Sequential Listing of Significant Events
- Combat mission assigned.
(a) Operation Cumberland (1-15 September 1967)
(1) Provide security for the Pontoon Bridge (vicinity YD 756148 and Rock Crusher YD 736135)
(2) Provide security for engineers upgrading Route 547 from the Pontoon Bridge to the Forward Fire Support Base (vicinity YD 620095) to include utilization of aggressive small unit activities throughout assigned area of operations.
(3) Provide security for establishment of a Forward Fire Support Base. (Ref: 4th Marines Frag Order 3-67 Operation Cumberland)
(b) Operation Fremont (16-30 September 67)
(1) Conduct aggressive patrolling and search and destroy operations in assigned OA to interdict enemy lines of communication by destroying NVA/VC forces and preventing their movement to the lowlands and populated areas.
(2) Provide security for the Quang Tri Airfield construction site (vicinity YD 3155). (Ref: 4th Marines MSG 131530H September 67)
(3) Conduct a County Fair Operation in Ap UU Thuong (vicinity YD 505365). (Ref: 4th Marines MSG 270700Z September 1967)
(4) Provide security for two 155mm Howitzers (vicinity YD 467379) while conducting search and destroy operations in assigned OA.
(5) Establish blocking positions X-RAY (vicinity YD 465422) and ZULU (vicinity YD 466395) in conjunction with a 1st ARVN Division Operation. (Ref: 4th Marines Frag Order 47-67)
- Operations.
September
1 Company B and D conducted sweep along both sides of Route 547 from the French Fort (YD 687094) to the FFSB (YD 620091). No enemy contact was made, although several spider holes and camouflaged positions were located near the MSR. Two recon inserts screened both the North and South flank of the MSR. No convoy was scheduled because of the National Elections. Normal road sweeps were conducted, and tanks moved up and down the road between the Base Camp and Fort to create a ruse.
At 1240, a convoy was dispatched to FFSB for water. (No convoys could travel outside of TAOR during the election period) One tank received 1 RPG in rear fender at YD 678090 with one Marine slightly wounded from shrapnel.
2 Both recon units were extracted by truck.
3 Company B road sweep patrol received A/W fire from vicinity YD 631095. They returned fire with S/A and called an artillery mission on the suspected enemy position. The immediate area was searched with negative results.
At 1910H, a telecom between Battalion CO and Regt CO indicated that the Cumberland Area would be cleared by 12 September vice 20 September. Began moving supplies from the FFSB 5-6 Sept.
5 The Bridge on Route #1 (YD 838175) was blown by VC during the night of 4 Sept. Convoy from Phu Bai cancelled until bridge can be repaired.
At 1630H, the Battalion was directed by 4th Marine Regiment to provide 1 Platoon (rein) with artillery FO to chop OPCON to 3rd Engr Bn on 6 Sept to provide security for Engineer effort along a road from Gia Le to the Nam Hoa Bridge. 1st Platoon, Company D was designated to provide the security requested.
- Company B road sweep received 25 rounds S/A fire from vicinity of YD 643098. The patrol returned S/A fire and called an 81mm mission on the suspected enemy location. At 1350H, a convoy received 8-10 rounds S/A fire from vicinity YD 649098. Quad 50’s returned fire and the convoy continued to the FFSB. No casualties.
7 Convoy escort to FFSB received sniper fire from vicinity YD 633094 resulting in one Marine WIA. The convoy security returned S/A fire and continued.
At 1400H, the 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Bn 44th Artillery (USA) relieved the 2nd Plt from that unit. The 2nd Platoon returned to Phu Bai.
10 At 1100H, the 3rd Platoon, Company A provided security for the movement of the 175mm Gun Battery and one platoon of 155mm (SP) from the FFSB. The 175mm Gun Battery arrived at the Hue Ramp at 1400H and the 155mm (SP) to Phu Bai at approx 1530H. 3rd Platoon, Company A returned to the Nam Hoa Bridge to relieve the 1st Plt, Company C.
At 1335H, the 3rd MarDiv FSCC indicated a Defoliation Mission would be conducted along the MSR between Grid Line 57 and 70 on 12 Sept. The Battalion requested the mission be delayed for one week until units cleared the area between Grid Line 62 and 70.
