Sequential Listings of Significant Events

1. Combat mission assigned.
2. Operation Fremont (1-25 October 1967)

(1)       Conduct aggressive patrolling and search and destroy operations in assigned OA to interdict enemy lines of communication by destroying NVA/VC forces and preventing their movement to the lowlands and populated areas.

(2)       Provide security for the Quang Tri Airfield construction site (vicinity YD 3155).  (Ref: 4^th Marines MSG 131530H September 1967).

(3)              Conduct a reinforced company reconnaissance in force toward Hill 674 (YD 518219) commencing on 7 October 1967.  (Ref: 4^th Mar MSG 051419A October 1967).

(4)              Commencing 14 October 1967 establish a company satellite combat base (vicinity YD 4627) and conduct reconnaissance in force missions to the southern section of the Battalion OA; locate enemy forces, logistics caches, installations and obtain information on area bounded by grids 4426, 5026, 5024, 4424.  Determine feasibility of utilizing Rao Cao/Rao Ha Dong River Valleys as possible avenues of approach toward Hill 675 (YD 518219).

Be prepared, on order, to commit Bn Command Group and second Company to reinforce or exploit enemy contacts.  (Ref: 4^th Marines Frag Order 48-67).

(5)               On a continuing basis provide security forces sunset to sunrise daily on bridges, culverts and bypasses along National Route One between YD 549327 and YD 615310.  (Ref: 4^th Marines MSG 160125Z October 1967).

(6)               Conduct Company size search and destroy operations in assigned portion of 4^th Marines OA in order to kill or capture reported NVA platoon.  (Ref: 4^th Marines MSG 240220Z October 1967).

1. Operation Liberty II (18-23 October 1967)

(1)               Conduct aggressive small unit activities and search and destroy operations in assigned portion of the 4^th Marines OA and along assigned section of National Route One to interdict enemy LOC and to locate and destroy enemy forces, logistic caches and installations.

(2)               Commencing 21 October 1967 be prepared to assist Phong Dien District Headquarters in event of enemy attack.  Maintain reaction force on 30-minute alert to be committed on order 4^th Marines.  (Ref: 4^th Marines Frag Order 49-67).

1. Operation Granite (26-31 October 1967)

(1)               On D-1, under cover of darkness, move by foot from Camp Evans along Route of Advance Alfa to an assembly area vicinity YD 520250.

(2)               At H-hour, D-day advance south along Axis of Advance to conduct search and destroy operations toward Objective A (vicinity YD 510210).

(3)               On D-day provide a minimum of one Company (-) with a tank platoon and one Ontos section as security for forward artillery position (vicinity YD 501289).

(4)               On order, continue search and destroy operations toward Objective C (vicinity YD 526230).  (Ref: 4^th Marines Operation Order 50-67).

2. Operations

            October

1          At 1730H, Company B vicinity YD 305548 found two possible mortar sites 20 meters apart with 52 fuse and cone caps in the area.  Hut 250 meters west of mortar site was checked with negative results.

2          At 0045H, at Quang Tri, AN/TPS-21 detected 10-15 persons moving NW.  81mm mortar mission was fired and movement ceased.  Area was checked at first light with negative results.

3          Company D, vicinity YD 479365, found one VCS in village wearing jungle utilities and cover.  Suspect was turned over to Phong Dien District HQ for questioning.

            At 1400H, Company D vicinity YD 507356, found 2 ChiCom grenades, which were blown in place.

4          At 1006H, Company B, vicinity YD 290528, received 150 rounds A/W fire from three separate positions centered on YD 285521.  Returned 300 rounds S/A, 3 LAAW’s, 18 60mm mortars and called artillery mission.  Checked area finding two VCS who indicated VC had fled south from hamlet.  VCS returned to Bn S-2 (Forward).

            At 1220H, 1^st Platoon, Company B patrol received 150 rounds A/W fire.  Returned fire with S/A, air strikes and artillery mission, one friendly WIA.   At 1430H, 1^st Platoon, Company B, patrol vicinity YD 283523 found some U.S. medicine.  Medicine sent to Bn S-2 (rear).

5          At 0840H, vicinity YD 485275, Company C found 30 rolls of concertina wire, 50 stakes and 200 empty canisters.  Security provided around area while necessary demolitions sent from Camp Evans.

6          Company C destroyed previous day’s find.

7          At 1040H, 3^rd Platoon, Company A vicinity YD 277556 received 30 rounds S/A fire from YD 278557.  Swept through area discovering fighting holes and trench line but no sign of recent use.

            At 1210H, 3^rd Platoon, Company A vicinity YD 272547, received 20 rounds S/A fire. Called 81mm mission, swept area with negative results.

            At 1415H, 3^rd Platoon, Company A vicinity YD 277538, received 40 rounds A/W and S/A fire from two locations vicinity YD 273535.  Called fire mission of 12 rounds 4.2.  Area was checked with negative results.

8          At 0730H, Company D, vicinity YD 517255, spotted 5 VC at YD 522239.  Called artillery mission of 12 rounds 105mm.  Checked area and discovered two haversacks with 125 lbs. of rice and five lbs. of tobacco.

            At YD 515245, Company D received 30 rounds A/W fire.  Returned fire with S/A, M-79, M-60 and 27 rounds of 155mm.  Excellent target coverage.

            2^nd Platoon, Company B received three rounds S/A fire from 75-100 meters from sniper vicinity YD 279556.  Returned 100 rounds of S/A fire and 18 rounds 60mm mortar.  One VCS apprehended and returned to Bn S-2.

