Operations
1 January
At 1021H, Co. A at Grid XD 844557, Patrol found 1 NVA grave, patrol dug up grave found 1 body 4-5 months old, body had no identification or signs of cause of death, patrol covered grave and continued the patrol mission.
At 1110H Co. D patrol at Grid XD 841556 found 9 old bunkers dug in the ground with log roofs, 1 kitchen with assorted utensils, various digging tools scattered around the area. One hand grip for M-16 rifle, a barrel and receiver group for Chinese machine gun, M-7.62 ammunition belt, medicine box and newspaper dated 10 November 1968 NVA type, two trails, one heading in Northeast and the other heading in the direction of North, patrol continued mission, checking out area.
1158H An ‘A’ Co. patrol at Grid XD 859569 found 2 bunkers 6’x3’x5’, made of dirt and logs approximately 3 months old. Patrol found 3-82mm mortar pits with mast clearance to northeast from the mortar pit, patrol could see Regimental Objective #1, mortar pits were no more than three months old, also found 27-82mm mortar rounds, 1 can of fuses and 1 NVA e-tool, patrol continuing to search out area.
1251H Co. A patrol at Grid XD 844556 found 3 caves, inside found sketch map, terrain marked with X’s, found various medical supplies including a barrel for a 2 ½ cc syringe, 63 vials distilled water, 4 unknown vials, 1 catheter size 16, 1 vial streptomycin, 2 penicillin vials, 1 vial unknown white powder, 7 empty vials of strychnine, a pint size bottle of brown iodine powder, 2 pounds of NVA TNT, 1 letter with date of 6 Nov 68 saying ‘troops going into field for rice’, gave name of village and amount of rice, all medical supplies being returned to Company patrol base.
2 January
At 1005H Col. Goggin, Commanding Officer, 4th Marines arrived at 1/4 Command Post. Col Goggin departed at 1020H.
At 1055 A H&S Co. patrol at Grid XD 880530 found 1 bunker built of logs and dirt. Bunker was large enough for two persons, used one week ago, also found fireplace and sleeping area for two persons in the open. Patrol destroyed bunker.
1345H Co. A patrol at Grid XD 853575 was moving along a trail and received fire from NVA automatic weapon, unit believed to be of squad size, patrol returned fire, killing 1 NVA and pulled back, calling in artillery, resulting in various secondary explosions.
At 1542 A Co. C patrol at Grid XD 842552 found a cave complex consisting of 10 caves and six huts, 8’x3’ made of sticks and leaves, 2-3 weeks old.
Patrol found NVA claymore, 14 boxes of booby trap devices, 10 devices in each box, 29 AK rounds, 2 AK pouches, 5 AK magazines, 1 Chi-com pouch, assorted letters, 12 bottles of injectable fluid, 1 bottle of sulphur, 3 bottles of penicillin, 1 cooking pouch with rice, 1 protective mask filter and 1 NVA e-tool, patrol returned all gear to Company Command Post.
At 1425H Aircraft in support of Co. C patrol initiated 3 secondary explosions, artillery caused one secondary explosion.
1826H Co. B at Grid XD 883563 found 4 bunkers 2 of which were 4’x4’x3’, 2 were 5’x5’x4’ and approximately 2-4 months old, 11 fighting holes and four benches, benches of logs tied to trees, did not destroy anything.
2045H Co. C patrol at Grid XD 853575 made addition to Spot Report #127, patrol found 1 NVA body destroyed by napalm, part of the head was found in a helmet. Patrol found 1 AK-47 rifle, 1-20 round magazine, one canteen on cartridge belt, 1 Chi-com grenade, patrol buried body and destroyed all gear.
1410H A Co. D patrol at Grid XD 897536 found some NVA comm. wire running in a northwest direction for approximately 30 meters. It stopped for 10 meters and started again for 20 meters stopping again. Area has been hit by air and artillery. Patrol destroyed wire and continued on its mission.
1535H Co. D at Grid XD 891538 has occupied Regimental Objective #6, will consolidate position for night position.