11 Company B road sweep patrol received S/A fire and called an artillery mission on the suspected enemy position. The patrol continued the road sweep without checking the area because of time limitation. At 1335H, the 1st Platoon, Company D chopped OPCON to 2nd Bn 4th Marines and was helilifted to Hill 674 (YD 516219) to relieve units from 2/4.
13 1st Platoon Company D chopped OPCON to 3rd Bn 26th Marines. At 1600H, Company B vacated the FFSB (YD 620093) and moved to the Base Camp (YD 717106). Elements of Company B, 3rd Engr Bn spread tear gas throughout the FFSB to deny the enemy its use. While moving east along Route 547 the convoy received sporadic sniper fire until reaching the French Fort. Company B remained at the Base Camp overnight 13 Sept 67.
At 2000H, Company D vacated the French Fort and began motor march to Phu Bai arriving at 2140H.
14 At 0930H, Company B moved to the Nam Hoa Bridge and departed via convoy to vicinity YD 313554 near Quang Tri, to provide security for the construction of a C-130 Airstrip by MCB Units. (Ref: 4th Marines MSG 131530H Sept 67).
At 1005H, Company B and Bn XO arrived at Camp Evans.
Company B, at 1103H, chopped OPCON to 4th Marines and continued to Quang Tri area to assume the new mission at 1345H.
15 Company C, at 1125H, completed close out of the Base Camp (YD 717106) and began movement to Camp Evans. Engineers spread tear gas in both the base camp area and the French Fort area.
Company C and the Battalion Command Group arrived at Camp Evans at 1415H. Company A chopped OPCON to 2/26 at Phu Bai, upon departure of the Battalion from the Cumberland Area, and provided security for Pontoon Bridge/Rock crusher complex. At 2400H, Operation Cumberland was terminated.
16 The Battalion began participation in Operation Fremont. At 0715H, Company C departed Camp Evans on foot to conduct a two-day search and destroy operation in their assigned OA.
At 0945H, Company C sustained 2 WIA from friendly artillery fire resulting in one emergency med-evac.
17 At 0930H, Company A was relieved of security duties at the Rock Crusher by Company L, 3rd Bn 26th Marines. Company A arrived Camp Evans at 1400H. Company C terminated search and destroy operation at 1425H.
18 Bravo Command Group with Company A departed Camp Evans for Quang Tri at 1000H. At 1441H, Company B chopped OPCON from 4th Marines to 1st Bn 4th Marines.
At 1100H, Company Commander Company D reported that the VC had stolen chairs, tables and roofing from a church and school in the village of AP Uu Thuong. These buildings were scheduled for use as the Company CP during an upcoming County Fair.
1st Platoon, Company C located at 4–6-week-old base camp vicinity YD 467301. H&I’s were plotted on the position.
20 3rd Platoon, Company A located 6 81mm rounds vicinity YD 308563. Attached Engineers blew the rounds in place. At 2030H, Company D commenced an operation in the SE portion of the Co Bi Thanh Tan Valley. The operation designed to determine enemy lines of communications and to estimate the feasibility of employing Recon Scuba Teams in the Song Bo River.
21 At 1340H, Company D discovered 150 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, several small bags of rice, a medical pamphlet and two pair of trousers in concrete hooch. The building was destroyed, and the gear returned to Bn S-2.
Camp Evans placed on maximum alert status as intelligence reports indicate VC Regiment size attack imminent.
22 At 1805H, Company D received small arms fire from unknown number of VC from YD 580259. An artillery mission was called, and later gunships took the target under fire with excellent target coverage.
23 1st Platoon, Company D inserted a nine-man recon patrol from Company C in the SW corner of our OA.
24 At 1700H, 2nd Platoon, Company D found one anti-tank mine, one 81mm round and one M-26 grenade. All appeared to be booby-trapped and were destroyed.
At 2110H, the recon patrol from Company C spotted lights at YD 465388. An artillery mission was fired with unknown results.
