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DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion  (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO San Francisco, California 96602                                                                                                                                             Copy__of __Copies                                                                                                                                             3/MDH/src                                                                                                                                             5750                                                                                                                                             0301-68                                                                                                                                             3 Nov 1968 [MARKED OUT] From:     Commanding Officer To:            Commanding General, 1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF                      c/o FPO, San Francisco, 96602 Subj:       Command Chronology for the period of 1-31 October 1968 Ref:          (a)   MCO 5750.1                     (b)   FMFPac 5750.8                     (c)   DivO   5750.2 Encl:       (1)   First Tank Battalion Command Chronology 1.   In accordance with the provisions of references  (a),  (b), and  (c), enclosure  (1) is submitted. 2.   This letter is downgraded to unclassified upon removal of enclosure (1).                                                                                           {Signature]                                                                                           M. C. ASHLEY JR                                                                                                               [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion  (Rein) 1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF FPO San Francisco, California  96602 [MARKED OUT] COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 October 1968 to 31 October 1968 INDEX                               Part I - Organizational Data                               Part II - Narrative Summary                               Part III - Sequential Listing of Significant Events                                                              Part IV - Supporting Documents                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED PART I ORGANIZATIONAL DATA [COVER PAGE] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] ORGANIZATIONAL DATA 1.    Designation                                                            Commander           Headquarters                                                      LtCol M. C. ASHLEY JR.           1st Tank Battalion  (Rein)                          1-31 Oct 1968           1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company                                                              Captain R.A. DOYLE 1-8Oct68                                                                                                Captain J.K. MARLATT 9-27Oct68                                                                                                Major B.E. DAVIDSON 28-31Oct68 Company "A"                                                               Captain B.R. MONTGOMERY 1-31Oct68 Company "B"                                                               Captain D.G. HENDERSON 1-12Oct68                                                                                                Captain R.A. DOYLE 13-31Oct68 Company "C"                                                               Captain R.T. HOPKINS 1-31Oct68 Company "A", 1st AT Bn                                     1stLt G.B. SEARCH 1-25Oct68                                                                                                Captain F.P. BRISENO 26-31Oct68 2.    Location Headquarters                                                                (AT997723) H&S Company                                                              (AT997723) Company "A"                                                               (AT936782) Company "B"                                                               (AT962621) Company "C"                                                               (BT078663) Company "A", 1st ATBn                                        (AT997723) 3.    Staff Officers Battalion Executive Officer                                 Major R.H. GRAHAM 22-31Oct68 Battalion Adjutant                                                     1stLt C.S. SCHURING 1-3Oct68                                                                                              Captain I.F. WALDVOGEL 4-31Oct68 Battalion S-2 Officer                                              1stLt W.D. DARBY 1-31Oct68 Battalion S-3 Officer                                              Major J.T. GARCIA 1-5Oct68                                                                                              Captain J.B. TERPAK 6-31Oct68 Battalion S-4 Officer                                              Major J.K. MARLATT 1-8Oct68                                                                                              1stLt R. C. HOLLITZ 9-27Oct68                                                                                              Captain J.K. MARLATT 28-31Oct68 4.    Average Monthly Strength                     USMC                      USN           OFF             ENL   OFF       ENL           46                    785          1             17                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [1]