1750H Co. D at Regimental Objective #6 found 9 bunkers 6-8 months old. Bunkers were already destroyed. Patrol found 2 cooking and two rice bowls, area was heavily hit by air and artillery. No signs of enemy activity in the past six to eight months.
4 January
1003H Co. D at Grid XD 895536 found 2-armed Chi-com claymore mines, network of trench lines and fighting holes running in southwest direction for 100 meters, also 1 trail going down in a north south direction.
Trail established to be 6-8 months old. No sign of recent activity.
1139H Co. C at Grid XD 847574 was cutting their way through brush, when the point man set off what is believed to have been an explosive booby trap. Patrol reported movement around them and pulled back, 2 artillery missions were fired in the area.
1223H Co. D at Grid XD 893531 found eleven sleeping bunkers 6’x4’x4’ with logs and dirt, 20 empty rocket canisters with writing and date of 5/67, 1 rocket warhead carrier, also found aiming stakes pointing in an easterly direction, all estimated to be 6-8 months old. Destroyed bunkers.
1601H Co. C patrol at Grid XD 846574 searching out area of contact which had been prepared with artillery and air, found 2 NVA/KIA confirmed resulting from fire fight, 1 hit by M-79, 1 by M-60 machine gun. Two additional NVA/KIA later were confirmed by M-16 fire.
5 January
0829H Co. H&S (-) at Grid XD 871537 had one confirmed KIA/nocturnal intruder, unidentified, length 2 ½ feet, weight 30 pounds, height 1 ½ feet, silver and black markings, banded tail like a raccoon, head of a fox, feline body and ears, paws, has five pads like a dogs’ foot. Retained body for viewing.
1049H Co. C patrol at Grid XD 847574 was searching area of contact from top of objective to the bottom of the draw. Patrol saw at least 4 NVA bunkers. Bunkers were mutually supporting with command detonated claymore nines. Also saw clearing at the bottom of the draw, approximately 75-100 meters from the top of the ridge line. It is believed there are more bunkers beyond this clearing. Patrol cleared area of claymore mines, searched for NVA and continued on mission.
1517H Co. H&S patrol at Grid XD 882541 found fresh footprints of one-person, fresh axe marks on wooden box that was being chopped for firewood, 1 rice bowl, 15 AK rounds, 1 protective mask, 1 small weaving basket, 12 NVA bunkers estimated to be 4-6 months old, pieces of NVA comm. wire cut in 15-inch lengths and 2 NVA e-tools. Destroyed all gear.
1815H Co. C patrol at Grid XD 847573 found five bunkers 5’x3’x6’ made of logs and dirt and strongly reinforced. Bunkers show signs of recent use. Each bunker had mutually supported command detonated mines. All command detonating mine booby trapped with a pressure release device. Two mines were blown, three were disarmed. There are two trails, one leading in a westerly direction, this trail shows signs of very recent use and lead to more bunkers. Trail in northerly direction is very large and heavily used recently. This trail has not been checked out. On the trail to the west two booby trapped Chi-com grenades with trip wires across the trail were found and disarmed. Patrol found drag marks along the trail, where a body had been dragged.
6 January
1135H Co. C patrol at Grid XD 845574 was checking out the trail in northerly direction from position and found what is believed to be an NVA Battalion Command Post area. In this area were 4 rice storage bunkers 18’x10’x6’. In the first bin was found 78-100 kilo bags of rice. In the second bin was 25, the third bin contained 100 bags, the fourth contained 37 bags measured in kilos for a total of 51 tons of rice. Patrol also found thirty well-made bunkers 6’x8’x4’. One contained 300-82mm mortar rounds, 300-82mm mortar increments, 13-82mm mortar propaganda rounds, 150 cans of 82mm arming devices, with 3 devices in each can, 25 RPG-2 rounds, 40 RPG increments, 10 directional mines, 6 anti-tank mines, 65 boxed of 12.7mm ammunition with 85 rounds in each box, 250 pounds of NVA TNT, 30 booby traps devices and 8 Chi-coms. Found in this area a large kitchen 6’x12’x10’, inside were four stoves and eight cooking pots. Patrol is continuing to check out the area.
