Operations
1 April
At 1745H, OP#2 sighted small arms being fired at fixed wing aircraft at YD 123714 while they were engaged in an air strike. OP#2 called 4.2 mortar mission with excellent target coverage.
At 1855H, OP#2 observed 6 NVA in the open at YD 119723. Fired 4.2 mm mortar mission with excellent coverage of target.
At 2345H, Co. C personnel observed 4-5 NVA at YD 127672. At same time, radar picked up enemy movement at YD 128676. Took NVA at first coordinate under fire with small arms and M-79. Fired 60mm mortar mission on movement at second coordinate. Checked area at first light with negative results.
2 April
At 1205H, OP#2 observed 4 NVA in open at YD 119735. NVA appeared to be carrying a heavy object. Fired 105mm mission with good coverage of target.
3 April
At 0935H, one bomb from TPQ fell short of target and landed just outside wire of A-4 at YD 113713. No damage was incurred, and 9th Marines were notified of the incident.
At 1130H, MajGen Thompkins, CG 3rd MarDiv, MajGen Pearson, G-3 of PCV, Col. Smith, CO 9th Marines arrived in area for inspection and conference with CO of 1/4 The visitors departed at 1207H.
At 1315H, OP#2 spotted 8 NVA at YD 120735, carrying what appeared to be heavy packs. Fired arty mission with good target coverage.
At 2250H, PPS-5 radar picked up enemy movement at YD 123709. Fired 12 rounds of 60mm mortars with good coverage of target. Results unknown.
4 April
At 1000H, 3rd Plt., Co. L/3/1 and a section of 2nd Platoon Co. A, 3rd Tank Bn chopped OPCON from 1/4 to 3/4.
At 1125H, OP#2 spotted 7 NVA carrying packs and moving in a NW direction. Fired 81mm and arty mission with excellent coverage of target.
At 1340H, LtGen Krulak, CG FMF PAC, LTGen Cushman, CG III MAF, MajGen Thompkins, CG 3rd MarDiv and party arrived in area for inspection and conference with LtCol Deptula. Purple Heart medals were awarded to personnel of the Battalion by LtGen Krulak. The visitors departed at 1430H.
At 2240H, Co. A using NOD, spotted movement at YD 119706. Fired 20 rounds of 60mm mortars. Good coverage of target.
5 April
At 1230H, OP#2 observed 7-10 NVA in open at YD 120735. NVA were carrying packs and what appeared to be a recoilless rifle. Fired 105mm arty, 81’s and 4.2mm mortar mission with excellent coverage of target.
6 April
At 0920H, OP#2 observed 12 NVA in open at YD 145788. Fired 155mm mission and tank 90mm mission with excellent coverage of target.
At 1050H, OP#2 observed 6 NVA in open at YD 15578097. Fired 90mm tank and 8” howitzer with excellent coverage of target.
At 1320H, A-4 received 9 rounds of estimated 107mm rockets from YD 071752, from a direction of 5700mills. The first barrage of 4 rounds impacted outside perimeter to NW, three minutes later, the second barrage of 5 rounds impacted inside NW perimeter. No casualties or damage incurred.
At 1420H, OP#2 observed 5 NVA in open at YD 121734. Fired 81mm and 4.2mm mortar mission with excellent coverage of target
At 1905H, OP#2 observed 4 NVA with heavy packs moving in SE direction at YD 119737. Fired 4.2mm and 81mm mortar mission with good coverage of target.
7 April
At 0715H, Co. B Platoon road sweep’s west flank, flushed 2 NVA from a tree line along the edge of the road at YD 123685. The NVA, wearing green utilities and heavy packs fled to the west, dropping one RPG round. The road sweep took the NVA under fire with small arms, M-79, and 40mm dusters. 60mm mortars were fired from Yankee Station. The road sweep swept the area with an AO overhead, with negative results.
At 0800H, OP#2 observed 5 NVA at YD 11917366. Fired 81mm mortar and 106mm mission with excellent coverage. OP#2 observed, through 20x binoculars, one NVA received two direct hits during 81mm mission. Results, 1 NVA KIA.
At 1030H, AO observed 3 NVA new bunkers at YD 116717. Called in 81mm mortar mission with good coverage of target. AO called in fixed wing on same position. Jets received small arms fire during each run-on target. AO observed 3 NVA KBA, 60 meters of trench line destroyed and 15 secondary explosions.
At 1900H, chopped OPCON of 2 tanks from 1st Plt, Co. A 3rd Tank Bn, from 3/4 to 1/4 at C-2 Bridge.