25 At 1020H, 3rd Platoon, Company A received 200 rounds of S/A fire while conducting a sweep. The platoon returned fire with 750 rounds S/A. 12 M-79 rounds and 12 81mm mortar rounds. One Marine was wounded and med-evaced.
At 2345H, the forward position received 40-50 rounds of 82mm mortar fire from GS 2954. Counter mortar fires were immediately delivered resulting in one secondary explosion. Ten Marines were wounded, including 3 med-evacs.
26 At 1513H, 2nd Platoon, Company B discovered 1000 pounds of rice. Due to the inaccessibility of the area and the lack of sufficient containers they were advised by MACV to destroy the rice.
27 At 0900H, 2nd Platoon, Company A received 30-50 rounds of S/A fire from 3 to 6 VC at YD 291535. Fire was returned and during the action a Marine was injured by a punji pit and required helo evacuation.
At 2200H, Company D departed Camp Evans to conduct a County Fair at Ap Uu Thuong. Company D was in position and commenced the cordon at 0400H.
28 At 0945H, 1st Platoon, Company B found approximately 500 pounds of rice. The rice was destroyed due to unavailability of helicopters.
At 1000H, all civilians in Ap Uu Thuong had been moved into the designated collection area and the screening process had commenced. PF/RF troops had commenced the search of the village.
29 At 0845H, Company C departed Camp Evans moving north toward My Chanh and blocking position Zulu at YD 466395. This blocking position was to be occupied in conjunction with a 1st ARVN Division operation being conducted in the ‘Street Without Joy’ area.
At 0930H, Company I, 3rd Bn 26th Marines chopped OPCON to 1st Bn 4th Marines and departed Camp Evans to occupy blocking position X-RAY YD 465420 as part of the previously mentioned operation.
At 1440H, Company I found approximately 10500 pounds of rice. It was determined thru the 4th Marines liaison officer attached to 1st ARVN Division that the rice was friendly.
By 1800H, the County Fair operation had produced 1 VCC and 4 detainees.
At YD 468425 Company I received 6 rounds of sniper fire from YD 468425 resulting in one WIA requiring helo evacuation. Small arms and M-79 fire was returned and the enemy fire ceased.
At 2145H, Company D received two incoming rounds of 60mm mortar fire from YD 527374. An artillery mission was called, and two secondary explosions were observed.
30 At 0825H, the County Fair operation terminated, and all civilians were allowed to move back into their homes. Statistical results for the operation were 2 VCC, 9 detainees, 268 persons screened and 83 med caps.
One or two sniper teams accompanied all company size operations. These teams normally equally divided between ‘Bolt’ and ‘Starlight’ teams were employed as the company commander directed.
Four scout dogs were assigned to the Quang Tri airstrip construction site and were used extensively on ambushes and patrols with good effect.
- Training during the reporting period was predominately conducted at the squad and fire team level. Classes were conducted on weapons safety, care and cleaning of the M-16, personal response, compass and map reading, mines, booby traps and scouting and patrolling. Particular emphasis was placed on thorough indoctrination of all Marines in the Rules of Engagement. The Camp Evans firing range was utilized to FAM fire Marines with the M-16, M-79 and M-60. Procurement of targets from Division G-3 (training) allowed the Battalion to zero their M-16’s on an improvised 1000-inch course. In view of the coming monsoon season Company size instruction was initiated to indoctrinate all Marines in expedient methods of stream crossing.
As in the past operational commitments continue to hamper the development of a sophisticated training program; however, concurrent training is conducted to the maximum extent possible in accordance with the tactical situation.
- Casualties inflicted on the Enemy.
NVA/VC (conf) 0
NVA/VC (prob) 0
- Friendly Casualties Sustained
KIA 0
WIA 20
Non-hostile deaths 0
Died of wounds 1
- New techniques employed. See discussion in the following paragraph. (See paragraph 2 ‘Operations’)
- Equipment. The following is a report of major items of equipment readiness.
- Motor Transport.
M422 to 3rd Echelon 3
- Communications. Equipment at third echelon or higher maintenance that has not been returned.