            At 1545, 2^nd Platoon, Company B, patrol tripped 1 booby trap resulting in 2 WIA’s.

9          At YD 526232, 3^rd Platoon, Company D, received 30-40 rounds of 30 caliber A/W fire.  Returned S/A fire, M-79 and 14 rounds of 60mm mortar.  Searched area with negative results.  One friendly KIA and two WIA, at YD 526231, Company D spotted two VC wearing black shirts, trousers and helmets.  Both carried weapons.  Artillery mission was called, and area was checked with negative results.

            Company A reinforced with one PF platoon and an Armed Propaganda Team conducted S/C operations in GS 3058.  Villagers claimed VC vacated area when Bravo Command Group arrived in Quang Tri area and have not returned.  Village searched for weapons with negative results.  Villagers were very receptive to Marine and PF units.

10        At 0955H, Company D vicinity YD 522238 received eight rounds 60mm mortar from YD 525232.  Gunship was requested and during interim period 100 rounds S/A, 20 M-79, 26 60mm mortar rounds were fired in addition to calling a 155mm artillery mission.  Gunship arrived, received S/A fire and returned machine gun fire.

            Company B, vicinity YD 288562 apprehended one male and one female VCS.  Suspects turned over to the National Police at Quang Tri for investigation.

            Company D found two VC graves at YD 537244.  Initials on graves had date of death and rank.

12        At 2103H, Camp Evans was placed on a red alert for drill purposes.  Reaction force was mustered in twelve minutes.  Drill secured at 2115H.

13        Companies A and B suffered four WIA’s as a result of enemy sniper fire while conducting patrols west of airfield construction site.

14        3^rd Platoon, Company C vicinity YD 482338 found hidden trails and two week old graves with no inscription.  Area search uncovered one ChiCom and two pineapple grenades, two AK-47 banana clips and numerous personnel articles.

            At 2330H, the Quang Tri airfield received a four-minute 82mm mortar attack causing 12 WIA.  Counter mortar plans were immediately put into effect.  Suspected mortar area was searched at first light with negative results.

            1^st Platoon, Company C patrol vicinity YD 493326 found a recently used hut made of straw and bamboo.  Hut contained 100 feet of barbed wire.  Destroyed same in place.

15        3^rd Platoon, Company C, vicinity YD 482338 found a gravesite.  Immediate area was searched with no other discoveries.

            At 0830H, 2^nd Platoon, Company C found a bouncing Betty type AP mine vicinity YD 486329.  Mine was destroyed in place.

            At 0920H, 2^nd Platoon, Company C vicinity YD 463328 detonated an unknown type explosive device resulting in four WIA.

            1^st Platoon, Company D at YD 500253 found seven, one-man enemy bunkers.  All bunkers were destroyed.

            1^st Platoon, Company D, found enemy company size base camp containing 30-40 bunkers and two 82mm positions.  Positions formed a 360 degrees circle with interconnecting trails and numerous punji pits.  Field of fire ranged from 310 degrees to 90 degrees.  Engineers destroyed entire camp.

17        1^st and 3^rd Platoons, Company D vicinity YD 497254 received 10-15 rounds of A/W fire from YD 502248.  Small arms, M-79 and 105mm artillery mission was fired and the enemy fire ceased.

18        At 2200H the Battalion was notified that hurricane ‘Carla’ was headed for Camp Evans.  All necessary precautionary measures were immediately taken.

19        2^nd Platoon, Company C, held a med-cap at YD 610327 treating approximately 80 indigenous personnel.

            2^nd Platoon, Company D, vicinity YD 514339 found two camouflaged covers, 12 AK-47 rounds, 12 M-1 rounds, 100 VC propaganda leaflets – some in English, some in Vietnamese, 1 U.S. bayonet with scabbard, 1 banana clip and pouch for AK-47, one entrenching tool, 1 45 caliber magazine pouch and 1 BA-386.

20        1^st Platoon, Company D found 15 punji pits and 30-40 square meters of punji stakes stuck in underbrush.  Several punji pits were recently built, and one was booby-trapped with an AP mine.  Destroyed punji pits and disarmed booby trap.

21        At 0550H, the point of Company A, while moving down Route #1, observed a man run across the road.  Point man fired approximately 15 rounds of S/A resulting in one friendly WIA, as man was road security for Company C.  Investigation held.

            At 1340H, Company A heard digging and talking along riverbank in assigned OA.  While investigating noise, the company received 150 rounds S/A and three grenades.  Fire was returned with 300 rounds S/A, 10 grenades and three M-79 rounds.  While awaiting an air strike, two gunships directed by an AO engaged the enemy with rockets and 7.62 M/G fire.  Enemy casualties were 3 VC KIA (C) and four VC KIA (P).  One M-1 captured.

22        2^nd Platoon, Company D, vicinity YD 518348 received ten rounds A/W fire from a sniper at YD 516346.  Returned fire with S/A, M-79, M-60 and 60mm and 81mm mortars.

            3^rd Platoon, Company A patrol apprehended five detainees who had information of VC in their area.  The detainees were sent to Phong Dien District headquarters for interrogation.

            At 1830H, vicinity YD 494404, 1^st Platoon, Company C received four rounds of 60mm mortar from YD 493410.  Desired artillery mission could not be fired due to close proximity of village (i.e. Rules of Engagement).

