Intelligence – June 1969

 

Intelligence

  1. Enemy.
    1. 1st Bn 4th Marines started on an operation in conjunction with Lancaster II on 4 June 1968.   Fire Base ROBIN was established with little difficulty and contact in the immediate area was with small units. The enemy showed his capability of fighting a delayed action and his ability to use the high canopy of the jungle. Charlie and Delta Companies established LZ LOON and were brought under heavy ground attack by an estimated Regt of the 304th Division.   Again, the enemy showed his ability to delay and counter with swift offensive actions where the terrain particularly favors such tactics.   After successfully establishing Fire Base ROBIN, 1/4 moved to establish Fire Base TORCH in the vicinity of Hill 515.   The road is wide enough for vehicle travel, however, evidence of this was noted. The road appeared to have been cut in place by power tools or extensive manpower expertly done by entrenching tools. The trees appear to have been cut by power saw and large rocks showed evidence of being blown by demolitions. Any holes in the road had been filled by rocks, and large logs were added to give the drainage effect needed for an all-weather road. Trails leading off the road let to transit cooking area.   These transit areas were approximately 200 meters apart and appeared to be used by the NVA working on the road. The bridge found at XD 916296 was constructed to handle vehicle traffic.   B and D Companies found an agriculture field at XD 901267 and at XD 925723 containing corn, potatoes, squash, okra, tobacco and tomatoes.   The field was approximately 75×300 meters in area and appeared to be cultivated by transit area NVA and probably was used as a readily available food supply.
    2. At 0215, 11 June, two rifle shots were heard.   It was at this time that a Sapper team hit, putting 1/4 under a two-front attack. The Sapper team was heavily camouflaged and exhibited the capability of massing and delaying, coupled with swift offensive actions. The offensive action of the Sapper team failed.   However, they combined their failure with heavy mortar attacks.   On 19 June we established LZ MIKE for a future fire base.   The Companies were employed for extensive patrolling.
  2. Weather. The weather was generally clear to partly cloudy for the month of June.   Visibility was reduced periodically due to intermittent afternoon rainstorms. Lunar illumination was 80 to 90% for the first two weeks of June, declining slowly towards the last two weeks of June.
  3. Terrain. Most slopes were fairly gradual but difficult to traverse because of jungle canopy ranging from 60 to 100 feet in height. The terrain strongly favors a defense. Through experience the enemy favors the reverse slopes for employment of his guerilla or delaying tactics by small units.
  4. Incoming. The number of rounds of incoming by enemy arty was 100 while 250 82mm mortar rounds were received.
  5. Enemy equipment found or destroyed.
    1. 300 bunkers destroyed
  • This page last corrected 1 September 2011