DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 Copy 1 of 13 Copies 2/RTH/rhv 5750 03A7283 10 Feb 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 1-31 January 1968. Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) FMFPacO 5750.8 (c) DivO 5750.2b Encl: (1) First Tank Battalion 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) V. J. GENTILE CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 (MARKED OUT) COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 January 1968 to 31 January 1968 INDEX Part I - Organizational Data Part II - Narrative Summary Part III - Sequential Listing of Significant Events Part IV - Supporting Documents ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) PART I ORGANIZATIONAL DATA 1. DESIGNATION COMMANDER Headquarters, LtCol V. J. GENTILE 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1-31 January 1968 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Maj L. A. GILDERSLEEVE 1-31 January 1968 Company A Capt C. R. CASEY 1-31 January `1968 Company B Capt R. E. ROEMER 1-31 January 1968 Company C Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 1-31 January 1968 Company A, (Rein), 1stATB 1stLt V. C. DAVIS 1-31 January 1968 1. LOCATION Headquarters (AT 997723) H&S Company (AT 997723) Company A (AT 997723) Company B (AT 997723) Company C (AT 997723) Company A, (Rein), 1stATBn (YD 825165) 2. STAFF OFFICERS Battalion Executive Officer Maj P. G. RADTKE 1-31 January 1968 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-31 January 1968 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt R. C. MCPHERSON 1-31 January 1968 Battalion S-3 Officer Maj R. M. CROLL 1-23 January 1968 Maj D. R. DICKEY 24-31 January 1968 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj J. A. SCHUYLER 1-31 January 1968 Battalion S-5/Civic Attion Off Capt N. O. WHITTINGTON 1-31 January 1968 4. AVERAGE MONTHLY STRENGTH USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 45 683 2 16 1 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION All companies are within the DaNang TAOR, with the exception of Company A (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion (Rein), which is located in the Phu Bai TAOR (Gia Le). The 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) retains administrative control of all companies. The 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is currently in category C-1 with a chargeable strength of 45 Marine Officers, 683 Marine Enlistd, 2 Navy Officers and 16 Navy Enlisted. During the month of January the Battalion joined 1 Marine officer and 125 Marine enlisted. During the same period 5 Marine officers and 62 Marine enlisted were transferred. It is anticipated that the Battalion will lose a total of 44 personnel during the month of February due to normal rotation attrition. During January, 29 personnel in OF 03 were joined to man the 1st Tank Battalion's security platoon which supports the Southern Sector Defense Command. Consquently, several tank and support personnel, who were previously in this platoon, were released to letter companies relieving some of the Battalion's critical shortages. Five requests for extension were submitted during January. The total man-months gained through extensions are 27. Critical personnel shortags exist in MOS's 0130, 0202, 2025, 5702, 2151, 2841, and 3091. Increased enemy activity preceding and during he TET period at the end of January placed burdens upon may members of the command that were met with determination and true professionalism. To compensate for increased guard and 100 percent alert postures, changes were made in the plan of the day to allow maximum rest in the morning, and completion of essential work during the afternoon. The command has maintained exceptionally high moral during this trying period. The R&R program continues to be the major morale factor in the Batttalion. Motion pictures are the one facility that is enjoyed by more personnel than any other form of recreation. Battalion Post Exchange facilities are small and limited, but adequate. The personnel of this Battalion have access to numerous large and well stocked post exchanges and scheduled runs to there facilities are made available. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 2 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL During January the Battalion sustained 11 casualties, of which 5 required medical evacuation. During the same period there was 1 KIA and 1 DOW. On-the-job-training in the 01 field continues to be primary source of obtaining qualified personnel in the administrative field, however one afternoon per week has been set aside for formal 0141 schooling. A maximum number of Battalion clerks attend this course of instruction. The course is designed to further their knowledge of personnel administration. When it is noticed that a particular subject such as fitness reports. record of emergency date, or pertinent subjects seem to be causing difficulty, a class in that subject is immediately scheduled and covered in detail. There were no courts-martials in this Battalion during the month of January. There were 7 instances of punishment under article 15, UCMJ. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 3 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED INTELLIGENCE WEATHER. During January, the temperature ranged from a hight of 82 to a low of 64. Percipitation totaled 1.06" which was 3.14" below the 25 year average. Tank trafficability improved during January, however, tanks did not appreciably increase their operating territory. The prospect of increased areas of trafficability continues to improve. This is due to the very light rainfall experienced since the first few days of October. INTELLIGENCE AND ENEMY ACTIVITIES. Enemy anti-tank activities increased during January. There were 8 mine incidents, 6 involving tanks, 1 in- volving and Ontos and 1 involving a gas tanker. The size of the mines varied from the 100 pound mine hit by an Ontos, resulting in 1 KIA and 1 WIA, to the 30 pound mine detonated by C-35, resulting in light damage. For the first time in many months 5 tanks of this Battalion sustained 11 RPG hits. On 3 January, 2 Company "B" tanks, located on Hill 10, react- ing to an attack on CAP-B3 at Hieu Duc, were caught in a well coordinated ambush shortly after they passed the Hill 10 perimeter wire. Both vehic- les sustained RPG hits resulting in 1 KIA, 6 WIA (med-evac), and 1 WIA (non-evac). Analysis of the coordinated attacl on Hill 10 and Hieu Duc strongly suggest that the Hieu Duc attack was a diversion to draw the tanks off Hill 10 into the ambush. On the 30th, C-51 sustained an RPG hit resulting in 3 WIA (med-evac) and 1 WIA (non-evac). Of major importance to te Battalion was the indentification of the 31st NVA Regiment in the "Charlie Ridge" Area of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines AOR. A Chieu Hoi from the 31st Regiment stated that his unit had infiltrated into South Vietnam on the 15th of December and arrived in Quang Nam Province around 15 January. Along with the introduction of the 31st, information was received indicating that elements of the 2nd NVA Division had moved into the Division AOR. Events during the last two days of the month confirmed the fact that increasing numbers of VC/NVA were actively operating south of the Battalion's CP. Intelligence reports indicated that guerilla activity was increasing in the Southern Sector. These reports were substantiated with the attack on the Hill 34 Complex by a squad of local force VC which resulted in 1 bunker and several build- ings destroyed, with 5 VC KIA, 2 USMC KIA and 2 USMC WIA. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 4 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL OPERATIONS AND TRAINING During the month of January the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) participated in one major operation. On 5 January nine tanks from Company C and one tank from battalion headquarters participated in Operation Horseshoe in the vicinity of (BT1164), resulting in no enemy contact. Company a (Rein)'s, mission continues as security for the two priority bridges in the Southern Sector Defense Command AOR; the Song Cau Do Bridge and the Song Tuy Loan Bridge. Company A, also has continues to supply two tanks for the security of hte Ha Dong Bridge at (AT990641). Due to the increased enemy activity in the DaNang area at the end of the month, Company A supplies two tanks for the security of the Cam Le Bridge at (BT015716). This commitment is expected to last until the threat of enemy attack on this bridge has been reduced. Company B (Rein)'s mission continues to be direct support of the 7th Marines, primarily as security for road sweeps and reaction forces. Company C (-) (Rein), is now in direct support of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in the Marble Mountain area. Also, they are supplying a platoon in direct support of the 2nd ROK Brigade in the Hoi An area. The 3rd Platoon, to Company B, is in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines at An Hoa. Company A, 1st Antitank Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion (Rein), was attached to the 1st Marines in the Quang Tri area until 22 January. From there they moved to Camp Evans. The company is now located at Gia Le, Thua Thren, in the Phu Bai TAOR. The 3rd Platoon (Rein), Company A (-), is attached to the 5th Marines in the Phu Loc area. They are operating principally as security for road sweeps. The locations of the companies ant their supported units are as follows: Company A (Rein), G/S 1st MarDiv (DaNang) Company B (Rein), D/S 7th Marines (DaNang, Dai Loc, An Hoa) Company C (-) (Rein); D/S 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, 3rd Bn, 5th Marines ROKMC (DaNang, Hoi An) Company A (-), 1st Antitank Bn, 1st Tank Bn: 1-30Jan68, attached 1st Marines (Quang Tri, Camp Evans) 31Jan68, D/S Task Force X-Ray (X-Ray AOR) 3rd Platoon (Rein), Company A (-): Attached 5th Marines (Phu Loc) 31Jan68, D/S Task Force X-Ray (X-Ray AOR) During the month of January, the 1st Tank Battalion's M67A2 flame tanks expended approximatedly 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel and napalm on assigned missions. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 62 patrols and ambushes in the ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 5 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED battalion area of responsibility and responded with several special activities from squad to company size in the SSDC and 1st Marine Division TAOR. The results of actions in which the 1st Tank Battalion participated during January were: VC KIA (c)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _38 VC Captured_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _26 VCS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 5 USMC KIA_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 USMC WIA_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 11 Antitank activities increased during January. There were seven mine incidents involving tanks and one involving an Ontos. The tanks received from no damage to heavy damage from mines averaging 50 pounds in size. The