Events of the Month – December 1967

 

Sequential Listing of Significant Events

  1. Combat missions assigned.
  2. Operation Kentucky (1-31 December 1967)

(1)               Commencing H-hour on D-day attack in assigned zone of action to seize objectives 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and prepare to support subsequent operations in support of the A-3/Route 666 construction project.

(2)               Defend present positions; improve positions, patrol and ambush. Report day and night activities when plans are competed.  (Ref: 9th Mar Ash 021730H December 1967)

(3)               Move to coordinates YD 153728.  Defend and patrol new position. (Ref: 9th Mar Frag order #8)

(4)               Be prepared to move to and assume the defense of C-2 and C-2 Bridge.  3/4 to assume this position for approximately 30 days then back to C-2.  (Ref: 9th Mar Msg 172300H December 1967 and personal liaison on 18 December 1967)

(5)               Move to 2/9 location and assume responsibility of additional AO.  (Ref: 9th Mar verbal order of 22 December 1967)

  1. Operations

            December

2                   At 1730, received 9th Mar Frag order stating all Battalions defend present positions, improve positions, patrol and ambush.  Report day and night activities when plans are complete.

3                   At 1400H, Co C patrol found 5 bunkers caved in by air strike at YD 153735.  Also found 26-82mm rounds with fuses, destroyed in place.

At 1530H, Co C patrol at YD 151726 found 2 NVA bodies in area of 2/9 contacts.  Bodies were wrapped in NVA ponchos and left in bomb crater.  Also found fresh NVA footprints in area, left bodies in place.

At 2315H, received 9th Mar Msg to move to position W or N of 5 Dec 67.

4                   At 0930H, Co B at YD 154727 found 18 enemy 60mm rounds.  Blew in place.

Co B at YD 154727 found 10 cases of 82mm rounds: two in each case.  All were Russian made with manufacture number of M-37A2.  Blew in place.

At 1400H, Co B patrol at YD 151727 found misc. NVA 782 gear, cooking utensils, 4 ChiCom grenades, one RPG round, and a small amount of rice.  Also found pictures and documents.  Destroyed equipment, sent documents to 9th Marines S-2.

At 1445H, Co B patrol at YD 149727 found one antipersonnel mine submerged in mud and water.  Ten meters away, found 7 ChiCom grenades.  Blew in place.

At 1512H, Co B patrol found 30 rounds of enemy 60mm and 6 boxes of fuses with six in a box totaling 36.  Also found 8 bunkers.  Blew in place.

At 1530H, Co B patrol at YD 149728 found 2 dud 500 lb bombs.  Blew in place.

At 2345H, received 9th Marines Frag order #8 stating that 1/4 move to Coord YD 153728.  Defend and patrol new position’.

5                   At 1100H, A-2 found dud 250 lb bomb at YD 155732.  Marked with air panel for later demolition and continued mission.

6                   At 0930H, D-2 at YD 148728 found two 8’x10’ reinforced bunkers with thatched roofs.  Appeared to be recently used.  Also found plastic case containing several documents of possible intelligence value.  Blew bunkers and sent documents to 9th Marines S-2.

At 1100H (Fr YD 147727, En YD 145730 and YD 144728) Co D noted 4-6 NVA packs running north to apparent bunker complex.  At 1130H observed additional 3-4 NVA moving vic YD 144728.  At 1145H received 5 rounds enemy 60mm to rear of Co position.  Called in Arty and 81mm mission and returned S/A and M-79 fire.  Continuing to call supporting arms on occasional moving targets with Co in defensive position.  1 Fr, KIA, 5 Fr WIA (all evaced; 2 NVA KIA (P).  Reaction time of non-organic Arty elements was 8 minutes.   They fired 207 rounds.  Organic 81’s fired 253 rounds HE.

At 1430H, 1/4 perimeter at YD 153728 received approx 100 rounds 82mm mortar, 25 rounds unknown caliber arty, unknown number of 60mm and RPG rounds.  Received S/A and A/W fire from all sides of perimeter from approx one Co of NVA.  Med –evac helo on ground hit by RPG and destroyed.  Returned 81mm, 60mm mortar, A/W, M-79’s and S/A.  Called Arty and gunships. 6 Fr KIA, 37 Fr WIA; 1 NVA/KIA (C), 19 NVA/KIA (P).

