Sequential Listing of Significant Events
- Combat Missions Assigned.
(a) Operation Granite (1-6 November) (Ref: 4th Mar Operation Order 50-67 Operation Granite)
(1) On D-1, under cover of darkness, move by foot from Camp Evans along Route of Advance Alfa to an assembly area in the vicinity of YD 520250.
(2) At H-hour, D-day advance south along Axis of Advance to conduct search and destroy operations toward Objective A (vicinity of YD 510210).
(3) On D-day provide a minimum of one Company (-) with a Tank Platoon and one section of Ontos as security for a Forward Artillery position (vicinity YD 501289).
(4) On order, continue search and destroy operations toward Objective C (vicinity YD 526230) (Ref: 4th Mar Operation Order 50-67).
(5) On D+10 establish blocking position Anvil (YD 4641) and Forge (YD 4639) in conjunction with 1st Infantry Division (ARVN) Operation Lam Son 140 Phase II in the ‘Street Without Joy’ Area.
(b) Operation Neosho (7-25 November 1967) (Ref: 4th Mar Operation Order 57-67 Operation Neosho).
(1) Conduct aggressive small unit activities and search and destroy activities in assigned OA (Ref: 4th Mar Msg 310637Z Oct67).
(2) Land by helicopter at L-hour on D-day in LZ Crane and Pelican. Conduct systematic search of the Song BO River Area and its tributaries in assigned OA for caves, sampans, supply caches and enemy forces. Provide security for a Forward Artillery Base in the vicinity of YD 636250. (Ref: 4th Mar Msg 071340Z 2 Nov67)*.
(3) Conduct aggressive small unit activities and search and destroy operations in assigned OA to exploit sighting of 250-300 NVA in the vicinity of YD 5524. (Ref: 4th Mar Msg 101145Z Nov67).
(4) Conduct ambush patrols in assigned OA and prevent VC/NVA from interdicting National Route One.
(5) Provide one Company blocking force for a PF/RF sweep in the vicinity of YD 4635.
(6) On 23 November 1967 move two companies to My Chanh area and assume blocking positions as request by the 1st ARVN Division.
(c) Operation Cove (16-21 November 1967)
(1) The 1st Battalion (-) 4th Marines commencing L-hour, D-day will conduct search and destroy operations in assigned operating area in the vicinity of Phu Loc to capture/destroy enemy logistic caches, installations, materials, obtain intelligence and kill or capture enemy personnel.
(d) Operation Newton/Kentucky V (29-30 November 1967)
(1) Commencing 29 November 1967 attack in assigned zone of action to seize objectives 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and prepare to support subsequent operations in support of the A-3/Route 666 Construction Project.
- Operations.
November
1 At 0920H, at YD 508224, a helicopter lost power while hovering over the LZ and was forced down. Chain saws were brought into the area to clear a zone to recover the helicopter. Company D provided security.
At 1730H, Companies A, B and C and the Command Group arrived Objective #5. No contact.
2 At 0930H One Squad, 3rd Platoon, Company D at YD 507225 made contact with 8-10 VC. Squad fired at enemy, estimated 6-8 enemy wounded. Checked area with negative results.
Company B at coordinates YD 518228 received one burst of A/W fire. Returned fire resulting in one NVA KIA (C) (unable to retrieve weapon).
4 At 0720H, Companies A, B and C executed a sweep of the Co Bi Thanh Tan Valley.
At 0945H, Company D and Command Group arrived at Camp Evans.
At 1730H All 1/4 units arrived at Camp Evans.
5 At 1000H, The sections of 81mm mortars returned to Camp Evans from Hill 674.
At 1110H, Companies C and D set in blocking positions Anvil and Forge IAW 4th Mar Op Order 50-67.
6 At 1700H, Operation Granite terminated.
8 At 1330H, Company C departed Camp Evans to provide security for the Forward Artillery Base.
9 At 0815H, Companies A and B landed by helicopter in LZ Crane and Pelican. Company A found and destroyed 16 sampans throughout the day’s activities.
