Narrative Summary
The Battalion participated in SCOTLAND II primarily during the month of June. On 3 June the Battalion was helo lifted from Operation LANCASTER II OA into SCOTLAND II OA. The normal mission of the Battalion was to seize and defend Arty Fire Bases, with Companies conducting search and destroy patrols along with screening activities around the fire bases.
On 3 June, the Battalion CP, A and B companies were helo lifted into LZ ROBIN with C Company going in LZ LOON on the 4th, followed by D Company on the 5th. The Battalion, being OPCON to First Marines, was chopped back to Fourth Marines 051800H. About 0600H on 6 June, C and D Companies came under heavy attack by an estimated 150 NVA, using a/w, s/a and RPG fires and ChiCom grenades. The two Companies repelled same with s/a, a/w, 60mm and 81mm mortars, arty, fixed wing and UH-1E gunships, inflicting heavy casualties upon the NVA. Light contact continued throughout the day, with s/a, 82mm mortars and 130mm arty fire being used against the Battalion. Fixed wing strikes and arty were used in suppressing these fires. An extract of two Platoons of C Company was made about 1400H, and the last helo crashed and burned as a result of heavy enemy .50 cal fire. The helo was in such a position that it could not be reached at that time by friendlies. The remaining forces of C and D companies were extracted later in the afternoon.
On 7 June, the Battalion CP, A and B Companies plus D Company, 1/3, were lifted from LZ ROBIN to Hill 515 (906279). The Battalion constructed a fire support base at that location and defended same until 18 June. During that time numerous Company patrols around the base destroyed approximately 300 bunkers and several hundred meters of a road that was 5 to 8 meters wide. Also destroyed were several acres of corn, cucumber, tobacco, squash, tomatoes, potatoes and okra.
On 11 June, at approximately 0215H, an estimated Company of NVA attacked LZ TORCH, using s/a, RPG, satchel charges and ChiCom grenades. Assault was oriented toward C Btry, 1/12 and A/1/4. Repelled assault with s/a, a/w, M-26 grenades, M-79, 60mm and 81mm mortars and arty, both direct and indirect fire. A flare ship provided illumination. Friendly casualties resulting from action: C Btry – 4 KIA/17 WIA, Co. A – 10 KIA/5 WIA, Co. D/1/3 – 1 WIA.
About 0830H the same day, received 50 to 75 rounds of 82mm mortar. Silenced 82mm tube with fixed wing and 81mm mortar. Capt. Mannilla, A Company Commander, was hit in the back and shoulder and was med-evaced. Additional casualties due to this incoming was 17 WIA. At 2100H, A Company had movement in front of its lines. Fired 60mm and 81mm mortar. Lt. Jones, A Company Commander, was wounded in the leg by sniper fire and was med-evaced.
At 150830H, Company D/1/3, was chopped from 1/4
On 18 June the Battalion CP, B and D Companies moved to LZ MIKE. A Company was moved to LZ STUD completing evacuation of LZ TORCH.
From 19 to 30 June, the Battalion CP was located at LZ MIKE, with two Companies in the perimeter and two Companies screening south of Rt #9.
At 222120H, Co. C ambush observed 5-6 NVA at 928609. Fired a/w, s/a, 60mm and 81mm mortar, with excellent coverage of target. Search of area next day revealed blood and marks that indicated bodies had been dragged off.
At 251330H, D Co. patrol found remains of a downed C-123 with 15 bodies. Grave Registration assistance was used in recovery. Also found were 30 M-16 rifles, 3 SRB’s and other equipment including helmets and cartridge belts.
A Company, at 301400H, made contact with 4-5 NVA. Fired two rounds M-16, observing one NVA fall. Pulled back and called arty mission. One NVA KIA confirmed at coordinate 028439.
At 271530H, Co. C was chopped to 1/9.
Casualties inflicted on the enemy.
NVA/KIA (confirmed) – 168
NVA/POW – 0
Friendly casualties sustained.
KIA – 47
WIA – 121
Non-hostile deaths – 2
DOW – 2
NBC – 119
MIA – 0
This page last corrected 1 September 2011