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 5.    The total strength of the First Tank Battalion as of 31 October 1968:                               MARINE                                                  NAVY                     OFF                      ENL                           OFF              ENL                        48                       777                                   1                     17 6.    The battalion anticipates the following losses during November:                               MARINE                                                  NAVY                     OFF                      ENL                          OFF              ENL                         3                         32                                  0                      0 7.    Shortages in particular MOS's:                                                   M/L                                        T/C                                        C/H 1316                                          9                                             8                                             5 2149                                        12                                           10                                             9 2151                                         8                                             7                                              3 2311                                         8                                             8                                              6 3041                                     20                                           14                                            11 3051                                     10                                           14                                             7 3371                                        19                                           24                                           15                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [2]

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION 1.   Personnel.   During the month of October six officers were dropped while nine were joined.   The Battalion is short two of 03 officers in Company "A", 1st Antitank Battalion. 2.   Administration.   There were no significant developments in administration. 3.   Promotions.   The following promotions were effected.                                         To PFC          2                                         To LCPL     3  (1 Meritorious and 1 Meritorius Combat)                                         To CPL      40  (2 Meritorious)                                         To SGT          4  (3 Meritorious) 4.    Awards.        The following award recommendations were submitted:                                         2 Bronze Star Medals                                    11 Navy Achievement Medals                                      4 Navy Commendation Medals                                     The following awards were presented:                                         2 Bronze Star Medals                                     10 Purple Heart Medals                                         4 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medals 5.    Battalion Legal report for the month:           a.   Special     Court Martial - 1           b.   Summary Court Martial - 1           c.   Informal Investigations - 10           d.   Accidental Deaths - 0 6.    Other losses:   One Humanitarian Transfer 7.    The following R&R quotas were allocated for this battalion during October:           a.    In Country                     China Beach - 25           b.    Out of Country                     Hawaii - 13                     Australia - 9                     Kuala Lumpur - 1                     Singapore - 4                     Penang - 5                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [3]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                     Okinawa - 4                     Manila - 1                     Tokyo - 10                     Taipei - 8                     Hong Kong - 8                     Bangkok - 11 8.    Officers Joined           RANK                              MOS                              NUMBER           MAJOR                        1802                                        1           MAJOR                        0302                                        1           CAPTAIN                     0130                                        1           CAPTAIN                     2502                                        1           CAPTAIN                     0302                                        1           1STLT                           1802                                        1           2NDLT                          0301                                        1           2NDLT                          1301                                        1           CWO-2                          2010                                        1 2.    Officers Dropped           RANK                    MOS          NUMBER                    REASON           CAPTAIN            1802                    1                                MACV Headquarters           1STLT                    0302                    1                                Tk Hq Bn           1STLT                    0302                    1                                Rotation           1STLT                    0302                    1                                Rotation           1STLT                    0302                    1                                Rotation           1STLT                    1802                    1                                By SR, S.D. BUTLER 10.   Enlisted Joined                               E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2 1811                      0             1              3              0             1              3            13 3???                      0             0              1              0             0              0              0 0141                      0             0              0              0             0              0              1 0353                      0             0              0              0             0              0              4 2???                      