Operations/Training/Fire Support
Section IV
- Mission.
During the month of October 1965, the mission of the 1st Battalion continued to be as assigned by the 4th Marines Operation Order 305-65 of 8 September 1965, namely:
- Defend along the trace of the MLR within assigned TAOR.
- Maintain a COPL within assigned TAOR.
- Conduct and maintain surveillance of seaward approaches within sector to repel landings and preclude infiltration
- Conduct aggressive operations and patrolling within TAOR.
- Be prepared to conduct operations unilaterally and/or bilaterally with RVNAF outside the 4th Marines TAOR.
- Provide tactical security for Battery A, 2nd LAAM Bn firing site on KY Hoa Island.
- Provide liaison personnel to effect positive coordination with Province Chief, Tam Ky.
To facilitate the accomplishment of the assigned missions a special organization for the pacification program was established on 1 October 1965. Officers were assigned responsibilities for Political Affairs and Psychological Warfare, Training of Military Forces (VN), Civil Affairs and Civic Action directly responsible to the Operations Official. Responsible to the Civil Affairs Officer were some six officers assigned additional duties for Health and Sanitation, education, Agriculture and Fisheries, business and Labor, Youth and Women and construction and Materials. This organization has functioned effectively and insured that all activities directed toward pacification were in coordination with tactical operations.
- Operations.
Throughout the month, both Company A and Company B not only manned the MLR within their assigned sectors and conducted numerous combat patrols, predominately squad size, during hours of darkness, but also with local VN Self defense Corps, jointly manned checkpoints in each hamlet and conducted nightly patrols within the hamlet to enforce curfew. Company further provided tactical security for the LST ramp and Company B provided a platoon on call as the Battalion Reserve.
On 8 October, the 3rd Platoon of Company C was placed under Battalion control establishing a patrol base within the Battalion CP and assigned the mission of maintaining the left (south) portion of the MLR.
Company C and Company D continued aggressive patrolling from their patrol bases on Ky Hoa and Ky Xuan Islands respectively in conjunction with an active pacification program.
Nightly the 2nd Plat, Co A, 1st AmTrac Bn conducted waterborne patrol to enforce curfew and daily conducted numerous troop lifts and logistical runs.
H&S Company continued their defense of the Battalion Command Post and provided Marines to accompany the Ky Ha Popular Forces Platoon on patrols and ambushes to insure positive coordination and control at all times.
On 29 October 1965, one section of the 106mm Recoilless Rifle Platoon was placed in direct support of MAG-36 to assist in anti-heat defense.
The operational high light of the month was ‘Operation Snaggletooth’ conducted on 24 October 1965. This search and clear operation of Ky Xuan Island (BT 4215) included some sixteen different USMC and Vietnamese units including Popular Forces, Peoples Action Teams, Regional Forces, Junks and District Intelligence Agents.
- Chronological Narrative of Significant Events.
1-2 October – Company C (-) (Rein) established a patrol base on Ky Hoa Island (BT 512125) on 2 October.
3 October – S squad patrol from Company D, on Ky Xuan Island, received fire, wounding one Marine. The enemy withdrew before fire could be returned.
4 October – Continuous day and night patrolling was continued throughout the TAOR. A squad night patrol on Ky Xuan Island was fired upon by an estimated ten VC. The enemy withdrew without any casualties being inflicted to either side.
5-7 October – On 7 October, five VCS were apprehended on Ky Xuan Island and were turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
8-9 October – On 9 October, two VCS were apprehended in Ky Ha Village. The suspects were turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
10 October – Lt Gen Krulak toured the battalion laundry area which employs local workers. The Psychological Warfare Officer returned from Da Nang with supplies obtained through liaison with **** and JOSPAO officials. These were the first such supplies the battalion had received. Request through official channels had produced nothing.
11 October – Senator Brewster visited the battalion area and visited five Marines from their native state of Maryland. Two VCS were apprehended in Ky Ha Village and turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
12 October – Four VCS were apprehended on Ky Xuan Island. They were turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
13-14 October – Two VCS were apprehended on Ky Xuan Island on 14 October. The suspects were turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
15-16 October – When a patrol was attempting to apprehend a VCS on Ky Xuan Island on 16 October, the VCS threw one grenade, wounding one Vietnamese woman. The VCS escaped capture.
17-19 October – On 19 October, one VCS was apprehended on Ky Xuan Island. The suspect was turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
20-22 October – On 22 October, a platoon (-) reconnaissance patrol, aboard LVTs, received small arms fire from Hoa Xuan Island. Pursuit was made but the enemy withdrew before any casualties could be inflicted, however, five VCS were apprehended.
