Operational Orders #3 – September 1967

 

251330 September 1967

Operation Order 7-67

Ref:     (a)             Map: Viet Nam, 1:50,000, AMS L7014, Sheet 6442 II

             (b)              ForO 3121.2

             (c)               ForO 3121.3

             (d)              1st Bn 4th Mar COI

Time Zone:            H

Task Organization.

            Company D (rein)

                        Det, 3rd Bn 12th Mar (FO Team)

                        Det, HQ Co, 4th Mar (2 Sniper Teams)

                        Det, Engr Co, Engr Bn

                        Interpreters

                        Kit Carson Scouts

                        Det, H&S Co, Inf Bn

                                    Det, Comm Plt

                                    Det, Med Plt.

            Cultural Drama Team

            HS Team (loudspeakers)

            Military and Civil RVN officials

            Local Medical Team

            Medical Team 4th Marines

            Sec, 3rd Mar Div Band

            CIT Team

PSYOP’s Air Broadcast Unit

            RF Company

            PF Platoon

  1. Situation.
  2. Enemy forces.  See current Intsums
  3. Friendly forces.

(a)               4th Marines continues operations against VC/NVA forces in assigned area.

(b)               1st MAW provides fixed wing and helo support.

(c)               3rd Bn 12th Mar provides artillery support as required.

  1. Attachments and Detachments.  See Task Organization.
  2. Mission.  To obtain the support of the people for the GVN, FMAF and US Forces, destroy or weaken the VC infrastructure and to appeal to the VC to rally to the GVN through his family.
  3. Execution.
  4. Concept of Operations.

(1)               Phase I – Gain control of the population.

     (a)       Company D departs Camp Evans 272200H Sept 67; rendezvous with PF Plt and RF Plt at Phong Dien and continues movement toward AP UU Thuong at 200915H Sept 67.

     (b)       Company D establishes cordon around AP UU Thuong prior to 280915H September 1967.

     (c)       PSYOP aircraft at 0455 with local GVN officials will inform the population by loudspeaker that the village i.e. surrounded and all people are to remain in their homes until further instructions are given.

    (d)       At first light Company D tightens cordon and local GVN civil/military forces commence movement into objective hamlet.  PF/RF search teams search for VC personnel and equipment.  The control cadre directs the villagers to bring cooking and eating utensils and to assemble at a previously selected central collection area controlled by GVN forces.  Marine units maintain a tight cordon around the hamlet, allowing no one to enter or leave.

     (e)       All personnel concerned emphasize that the purpose of the operation is to help the people.

     (f)        Local GVN authorities commence processing and identifying those persons known to assist the VC and identify all strangers in the Village.

     (g)       Persons with inadequate identification papers or who are otherwise questionable are required to undergo interrogation by GVN interrogators.

     (h)       Persons completing screening are marked (special stamp on forearm) and commence attending Psychological Operations.

(2)            Phase II – Gain confidence of people.

     (a)       After processing is completed H/S team provides loudspeakers and introduces US and GVN military commanders/officials.

     (b)      Local government officials address people emphasizing the concern GVN has for the people, the government’s future plans and the assistance the people can provide.

     (c)       US forces provide:

 (1)             MEDCAP

(2)             Instructions in sanitation.

(3)             Music (3rd MarDiv Band) (taped)

(4)             Movies – Printed literature

(5)             Technical assistance for the Cultural Drama Team.

(3)               Phase III – Gain support of population.

     (a)        H/S team provides technical assistance for pro-GVN speeches given by the local, provincial and regional GVN officials: speeches may cover the following,

(1)               Benefits gained by living under and supporting GVN.

(2)               Subtly discrediting the Viet Cong.

(3)               Rewards program information.

(4)               An appeal to the people to report VC activities, mines and booby traps to the local military officials.

     (b)               Entertainment continues as in Phase II.

(4)        Phase IV.  Appeal to the population to encourage relatives and friends with the VC to return to the GVN.  H/S team provides technical assistance for speeches about the Chieu Hoi program and VC life vs. life with the GVN.

(5)        Phase V – Termination of operation.

     (a)        Local US and GVN officials make short speeches expressing gratitude to the people for their patience and cooperation.

     (b)        Population is informed that the operation is concluded and to return to their homes.

     (c)               Termination of abbreviated operation.  Company Commander, Company D in conjunction with local GVN officials determine when it becomes apparent that uncontrollable factors (rain, strong resistance) will produce an adverse psychological effect on the population.

  1. 3rd Bn 12th Marines.  Provide artillery support from Camp Evans area for Company D as required.
  2. Battalion Reserve.  Plt, Company C provides a security force for logistic convoys from Camp Evans to AP UU Thuong to include working parties as required.
  3. Coordinating Instructions.

(1)               Adhere strictly to the rules of engagement.

(2)               S-5, 4th Marines requests/Coordinates all PSYOP support.

(3)               Unit Commander coordinates with provincial agencies and officials.

(4)               Final composition of combined PSYOP element depending upon availability of teams from various agencies.

(5)               S-5, 4th Marines prepared to pay claims resulting from damage and as a result of the regards program.

  1. Admin and Logistics.
  2. Prescribed Load.  As prescribed by Company Commander, Company D.
  3. Resupply.  Request resupply by 0900H on the day before resupply required.
  4. Uniform and Equipment.  As prescribed by Company Commander, Company D.
  5. Med Evac.  Helo evacuation in accordance with standard procedures.
  6. Drinking Water.  Water will be available in USMC water trailers.
  7. 4th Marines are requested to provide the following logistical support:

(1)               6 GP tents with poles (one per 50 persons) and one for Interrogation and Census.

(2)               2 water trailers and 25 water cans.

(3)               1100 pounds of VN rice with 5 gallons of Nuc Mono*.

(4)               Supplemental sour and/or canned goods (chicken or fish).

(5)               Soap, clothing and miscellaneous commodities.

(6)               Tea, sugar and salt.

(7)               Engineer tape.

(8)               One four holer.

(9)               Sports equipment to include volleyball and net.

(10)          Med Cap, farming, carpentry and masonry kits.

(11)          Census forms.

(12)          Transportation to and from Camp Evans for support elements for duration of the operation.

  1. 1st Bn 4th Marines will provide:

(1)               One field kitchen (2 ranges).

(2)               Two large pots/ladles and one cook.

(3)               Six sledgehammers.

(4)               Twenty-five water cans.

(5)               One four holer.

(6)               Two GP tents

(7)               Signs in Vietnamese.

(8)               3 sleeves of concertina with stakes.

  1. Command and Communication/Electronics
  2.             Command

(1)            Company Commander, Company D designated local Tactical Commander.

                        (2)            Report CP location when established.

  1.             Visual.  Carry air panels and colored smoke
  2.             Communication/Electronics.

                        (1)            Guard Bn TAC net (45.10) upon departure Camp Evans.

                        (2)            Utilize Bn Admin Net (60.35) for County Fair reports.

                        (3)            Med Evac Frequency 45.7.

                        (4)            Thrust Points             Liquor    5338

                                                                            Beer       4936

                        (5)            Submit daily SITREP in accordance with ref (b).

(6)            Convoys guard Bn TAC Net.

This page last corrected 30 August 2011