1543H Co. C at Grid XD 845574 while searching area found in one bunker a weighting scale to weigh rice. Inside were 4 pages of rice receipts with lists of requisitions from the 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, and 27th Battalions. Most recent entry was 30 December 68. Also found 200 pounds of salt, search continues.
7 January
0730H Co. B at Grid XD 863575 had a man hit in the face by shrapnel of M-26 grenade that exploded in protective hole after man started an unauthorized fire.
1140H Co. D patrol at Grid XD 898505 found 3 AK-47 magazines loaded, 2 Chi-com grenades, 1 M-26 fragmentation grenade, 1 knife and sheathe, 1 waterproof bag, 1 cartridge belt, 1 magazine pouch, 1 battle dressing, 17 bunkers measuring 6’x4’x4’, 1 fighting hole, 3 grass shelters all 2-3 months old. Bunkers destroyed all gear retained.
8 January
0920H BGen Garretson and Col. Goggin arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 0930H.
1826H Patrol from H&S Co. at Grid XD 872538 found 2 graves, dug up one and found a body wrapped in a green plastic bag, cause of death undetermined, no identification on the body, remains estimated to be 3 months old. The second grave will be dug up tomorrow.
9 January
1140H H&S Co. patrol returned to grave site found on 8 January at Grid XD 872538. Grave site was fenced in 5’x10’, using 2–3-inch sticks, each grave had a Chinese star marker made of bamboo over it and had one big star at the entrance. Finished digging up graves that were found on 8 January. Body had wounds in both legs and stomach. Body was estimated to be three months old and over 6’ tall. Body was established to be badly burned. Second grave had one body over six months old with stomach wounds and the body was badly burned. Estimated to be 5’8” tall, wrapped in a green plastic bag, dressed in green uniform with army belt and cover. No identification on bodies. Trails from grave area lead North, west and east not recently used, bodies were reburied.
1210H Col Goggin arrived at the 1/4 Command Post and departed at 1220H.
1250H *** Battery 3/12 commenced helo-lift to LZ Cougar on Hill 715 North at Grid XD 851593.
1415H Helo-lift of Alpha Command Group completed to LZ Cougar.
1440H Co. D helo-lift to LZ Cougar at Grid XD 851593 commenced.
1445H Co. B at Grid XD 841584 found a bunker complex with 3-82mm mortar rounds, 1 RPG-7 rounds and one body. Bunker complex contains 5 bunkers 5’x8’, 2 months old, abandoned 1 week ago, found 3 Chi-com claymore mines, Chi-com grenades, 100 AK-47 rounds, 2 increments for RPG, 1 RPG-5 rounds, 4 RPG-7 rounds, 13-60mm mortar rounds, 3-82mm mortar rounds, 200-7.62mm link machine gun rounds, cooking gear, 4-100 pound sacks of rice, 2 canteens, 2 pair of sandals, 1 helmet, 1 pith helmet, 1 shovel, 1 knife, 1 body approximately 1 month old.
1510H Co. D helo-lift completed to LZ Cougar at Grid XD 851593.
1515H Co. H&S helo-lift commenced to LZ Cougar at Grid XD 851593.
1550H Co. H&S helo-lift completed to LZ Cougar
1555H All helo-lift to LZ Cougar completed.
2114H Co. D at Grid XD 850595, lead man of column was walking down hill and evidently hit a trip wire to what is believed to have been a 105mm round resulting in mans’ death.
2230H Listening Post of Co. A at Grid XD 964616 reported hearing movement and noises in a direction northwest of their position. Area was illuminated by hand fired pyrotechnic pop ups, White Star cluster. Personnel assigned to the listening post observed 1 NVA about 50 meters northwest of their position. The 60mm mortar crew saturated the area and a small light was observed moving in a northwest direction away from the platoon position. An artillery mission was fired with negative results.