23-24 October – A battalion (-) operation was conducted on Hoa Xuan Island on 24 October. Supporting units were: Recon Group Alpha, Company M/3/3, one company Regional Forces, two platoons Popular Forces, two platoons PAT’s, H Btry/3/12, one platoon each from E and F/24. Results of the operation were four VC killed, one VC wounded, seventy-five VCS apprehended, 300 meters of caves destroyed, 21 punji mantraps destroyed, and seven mines and booby traps either disarmed or destroyed.
25 October – A joint USMC/PF ambush vicinity (BT 5108) apprehended two VCS. They were turned into the Chu Lai Collection Point.
26-28 October – On 28 October at 0035 an ambush at (BT 518076) observed one VC and opened fire killing the VC and retrieving one Russian 40mm rocket launcher. At 0055H an ambush fired on two VC at (BT518087) killing one VC and retrieving one French MG and four grenades.
29-31 October – The battalion was placed on 100% alert upon notification by 4th Marines from 300917H to 300930H.
- Psychological Operations.
Psychological operations wee hindered by a lack of materials for reproducing leaflets and posters. However, within support limitations, the overall operations were increased. A total of 2500 leaflets of nine different types were distributed throughout the TAOR in the villages of Ky Ha, Ky Xuan and Hoa Xuan. Distribution was effected by Marine combat patrols, joint Marine/Popular Force patrols, Village and Hamlet Chief and joint Marine/Self Defense Corps curfew patrols.
Leaflets were obtained from various sources including Ly Tin district Headquarters, 4th Marines Headquarters and the U.S. army 1st Psychological Operations Detachment at Da Nang.
Four films were provided and shown by the Ly Tin District film teams. The Quang Tin Province Drama Team provided two productons and the Province Medical team conudted three MedCap clinis, one each in the villages of Ky Hoa, Ky Xuan ahd Ky Ha.
- Civil Affairs/Civic Action.
- General
a. This unites civil affairs program has been directed towards medical assistance, civic action projects, and development of village governments during this reporting period. Ky Ha Village has an active government, a relatively well trained PF platoon, a Self Defense Corps, and has almost reached the secure stage. The government of Ky Hoa Village has been reorganized, an assistant village chief has been added, and has become an active and stable government. Although hamlet chiefs have been appointed in Ky Xuan Village, the village government is neither organized nor active. However, the people of Ky Xuan are more friendly and are responding to the programs instituted by the Marine Company on the island.
b. See Daily Civil Affairs Report; Section VIII Supporting Documents.
- Significant Events
- The Battalion Civic Action Out-Patient Clinic and company corpsmen held scheduled sick calls in all villages. The doctors and corpsmen treated 615 village patients and the dentists accompanying the Clinic treated 100 villagers during this period.
b. One school began operation in Ky Xuan Village on 20 October, the first in over two years. The Battalion Educational Development Section conducted 67 hours of instruction for 200 English students during this period and also distributed the following:
- 450 school kits
- 2 volleyball kits
- 6 U.S. magazines
4. 6 toothbrushes
5. 6 combs
6. 20 rain hats
c. The following food and supplies were delivered during October:
- 16 October – Delivered 2,000 pounds of rice to the chief of An Tay Hamlet (BT 518085) who distributed the rice to 26 families of the hamlet. These families were moved from their land during May then the airfield was built, but had not received payment for the land. GVN paid the families for their land on 20 October.
2. 16 October – Delivered about 7,000 pounds of rice to the chief of Hoa My Hamlet (BT 483140) who distributed the rice to 185 families of the hamlet whose homes were destroyed during combat action in July.
3. 25 October – Distributed 2,400 pounds of corn meal and bulgar wheat to 167 refugees in Hoa Trung Hamlet (BT 490140). One company had provided security on 24 October when the refugees returned to their former homes at Binh An Hamlet (BT 445150) to transport their personal goods to Hoa Trung.
4. 26 October – Delivered six boxes of candy to Chief of An Tay hamlet (BT518085) for distribution.
