Supporting Arms

A. Air Support. The capability to direct fixed wing air strikes by the Forward Air Controller (FAC) existed throughout the month but was not employed since an Airborne FAC directed all fixed wing strikes. The Air Observers (AO) were extensively utilized with outstanding results and with a much greater scope of versatility. The effectively coordinated with the FAC and /or the Company Commander in directing fixed wing air strikes. An AO was also employed in calling in artillery fire on numerous occasions. During the month the Battalion had on station 65 AO’s either on visual reconnaissance missions, directing artillery fire, or controlling air strikes on known or suspected enemy locations.

Off-set radar bombing (commonly referred to as ‘Beacon’ Bombing), utilizing the SST-122KU transponder and the A6A Intruder attack jet aircraft, provided the Battalion with an all-weather tactical bombing capability. Of the nine ‘beacon strikes’, eight were at night and during weather conditions restrictive to all other types of direct air support.

TPQ-10 bombing of selected enemy targets was used 31 times and also provided the Battalion with day and night tactical bombing.

At total of 15 tons of bombs was utilized in tactical support by all types of aircraft in carrying out a variety of close air support roles.

Helicopter support was utilized for logistical, tactical and medical evacuation missions.

Over 241 tons of supplies were lifted by helicopter to positions in the field.

The entire Battalion, including all supplies, ammunition, and organic weapons was helilifted from the field to VCB late in the month. The majority of the external lifts that had to be retrograded were coordinated with the 3rd Shore Party Battalion. A Helicopter Support Team (HST) was utilized on each of two positions and added to the expeditious and orderly movement of troops and logistical cargo.

Evacuation of medical casualties totaled 117. Average time for their evacuation was 40 minutes, notwithstanding the periods of inclement weather and enemy activity which were the primary delaying factors.

B. Artillery Support. The Battalion was supported primarily by Batteries G and H, 3rd Battalion 12th Marines during the month of June.

The FSCC requested 145-day time H&I’s, 664 nighttime H&I’s and 40 high volumes.

The number of targets and rounds we received for the month of June are as follows:

H&I’s

105mm 610 tgts 2,212 rds

155mm 13 tgts 48 rds

High Volumes

105mm 21 tgts 307 rds

155mm 1 tgts 6 rds

Each Forward Observer Team shot in a minimum of 30 Night Defensive Fires during the month. The total number of missions fired, by battery was as follows:

G Battery 89 missions

H Battery 76 missions

This page last corrected 6 September 2011