10 Conducted Marine Corps Birthday ceremonies in new mess hall with MGen B.A. Hochmuth presiding.
11 Company C received 15 rounds of 82mm mortar fire. Returned 35 rounds of 60mm and 6 rounds of 81mm with negative results. Fire came from YD 656624.
12 Companies B and D conducted S/D mission throughout the day. Found various types of VC gear, small rice cashes, 12 bunkers reinforced with concrete (YD 556252), some small arms ammunition and an assortment of cooking utensils.
13 At 1600H, Company C chopped OPCON to 2nd Bn 26th Mar.
14 Due to weather and the swelling of the rivers, Company B was unable to return by foot. Helo extraction was completed in 2½ hours.
Received CG 3rd Mar Div Msg 141125 November 1967 inferring 1st Bn 4th Marines of Major General Hochmuth’s death and that BGen Metzger had assumed duties as CG 3rd Mar Div.
15 Company A departed Camp Evans to establish blocking positions in the vicinity of YD 475358 and YD 468347.
16 Company A terminated operation. Frag Order 21-67, and returned to Camp Evans at 1543H.
18 At 0845H, The helicopter lift commenced to start Operation Cove. The lift was completed at 1048H with Negative contact.
At 1255H, Company A reached Battalion Objective 1 with negative contact.
At 1530H, Company B reached Battalion Objective 2 with negative contact.
19 Throughout the day Company A found and destroyed a total of 13 bunkers and received sporadic sniper fire.
At 1430H, Company B reached Regimental Objective.
At 1745H, Company A secured Regimental Objective A.
At 1652H, Company B returned to Battalion Objective 2.
20 At 1042H, Company D reached Regimental Objective A.
At 1045H, Company D, at coordinates ZC 118972 received approximately 25 rounds of S/A and 10 rounds of 60mm mortar fire from an undetermined number of VC at coordinates ZC 118966. Returned fire with S/A and an artillery mission, then checked the area with negative results. The contact resulted in 11 friendly WIA.
At 1500H, Company B reached Regimental Objective A.
21 John Brown 6 visited Southern 6 to deliver 3rd Mar Div Msg 201615Z November 1967, cancellation Phase II of Operation Cove.
At 1500H, Company C chopped OPCON from 2/26 to 1/4
At 1800H, Operation Cove terminated, and Companies B and D and the Bravo Command Group chopped OPCON to the 3rd Mar Div.
At 1830H, Company A and the Alfa Command Group arrived at Phu Bai.
23 At 0830H, Companies A and C and the Alfa Command Group departed Phu Bai for Camp Evans to establish blocking positions in the My Chanh Area.
25 Companies A and C and the Alfa Command Group moved from My Chanh to Dong Ha. At 1235H the 1st Bn (-) 4th Marines chopped OPCON to the 9th Mar.
26 Companies B and D and the Bravo Command Group moved from the Phu Loc Area to Phu Bai.
27 Companies B and D and the Bravo Command Group moved from Phu Bai to Dong Ha and chopped OPCON to the 9th of Mar at 1200H.
28 The 1st Battalion 4th Marines moved from Dong Ha to the assigned attack position in the vicinity of coordinated YD 132685 for Operation Newton/Kentucky V.
29 At 0817H lead elements of Company C and D crossed the LOD. There was no contact throughout the day. Objectives 2, 4 and 6 were secured.
30 Secured objectives 8 and 10, no enemy contact throughout the day. However, our units did find an assortment of enemy equipment and ordinance.
Usually, one or two sniper teams accompanied all company size operations. Those units, equally divided between ‘bolt’ and ‘starlight’ teams, were employed as the Company Commanders directed.
A Scout dog team was assigned to A, C and D Companies during Operation Newton/Kentucky V.
- Training.