5. 27 October – Gave one culver and 10 pick heads to people of Hoa Trung Hamlet (BT 490140).
e. The officials of Ky Ha Village have cooperated with this command and registered all people in the village over 14 years of age. After the registration books are completed each villager will be issued another identification card for use only in Ky Ha Village. The village chief will provide this headquarters with a copy of all registration books.
f. All officers concerned with civil affairs activities in Ky Ha Village attended semi-monthly meetings with the village chief and hamlet chiefs of Ky Ha Village. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss programs of the civil affairs program and any problem areas.
g. Local civilians are now employed by units of this Command in Ky Ha, Ky Hoa, and Ky Xuan Villages. There are 25 employed in Ky Ha, eight in Ky Hoa and nine in Ky Xuan. This employment program has proved very effective because of the increased money it provides to each villages’ economy.
h. One officer of this Command, with Dan Thi Lahn and her father, departed for Saigon on 28 October where Dang, a young Vietnamese girl who lives in An Tay hamlet (Bt 518085), will have a cleft palate operation.
i. Marines of this command participated in three volleyball games with local village men during October. Closer ‘people to people’ contacts and friendships have been achieved through these games.
j. Marines of Company A participated in a Marine-Vietnamese talent show on 31 October at the Ky Ha Village Headquarters. The villagers presented six acts during the two hour show and the Marines seven. The 400 villagers who attended seemed to enjoy the show.
- Civic Action Projects
a. The following civic action projects were completed during this period.
1. Marines and villagers of Sam Hai Hamlet constructed a bridge at (BT 520115).
2. Marines constructed and installed showers for the villagers’ use in Xuan Trung (BT 519091) and Sam Hai (BT 515114) Hamlets.
3. Marines and Vietnamese built a foot bridge at (BT 515110) for use by villagers who use a route through a swampy area.
4. Marines and Vietnamese repaired rough spots and washouts in the road between Sam Hai Hamlet and Xuan Trung Hamlet.
5. Vietnamese assisted Marines in construction of a bamboo building at (BT 518087) for use as a patrol base.
6. Marines of Compan B, 3rd Engineer Battalion constructed a blockboard for use in the An Tay Hamlet School (BT 518085).
7. Marines and Vietnamese repaired protective fensec around An Tay (bt 518085) and trung Toan (BT 524125) Hamlets.
- Problem Areas
a. Chief Choung, who was formerly chief of only Ky Hoa Village, has been appointed chief of both Ky Hoa and Ky Xuan villages. Mr Choung currently resides in Ky Lin village and spends little time in either Ky Hoa or Ky Xuan Villages. Mr. ****, the assistant chief of Ky Hoa Village, can act there in Mr. Choung’s absence in Ky Xuan Village. The government of Ky Xuan Village cannot function without the leadership and guidance of a village chief.
b. The SDC is improving as a quasi-military unit, but some members are *****************************.
c. Lack of supplies in the civic action program, particularly medical supplies, has necessitated delaying many projects that could have been accomplished if supplies were available.
- Plans
a. Continue pacification of Ky Ha, Ky Hoa, and Ky Xuan Villages with particular emphasis on village governmental function.
b. Continue and complete projects which can be accomplished with most materials. Attempt new projects as materials become available.
c. Continue medical and educational programs in the three villages. These programs are contingent on the receipt of supplies and materials.
- Training.
- The predominance of training continued to be daily on the job type within the rifle companies, H&S Company and direct support unite. Detailed orientation and indoctrination briefings were conducted for all hands joining the battalion.
- 180 Marines attended the land mine warfare school during the month. Of note, even though tactical operations were limited there were several mine/booby traps encountered on operations which were disarmed/destroyed without casualties.
- Rifle companies conducted training when ever operations permitted with emphasis on those General Military Subjects directly applicable to the present mission and disposition.
- In addition to daily on the job type H&S Company conducted training on; AN/TPS-21, communications (operations procedures, security), vehicle safety, driver maintenance, first aid, weapons safety, medical techniques, fire fighting, sanitation, warehouse and armory procedures, baking, meat preparation, gun drill, and other subjects directly applicable to current operations of the battalion.
- Local Popular Forces training was conducted during the month after careful coordination with the unit leaders and District Headquarters. Company C conducted training of the PF Platoon on Ky Hoa Island including hand signals, squad tactics and attack on a fortified position. In Ky Ha Village a marksmanship program was instituted with one squad of the Ky Ha PF platoon completing a week of training. Results of the training which included care and cleaning; positioning, triangulation and firing were extremely encouraging. Plans have been formulated for further marksmanship training of all PF units within the TAOR to be conducted one squad at a time.
- Air Support Requirements.