At 2020H, (Fm Co C at YD 153728 TPQ being run as part NDF dropped short bomb on lines and LP.  Restricted all TPQ’s to minimum distance of 1500 meters.  6 Fr KIA, 2 Fr WIA.

7                   At 1420H, first elements of Battalion departed CP and proceeding back to objective #10.

At 1730H, Co A effected destruction of downed chopper.

At 1900H, last elements of Battalion arrived objective #10.  All units setting in defensive position with local LP’s.

8                   Add 5 more NVA/KIA (P) to last listing.  Eye witnessed by unit leaders.

9                   At 0915H, at Coord YD 158726, Co B received one friendly short 81mm round which resulted in 1 Fr KIA and 1 Fr WIA (non-evac).

10               At 0730H, perimeter YD 157727, received approx 7 rounds of enemy arty of unknown caliber from approx 0200 mills.  Called Arty mission on suspected enemy position.  Reaction time was 7 minutes. 1 Fr WIA (evac).

At 1100H, perimeter received 8 enemy rounds of believed 152mm.  No casualties.  Fired counter Arty plan.

At 1325H, received one round enemy arty from 6100 mills, round landed 150 meters outside Co D lines, no casualties.  Firing counter Arty plan, planning TPQ in suspected area.

At 1405H, 1/4 received one round enemy arty, which landed 75 meters east of LZ.  Continuing counter plans.

11               At 1655H, during helo resupply received approx 6 rounds 60mm mortar fire from azimuth of 355-approx 700 meters range?  Rounds impacted 75 meters to north of perimeter.  Returned fire with 45 rounds 81mm.  Reaction time was 30 seconds.  1/4 ALO directed gunship run on area.  Gunships fired A/W and rockets.  Will check area.

At 2330, perimeter YD 157727, received approx 6-10 rounds 60mm mortar fire from approx 340 degrees, 700 meters out.  Impacted inside of perimeter.  Returned 54 rounds 81mm mortar fire.  1 Fr WIA (R med-evac).

12               At 1100H, (Fr YD 157733, En YD 157735) Co D on patrol sighted 4 NVA running toward ridgeline to north.  Took NVA under fire with S/A, M-60’s, and 60mm.  Good 60mm coverage.  Called in 81mm and Arty mission.  81mm was on target.  Two NVA seen moving over ridgeline to north.  Other two appeared to be directly in impact area.  Ridgeline to north prepped with Arty.  Co D swept area to ridgeline with negative results.  Continued to search area.

At 0200H, Co D at YD 157727 received 9 rounds 60mm from approx 6400 mills, range 300 meters: and 5900 mills, range 600 meters.  Returned 60mm and 45 rounds 81mm mortars.  1 Fr WIA (R) med-evac.

At 0105H, 1/4 at YD 157727 received 6 rounds 60mm from approx 5900 mills, range 800 meters.  Returned 21 rounds 81mm and 60mm mortars.  2 FR WIA, one non-evac, one (R) evac.

13               At 0930H, B-2 platoon size patrol crossing river to north of 1/4 CP at YD 157730 received 2 RPG rounds and S/A fire from approx 4-6 NVA from left front.  NVA also seen moving on right flank toward rear.  Returned S/A, A/W fire called 81mm mission of 60 rounds with excellent coverage.  Searched out area with negative results.  Negative casualties.

At 1200H, Co A patrols at YD 151712 found fresh diggings of new enemy squad size position.  Enemy believed to have left area just before Co A arrived.  Searched area and destroyed enemy position. At YD 158712 Co A found NVA body one week old.  Death due to arty.  Left NVA body in crater.

14               At 1130H, at YD 160705 (En same) a CH-46 with 18 – 1/4 personnel aboard, received 2 S/A rounds, and one burst A/W fire.  Helo received approx 9 hits.  Helo returned to Dong Ha.  Action resulted in 3 1/4 WIA’s and one A/C crew WIA.

At 1450H, Co C while on combat patrol at YD 155730, received sniper fire from right flank.  Returned fire with S/A, A/W and M-79’s.  Action resulted in one Fr WIA.

At 1725H, Co A at YD 155726 (En same), outpost spotted 2 enemy NW of their position.  Fired S/A and A/W with negative results.  NVA fled south.