            Company B squad size ambush detonated an AP mine while moving into position resulting in one KIA and one WIA.

23        Company B enroute to Camp Evans found a 250 lb bomb at YD 520265 and one AP mine at YD 525267.  Both munitions were destroyed in place.

24        At 1445H, elements of Company A detonated a ChiCom grenade resulting in one WIA.

25        At 1720H, Company B, vicinity YD 521242, received 100 rounds of S/A and A/W fire along with three rounds of 60mm mortar fire.  Fire was returned and the enemy broke contact and fled in a southern direction.  An artillery mission of six rounds WP and 156 rounds HE was called on the suspected mortar positions with excellent target coverage.  One non-evac WIA was received in the action.

            At 2000H the Battalion Command Group and Companies C and D departed Camp Evans for night tactical move to assembly area YD 527260.  This move was in conjunction with Operation Granite scheduled to begin at 260600H October 1967.  Company B provided guides to lead units into preselected areas and positioned security elements on commanding terrain vicinity YD 511245 and YD 522235 to secure entrance into the OA for the Battalion.

26        By 0300H, all units had arrived in the assembly area.   At 0645H, the Battalion crossed the LOD and commenced Operation Granite.

            At 1010H, lead elements of Company D received 20-30 rounds of A/W fire from YD 513223 resulting in three WIA.  S/A and M-79 fire was returned and the enemy fire ceased.

            At 1355H, Company D received 10-15 rounds of 60mm mortar fire causing one WIA.  Fire was returned with both 60 and 81mm mortars.

            At 1520H, 2^nd Platoon, Company D, vicinity YD 511235 discovered 6-8 bunkers with inter-connecting tunnels.  Bunkers and tunnels were destroyed.

            Company D received approximately 15 rounds of A/W fire from YD 509234 resulting in three WIA.  Fire was returned with S/A, M-79 and 60mm mortars.

27        At 0725H, Company C, vicinity YD 502236 discovered two bunkers, three canteens, two sticks of dynamite and one light ChiCom machine gun.  Destroyed gear and returned machine gun to Bn S-2.

            At 1120H, point of Company B, vicinity YD 508225 heard movement approximately 50 meters to the right flank.  The point fired to the front and right flank with 150 rounds S/A and 300 rounds of M-60 machine gun.  Estimated 6-10 VC returned fire with approximately 150 rounds of A/W fire and then broke contact.  An artillery mission was fired, and subsequent area check produced nothing.

3^rd Platoon, Company C received approximately 100 rounds of A/W fire and grenades from VC dug in on ridgeline vicinity YD 505225.  Fire was returned with S/A, M-79’s and M-60 machine guns.  An artillery mission was called on the fortified position. Two WIA were sustained in the action.

At 1436H, point elements of Company B made contact at YD 508224 receiving 30 rounds of A/W fire.  Fire was returned resulting in one NVA KIA (C) with one AK-47, one pack, E-tool, cartridge belt, personal diary and ID papers captured.  The diary disclosed that the C-4 Company of the 800^th NVA Bn had been in the area three months with a mission of guiding and scouting for the 800^th Bn.

At 1455H, Company B at YD 508222 made heavy contact while advancing toward Objective A with an unknown size NVA force.  The Company Commander was wounded during the initial contact but remained in control of the company.  An estimated 50-100 NVA, firing S/A, A/W and RPG’s, tried to surround the company.  A 81mm mortar and artillery mission was sent in along with a gunship request.

At 1620H, Company B again requested an artillery mission, but the mission was denied due to planes and helicopters in the area.  Gun ships were utilized with good results.

At 1630H, Company B was still receiving S/A and MG fire from the east and west slopes of the ravine.  Company B was low on ammunition.

At 1647H, Company B advised to consolidate into a tight perimeter and that Company D (-) was being dispatched to aid them in disengaging the enemy and removing casualties.

At 1708H, Company B radio operator called in first artillery mission that was adjustable.  Company B was now in a tight perimeter and attempting to remove casualties.

                        At 1714H, Fire for effect with artillery around Company B.

At 1730H, Battalion CP at YD 513235 had improved LZ and completed all possible preparations to receive casualties.

                        At 1731H, Company D (-) made contact with Company B.

At 1733H, Company D (-) called artillery mission to support movement of Company B to Battalion CP.

At 1752H, AO observed NVA massing casualties on hill.  Requested air strike denied due to proximity of friendly troops.

At 1755H, Company B started movement with wounded to Battalion CP.  Company D continued its efforts to retrieve Company B dead from the battlefield.

At 1915H, Company C, vicinity YD 503226 received S/A fire and one incoming grenade resulting in one WIA.

At 2030, Company C, vicinity YD 505230 received 15-20 rounds of 82mm mortar fire.  No casualties taken and no counter mortar possible at that time due to helicopters in the area.

Company D received approximately 100 rounds of A/W fire and grenades while retrieving Company B casualties.  Company D sustained two KIA and two WIA in the action.  Fire was returned with S/A and artillery mission was called.

At 2330H, All elements of Companies B and D had returned to Battalion CP with the exception of nine Company B dead who could not be reached on the battlefield.  Med evacs were in progress.

28        At 0030H, All priority and emergency med-evacs were completed.  Summary of casualties for Company B action on 27 October 1967 stood at 5 KIA, 9 MIA, 31 WIA and * NBC.  Enemy casualties were 13 NVA KIA (C), and 10 NVA KIA (P).

At 1055H, Fixed wings strike of valley complex where Company B made contact.

