Personnel – November 1966

Personnel/Administration

  1. Summary.

            The Battalion spent the entire month in the Phu Bai enclave.

  1. Significant Events.

            The Battalion moved to Phu Bai en masse on 1 November 1966.

On 10 November the Battalion celebrated the 191st Birthday of the Marine Corps.

On 7 November the new Company ‘C’ was formed with Captain R.D. Kelley as Commanding Officer.

  1. Problem Areas/New Developments.
  2. The shortage of Officers is not as critical as it was last month with only six (6) needed to bring the Battalion up to T/O.  There still remains an Enlisted shortage in the 01 field with ten (10) needed to bring the Battalion up to T/O.  There is also an Enlisted shortage in MOS 0341 with 48 needed to reach T/O; MOS 3371 with 7 needed to reach T/O.
  3. The Battalion was quartered in Ely Huts throughout the period covered.
  4. Personnel.
  5. Monthly strength (average chargeable)

                                                     USMC                        USN

                                                   Off/Enl                       Off/Enl

                                                   36/1009                       2/52

  1. Losses.

Battle

   0/4                             0/0

Non-Battle                                0/10                           0/0

Admin                                          4/40               0/6

Total                                             4/54               0/6

  1.             Gained.         6/75                 0/5
  2. Discipline – Courts-Martial, Non-Judicial Punishments.
  3. Discipline during the month of November was excellent as evidenced by the following information.
  4. Courts-Martial

(1)            Awarded:

(a)               Summary – none

(b)               Special – 5

(2)            Completed

(a)               Summary – none

(b)               Special – 5

  1. Non-Judicial Punishment

(1)            Battalion Commander – 5

(2)            Company Commander – 9

  1. Morale, PX, Postal affairs, Liberty, R&R.

Morale is excellent.  The Battalion remained at the Phu Bai combat Base with the job of providing security for the vital area.  Showers were available throughout the month.  Hot ‘A’ and ‘B’ rations were served and the clubs maintained a supply of liquid refreshment.  Liberty was not authorized during the month due to the tactical situation.  R&R was utilized during the month with 73 quotas to Taipei, Hawaii, Singapore, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, Hong Kong, and Okinawa. China Beach in Da Nang was opened for in-country R&R and was utilized by members of this Battalion on the 11th of November and the 21st.  Postal facilities continue to be satisfactory with some delays due to flight cancellations during period of heavy rain.

  1. Chaplain’s Activities.

The Chaplain, Lt. Stephen F. Almasy of 1st Battalion 4th Marines, conducted a total of 37 masses during the month of November.  The location of these masses was at the Phu Bai Combat Base.  The services covered not only our family of 1/4, but also MCB-7, Air Force, and Sub Unit 2.  Mass was also held in each of the CAC Villages in the Phu Bai area and for troops of the 2nd Battalion 26th marines.  Chaplain Almasy participated in a Day of Recollection held in Da Nang, promoted by the 3rd Marine Division.  During the month of November, the Lay leader Program was reorganized to fill the vacancies caused by rotations.  Protestant coverage was provided by Chaplain Almasy making liaison with Protestant Chaplains of nearby units.  Instructions and counseling continued throughout the month with members not only of 1/4, but also others who came seeking assistance.

  This page last corrected 25 August 2011