At 2220H, at YD 157727, received approx 70 rounds mixed 60mm and 82mm from a spread of 5100 mills to 5900 mills.  Returned 60mm and 81mm fire.  Two Fr KIA, 13 med-evac, 9 WIA (minor) were results of action.  Crater analysis was made, and Arty mission was fired on suspected enemy positions.

15               At 0940H, Co B (Fr YD 155726, En 154728) Enroute to position for ambush, observed one NVA.  Fired 100 rounds M-60 and M-16 and 6 rds M-79.  Enemy returned 3 rounds S/A and was seen to be hit by friendly fire.  1 Fr WIA, 1 VC KIA (P).

At 1055H at YD 157727 med-evac helos received A/W fire from enemy at objective #12.  Called an air strike and afterwards A/C saw secondary explosion and fire.  Requested napalm strike in same area.

At 1300H, at YD 157732 Co B platoon ambush had 6 rounds impact in their vicinity.  4 rounds impacted to the north and 2 impacted to the south.  Sound and crater analysis indicated arty fired from approximately 4000 mills.  Check with 2/12 indicated that no friendly Arty was firing at that time.  Shell fragments were being forwarded to 9th Marines S-2.  Negative casualties.

16               At 2110H, at YD 157727 1/4 CP received approx 20 rounds of 82mm mortar fire from 5500 mills.  Returned fire with 126 rounds 81mm mortar.  Reaction time 30 seconds.  Negative casualties.

17               From 1245H to 1330H.  Co A at YD 153728, En at YD 153733) Co A checked out area around burned-out helicopters for results of Arty and air strikes.  Found one 82mm mortar base plate with blood on same, 40 rounds 81mm mortar ammo and 20 rounds 82mm ammo.  Destroyed mortar rounds.

Co A squad size patrol at YD 153733 had meeting engagement with 2 NVA.  Took NVA under S/A fire killing same.

Co A patrol base sighted approx 10 NVA in open at YD 148732.  Fired 60mm mission on enemy followed by air strike with 250 lb. bombs.  Both 60mm and air were directly on target.  After air strike, nothing was seen in area.  60mm fire resulted in 2 NVA confirmed and 2 probables.  Four NVA KIA (C).  2 NVA KIA (P).  Captured one AK-47 destroyed by grenade thrown on NVA.

At 2300H, received Msg from 9th Marines that on 16 Dec 1/4 be prepared to move to C-2 and C-2 Bridge.  3/4 to assume this position for approx 30 days then back to C-2.

18               At 1635H, Co C at YD 154728, En at YD 152728. Co C combat patrol observed 4 NVA wearing Marine flak jackets and helmets in tree line.  Took enemy under fire with S/A and M-60’s.  Saw one fall.  Called an air strike on tree line.  Good coverage of target area.  Co C received one Fr WIA during final air strike.  Was med-evaced (E).  At same position, found 6 M-26 frags, 1 U.S. helmet, 2 haversacks, and 2 CS grenades.  Turned into S-2.  Continued mission after blowing down 5 possible OP trees.

19               At 0405H, received 2 incoming arty rounds one in perimeter and the other outside.  Incident similar H&I fires.  Marine wounded by round while on watch.  Crater analysis made at first light for direction of incoming unidentified round.  Med-evaced (E) at 0455H.  1 Fr died of wounds while enroute to D-med.

Between 1155H and 1435H.  Battalion perimeter, at YD 157727, received sporadic 60mm fire. Called 81mm on suspected enemy position.  Requested AO who spotted fresh diggings and trench line.  Called arty and air strike on suspected enemy positions.

CP received one incoming 105mm round from SW side of perimeter resulting in a fire and secondary explosion of two M-26 frags.  Initial crater analysis indicated 6 rounds fired from 3500 mills Fr 8 WIA’s 1 (E), 1 (P), 6 (R).

At 1830H, Co B combat patrol reported finding 1-250 lb dud bomb at YD 152710, 2-81mm duds at YD 154712, and six enemy bunkers 5’x4’x4’ at YD 158714.  Blew ordinance in place.

20               At 1100H, D-1 at YD 146727, En same.  Found bunker 6’x8’ with thatched roof, 2 exits, bamboo walls, two tunnels all of which were recently occupied.  Searched area, found 2 ChiCom and 2 French grenades.  Sent to S-2.  Bunkers and tunnels destroyed.

At 1230H, D-1 at YD 145726, Enemy at YD 146728.  Patrol saw 3 NVA in open.  Called arty mission with good coverage of target area.  Area too far off patrol route to check out.