At 2125H, Co. C at C-2 Bridge, with PPS-5, observed movement to the N-NW. Fired 15 rounds 60mm mortar with good coverage of target. Movement ceased.
8 April
At 1130H, LtGen Rosson, USA, CG PCV, MajGen Davis, USMC, Dep CG III MAF, MajGen Thompkins, CG 3rd MarDiv and party arrived in area for inspection and conference with CO 1/4 . Visitors departed at 1208H.
At 1618H, OP#2 observed 11 NVA in the open at YD 129722 running to the NW. NVA were observed wearing green camouflaged utilities, packs and carrying rifles. AO on station assisted OP#2 in adjusting 4.2mm mission. AO called in fixed wing strike on above coordinate.
At 1855H, OP#2 observed 5 NVA at YD 123737. First NVA was carrying an object that appeared similar to a mine detector. Other NVA were observed to be carrying packs. Fired 4.2mm mission with good coverage of target.
At 2215H, OP#3 observed movement to the N-NE at YD 129697. Fired 29 rounds 81mm mortar with good coverage of target.
10 April
At 1200H, Co. K, 2nd Plt, 3/3 chopped OPCON to 1/4 from 3/3. Unit now located at C-2 Bridge.
At 1600H, OP#2 observed 5 NVA moving in a NW direction at YD 120734. NVA appeared to be carrying four bodies. Fired 4.2mm mortar mission with good coverage of target. AO on station checked area with negative results.
At 1810H, OP#2 observed movement of 4-5 NVA in a house at YD 123757. Fired arty, and 106mm mission with excellent coverage. House was destroyed.
At 1810H, Co. C, at C-2 Bridge observed 4 NVA at YD 134665. Fired 81mm mortar and arty mission with good coverage of target.
At 2235H, Co. C, at C-2 Bridge observed movement through NOD, at YD 127681. PPS-5 radar picked up movement at YD 130685. Fired 60mm mortar mission on both grids with good coverage of target. Movement ceased.
11 April
At 0930H, Co. B Platoon patrol found aiming stakes at YD 103683 and 26 bunkers at coordinates YD 102680, YD 103677, YD 102678. All bunkers were old and had rotten log tops. There were no indications in immediate area of recent enemy activity. Bunkers were destroyed with C-4, aiming stakes were forwarded to S-2.
At 1000H, Co. A Platoon patrol found 7 bunkers reinforced with logs and dirt at YD 147703. Dimensions were 4’ by 3’ by 8’. The trails in the immediate area showed signs of being recently used. Bunkers were destroyed and platoon continued mission.
At 1235H, Co. A received 2 sniper rounds from YD 148703 and YD 146713. Called in 4.2mm mortar mission with good coverage of target.
12 April
At 1335H, OP#2 observed 30 NVA in the open at YD 177806. Fired general support mission with excellent coverage. AO on station called in fixed wing, and TPQ’s were dropped on target.
At 1400H, OP#2 observed 10-15 NVA at YD 169788 running into tree line. Fired arty mission and AO called in TPQ’s.
At 1445H, TPQ’s were dropped at YD 17147851 and one secondary explosion was observed. OP#2 adjusted TPQ’s on YD 17647831, and three secondary explosions were observed.
At 1910H, OP#2 observed 6 NVA with packs running in a SE direction across clearing. Fired 4.2mm mortar mission with excellent coverage on target. TPQ’s requested.
At 1930H, 106 recoilless rifle personnel, located near OP#2 reported receiving one sniper round from unknown direction.
At 2240H, Co. D listening post at YD 113708 received 20-30 rounds small arms fire and one RPG, from YD 121710. RPG landed in minefield 100 meters north of lines. Co. A NOD observed 4 NVA at above coordinate. Fired 81mm, 4.2mm and 60mm mortar mission with good coverage on target.
13 April
At 1215H, Co. D Platoon patrol at YD 145690, observed 3 NVA at YD 148691. NVA were carrying packs, but weapons were not observed. Point took NVA under fire as they fled to the NE. Search of area revealed one pack that was dropped as NVA fled.
At 1335H, OP#2 observed 7 NVA in the open at YD 151806. Fired general support mission as NVA were running into tree line. Excellent coverage of target.
14 April
At 1300H, OP#2 observed 5 NVA at YD 151806. Fired arty mission with excellent target coverage. NVA ran into tree line with rounds impacting around them.
At 1437H, OP#3 observed 3 NVA at YD 175772. Fired arty mission with good target coverage.
At 1630H, OP#2 observed 30 NVA at YD 148806. The NVA were moving into a tree line. Fired arty mission with good target coverage.