0             0              0              1             0              0              0 2511                      0             0              0              0             1              0              0 2149                      0             1              0              0             0              0              0 11.   Enlisted Dropped                               E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2 1811                      0              2             1              1              5              ?            5 2149                      0              2             1              0              0              0            0                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [4]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                               E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2 1391                      0             0              0              1             0              0              0 0141                      0             0              0              1             1              0              0 0353                      0             0              0              0             3              0              0 2141                      0             0              0              1             1              0              2 3516                      0             0              0              0             3              0              0 2111                      0             0              0              0             1              0              0 2533                      0             0              0              0             0              0              0 3051                      0             0              0              1             1              0              0 0351                      0             0              0              0             0              2              0 3041                      0             0              1              0             1              0              0 1316                      0             0              0              0             1              0              0 2143                      0             0              0              1             0              0              0 9999                      1             0              0              0             0              0              0 3531                      0             0              0              0             0              1              0 0311                      0             0              0              0             1              0              0 12.   Extensions for the month of October 1968           NUMBER OF MONTHS          NUMBER OF          NUMBER OF THREE                           1968                             SIX MONTHS                    MONTHS                                           813                                                  37                                                  1 Summay           This battalion encountered no major difficulties in personnel administration for the month.   During October the S-1 office processed one emergency leave and 9 special leaves.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [5]

DECLASSIFIED PART II NARRATIVE SUMMARY [COVER PAGE] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] INTELLIGENCE 1.    Weather           During the month of October, there was a total of 39.01 inches of rainfall.   This is compared to te past 27 year average of 23.3 inches.   A total of 13 inches of rainfall was recorded in one 24 hour period.   The highest recorded rainfall for a 24 hour period previously had been 11 inches.           The high mean temperature for October was 83 degrees, while the low was 73 degrees.   This is exactly equal to the 33 year average of 83 degrees and 73 degrees. 2.    Mine and RPG Incidents           During the month of October, there were a total of four mine incidents involving elements of the 1st Tank Battalion:  three tanks (C-31, B-51 and A-12), and one M54A2C attached to Company C.  The incidents resulted in one USMC WIA med-evac,  and two USMC WIA non-evac.           There were three RPG firings reported during October;  however, no rounds struck or caused any damage to 1st Tank Battalion vehicles. 3.    Summary and Analysis           Because of the large amount of rainfall during October, tracked vehicle movement was greatly hampered.   Various roads and bridges were washed out, and many as yet have not been fully reconstructed.   Rain- fall is expected to diminish somewhat during the month of November with resultant increased trafficability.           The rainfall during October also restricted enemy movement.   It is believed that the enemy has been forced to devote most of his time to protecting his supplies from damage caused by the monsoon weather. With the anticipated reduction in rainfall, the enemy can be expected to increase his movements and activities.           Few low level agent reports have been received for processing by the S-2.   The few reports that have been received however, indicate possible future attacks on Da Nang City, Hoa Vang and Hieu Duc District Headquarters.   No firm evaluation of these reports has been possible, as yet.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSFIEID [6]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL OPERATIONS AND TRAINING 1.    Operations           Although tank movement was greatly restricted by entensive rain- fall during the month of October, the 1st Tank Battalion continued to support the 2nd Brigade, ROK Marine Corps and the infantry regiments of the 1st Marine Division.   Tanks of the battalion participated in four major operations and numerous small units operations, while providing security for road convoys, bridges and reinforcing perimeter defenses.   Tanks within the division Area of Responsibility as well as within the Southern Sector Defense Command continued their role as direct counter mortar and rocket fire.   Tanks and Ontos continued to provide mobility and fire power to reaction forces throughout the division.           Company A  (-)  (Rein) remained in direct support of the 26th Marines with their company command post co-located with that of the 1st Battalion 26th Marines.   