At 1610, 1/4 perimeter received 5 to 7 incomings enemy 60mm rounds from 5300 mills, range 1200 meters.  Impacted 60 meters outside our lines.  Negative casualties.  Called counter mortar fires with 40 rounds of 81mm.

At 2355H, 1/4 CP at YD 157727 received 2 rounds incoming Arty from south direction.  Rounds impacted near perimeter appeared 100 meters west of lines.  Checked all H&I fires.  Will make craters analysis at first light.

At 0445H, 1/4 CP at YD 157727 received 3 rounds Arty from south direction.  Rounds impacted near perimeter approx 100 meters south of lines.  Checked all H&I fires.  Will make crater analysis at first light.

22        At 0925H, Co A at YD 157727 received one 82mm mortar round in CP area.  Crater analysis indicates direction of fire at 4700 mills.

            At 0950H, Co A at YD 157727 received 82mm mortar rounds outside of perimeter.  Crater analysis indicated direction of fire at 4300 mills.  Returned counter mortar fire of 40 rounds of 81mm mortar.  Called in Arty mission of 36 rounds.  Results unknown.

At 1100H, at YD 157727 Co B received twelve 82mm mortar rounds outside of perimeter.  Enemy fire came from 4500 mills.  Counter mortar fire of 60 rounds 81mm was returned.  Reaction time was one minute.  Called in Arty mission.  Good coverage.  Results unknown.

            At 1237H, Co A at YD 157727 received one WP round in CP area.  Round came from 4320 mills.  Crater analysis indicates 105mm Arty round.

23        At 1046H, (FR YD 157727, En approx YD 138725) received approx 15 82mm mortar rounds in perimeter from 4500 mills.  Returned counter mortar fire, called in Arty mission and air strike on suspected enemy position.  Enemy 82mm mortars resulted in 32 WIA’s (med-evac) and 8 WIA’s (non-evac).

            At 2030H, (Fr 161726, En same) Co C squad size ambush spotted 5 to 6 enemy moving from west to east.  Took enemy under fire with 100 rounds S/A fire, 15 M-79 and 4 M-26 grenades. Called in 60mm illumination.  Enemy fled too south.  Squad then returned to perimeter.  Results 1 enemy KIA (P).

            At 2330H, (Fr YD 157787, En approx YD 137732) received approx 15 82mm mortar rounds in CP area from 5100 mills.  Returned counter mortar fire of 30-60mm and 35 81mm mortars.  Called in arty mission on suspected enemy position.  Enemy mortar fire resulted 4 WIA’s (med-evac).

24        Between 0615H and 0900H, the battalion (minus Co C and D) moved to new position at YD 161719.

            Between 1235H and 1440H, Co A received 15 82mm mortar rounds and approx 15 rounds of arty.  Called Arty mission on suspected enemy mortar positions.  Called FSCC for check fire and incoming Arty stopped.

            At 1700H, Co A commenced movement to new position at YD 161719 and chopped OPCON from 1/4 to 1/3.

26        At 0700, 1/4 Bravo Command Group (YD 171729) and Co’s A and C departed for C-2 position.  Co A returned to OPCON of 1/4 from 1/3.

            At 1515H, 1/4 Bravo Command Group and Co’s A and C arrived at C-2 and C-2 Bridge Site.  Chopped OPCON to 3/4

            At 1530H, first increments of 3/4 arrived 1/4 position.  1/4 assumed OPCON.

            At 0500H, 1/4 assumed responsibility for the defense of C-2 and the C-2 Bridge Sites.  1/4 assumed responsibility of 1/4 AO.  All Co’s returned to OPCON of their parent units.

27        At 0700H, Alpha Command Group and Co’s B and D departed YD 171729 for C-2 and C-2 Bridge Sites.

            At 1115H, Co D 1/4 at YD 155696, found one ChiCom AP mine on south side of the road.  Blew in place.

            At 1400H, Co’s B and D and Alpha Command Group arrived at the C-2 position.  Companies A and B at C-2 position and C and D at C-2 Bridge.

29        At 1330.  1/4 FSCC received intelligence report of enemy activity of unknown size in 1367 Grid squares.  Called in arty mission.  While adjusting fire, FO spotted 2 enemy in tree line at YD 134674.  Fired for effect with 31 rounds 105mm.  Good coverage of target.  Results unknown.