Radar Set AN/TPS-21 1
Radio Set AN/PRC-25 8
Radio Set AN/PRC-47 2
Radio Set AN/PRC-41 1
Control Group AN/GRA-39 2
Telephones EE-8 2
Sound Power Phones TA-1 7
Generator PU-482 1
The below list of requisitions for major items of equipment are pending.
Radio Set 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 Charger PP-3240 1 29 April 67
Antenna RC-292 1 29 April 67
Receiver/Transmitter
Unit RT-505 2 28 May 67
- Logistics. The LSA-2 at the Fire Support Base (FSB) provided support for Operation Cumberland during the first eight days of the reporting period. Upon closing the Battalion S-4 coordinated all transpiration and resupply requirements for the Battalion during the evacuation of the FSB and the CP area. This covered a seven-day period 9-15 September. The period from 15 thru 25 September found the Battalion supported by LSA-B at Camp Evans. Companies A and D with Command Group Bravo were relocated at Quang Tri and received logistical support from the Dong Ha Combat Base. The supply situation throughout the month was adequate.
The Battalion mess continued to serve hot meals until 13 September when it closed prior to displacement. During this period A rations were provided by FLSG-A. From 15 to 21 September the Battalion messed with 3/26 and 3/12 at Camp Evans until its own mess was operational. During this reporting period the Battalion drew 10,000 meals combat individual, 150 sundry packs and 80 cases of assorted fruit juices.
Class II supplies were provided by Battalion Supply during the entire month; however, the following items were in short supply or NIS.
Utilities, light wt (small sized) Jungle Boots (9R, 10R, 11R, 12R)
Utility covers Socks cushion sole (medium)
Compass, lensatic Mosquito bars
Underclothing (shirts and shorts) M-16 chamber brushers
M-16 Magazines M-16 bore brushes
During Operation Cumberland the Battalion had four (4) M-35 trucks for administrative purposes. Upon arrival at Camp Evans two M-35 trucks were provided on an as required basis from those attached to Camp Evans. Throughout the period motor transport support was adequate. There still exists a shortage of three (3) 3531’s in the Battalion T/O to accompany the three M-37 trucks now organic.
- Civil Affairs.
Civil affairs activities consisted of two solatium payments to Vietnamese in the Nam Hoa District and a County Fair, which was held, in the village of AP Uu Thuong. Details of the County Fair are enumerated under Psychological Warfare.
A civil affairs program has been instituted at the Quang Tri airstrip construction site with assignment of a permanent Civil Affairs Officer. Initial plans call for Med Caps and solatium payments to families required to move their ancestor’s graves.
- Psychological Warfare.
During the first fifteen days of September the Battalion was engaged in Operation Cumberland and psychological operations continued to be aggressive. A Med Cap/Psy Operation was conducted at Thon Kae Bay during which five hours of ground loudspeaker broadcasts, leaflet handouts and face-to-face propaganda by Kit Carson scouts was accomplished. From 9 thru 11 September Operation Cumberland’s daily truck convoys deposited Chieu Hoi leaflets along Route 547.
The Battalion moved to Camp Evans on 15 September and during the remainder of the month planned two County Fair Operations. The first, scheduled for 19 September, was cancelled due to bad weather conditions and unavailability of Psy Ops support. The second County Fair was conducted at AP Uu Thuong on 28 thru 30 September and was considered a great success. The people responded enthusiastically to all activities held during the fair, especially the Cultural Drama Team. Statistical results were 1 VCC, 9 Detainees, 268 civilians screened and 83 Med Caps.
Two Companies of the Battalion accompanied by the Bravo Command Group are now located in Quang Tri. A PSYOP’s program, commencing with leaflet drops has been initiated in that area.
The Psychological Warfare Officer attended the PSYOP’s conference at Da Nang on 27 September 1967.
- Personnel and Administration. During the reporting period the administrative section was relocated from a rear area in Phu Bai to Camp Evans. At the close of the reporting period, each rifle company is averaging 15 men below manning level in additions to averaging 20 men in a non-effective status. The Battalion is presently 8 Officers below M/L in MOS 0302.
Personnel losses and gains during the reporting period.