The air support requirements for the month of October consisted primarily of logistical support. This increased requirement resulted from the establishment of company patrol bases on Ky Hoa and Ky Xuan Islands. Requirements for the month were:
Canceled Canceled Canceled
Type lift # of Req. availability weather by 1/4
Resupply **5 24 26 8
Med Evac 6
Cas (UH-1E) 4
TAC 1
Other (admin, ***, 22 2 2 4
Tactical troop lift, etc.)
Totals 197 26 28 12
Problem Areas.
The lack of available helicopters precluded requirement being met during the first part of the month. Support improved during the latter part of the month but requirements were decreased. Communications continues to be a problem due to the continued non-availability of batteries. The single operation requiring tactical air support involved the use of a TAC(A) during the initial stages of the operation and UH-1E aircraft on station throughout the day. All MedEvac requirements were satisfactorily executed throughout the month.
Air Defense.
Passive air defense measures were emphasized including one drill for the entire battalion. No organic weapons for active air dedense employment.
- Artillery.
- Significant Events. With minor exceptions the entire month was characterized by a lack of artillery targets. A single illumination mission and only one fire mission on a target of opportunity represent the total artillery missions fired in support of the battalion except for the H&I fires.
On 24 October ‘Operation Snaggletooth’ required the displacement of Hotel Btry to support the operation. Although no targets of opportunity developed during the operation numerous punji stakes, man traps and booby traps were found on and around Hill 10 (BT 436157). Hill 10 was noted for subsequent H&I fires but its proximity to hamlets required registration which was accomplished 27 October by an FO Team attached to a combat patrol. On the morning of 27 October an attempt was made by the VC to penetrate the Chu Lai Airfield. Continuous artillery illumination was called by 3rd Platoon, Company C. Mission was ended after 2 VC bodies were located and a third body was sighted.
Only one problem was experienced during the month. Gun #3 in Hotel battery fired an H&I with a 200 mil deflection error, with minimal damage.
- Statistical Summary.
a. Number of missions fired in support – 64
b. Types of missions
unobserved
preparatory fires – 0
harassment and interdiction – 60
observed-
targets of opportunity –1
registrations – 2
defensive corrections – 0
illumination – 1
c. Weapons and ammunition expended.
105mm HE – 491 ILL – 23
155mm 90 0
Total 581 23
- Chronological Summary
1-3 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 (523364-14411) and CH-800 (BT 525145); total rounds, 15 rounds on each target, commenced 2010 ended 0500.
4-6 October – No H&I’s fired.
7-12 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total 30 rounds, 15 rounds on each target, commenced 2020 ended 0500.
13-16 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP 11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds, 6 each on each target, commenced 2030 ended 0500
17 October – H&I’s commenced with 1 round 2,000 meters off target RP 11. Investigation found Gun #3 of H Btry in error by 200 meters in deflection. a cease fire was given. At 0001-0500, 6 rounds were fired on RP 11 and CH-800; 3 rounds on each target.
18 October – No H&I’s, shipping I channel.
19-21 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP 11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds, 6 rounds on each target, commenced 2005 ended 0500.
22 October – At 1115 fire mission called in by PH-1 (Co A) (BT 45914*). sniper fire. K Btry fired 1 gun with 3 rounds in effect. Snipers dispersed. Total rounds expended 6.
23 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total rounds, 6 rounds on each target.
24 October – At 0630 H Btry displaced forward to cover Operation Snaggletooth. At 1745 CSMO no fire missions fired. H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP 11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds, 6 on each target. Commenced 2000 ended 0500.
25 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds on each target.
26 October – Fire mission sent i by PH-1 at 1830 to register H&I target (BT 436157). M Btry fired 3 rounds, last round lost; EOM due to darkness, to resume in morning. H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds on each target, commenced 2025 ended 0500.
27 October – At 0815 resumed fire mission on (BT 436157). One gun adjusted with 1 round in effect, total 5 rounds. Replet date CX-727 (BT 43481576). H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds on each target. One H&I CX-727 (BT 43771542) was fired by M Btry, total 30 rounds. Commenced 2000 ended 0500.
28 October – At 0130H continuous illumination requested by C/3 platoon (BT 515076) for suspected enemy movement. The mission was ended after 23 rounds had been fired and 3 VCKs were sighted. H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds, 6 on each target. One H&I fired on CX-727, total 5 rounds, commenced 2005 ended 0500.
29-31 October – H&I’s fired by H Btry on RP11 and CH-800; total 12 rounds, 6 rounds on each target. H&I’s fired on CX-727, 7 rounds 29 October, 5 rounds 30 October, 10 rounds 31 October and on CH-803 (BT 432153) 30 October 5 rounds, 31 October 7 rounds.