Operations
2 March
At 1030H, Co. D ‘Killer Team’ point moving east observed one NVA approx 20 meters away in fighting hole. Point killed NVA and Killer Team Leader directed an assault on enemy position. Meanwhile, FO called arty fires to seal off enemy escape routes, Killer Team assaulted through NVA position 10-30 meters to their front. Total of 10 NVA were in the area, and all were killed. Sniper team accounted for two of the 10 who were attempting to flee. Large number of medicines, medical equipment and medical records captured indicates that the 10 NVA were medical personnel. Killer Team withdrew to perimeter under cover of arty fires.
At 1410H, C-2 position received 9 rounds estimated 100mm arty from 5800 mills. Rounds impacted 200 meters northeast of perimeter beyond minefield. Fired Counter Arty Fire of 30 rounds 105mm on suspected enemy position. Reaction time was five minutes.
At 1658H, C-2 received two 82mm mortar rounds and two more rounds at 1710H and another round 33 minutes later. All rounds impacted inside the perimeter and were fired from a direction of 5100 mills. Returned Counter Mortar Fire with reaction time of one minute. Negative casualties.
At 1805H, East tower at C-2 spotted 4 to 5 NVA in open at YD 083660. Fired 105mm arty mission of 20 rounds on enemy position with excellent target coverage. Results unknown.
At 1820H, C-2 position received 2 rounds 82mm mortar from 4400 mills. Rounds impacted in perimeter. Returned Counter Mortar Fire with reaction time of five minutes. Sustained one friendly WIA (minor). Injured man from Kilo Btry, 13th Marines.
4 March
At 0840H, received 9th Mar msg 040840H, 1/4 and 2/1 to prepared to exchange AO by 10 Mar. Upon exchange Command Group, 2/1 chop H Co. to 1/4.
Between 031800H and 041100H. Co B ‘Killer Team’, while setting in night ambush at YD 155664, heard NVA voices and sounds of chopping and digging several hundred meters to their north. Throughout the night of 3-4 March, sounds of talking, shouting and laughing were heard. Killer Team leader estimated approx 1 NVA Company in the immediate vicinity. At 040900, while moving NE to new ambush position, the Killer Team entered a bunker complex at YD 158663. At this point, the terrain was covered with extremely thick undergrowth and the bunkers covered the trail network. The bunkers were freshly dug and approx 5 feet deep with a hollowed-out undergrounds sleeping compartment. Each bunker appeared capable of accommodating approx 5 men. Overhead cover was provided by 4 layers of saplings and a layer of dirt. As the team continued to move SE, the number of bunkers increased, and voices and movement could be heard to their front. The team commenced movement to the SW to enable AO on station to direct arty fire on bunker complex. At 041030H at YD 157660, another bunker complex was found. This appeared to be a recently constructed Battalion size CP area with a bathing point and numerous living bunkers. Several stand-up latrines were also observed. (It is of interest to note that Payops Propaganda leaflets were used as toilet paper.) The bunkers appeared to have been lived in the previous night and many fresh footprints were observed leading south. Killer Team was withdrawn, and arty and air strikes were called to saturate the area.
At 1340H, C-2 received 2 rounds 82mm mortar from 5400 mills. Rounds impacted to southwest of perimeter, outside minefield. Returned fire on suspected enemy position with Counter Mortar Mission of 15 rounds 81mm. Results unknown.