31        At 1330H, (Fr at YD 124664) Company D squad patrol found one dead NVA, wearing nothing but a pair of tennis shoes.  Appeared to have been dead 4-6 weeks.  Left body in place.

            At 1400H, (Fr at YD 127674) Company C squad patrol found 2 NVA sneakers containing skeleton of feet.  Sneakers were upright and about 1 foot apart.  Arty hole found 4 feet away from sneakers.  Dimensions were 3’ long, 2’ wide, and 2’ deep.  Also found a home-made carrying bag in a nearby tree.  Squad brought sneakers and empty bag back to 1/4 CP.

  1. 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, weapons safety, and particular emphasis was placed on the care and cleaning of the M-16 rifle.  All Marines and corpsmen received a thorough indoctrination in the rules of engagement.

The Dong Ha firing range was utilized to the maximum to FAM fire Marines with the M-16, M-79 and M-60.  Corpsmen were given instruction on the .45 caliber pistol and were provided an opportunity to FAM fire at the Dong Ha range.

All replacements received thorough instruction on the M-16 rifle and were able to zero their weapons on a 15-meter range.

  1. Casualties Inflicted on the Enemy

            NVA/KIA (conf)        6

            NVA/KIA (Prob)     33

  1. Friendly Casualties Sustained

            KIA                        9

            WIA                   113

            Non-hostile deaths   9

            DOW                         0

            NBC                      124

  1. New Techniques Employed
  2. Overcoming the problem of laying the machinegun after dark to ensure interlocking fire during night ambushes:

Even though an ambush site is reconnoitered during daylight hours from a distant, hidden vantage point, and selection of the machinegun positions is made, the problem of getting effective interlocking fires after dark still exists.  On one occasion during a daylight reconnaissance of an ambush position, the terrain lent itself well to an ‘L’ type ambush, where the killing zone was a likely spot on a streambed for an enemy crossing.  However, after dark, the machinegun squad leader found it too dark to coordinate the machineguns and cover the long axis of the killing zone effectively and fully.  Although partly cloudy, the night provided enough illumination for the ‘Starlight Scope’ to function effectively.  By aligning the ‘Starlight Scope’ with the long axis of the machinegun, it was possible to assign maximum effective fire to cover the long axis of the killing zone and interlock with the automatic rifles.

  1. Equipment.  The following is a report of major items of equipment readiness.
  2. Motor Transport

                                                                             UP            3rd Ech            Code-X

M-422-A1 (Mighty-Mite)                     11                 7                         2

M-274-A2 (Mech. Mule)                       29                  1

M-37 (PC)                                                         2                  1

M-170 (Ambulance)                                   1

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

Radio Sets RT-505                          3

Radio Vehicle AN/MRC-83          1

Radar Set AN/TPS-21                     1

  1. Logistics.  From 1 December to 28 December, while the battalion was located north of the TRACE, resupply requests were received by the S-4 representative in the field and relayed to the S-4 at Dong Ha. Resupplies were staged at the LSA at Dong Ha and flown out by helicopters the following day.  UH-34 and CH-46 resupply helicopters were provided by 1st MAW.  Average daily resupply was approximately 10,000 pounds.

The battalion rear was located at Dong Ha during this period, and all classes of supplies were provided by FLSU-1.

After the battalion assumed the defense of C-2 and C-2 Bridge, resupply was accomplished by truck convoy provided by 9th Motor Transport Battalion.  Approximately 10 days of Class I, III and V supplies are maintained on hand at C-2.  Four 9th Motor Transport Battalion Trucks have been attached to this battalion at C-2 for administrative requirements.

  1. Civil Affairs

            There were no civil affairs activities conducted during this reporting period.

  1. Psychological Warfare

            All psychological operations were conducted by higher echelon.

  1. Personnel and Administration.  During the reporting period the administrative section was located at Dong Ha.  At the close of the reporting period, each rifle company averaged 3 above manning level and 26 men in a non-effective status.  The battalion is presently at M/L/TO in MOS 0302.