10 January
Co. B patrol at Grid XD 837586 found 7 bunkers, 4’x6’x2’, 10 bamboo huts, 8’x6’, 3 fighting holes and 36 rockets, each measured to be 82mm wide, 710mm long and weighing 10-15 pounds. Also found 17 boxes of 82mm mortar rounds complete with increments, fuses and boosters, 3 rounds per box and two claymore mines. All rockets are in sealed waterproofed metal carrying cases with Russian characters. Also 2 cans 60mm or 82mm mortar fuses, Chinese type with three fuses per can. All items were to be helo-lifted to Regimental Headquarters.
1130H Provisional Platoon from H&S 1/4 at VCB commenced helo-lift to Neville.
1145H helo-lift of Provisional Platoon to FSB Neville completed and chopped OPCON to Co. A/1/4, Co. D at Grid XD 851592 found 5 bunkers 3’x4’, last occupied 1 to 2 weeks ago. Also found 2 Chi-com and one Chinese claymore tied to a tree, 2 feet off the Deck. Not booby trapped. All gear and bunkers were destroyed. Co. A at Grids XD 825575, XD 827572, XD 826573 found a partly built hut with chips of fresh cut wood. Checked out area and found some bushes flattened out, moved on and at Grid XD 826573 found tree with letters ‘D.O.’ carved in the bark, letters ‘Y.O.’ were carved directly beneath. Patrol moved on to Grid XD 827572 and found recent ashes covered with leaves. Patrol continued to search out area 1342H Co. B at Grid XD 835586, patrol found 6-60mm mortar rounds, 1501 pounds polished rice, 2 metal helmets, 25 huts, 10’x*’x6’, each with 1 incoming hole. Also found miscellaneous cooking gear, 25 AK-47 rounds, 2 gas masks canisters. Huts are new and show recent signs of occupation. Trail leading into positions ends at this point. Rice and gear to be heli-lifted with other gear.
1530H Helo-lift of 2nd Plt Co. A from FSB Mack to FSB Russell commenced.
1605H Lt. Gen Stillwell arrived Co. C’s position and departed at 1615H.
1630H Helo-lift to FSB Neville from FSB Mack completed.
1810H Helo-lift of arms cache from Co. C to Command Post completed.
1916H Spot Report #155 amended to read, found 6 more 60mm mortar rounds, 36-82mm recoilless rifle rounds and 1001 pounds of rice.
11 January
Lift of Co. B arms cache to VCB commenced and was completed at 0930.
0955H Col Goggin arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1010H.
1030H Lift of rice and ammo from C Co. position commenced.
1115H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1130H.
1230H Lift of rice from Co. C position was completed.
1235H Co. D at Grid XD 837594-point fire team hit trip wire to a claymore mine. No injury here. Received automatic weapon fire from the left, took cover on their left, then received small arms and automatic fire from the right, estimated 20 to 25 NVA. Returned fire with M-16, M-79, M-60mm mortar and called in 81mm mortars and artillery. Checked out area with negative results. Suffered 3 WIA.
12 January
1050H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1100H.
1105H Col. Goggin arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1115H.
1400H MajGen Davis arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1410H.
1505H Co. D at Grid XD 833595 and Grid XD 834596 found 30 bunkers 4’x6’x4’ well-fortified made of logs, rocks and dirt, 9 bunkers mutually supporting, 21 bunkers on both sides of trail running in a direction of northeast for 150 meters, three outside kitchens with 3 stoves, 100 pounds of rice in separate containers, state of rice, rough, 25 pounds of cooked rice, 15 pounds found wrapped in green leaves, 10 pounds found scattered through 5 bunkers, fresh vegetables for chow enough for 5 to 6 persons.