The 2nd Platoon continued to provide security for Namo Bridge and provided counter mortar and rocket fire from Hill 190.   The 3rd Platoon remained in direct support of the 3rd Battalion 26th Marines, firing numerous H&I and aerial observer controlled fire missions.           Company B  (Rein) remained in support of the 5th and 7th Marines with two platoons in support of each regiment.   During October, tanks of Company B participated in operations Mameluke Thrust, Henderson Hill and Maui Peak.   Company B was assigned operational control over the SLF tank platoon from SLF 2/7 to provide greater tank support to Operation Maui Peak.   In addition to the aforementioned major opera- tions, Company B took part in numerous small unit operations as well as provided security for road sweeps and convoys.   Company B's Command Post remained co-located with that of the 7th Marines.           Company C  (Rein) remained in direct support of the 1st Marines. The Company Command Post was co-located with that of the 2nd Battalion 1st Marines.   The 1st Platoon remained in support of the 1st Battalion 1st Marines and at month's end remained on 2-hour standby to support 1/1 in the Dai Loc Pass area.   The 2nd Platoon remained at the 2nd ROKMC Brigade Command Post and participated in several small unit operations.   The 3rd Platoon supported the 2nd Battalion 1st Marines, providing road sweep security, perimeter defense and participated in Operation Garrard Bay.           Company A  (Rein), 1st Anti-Tank Battalion remained within the Southern Sector Defense Command providing security for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges together with infantry elements of the 1st and 7th Marines, respectively.   One heavy section of Ontos remained in support of elements of the 1st Marines at the Song Cau Do                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [7]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL Bridge and a light section of Ontos supported elements of the 7th Marines on the Song Tuy Loan Bridge.   Company A 1st AT Bn remained responsible for OP Panther and the Three Finger Combat Outpost within the Southern Sector Defense Command.   One platoon from Company A remained in support of the I Corps Quick Reaction Mobile Task Force, Task Force Kilo.   Throughout the month of October, Company A was reinforced by one Ontos platoon from SLF 2/7 placed under the operational control of 1st Tank Battalion. 2.    Task Organization           The task organization of the 1st Tank Battalion as of 31 October is:           Company A  (-)  (Rein):   D/S 26th Marine Regiment           Company B  (Rein):   2 platoons D/S 5th Marine Regiment                                                         2 platoons D/S 7th Marine Regiment           Company C  (Rein):   D/S 1st Marine Regiment                                                         1 platoon D/S of 2nd ROKMC Brigade           Company A  (Rein):   1st Antitank Bn:   CoA  (-)  G/S 1st MarDiv                                                                                                     1 plt D/S Task Force Kilo                                                                                                     Heavy Section D/S 3/1                                                                                                     Light Section D/S 1/7                                                                                                     1 plt OPCON 1st Tank Bn 3.    Battalion CP Ground Actions           The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 93 patrols and ambushed in the Battalion Area of Responsibility within the Southern Sector Defense Command. 4.    Ammunition Expenditures.           Total ammunition expended during October by the 1st Tank Battalion is as follows:                                                                       90mm                                         HE          APERS-T          CANNISTER          WP          HEAT DIRECT                    996              144                              1                        160                    9 INDIRECT                0                 0                              0                           0                    0 TOTAL                      996              144                              1                        160                    9                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [8]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                                         106mm                                                            SMALL ARMS                               APERS-T   HEP-T   HEAT          .30 Caliber MG    .50 Caliber MG DIRECT                    6                    7              2                       15,700                              13,866 INDIRECT             0                    0              0                              FLAME TANK FUEL TOTAL                      6                    7              2                                        5,460 gallons 5.    Statistical Results           The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during October are: VC/NVA KIA           TANK OPERATIONS...................35           SSDC  OPERATIONS...................0 VC/NVA CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS...................1           SSDC  OPERATIONS...................0 VCS           TANK OPERATIONS...................0           SSDC  OPERATIONS...................0 USMC KIA           TANK OPERATIONS...................0           SSDC  OPERATIONS...................0 USMC WIA           TANK OPERATIONS                     MED-EVAC............................1                     NON-EVAC............................2                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [9]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           SSDC  OPERATONS                                          MED-EVAC...........................0                     NON-EVAC...........................2 WEAPONS CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS.................1           SSDC  OPERATIONS.................1                               1 AK 47                               1 Bangalore Torpedo EQUIPMENT AND DOCUMENTS CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS                     782 Gear and assorted personal effects           SSDC  OPERATIONS..................0 6.    