6 March
At Approx 1000H, Co. A ‘Killer Team’ in vicinity of YD 108645 observed patrol consisting of 6-8 well camouflaged NVA at YD 105642. NVA were observed moving to northeast then swinging west. Team was unable to call arty mission prior to NVA moving out of sight. At approx 1200H, team observed 1 NVA at YD 100643. Called arty mission and moved toward area to check results. Upon arrival at YD 102642, last man in team observed and killed one NVA moving toward them from the rear. The team received A/W and S/A fire from west, north and south from estimated two NVA platoons. Team returned fire killing 3 NVA and began withdrawal back to the vicinity of YD 108645 where team’s packs were staged. In route to staging area, team leader was hit in leg by S/A fire. The FO called arty and 81mm fire. Arty silenced one A/W position. While attempting to move from vicinity of YD 108645, team received intense S/A from south and S/A and chicoms from north. Team returned heavy volume of S/A, A/W, M-79 and M-26 grenades, then broke contact under cover of arty. Co B reaction force linked up with Killer Team at 1500H. Assistant team leader reported that all NVA observed were heavily camouflaged with foliage. Killer team suffered one WIA (evac) and one NBC (non-evac).
Between 1526H and 1532H, C-2 position received 4-6 rounds 130mm arty and one 120mm rocket from a direction of 4800 mills. One 120mm rocket impacted in center of C-2 position. Other rounds landed in and around minefield. Returned Counter Battery/Rocket Fire with a reaction time of 10 minutes. One friendly WIA (evac) and 5 WIA minor were sustained.
8 March
At 0930H, Forward elements of Co. D arrived at A-4, thirty minutes later, Co. G/2/1 arrived at C-2 Bridge and chopped OPCON to 1/4 while Co. D chopped OPCON to 2/1 at the same time.
9 March
At 0920H, Co. B departed C-2 enroute to A-4. The move was completed at 1350H.
At 1500H, CO, 1/4 and Command Group arrived at A-4 and assumed OPCON of that position while 2/1 assumed OPCON of C-2. Co. A chopped OPCON to 2/1 and Co. H/2/1 at Yankee Station and Co. F/2/1 chopped OPCON to 1/4
At 2130H, OP#2 spotted 4 NVA at YD 128751 and 2 more NVA at YD 130710 with PPS-5 radar unit. Called 81mm mission of 20 rounds on each sighting with excellent coverage of target. Results unknown.
At 2000H, Whiskey/2/12 personnel accidentally struck primer on 4.2 round in ammo bunker which started a fire igniting exposed increments. Four Whiskey personnel received burns as a result of fire. Four NBC (evac) completed at 100020H.
10 March
At 0930H, Co. Alpha/1/4 and Co. Foxtrot/2/1 chopped OPCON back to respective parent units. Co. A arrived at A-4 at 1500H and Co F departed A-4 enroute to C-2 at that time.
At 1230H, Co. H patrol at YD 143697 spotted two muzzle flashes at YD 14636779 during the time that Dong Ha was receiving incoming. Called arty mission of 12 rounds on enemy position. Incoming at Dong Ha ceased.
At 1510H, OP#1 spotted active arty site at YD 066789. Fired tanks and called arty mission on enemy position with good target coverage.
11 March
At 2000H, Co. D listening post through starlight scope spotted 4 NVA approx 150 meters to their front at YD 110705. LP took NVA under fire with S/A. Results unknown.
13 March
At 1800H, OP#2 at A-4, observed active enemy arty position at the same time Dong Ha was receiving incoming. But due to maximum range, could not give adequate coverage. Priority TPQ’s were requested.
16 March
At 1130H, Co A, OP at YD 124696 observed a small explosion from suspected surprise explosive device 8 meters to east. No shrapnel effect was observed. OP checked the area for other explosive devices with negative results. Moved to new position at YD 124694.
At 1600H, OP#1 spotted active arty position at YD 06597493. Called 155mm arty mission and fired 90mm tanks with excellent target coverage.
17 March
At 1115H, OP#2 at A-4, while firing 4.2mm mission on a trench line at YD 121711, observed 1 secondary explosion. H&I fire plotted on same target.
18 March
At 0930H, Co. H Road sweep at YD 132682 found 3 enemy bodies buried on west side of Route #561. Only feet were visible, and bodies appeared to have been buried approx one week ago. Also found bandoleer of 556 ammo, 2 U.S. type gas masks, U.S. field jacket and U.S. type poncho with blood on it. Road sweep continued mission.