At 1405H, Company A completed helicopter move from forward artillery position to Battalion CP.

At 1855H, Company C secured crest of Objective 2 Vicinity YD 505226.  Eight unoccupied bunkers were uncovered with great amounts of blood estimated to be one day old.  Bunkers were destroyed.  Battalion CP was relocated at YD 513232 with Companies A, B and D providing perimeter security.  Company C remained at Objective 2.

29        At 0930H, Company D commenced movement to a position to start sweep of valley complex where Company B had made contact.

            At 1150H, Company D commenced search of valley vicinity YD 507225.

            At 1307H, Company A commenced movement to sweep east side of valley while Company D swept west side.  Company C remained on top of Hill 300 as a blocking force.

            At 1430H, Forward elements of 3^rd Platoon, Company A received heavy A/W fire from an unknown number of NVA while moving toward mouth of draw vicinity YD 509229.  Fire was immediately returned and Company A commenced moving to flank of enemy.

            At 1445H, Company A commenced receiving extremely accurate sniper fire from a high-powered rifle.

            At 1519H, Company A requested the Bn CP to send stretchers and stretcher-bearers up to assist in removing dead and wounded from the battlefield.

            At 1528H, Company D commenced movement to aid Company A.  Company A reported that NVA are in trees and bunkers with carefully planned and cleared killing zones.

            At 1645H, Company A assumed blocking position at YD 509229 while Company D, YD 509223, and Company C, YD 507226, swept south on both sides of valley toward Company A.

            At 1730H, Company D contacted Company A and commenced collecting wounded, dead and equipment.  Company A killed one NVA and captured one AK-47 in their contact.

            At 1830H, Company A while setting in night defensive positions tripped an unknown explosive device resulting in one KIA and one WIA.

            At 1831H, Company D swept bunker complex and recovered all bodies of friendly MIA’s and KIA’s.  The sweep revealed 20-30, two-to-four-man bunkers, the majority of which had been destroyed by air strikes and artillery fire.  Time prevented detailed inspection of the area; however, a heavy odor of death prevailed.

30        At 0030H, Company D returned to the Battalion CP.  Company A’s contact on 29 October resulted 8 KIA and 16 WIA’s.

            At 1015H, Company C, vicinity YD 508226 received S/A and A/W fire from YD 509228 resulting in one WIA.  Fire was returned and enemy fire ceased.

            At 2150H, four to five rounds of friendly artillery landed in Company A’s position causing 3 WIA’s, one emergency med-evac and two priorities.

31        At 0650H, Companies A and C commenced attack toward Objective A.

            At 0715H, Point element of Company A found hut at YD 508222 containing 400 lbs of rice.  Hut and rice were destroyed.

            During search and destroy operations toward Objective A, Companies A and C discovered 11 huts on the side of Hill 674 between YD 508222 and YD 511215.  The huts were well constructed, four to five months old and each capable of sleeping 25 people.  All were burned.

            At 1300H, Objective A secured.  No enemy contact or evidence of recent enemy activity was found in the area.

            At 1730H, Companies A and C returned to YD 508224 and set in night defensive positions.

Usually, one of two sniper teams accompanied all company size operations.  These teams, equally divided between ‘bolt’ and ‘starlight’ teams, were employed as the Company Commander directed.

Four Scout Dogs were assigned to the Quang Tri Airstrip construction site and were used extensively on ambushes and patrols.

3. Training.  Training during the reporting period consisted of classes in map reading, compass, counter ambush immediate action drills, mines and booby traps, scouting and patrolling, personal response, weapon safety, and particular emphasis was placed on care and cleaning of the M-16 rifle.  All Marines and Corpsmen receive thorough indoctrination in the Rules of Engagement.

The Camp Evans firing range was utilized to the maximum to FAM fire Marines with the M-16, M-79 and M-60.  Corpsmen were instructed in safety procedures with the .45 caliber pistol and allowed to FAM fire their weapons on the Camp Evans range.

A program was initiated to ensure that all new replacements reporting into the Battalion received a thorough briefing by a staff section, Battalion Sergeant Major and the Battalion Commanding Officer.  All replacements received thorough instruction on the M-16 rifle and were able to zero their weapons on an improvised 15-meter range.

Difficulty was again experienced in providing time for training due to the tactical commitments of the battalion.  Efforts will be continued to improve training procedures and methodology during the coming months; however, the majority of the training is still conducted at the squad and fire team level.  Operational commitments continue to provide many opportunities for concurrent training in all phases of general military subjects.

4. Casualties Inflicted on the Enemy.

                        NVA/VC (conf)                      20

                        NVA/VC (prob)                     19

5. Friendly Casualties Sustained.

                        KIA                                           23

                        WIA                                        105

                        Non-hostile deaths            0

                        Died of wounds                     3

                        Non-Battle Casualties      41

6. New Techniques employed.
7. PRU Teams:  Provisional Reconnaissance Units (Vietnamese/Chinese mercenaries) were utilized in the Quang Tri Airfield area to supplement Marine Company and platoon size operations.  PRU team of 4-8 personnel posing as VC was employed in an area for approximately 4-5 days to gather and report information on VC/NVA movements.  On one occasion a platoon of PRU personnel was used to augment a company size search and destroy operation in the AI TU River Valley.  This operation resulted in 6 detainees of which 3 were confirmed VC agents.  The use of PRU personnel is effective due to the very nature of their existence, that of a mercenary unit, while their movement and operations are of a clandestine nature.
8. APT Teams.  Armed Propaganda Teams composed of Chieu Hoi were utilized very effectively in the Quang Tri Airstrip area in questioning the local populace regarding VC/NVA movement.  The nature of these teams, being ex-VC, lends to effective interrogation in addition, most of the APT personnel are from the general locale and recognize many of the VC intra-structure on sight.  The use of APT teams to accompany patrols proved extremely effective; however, the patrol’s speed should be governed by the speed which the APT team engages the local Vietnamese in conversation and gathers intelligence.
9. Equipment.  The following is a report of major items of equipment readiness.
10.             Motor Transport.