Cooked rice and vegetables not more than 24 hours old, 8 vials of unknown medicine, 1 bottle of pills, unknown, 3 empty bottles of penicillin, 2 empty bottles of unknown medicine, 1 bottle of ointment 3/4 full, 1/2 bottle of gauze, 1 battle dressing, old wrappings of gauze and cotton and three packages of medical gear, that are unknown. Also found 42-82mm rounds, 6-82mm primers, 7 Chi-coms, 3 fragmentation grenades, 1 Chinese AP mine, 4 empty AK magazines, 2-1 pound blocks of TNT, 1 U.S. entrenching tool, 2 machetes blades, 1 NVA gas mask, 3 AK-47 pouches, one-fourth bottle of Sake, 1 mortar pit, 5’ oval by 2’ and 1/2 foot deep, fresh cut, 325 degree azimuth with 20 degree clearance each side, fresh citrus peelings no more than twenty four hours old, 1 package of sulphur pills, 100 in number, plastic facing of civilian type radio, empty C-ration cans, four trails running in all directions, 2 NVA bush covers, 1 NVA helmet, 2 NVA sandals, 1 U.S. pack, 5 flashlight batteries, 2 blankets, 2 sweatshirts, 1 U.S. canteen cup. Age of bunker approximately 3 weeks old, some occupied within the last 24 hours. Patrol searched trail and destroyed all gear except medical supplies.
1550H, Co. D at Grid XD 833594 found three fighting holes, fortified, 2 Chi-com claymores, 2 AK-47 magazines fully loaded, 1 U.S. entrenching tool, holes one week old, occupied within the last 24 hours. Destroyed all gear and continued to search out the area.
1815H, Co. D at Grid XD 837597 found 17 fighting holes, 8’x3’x2’ spaced along the trail, running 100 meters in northwest direction, estimated 2 to 3 months old. Checked out area with negative results.
13 January
0800H Command Group Bravo activated and awaiting helo-lift to FSB Russell.
1030H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1040H.
1125H Co. C commenced helo-lift to LZ Catapult at Grid XD 826617.
1325H Co. C at Grid 826617, the first bird of the helo-lift hit a booby trap in the LZ route resulting in one helicopter being downed.
1335H The one helo team in the area is checking out the area for more booby traps so that the other helicopters can land.
1310H Co. C when the first bird with the landing team set down in the LZ the helicopter set off some type of mine that was activated by a trip wire. The explosion left the rear under side of the helicopter with shrapnel holes and damage to the blades. The helo was damaged extensively enough that it cannot be flown out of the LZ. Some men of the helo team received shrapnel wounds, but none serious enough to be med-evaced. The crew was extracted after the incident with no casualties. Co. C’s one helo team continued to clear the zone.
1350H Co. D at Grid XD 834613 found 4 bunkers 8’x4’x5’, 5 fighting holes 3’x2’x4’ about 6 to 8 months old. About three months since last occupied. Searched out the area with negative results, all bunkers were destroyed.
1400H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1410H.
1415H Co. D at Grid XD 829602 found 4 Chi-coms, 20 medical vials, 2 silk parachutes, 2 NVA pouches, 1 pouch of tobacco, 1 NVA bush cover, 1 canteen cup U.S. type, 3 ground clothes, 2 pair of NVA trousers, 1 empty rice sack, 15 pound capacity, 1 battle dressing, 2 U.S. type canteens, cooking utensils, 2 NVA utility shirts, 2 pair of sandals, 1 U.S. bayonet, 1 U.S. utility cover, estimated 3 to 4 people bleeding profusely, fresh blood found no more than 5 to 6 hours old. People believed to be hit by artillery and are still moving in the area. Also found miscellaneous document. The clothing found is not wearable and is believed to have been left behind by men carrying so they could move faster. Gear was riddled with shrapnel. Patrol continued to search out the area.
1435H Co. C helo-lift completed to LZ Catapult.
1610H Co. C at Grid XD 825616 reported mines having been recovered. Helo recovery team at C Co. position to evacuate downed helicopter.
1615H Co. Goggin arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1610H.
1725H Co. D at Grid XD 827606 found five reinforced bunkers 4’x4’x4’, 5 fighting holes 3’x4’, 1 NVA e-tool, 3 graves containing 3 bodies, 2 of which died within the last 6 to 7 hours, the third is less than 24 hours old. All three died as a result of shrapnel wounds through their sides and back. Two bodies were wrapped in cloth and leaves with marker buried under a layer dirt. One body wrapped in cloth, plastic and a bag overall, tied at both ends to seal. This grave was found by a tree, the initials ‘M’. ‘D’. were carved in the tree with arrow pointing down to the grave. This body believed to be an officer because of the care taken to preserve it and also because of the markings on the tree. The bunkers were destroyed, bodies were searched, no identification or markings were found. Bodies were reburied and the patrol continued to search out the area.
