 A Trp test fire complete. 1945 A30 listening departing perimeter. 2009 A10 & A30 listening posts in position. 2020 A20 listening post in position. 2031 A Trp has negative SITREP. Jan 6 Summary: A Troop lost a APC when the vehicle detonated an anti-tank mine while moving along Route 6A ten kilometers northeast of TRANG BANG (XT530283). One cavalryman riding in the vehicle was wounded the blast. 0423 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0625 A10 elements are on the move. 0710 A10 is at XT541301. 0713 VTR has arrived at the mud hole to pick up the A Trp tank that blew a jug. 0729 A10 is at XT541301. 0759 A10 is at XT533286. 0805 A20 is on the move. 0828 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB holes; LC XT557337; LD 2.5'x3.5'x3' in built up area probably used as bunkers by villagers. 0840 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB grenade; LC XT554340; LD US grenade looks like it has been there a while, has no safety; LE blown in place. 0843 A10 is 100 meters from FSB Pershing. 0915 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB well; LC XT557337 at 0908hrs; LD well was blown with C4; LE cont mission. 0930 A20 is at XT545338. 1002 A10 is at XT598241. 1020 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB 1 MK82 bomb; LC XT544343 1015hrs; LD dud on ground recent impact; LE do not have enough C4 to blow, leaving in place. 1035 A10 is at XT495232. 1150 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB foxholes & tunnel; LC XT553341 1050hrs; LD foxhole connects to tunnel 15' long, not recent; LE blown in place, cont mission. SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB two deep holes; LC XT554340 1100hrs; LD 3' by 30' deep not recent; LE blown in place, cont mission. SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB tunnel; LC XT557338 1130hrs; LD 3' diameter, 5' deep, connects to tunnel 15' long branches to right and left for 5'. Tunnel has holes for candles, found 1 VC canteen, 1 NVA belt, 1 toothbrush, toothpaste with NVA writing & 1 AK round; LE blown in place, bringing in found items. 1230 A Trp requests dustoff: 3 litter, shrapnel in face, 1 shrapnel in leg; XT430283; APC hit mine; ETA 15 minutes, callsign Dustoff 155. 1301 A Trp dustoff complete. 1312 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB mine; LC XT530283 1215hrs; LD mine tore track, road wheel, instrument panel, & hole in drivers' compartment of APC. 3 litter w/frag wounds; vehicle combat loss; LE towing vehicle to FSB Stuart & dusted off WIAs. 1845 A Trp listening posts: A10 240 degrees at 100 meters; A20 345 degrees at 100 meters; A30 150 degrees at 100 meters. 1914 A20 LP departing perimeter. 1920 SPOTREP: LA A28; LB 2 camp fires; LC XT581322; LD observed 2 fires burning, one out, one still burning; LE request permission to fire/request denied. 1936 A10 & A20 LPs in position. 1939 SPOTREP: LA A25; LB 4 lights; LC XT562364; LD spotted moving west to east: LE cont to observe. 2016 SPOTREP: LA A31; LB lights; LC XT563332 2000hrs; LD moving west to east: LE cont to observe. 2025 A Trp radar; left 3872 mills, right 5740 mills range 5000 meters. A30 LP in position. 2040 SPOTREP: LA A25; LB 11 lights; LC XT559332 2035hrs; LD moving to east: LE cont to observe. 2226 A Trp negative SITREP. Jan 7 Summary: Troop is a reaction force for a LRRP Team 11 from F Troop, 75th Ranger. LRRPs had been inserted by helicopter into the Trapazoid. LRRPs under attack at 1345 hrs. Troop moved to extract LRRPs and received small arms fire & RPG fire at 1445 hrs 600 meters to North of LRRP teams location at XT578294. A Troop engagement with enemy lasts until 1540 hrs. Enemy disengages at 1540 hrs and LRRP Team was picked up by A Troop at grid XT578296. (photo LRRPs in NDP) Troop moves to night postition at grid XT565318. 0110 A20 spotted movement. Recon-by-fire with all organic weapons, negative results, & repositioned LP. 0651 A30 moving out on sweep. 0749 A30 is at XT549318. 0812 A30 at XT542304. 0832 A30 at XT541301. 0833 From G3 to MAJ Harrison: after todays' opn we can operate in the AO as we see fit. Expect to stay a minimum of 3 days. 0840 A30 at XT530296. 0905 A10 on the move to pickup downed APC. 0915 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB 105mm rd; LC XT536287 912hrs; LD lying on side of road; LE Engrs preparing to blow in place. 0916 Down tank and APC to be dropped off in FSB Stuart if it can't be fixed here. 0937 A30 at XT530284. 0942 A Trp Cdr has people moving around in front of his elements and is trying to get a detainee. 0953 A Trp released detainees (farmers tending cattle). 1113 A Trp has picked up downed tank and are working on the APC. 1139 A30 has met up w sweep from FSB Stuart. Stopping to eat at this time. 1155 A Trp has the downed APC, heading back to the CP. 1310 A10 at XT541302. 1326 A Trp elements have closed the CP. (no journal pages for remainder of day) Jan. 8 Summary: One Plt secures squadron CP and one Plt escorts squadron trains. 1st Plt A Trp inserts LRRP TM while on RIF. (photo) (view LRRP AAR)Plt then moved North in the Mushroom to conduct reconnaissance-in-force along the banks of the Saigon River (see Map). Plt encountered bunker complex and dug-in NVA with backs to river at XT575315. Received small arms, recoilless rifle and RPG fire. Plt assaulted the position three times. A16 tank takes RPG in turret. Withdraw to evacuate WIA. SSG Manny Montanez and PFC Linkins medevaced. SP4 Steve Turner treated in field. Div Cdr lands in position and ordered the 3rd assault. 0125 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0615 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0733 A20 reconnng w/M79 around a hole found in his sweep area. 0807 A10 departing for the LRRP TM 11 insertion. 0835 A10 is located at XT572303. 0848 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB tunnel; LC XT574299 at 08:40hrs; 8' long, 6' deep' 4' wide with no sign of recent use, also found bamboo basket shovel, bunker 50 meters away 3'x2' w/plastic top, has recent tunnel leading off of it that contained 2 raincoats; LE complex will be blown. 1010 A Trp security element for resupply is leaving forward CP. 1017 SPOTREP: LA Engr with A20; LB booby trapped grenade; LC XT52068 at 1000hrs; LD one M26 grenade with pin pulled inserted in C-ration can; LE blown in place. 1115 A10 received one RPG round, pulling back to call in Arty. 1128 A Trp has gunships making run at XT575315. 1213 Resupply departing Trang Bang. One tank staying to escort water trailers. 1221 A10 recieved another RPG round, 1 tank hit, FAC will bring in air strike. 1250 A Trp has a dust-off, one man with shrapnel wounds at XT569305. 1325 LRRP TM 11 inserted at XT582305. 1339 Air strikes for A Trp complete. 1340 FAC reports that there were 3 500lb duds during the strike. 1349 Air strike uncovered a bunker complex and had one secondary explosion. 1405 A Trp dust-off, 1 urgent litter at XT 569305 with head wound. 1425 A Trp dust-off complete. 1449 A Trp air strike complete with another one coming in. 1459 FAC 04 being replaced on station with FAC 21, air strike complete. 1502 A Trp is at XT569305. 1524 A Trp will get another air strike and then a CS drop. D Trp will stand-by with ships. 1536 A Trp notified CS drop will not go in. 1555 A Trp's latest air strike has uncovered more bunkers and spider holes. 1558 FAC reports more fighters coming up in 15 mins. 1605 A10 moving back into area where they received the RPG fire the last 2 days. 1611 A10 tank has received another RPG wounding the TC and one other person. (SSG Montanez & SP4 Turner). 1630 A10 elements moving back to previous area, dust-off is complete. 1637 A Trp tank was hit in turret from a different location, Arty is being put into area. 1726 A Trp air strike is complete. 1800 A10 closing NDP, A30 on move to NDP. 1809 A Trp NDP is at XT569305. 1900 FAC report on air strikes that there is possible 3 ammo fires still burning, 1 fire getting bigger. 1940 A Trp LP's: A30 at 155 degrees 70 meters; A20 40 degrees at 100 meters; A10 300 degrees at 100 meters. Radar: left 4200 mills, center 5177 mills, right 6255 mills at 5000 meters. 1953 A20 & A30 LPs departing NDP. 2007 A10 LP departing NDP. 2008 A30 LP is in position. 2025 SPOTREP: LA A20 LP; LB movement; LC XT568308 at 2015hrs; LD 1 to 2 personnel moving towards perimeter 80 meters out, observed with starlight scope; LE engaged with organic weapons, results not known. 2030 SPOTREP: LA A Trp radar; LB movement; LC 5190 mills time now; LD movement of unknown size; LE calling Arty. 2155 SPOTREP: LA A17; LB moving lights; LC XT570297 at 2150hrs; LD lights moving southwest on 360 degree azimuth, very far out; LE observing. 