Supporting Arms
- Air Support.
Significant use of Airborne Observers (AO’s) for position confirmation and reporting were utilized by the Company Commanders to assist them in navigating over relatively featureless terrain. They were also employed in routine aerial reconnaissance missions bringing to a total of 20 the AOs that were utilized.
Off-set radar bombing utilizing the SST-122Ku Transponder accounted for three air strikes. The character of the Battalion’s assigned mission and availability of attack aircraft held this method of bombing to a minimum.
All-weather, day and might bombing on targets screened through the Regimental Air Section and employing the TPQ-10 method of control accounted for five air strikes.
Total tonnage of bombs dropped on selected enemy targets was 15 tons.
Helicopters were utilized for logistical, tactical and medical evacuation purposes. During operation ‘William’s Glade’ all MEDEVAC mission were flown by the US Army. They employed the UH-1E model ***** for commonly referred to as the ‘HUEY’. Total MEDEVAC **** was 129.
Helicopter Support also provided by the Army included the ‘LOACH’ aircraft designated the LO-2H and utilized by the Battalion Commander and Operations Officer for visual reconnaissance and liaison.
Marine Corps helicopters provided the Battalion with tactical and logistical support throughout the month.
Ten troop lifts were conducted carrying a combined total of more than 1500 combat troops.
Total tonnage of logistical supplies delivered to positions in the field amounted to 641 tons.
The AN/PRC-93 was tested with positive results, though range is limited to 4 to 5 miles. It will provide the Forward Air Controller (FAC) with limited UHF capabilities in the field where carrying of the AN/PRC 41 would be impractical.
The billet of Air Liaison Officer was filled with the addition of a Naval Aviator (NA) with primary qualifications in the OV-10A aircraft, thus providing the Battalion with an NA experienced in fixed wing and one experienced in rotor wing.
- Artillery Support.
During the period 1-9 July the Battalion had a variety of artillery support available, including 105mm, 155m, 175mm and 8” Guns positioned at Elliott Combat Base. Additionally, 105mm, 175mm and 8” Guns were capable of providing fire from VCB.
During the Battalion’s participation in operation ‘William’s Glade’, (12-22 July) artillery support was provided by a US Army Battery of 155mm (SP) howitzers.
At 0500 on 25 July a prep fire commenced for the vertical assault by Companies C and D (-) on Fire Support Base Holcomb. The prep fire ceased at 0800. Three linear and eight periphery targets were shelled by 105mm, 175mm and 8” Guns. The total round expenditure was 1380. When the first elements landed on the ground, they had 105mm howitzers supporting them.
The following is a comprehensive list of targets, rounds fired, and weapons used for artillery support during the month of July.
Weapon Target Rounds
Harass and Interdictions (H&I) 105mm 240 1320
Fires 155mm 60 400
Time on Target Fires 155mm 4 60
Prep Fires (105mm, 155mm, 175mm) 11 1380
This page last corrected 5 September 2011