14 January
0835H Co. C patrol at Grid 828617 was approximately 75 meters away from lines when point man set off trip wire to mine. The patrol was parallel to trail approximately 10 meters to the side of it. The mine was a D1-10 directional AP mine with a tension release booby trap device. The booby trap was sat off approximately 7 meters off the trail aimed perpendicular to the trail. Ten meters further down the trail the patrol found another mine of the same type. This mine was aimed down the middle of the trail still intact. The patrol had two WIA from the first explosion.
1140H Co. D at Grid XD 830605 found 40-82mm mortar rounds not out of canisters more than 24 hours. The patrol also found 7 cans of increments, 200 per can, 6 fuses on ground, 15 fighting holes 3’x5’x4’, 6 fighting holes used in the last 1-2 days.
The holes form 180 degrees perimeter 75mm wide facing southerly direction. All the holes were two to three months old, partially dug mortar pits were aimed in the southeast direction. The patrol also found 2 shelters 2-3 months old, used in the last 24 hours, with fresh leaves on each shelter. It had been occupied by 4 people. The patrol destroyed the shelters and rounds and continued the search.
1300H Co. D at Grid 827605 found 1 Chinese claymore, 2-1-pound blocks of TNT, 1 Chi-com, miscellaneous NVA clothing, 70 AK-47 rounds, 1 AK-47 magazine, 16 well-fortified bunkers, the dimensions were 10’x5’x5’ and made of logs and dirt. The bunkers were 2-3 months old and last occupied 2 months ago. The patrol destroyed the gear and bunkers and continued to search area.
1400H Bravo Command Group helo-lifted to FSB Russell.
1500H Assumed OPCON of the following, Khe Gia – Kilo/3/4 and Kilo/2/9 at TSL and Fox/2/9 at 1415H (Ref: 141505H).
1530H Co. C at Grid XD 831627 patrol was hit by automatic fire and pulled back and noticed caves in rockpile. Patrol called in 60mm, 81mm and artillery missions. Also, Huey gunships. Results 1 friendly KIA.
1614H Co. A patrol found at Grid XD 811580. One NVA Command Post area. Cooking area, bunkers have layers of logs and dirt. Found one radio antenna, base and pack board. Base made of aluminum and nylon. Also found one medical pack board. Patrol continued to search area.
1610H Co. A patrol at Grid XD 808579 found squad sized bunker complex. Bunkers facing north to northwest direction. Also found radio parts and BA-30 batteries. Bunkers were reinforced with logs and dirt, 4’x6’, fighting holes were one month old. Patrol destroyed gear and positions continued to search area.
1715H Assumed OPCON 2nd Plt Company A/1/9 (Sparrow Hawk), patrol at Grid XD 981553 to guard a downed helicopter CH-46 effective 141715H (Ref: 141919H).
2015H Co. H&S (-) at Grid XD 850593 had one NVA approach hole on perimeter. When challenged he threw a Chi-com and retreated. 81mm mortars and artillery were called in on the area with negative results.
15 January
1141H Dropped OPCON of 2nd platoon Co. A/1/9 to the 3rd MarDiv. (Ref: 151141H).
1722H Dropped OPCON of Co. Kilo/2/4 to parent unit and Co. Fox/2/9 to Task Force Hotel.
16 January
1315H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1330H.
17 January
1935H Co. D at Grid XD 833626 found a cave complex and checked out caves. Found on the floor of 2 caves approximately 500 pounds of rice scattered on the cave floors. Rice was dropped hastily. Also found sleeping area inside to accommodate 10 persons. On Razorback, crevices contained web matting in various places to fit 30 people. Also 30 ‘hooches’ with a stove intact in each hooch. Also 13 cans of 82mm mortar shot shell propellant, 12 to a can, 12 cans fuses, point detonating for 82mm mortar, 6 per can, 4 cans of propellants and increments for 82mm mortar, 3 charges and 8 increments per can. Two old Chi-com grenades, 1 full canteen of oil, 5 shirts and one pair of NVA trousers, 5 large cooking pans, 5 bottles of pills of unknown kind and source, 1 pair of new green tennis shoes, with white laces, 1 NVA book on preparing hooches, 1-.50 caliber tracer round, parts of a letter and a ticket or receipt. Search out area until dark will continue search at first light.