2217 SPOTREP: LA A27; LB lights; LC XT572307 at 2215hrs; LD lights moving left to right on a 50 degree azimuth about 350 meters out; LE continuing to observe. Jan 9 Summary: A Trp(-) conducts sweep operations in lower Boi Loi west of the Mushroom. At 09:35 hrs troop discovers 100 lbs of rice 1 km south of the Mushroom at XT567307. MG Williamson lands in 1st Platoon area before final assault on fortified NVA position that was assaulted on the previous day. NVA position breeched and bunkers blown. Troop continued Reconnaissance-in-Force operations. 0025 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0600 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0715 A Trp trains departing NDP for CP location. 0844 MG Williamson overhead in the squadron's area of operation. 0850 3rd Bde 25th ID gave permission for squadron to enter AO BUD. 0911 Arty prep for A Trp completed at this time. 0935 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB bunkers reinforced with sandbags/received one rd automatic weapons fire; LC XT567307; LD blowing bunkers in place; LE continuing mission. 1015 Ref: SPOTREP, also 2 bags of rice, 1 canteen, 1 gas mask, 3 bunker complexes with tunnels. 1035 A Trp found some personal letters, 2 electrical diagrams, & 1 RPG 7 rd. 1042 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB documents; LC XT567307 at 1040 hrs; LD pamphlet bag with 2 maps, 1 map of Cholon, medical supplies, and assorted pamphlets; LE evacuating items to rear. 1238 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB bunkers; LC XT572314 at 1230 hrs; LD 6'x6'x6' with cooking room on side 4'x5'x6'; LE destroyed in place. 1249 A Trp will move down to XT578294. 1252 A Trp at XT573307 sweeping southeast to limit of advance. 1303 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB bunker & tunnel; LC XT575307 at 1300 hrs; LD 1 sandal inside; LE used tanks to crush complex. 1333 A Trp has found 23 sandbags, 1 can of rice, & letters. 1355 A Trp still working on on track. A10 & A20 preparing to move out. 1400 Air strike is complete. 1434 A Trp at temporary halt at tunnel containing 1 pair of pants. 1522 A Trp reports that the bunkers caved in yesterday smell like dead bodies. 1529 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB 3 tunnels; LC XT580304 at 1500 hrs; LD 3 bunkers with the tunnels, one a sleeping position, lots of flowers; LE continuing mission. 1554 A 10 & A20 closed squadron CP. A30 coming up shortly. 1613 A30 closed CP. 1640 Air strikes in XT4931 now complete. 1940 A10 LP on 25 degree at 190m, A20 LP on 310 degrees at 100m, A30 LP on 220 degrees at 70m. 1948 A10 LP departed CP. 1952 A30 LP departed CP. 2004 A30 LP in position. 2033 A30 LP spotted movement 100m in front of their location. 2037 A Trp radar scanning L 360 degrees, right 100 degrees, range 1000m. 2101 A Trp spotted movement at XT561360 at 100m. 2105 A Trp sent LP out to position. 2140 A10 requested to test fire on 270 degrees azimuth. 2145 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB moving lights; LC XT553340 at 2140 hrs; LD moving about 300 meters to front of position; LE fired on light continuing to observe. 2151 A Trp reports no fire returned 2201 A10 completed test fire. 2320 A Trp requests dust-off for 1 litter patient who has severe stomach pains. 2328 Dust-off 48, ETAin 10 mins. 2345 Dust-off is complete. 2348 Results from G2 on documents found tentatively identify units as the recon elements of the 273rd VC/NVA regiment of the 101st NVA Regiment. Jan 10 Summary: Trp operations in lower Boi Loi continue to disrupt enemy supply lines. At 09:45 hrs Trp discovers one napalm bomb, 4 bicycles, and 4,400 lbs of rice at XT498309. 1505 hrs A Trp discovers 12,600 lbs of rice. 0020 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0602 Stand-to is complete. 0711 A Trp is on the move. 0723 A Trp trains at CP Rye. 0803 A Trp on the road in herring bone. 0850 A Trp has married up with C Trp and both have begun the sweep. 0909 A Trp & C Trp located at XT508309. 0910 LTC McGowan has an air strike on XT494314 at 0930 hrs. 1020 A Trp has an APC with transmission problems. 1023 A Trp found 25 100lbs bags of rice at XT498309. 1035 A Trp has 1000lbs of rice. 1046 A Trp has 900lbs of rice on poles above the ground. 1052 A Trp found a tunnel 4'x4'x8' with a hoe, shovel, candles, & fresh work. 1055 A Trp receiving some AK fire from the rear. 1130 A Trp at XT496303 found some bunkers, at least 4 bunkers in the area. 1235 A Trp at XT506317 has tank with thrown track, trying to walk it back on. 1243 Daisy Cutter will be dropped on XT514324. 1248 SPOTREP: LA A10; LB bunker complex; LC XT492316 at 1200 hrs. LD tunnel 8' deep, 6' wide, 6' long & bunker 4'x4' with 1 AK rd, 1 NVA gas mask, 1 NVA canteen, 1 pair of PJs; LE destroyed. 1258 Daisy Cutter mission completed. 1505 A Trp found 1800lbs of rice, not good and destroying in place. 1550 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB rice; LC XT496316 at 1500 hrs; LD 17,200lbs of rice in bad condition; LE burned in place. 1550 SPOTREP: LA A30/A35; LB foxholes; LC XT496316 at 1515 hrs; LD 4 foxholes 3'x4'x2' used for sleeping area, 4 bicycles; LE blew tunnel & continuing mission. 1550 SPOTREP: LA A20/A25; LB tunnel opening; LC XT496316 at 1515 hrs; LD tunnel 3'x3x4' sleeping area & 4 bicycles; LE blew tunnel & continuing mission. 1617 A Trp NDP location XT530309. 1652 A Trp trains departing squadron CP. 1825 A Trp captured 6 bikes and 18,000lbs of rice. Can't tell exactly how much they are bringing in. 1940 A Trp LPs: A30 310 degrees at 50m, A10 25 degrees at 100m. 1959 A30 LP departing perimeter. 2003 A10 LP in position. 2008 A30 LP in position. 2013 A20 LP in position. 2014 A Trp Radar: left 2146 mills, center 3923 mills, range 5000 meters. 2328 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 11 Summary: Trp continues operations in lower Boi Loi 7 to 10 km southeast of Bao Don at XT4932 to XT5329. 0028 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0747 A Trp trains arrived at the squadron CP. 0806 A Trp moving out on RIF operation. 0811 A Trp trains closed squadron CP. 0851 A Trp location is XT516322. 1000 A Trp found a bunker and trench line. Has 2 APCs stuck from falling into bunkers. 1050 FAC O4 spotted a large bunker on A Trp's right flank. 1101 A Trp reported it has already caved in. 1115 A Trp location XT522323. 1227 A Trp location XT537328. 1255 A Trp on the move again. 1325 A Trp location XT525329. 1335 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB rice; LC XT533329 at 1330 hrs; LD 70 100lbs bags; LE bringing in. 1408 A Trp location XT539329. 1530 A Trp has closed its NDP. 1618 A Trp trains have departed squadron CP. 1950 A Trp LP status: A10 on 99 degrees at 75m, A20 at 200 degrees at 75 m, & A30 at 318 degrees at 125m. 1959 A Trp LPs have departed perimeter. Radar status: left 3296 mills, center 4273 mills, right 5250 mills, & range 5000m. 2005 A20 LP in position. 2015 A10 & A30 LPs in position. Jan 12 0033 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0311 A Trp LP returned. 0553 A Trp stand-to complete. 1055 A Trp lead vehicle hit a mine at XT523285, no casualties, blew off right front road wheel. 1109 SPOTREP: LA A27; LB hit mine; LC XT525275 at 1105 hrs; LD 50 lbs mine, blew off drivers hatch, detonated by claymore blaster, road wheel arm broken; LE towing to FSB Stewart. 1140 SPOTREP: LA A Trp engineer team; LB mine; LC XT522271 at 1130 hrs; LD mine on right side of road; LE blown in place, left a 2'x2' crater. 1151 A Trp at FSB Pershing, will sweep and move out. 1200 A Trp lead at XT568258. 1215 A Trp lead at XT495230. 1250 A Trp lead at CP18. 1320 A Trp lead at CP12. 1330 A Trp closed FSB Wood at XT4637. 1726 A Trp NDP at XT456364. 1825 A Trp NDP XT459338. 1853 A Trp LP status: A10 220 degrees at 100m, A20 95 degrees at 75m, & A30 310 degrees at 100m. 1948 A10 & A20 LP in position. 2014 A30 LP in position. 2356 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 13 0023 A Trp has negative SITREP. 0131 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB movement; LC XT453372 at 0105 hrs; LD light that appeared to be a cigarette; LE pulled in LP and reconned area by fire, will send LP back out. 0519 A Trp stand-to complete. 0740 LTC McGowan having troops hold in place until C&C ship arrives. 0800 A Trp to move from XT475375 on 155 degree azimuth. 0815 A Trp on move for squadron RIF. 0945 Cpt Moss rpts his trp net has 3 other units on it. Requests change of net. 0952 A Trp to use HHT net for operation. 0957 A Trp at XT488359. 1005 A Trp at XT478360. 1105 A Trp at XT478355. 1244 A Trp at XT479354. 1446 A Trp at XT478352. 1513 A Trp at XT480370. 1600 A Trp closed NDP. 1705 A Trp NDP at XT460371. 1830 A Trp LP status: A10 on 150 degrees at 75m, A20 on 260 degrees at 75m, & A30 on 340 degrees at 100m. 1924 A Trp requested permission to test fire one 50 cal on 150 degrees. MSG Saylor gave permission. 1945 A20 LP in position. 2006 A Trp radar status: left 4120 mills, center 5097 mills, right 6074 mills, & range 3000m. 2015 A10 & A30 LPs in position. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 14 Summary - Troop directed to NDP to link up with Colonel McGowan. (Photo 1) Laagered a little over 3 KM from drop area. B-52 Arc Light of area north of Troop. Surreal viewing B-52 strike. Troop prepared for first B-52 strike and totally unprepared for follow-on drop. (Photo 1) (Photo 2) First light Troop conducts BDA. Laagered that night around old bomb craters filled with water. Troops take turns getting clean. (photo) 0940 A Trp located at XT482379. 1011 A Trp located at XT484375 1030 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB bunkers; LC XT484378 at 1020hrs; LD 3 bunkers 10'x10', 4 fighting positions, bunkers had heavy overhead cover; LE blown in place. 1351 A Trp has made a 180 turn and is headed back at this time. 1445 A Trp will be returning to squadron CP to refuel. 1603 A Trp trains departing squadron CP. 1820 A Trp LP status: A10 270 degrees at 100m, A20 300 degrees at 75m, & A30 100 degrees at 100m. 1920 A Trp mission for tomorrow: SP at XT484274 on an azimuth of 156 degrees. 2013 A Trp LP's in position. 2325 A Trp has a negative SITREP Jan 15 0023 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0344 A Trp has a dust-off, 1 litter with possible kidney trouble at XT488382, area is secure. 0357 Dust-off 46 ETA is 10 to 15 min. 0412 Dust-off is complete. 0509 Stand-to is complete. 0748 A Trp beginning RIF. Start point is XT484374. 0915 A Trp dust-off to Dau Tieng, routine, kidney problem. 0932 Dust-off 46 out of Dau Tieng at 1200 hrs. 0951 A Trp is at phase line PEACH. 0958 Dust-off cancelled. 1217 A Trp on the move. 1234 A Trp has a APC with a thrown track. 1321 A Trp is on the move. 1550 A Trp is out of wooded area into plow area at XT471377. 1620 A Trp trains departed FSB Woods enroute to trp NDP. 1635 A Trp NDP at XT458253. 1755 A Trp LP status: A10 320 degrees at 75m, A20 90 degrees at 100m, & A30 10 degrees at 70m. 1932 A20 LP departing NDP. 1938 A20 LP in position. A10 LP departing NDP. 2007 A20 & A30 LPs in position. 2325 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 16 Summary: 09:00 hrs troop uncovers 2 RPG-7 rds, 4 RPG-2 rds, 10 lbs of explosives, 100 rds small arms ammo, & 2 lbs of documents at XT510364. At 13:45 hrs engaged unknown number of enemy forces. Two enemy killed and one trooper wounded during action. Troop maneuvered to the rear of Boi Loi to laager with C Troop. B Troop laagered 1 km away. Tank throws track and crew works to get it back on. Squadron at a halt Tank track fixed, A Troop continued maneuver and had fire fight at 1820 hrs with NVA forces. At 1850 hrs a Cobra gunship supporting A Troop diverted to LRRP Team 15 in vicinity at grid XT529357. LRRPs view enemy forces fleeing Troop. (view LRRP AAR) 0029 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0540 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0844 Squadron has 3 daisy cutter airstrikes scheduled at 0900, 0930, & 1000 hrs. 0900 A Trp found 4 RPG rds (4 B40 & 2 B41), a canteen, a bag of explosives, & 100 rds of AK ammo lying on the ground. 0905 A Trp located at XT486381 holding for airstrike. 0930 2nd air strike going in. 0945 A Trp found a diary & a supply book at XT486380. 0955 2nd air strike uncovered numerous bunkers. 1000 A Trp is at XT490365. 1025 A Trp is holding in place to put track back on 2 APCs. 1041 Air strike 3 is complete. 1101 A Trp is at XT493373. 1158 A Trp requested dust-off for 1 litter case w/dislocated shoulder. 1300 A Trp requested dust-off for 1 man hit by a tree branch. 1416 A Trp at XT502368. 1437 A Trp has a tank with a thrown track. 1635 LRRP TM 15 spotted 10 VC approaching C Trp NDP. 1731 A Trp & C Trp at XT528354. 1743 LRRP TM 15 spotted 20 VC about 50 meters from his position on 340 degree azimuth. Requests help. 1810 A Trp on the move again. 1950 A Trp in NDP 1905 LRRP TM 15 has movement all around his position. Gunships scrambled by Maj Huff. 1910 Light Fire Team and flare ship enroute to TM 15's position. 1925 TM 15 requests LFT be cancelled. 2320 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 17 Summary: Squadon in major battle 8.5 km east of Bao Don. (see map) First light A & C Troop in combined laager receive RPG and SA fire. Both Troops return fire. 0730 hrs A Troop directed to reconnaissance-in-force in area of enemy firing. C Troop remain in position awaiting LRRPs and then to maneuver abreast of A Troop. B Troop maneuvering to vicinity. 09:05 hrs NVA force hits Troop immediately on forward movement XT527349. Body count began, NVA in web gear and helmets. A Troop encountered fortified bunkers and NVA body count continued. - C Troop directed to move abreast of A Troop on right flank. 1045 hrs LRRP Team 15 links up with C Troop at XT528353. NVA cause A & C Troop to cross fire on each other. Colonel McGowan directed cease fire and conduct180 to return to NDP. A Troop does a 180 degree turn, 1st and 2d Platoons respond and began maneuver. 3d Platoon had tank that could not gain traction and unable to maneuver to NDP. Troop Hq’s and Medic track remained with 3d Platoon. Medic track takes RPG to ACAV kit, smokes detonate and moments pass before track commander reported all OK. 3d Platoon tank gets traction and links up at original NDP. A, B & C Troop deployed in same vicinity. C Troop Acting Cdr directed F4s in close Air support, shrapnel explodes and C Troop Acting Cdr medivaced. (photo 1, photo 2) Colonel McGowan directs new mission. A Troop lead, B Troop followed by C Troop In column down edge of Bo Loi Woods. Mission was not to stop, roll over fortifications. A Troop moved out with 1st Platoon in lead, followed by 2d and 3d plts. Dirt trail around flank of enemy was lined with NVA bunkers. Tanks fire at point blank range into bunkers. Phantoms provided napalm on right flank and artillery walked in front of A Troop. Movement continued, NVA body count builds until 3d Platoon tank bellies up and unable to move forward. NVA target 35 tank with RPG. Troop medics, Sp4 Jones and Sp4 O’keefe, run from track to track under heavy fire to treat wounded. Sp4 O’Keefe arrives at 35 tank and administered life saving assistance to Sp4 Neal. Troop Cdr, members of 3d Platoon and medics on the ground vicinity of 35 tank now burning. Casualties evaced to other tracks and troopers return to their tracks. A Troop commenced movement, A6 track received RPG at point blank range and skins under belly of track. A6 Driver reported NVA in spider hole to the front. A6 track proceeds forward and Troop Cdr drops grenade down spider hole. NVA throws grenade back and shrapnel strikes Troop Cdr in back. Troop Cdr reported to Colonel McGowan, one tank hit by RPGs, blowing up and he was hit. Continued movement out of kill zone. Colonel McGowan directed after lengthy pause, “Roger that my friend, continue movement and I will have you out of there.” 3d plt tank was abandoned and on fire, B Troop sweeps around burning tank. 1st plt continued advance on squadron axis. 3d Platoon still halted and having trouble maneuvering forward. Lt Ayres mortally wounded, Platoon Sergeant Brewington wounded and platoon rallied by ___________ to move forward with 2d Platoon following. Colonel McGowan directs left turn into clearing to form laager and evac casualties. 1st Platoon executed left turn and began establishing laager. (photo 1) 3d Platoon and 2d Platoon delayed in arriving at laager. Finally, after much individual efforts, 3d Platoon arrived in laager followed by the 2d Platoon. Col.'s LOH started to take out casualties Medivacs arrive and casualties dusted off. Lt Ayres and Sp4 Neal among the first out. A Troop regrouped in laager. B Troop pulled past and now in lead. C Troop having problems maneuvering past destroyed tank that was exploding. A Troop ready to move out and B Troop B6 TC reported Troop Cdr needed medivac, wounded by grenade. Colonel McGowan immediately leaves and goes to B Troop to get the Troop Cdr out. A Troop Cdr requested permission to maneuver around B Troop to break out of the jungle. A Troop on move again. Sweeps around B Troop. By 1530 hrs the squadron had broken through the NVA position. A Troop breaks out of Boi Loi and establishes NDP at about 1700 hrs. Colonel McGowan came in to medivac Cpt Moss. All three Troop Cdrs medivac that day. Lt. Moore acting commander for night and next day. PSG Smith had command of both 2d and 3d plts. Sweep of area of contact by squadron results in finding 46 enemy dead, 2 AK47 rifles, 1 RPG-7 launcher, 4 RPG-7 rds, 1 machinegun, 1000 rds of small arms ammo, & numerous documents. Squadron has 1 KIA, SP4 Neal, (photo/shadowbox) and Lt Ayers (photo/shadowbox) & 16 others wounded. (view article vol 4 no. 8 of the Tropic Lightning News) 0037 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0531 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0602 A Trp and C Trp receiving small arms fire from the south of the NDP. 0612 Arty going in on suspected enemy location. 