USMC USN
Off/Enl Off/Enl
Battle 0/0 0/0
Non-battle 0/1 (DOW) 0/0
Admin 4/49 0/7
Total 4/50 0/7
Gains 4/19 0/1
The following awards were presented during the reporting period:
Silver Star Medals 2
Bronze Star Medals 8
Navy Commendation Medals 2
Purple Hearts 46
The number of disciplinary cases acted upon or pending action is as follows:
Court-Martial
Completed
General 1
Special 3
Summary 1
Pending
Special 1
Art 32 1
Non-Judicial Punishment
Battalion Commander 6
Company Commander 4
Morale is excellent. The Battalion received R&R quotas to Okinawa, Manila, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hawaii and Taipei. PX facilities are adequate and Postal service continues to be satisfactory.
The ministry to personnel engaged in Operation Cumberland was reminiscent of the early American circuit-riding preacher. Five base camps were provided coverage from 1-14 September by Chaplain KIRK, Battalion Chaplain (Protestant), Father FILMYER, Regimental Chaplain (Catholic) and Father HUNKINS (Catholic). A total of 8 Protestant services were conducted by the Battalion Chaplain during the period of the month spent on Operation Cumberland. Total attendance was 134 of which 97 participated in Holy Communion. Two Catholic Lay Services were held with an attendance of 19. During the period 15-30 September nine services were conducted by the Battalion Chaplain at Camp Evans. Total attendance at the services was 157 of which 84 participated in Holy Communion. Father Filmyer and Hunkins conducted 6 Catholic Services, which were attended by 149 men. The Chaplain baptized one man during the month and counseling assistance was given to 46 men. The Chaplain participated in one Medcap in the Nam Hoa subsector.
- Intelligence.
During the reporting period the Battalion was involved in Operation Cumberland and Fremont in addition to being assigned the mission of providing security for the construction of the Quang Tri Air Strip.
- Operation Cumberland.
(1) Enemy. The enemy continually avoided large-scale contacts with friendly forces. Contacts that did occur were in the form of meeting engagements with enemy units of 5 to 10 VC. Enemy activity following the National Election of 3 September was slight. During the reporting period there were numerous incidents of sniper fire against convoys and road sweeps and one convoy was ambushed with an anti-tank rocket, RPG (B-40).
(2) Terrain. See Command Chronology August 1967.
(3) Weather. Temperatures ranged in the high 90’s with humidity averaging 80%. Increased rainfall near the end of Operation Cumberland made Route 547, at times, virtually impassable.
- Operation Fremont.
(1) Enemy. The enemy encountered during Operation Fremont consisted of local force VC with no positive identification of VC units accomplished. The basic VC tactic of sniper fire and booby-traps covered all enemy contacts with the exception of the continued use of mines along Route #1. There were no major engagements.
(2) Terrain. Terrain consists of rolling type hills covered with waist high brush. Numerous streams and rice paddies are found throughout the OA.
(a) Terrain Features. Key terrain features in the Camp Evans area include the Song O Lau River which runs from the southwest to northeast and Route #1 which runs in a northwest to southeast direction. At the southern portion of the OA running generally east to west is a steep ridgeline which controls the entire Co Bi Thanh Tan Valley.
(3) Observation and Fields of fire. These are considered good to excellent in the Camp Evans area.
(4) Cover and concealment. Concealment in the area is considered fair to good due to the waist high vegetation; however, cover is limited.
(5) Obstacles. The primary obstacle in the area is water. The rivers and streams, now swollen with the start of the monsoon season, are formidable obstacles to all movement.
(6) Avenues of Approach. The principal avenues of approach are the Rac My Chanh River, Song O Lau River and the Co Bi Thanh Tan Valley.
(7) Weather. Temperatures ranged from high 80’s to low 70’s during the last half of September. An increase of rainfall was noted as the monsoon season drew near.
- Quang Tri Airfield.
(1) Enemy. With two exceptions the enemy contact consisted of sniper fire. The exceptions both occurred on 25 September. The first was a small firefight between a Platoon size patrol and an estimated 6 VC.
The second was a late evening mortar attack on the airfield construction site.