At 2220H, Using PPS-5 and starlight scope, Co. B observed movement of 3 NVA at YD 115684. Took enemy under fire with small arms and 60 rounds of 60mm mortars.
16 April
At 0845H, Co. B Patrol found trench from YD 106685 to YD 107684. Trench contained six human skeletons and six sets of sandals. Six NVA KIA (confirmed).
At 1855H, Co. C S-2 Scout observed 4 NVA heading NW for a tree line at YD 125675. Fired 81mm mortar mission with good coverage of target.
17 April
At 2105H, OP#1 spotted 5 lights at YD 119708. Lights were blinking on and off and moving in SE direction. Naval gunfire fired on coordinate with excellent coverage of target.
18 April
At 1305H, Co. A patrol found 74 82mm rounds and 14 fuses in the wall of an old bunker at YD 094685. Six of the rounds were fused. Patrol returned with approx 40 rounds and loose fuses. Destroyed remainder of rounds with C-4.
At 1400H, OP#2 observed 6 NVA in the open. Fired arty mission, NVA fled to bunker which was destroyed by arty fire.
19 April
At 1000H, 2nd Plt, Co. K/3/3 chopped OPCON from 1/4 to 3/4.
At 1008H, 3rd Plt, Co. K/3/3 chopped OPCON from 3/4 to 1/4 at C-2 Bridge.
At 1010H, Co. A patrol found 4 mortar pits, one 82mm round, one U.S. type gas mask and ten 4’ by 4’ fighting bunkers at YD 100664. Destroyed bunkers. Returned 82mm rounds and gas mask to S-2.
At 1130H, at YD 100666 and YD 102667, Co. A patrol found 60 bunkers 6’x4’ with 2 to 4 layers of 3” to 5” logs covered with dirt. Twenty-one bunkers had connecting trench lines. Found one FO position in tree, 4 mortar pits, 25 one manhole covered with dirt and logs with connecting trench lines, 33 graves, 13 had wooden head markers, and one tunnel with entrance 2 ½’ wide and 40’ deep. Tunnel extended 10’ by 12’ from bottom of entrance and opened into cavern 10’ wide 18’ long with approx 8’ overhead. All positions were old and did not appear to have been used recently. Destroyed two bunkers and FO position. Uncovered body in black PJ’s. Patrol did not have sufficient equipment to destroy entire position. Gear found in area included one 82mm round, two ChiCom grenades, one crosscut saw, 12 empty medicine bottles, 30 hypo-syringes, three worn out NVA packs and 4 NVA cartridge belts. Patrol returned items to S-2.
At 1145H, Co. B patrol observed 6-8 NVA at YD 160683. Enemy were wearing various types of clothing, one appeared to be carrying a weapon. Point man fired on NVA with M-16. NVA ran into tree line. Called arty mission on tree line with good coverage of target. Checked area with negative results. NVA were traveling in NE direction when last observed.
At 1745H, 3rd Plt. K/3/3 chopped from 1/4 back to 3/4
At 1910H, OP#2 observed 3 NVA at YD 119737. Enemy was wearing packs and moving west. Fired 4.2mm mortar and 105mm mission with excellent coverage of target.
20 April
At 0800H, Company A combat patrol returned to vicinity of YD 101688 where a platoon combat patrol had discovered the large enemy bunker complex on 19 April. S-2 believed area was a Battalion CP that had housed approx 400 men. The complex apparently had not been used for about four months. In this area, the following was found; 24 large bunkers 7’x4’x4’, covered with 2-4 layers of logs and 10” of dirt. The decking was made of split bamboo. Two AA/AW positions 50 meters apart 5’x3’ with a platform 1 ½’ high in the center. There was a 6’x4’x4’ bunker built into the wall. At YD 102667 they discovered twenty-one 6’x4’x4’ and eight 3’x3’x3’ bunkers, twenty-one of these were connected by a trench 2’x4’. Trench line was covered in places. FO’s platform in a tree about 10 feet off the ground with a good view of C-2, C-2 Bridge and A-4. A tunnel into the ground at about a 70 degrees angle, approx 30’ deep and 3’ in diameter. At the bottom was a room dug out to about 11’x8’x8’. This appeared to be a dud bomb crater that had been improved by the enemy.
Near this tunnel, there were areas of sunken earth of which 14 were marked with grave markers. These areas were dug up and each hole contained the remains of one NVA KIA that was reduced to almost a skeleton. The graves were marked as follows; 74/9Bn, 43/99Bn, 22/119Bn, 40/99Bn, 86/119Bn, 42/9Bn, 50/129Bn, 80/129Bn, 28/129Bn, 56/9Bn, 3/119Bn, 416/119Bn, 38/99Bn and 49/129Bn.