0910 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB 2 VC bodies; LC XT527349 at 0858 hrs; LD spotted VC jumping into tunnel; LE dropped grenades in the hole, found 2 bodies, 1 AK47, & 1 RPG launcher. Continuing mission. 0955 Gun team scrambled in support of A & C Troops. 1012 Late entry at 0950 hrs A Trp had 1 APC hit by RPG, C Trp had 1 tank hit by RPG. A Trp has 4 WIA. 3 are litter and 1 ambulatory at XT527356. 1034 Air Force on station for air strike at this time. 1048 D Trp ship at A Trp location to dust-off WIA. Picked up 2 litter & 6 ambulatory at XT527356. 1103 A Trp dust-off is complete 1111 C Trp commander wounded and dusted-off. 1115 Air Strike is complete. 1121 D Trp gun team expended 50% of basic load in area of contact. Mission complete. 1141 Air strike is on station. 1151 Air strike is complete. 1158 A Trp on move out of contact area. 1211 A Trp & C Trp receiving fire. 1229 D Trp gun team on station. 1245 Air strike on station for XT490337. 1248 A Trp received to 2 RPGs from right flank. 2 tanks hit. 1258 1 A Trp tank is on fire. 1300 A Trp location is XT517346. 1305 Arty mission is complete. 1310 A Trp has 6 litter, urgent. 1312 Dust-off for A Trp ETA in 15 min. 1314 D Trp will handle A Trp dust-off. 1315 Update to Div G3, squadron has 24 WIA. 1317 Air strike is complete. 1319 D Trp 39 has completed dust-off for A Trp. 1340 D Trp 37 has completed dust-off for A Trp. 1410 A Trp rpts has APC with thrown track (A10). 1420 Air strike at XT529348. 1459 A Trp at XT500344. 1534 Air strike on station. 1638 A Trp closed NDP. 1642 A Trp trains arrived at NDP. 1752 A Trp NDP at XT459372. 1820 MG Williamson directed troops to have stand-down at their NDPs for maintenance effect 0700 hrs. 2010 A Trp LP status: A10 on 280 degrees at 100m, A20 on 215 degrees at 75m, & A30 on 353 degrees at 100m. 2015 A10 LP departing NDP. A20 LP is in position 2045 All A Trp LPs in position. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 18 Summary: Squadron conducted resupply and maintenance. Lt. Moore acting commander. Colonel McGowan drops off A Troop Cdr after wounded were visited in hospital. 0022 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0655 A Trp stand-to complete. 1315 Division Chaplain arrived to conduct services. 1346 There will be an awards team that will go with A Trp on tomorrows operation. 1400 A Trp will test fire M2, M60, & M16 on 90 degree azimuth. 1850 A Trp requested permission to test fire 1 M2 on 120 degree azimuth. OK from CPT Fullerton. 1900 A Trp change in frequencies: Trp is 36.25 & A30 is 36.90. 1930 A Trp LP status: A10 on 3000 degrees at 100m, A20 on 260 degrees at 75m, & A30 on 110 degrees at 75m. 1945 Warning Order from Div G3: 3/4 Cav will be prepared on order to reinforce Trang Bang or Go Dau Ha effective immediately. Occupy old FSB Hampton location for CP and relieve 2/12 CAV 1st Cav Div, Sweep TL 19. 2000 A20 LP departing NDP. 2008 A10 & A20 LPs in position. 2013 A30 LP in position. 2330 Message from G2: 3 Bns of NVA armed with AK47, RPGs, & 4 75mm recoilless rifles were reported passing Ben Cui III at 2300hrs at XT450450 traveling N to S into the Boi Loi Woods. Jan 19 Summary: Squadron departs Bo Loi Woods. A Trp escorts Sqdrn CP. A Troop leads out and same tank that hit mine going into Bo Loi, hit mine going out of Bo Loi. 0842 A Trp be prepared to have 1 platoon at FSB Hampton. 0854 A Trp commencing reconnaissance-in-force. 0927 A Trp has found 1 hooch and several bunkers (1 6x6' & 1 6'x8'). Will blow with Bangalore Torpedo. 1200 A20 element enroute to FSB Hampton. 1210 A20 at CP12. 1222 A20 cleared CP A. 1230 A20 cleared CP18. 1237 A20 cleared CP06. ???? A Trp security plt at CP05 enroute to XT413241. ???? A20 at CP20. 1453 A Trp location is XT413241. 1542 A Trp lead CP12. 1600 A Trp lead CP18. 1607 A Trp lead at CP06. 1630 A Trp lead at CP20. 1636 A Trp and Sqdn CP closed FSB Hampton at XT413241. 1755 Battery B 3rd Bn 13th Arty closed FSB Hampton. A Trp sent a scout squad to secure remainder of B/3/13. 1930 A Trp has linked up with the Arty Bn trains. 2030 Late entry: A Trp and Arty closed at 19:45 hrs. 2045 A Trp mission for tomorrow: provide security for sqdn CP and trains at FSB Hampton, be prepared to assume responsibility for RT 1 on 21 Jan. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 20 Summary: Battery B 3rd Bn 13th Artillery at FSB Hampton is placed in DS support of 3/4 Cav. Battery B supported the Cavalry in numerous contact missions. On many occasions a preparation was fired prior to the Cavalry entering a specific area. This was used very effectively to soften the enemy' s position. The surveillance for the period of 25 January to April 3 1969 included a body count of 127 NVA KIA; 30 NVA wounded; numerous blood trails, and 15 bunkers, several machine gun positions, and 600 meters of trench line destroyed. A Trp secures FSB Hampton. 0015 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 19?? A30 requests test fire on 40 degree azimuth. 1940 A30 LP on 60 degree azimuth at 50m. 1956 A Trp LPs in position. 2100 A Trp spotted movement 200m on 90 degree azimuth from their position. Request permission to engage. Granted by Go Dau Ha Sub-sector. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 21 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0530 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0711 A10 on the move. 0730 A10 is at CP19. 0736 A Trp is at CP07 and doing a 180 degree turn. 0737 A Trp rpts that road is clear from CP20 to Trang Bang. 0755 A10 is at CP19 doing a 180 degree turn. 0825 A10 is at CP07 headed up alternate MSR. 0831 A 10 is at CP 19. 0847 A10 is at CP20. 0900 A10 is at CP05. 0918 A10 is at CP22 making 180 degree turn. 0926 A10 is at CP04. 0932 A10 is at CP21. 0940 A10 closed squadron CP location. 1245 A Trp escorts and lowboy departing for C Trp's location. 1315 A Trp escorts and lowboy at C Trp's location. 1421 A Trp escorts and lowboy have returned to FSB Hampton. 1630 A Trp escort and lowboy have returned to FSB. 1636 A10 departing FSB Hampton enroute to its NDP (XT487347). 16?? A10 has closed its NDP. 1845 ARVN's have requested a possible reaction force for a unit in contact. 1846 A10 will return to FSB Hampton. 1915 A10 is at CP05. 1920 A10 is at CP20. 1925 A10 elements back at FSB Hampton. 2035 A Trp reports lights on 90 degree azimuth at 200m. Continuing to observe. 2206 SPOTREP: LA A35; LB 2 individuals; LC XT417242 at 2206; LD 2 individuals walking SE to NW 200m out near woodline; LE observing w/starlight, request permission to engage. 2216 Permission to engage with small arms only granted by ARVN. Jan 22 Summary: Colonel McGowan notified Troop Cdr that Lt Ayers (photo/shadowbox) died at 12th Evac from wounds received on Jan 17th. 0005 A Trp has spotted movement 200 meters out on 40 degree azimuth. Engaging. 0034 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB movement; LC 40 degree azimuth 400 meters; LD spotted with starlight & engaged with 50 cal; LE continuing to observe. 0530 Stand-to is complete. 0650 A20 departing FSB Hampton. 0655 A30 on the move. 0703 A20 at CP19. 0708 A30 at CP05. 0725 A20 cleared CP07. 0800 A30 at CP18 & doing a 180 turn. 0814 A20 has met up with C Troop. 0830 LTC McGowan directs that all 45 cal pistols be put in 50 cal ammo cans that will be painted red. All personell 1SG & up will be authorized a 45 cal. All others will turn theirs in and tag them. Will be put at plt level. 0836 A30 at CP22. 0840 A20 at CP19. 0843 MSR swept & clear. 0849 A20 entering FSB Hampton. 0853 A30 at CP05. 1205 A Trp will conduct RIF in location that C Trp was suppose to go. 1338 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB bunker; LC XT444255 at 1335 hrs; LD blown in place; LE cont mission. 1345 SPOTREP: Saber 3; LB 5 personnel & 90 cows; LC XT441259 at 1343 hrs; LD moved northeast when A Trp entered the area. 1445 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB bunker & tunnel; LC XT447257 at 1435 hrs; LD 4'x4', overhead cover, 2 bunkers connected by tunnel to 3rd & 4th bunkers, sleeping area; LE blown in place. 1610 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB booby trap; LC XT453254 at 1605 hrs; LD exploded/tripped in trees; LE . negative damage. 1615 A20 on road headed to CP18. 1720 A30 at CP18. 1728 A30 at CP06. 1741 A30 at CP05. 1750 A30 had a tank hit a telephone pole at CP05. Plt Ldr in ARVN compound at this time. 1810 Tomorrow A Trp will have 2 plts on RIF from CP18 north through the wood line, then swing SE to XT478265. 1815 A30 has closed FSB Hampton. 2225 A Trp has a negative Sitrep. Jan 23 Summary: Troop establishes NDP at FSB Hampton (photo). Troop clears road. Troop conducts a reconnaissance-in-force at XT452270. 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0555 Stand-to is complete. 0653 A10 starting road sweep at CP20. 0706 A20 at CP06. 