Operations

A. Mission. During the period covered by this chronology the mission of the 1st Battalion 4th Marines as assigned by 4th Marines Frag Order 1-66.

1. To provide a ready reaction force in support of reconnaissance platoons in the area.

2. To conduct search and destroy operations in the area.

3. Maintain a minimum of one platoon during daylight hours and one company (-) during hours of darkness for security at the artillery position, and one platoon for security of the LSA.

B. Operations. Platoon and squad size aggressive patrolling and ambushes were conducted consistent with the dictates of the mission as assigned by the 4th Marines.

On 302205H, a message was received from Regiment stating that due to the political unrest in the city of Hue coincident with the removal of General THI, I Corps Commander and a native of the area, there would be no traffic allowed in or near the city or on any roads leading into or out of Hue. Since that time the ban has not been lifted.

On 31 March the Battalion was alerted for commitment to ‘Operation Golden Fleece’. This operation was designed to protect the local farmers during their rice harvest and to prevent VC from transporting confiscated rice from the lowland harvest areas to their highland sanctuaries.