Training.   Training of 1st Tank Battalion personnel during the month of October centered mainly on General Military Subject, MOS Training, and Weapons Safety.   Subjects pertaining to opertions in a combat enviroment in the Republic of Vietnam were emphasized. Subjects covered in the weekly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO School were Field Expedient Tank Recovery, Supply Responsibilities of the Small Unit Commander, Anti-Mechanzied Plan for the 1st Marine Division, and Fitness Reports. 7.    Summary.   Although mobility of the tanks and Ontos of the 1st Tank Battalion was greatly reduced durin most of October due to the extensive amount of rainfall, tanks and Ontos continued to support the regiments of the 1st Marine Division with accurate firepower. Increased emphasis was placed on the employment of tanks in an indirect fire role when observers are available and in an indirect fire role for H&I missions utilizing map coordinates when observation is not possible. Aggressive efforts were made to locate and develope suitable firing positions which could be used to exploit the long range accuracy of the tanks for overwatching fire in support of infantry sweeps and for sniping in free-fire zones at targets of opportunity.   Further exploration of these roles will continue.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [10]

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND 1.     General Summary.           Southern Sector activities continued to be coordinated, initiated and controlled by the Commanding Officer, 1st Tank Battalion.   During the month 1066 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units;  these activities included patrols, ambushes, LP's, OP's, and COP's.           OP's Hawk, Panther, Tiger and Bear continued to provide early warning.    Tanks from H&S Company located at OP's Tiger and Panther provided direct counter-mortar and rocket fire capabilities.           Defensive positions at OP Panther and the Three Fingers Combat Outpost were improved with the installation of th enew E-8 CS Launcher and the reinforcement of bunkers and tactical wire.   Throughout the month enemy activity increased around the Three Fingers Combat Outpost. Continued enemy probing of the Three Fingers Combat Outpost has dem- onstrated the outpost's value in interdicting the enemy's routes of communication and advance.           Employing the assets of Company A, 1st Antitank Battalion and the provisional SSDC infantry platoons as a potentian delaying force, the SSDC continued to be capable of delaying or denying an enemy pen- etration from the west into the vital installaions within the Southern Sector as well as within the Da Nang area. 2.     Significant Events. 012100H Oct 1968      OP Hank at  (AT974703) observed movement in wire and                                                   one trip flare was set off.   OP personnel fired 50                                                   rounds M16, 6 rounds of M-79, and 1 M-26.   Search of area                                                   at first light revealed negative results. 040205H Oct 1968      Company C, 7th Eng received six  (6) to seven  (7) mortar                                                   rounds in and around the CP.   Personnel fell out to                                                   defend the berm and after thirty  (30)  minutes were                                                   secured.   No casualties. 062245H Oct 1968      A H&S Company squad size ambush from the 1st Tank Bn                                                   located at  (AT993724) observed two individuals running                                                   from a treeline towad the defensive wire of Bulk                                                   Fuel Company.   Ambush received three  (3)  rounds of                                                   small arms fire and one  (1)  grenade.   Two  (2) USMC                                                   WIA  (non-evac). 072340H Oct 1968      Plt size OP at  (AT972713)  from the Hoa Cam Training                                                   Center received grenades.   OP returned fire with small                                                   arms.   Negative results. 072345H Oct 1968      A squad size OP from Co A, 1st AT Bn located at                                                   (AT968707) received small arms fire.   Returned fire                                                   with small arms and grenades.   Negative Results.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [11]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 092215H Oct 1968       An LP from Co A, 1st AT Bn received small arms fire                                                   and grenades.   Six  (6)  VC were sighted.   All LP's                                                   were withdrawn to the Three Fingers COP and returned                                                   fire with M16 and M26 grenades.   Negative results. 262229H Oct 1968       Personnel at the Three Finger COP observed approx-                                                   imately 16 VC in area.   COP received small arms fire,                                                   grenades and possible M-79.   E8 CS gas dispenser em-                                                   ployed against suspected enemy positions.    Enemy                                                   broke contact after fire was returned.    Negative                                                   results.   Dispenser functioned effectively with good                                                   coverage. 