1013 A Trp at C Trp's NDP from last night awaiting instructions. 1150 A Trp at XT452270. Negative findings at this time. 1410 A Trp at XT468280. 1632 A Trp entering NDP at FSB Hampton. 1642 A Trp completely closed in FSB Hampton. 2025. SPOTREP: LA A30; LB movement; LC at 2025 hrs; LD movement around fire on 170 degree azimuth at 200 meters, possibly burning trash; LE continuing mission. 2319 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 24 Summary: Troop departs NDP to sweep MSR from CP22 to CP07. Troop conducts a reconnaissance-in-force at XT496927. Locates 10 tunnels & fighting positions. Destroys tunnels and returned to FSB Hampton at 1652 hrs. 0021 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0545 Stand-to is complete. 0653 A30 departing FSB Hampton. 0658 A10 departing FSB Hampton. 0703 A30 starting road sweep at CP20. 0711 A10 starting road sweep at CP19. 0740 A10 sweep complete & returning to FSB Hampton. A30 is 1km south of A10. 0817 A10 entering FSB Hampton. 0832 A30 entering FSB Hampton. 1126 A Trp sweep at CP05 1143 A Trp lead at CP18. 1242 A Trp at XT464272 cartwheeling left to the north, negative findings. 1320 A Trp at XT467278, negative SITREP. 1406 A Trp at XT481294. 1508 A Trp at XT487274. Has found tunnels. 1628 A Trp at CP18. 1652 A Trp entering FSB Hampton. 2230 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 25 Summary: Troop secured road in support of B Troop operation in the Parrot's Beak. NVA unit infiltrated a hamlet by coming across the Cambodian border and froming a strong hold. Troop worked Southwest of Go Da Ha to secure a series of small bridges and culverts on roads to Cambodian border. Two to three tracks outpost a bridge/culvert. Two to three more outpost next bridge/culvert. (photo) Illumination fired in support of B Troop NDP where major battle ensued. B Troop broke the NVA stronghold. 0126 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0545 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0735 A20 at CP05. 0752 A Trp to send 2 vehicles to pick-up AVLB at FSB Stewart. 0919 A20 is at CP18. 0951 A Trp to provide security on the Go Dau Ha Bridge. 0954 A Trp RIF elements to return to FSB Hampton for possible security mission. 1020 1 A Trp plt's tanks will secure the 3 bridges on QL1 west of Go Dau Ha. 1140 Cdr A Trp rpts 3 bridges are out posted on the route of advance. 1142 A Trp will be reaction force to B Trps operations. 1505 A Trp requested dustoff for 2 VN civilians at XT348219. 1 severe leg wound & 1 fractured leg. Dustoff 150 will respond. ETA 15 min. 1555 A Trp Cdr & A10 are at CP05. 1630 SPOTREP: LA VN civilian; LB mine in road; LC XT350224 at 1610 hrs; LD 40/50 lb mine on culvert. Culvert not damaged, crater 6'x4', killed one water buffalo & 1 civilian when ox cart hit mine; LE has been there for a while. 1640 A Trp APC hit a mine. Need urgent dustoff for 1 litter at XT352226. Also 2 ambulatory. 1646 A Trp dustoff is complete. APC is combat loss. 1807 A20 in NDP XT355226. 2015 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 26 Troop continues support of B Troop operation in the Parrot's Beak. 0024 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0556 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0735 A Trp beginning road sweep. 0748 A Trp at XT358243. 0831 A Trp at XT352225. 0848 A Trp 300 meters from Bridge. 1031 A Trp has a individual who is 28 years old and not in the Army. Will take to the Go Dau Ha Sub Sector. 1143 A Trp has engineers and sweeping each bridge as they go. 1430 A Trp reports engineers have returned to put laterite on the road. 1542 A Trp mortar tracks have turned around and headed back to Cu Chi. 1553 Engineers with A Trp on way back to squadron CP. 1835 A Trp has picked up the convoy at this time. 1850 A Trp given permission to test fire small 2 50cal MG on a 240 degree azimuth from XT354248. 1915 SPOTREP: LA A20: LB fireing at moving vehicles; LC XT350224 at 1910 hrs; LD 1 lambretta & 1 motorcycle moving north toward plt, were being fired on by ARVNs, they saw A Trp and turned back; LE continuing to observe. 2227 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 27 Troop continues support of B Troop operation in the Parrot's Beak. Squadron redeploys to MSR. 0035 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0545 Stand-to is complete. 0802 A Trp is at XT350224. 1010 A Trp will check out wood line to their front. Then they will hook back & prepare for move to the North. 1529 A Trp has linked up with B Trp and are on the way in. Squadron redeploys to the MSR. 1543 A Trp at CP05. 1603 A Trp has closed Command Post. 1852 HHT, Cmd Post, A Trp & B Trp are at FSB Hampton. 2320 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 28 Summary: NDP in FSB Hampton. Sweep MSR then conduct RIF in small rubber plantation with 2 plts on left flank of B Trp. 0022 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0605 Stand-to is complete. 0709 A10 will sweep to CP07, A20 will sweep to CP18 and back to CP22. Sweeps moving out now. 0740 A20 at CP 06, A10 at CP07 and returning. 0741 A10 at CP19. 0745 A20 at CP18. 0752 A20 at CP08. 0755 A20 at CP20. 0815 A20 at CP04. 0822 A20 at CP22. Visibility only 50 meters. 0844 Joint operation with US Advisors/Go Dau Ha Sub-Sector. A & B Trps depart FSB Hampton enroute to small rubber for RIF in plantation from Hwy QL22 in a northeast direction. The 2 plts of A Trp on the left of B Trp. 0851 A10 at CP04 linking up with A20. 0901 A Trp lining up with B Trp at CP21. 1005 A Trp has come upon RF/PF forces working in the small rubber plantation. 1019 A Trp is at XT374334 and B Trp at XT378330. 1128 A Trp is sending two vehicles down to pick up squadron trains at Trang Bang. 1156 A & B Trps on line at XT385328 conducting Search & Destroy mission. 1328 A10 and A20 being sent back to FSB Hampton. 1341 A Trp lead now on the road. 1430 A Trp now in NDP. 1543 A30 departing FSB to A Trp NDP at XT452275. 1800 A Trp NDP at XT455267. A10 at XT458252. 1810 A30 enroute to outpost culvert at XT458252. 1835 A30 closed A Trp NDP. 1945 A Trp test fire 1 50cal, 1 m60, & 1 90mm on 75 degree azimuth from XT458252. 1953 A10 test 1 50cal on 45 degree azimuth. 2018 A30 test fire complete. 2123 SPOTREP: LA A30; LB moving lights in wood line; LC 120 degree azimuth from CP B at 500 meters, 2125 hrs; LD observed lights in wood line: LE request permission to engage with 50cal. approved. 2155 A Trp engaged moving lights. Negative results. 2310 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB movement; LC 245 degree azimuth at 200 meters from XT455267, 2300 hrs; LD 2 individuals with water buffalo herd; LE permission to engage given by ARVNs. 2330 Negative SITREP. Jan 29 Summary: A Trp sweeps and clears MSR. Outpost MSR & escort convoy. 0030 Negative SITREP. 0605 A Trp stand-to complete. 0654 A30 begins sweep of MSR. A10 to sweep to CP07 and then escort convoy. A20 to sweep to CP25. A30 to outpost CPB, CPR & CP12. 0751 A Trp has a tank with thrown track near CP12. 0804 A Trp trains departing NDP for command post. 0815 A20 at CP05 and has begun outposting. 0818 A Trp sector of MSR is clear. 0838 A Trp trains entering the FSB. 0935 A10 elements with the convoy. 1252 ETA of convoy at Tay Ninh 1300 & at Dau Tieng 1320. 1630 A Trp trains departing FSB for NDP. 1646 A Trp elements have closed NDP. 1650 A Trp (A10 & A30) NDP at XT455267. A20 at XT466251. 1831 A10 in NDP. 2105 A Trp radar is operational: L 2300 mils, R 4600 mils, center 3450 mils, range 500m. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 30 Summary: A Trp sweeps and outposts the MSR. 0025 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0355 A20 requested to engage movement at XT457268. Permission granted. 0409 A20 engaged w sm arms & movement stopped. Will check area at first light. 0643 A Trp sweeps: A10 from NDP to CP07, A20 from NDP to CPB, & A30 from NDP to the north. 0745 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB road obstacles; LC XT469210 at 0740 hrs; LD soda cans & trash on road 100 meters in length for width of road, propaganda leaflets on stakes, no booby traps; LE clearing. 0801 A Trp trains enroute to command post. 0822 Ref the road obstacle. It included one mine electrically detonated. Blown in place left a crater 4' deep & 4' wide. 0830 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB dud 105 rd; LC XT480219 at 0830 hrs; LD blew in place; LE cont mission. 1239 A Trp element escorting AVLB reached FSB Stewart. 1347 A Trp picked up the convoy at CP36. 5 MU from Tay Ninh & 2 from Dau Tieng. 1549 A Trp trains departing FSB to NDP. 1649 A Trp NDP is at XT456263. 1830 A20 will strong point culvert at XT458252. 1913 A Trp requested permission to test fire M60, M16 on 90 degree azimuth from XT458252. Permission granted. 1920 A Trp test firing 1 50cal. on 55 degree azimuth from NDP. Cleared by ARVNs. 1948 A Trp radar: L 2600 mils, R 4200 mils, C 3400 mils at 500 meters. 