                                    M-422A1 to 3^rd Echelon             8

1. Communications.  Major end items evacuated to higher echelon that have not been returned.

                                    Radar Sets AN/TRS-21             2

                                    Radio Sets AN/PRC-25             9

                                    Remote Set AN/GRA-39           1

                                    Radio Set AN/PRC-6                  1

                                    Generator Ape-197                     1

The below list of requisitions for major items of equipment is pending.

            Radio Sets AN/PRC-25                           5                  22 June 67

            Radio Set AN/PRC-25                               1                     3 July 67

            Control Group AN/GRA-39                     1                     4 Jan 67

            Battery Charger PP-3240                         1                   29 Apri 67

            Antenna RC-292                                           1                   29 Apr 67

            Receiver/transmitter Units RT-505    2                    28 May 67

8. Logistics.  During the period 1-19 October, the Battalion was divided between Camp Evans and the airfield construction site at Quang Tri.  Two Companies and a Command Group at Quang Tri were resupplied through FLSU-1 at Dong Ha while the remainder of the Battalion was resupplied through the LSA located at Camp Evans.  On 19 October the Battalion was reunited at Camp Evans and participated in squad, platoon and company size operations in assigned OA.  The LSA at Camp Evans supported the Battalion from 19-31 October and during this period; the Battalion participated in Operations Fremont, Liberty II, and Granite.  Resupply for Operation Granite was supported entirely by helicopter and involved 45 lifts totaling 53,292 pounds of cargo.

The Battalion received the majority of its monsoon equipment during October while the Battalion supply at Phu Bai continued to provide Class II supplies.  Shortages in Class II still exist in the following items: Mess kits, ponchos, and air mattresses.

The Battalion mess continued to serve hot meals throughout the month with the rations being delivered by Rough Rider from Phu Bai.  During Operation Liberty II, all rations were delivered to Camp Evans by helicopter.  The units at Quang Tri drew rations from the dump at Dong Ha.

Three M-36 trucks were attached to the units at Quang Tri for administrative runs and two M-35 trucks were assigned daily for household runs for the units at Camp Evans.

9. Civil affairs.

Civil Affairs activities consisted of aiding the Vietnamese in removing their ancestor’s graves from Site X at Quang Tri.  Approximately three thousand 105mm ammunition boxes were provided by the 12^th Marines as burial boxes.

The Vietnamese in this vicinity were required to relocate their homes outside the perimeter of the airfield construction site.  Through the District Advisors and District Chiefs arrangements were made to distribute 450 board feet of scrap lumber per family, to assist the Vietnamese in rebuilding their homes.  The scrap lumber came from the plywood boxes that contained the cement used in the airfield construction.  Of the two hundred and fifty refugee families in the Trieu Phong District approximately one hundred and fifty families received the scrap lumber.  In the Mia Linh District thirty of the eighty refugee families received lumber.

The 1^st Marines took control of the area of Site Z on 19 October and were made aware of the current project in assisting the refugee families.

On 19 October, the 2^nd Platoon, Company C held a med-cap at coordinates YD 617327 treating approximately 80 Vietnamese.  Soap was distributed to the people and the Vietnamese attitude toward the Marine unit was considered excellent.

10. Psychological Warfare.

During the reporting period the Battalion was engaged in Operations Fremont, Liberty II and Granite, the construction of the Airfield at Quang Tri.  Psychological operations were limited and consisted of five leaflet drops in the Quang Tri area.  The leaflet drops consisted of Chieu Hoi and Rewards Program information.

No further psychological operations were conducted.

11. Personnel and Administration.  During the reporting period the administrative section was located at Camp Evans.  At the close of the reporting period, each rifle company is averaging 15 men below the manning level in addition to averaging 40 men in a non-effective status.  The Battalion is presently 4 Officers below M/L in MOS 0302.

Personnel losses and gains during the reporting period.

                                                                    USMC                             USN

                                                                  Off/Enl                             Off/Enl

                        Battle                   1 DOW/22-2 DOW                   0/1

                        Non-Battle                     0/0                                   0/0

                        Admin                              7/213                                0/3

                                                Total        8/237                                 0/4

                        Gains                                    12/175                                0/11

            The following awards were presented during the reporting period:

                        Navy Commendation Medals             3

                        Vietnamese Cross-of Gallantry         1

                        Purple Heart Medals                             19

The number of disciplinary cases acted upon or pending action is as follows:

Courts-Martial

            Completed

                        Special              1

                        Article 32         1

            Pending

                        Special            3

Non-Judicial Punishment

            Battalion Commander             7

            Company Commander           4

Morale is excellent.  The Battalion received R&R quotas to Okinawa, Manila, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hawaii, Taipei and Sydney.  PX facilities are adequate and Postal Service continues to be satisfactory.