At YD 100666 fifteen large bunkers 6’x4’x4’ and 17 bunkers 3’x3’x3’, four mortar pits 6’x3 ½’ with two ammo storage areas in each. These pits were littered with black fuse caps and fuse and primer caps. The highest point at this position also had an FO tower in a tree with a good view of C-2, C-2 Bridge, and A-4. With the exception of one 82mm mortar round, all of the NVA gear discovered in the area was rotted badly and unserviceable. A total of 53 large bunkers, 20 small bunkers, 2 FO towers, 10 hooches, four 2 hole heads were destroyed. A total of 13 NVA KIA’s were uncovered.
At 1035H, OP#2 observed 7 NVA in open at YD 118767. Fired arty mission using firecracker round with excellent coverage.
21 April
At 1020H, Co. C patrol at YD 150709 observed two groups of 4 NVA each to direct front. NVA were moving from east to west. NVA were wearing soft covers and light-colored uniforms without camouflage. Took NVA under fire with small arms and called artillery mission. OP/ambush returned to perimeter. One NVA KIA (confirmed). Captured one AK-47 and one apparent AT round with carrying case.
At 1130H, OP#2 spotted 6 NVA in open at YD 131843. Fired tanks with excellent coverage.
At 1505H, Co. B patrol found freshly dug tunnel at YD 131683. Tunnel was 6’ deep, 3’ long, 2’ wide. Found unidentified mortar round in immediate area. Destroyed tunnel. Returned mortar round to S-2.
22 April
At 0905H, MajGen Stillwell, Chief of Staff III MAF arrived at A-4 and departed at 1000.
At 1930H, Co. B spotted one NVA at YD 120688, approx 400 meters away and moving at a 240 degrees azimuth. Observed with PPS-6 and Starlight Scope. Fired 60mm mission of 33 rounds with excellent coverage target. Also fired M-16 with Starlight Scope. Checked at first light with negative results.
24 April
At 1140H, as lead elements of Co. D were moving across ‘Trace’ they received small arms fire from 10-15 NVA. Co. D returned small arms, M-79 and 60mm mortar fires. Also fired 4.2 mortar mission with good coverage. One friendly WIA (emergency med-evac). Two NVA KIA confirmed and one NVA POW.
At 1320H, MajGen Thompkins, BrigGen Hill, and Col Smith arrived at A-4 for inspection of position. They departed at 1350H.
At 1700H, 3rd Plt, K/3/3 chopped OPCON from 1/9 to 1/4 at C-2 Bridge.
25 April
At 1235H, OP#1 observed active arty position at same time Dong Ha was receiving incoming. Fired arty mission and dropped TPQ’s on site.
At 1455H, Rear elements of Co. B Platoon patrol heard movement and reconned by fire with M-16’s and grenades. Estimated 4-6 NVA returned fire with small arms and grenades. Two NVA were sighted running through brush. One NVA was reported to be carrying an M-16. Co. B platoon took NVA under fire with small arms and grenades. Fired 60mm mortar mission with good target coverage. AO on station adjusted 81mm mortars. Searched area and discovered trench line running north-south. Trench was approx 15 meters long and 2½’ deep. Also found several fresh trails. Patrol returned to Yankee Station. Patrol sustained one WIA (minor).
26 April
At 1014H, Co. A OP at YD 125716 observed two NVA. Sniper took NVA under fire, killing one. The other NVA fled to a tree line at YD 127722 and a 4.2mm mortar mission was fired on that coordinate with good coverage. One NVA KIA (confirmed).
At 1130H, Co. A platoon patrol found a bunker complex in a heavily wooded area at YD 096703. A reinforced squad was sent into the area to search and destroy the bunker complex. Upon entering the wooded area, the squad came under heavy fire and took several casualties. NVA force estimated at a platoon, later reinforced by two companies positioned in reinforced bunkers. Co. A squad set up a 360 degrees defense. The squad was unable to move due to extremely heavy grazing fire from small arms and automatic weapons. The squad also received incoming ChiCom grenades. The remainder of the Platoon swept into wooded area and received heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. At 1300H, a platoon of Co. D and a Command Group was dispatched to reinforce the Alpha platoon. The Co. D reaction unit swept through the area of contact and was pinned down by heavy small arms fire from both front and rear. At 1400H, the 1/4 elements in contact were further reinforced with a platoon from Co. B and two tanks. All elements were heavily engaged by the enemy. Maintaining a heavy grazing fire from bunkers just above ground level and using heavy automatic weapons and sniper fire, the enemy was able to pin down the Battalion units. At 1530H, the Battalion Bravo Command Group, the remainder of Co. D and two additional tanks were committed to the action. Battalion elements swept the area and recovered all WIA’s and KIA’s. AO ran gunships and fixed wing on retreating NVA. One NVA who had been captured earlier died of his wounds. Battalion elements withdrew from area. Friendlies suffered a total of 9 KIA and 17 WIA. Action resulted in 72 NVA KIA (confirmed). Four enemy individual weapons and one crew served weapon were captured. Numerous discarded enemy weapons were sighted but, due to tactical situation, were not collected. Also observed was a bunker with many RPG’s stored inside. Time did not permit destruction of them.