281045H Oct 1968      A squad size patrol from Co A, 1st AT Bn, found one  (1)                                                   Bangalore Torpedo at (AT941716).   Bangalore Torpedo                                                   destroyed by EOD.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [12]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL LOGISTICS 1.    Critical Table of Equipment Shortages as of 31 October 1968           FSN                              Nomenclature                                                                                          Qty 6115-295-2389               Gen 7.5 KW,  60  CPS  K  C  KAN  9.4                                        2 6115-228-5815               Gen Set PE 75                                                                                             1 5820-892-0868               Radio Set AN/VRC 12                                                                          10 5805-257-3602               Switch Board Telephone SB/22/PT                                                  1 4940-014-0496               High Pressure Cleaning Unit                                                              1 2320-077-1632               Trk Tank Fuel Servicer M49                                                             1 1040-339-1615               Mixing Transfer Unit M5                                                                   1 2350-973-4085               Rifle Self Propelled FT 106mm M50A1                                        1 2350-895-9154               Tank Combat Full Tracked M48A3                                              2 2320-835-8713               Recovery Vehicle Full Tracked M51                                            1 1005-605-7710               Gun, Machine 7.62mm M60                                                               1 2330-732-8227               Trailer 1/4T M100                                                                                    1 6230-857-0583               Floodlight Trailer Mounted                                                                 1 5805-543-0012               Telephone Set TA-312/PT                                                                      8 5820-086-7536               Radio Set AN/GRC-125                                                                         2 6130-635-1653               Power Supply PP-388A/U                                                                       1 6130-985-7899               Power Supply PP-2953/U                                                                        8 6625-930-0935               Test Kit MK 992/VRC 12                                                                      9 8415-926-9992               Helmet CVC                                                                                                44 2.    Tracked Vehicles Received.   During October, five M48A3 tanks were received from the R&E Program.   These vehicles temporarily reduced the overall tank deadline rate.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [13]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 3.    Motor Transport Status                                                                                                                                 Repairs Item                                                            Auth          OH   OR   2d Echelon   3d Echelon TRK, Cargo M34A2C                        3               3          3           Trk, Cargo M37                                    6               6          4                                          2 Trk, Amb M718                                     2              1           1 Trk, Tank, Fuel M49C                       0               1          1 Trk, Tank, Fuel M49A2C                8               6          6 Trk, Cargo M54A2C                         38             38     36                    1                    1 Trk, Utility, M151A1                         25             25     24                    1 Trk, Wrecker M543A2C                     3               3          3 Trlr, Water M107                                 10              10     10 Radio Set, NA/MRC 83/87               3                3       1                                         2 Radio Set, AN/MRC 109/110           7                7          5                2 High Pressure Cleaning Unit             4                3          3 Trailer, Lube                                              5                5          3                2 Truck, Shop Van                                        1                1          1 4.    Projects.   The following projects were completed during the month of October:           a.   A barbed wire barrier was installed betweem the 1st Tank Battalion cantonment and the POL storage area.           b.   A new 13,000 gallon water tank replaced a 4,000 gallon tank at the catonment messhall.           c.   Protective trenches were dug at selected locations through- out the cantonment.           d.   A cantonment painting project was inaugurated.           e.   Perimeter defensive positions were improved.           f.   Cantonment drainage project was completed.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [14]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 5.    Concessions.   The cantonment had no change in concession status. 6.    Maintenance.   The major problem area in maintenance continued to be the consistent lack of parts required to repair tracked ve- hicles.   A detailed analysis of those factors which contributed to the continuing high rate of combat deadline of assigned tracked vehicles was conducted during October.   The study incluled:           a.   Detailed analysis of tracked vehicle deadline reports for six months  (March - August 1968, inclusive).           b.   Study, reconciliation, and analysis of the inventory control data recorded on stock record and inventory control card, NAVMC 708, for those repair parts and components which are authorized for stockage by this organization and which, through non-availability, caused the combat deadline of one or more tracked vehicles for 72 hours or more during period analyzed.           