2232 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Jan 31 Summary: A Trp sweeps and outposts the MSR. Escorts convoy. 0025 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0532 A Trp stand-to complete. 0558 A10 leaving the radio net. 0710 A30 is on the move. 0712 A Trp leaving FSB. 0714 A20 starting sweep. A30 is at CP18. 0721 A30 is at CPA. 0728 A30 is at CPD. 0733 A30 is at CP12. 0742 A10 is at CP18. A20 is at CPR. 0805 A Trp seeep is at CP36. Trains are at CP06. 0822 A22 at CP07 making a 180. 0828 A Trp sweep at CP25. A Trp prepare VTR for recovery of vehicle that has run out of diesel. 1140 A Trp outposting MSR. A10 CP07 to CPB, A30 at CP25, & A20 with convoy. 1300 Warning Order: From 25th ID mission change for 3/4 Cav, move & establish NDP north of Go Dau Ha. Orient & protect Go Dau Ha from the N/NE/E. Upon return of C Trp be prepared to establish NDP Feb 1 at XT3419. On order mission. 1340 A Trp lead is at CP12. Trail is at CP36. 1621 A Trp trains departing FSB for NDP. 1705 A Trp NDP at XT455266. 1905 A Trp requests permission to test fire one 50 cal, & 1 90mm on 65 degree azimuth from NDP. Permission granted by ARVN. 2026 A Trp radar status: L 2100 mils, R 5200 mils, C 3650 mils, & range 500 meters. 2325 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 1 Summary: Cpt John Wells arrives at Troop and spends the day and night with Cpt Moss. A Trp sweeps and outposts the MSR. Escorts convoy. 0025 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0100 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB trip flare set-off; LC XT465253; LD engages with 50cal & M73; LE no return fire, continuing mission. 0534 A Trp stand-to complete. 0608 A20 will oupost from CP07 to CP25. 0650 A30 starting sweep. 0706 A30 at CP05. 0711 A20 is on the move. 0715 A10 is on the move. 0724 A10 is at CPA. A30 is at CP06. 0729 A30 is at CP18. 0733 A10 is at CPD. 0735 A Trp trains departing NDP for FSB. 0739 A10 is at CP12. 0741 A Trp trains at CP18. 0750 SPOTREP: LA A27; LB RVN flag & propaganda; LC XT467237 at 0735 hrs; LD flag torn into 25 pieces and propaganda in English against the war; LE continuing mission. 0806 A Trp sweep at CP06. 0808 A Trp trains at FSB. 0819 A10 sweep at CP36 and completed outposting at this time. 0825 A20 at CPZ. 0830 A20 sweep complete and sector is clear. 0849 A20 outposting 2 veh at CPB & CPR. 0947 A Trp element with convoy at CP16. 0953 A Trp lead at CPA. 0955 A Trp lead at CPD. 1122 A Trp trail at CP32. 1355 Tay Ninh convoy at CP25. 1402 Dau Tieng convoy at CP12. 1625 A30 closing into NDP. 1628 A Trp(-) departing for NDP. 1635 A Trp at CP05. 1642 A20 at CP20. 1646 A20 in FSB. 1653 A Trp at CP18. 1700 A Trp(-) at XT452266. A Trp strong point at XT458252. 1818 A10 in NDP. 1917 A Trp radar status: L 2000 mils, R 4200 mils, C 3100 mils, & range 500 meters. 2325 A Trp negative SITREP. Feb 2 Summary: Cpt Wells assumed command. A Trp assigned to convoy duty on MSR. Major battle near the Ben Cui Plantation (see map). C Trp makes contact around 10:00AM still in major contact at 14:30. MG Williamson releases A Trp from convoy duty to reinforce right flank of C Trp. Abt 17:00 hrs B Trp release from security of FSB Hampton & moves up on the flank of A Trp. ARVN Marines reinforce C Trp. Squadron assaults online. RPG fire from bunkers across entire front. 1 A Trp & 2 B Trp APCs burning. 23 WIA, 3 KIA, & 1 man missing. Squadron withdraws across clearing to south. ARVN Marines make night assault at midnight and find enemy has withdrawn. PFC Haake, missing man, spent night hidden on enemy position. SGT Feeney, (photo/shadowbox) PFC Ramsey, (photo/shadowbox) PFC McKinnon (photo/shadowbox), & CPL Callister (B Trp) KIA. 0023 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0535 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0700 A30 starting to sweep north of CP25 & establishing outposts. A10 will sweeep from CPB to CP07 & outpost. A20 sweeps form FSB to CP18 & escorts convoy. 0704 A20 leaving squadron net. 0706 A30 at CP18. 0711 A10 starting sweep. A30 is at CPA. 0720 A30 is at CP12. 1032 A Trp rpts that nobody is at CP12 to pickup the convoy. Maj. Harrison says to let them turn & go without us. 1034 C Trp has flushed out approx 6 VC by Inf at XT388314, also found 5 foxholes. 1048 C Trp receiving fire from left flank. 1141 C Trp Dustoff, 3 ambulatory , shapnel US, XT393313. 1205 C Trp receiving RPG & SA fire. 1230 Dustoff ship hit while landing. Pilot has light shrapnel wounds, crew chief has broken arm. Rtn to Dau Tieng. 1335 Airstrike going in at this time. 1400 C trp began to sweep again, received auto fire RPG's, pulling back, 1 APC hit. 1408 Air stike going in at this time. 1428 MG Williamson gave permission to remove A Trp from convoy and put them in area of contact. A Trp road marches to Go Dau Ha turns off the road and travels 2 miles Northeast to link up with the squadron. 1615 C trp needs 50 cals, has 5 nonoperable, needs 4 M60s , has 10 main gun rds left, needs 2 coax for his tanks. 1633 A Trp arrived on line w/C trp, made contact. 1630 Troop on reconnaissance-in-force. 1655 4th airstrike going in at this time. 1713 5th airstrike will be on station at 1730 hrs. 1744 B Trp moves up into the area of contact. 1751 FAC bringing up another strike. 1759 B Trp is moving up onto A Trp flank. 1837 A Trp has 1 man w/frag wound in head from air strike, will dustoff w/Muleskinner. 1848 A Trp has 3 Public Information Officers that would like to get out, neg. 1856 ALL Trps moving out on line. Entire squadron is on line. Receive heavy fire from bunker complex in woodline. Troop assaults woodline. 1908 A Trp has an APC hit w/RPG, unk damage or casualties. 1912 RPG hit a tree to front of A Trp. 1914 A Trp reports another RPG. Sgt Finney, TC A14, (photo/shadowbox) is KIA attempting to clear M2 50 Cal. A14 takes 100mm recoilless rifle through the side. A14 also hit by several RPG's. 3 crewmembers were blown out the backdoor and wounded. Platoon medic, "Doc" Jones, went to their aid and while treating one of them had his leg run over as Cpl Davenport, A14 driver, who was wounded and firing at the enemy tried to back the burning APC out of the kill zone. Ammo catches on fire as A14 burns. PFC McKinnon is KIA (photo/shadowbox) when M60 mg he is holding is hit by an RPG and explodes while he is on the backdeck of A35. A 2nd RPG hits vehicle and blast knocks PFC Roger Haake off the backdeck. PFC Haake initially unaccounted for and spent night in enemy positions. See Tropic Lightning News Article March 3, 1969. PFC Ramsey is KIA (photo/shadowbox). Troop begins to withdraw back across clearing with casualties and establishes night defensive position. A14 continues to burn most of the night. 1915 B Trp has 2 tracks burning. 1920 A Trp while pulling back receiving fire from right flank. 1939 ALL Sqdn elements located West of N-S road vic XT391301 (Northeast of HWY QL22). 1940 At 1950 hrs a "spookie" (C130 gunship) will be on station. 1951 A Trp has 4 litter w/ C Trp for dustoff purpose. 2008 B Trp has 2 wounded, D Trp 73 w/dustoff. 2019 D trp 73 dustoff: 4 litter enroute to Cu Chi 2 ambulatory. 2020 FAC 14 up for air strike. 2038 D Trp 63 picked up 6 personnel, 5 ambulatory & 1 litter. 2106 "Leatherneck" will make an assault to the south. 2142 ISSUE 16 FAC up on station, Spooky 76 on station, 1 - 2 hrs stations. 2150 Total 30 BC KBA. 2225 Air strikes are rolling in at this time. 2245 Air strikes complete, another on station. 2353 ARVN Marines moving out on assault to south. 2356 A Trp has 5-6 machine guns they need in field, also get request for vital resupply in morning, have slicks on call from D Trp. 2400 Journal closed. Feb 3 Summary: Continuation/wrap-up of major battle near the Ben Cui Plantation (see map). A Trp evacuates KIAs from previous day. Returns to FSB Hampton. 0046 ARVN Marines make night assault on enemy positions. 0050 ARVN Marines have crossed the north/south road. Are 30 meters from area of contact. Negative results. 0120 Leatherneck 1 reports 4 BC and 1 captured ChiCom machine gun. 0135 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0546 A Trp has completed stand-to. 0830 3/4 Cav elements, 3/22 Inf & ARVN Marines starting to sweep area of contact. 0843 A Trp has 1 KIA to evacuate and 1 urgent dustoff of man with shrapnel in leg. D Trp will provide dustoff in 15 mins. 0922 ARVN Marines have found 12 VC KIA & 1 VC POW along with 1 50cal, 1 BAR, 1 75mm Recoilless rifle. 1022 D Trp enroute to A Trp to pickup 2 KIAs. 1200 All Trps moving back to FSB Hampton. 1234 A Trp closing on FSB Hampton. 1530 A Trp departing FSB. Lead at CP05. 1535 A Trp trains departing FSB. 1547 A Trp reports that between CP05 and CP06 people openly hostile. Also wearing blue shirts & pants similar to those in last night's contact. Several people in Go Dau Ha w/possible frag wounds. A Trp lead at CP06. 