Narrative Summary

The Battalion continued to participate in Operation KENTUCKY throughout the month of April.

The Battalion was deployed with Co.’s A and D at A-4, Co. B at Yankee Station and Co. C at C-2 Bridge.  During portions of the month, a platoon from Co. Kilo/3/3 was OPCON to the Battalion and reinforced Co. C at C-2 Bridge.

Numerous platoon and squad size combat patrols, ambushes, OP’s and security and screening activities were conducted in April.  Two significant contacts with the enemy were made.  On 24 April, when the lead elements of Co. D crossed the trace 2000 meters west of A-4, they received small arms fire from an estimated 5-10 NVA.  Co. D returned fire and swept the area.  The action resulted in two NVA KIA and one POW.  Co. D sustained three USMC WIA.  On 26 April, while on a combat patrol west of A-4, a platoon from Co. A discovered a bunker complex.  A few minutes later the platoon came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons fire and began to suffer casualties.  The NVA force was estimated at two companies.  The patrol established a defensive perimeter and called for reinforcements.  The Battalion Bravo Command Group, Co. D, a platoon from Co. B and a platoon of tanks was committed to the site of the contact.  All units soon became heavily engaged.  Battalion elements swept through the area and recovered all USMC dead and wounded.  One NVA POW was captured, but soon died of his wounds.  Four enemy individual weapons and one crew served weapon were captured.  Quantities of NVA weapons and equipment were observed, but the tactical situation precluded their collection.  Action resulted in 72 NVA KIA (confirmed) while the Battalion suffered 9 KIA and 17 WIA.

At 0930 on 27 April, Lt/Col E. A. Deptula was relieved of command of the Battalion by Lt/Col J. H. MacLean.

The Battalion continued to emphasize fighting hole and Dyemarker Bunker construction commensurate with the tactical situation.

Casualties inflicted on the enemy.

NVA/KIA (confirmed) – 96

NVA/POW – 2

Friendly casualties sustained.

KIA – 9

WIA – 23

Non-Hostile Deaths – 0

DOW – 0

NBC – 15

MIA – 0