c.   Comparison  and analysis of transaction documents which reflect the availability of replacements items under the Direct Exchange  (DX)  Program during the period 29 July - 30 September 1968, inclusive.           d.   Comparison of the list of deadline repair parts and com- ponents developed during the analysis discussed in paragraph 6.b. above, with an insurance items list approved by Commanding Officer of the 1st Tank Battalion on 6 September 1968.           e.   The study revealed the following lack of critical repair parts and components.                                                                                              Quantity                                 Echelon                                                                          End         Veh Dead-                          Auth to           FSN                 Nomeclature     Item          line 6 Mon    ARMD    Stock    2520-066-3954     Transmission,   M50A1              7                      1               3d                                         Hydraulic 2520-678-4164      Final Drive      M48A3              8                       1              3d                                         Assemby 2805-050-7998      Engine               M50A1               17                    3               3d 3805-695-6237      Engine               M51                      4                       1              3d 2815-064-6270      Engine               M48A3               34                     6              3d 2820-774-8353      Transmission, M48A3               18                     3             3d                                          Crossdrive                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [15]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                     Quantity                              Echelon                                                                                 End           Veh Dead-                        Auth to              FSN                Nomenclature    Item          line 7 Mon   AMRD   Stock     *2910-765-9594     Fuel Pump             M48A3             13                    2            3d  (DX)                                          Assembly *2930-830-6660     Generator             M48A3             10                    2            3d  (DX) *2930-960-9278     Regulator             M50A1              21                 4            3d  (DX) *2530-699-9067     Arm, Front,          M48A3               11                 2            3d  (DX)                                           Left *2d echelon Direct Exchange repair parts and components stocked at 1st Force Service Regiment Shop Stores for exchange.   Installation and removal is accomplished at 2d echelon.           The study also revealed that the inadequacy of the DX Program and the unrealism of the 15 day leadtime required to be used in computing inventory control data.   Should the 10 critical items listed above be readily available and the DX program improved or eliminated, however, the 1st Tank Battalion would promptly attain and consistently maintain a C-1 status notwithstanding the effect of unrealistic leadtime and present T/E deficiencies.   If a significant increase in mine damage were encountered, temporary reductions in readiness category could occur. 7.    Significant Problem Areas           a.   Inner Tubes.   This organization continued to be faced with a shortage of inner tubes and was forced to remove tubes from some trailer tires, in addition to going without spare tires in order to keep prime movers on the road.   Tubes could not be repaired as hot patches had not been received since April 1968.   Six boxes of hot patches have been on priority 02 requisition since 10 June 1968.           b.   Requisitioning.   During October a significant number of duplicate requisitions were required to be submitted on documents for which status had been received from Force Logistic Command.   In addition, duplicate requisitions were submitted to Force Logistic Command for items marked BA, M8 and local delivery when the item had not, in fact, been received.           c.   Deep Water Fording Kits.   Seventy-three tracked vehicle ford- ing kits continued on priority 02 requisitions.   Without fording kits, this Battalion remained severely limited in its ability to carry out amphibious operations.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [16]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           d.   Linkage Assembly.   Lack of linkage assemblies and .50 cal- iber machine gun back plates prevented the replacement of sky mounted machine guns with proper cupola installation.   Required parts remained on priority 02 requisition.           e.   R & D Coded Items.   The shortage of R & D items constantly deadline combat essential equipment in excess of 72 hours.   The stock of R & D items apparently is insuficient to meet the demand. 8.    Significant Events           a.   Camouflage Jungle Utility Uniform.   During October  an intitial quantity of camouflage utility uniforms was enthusiastically received. Although distribution has been, of  necessity, limited to a relatively few individuals;  preliminary indications are that the camouflage jungle utility uniform will be an improvement over the present green jungle utility.           b.   Submerged Tank.   The following account is included within the command chronology as an item of interest and as a lesson learned.                     (1)   During Octoer an M48A3 tank became mire in a river bed, and due to a flash flood the water rose so rapidly that extraction could not be accomplished for two weeks.    During the interim period sediment accumlated around the tank, completely surrounding it up to the level of the support rollers.   The water level remained at antenna tip height during the period.                     (2)   When the water receded to range finder level, recovery efforts commenced.   