Intelligence

1. General (Period covered: 1 June to 30 June 1967).  During the reporting period the Battalion was located at Camp Evans with forward units involved in operation Cumberland west of Hue.  The Battalion was disposed in this manner until 15 June when all Battalion elements moved west of Hue and were committed to operation Cumberland.  During this period the intelligence sectional was engaged in supporting the Battalion both in the Camp Evans area as well as the Cumberland TAOR.
2. Enemy Situation in the Battalion Operating Area.
3. The enemy encountered in the Camp Evans TAOR as well as Operation Cumberland were local force Viet Cong guerillas, equipped with carbines and some automatic weapons, with ChiCom grenades, and homemade mines and booby traps.  These units avoid heavy contact and appear to be interested in observing and harassing our forces.  The largest contact made was with approx 30 VC on 10 June when they ambushed the ferry at YD 757133.
4. Terrain.

(a)               Critical Terrain Features.  These included the high ground at YD 717107, the CP site; the ferry sites on the TA Trach River, at YD 756134; and the high ground at YD 603086, the proposed artillery site.

(b)               Cover and Concealment.  The heavy shrubbery and thick undergrowth, along with the heavy canopy afforded excellent concealment.  Due to lack of natural cover, underground bunkers were used.

(c)               Avenues of Approach.  The main avenue of approach was the road, (Route 547) which is being upgraded at this time.  Various footpaths and trails in the area were secondary means of approach.  The Ta Trach River was also a main avenue of approach.

3.              Weather.  The heat and humidity played an important role in our operating area.  The temperature ranged from 100 degrees to 120 degrees during the day with humidity over 80%.  This forces us to limit tiring tactical movement during the heat of the day.  Visibility was excellent with little rainfall.
4. Enemy Personnel and Equipment Losses.

Choctaw            Cumberland

                             (a)               VC (conf)                          9                           1

                                                VC (prob)                           8                           6

                                                VC Captives                      3                           1

                                               Weapons Captured         3                            0

                                                AT mines                           2                            2

                                                Rice                                    580 lbs.                0

                                                Booby traps                      9                            5

Camp Evans:

2.              Terrain:

(a)                Critical Terrain Features.

Hill #51 (YD 549281) was the critical terrain feature.

(b)               Cover and concealment.  Concealment consisted of waist high brush and shrubbery.  The general area was open with many rice paddies.  Cover was afforded by paddies dikes and underground bunkers and sandbags.

  This page last corrected 27 August 2011