18 January
1020H Col Goggin Commanding Officer 4th Marines arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1030H.
1500H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1525H.
1520H Helo-lift of Alpha Command Group commenced to LZ Catapult at Grid XD 826617.
1530H Command Group Alpha established at LZ Catapult.
1550H Helo-lift of Command Group Alpha completed to LZ Catapult.
1720H Co. D at Grid XD 830627 found 3 NVA packs, 3 new NVA ponchos, 2 green-white blankets, 1 bag of grain, 3 pair of trousers, 1 NVA shelter half, 1 tooth brush and paste, 1 can of powdered milk, 1 small bag of salt, 200 pounds of scattered rice, 4 Chi-com grenades, 2 pair of skivvies, 2 rice bowls and one spoon, 5 cooking pots, 1 bag of salted chicken, 2 pouches of tobacco, 1 nylon rope 6’ long, 2 pieces of parachute, 2 bars of soap, 3 NVA canteens, 2 NVA bush covers, 21-1 pounds blocks of TNT, 2 NVA sweatshirts, 2 hammocks NVA type, 2 plastic bags, 1 NVA mosquito net, 25 AK-47 rounds, 1 RPG round with 16 scraps of paper, 57 over hanging caves, caves were 12’ wide, 1’ high and 15’ deep, 3 large caves to accommodate approximately 10 persons, 7’x8’x18’, 1 large entrance 8’x20’, 1 battle dressing with blood stains, approximately 48 hours old. Patrol destroyed one cave and continued mission.
19 January
1045H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1100H.
1200H Co. H&S (-) at grid found 1-105mm shell, 256 fuses, M-564 in sealed containers, all U.S. All gear was lifted to Vandegrift Combat base.
1455H Col Goggin arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 1515H.
1935H Co. A at Grid 6470 observed lights varying from 1-5 in number, red in color, lasting from 1-5 minutes.
2015H Co. A from FSB Neville, on an azimuth of 240 degrees at 21,000 meters observed a string of lights moving southeast. Assumed to be a convoy in Laos.
20 January
0900H BGen Garretson arrived at the 1/4 position and departed at 0945H.
1545H Co. D at Grid XD 809641 found 18 boxes .50 cal ammunition with 85 rounds in each box. One plastic bag with 60 AK rounds, 1 canister for gas mask, 2 fighting holes, 3’x4’x3’, 3-4 months old, NVA marker with 3 sticks in shape of Tee Pee with one stick running down center of three. Patrol destroyed gear and continued to search out area.
1815H Co. H&S (-) at Grid XD 831607 found 40 A-frame bunkers, 4’x8’x5’, reinforced with logs and dirt, searched area and found 600 pounds of rice, 100 pounds of salt, 4 Chi-coms, 1 Chinese claymore, 30 ft. detonating cord, 10 blasting caps, 100 ft. of green comm. wire. Patrol destroyed bunkers and explosives.
21 January
0800H Co. B at Grid XD 780639 spotted 2 NVA in the open called in Arty, 60mm mortars and fired M-79’s with negative results.
1140H BGen Garretson arrived the 1/4 position and departed at 1200H.
1140H Co. B helo-lift to VCB commenced.
1300H Co. B helo-lift completed to VCB, Co. D helo-lift commenced.
1420H Co. D helo-lift completed, Co. C helo-lift to VCB commenced.
1510H Co. C helo-lift completed to VCB Co. H&S (-) and Alpha Command Group helo-lift commenced.
1630H All lifts completed to VCB, Bn CP established at Vandegrift Combat Base.
22 January
0600H Co. D assumed Reaction Force Platoon/Company (Sparrow Hawk/Bald Eagle).
1200H Assumed OPCON of B, C and 2nd Platoon D/1/9.