Training during the reporting period consisted of classes in map reading, compass, counter ambush, immediate action drills, mines and booby traps, scouting and patrolling, personal response, weapons safety and particular emphasis was placed on the care and cleaning of the M-16 rifle. All Marines and Corpsmen received a thorough indoctrination in the Rules of Engagement.
The Camp Evans and Phu Bai firing ranges were utilized to the maximum to FAM fire Marines with the M-16, M-79 and M-60. Corpsmen were given instructions on the .45 caliber pistol and were provided an opportunity to FAM fire at the Camp Evans range.
The program which was initiated last month to ensure that all new replacements into the Battalion received a thorough briefing by all staff sections, the Battalion Sergeant Major and the Battalion Commander, has shown positive results. Efforts are being continued to improve this indoctrination program. All replacements received thorough instruction on the M-16 rifle and were able to zero their weapons on a 15-meter range.
Due to the tactical commitments of the Battalion, difficulty was again experienced in providing time for training. Efforts will be continued to improve training procedures and methods during the coming months; however, the majority of the training still conducted at the squad and fire team level.
- Casualties Inflicted on the Enemy.
NVA/VC (conf) 1
NVA/VC (prob) 0
- Friendly Casualties Sustained.
KIA 2
WIA 23
Non-hostile Deaths 0
Died of Wounds 2
Non-battle casualties 49
- New Techniques Employed.
Scout Dog Teams were placed with units conducting night ambushes. The dogs were muzzled to prevent barking, but still ‘alerted’ prior to the time an ambush could sight the enemy. Care must be taken, however, to ensure —- dogs —- are not utilized on night ambushes.
- Equipment. The following is a report of major items of equipment readiness:
(a) Motor Transport
(1) M-422
(a) Mule 1
(b) To 3rd Echelon 7
(2) M-37 (PC) 3rd Echelon
(b) Communications. Major end items evacuated to higher echelon that have not been returned.
Radar Sets AN/TPS-21 2
Radio Sets AN/PRC-25 9
Remote Set AN/GRA-39 1
Radio Set AN/PRC-6 1
Generator PE-197 1
The below list of requisitions for major items of equipment is pending.
Radio Sets AN/PRC-25 5 22 June 67
Radio Set AN/PRC-25 1 3 July 67
Control Group AN/GRA-39 1 4 Jan 67
Battery Changer PP-3240 1 29 Apr 67
Antenna RC-292 1 29 Apr 67
Receiver/Transmitter Units PE- 2 28 May 67
- Logistics. From 1-6 November, the Battalion rear was located at Camp Evans, while the remainder was on Operation Granite. Resupply was provided by the LSA, Camp Evans, and support was handled by Company A, 3rd Shore Party Battalion. The LSA supported the Battalion with Class II, III, IV and V with the Battalion Supply located at Phu Bai provided Class II. Helicopters were utilized and provided a total of 16 lifts for 18,950 pounds.
From the period 7-17 November, the Battalion ran Company size operations and was resupplied entirely by truck convoy.
Operation Cove, which took place from 19-21 November, made solo utilization of helicopters as a source of resupply. An LSA was established near the vicinity of the airstrip in Phu Bai and resupply was established through FLSG-A. Twelve lifts were made for a total of 11,490 pounds during Operation Cove.
On 21 November, the Battalion was once again divided with two Companies operating in the Phu Loc area and two in the Camp Evans area. Resupply was by trash convoy and was furnished by FLSG-A and the LSA at Camp Evans support supply. The Battalion rear was located at Phu Bai and ——- then were provided by 3rd Recon Battalion and Headquarters Battalion.
On 25 November the Battalion moved to Dong Ha via 3rd Motor Transport Battalion and immediately began Operation Newton/Kentucky V. Resupply was from LSA Dong Ha, operated by Company C, 3rd Shore Party Battalion. All classes of supply were provided by FLSU-1 as Battalion Supply was located at Phu Bai. Five C-130’s was employed to move up part of the Battalion rear on 30 November.
- Civil Affairs.