Personnel losses and gains during the reporting period:

                                                                             USMC              USN

                                                                            Off/Enl            Off/Enl

                                    Battle                            0/9 (KIA)         0/0

                                    Non-Battle                 0/9                     0/0

                                    Admin                          6/172                  1/3

                                                          Total      6/190                  1/10

                                    Gains                           8/247                  1/10

            The following awards were presented during the reporting period:

NONE

Discipline was excellent during the reporting period.  The numbers of disciplinary cases during the month are as follows:

                        Courts-Martial:                                  None

                        Non-Judicial Punishment

                                    Battalion Commander            0

                                    Company Commander          3

Morale is excellent.  The Battalion received R&R to the following places: Bangkok-15, Hawaii-20, Hong Kong-11, Penang-3, Kuala Lumpur-2, Manila-3, Taipei-11, Okinawa-4, Tokyo-6, and Sydney-9.  The battalion also sent 26 Marines to the China Beach In-country R&R Program.  PX facilities were adequate and Postal service was excellent.

During this period, a marked increase was noted in religious participation by personnel of the battalion.  In addition to 9 Memorial Services, 18 Divine Services (Protestant) were held in the field.  Moreover, there was liberal participation in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Roman Catholic Mass was celebrated on two occasions on Christmas day.  Previous to this, confessions and absolutions were held.

It is of interest to note that during the Christmas ceasefire period, a touch of home was added to the bleak surroundings with troops participating in caroling.

  1. Intelligence

During the reporting period the battalion was involved in Operation Kentucky.

  1. Enemy

(1)               Before the operation, the intelligence estimate stated that four NVA Regiments with supporting artillery elements were known to be in the operating area.  The enemy was capable of attacking friendly positions at his own choosing.  Enemy mortar and rocket positions were also reported within the AO.

(2)               There were no large-scale meeting engagements with the enemy, except on 6 December when the battalion came in contact with an estimated NVA Company surrounding its perimeter.  The enemy encountered was equipped with 82mm mortars, automatic weapons, small arms, and RPG’s.  They were also supported by artillery of an unknown caliber.  Most other enemy activity consisted of incoming 60mm and 82mm mortars.  Many well-designed bunkers were found within the battalion’s AO.

  1. Terrain

The terrain was found to be as reported, consisting of uncultivated rice paddies and dense thickets.  Among the most noted terrain features were the bomb craters, which dominate the AO.  Good concealment is provided throughout the area, and cover can be found in the numerous old enemy bunkers located in the AO.

  1. Weather

During the first half of the month of December it was generally dryer than expected, but many days were overcast with a light rain and fog.  Air operations were severely hampered by the low visibility.  After the 16th of December, conditions improved, and weather was generally good.  Weekly temperature averaged from a high of 64 degrees to a low of 58 degrees.

  1. Enemy Equipment Destroyed

Bunkers Destroyed                      33

Mortar Rounds Destroyed        158

RPG Rounds Destroyed              2

  1. Medical and Dental
  2. The total number of visits to the Battalion Aid Station during the month of December was 631.
  3. Prevalent medical entities encountered were:

Gonorrhea                   5            Otitis                                            6

NSU                                1            Dermatological                     87

Diarrhea                      13            Conditions Cellulites     18

Gastro-enteritis        6            Ring Worm                              2

Malaria                          2            FUO                                           15

URI                                42           Dysentery                               17

Immersion Foot       9

  1. All suspected and confirmed cases of VD were given a Serological Test for Syphilis in accordance with NAVMED 22-18 and the results entered in the individuals Health Record.
  2. A total of 98 patients were sent to A Med at Phu Bai and D Med at Dong Ha.

Of those referred to Medical Battalions, the following were consults:

            Dental         27                        Orthopedic         6

            EENT             8                        Blood Work        25

            Urological   4

  1. Weekly Malaria prophylaxis was continued through the use of Chlorequine Primaquine Tablets.
  2. Sanitation Inspections were held weekly in the battalion area (Dong Ha and C-2).  Sanitary facilities at present are considered adequate.
  3. It should be noted that there was an increase in the number of reported FUO’s.  This is attributed to increased exposure during this period.
  4. The number of cases of Immersion Foot has markedly decreased.  This is due to the close surveillance of the troops by their Company Corpsman and continuing education improper foot care.
  5. A forward Battalion Aid Station was established during Operation Kentucky consisting of a Battalion Surgeon and four Hospital Corpsman.  All injuries encountered were treated by their line company corpsman, and if needed, sent to the Forward Battalion Aid Station for further treatment and evacuation.  No serious delays were encountered in resupply or med-evac during this period.
  6. Air Support
  7. Med-evac support

(1)               During the month of December, a total of 21 med-evac helicopters were utilized. Two of those med-evacs were accomplished after dark, in lighted landing zones.  Throughout the period, med-evac support was responsive and timely.