The first step in the extraction procedure was to dig away a portion of the mud surrounding the tank.   The digging was greatly hampered by the depth of the water.   The initial estimate of total resistance was 135 tons.   Rigging was erected for a four to one mechanical advantage which provided a pulling line force of 180 tons.                     (3)   During the initial attempt to extract the tank, the main winch cable snapped.   Rigging was then erected for six to one advantage and a pulling line force of 270 tons was obtained.   As an additional air in extracting the tank, seven two-pound blocks of C-4 explosive were positioned in the mud along the sides and rear of the tank with four pound blocks in front of both tracks.   As the explosives were detonated a simultaneous attempt was made to extract the tank by winching.   This effort resulted in the tank moving only four feet before it once again became mired by the deep mud.                     (4)   C-4 was again placed around the tank and exploded, followed immediately by another extraction attempt.   The tank moved four to five feet before it was again mired.   The procedure was repeated until the mire tank was finally extracted to firm ground.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [17]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                     (5)   Manual removal of the mud would have required many hours of digging.   The use of explosives in carefull calculated amounts and placed in strategic locations enabled the tank to be successfully extracted in seven hours.   It is notes, however, that the rule-of-thumb of triple vehicle weight for turret depth mire was found to be grossly inadequate for rigging purposes.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [18]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - ELECTRONICS 1.    Projects Completed           A five pair telephone cable was installed from the alternate COC to bunkers 7, 8, 9, and 10 to facilitate telephone communication and provide individual lines to those bunkers.   A twenty-five pair telephone cable was buried from terminal fram #1 to the alternate COC parallelling telephone line entering COC to provide duplicate local telephone capa- bility in both COC bunkers.           A courtesy inspection of Co "A" 1st AT Bn was performed and a rating of satisfactory was awarded by the inspection team. 2.    Projects Pending           The installation of new fifty pair cables is still pending.   The completion date depends upon the cable crew from 7th Comm Bn completing cut over from their terminal frame to 1st Tank Battalion terminal frame #1.           "Q" service of electronics equipment in the tanks of the gun companies is being performed with a completion target  date of 20 Dec 1968. 3.    Message Summary.   During the month of October the First Tank Battalion Communication Center processed 1575 incoming and 117 outgoing messages. 4.    Summary           The foregoing remarks are a portion of a planned program which will, when completed, enhance the communication facility of First Tank Battalion.           The First Marine Division CEO, Colonel C. G. DAHL, visited the First Tank Battalion Communications Officer on a Staff Visit on 31 Oct 1968.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [19]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL 1.    Sick Call and Immunizations.   There were 621 Sick Call visits during the month of October.   Four hundred and ninty-four immunizations and 47 tuberculin skin tests were administered. 2.    WIA, KIA, and Non-effectives.   There were 30 men on the Sick List during October.   Eight of these were carried over from the previous month. Of the 22 admitted to the Sick List during October, 11 were medical ill- nesses, nine were non-hostile injuries.   There were 11 men evacuated out of country:  six with medical illnesses, four with non-hostile injuries, and one with hostile injuries.   Total man-days lost to the battalion sec- ondary to illness or injury were 196. 3.    Venereal Diseases.   There were four cases of venereal disease diagnosed and treated, all of which were contracted in the DaNang area. 4.    Inspections and Personnel.   The 2nd Quarter Long Range Training Pro- gram continued.   MEDCAP for the hamlets of Cam Hoa and Phuoc Thai contin- ued.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [20]

DECLASSIFED CONFIDENTIAL CIVIC ACTION 1.    Med Caps.   The Med Cap Aid Station was open 10 days during October and treated a total of 148 Vietnamese.   Two Med Caps were held in Cam Hoa  (1)  and a total of 85 Vietnamese were treated.   Med Cap was held at Phuoc Thai and 55 Vietnamese were treated. 2.    Psychological Operations.   Psychological Operations leaflets were distributed daily.   An Armed Propaganda Team from First Marine Division G-5 operated in Cam Hoa  (1), Cam Hoa  (2),  and Phuoc Thai.   Movies were shown three times during the month for the people of Phong Bac Hamlet. There were 16 incidents of turn-ins of hand grenades and small arms amm- unition under the Voluntary Informant Program  (VIP). 3.   Materials and Goods Distributed.   During October the following mat- erials were distributed:           a.   10,200 pounds of swill           b.   300 Bars of Soap           c.   54 Bags of rolled Wheat           d.   69 Bags of C. S. M.           e.   40 Cases of Salad Oil 4.     Summary           a.   During October, daily support of the pig farms in Phong Bac Hamlet was continued.   Due to road conditions, however, daily trips to the Pig Breeding Farm were discontinued during the last two weeks in the month.           b.   Solatium Payments were made as follows:                     (1)   24,000$VN to a woman who lost her parents, brothers, and sisters in a gunnery training incident involving C Co. 1st Tank Bn.                     (2)   4,000$VN to a woman who was injured in an accident involv- ing C Co. 1st Tank Bn.                     (3)   2,000$VN to a woman who was injured in an accident involv- ing H&S Co. 1st Tank Bn.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [21]