During the reporting period, the Battalion operated strictly in uninhabited areas where the Civic Action programs were initiated. The few times ——— in or around inhabited areas the period was usually —— one to two days.
- Psychological Warfare.
Psychological warfare activities were conducted by higher headquarters on all operations conducted by the Battalion during the reporting period.
- Personnel and Administration. During the reporting period the Administration section was located at Camp Evans (1-17 November 1967) and at Phu Bai (18-30 November 1967). At the close of the reporting period each rifle company averaged 6 men below the manning level in addition to averaging 35 men —- status. The Battalion is presently 2 Officers below M/L for MOS 0302.
Personnel losses and gains during the reporting period.
USMC USN
Off/Enl Off/Enl
Battle 0/4 (2 KIA,2 DOW) 0/0
Non-battle 0/0 0/0
Admin 7/103 1/7
Total 8/107 1/7
Gains 8/218 1/9*
The following awards were presented during the reporting period:
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry unknown
Purple Heart Medals unknown
The number of Disciplinary cases acted upon or pending action are as follows:
Courts-martial
Completed
Special 4
Pending unk
Non-Judicial Punishment unknown
Morale is exceptionally high. The Battalion received R&R quotas to Okinawa, Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hawaii, — and Sydney.
A breakdown as —— went on R&R is as follows: Hawaii 24, Bangkok 19, Hong Kong unk; Tokyo 15, Sydney 6, Penang 4, Okinawa 2, and Manila 6 and Singapore. Twenty-seven Marines went to China Beach, Da Nang for in-country R&R.
PX facilities are adequate and postal services continue to be satisfactory.
On 24 November 1967 Chaplain James R. Hutton relieved Chaplain A.S. Kirk as the Battalion Chaplain. Operations in and around Phu Loc saw —- Province services held during this time. Just prior to the Battalion participation in Operation Kentucky V both Protestant and Catholic Divine services were held.
- Intelligence. During the reporting period the Battalion was involved in Operations Granite, Hickory, Cove and Newton/Kentucky V.
(a) Operation Granite. See Command Chronology October 1967.
(b) Operation Neosho:
(1) Enemy. Enemy tactics did not change during the reporting period; however, there was an increase in booby traps, mines, sniper incidents and enemy sightings throughout the OA. During the month, the enemy concentrated on the movement of rice instead of engaging allied forces. There were no major engagement with the enemy and no positive identification of VC units.
(2) Terrain. See Command Chronology October 1967.
(3) Weather. Temperatures did not change much during the month, ranging from the mid 80’s to the low 70’s. During the reporting period, there was a slight increase in rainfall, but for the greater part of the month the weather was dry and cool.
(c) Operation Cove:
(1) —– enemy encountered during Operation Cove were believed to be main force VC. There was no identification made —-during the operation. Contact with the enemy —- meeting engagements with from two to six men. The enemy utilized individual weapons and crew served RPD light machine guns. On one occasion 60mm mortars were used against a Marine patrol. During one meeting engagement, the enemy continuously used RPG, but due to the dense canopy the effect was —–.
(2) Terrain. The natural steepness of the terrain and the dense vegetation were obstacles in themselves and significantly impeded troop movement. Rate of movement was between 1000-1500 meters —-.
(3) Climate. Temperatures averaged from the low 80’s to the high 60’s. Humidity averaged 90% and the visibility was five miles. Rain occurred nightly in the form of moderate showers, and winds were mild throughout the operation.
(d) Operation Newton/Kentucky V:
(1) Enemy. Four NVA Regiments are known to be in the operating area. The four regiments have a supporting division and artillery elements. The enemy is considered capable of attacking friendly forces at his choosing. The enemy has mortar and rocket positions within the OA.
(2) Terrain. The operating area consists generally of gently rolling hills and flat rice paddy land. Numerous hedgerows are scattered thru the area. The many grassy areas provide good concealment but poor cover.
- Enemy Personnel and Equipment.
(1) Cumulative Totals.