(2) Terrain. The terrain consists of flat ground or gently rolling hills. The flat lands are mostly sand dunes while the rolling hills are sparsely covered with waist high brush. East of Route #1 are sand dunes and the Song Trach Han River. West of Route #1 are rolling hills, shallow valleys, and rice paddies.
(3) Key Terrain Features. Route #1 and the Song Trach Han River are considered the Key terrain features in the area. Both run in a southeast to northwest direction.
(4) Observation and Fields of fire. The flat or gently rolling terrain coupled with the vegetation provide very good to excellent observation and fields of fire.
(5) Cover and Concealment. Cover in the OA is limited to sand dunes and rice paddies dikes with the exception of the fill supporting the railroad tracks on the west side of and parallel to Route #1. Concealment is limited in the sand dunes area but considered fair to good in the eastern part of the OA due to scrub growth and hedgerows.
(6) Obstacles. The obstacles in the area are the Song Trach Han and Song AI Tu Rivers.
(7) Avenues of Approach. Primary avenues of approach into the area are Route #1 and the rivers Song Trach Han and Song Ai Tu.
(8) Weather. Temperatures ranged from 85 degrees to 70 degrees. Heavy showers have been experienced in early evening and during the night.
- Enemy Personnel and Equipment.
Cumberland Fremont Quang Tri
VC Captives 0 2 0
Weapons captured 0 0 0
Rice 0 100 lbs 1500 lbs.
Booby traps 1 4 1
Bunkers/Spider Holes 7 6 0
Ammunition 60/81mm 0 1 6
Ammunition S/A 0 150 AK-47s 0
Grenades 1 1 0
Punji pits 0 0 10
- Medical and Dental.
- The total number of visits to the Battalion Aid Station during the month of September was 722.
- Prevalent and significant medical entities encountered during the period were:
Diarrhea 17 Otitis 17
Malaria 16 Cellulites 17
Fungal Infections 22 Fever Unknown Origin 28
Athlete’s foot 11 Ring worm 5
Headaches 29 Sprains 2
Tonsillitis 9 Immersion foot 4
- A total of 109 patients requiring more intensive care were processed through A Med, at Phu Bai. 52 of these patients were consults as follows:
Dental 36
Orthopedic 1
EENT 5 Urological 3
Physical Examinations 4
Blood Work 3
Patients in need of further treatment were referred from A Med to the following medical facilities:
NSA, Da Nang 19
USS Repose (AH-16) 6
22nd CSF, Da Nang 8
- Venereal Disease during the period were.
Gonorrhea (new) 3
Non-specific urethritis 1
All suspected and confirmed VD cases were given a Serological Test for Syphilis in accordance with MANMED 22-18 and the results entered in the individual’s Health Record.
- Weekly malaria prophylaxis was continued through the use of chlorequine-primaquine tablets.
- Three Sanitation inspections of the Battalion area were held in compliance with DivO P 6000.4D and action was initiated immediately to correct all discrepancies. Sanitary facilities are considered adequate.
- Fevers of Unknown Origin have continued to be a problem. It is the opinion of the Battalion Medical Officer that a marked decline will be noted in the forthcoming months due to environmental change.
- Recently an active prevention program was instituted with respect to immersion foot. Daily foot inspections are conducted by Corpsman and all Corpsman have been instructed as to causes, diagnosis and proper treatment of Immersion Foot. A field study is presently underway to determine the efficiency of Silicone ointment in the prevention of Immersion Foot. Immersion Foot has not been a problem, but with the coming monsoon season problems are anticipated. It is expected that all hands will be sufficiently educated to afford early diagnosis and therapy.
- Two Battalion Aid Stations are being maintained: the Forward BAS at Quang Tri and another at Camp Evans. The BAS at Camp Evans consists of a ten-bed ward, a laboratory section and adequate equipment for all emergencies. The ward and lab section have proven invaluable in diagnosing and caring for entities such as FUO, Tonsillitis, Diarrhea and Venereal Disease.
- Air Support.
During 1 through 15 September, Operation Cumberland, Med-evacs continued to account for the majority of the Air Support. These evacuations were accomplished with minimal difficulty and delay.
