Intelligence – May 1969

 

Intelligence

  1. General.  During the month the 1st Battalion 4th Marines participated in action against enemy forces from Hill 304, FSB’s Neville and Russell, and LZ Catapult.  The Battalion encountered light and sporadic contact with small enemy units in the northern sector of the assigned AO.  Numerous bunkers, caves, huts, and foxholes were uncovered and destroyed.  After the movement of Company B from Hill 304 to LZ Margo, the enemy increased his activity somewhat by directing mortar fire toward their new position.  LZ Catapult also received mortar fire on several occasions.  In these attacks by fire the enemy was generally off the mark, except on 28 May when several rounds impacted inside the lines resulting in eight Marines being wounded.  Increased enemy sightings in the northern sector of the AO indicated that enemy units were attempting to infiltrate south through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

            Several large caches were found, and numerous items of enemy equipment and ordnance captured and/or destroyed.  Items that were thought to be of value to the intelligence effort were forwarded to higher headquarters.  These included documents, a large type of AT Mine, and a fuse assembly (with case) from a 122mm rocket.

  1. Weather.  During the first half of the month the weather was generally hot and humid during the day and somewhat cooler during the late evening and early morning hours.  Visibility was mostly unlimited lowering somewhat during periods of rain and early morning fog.  An exception to this was FSB Neville which remained under cloud cover approximately 50% of the time.  During the latter part of the month the weather was somewhat cooler with periods of high winds, rainstorms, and showers.  Visibility was restricted for extended periods during rainstorms and showers making the use of aircraft very difficult around several of the positions.
  2. Terrain.  The terrain consists of sharply rising mountains with topographical crests ranging from 300 to 1739 meters broken up by two large river valleys.  Vegetation ranges from abandoned rice paddies along the streams to dense underbrush and heavy jungle in the higher elevations.  In addition to two rivers there are numerous small streams throughout the AO.
  3. Operations.  The Battalion participated in operation ‘Herkimer Mountain’ during the month.  The operation commenced at 0001 on 9 May and is continuing.  The operation has been characterized by the defense of FSB’s Neville and Russell, and extensive patrolling operations throughout the AO.  Light contacts with small groups of NVA soldiers were encountered as the enemy continued to refuse to commit any major size force to combat.  Specific contacts including dates and units involved are set forth in the Sequential Listing of Significant Events portion of this Chronology.
  4. Results of Operations.
  5. Enemy KIA-12       POW-0
  6. Friendly KIA-2      WIA-46      MIA-0
  7. Equipment and Supplies Captured/Destroyed
  8. Small Arms Ammo                            Rounds

    50 Caliber                                              22

    AK-47                                                     1,354

    7.62mm                                                 9,000

    12.75mm                                               10,795

  1. Mortars, Recoilless Rifles, Rocket

82mm mortar                                   145

60mm mortar                                    26

RPG                                                          91

57mm                                                        2

  1. Weapons

60mm mortar base plates                  4

AK-47’s                                                      2

  1. Mines, Demolitions, and Explosives

Chi Com grenades                           14

½ pound blocks TNT                    32

1 pound blocks TNT                       37

Claymore mines                              263

Fuses                                                    976

Stick Explosives                              2,040

Anti-Tank Mines                            52

  1. Medical supplies

Sulpha  (NVA)                      3 bottles

  1. Miscellaneous gear

Ponchos                                          8

Comm wire                             2,000 ft

AK-47 magazines                       12

Knives                                              3

Hammocks                                    3

Picks                                                 3

E-tools                                            9

Canteens                                         1

Wire cutters                                  1

Cooking utensils                        8

This page last corrected 7 September 2011