Granite Neosho Cove Newton/Kentucky V
VC/NVA KIA 1 0 0 0
Bunkers Destroyed 5 33 14 11
Sampans destroyed 0 15 10 0
RPD Rds Destroyed 0 0 16
RPG Mortar Rds 0 0 12
60mm Mortar Rds 0 0 27
Mix of 60mm Fuses 0 0 2
Tunnels Destroyed 0 0 2
- Medical and Dental.
(1) The total number of visits to the Battalion Aid Station during the month of November was 581.
(2) Prevalent and significant entities encountered were:
* Unreadable *
(3) Unreadable
(4) Unreadable
(5) KIA 2 DOW 2
WIA 26 NBC 49
(6) Weekly Malaria prophylaxis was continued through the use of Chloroquine-primaquine tablets.
(7) Sanitation inspections were held weekly in accordance with Article P6000.4D.
(8) A forward BAS was established during Operation Neosho and Operation Cove consisting of three Hospital Corpsmen on Operation Neosho and the Battalion surgeon and six Corpsmen on Operation Cove. All injuries encountered were treated by their line Company Corpsmen on Operation Neosho. A small number of people were seen at the forward BAS on Operation Cove. No patients were logged in as all treatment given was a continuation of aid begun by line Corpsmen who had tagged the patients previously. No serious delays were encountered in resupply or med-evacs during this period.
- Air Support
Generally, the requirements for Air Support during this period remained weighted toward holes in troop carrying, logistical transport and med-evac operations. The FAC teams remained separated, supporting each of the Companies individually as well as the Command Group. Normally the Company would be provided one enlisted man with FM capability while the Command Group included UHF radio —– Officer FAC. This was found to work satisfactorily because throughout all OA’s assigned, groundcover prohibited direct observation or target. TAC (A) aircraft were used extensively for air control.
———– provided by ArmyOE-1 aircraft in a convoy ——— several moves.
———– encountered continued to be the poor reliability ——–.
- Artillery Support.
- On Operation Hickory, 1st Battalion 4th Marines received direct artillery support from G Btry 3/12 and general support from M Btry 1/12, — Btry 4/12 and P Btry 4/12.
- On Operation Neosho, 1st Battalion 4th Marines was provided generally by —- G Btry 3/12, M Btry 3/12, P Btry 4/12 and – Btry 4/12.
- On Operation Cove, 1st Battalion 4th Marines received direct artillery support from G Btry 3/12.
- On Operation Newton/Kentucky V, 1st Battalion 4th Marines received direct artillery support from F Btry 3/12. Reinforcing fires were provided by A Btry 1/12, D Btry 2/12, E Btry 2/12, K Btry 4/13, M Btry 4/12, W Btry 1/12 and W Btry 3/12.
- The following missions were fired in support of 1st Battalion 4th Marines during the month of November:
(1) Observed:
(a) FFE 14
(b) Adjust fire 58
(c) Illumination 8
(2) Unobserved:
(a) FFE 18
(b) H&I 580
(c) Counter/Mortar 7
- On Operation Newton/Kentucky V, numerous long delays were encountered in clearance for prep fires and fire missions due to the restricted zone of action 1st Battalion 4th Marines was operating in and the close proximity of adjacent units. Regimental FSCC was made aware of this situation and corrective measures are underway.
- Communications. During Operation Granite, continual communications was the —– was maintained. By utilizing an RC-292 antenna—–were made with the rear during the search ——-. The relay station on Hill 674 was used ——- B and I Companies in the southeast per——— Co Bi Thanh Tan Valley.
* Unreadable *
Message totals for the month were:
Classified Unclassified
Incoming 295 364
Outgoing 1 17
Circuit 0 0
Major items evacuated to higher echelon and returned:
Radio Set AN/PRC-41 1
Radio Sets AN/PRC-25 11
Radio Set AN/PRC-6 1
Major items repaired locally:
Sound power phones TA-1 10
Radio Set AN/PRC-41 1
Radio Sets AN/PRC-25
This page last corrected 29 August 2011