23 January
0800H Activated Provisional Platoon from H&S Co./1/4 awaiting helo-lift to Signal Hill for security.
1115H Task Force Hotel assumed OPCON of Fox/2/4 from 4th Marines and passed OPCON to 1/4. Co. D 2nd Plt committed as Sparrow Hawk, Reaction Force chopped OPCON to 2/4.
1350H Co. C 1st Plt OPCON to H&S Co. III MAF (Ref: 221350Z) Co. B 1st Plt assumed duties of Reaction Platoon.
1400H Dropped OPCON of 2nd Plt Co. Delta/1/9 to 1/9.
1720H Co. A at Grid 904578 saw human body running through undergrowth. Fixed on it and saw second body fall from tree and run. Fired 60mm and M-79 with negative results.
24 January
0830H Co. Fox/2/4 dropped OPCON to 2/4.
25 January
0600H 4th Marines assumed OPCON of Co. Delta/1/9 and passes OPCON to 1/4 (Ref: 242340H).
0915 Co. B (-) lifted to FSB Fuller for security, Co. C 2nd Plt assumed security at Khe Gia Bridge.
0930H Co. B helo-lift completed.
1130H Co. Golf/2/4 chopped OPCON to 1/4 (Ref: DTG 251130H).
1145H Co. B 1st Plt inserted at Grid 850648, Recon Insert #69 chopped OPCON to 1/4.
1500H Co. D and Plt extracted as Reaction Force (Sparrow Hawk) chopped OPCON from 2/4 to 1/4 (Ref: 251515H).
27 January
0830H 2nd Plt Co. C at Grid 026562 spotted 2 NVA in open at northwest edge of river, fired M-79’s and 60mm mortars. One short round from 60mm mortars resulted in 6 friendly WIA’s.
1400H Co. India/3/4 chopped OPCON to 1/4 and proceeded to TSL (Ref: 271805H).
1500H Co. India/3/4 chopped OPCON from TFH to 1/4. Helo-lift to Grid XD 895515.
1745H Co. H&S patrol at Grid 975479 saw 1 NVA in the open. Searched area with negative results.
1800H Co. G relieved at TSL by Co. Lima/3/4 and transported to VCB. Assumed Reaction Platoon/Company.
1939H Co. India/3/4 at Grid 896518 saw numerous light flashes in their area. Fired arty and mortars.
28 January
0830H Dropped OPCON of Co. India/3/4, 2nd Plt Co. Charlie/1/9, Co. Bravo/1/9 to 3/4 (Ref; 280019H).
1340H Co. B 1st Plt, 1/4 extracted from LZ Catapult to VCB.
1950H Co. A at FSB Neville observed 6-8 red-orange illumination. Flares at azimuths of 4600, 4300, 4100. Called artillery and mortars.
29 January
1025H Reaction Platoon placed on stand-by.
1428H Col Phillips base Coordinator arrived at the 1/4 area.
1525H Reaction Platoon inserted at Grid XD 082733 dropped OPCON to 2/4.
1530H Col Phillips arrived at 1/4 position.
1624H Col Phillips departed the 1/4 position.
30 January
1145H Co. Charlie/1/9 at Ca Lu had 9 Bru Chieu Hoi at their position. They were in turn release to an ITT Team from 4th Marines.
1300H Co. Golf/2/4 trucked from VCB to Con Thien and dropped OPCON to 2/4. 1st Plt Bravo/1/4 security for Co. G convoy. Co. Delta/1/4 assumes Reaction Platoon/Company.
1625H Co. B 1st Plt arrived Khe Gia Bridge and assumed perimeter defense.
1850H Co. C 2nd Plt arrived VCB and assumed perimeter defense.
31 January
1610H Co. Kilo/3/4 arrived at VCB and chopped OPCON to 1/4. (Ref: DTG 011030H).
Casualties Inflicted on the Enemy
NVA/KIA 25
NVA/POW 0
VC/KIA 0
VC/POW 0
Friendly Casualties Sustained
KIA 3
WIA 18
Non-Hostile Deaths 0
DOW 0
NBC 88
MIA 0
This page last corrected 5 September 2011