Aerial Observers continued to provide adequate surveillance for both convoys and ground operations. AO’s also controlled air strikes and artillery missions on sniper positions along Route 547 with excellent target coverage.
Flights of ARVN A-1’s was observed in the eastern section of the OA on three different occasions during the first part of September. This situation would have endangered USMC units had they been operating in the area. Circumstances of the air strikes were relayed to 4th Marines and further liaison by higher headquarters completely solved the problem.
Total Sorties 1 thru 15 September.
TACP (A) 29
Resupply 6
Med Evacs 27 (3 night, 24 day)
C&C 2
Gunships 4
Fixed wing-TAC (A) controlled 14
Fixed wing-ground controlled 0
During the last portion of September, Operation Fremont, Battalion Forward coordinated all air traffic via the Dong Ha DASC. This procedure eliminated relaying through Battalion CP and saved a great amount of time.
On 24 September a Helicopter Support Team from 3rd Shore Party Battalion was attached to the Battalion forward. This ensured adequate facilities for the landing zone and basic control operations at the airfield construction site.
Logistic, administrative and liaison flights between Camp Evans and Quang Tri were conducted primarily by helicopter. Air support was utilized chiefly with Company size sweeps. Company D from 21 to 23 September was supported by three flights of gun ships and two flights of fixed wing resulting in eight probable VC credited to air. Elapsed time from request until aircraft were on target averaged fifteen minutes.
Total Sorties 16 thru 30 September.
TAC (A) 8
Resupply 20
Med Evacs 16
C&C 2
Gunships 3
Fixed wing TAC (A) controlled 4
Fixed wing ground controlled 0
- Fire Support.
- From 1 to 15 September 1967, the 1st Battalion 4th Marines was provided direct artillery support by G Battery 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, two 155mm Howitzers of L Battery 4th Battalion 12th Marines, and two 155mm Guns of A Battery 4th Battalion 12th Marines. The continued use of the ‘Rolling Barrage’ developed in August provided support for daily truck convoys along Route 547 (see August Command Chronology).
- From 15 to 30 September 1967, the units of the 1st Battalion 4th Marines at the forward position in Quang Tri received direct support from three 4.2” mortars from W Battery, 1st Battalion 13th Marines. During the same period the remainder of the Battalion at Camp Evans was provided general support by G Battery and H Battery 3rd Battalion 12th Marines and P Battery and T Battery 4th Battalion 12th Marines.
- An SOP for the Battalion FSCC was developed and submitted to the S-3 for approval during the reporting period. The Division FSCC SOP and Regimental FSCC SOP were used as guidelines. One major section of the Battalion SOP was devoted to providing instructions for the Battalion COC Watch Officer in clearing artillery/mortar missions in the absence of the FSCC Officer.
- A format for FO (forward observer) School was prepared. This class is to be presented to key personnel in each Company by the FO attached to that company. The plan of instruction was designed to imbue the small unit leader with the knowledge necessary to request and adjust artillery/mortar fire while utilizing standard procedures. FO school was completed in Companies B and D and is in progress in Companies A and C. A breakdown of personnel in Companies B and D who attended FO School follows:
Company B Company D
Squad Leaders 9 9
Fire Team Leaders 21 7
Platoon Leaders 2 3
Platoon Sgts 2 3
Platoon Guides 3 2
Others 12 4
Total 49 28
- During the month of September, the following missions were fired in support of the 1st Battalion 4th Marines.
(1) Unobserved:
(a) H&I’s 748
(b) FFE 300
(2) Observed:
(a) Targets of opportunity 39
(b) Counter mortar 1
(c) Illumination 5
(d) Registration 0
(e) FO school 3
- Communications. Communications were continuous for the majority of the period covered. The FM circuits active were Battalion TAC #1, Battalion Admin, Regimental TAC #1, Artillery COF and TACP local. Time was divided in support of Operations Cumberland and Fremont, maintenance and inventory of equipment and implementation of a retraining program.
Internal and external wire communications were satisfactory. These circuits remained identical to those mentioned during the last reporting period.