1555 A Trp at CP 18 & trains at CP6 1600 A Trp trains at CP18. 1605 A Trp trains in NDP. 1637 A20 & Trp HQ at NDP, XT455270. 1919 A Trp has a strong point at XT458252. 2049 A Trp radar status: L 2400 mils, R 5400 mils, C 3900 mils at 500 meters. 2127 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 4 Summary: A Trp sweeps and outposts the MSR. Escorts convoy. 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0431 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0654 A10 sweeps from FSB to CP05 to CP18. Then A10 escorts the convoy. A20 sweeps from NDP to CP 25 & outposts MSR. A30 sweeps from CPB to CP07 & outposts the MSR. 0743 A Trp trains departing NDP for FSB. 0812 A Trp trains at FSB. 0902 A20 completed sweep & outposted. 0932 A Trp observed a burial at XT443273. Several indiv rode away on bicycles & others entered woods. 1018 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB picutre; LC XT422266 at 1018 hrs; LD picture against hootch of chopper being shot down. 1100 A Trp reports MP jeep turned over 600 meters east of CP25. 1 man medevaced through other channels. 1105 SPOTREP: LA A25; LB convoy vehicle hit mine; LC XT348448 at 1040 hrs; LD flat bed hit mine, slight damage, blown tires, 3x3' crater from 30/35 Lbs mine; LE changing tires. 1436 A Trp reports vehicle hit mine. Negative damage, vehicle is able to move on. 1547 A Trp trains departing FSB. 1615 A Trp trains entering NDP. 1655 A10 & Trp Hq NDP at XT453263. A20 will be at CPB & A30 will be in FSB. 1800 A20 departing for strong point. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 5 Summary: A Trp sweeps and outposts the MSR. Escorts convoy. Returns to Cu Chi for stand-down. 0028 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0535 A30 stand-to is complete. 0544 A Trp(-) stand-to is complete. 0640 A20 sweeps from NDP to CP07 & outposts to CPR/CPB. A10 seeeps from NDP to CP25 & outposts. A30 sweeps from FSB to CP18 & picks up/escorts convoy. 0744 A Trp trains departing NDP for Cu Chi. 0920 A10 has completed sweep and is outposted. 0928 Centaur 42 rpts 2 personal lying in culvert at XT362432. A Trp will check it out. 1017 A Trp rpts a cemetery at XT400393 where they are burying 8 people. 1131 A Trp trains have entered Cu Chi. 1633 A Trp departing for move back to Cu Chi. 1748 A Trp entering motor pool at Cu Chi. 2400 Journal closed. Feb 6 Summary: A Trp at Cu Chi for stand-down. Feb 7 Summary: A Trp at Cu Chi for stand-down. Feb 8 Summary: A Trp at Cu Chi for stand-down. Formation and awards ceremony at squadron HQ. Feb 9 Summary: A Trp at Cu Chi for stand-down. Feb 10 Summary: A Trp returns to operations along MSR. Conducts RIF & outposts MSR. Troop operates without M48 Tanks that have been turned in at Cu Chi for the replacement M551 Sheridan tanks. Tank crewmen given option to transfer to other tracks or troop headquarters. M551 trained crewmen had started arriving as replacements as early as the last week of December 68. M551s picked up at Long Bhin and driven back to A Troop motor pool (photo). Tank crews undergo M551 training for several weeks. See article on M551 training in the Mar 3 issue of the Tropic Lightning News. See a crew qualification patch here given to crews on completion of training. Crews modifiy vehicles to meet the needs of the field. Bustle racks were constructed and welded on with help of 65th Engineers. Additional racks added to hold more 50cal ammo. Mounts for a 2nd M2 50 cal machinegun added to the front of the loaders hatch. The TC's overide was moved up to the right side of the TC hatch so it could be fired by the TC riding high in the cupoloa. The gunners rode in the bustle rack on the outside and guarded the rear of the vehicle with an M16 rifle. xxxx A Trp departs Cu Chi. 0907 A Trp holding at CP18. 1045 A Trp conducts RIF vic XT442265. 1055 A Trp has found some spider holes, placing dismounts out. 1125 A Trp at XT445255. 1150 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB tunnel & bunker; LC XT438254 at 1150 hrs; LD 1 tunnel 10' long, 2 bunkers 2x2'x3', 1 bunker 4'x4'x4'. All about 3 or 4 months old; LE checking area/will destroy. 1153 A Trp found a dud 155mm rnd at XT438253, no fuse. Blown in place. 1219 SPOTREP: LA B23; LB 2 bunkers; LC XT439251 at 1215 hrs; LD 4'x4x2' about 3 to 3 wks old, no activity: LE blown in place/continued mission. 1310 A Trp at CP B and outposting. 1320 A Trp will take right flank of MSR and make sweep through at CPB. 1534 A Trp trains departing FSB for NDP. 1603 A Trp(-) NDP at XT453263. Plt strong point at XT459253. 1623 A Trp trains entering NDP. 2030 A Trp radar status: L 5600 mils, R 2400 mils, C 800 mils at 750 meters. 2135 A Trp has spooted 5 personnel moving in woodline at XT450262. Permission to fire given by Bao Don advisor. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 11 Summary: A Trp sweeps and outposts the MSR. Escorts convoy. Establishes NDP and 1 platoon strongpoint. 0021 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0535 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0654 A30 is on the move. Will sweep CPB to CP07. 0704 A10 is on the move. Will sweep CP18 to CP36. 0713 A10 is at CP18. 0723 A30 is at CP R. A10 is at CP A. 0727 A10 is at CP D. 0733 A10 is at CP12. 0745 A30 is outposting. Has a roving partol of 2 vehicles from CP O to CP S. 0958 A20 is escorting convoy. Lead is at CP O. 1158 A Trp section has been extended to CP25. 1222 A Trp has relieved unit at CP25 at this time. 1638 A Trp(-) NDP at XT455266. 1 platoon strong point at XT458252. 2055 SPOTREP 1: LA A Trp; LB automatic weapons fire; LC XT440238 at 2040 hrs; LD 2 trip flairs and 50 cal fire to the NW; LE continuing to observe SPOTREP 2: LA A Trp; LB automatic weapons fire; LC XT456252 at 2040 hrs; LD 2 unk cal fire on a 170 degree azimuth; LE continuing to observe. 2316 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 12 Summary: 1st platoon sets up night laager at XT458235 (CP B) near X. Gia Binh on Hwy LTL 19. Lt Moore, SGT Blanding, SP4 Harwell, and platoon medic wounded by booby trap set off in position. SGT Hawley calls in medevac. 0020 A Trp neg sit rep 0115 Perimeter neg sit rep, A Trp neg sit rep 0220 SPOTREP: LA-A Trp, LB-Movement LC-470308, LD-Spotted movement on 180º 2 O’Clock set off a starcluster Neg further 0225 A and C Trp neg sit rep 0430 A and B Neg sit rep 0525 B & C Trp neg sit rep 0535 A Trp stand to complete 0705 A Trp moving out on sweep 1400 A Trp 10 element at CP 18 1410 A Trp 10 element at CP B 1420 A Trp 20 lead of convoy at CP A 1433 A Trp 20 and convoy at CP06 1441 A Trp 20 w/convoy at CP05 1521 A Trp and convoy trail cleared CP18 1533 A Trp and convoy trail at CP 05 1540 Be Prepared Mission Rec’d From Div be prepared to assemble SQdn via Go Da Hau as a reactionary force, no move req’d at this time. Note: US Aircraft has gone down on Cambodian side of Angel’s Wing A/C orbiting the area. Tracked trying to receive permission to extract A/C and crew. If necessary, ¾ Cav will be ground reaction force. A/C Location XT274229. 1540 A Trp trains at CP06 A 30 trail at CP 18 1550 A Trp trail at CP 06 1553 A Trp trains at CP 18 1557 A Trp trains at NDP 1600 A Trp convoy trail CP20 1605 A Trp 20 & 30 NDP XT455266 A10 at CP B No LP’s 1646 3rd Plt, Trp A closed NDP 1741 A Trp had a booby trap go off at CP B 4 litter 1 amb. Centaur 63 is dustoff 1745 Centaur 63 off Hampton to CP B. 1750 Dustoff complete for A Trp 2 litter 1751 Cent 73 enroute to CP B for 1 litter 1753 A Trp sending 1 reinforce sub element out to CP B 1758 Dustoff complete for A Trp at 1805 from Maj Harrison to stand down the Aerorifles 1813 SPOTREP: LA A Trp 10; LB booby trap; LC CP B T1715; LD 1 M79 rnd in base of tree results 4 litter 1 amb; LE Did not know how it was set off. 1820 A Trp 30 CP R 1832 A Trp 1 reinforce element is at CP B. Engineers down checking out area. 1940 Cent 63 off from CP B 2028 A, B, C, Neg sit rep 2125 A, C, perimeter neg sit rep also C Trp LP’s in pos. 2223 A, C Trp Neg sit rep 2231 Perimeter neg sit rep 2327 A, C Trp neg sit rep Feb 13 0030 All elements sit rep neg 0045 From rear toc at 122350 ARVNs at Trang Bang reported 500 VC vic XT505155 w/1 122 mm rocket and launcher and 62 mm mortars Mission to attack Trang Bang 12 Feb. ARVNs C-2 rating Us F-6 rating 0535 A Trp stand to complete 0700 A Trp sweep from CP B CP07, A20 sweep from N DP CP12, A30 sweep from NDP- CP-18-CP05-CP22 0703 A Trp 20 beginning sweep 0704 A Trp 30 sweep started 0709 A Trp 20 at CP18 07-- C Trp 20 departing FSB 07-- ?? at CP18 07-- A10 on move 07-- A Trp 30 at CP06 07-- A Trp 30 at CP04 0735 SPOTREP: A, ATrp 10, B road obstacle C XT463243, 0735, D stretched 100M along road with road contained straw covering road with bamboo poles and flags 0745 A Trp 30 at CP22 0755 A Trp 10 has found 2 mines in road obstacle 0807 A Trp trains departed NDP for FSB Hampton 0828 A Trp 30 at NDP from last night waiting on convoy 0830 C Trp eng team to be lifted out to C Trp 20 position at CP07 to help A Trp 0835 A Trp trains closed FSB Hampton 0845 A Trp sweep at CP486207 0851 A Trp sweep at XT480218 0855 A Trp closing on CP07 0931 A Trp reports there is a lot of interfering traffic on their freq 0932 A Trp convoy CP S 0937 A Trp convoy at CP 18 0941 A Trp convoy at CP A 0943 R 50: A Trp reports according to Hoi Chan the traffic is VC also ref to yesterday’s booby trap it was a dud M 79 rnd that was picked up by a cook 0946 A Trp convoy at CP D 0955 A Trp convoy at CP 12 1528 A Trp trains departing FSB for NDP 1538 Trains cleared CP 05 1538 Trail convoy CP Z 1541 Trail convoy CP 07 1552 Trains cleared CP 18 1600 A Trp trains reached NDP 1611 A Trp NDP XT455267, 20 vic CP B 2005 SPOTREP: A Trp 20, moving lights XT458244 T, 2000 3 lights 900 meters south in wood line, 50 to 100 meters apart can be seen by naked eye, Requesting arty 2130 Trp A, Trp C perimeter base camp neg sit rep 2230 All elements sit rep negative Feb 14 Summary: A Trp outposts the MSR. Conducts sweep in Boi Loi Woods. M551s arrive in Cu Chi. 