At 1900H, OP#3 observed 5-6 NVA in open at YD 157735. Fired 105mm mission with good target coverage.
At 2050H, OP#1 observed 2 NVA in open using 81mm illumination. Fired 81mm mission with good coverage. Results unknown.
27 April
At 0930H, 1/4 held change of command ceremonies at A-4. Lt/Col J. H. MacLean assumed command of the Battalion while Lt/Col E. A. Deptula departed for reassignment.
At 1719H, A-4 received 4 rounds estimated 152mm arty and in next 10 minutes received 10 more rounds. All rounds impacted outside minefield on southeastern side of perimeter. One estimated 85mm round impacted 50-75 meters on western edge of Co. C perimeter at C-2 Bridge. Negative casualties. Fired Counter Battery Arty on YD 064678 and YD 068749. Also fired 81mm mortar mission on suspected enemy FO position at YD 101684.
At 2234H, Co. B spotted 8 NVA to SW with NOD. Fired 81mm mortar mission on YD 108687. Good coverage results unknown.
28 April
At 0005H, Co. B observed more movement with NOD’s. Utilized search light with negative results. Arty and 81mm mortar mission fired at YD 108687.
At 1135H, LtGen Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, LtGen Cushman, CG III MAF, MajGen Thompkins and party arrived at A-4 for briefing, inspection and presentation of individual awards. General and party departed at 1220H.
At 1645H, A-4 received 2 rounds estimated 100-120mm arty and 2 rounds 25 minutes later. Two rounds landed outside minefield to SW. Two rounds impacted in lower western perimeter by LZ. Fired 155mm and general support at YD 0683575460, YD 072742 and YD 058764. Reaction time was 12 minutes. One friendly WIA (non-evac).
At 2135H, Co. C spotted two NVA with starlight. Checked area with infra-red device and searchlight. Fired 12 rounds M-79 with good coverage. No further movement noted.
At 2350H, Co. A listening post, located outside minefield, received one round small arms from rear. LP observed 2 NVA, fired on enemy and saw one NVA fall. LP returned to perimeter. LP went back to post after NOD could detect no further movement.
29 April
At 0930H, Co. D wire check discovered two 25-to-30-meter gaps in outer concertina. Det cord found, and condition of ground indicated NVA used a bangalore torpedo.
At 1120H, Co. A patrol discovered seven 82mm rounds, NVA gas mask and two bunkers, 4’x8’x4’ with 2’ covering. Destroyed bunkers and 82mm rounds.
At 1155H, A-4 received 10 rounds estimated 82mm mortar. Fired arty and 81mm mission with good target coverage.
At 1450H, LtGen Rossen, CG Prov. Corps, Viet Nam, and MajGen Davis Deputy CG Prov. Corps, Viet Nam arrived at A-4 and departed approximately 30 minutes later.
At 1705H, 3rd Plt, K/3/3 chopped OPCON from 1/4 to 1/9.
At 1850H, Co. B observed two NVA in tree line west of Yankee Station at YD 104692. One NVA was wearing a soft cover and carrying a long rifle, possibly a sniper rifle, and the other was wearing a flak jacket. Fired 60mm and 81mm mortars with unknown results.
30 April
At 0850H, OP#1 observed two NVA at YD 093705. Fired 81mm mission.
At 0854H, and until 0935, A-4 received 10 rounds 82mm mortars from estimated two tubes. Fired arty mission, 4.2mm and 81mm mortar mission on YD 12177194 and 123720. Reaction time was 15 minutes. Two enemy rounds impacted in northeastern portion of perimeter. The other rounds impacted in minefield and outside perimeter to northwest.
At 0900H, Co. A wire check found a 50-meter gap blown in outer wire, remains of bangalore torpedo and one NVA hat. Forwarded bangalore and cap to S-2. Repaired wire.
This page last corrected 30 August 2011