The ministry to personnel of the Battalion and adjoining units during the period of 1 October to 25 October resembled a normal parish ministry.

An attempt was made to provide a stable, well-rounded religious program for all elements of the Battalion.  A total of 12 Protestant Services were conducted by the Battalion Chaplain, which were attended by 219 men.  Of this total, 163 received the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Services for Catholic personnel were provided by Fathers B.G. Filmyer and R.R. Brett.  One Protestant Lay Service was held, attended by 37 men.  A total of 208 men attended 2 Memorial Services.  An Orientation lecture on Religions in Viet Nam was provided for 13 men reporting aboard.  Counseling assistance was given to 32 men and private communion was made available to 2 men.

The Battalion Chaplain accompanied the Battalion in the field on Operation Granite from 25 October through 31 October.  One Protestant Service was held in the field attended by 56 men.  Last rites were administered to 15 men who were killed in action.  Private communion was given in extremis to two men.  Since the normal elements for communion were unavailable at the time, a C-Ration cracker and medicinal brandy were pressed into service as substitutes.  The Chaplain attempted to visit these elements of the Battalion, which had lost men, and to render aid and comfort to the men to the best of his ability.

12. Intelligence.

During the reporting period the Battalion was involved in Operation Fremont, Liberty II and Granite in addition to being assigned the mission of providing security for the construction of the Quang Tri Air Strip from 1-19 October.

            (a)       Operation Fremont:

(1)               Enemy.  Enemy tactics did not change during the reporting period; however, there was an increase in booby traps, mines, sniper incidents and enemy sightings throughout the OA.  During the month the enemy concentrated on the movement of rice instead of engaging allied forces.  There were no major engagements with the enemy and no positive identification of VC units.

There was no noted increase of enemy activities during the local elections.

(2)               Terrain.  See Command Chronology September 1967.

(3)               Weather.  Temperatures did not change much during the month and ranged from the mid 80’s to low 70’s.  During the first part of the reporting period there was an increase in rainfall, but the second half of the month was considered dry and cool.

(b)       Quang Tri Airfield.

(1)               Enemy.  The enemy continued to avoid large-scale contact with friendly units.  Contacts that did occur during the reporting period were in the form of sniper fire and meeting engagements with enemy units of 4-12 VC.   The one exception occurred on 13 October 67 when 25-30 82mm mortar rounds landed on the airfield complex.

(2)               Terrain.  See Command Chronology September 1967.

(3)               Weather.  Temperatures ranged from 85 to 68 degrees.  Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds usually from SSE were experienced during the late afternoon and evening hours.

(4)               Enemy Personnel and Equipment.

VC captives                      1

Booby Traps                   21

Punji pits                         40

Grenades                          6   ChiCom

                                             4   M-26

Ammo                               2   60mm

Ammo                              900   rds 5.56

                                            120   rds 7.62

                                           100   rds .30 cal.

1. Operation Liberty II

(1)        Enemy.  No enemy contacts or sightings were made during the duration of the operation.

(2)        Terrain.  The terrain in the OA consists of the same type as described in Operation Fremont.

(3)        Key Terrain Features.  The most prominent terrain feature is National Route One, which runs northwest and southeast through the OA.

(4)        Observation and Fields of Fire.  The rice paddy lands, which dominate the OA, offer good observation and fields of fire.

(5)        Obstacles.  No obstacles encountered.

(6)        Avenues of Approach.  National Route One should be considered the primary avenue of approach although the flat rice lands provide innumerable avenues of approach.

1. Operation Granite.

(1)               Enemy.  The enemy avoided large-scale contact with friendly forces with one exception.  On 27 October, Company B made solid contact with estimated platoon sized enemy force.  The enemy is known to have employed AK-47’s and RPDs (LMG) and confirmed reports have been received of the use of RPGs (B-40).  There were numerous sniper incidents and two incidents regarding surprise-firing devices.

(2)               Terrain.  The terrain consists of flat lands in the northern section of the OA.  In the southern portion are foothills which head up to the Co Bi Thanh Tan Ridge.  Progressing south, mountains constitute the topography with 40-to-50-foot canopy and heavy undergrowth.

(3)               Key Terrain Features.  The Co Bi Thanh Tan Ridge is the most prominent terrain feature in the Granite OA.  Elevation runs as high as 674 meters and the ridge extends from YD 4027 southeast to YD 5524.

(4)               Observation and Fields of fire.

(a)               The lowlands and foothills offer good observation and fields of fire; however, some restrictions are encountered due to the thickness of the brush.

(b)               From the Co Bi Thanh Tan Ridge oriented north, fields of fire are excellent.

(c)               To the south of the Co Bi Thanh Tan Ridge, the heavily forested mountains with their thick undergrowth deny observation and fields of fire.  Indirect fire weapons should make maximum use of delay type fuses when possible.

(5)               Obstacles.  The major natural obstacle in the OA is the Co Bi Thanh Tan Ridge, which averages 300 to 400 meters in elevation.  In the mountainous region, the perpendicular spurs off the major ridges present steep, hazardous restrictions to movement except in streambeds.

(6)               Avenues of Approach.  There are numerous avenues of approach, mainly trails, in the OA; however, the movement is hazardous during the monsoon season due to the treacherous footing.  In addition, all trails are invariably well bunkered.  The trails follow the contour of the mountains and intersect streams and streambeds frequently.

(7)               Enemy Personnel and Equipment.

         (a)      Cumulative Totals.

