Narrative Summary
The Battalion continued to participate in Operation KENTUCKY throughout the month of March. During the first week in March, the Battalion defended C-2 Forward Operation Base, the C-2 Bridge and that portion of the MSR (Route #561) within the Battalion’s AOR.
On 9 March, the Battalion moved north to the A-4 Strong Point Patrol Base and assumed the defense of that position and Yankee Station, 1000 meters to the south of A-4. While Company C was OPCON to the 9th Marines at A-2 from 1-22 March, Company H/2/1 was OPCON to 1/4 from 9-22 March and occupied Yankee Station.
On 19 March, the Battalion’s Alpha Command Group and Company B left A-4 to participate in a two-day search and destroy/anti-infiltration operation in the eastern portion of the AOR. Company L/3/3 came under OPCON of 1/4 for the duration of the operation.
On 22 March, the Battalion’s southern boundary was moved 2500 meters south and 1/4 assumed responsibility for the defense of C-2 bridge. On the same day, company H/2/1 was chopped to 2/1 and Company C returned to C-2 Bridge under OPCON of the battalion. On 24 March, 3rd Plt, Company L/3/1 came under OPCON of the Battalion. The Battalion’s present disposition is Companies A and D at A-4, Company B at Yankee Station and Company C, reinforced with 3rd Plt, Company L/3/1, at C-2 Bridge.
Numerous squad and platoon size combat patrols, ambushes, OP’s and security and screening activities were conducted throughout the month. The Battalion continued to successfully utilize Killer Team Patrols during March. These teams accounted for 14 NVA/KIA (confirmed) with only one USMC WIA.
During the latter part of March, FO’s assigned to 1/4 observed an increase in enemy sighting and troop movement to the north of A-4. Fire missions called by the FO’s resulted in 13 NVA/KIA (confirmed).
At A-4, as at C-2, the Battalion emphasized fighting hole and Dyemarker Bunker construction commensurate with the tactical situation.