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0535 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0726 A30 departing NDP. A10 at CP18. 0755 A10 & A20 cleared CP18 enroute to pick up Bao Don elements. 0757 A30 at CP05. 0802 A Trp trains departing NDP for FSB. 0808 SPOTREP: LA Engr with A Trp; LB propaganda; LC XT468236 at 0800 hrs; LD propaganda letters from POW to GIs saying don't shoot civilians or burn homes; LE bringing in & continuing mission. 0811 Sweep finished and beginning to outpost. 0829 A Trp trains entering FSB. 1045 A Trp sweep at XT493302 1137 A Trp found 105mm dud at XT441251, blown in place. 1158 A Trp at XT441247 1834 A Trp Sheridans have arrived. Training starts in the morning. 2207 A Trp reports lights at XT467256, requests clearance to engage. Permission granted. 2319 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 15 Summary: A Trp outposts the MSR. Conducts sweep in Boi Loi Woods. Establishes NDP and platoon strong point. M551 training starts in Cu Chi. (Last page of journal missing) 0040 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB movement; LC XT450261 at 0030 hrs; LD radar detected one individual moving on 180 degree azimuth towards perimeter until 25 meters away; LE sent up flare, saw nothing, got another radar hit of personnel moving back to woodline, called in Arty w/unknown results, got a third sighting of personal moving towards perimeter engaged with M79, unknown results. 0535 A Trp stand-to complete. 0714 A20 & A30 starting sweep. 0749 SPOTREP: LA A20 Engr Tm; LB propaganda; LC XT467236 at 0730 hrs; LD paper VC flags & leaflets with statements from GIs about war on poles along road; LE picking up/continuing mission. 0821 A Trp trains departing NDP for FSB. 0936 A20 at CP S. Waiting to escort convoy. 1005 A20 at CP18 picking up convoy. 1039 A Trp requests a LFT VR on area west of road vic Little Rubber at about 1330 hrs. 1245 A Trp rpts that in the village at XT360312 the people have been forced to carry ammo and cart wounded from the battle at the ARVN outpost last night (XT433272). 1519 A Trp trains departing FSB for NDP. 1615 A Trp NDP at XT455266 and platoon strong point at CP B. Feb 16 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Trp sweeps & outposts MSR. A Trp escorts convoy. 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0552 A Trp stand-to complete. 0749 A Trp departing NDP. 0824 SPOTREP: LA A13; LB 30 paper flags and 2 banners; LC At XT466240 at 0810 hrs; LD policing up; LE continuing mission. 0836 A Trp trains on the move. 0925 A10 has completed sweep and is outposting. 1000 A Trp elements have picked up lead of the convoy. 1749 A Trp has closed on FSB Hampton. 2330 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 17 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Troop conducts RIF in southern Boi Loi Woods. 0020 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0540 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0712 A20 is on the move. 0715 A30 is on the move. 0817 A10 is on the move. 0857 A10 is at CP18 with HQ7 & VTR departing for B Trp NDP. 0919 VTR has been delivered to B Trp. 1030 A Trp starting RIF. 1039 A Trp at XT475294 heading on a 160 degree azimuth. 1141 A Trp at XT477268. 1210 A Trp at XT462276. 2333 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 18 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Trp sweeps MSR. A Troop conducts RIF in southern Boi Loi Woods. Establishes NDP and a platoon strongpoint. 0013 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0545 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0710 A Trp beginning sweep. 0730 Road swept from CP07 to CP05. 0750 Road swept from CP05 to CP22. 0933 A Trp on the move to today's operation at XT4628, XT4728, & XT4729. 1003 A Trp at XT474289. 1150 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB graves; LC XT475288 at 1100 hrs; LD 2 old graves & 1 fresh one. One with a 5 star symbol; LE checking them out. 1217 A Trp at XT475272, on the move. 1251 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; 1 Chicom grenade, 1 butterfly bomb; LC XT474265 at 1220 hrs; LD 9 holes in L shape about 1 or 2 months old; LE Engrs will blow in place. 1305 A Trp completed search of area, found 4 old buners and L shaped position. No recent activity. 1326 Ref bunkers, also had pieces of paper with names and numbers on them. Will bring to FSB. 1418 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB possible base camp; LC XT472258 at 1350 hrs; LD 4 bunkers, fighting fighting positions, trench line, 4 rice pots, 2 ponchos, indications of booby traps; LE signs of use in last 5 days. 1447 SPOTREP: LA A Trp; LB punji pit and tunnel; LC XT472252 at 1445 hrs; LD old tunnel w/4 punji pits; LE blowing in place. 1331 A Trp trains at CP18. A Trp has relived C Trp of the road at CP B. 1336 A Trp trains at NDP at XT458265. 1620 A Trp(-) NDP at XT455266 and A10 platoon strongpoint at XT458253. 2030 A Trp radar status: R 58 mils, L 1800 mils, at 500 meters. 2100 SPOTREP: LA A20; LB fires; LC XT455285 at 2100 hrs; LD observed ARVN patrol that popped a star cluster which started the fire; LE continuing to observe. 2324 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 19 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Trp sweeps & outposts MSR. Escorts convoy. Establishes NDP. 0020 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0600 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0702 A30 is on the move. 0822 A Trp cleared MSR from CP18 to CP Z. 0828 A Trp trains departing NDP. 0829 A10 outposting at CP R. 0853 SPOTREP: LA A14; LB bamboo detonator; LC XT458254 at 0800 hrs; LD observed on side of road; LE blown in place, continuing mission. 0909 A Trp trains entering FSB. 0930 A Trp elements escorting convoy. 1515 A Trp resupply departed FSB Hampton enroute to XT456266. 1545 A Trp resupply at NDP. 2105 A Trp radar status: L 5800 mils, C 700 mils, R 1600 mils at 500 meters. 2300 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 20 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Trp sweeps & outposts MSR. Escorts convoy. Establishes NDP and a platoon strong point. 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0540 A Trp stand-to complete. 0710 A20 sweeps south from XT459252. A10 sweeps north from XT455267. 0824 A & B Trps cleared MSR from CP07 to CP22. 0837 A Trp trains departing NDP. 0926 A Trp elements escorting convoy. 1605 A Trp NDP at XT 459252 & 1 element at XT455265. 2353 A Trp has a negative SITREP. Feb 21 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Trp sweeps & outposts MSR. Escorts convoy. Establishes NDP. 0035 A Trp has a negative SITREP 0535 A Trp stand-to is complete. 0700 A Trp beginning sweep. 1032 A Trp trains on the move. 1603 A Trp rpts that a man in the convoy driving vehicle #49 BP 155 #6 was drunk & running Vietnamese people off of the road. 2045 A Trp radar status: 4000 mils, 2400 mils, at 7500 meters. 2225 A Trp perimeter negative SITREP. Feb 22 Summary: M551 crews train in Cu Chi. A Trp sweeps & outposts MSR. Escorts convoy. Establishes NDP and a platoon strong point. Battery B 3rd Bn 13th Artillery in DS of 3/4 Cav moves to FSB Woods II to support 3/4 Cav operations in the Boi Loi Woods. 0030 A Trp has a negative SITREP. 0645 A20 is on the move. 0707 A10 on the move to CP22. 0732 A10 at XT470323. 0740 A Trp trains departing NDP 0803 A Trp trains at FSB. 0806 A20 outposting at CP07. 0945 A10 outposting from XT459252 to XT488204. A30 will escort convoy. 1520 A Trp trains departing FSB. 1555 A Trp(-) NDP at XT452262. A20 platoon strong point at CP B. 1950 A Trp radar status: 1400 mils, 4500 mils, 2950 mils at 500 meters. 2020 A Trp LPs: Charlotte at XT459265, Judy at XT452258. 2105 A Trp rpts LP Judy in position. 2230 A Trp has a negative SITREP. |