                                                   Fremont            Quang Tri            Liberty II            Granite

            VC/NVA Captives            0                           1                               0                           0

            Individual Weapons      3                           0                              0                           2

            C/S Weapons                    0                           0                              0                           1

            Grenades                            5                           10                            0                           3

            Ammunition s/a             28                        1220                       0                           300

            Ammunition 60/81      1 (81)                   2 (60)                    0                            0

            Booby traps                        1                           21                          0                            2

            Punji pits                            0                          40                          0                            0

            Rice                                       150 lbs                 0                          0                           500 lbs

            Tobacco                              5 lbs.                    0                          0                           0

            Medical Supplies            0                            3 bottles US    0                           0

            Bunkers                              7                           0                          0                           44

            Spider Holes                    5                            0                         0                           0

            Mines                                 4                            0                         0                           2

13. Medical and Dental.
14. The total number of visits to the Battalion Aid Station during the month of October was 703.
15.          Prevalent and significant entities encountered were:

                                    Diarrhea                 24            Fever of Unknown Origin     20

                                    Malaria                      7              Ringworm                                 13

                                    Headache                13             Shrapnel Wounds                   33

                                    Tonsillitis               6             Gunshot wounds                     23

                                    Immersion foot    21             Physical exams                     122

                                    Gonorrhea                2              Fungal infections                2

                                    Otitis                         12

                                    Cellulites                20

1. All suspected and confirmed cases of VD were given a serological test for syphilis in accordance with MANMED 22-18 and the results entered in the individuals Health Record.
2. A total of 90 patients were sent to A Med at Phu Bai and five were sent to D Med at Dong Ha.

                        Of those sent to A Med, the following were consults:

                                    Dental           44                      Urological               1

                                    EENT              2                        Blood Work          10

Patients in need of further treatment were referred from A Med to the following medical facilities:

                        NSA, Da Nang               11            USS Sanctuary (AH-17)          3

                        USS Repose (AH-16)     6          22^nd CSF, Da Nang                   43

1. Weekly malaria prophylaxis was continued through the use of chloroquine primaquine tablets.
2. Sanitation inspections were held weekly in accordance with DivO P6000.4D.  Sanitary facilities are considered adequate and corrective action has been initiated on all discrepancies.
3. As can be noted from a comparison with previous statistics, FUO cases have declined during the month of October.  This, it is felt, is due mainly to environmental change.
4. Immersion Foot continues to be prevalent with an increase in the number of cases this month.  Daily foot inspection among Battalion personnel is being continued in order to reduce the frequency of this entity.
5. A forward BAS consisting of the Battalion Medical Officer and eleven Corpsmen accompanied the Battalion on Operations Granite.  A total of 67 patients were seen in the field including 14 non-battle casualties.  Sufficient medical supplies were carried to render immediate care to the wounded before evacuation and to treat minor casualties enabling them to return immediately to duty.  It is felt that fewer Corpsman are required in a field BAS, and this reduction would not hinder the efficiency of the BAS.
6. Air Support.

During 1-19 October, the Air Team was split into two detachments; the detachment located at Quang Tri had direct communications with the Dong Ha DASC while the detachment at Camp Evans had communications with the 4^th Marines and the Phu Bai DASC.  Air traffic during the period primarily entailed resupply, liaison and administrative flights between the two detachments.  During 1-25 October FAC teams operated during all operations company size or larger in addition to providing an air capability on convoys to Quang Tri and Phu Bai.  Communications during the convoy run were maintained continuously by shifting frequencies when entering a DASC Area of Responsibility.  No major problems were encountered during this period.

During 25-31 October, the entire Air Team of eight enlisted and two officers participated in Operation Granite.  The Air Team called in numerous air strikes, TPQ’s and med-evacs working directly with a variety of aircraft, including flare ships, gunships, Puff, fixed wing and OE.  Helicopters performed admirably although a shortage of resupply helicopters often resulted in delaying the tactical movement of Marines Units.  Fixed wing control by AO was satisfactory.  Ordinance delivery by fixed wing was poor mainly due to low ceilings and moderate haze.  Gun ships and Puff were available when requested and performed exceptionally well.  Flare ships had difficulty adjusting their position over the flare drop zone and provided ground unit’s only marginal support.

Major problems encountered were the down status of the PRC-41 and the failure of air traffic to check into the TAC nets when passing through the area of operations.  The failure of Air Traffic to check into the net resulted in unnecessary check fires by artillery.

Total sorties 1-31 October:

            Med-evac         35

            Fixed Wing      42

            TPQ’s                 18

            Puff                       1

            Flare ship           4

            Resupply          45

15. Fire Support.
16. From 1 October to 25 October 1967, the 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines, engaged in Operation Fremont, received artillery support from G and H battery 3^rd Battalion 12^th Marines, P Battery 4^th Battalion 12^th Marines and T Battery 4^th Battalion 12^th Marines.  During this period, the following missions were fired in support of the 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines.

(1)               Unobserved.

(a)               H&I    502

(b)               FFE     12

(2)               Observed.

(a)               Targets of opportunity    45

(b)               Counter mortar                    0

(c)               Illumination                         12

(d)               FO school                               5

1. From 1 October to 18 October, Companies A and B were separated from 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines at the Quang Tri airstrip and received direct support from two 81mm mortar sections and 3 tubes of W Battery, 1^st Battalion 13^th Marines.  The following missions were fired in support of Companies A and B during the period.

