Intelligence Report – August 1966

 

Intelligence

  1. General. (Period covered 1-31 August 1966).

The Battalion was actively engaged with VC and NVA elements during the reporting period.  During the period 1 August 1966 – 15 August 1966, the majority of the contacts were made by patrols and ambushes.  Also, during this period several probing attempts against the Battalion’s perimeter was made.  During the period 1 August 1966 – 15 August 1966, contact was light and involved the exchange of only a few rounds per incident.  The majority of the incidents during this period was initiated by small groups of VC and usually resulted in the VC breaking contact and withdrawing.  One exception occurred on 1 August 1966, when an element of the Combined Action Company (CAC, Co. C, 1st Battalion 4th Marines) was taken under fire with mortars, machine guns and small arms from an estimated 50 VC.  As a result of this incident, a company size operation was initiated on 6 August 1966 in the same area (Loi Nong Hamlet, YD 8318 – 8319), which resulted in 4 VC KIA (conf) by air, ground, and artillery, and the capture of assorted medical supplies.  Of other significance during this period, was an attack on 2 Marines traveling on National Route #1 during daylight hours by 3 VC armed with AK-47 automatic weapons, which resulted in the death of the Marines.  Also, the Battalion supported a ‘County Fair’ operation conducted by the ARVN during this period.

In the second reporting period (16 August 1966 – 31 August 1966), the 1st Battalion 4th Marines (rein) displaced its CP from the Hue/Phu Bai TAOR to the Dong Ha (vic YD 2460) area of operations.  During this period, from 16 August 1966 – 29 August, the Battalion perimeter was subject to probes by small groups of VC throwing rocks in an effort to ascertain the locations of defensive positions.  Also, several incidents of grenade and small arms exchanges occurred which resulted with the VC breaking contact and withdrawing.  The majority of the incidents were initiated by the VC.  Of prime significance during this period was the coordinated attack by combined NVA/VC (LF) elements, estimated to be two companies in strength, against Company A, 1st Battalion 4th Marines (rein) located vicinity YD 1157 on 26 August 1966.  As a result of this attack, the Battalion accounted for 77 KIA (conf), 26 assorted weapons and 1 VCC.  The latter of which revealed the attacking elements to be organic to the 812th Regt. NVA with element of the Cam Lo LF Company attached.  Additionally, on the night of 27 August 1966, a possible probe was again attempted against Company A’ defensive perimeter which resulted in 1 VC KIA (conf) and the sighting of a platoon (30-40) size elements to the rear of the would-be probers.  The Battalion made no subsequent contact nor did the Battalion have any significant activity for the remainder of the month.

At 010910H, a CAC-7 patrol at YD 819199 sweeping the area of the previous day’s firefight, received 200 rounds small arms fire and 3 rounds 60mm mortar fire from an estimated 50 VC located in a tree line vicinity YD 821198.  The patrol assaulted the tree line by fire and maneuver.  The VC withdrew east into Loi Nong Hamlet (YD 8219-8319) and as patrol swept village, they received a heavy volume of AW and SA fire from an unknown number of VC located YD 839196.  Patrol called an artillery mission on enemy positions and the VC broke contact dispersing in all directions.  Patrol swept enemy position finding bloodstains.

At 0—-H, Company B made a sweep of the Loi Nong Hamlet (YD 8219-8319) utilizing ground fires, artillery and air strikes, which resulted in 4 VC ——– and assorted medical supplies.

———————– Investigated shooting vicinity YD 826178 which —– 2 Marines driving a Mighty Mite had been ambushed by 3 VC armed with AK-47 automatic weapons.  Patrol swept the area with negative results.

At –1025-H, a CAC-7 unit at YD 822179 engaged an estimated 6 VC in same vicinity resulting in 1 VC WIA (prob).

At ——, Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion tank attached to 1st Battalion 4th Marines on a armored reconnaissance vicinity YD 135726 received 3 rounds AT/mortar fire from vicinity YD 131727.  Tank fired 90mm HE on the enemy positions resulting in 9 VC KIA (prob).

At 250410H, Snipers attached to 1st Battalion 4th Marines and employed at Con Thien OP YD –1670- fired on 2 VC vicinity resulting in 1 VC KIA (conf).

At 260342H, Company A and supporting elements at YD 113575 engaged with an estimated 2 NVA companies reinforced with LF guerrillas at Company A Defensive perimeter resulting in 76 NVA/VC KIA (conf) and the capture of 26 weapons and assorted medical supplies and documents.

At 272343H, Company A defensive position at YD 128587 fired on 3-5 VC at the defensive wires in same vicinity resulting in 1 VC KIA (conf).

Summary of enemy units within the Battalion TAOR during the reporting period were: The Cam Lo District LF Company at YD 113575 on 260342H; 2 unidentified LF companies at YD 057528 and YD 059522 on 3 August and 7 August respectively; 1 LF platoon at YD 110515 on 20 August; and elements of the 812th Regt., 324th B Division (NVA) which were operating in the Cua valley (SW of Battalion TAOR) and which took place in the assault on Company A, 1st Battalion 4th Marines perimeter defenses on 26 August 1966.

  1. Recapitulation of enemy activity
  2. VC initiated 26
  3. USMC initiated 16
  4. Total incidents
  5. VC KIA 82 (conf)
  6. VC KIA 10 (prob)
  7. VC WIA            1
  8. VCC 1
  9. VCS 1
  10. Mines and booby traps 6
  11. Captured weapons and equipment
  12. Soviet 7.62mm assault rifle Model AK-47/ChiCom Type 56 –19
  13. Soviet 7.62 carbine, Model SKS/ChiCom Type 56 – 2
  14. Soviet 7.62mm Light Machine Gun, Mode RPD/ChiCom Type 56 – 1
  15. Soviet Anti-tank grenade launcher, model RPG-2/ChiCom type 56 – 2 VC Type B-40
  16. Soviet 9mm automatic pistol, Makarov (PM) – 1
  17. French 9mm Submachine Gun, model MAT-49 – 1
  18. Miscellaneous equipment captured during this period:

Assorted web gear, uniform components, 2 wooden rifles, 14 AK-47 magazines, 1 RPD drum magazine, 1 US .45 caliber pistol holster, assorted medical supplies, documents, and ammunition.

  1. Weather and Terrain

During the period 1-15 August 1966 the terrain encountered consisted primarily of rice paddies, rolling terrain, and populated areas.  During this period many of the rice paddies were flooded limiting movement in these areas.  However, overall movement by troops and vehicles was unrestricted.

During the period 16-30 August 1966, the terrain encountered consisted primarily of rolling type hills with scrub vegetation. Some dense jungle type vegetation was noted, however, this type foliage was not prevalent in the Battalion TAOR.  Vehicular traffic ability, though not employed, would have been impaired and impractical except in the Battalion vital areas and along the improved routes.

During the period 30 August 66 – 1 September 66 the terrain encountered consisted primarily of heavy vegetated, thick jungle, and steep hills. Movement of vehicles was impossible through this type terrain and made troop movement difficult but did not prevent the accomplishment of the Battalions mission.

Weather for the period was generally bright and hot. Rain fell on several occasions with the greatest amount of rain falling in the afternoon and evening.  Weather Statistics:  No weather statistics available.

This page last updated 19 August 2011