Message totals were:
Classified
Courier
Incoming 464
Outgoing 1
Circuit
Incoming 0
Outgoing 0
Unclassified
Courier
Incoming 316
Outgoing 7
Circuit
Incoming 0
Outgoing 0
September
1 A dummy net employed to imitate a convoy moving to the FFSB. The net was utilized as a diversionary tactic in support of a two-company operation.
6 Preparations began for the selection of the radio relay site at the Rock Crusher.
10 The wire section installed a switchboard with one trunk line to Regimental HQ at Camp Evans. The long local from Cumberland CP to the Rock Crusher was activated and direct FM communications were established on the Battalion TAC Net with the Forward CP.
11 Telephone and FM radio communications were established between the Rock Crusher and 2nd Bn 26th Marines.
14 The Battalion message center displaced to Camp Evans.
15 The Battalion CP at Cumberland displaced to Camp Evans with the Alpha Command Group. A second trunk line was laid to Regiment and a hot line from 1st Bn 4th Marines COC to Regimental COC along with a FSCC hot line to 3rd Bn 12th Marines were installed. The Battalion TAC, Regimental TAC, Camp Evans, Perimeter Security, Artillery COF and TACP local were activated. The radio relay unit at Cumberland was relocated to the Company A position and communications were reestablished into the 3rd Division Telephone system. Electric cable was laid and activated to the Battalion COC and CO.
16 A trunk line to 3rd Bn 12th Marines and an FSCC hot line to 4th Marines FSCC was installed. Electric power was made available to the majority of the Battalion Area. Company A relieved of the Rock Crusher security and the radio relay was turned over to 3rd Bn 12th Marines.
17 Wire lines were improved, and an inventory commenced to ensure immediate requisitioning for missing items.
18 Companies A and B with Command Group Bravo displaced to Quang Tri. Initial communications over Battalion TAC were weak and unreadable. Regimental TAC, a much higher frequency was used, and communications were loud and clear with the exception of two or three hours each afternoon. Utilizing the help of a relay provided by Regiment on Hill 674 communications were continuous. And communications proved to be sporadic and unreliable.
19 Equipment including the RC 292’s was relocated in the attempt to achieve constant, direct communications with Quang Tri. Also, vertical and ground plane element lengths on the RC 292 were changed and the use of sloping wire and double antennas was tried. The problem appeared to be purely atmospheric in that employment of a frequency below 60 megacycles was not conducive to establishing good communications at this location at this time of the year. Since Company B TAC frequency was above 60 megacycles it was substituted for the Battalion Admin frequency. Communications with Quang Tri became loud and clear to medium and clear except for the afternoon. Company B received the old Battalion Admin frequency as their Company TAC.
22 A relay was established by the Battalion on Hill 674 to aid communications with Quang Tri utilizing the Battalion Admin frequency. The Battalion mess hall was wired for lights, reefer operations and telephone communications.
25 Lieutenant Hagans was relieved by Lieutenant Fagersten as the Battalion Communications Officer.
28 Company D participated in a County Fair at Ap Uu Thuong. Reliable communications were established on the Battalion TAC.
29 Company C in conjunction with Company I, 3rd Bn 26th Marines established blocking positions in My Chanh. FM communications established with RC 292 antenna.
30 Loud and clear communications were established with Quang Tri. This was achieved by reciting our RC 292 and by Quang Tri positioning their RC 292 on top of a 50-foot mortar tower.
Lack of accessories for the new FM series continues to hamper operational effectiveness.
Example: This Battalion is short 33 H-138 handsets, 34 whip antennas, 24 antenna bases for the whip, 32 tape antennas and 6 antennas for the GRC-125 series of equipment.
- Major equipment failures evacuated to third echelon or higher maintenance that were repaired during the reporting period.
Items Quantity
Radio Set AN/PRC-25 12
Telephone EE8/TA-312/TA-1’s 8
Radio Set AN/PRC-47 1
Radio Set AN/GRA 39 1
RT-524 1
- Major items of equipment repaired locally:
Radio Set AN/PRC-25 13
Telephone EE-8/TA-1 9
Remote Set AN/GRA 39 2
This page last corrected 30 August 2011