19 March
At 0600H, Co. B and Alpha Command Group departed A-4 and Co. L/3/3 chopped OPCON to 1/4 and departed A-3 in accordance with 1/4 Op Order 3-68.
From 0845H to 0940H, A-4 received 18 rounds of estimated 130-152mm arty from 5700 mills. Rounds impacted inside minefield to the NE of perimeter. Remaining rounds impacted inside perimeter at various locations. No casualties sustained and only minor damage to wire communications and counter mortar Dyemarker bunker resulted. Counter Battery Arty returned on grids 06417495, 071721, 067754, 09197612, 087784, 083579537 and 063762.
From 1100H to 1130H, A-4 received 8 rounds of estimated 130-152mm arty from 5700 mills. All rounds impacted inside perimeter with negative casualties or damage. Continued to fire Counter Battery Arty mission on grids 068754, 058761, 064761, 073748, 083772 and 10347409.
At 1155H, Troops on western perimeter of Co. H/2/1 at Yankee Station, observed 1 NVA moving west at YD 104695. Fired 60mm mortar mission. Good target coverage. Continued to observe area.
20 March
At 0958H, Received 2 reports of an air explosion in a 335-degree direction from troops on perimeter. Immediately after the explosion, observed what appeared to be a man in a white parachute in area of explosion. Contacted AO in the area and requested area check. Negative results.
At 1200H, Co. B, OP at YD 158702 observed 2 NVA with bush covers at YD 158700. NVA were wearing green utilities and heavy packs. NVA had apparently been sleeping behind bomb crater approx 100 meters south of OP. One was moving to the north and the other stood up behind the crater. The OP took the NVA under fire, dropping one as they fled SE. While firing, OP observed 4-5 more NVA similarly attired at YD 158695. This group of NVA was also running SE. Called in air strikes and arty mission on possible escape routes. Patrol checked the area and found drag marks.
21 March
At 0910H, Received Frag Order #15 (Kentucky) from 9th Marine Courier.
At 0920H, Elements of Co. L/3/3 at YD 165697 observed 1 NVA approaching from south with weapon (P*-43) held over head. Co. L took POW and observed 4-5 other NVA in vicinity of YD 165695 fleeing to SE. Took NVA under fire with S/A and called arty mission. Co. L checked area of contact and found bag of AK-47 ammo and bag containing demo.
At 1300H, Co. L/3/3 chopped OPCON from 1/4 to 3/3.
At 1600H, Lead elements of Alpha Command Group and Co. B returned to A-4.
22March
At 0730H, Co. H/2/1 chopped OPCON from 1/4 to 2/1. Co B assumed defense of Yankee Station.
At 1200H, Co. C/1/4 chopped OPCON from 3/3 to 1/4 and assumed responsibility for defense of C-2 Bridge.
23 March
At 0130H, OP#2 reported seeing lights of what appeared to be 3-10 truck convoy at YD 173829. At the same time, Det. C, 2nd Arty Aqst Btry, 26th Arty (CAR/Sound) heard vehicular movement emanating from same location. Fired 175mm mission on enemy movement with good coverage of target. Movement ceased and large secondary explosion was observed. NGF mission also requested.
24 March
At 0900, OP#2 spotted 6 NVA carrying what appeared to be a recoilless rifle, at YD 116732. Fired 8 rounds 90mm with excellent target coverage. Debrief of FO and tank crew observing mission revealed the NVA and recoilless rifle were located on tank registration point. All personnel observing mission witnessed direct hit on RR and enemy troops. AO observed bunker complex near target. Scheduled TOT and TPQ on bunker complex. Tank fire mission resulted in 3 enemy KIA (confirmed).
At 1000H, 3rd Plt, Co. L/3/1 chopped OPCON to 1/4 at C-2 Bridge.
At 1910H, OP#1 spotted lights and large amount of dust at YD 146787. Fired tank and arty mission with good coverage of target. Lost sight of lights results unknown. TPQ requested. Tanks continued to fire, and two large secondary explosions were observed.