            (1)            Unobserved                                      81’s            4.2’s

                        (a)            H&I                                         336               86

                        (b)            FFE                                              4                 0

            (2)            Observed

                        (a)            Targets of opportunity          11                 9

                        (b)            Counter mortar                         2                 2

                        (c)            Illumination                               3                 0

1. From 25 October to 31 October 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines engaged in Operation Granite received general support from the same batteries listed in paragraph A, plus A Battery, 1^st Battalion 12^th Marines.  A Forward Artillery Support Base was set up to provide the depth of coverage needed in the operation.  This forward support base consisted of A, G and T Batteries as well as separate FDC.  The following missions were fired in support of 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines from 24 October to 4 November.

                                            Co A     Co B       Co C       Co D     FSCC           Total

            Missions                 9           17           18           15           53                 112

            HE                        176          371        369       1238     1480               3634

            WP                           8            62            12           21           35                 138

            Illum                  159              0               7         259          15                 440

            Smoke                   0              0                1              0            0                       1

* (Totals reflect firing from 25 October to 4 November, as no other records are available.)

1. Due to the broken and hill terrain in the Area of Operations, preplanned, unobserved fires were found to be of only limited value.   Advancing behind a wall of ‘Pre-Fires’, spaced 200-300 meters ahead of the lead elements, proved to be excellent method of discouraging snipers and ambushes.  The FO with the forward companies coordinated and adjusted these fires.
2. After Company B made solid contact in the vicinity of YD 508225, heavy artillery fire was directed into this area over the next 36 hours and is credited with destroying 15-20 heavily reinforced enemy bunkers.  A casualty count of enemy dead inside these bunkers was not conducted, as any bodies that might have been inside were under tons of rubble.  It is probable that this same artillery fire kept the enemy from recovering or mutilating any of the dead Marines, weapons and equipment, which were not immediately recovered.
3. The major problem with artillery during Operation Granite was the long and numerous delays encountered in trying to obtain a ‘save-a-plane’ clearance to fire.  On numerous occasions, fire support was denied for 30 minutes or more due to helicopters in the area.  Many times, these helicopters were resuppling adjacent units and clearance was denied so that they could cross the Gun Target Line.  Recommendations concerning coordination of helicopters with artillery fire have been submitted to higher authority.
4. Communications.  Communications personnel and equipment saw maximum deployment for most of the period covered.

The Alpha Command Group with two Companies operated in the 4^th Marines OA while the Bravo Command Group and the remaining two Companies operated in the Quang Tri area.  In addition, the Bravo Command Group was OPCON to the 1^st Marines for Operation Medina from 10-19 October 67.

The Battalion was active on the following FM circuits during this period.

Alpha Command Group        Battalion TAC #2, Regimental TAC, Artillery COF, Regimental TACP Local, and the Camp Evans perimeter defense net when required.

Bravo Command Group       Battalion TAC #2, 12^th Marines Command/Fire direction, Quang Tri advisor net, 4.2 Battery COF, TACP Local.  During Operation Medina the Battalion entered the 1^st Battalion 1^st Marines Command/Fire Direction net and secured from the 12^th Marines Command/Fire Direction and Quang Tri Advisor net.  Utilizing a common TACP Local with 1^st Marines, the Battalion became subordinate station to the 1^st Marines Regimental TAC and Regimental Admin net.

10 October                             Bravo Command Group with Companies A and B chopped OPCON to 1^st Marines for Operation Medina. Additional communication responsibilities were 1^st Marine Regimental TAC, 1^st Battalion Command/Fire Direction net, 1^st Marines TACP Local.  A 1^st Marine FSCC to 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines COC hot line was established via 1^st Battalion 1^st Marines.  A common user channel was allotted.

19 October                            Terminated Operation Medina.  Communications for the operation were satisfactory.

Bravo Command Group chopped OPCON 4^th Marines and returned to the 4^th Marines TAOR.  Communications were weak initially but became loud and clear as the Battalion approached Camp Evans.  The Battalion Command, VHF, was utilized on a schedule to pass administrative traffic between Quang Tri and Camp Evans.

25 October                             Alpha Command Group and three companies departed Camp Evans for Operation Granite.  During the entire operation, FM-VHF communications were satisfactory.   Various units experienced breakdowns of handsets and radio sets, but replacements items were made available on resupply runs.

27 October                             Company B lost one AN/PRC-25 with H-138 and two whip antennas during heavy firefight.  The Whiskey (81mm COF) and Arty COF nets experienced some oriental voice interference in the late afternoon.  The problem was resolved by having the 81 COF switch to the Battalion TAC #2.  All three PRC-41’s failed to function properly, and this denied the Battalion the capability to talk directly to fixed wind aircraft.

Lack of accessories for FM radio equipment created difficulties during this period.

            Part of the difficulties was resolved by combining nets; however, lack of whip antennas for the AN/PRC-25 limited the operating ranges of our units in the field.

                                    The Battalion is short 34, H-138 handsets and 36 whip antennas for the AN/PRC-25.  Internal and external wire communications were expanded for base camp operations and remained extremely satisfactory.

Message totals for the month were:

                                Classified                            Unclassified

Incoming                     367                 Incoming         563

Outgoing                        12                    Outgoing        15

Circuit                              0                      Circuit             0

Major items repaired locally.

Radio Sets AN/PRC-25               9

Remote Sets AN/GRA-39          2

All Battalion communications equipment was put through quarterly sensitivity and power checks during the month.

This page last corrected 29 August 2011