  1. Helicopter Resupply Support

(1)               Scheduled helicopter resupply was generally good, with approximately 160,000 pounds of supply transported to the various positions. A helicopter support team, which was attached to the battalion, facilitated resupply in the field.

  1. Close Air Support

(1)               A total of 12 close air support flights (3 helicopter and 9 fixed wing flights, comprising 25 sorties) were flown for the Battalion during December.  These strikes resulted in 14 bunkers destroyed, 11 KBA (conf), 5 KBA (Prob) and *8 secondary fires or explosions.  Two of the helicopter strikes were controlled by the battalion air liaison officer.  All other strikes were controlled by Airborne FAC.

  1. TPQ-10 Support

(1)               Seventeen TPQ-10 strikes were flown in support of 1/4

  1. Fire Support
  2. During the month of December, the 1st Battalion 4th Marines, engaged in Operation Kentucky, received general support from D, E and F Batteries, 2nd Battalion 12th Marines, A Battery, 1st Battalion 12th Marines and K Battery 4th Battalion 12th Marines.  Direct artillery support was provided by F and E Batteries from 28 November to 27 December and D Battery from 27 December to 31 December.  Reinforcing fires were provided by the 1st 8” Howitzer Battery and the Provisional Artillery Battalion Command Group (175 Guns) at Gio Linh.
  3. The main problem encountered by 1st Battalion 4th Marines during the reporting period was the long delay involved in obtaining clearance on ‘live’ fire missions.  On numerous occasions, due to the large number of friendly units in the area, it took 20 minutes or longer before counter battery or counter mortar fires could be delivered.  In view of the ‘hit and run’ tactics of NVA mortar artillery, any delays of more than five minutes between the time the mission is requested and the first rounds impact in the target area, are excessive ——-.
  4. Throughout the month of December, a large number of live missions were fired by the FO’s attached to 1st Battalion 4th Marines.  Although only 1 NVA confirmed and 15 NVA probable were credited to artillery (probable shared with air), on numerous occasions large volumes of artillery were observed impacting in areas where NVA were firing from or hiding in.  Tactical commitments precluded checking the impact area for casualties on most occasions.
  5. During the month of December, the following missions were fired in support of 1st Battalion 4th Marines:

Observed

            Counter Mortar                     21

            Targets of Opportunity     42

            Illumination                            11

            Registration of NDF’s         26

Unobserved

            Counter Battery         18

            Fire for effect             36

            H&I’s                             286

  1. Communications.  During operations north of the TRACE from 1 to 27 December, communications with the 9th Marines and the Battalion rear functioned satisfactorily.  An SB-22 switchboard was installed in the field CP bunker to facilitate wire communications with the company CP’s and key staff sections.  Due to the distance of the lines laid, a normal loop with the TA-1’s did not function efficiently.

No major communications problems were encountered during the move of the Battalion from north of the TRACE to C-2 and the C-2 Bridge.

Radio relay channels at C-2 include the 1/4 COC to 9th Marines COC hot line, FSCC hot line, and FDC hot lines to the firing batteries.  The battalion has two long locals to Cam Lo, two long locals to the C-2 Bridge site and 2 common user trunks to radio relay.  Four trunk lines are available via radio relay, to Dong Ha.  All the radio nets, including Regimental TAC, Regimental Admin, Battalion TAC, Convoy Control, Arty COF, 81 COF and Air Net, are in operation.

Message totals for the month were:

            Classified                   Unclassified

            Incoming      327          Incoming        506

            Outgoing          4            Outgoing        25

            Circuit               0            Circuit             0

A limited technical inspection was made on all communications equipment after reaching C-2 to ensure serviceability and to correct any deficiencies.  All equipment was found to be in an operable condition.

Major items evacuated to higher echelons and returned:

            Radio Sets AN/PRC-25               2

Major items repaired locally:

            RT units RT-505                             4

            Sound Power Phones TA-1      4

            Handsets H-138                           10

            Handsets H-189                              2

            Telephone EE-8                               1

            Headset H-44                                  1

            Teletype AN/TGC-14                   1

This page last corrected 26 August 2011