At 2200H, OP#2 spotted lights of what appeared to be a convoy moving in a SE direction. Fired arty mission with excellent coverage and observed one secondary explosion. On next fire for effect OP#2 observed series of three secondary explosions.
At 2205H, OP#1 spotted lights flash at YD 113731. Appeared to be enemy movement. Lights were extinguished. Fired arty mission with good target coverage. Results unknown.
At 2250H, OP#1 spotted light moving east to west direction at YD 113750. Fired arty mission with excellent coverage. Lights extinguished.
25 March
At 0005H, OP#2 observed lights at YD 15848417 which appeared to be a convoy moving in a SE direction. Fired arty mission and dropped TPQ. After TPQ, no further lights were observed at this coordinate. Shortly thereafter, they reappeared approx 700 meters west of initial coordinate. Adjusted fire mission on new target with good coverage.
At 1800H, While Co. D ‘Killer Team’ was setting in night position at YD 147703, spotted one well camouflaged NVA with heavy pack. S/A fire was exchanged, and killer team called in arty mission. While firing mission, Killer Team heard several voices shouting at each other. Killer Team was directed to return to perimeter.
At 1805H, OP#2 observed 350 NVA in open at YD 119728. Fired tanks and Ontos, called fire mission of 4.2 mortars and 105mm arty, and also called arty firecracker mission. All fires were on target with excellent coverage. Requested AO to check area. AO observed one crew served weapon believed to be a rocket launcher destroyed and two NVA bodies. Also observed several old bunkers and trench line. Fired 105mm mission on suspected escape routes. Eyewitnesses reported numerous NVA fall with rounds impacting all around them. Ten confirmed enemy KIA’s resulted from the fire mission.
At 1900H, A-4 received 4 rounds incoming from RR. Rounds believed to have come from YD 108711. Fired arty mission and incoming ceased.
27 March
At 0900H, OP#2 observed 10 NVA in open at YD 11967325 and 3 NVA in tree line at YD 133717. Fired 4.2 mortar and arty mission on both coordinates. Witnesses saw 7 NVA fall at first coordinate and results unknown at second. Requested TPQ on first target. After TPQ was run, an AO on station observed two confirmed NVA KIA and trench line and bunker complex destroyed.
At 1845H, OP#2 observed approx 20 NVA in open at YD 119732. Called in 4.2 mortar and 105mm mission. Fired tanks and ontos. First rounds impacted on 3 NVA. All fires on target with excellent coverage. Three confirmed enemy KIA.
28 March
At 0945H, OP#2 observed 17 NVA in open at YD 11967325. Fired 8 rounds of 105mm, 28 rounds 4.2 HE and 1 round WP and 4 rounds 155mm. Fired tanks and ran air strikes with good target coverage. Results unknown.
At 1305H, OP#2 observed 4 NVA in open at YD 120733. Fired 4.2 mortar mission. Good coverage results unknown.
29 March
At 0720H, OP#2 observed 7 NVA at YD 120733. Fired 105mm and 4.2 mission with good coverage.
At 1145H, OP#2 observed 12 NVA in open at YD 120733. Fired 81mm and 4.2 mortar mission with excellent coverage.
At 2100H, Co. C at C-2 noted movement through PPS-5, 1200 meters to north of C-2 Bridge at YD 128681. Fired 81mm mission with unknown results.
30 March
At 1027H, A-4 received 11 rounds estimated 85-100mm arty from 6400 mills. All rounds impacted inside perimeter. Called counter battery mission. AO checked area. Incoming resulted in 2 WIA (one med evac, one minor).
At 1705H, OP#2 spotted 6 NVA in open at YD 124732. Fired 4.2 mission with good coverage. AO checking area spotted one apparent NVA WIS in open. AO called mission on NVA with excellent coverage, results unknown.
At 1815H, OP#2 spotted active arty at YD 215823. Called in general support arty. AO arrived on station.
This page last corrected 1 September 2011