Ontos which completely destroyed by a 100 pound mine resulting in one USMC WIA (med-evac) and one USMC KIA. There were several RPG rocket incidents during the month. Three tanks sustained from light to heavy damage and resulting casualties were 1 KIA, 6 WIA (med-evac) and 1 WIA (non-evac). There were no recoilless rifle incidents during the month. Training for the 1st Tank Battalion was centered on technical MOS training, weapons safety and NBC training. A class was held for all companies on marijuana by a battalion team consisting of the assistant S-3 and the battalion medical officer. This team traveled to all company CP's and most outlying platoon locations to deliver the class. The Battalion officer and staff school continues each Friday. Subjects presented during January included Code of Conduct and Logistics. A briefing by the S-2/3 summarizing the friendly and enemy activities throughout the 1st Division TAOR continues on a weekly basis. The Tuesday morning meeting for all battalion officers has been continued. This meeting allows all section heads to summarize their week's activities and inform the other sections of their plans and problems. On 27 January the Battalion Commander held an inspection of Company C. He was accompanied by the S-3 and S-4 who inspected those portions pertaining to operations, training, and logisitics. The compnay was found to be satisfactory with minor discrepancies. As these descrepancies are corrected they will be reported to the Battalion Commander. The total ammunition fired during January by 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is a follows: ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 6 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 90mm ??? 106mm HE WP CANISTER APERS-T .30 CAL .50 CAL HEP-T APERS-T Direct 321 28 9 5 8900 3800 27 1 Indirect 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 321 28 9 5 8900 3800 27 1 All movement by Ontos of Company A (Rein) has been restricted to Route #1 and other major all weather roads. Rainfall, however, has been light in the AOR, and it is felt that trafficability will improve in the next month. Communicaton with the AT company has remained a problem. Due to the geographical location of the 3rd platoon and increased enemy inter- diction along Route #1, communications with this platoon has been by land- line. It is expected that this problem will be solved upon return of the platoon to the company CP. The Combat Operations Center of te 1st Tank Battalion continued to initiate and control defensive activities with the Southern Sector. During the month 930 activities were conducted by the SSDC tenant units. Two significant events occured in the SSDC during January. At 111435H the CO of H&S Co, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was returning from DaNang when he saw a Marine walkig West on the road at (AT965710). The man received 15-20 rounds of small arms fire from (AT964723). He was struck in the hand and was med-evaced to NSA. Search of the area revealed no signs of the enemy. At 300145H a VC squad blew a hole in the wire of 7th Communications Battalion and Company B, 7th Engineer Battalion. The enemy hit a bunker with a sachel charge and tried to run through the area with more charges and grenades. The unit was also hit by approximately 15 RPG rockets at this time. The enemy was forced out and a reaction force from Company B took the retreating enemy under fire. Total casualties were 2 USMC KIA, 2 USMC WIA (med-evac), 5 VC KIA (C) and one VC detainee. One AK-47 and several personal articles were captured. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 7 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL LOGISTICS On 31 January 1968, the following 43 major end items were T/E deficiencies of the 1st Tank Battalion: One M-37B1 tanks, five M-38A1 trucks, one M-49A2C truck, one M-51 VTR, seven M-48A3 tanks, one PU-482 generator, two An/TGG-14A teletypewriters (the teletypewriter deficiencies do not create a critical problem as two AN/PGC-1 teletypewriters are O/H and considered to be acceptable substitutes for the AN/TGC-14A's), 20 M-18A1 binoculars and five Xenon searchlights. During January six M-48A3 Tanks were damaged by mines and three were damaged by RPG rockets. Of the six mine damaged, five were repaired by this Battalion, and the remaining one is awaiting repair parts at second echelon maintenance. Of the three damaged by RPG rockets, one was repaired by this Battalion, one was repaired at 1st FSR and the third is awaiting damage evaluation. Twelve Xenon searchlights are at 1st FSR for repair with no known completion date. Organizational maintenance was performed routinely during January with the exception of machine work. The lathe motor reported on last month's Command Chronology is still at field maintenance for repair. This continues to limit this Command's machine work capability. Authorized selective interchange of repair parts is still necessary to remove some tanks from deadline. Supply response was generally good during the month of January. The Command received on M-543A2 wrecker, three -54A2C 5 ton trucks, three M-12 Decon Units, one M-50A1 Ontos, and enough track assembly to re- furnish three M48A3 Tanks. Due to the cancellation program instituted by FLC adn 3rd FSR approximately 2000 requisitions for the Command were cancelled. Aproximately 100 of these will have to be resubmitted. On 10 January 1968, Colonel HOGE, United States Army and LtCol RIGGS United States Army from Combat Developments Command, Fort Belvoir, Vir- ginia met with the Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer, the S-3 and the S-4 of the 1st Tank Battalion, to discuss improvement/employment of the M-48A3 Tank. It was learned that Army Tank Maintenance problems in RVN closely parallel those of this Command. The protective mask M14A2, in use as of January, 1968, does not meet the requirements necesssary to provide internal and external tracked ve- hicle communication during an enemy gas attack. A temporary special allowance of 300 M17 protective masks, which as an intermeasure meet this requirement, was authorized by the Commanding General, III MAF, to be used by tracked vehicle crewmen in lieu of the M14A1 protective mask. Improvements to the Battalion Cantonment during the month of January consisted primarily of the construction of new defensive works, tactical wire, the addition of fighting holes and fighting positions on the ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 8 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL perimeter, and the relocation of several defensive perimeter berms. Navy Public Works personnel completed the rewiring of the cantonment buildings, but as of this date have not taken action on the amendment to the original job order which requested the rewiring of hte 11 tropical huts obtainded from ASP-1 in December. A Vietnamese Gift Shop was opened this month and will be operated under a Vietnam Regional Exchange concession contract. Problems in supporting Company A (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion (-), presently attached to the 1st Tank Battalion, were confined to the lack or rough rider convoys moving north during the later part of January. This problem has been partly alleviated by the use of air transportation. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 9 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS - ELECTRONICS January 1st commenced the Quarterly Communication Inspection of 1st Tank Battalion (Rein). Company "A" was inspected on 24 January with results of satisifactory with minor discrepancies. A request for Communications maintenance support by the SLR (?FLS) Tank Platoon was completed. A contact team was dispatched to 1st FSR and tank helmets were repaired at the 1st Tank Battalion's communication re- pair facilities. Completion of modification from AN/GRC-3 to VRC series radios remains at 98%. The two outstanding requisitions for modification kits to birng the Battalion program to 100% were nominated for Red Ball. The operational level of communication equipment in the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is 98%. No tanks are deadlined for lack of communication equipment. Work is continuing on the replacement of damaged T/I phones and maintenance of existing phones. Presently 45 T/I phones are operational. During the recent alert a communication requirement for two rifle companies consisting of one Reaction Command Net and Two Rifle Company Command Nets were installed. The 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) remains the communication and cryto- graphic guard for the 3rd MP Battalion, and all 1st Marine Division tenant units in the Southern Sector Defense Command. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 10 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL There was a slight increase in Aid Station sick call visits during January when 597 were recorded. During January 354 immunization were administered. Sixteen men were hospitalized during the month, four secondary to medical illness and twelve secondary to injuries, (one non-hostile, eleven hostile). These hospitalizations accounted for 93 days lost to the Bat- talion. Seven men were evacuated out of country, five of these for injuries sustained in hostile action. Veneral disease incidence remained moderate during January, with thirteen new cases receiving treatment. Five of these were contracted on out of country R&R. Turnover in personnel within the medical section was marked by the addition of six new corpsmen. Three others rotated to CONUS during the month. Enlisted strength has now reached T/O, with fifteen men attached. Anticipated personnel changes are small in the coming months. There were no significant medical projects during January. A mari- juana indoctrination lecture was given to most units within the Battalion. MED-CAP activity was slightly reduced throughout the month because of a brief personnel shortage and the Vietnamese holiday season late in January. However, civilians were seen and treated in the BAS during the month. Physical facilities of the Battalion Aid Station remain limited to two permanent huts and an attached storage area. Plans for medical bunker, with a small holding ward are complete and approved, but contruct- ion awaits completion of other projects assigned engineer battalions. ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 11 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL CIVIC ACTION During the month of January, the pig project was again expanded. Two pig farms had litters during the month. However, one litter was born dead. The eight piglets in the other litter are healthy. Construc tion was begun on two additional small pig farms. These farms will con- tinued during January. All pigs have now been immunized against major diseases. The experimental planting of hegari continued during the month. Several plot are coming up and growing well. Plans have been made to plant more hegari during the coming month. Prior to and during the early part of TET, 500 gift packs and toys were distributed among the children of Phong Bac. The psychological warfare effort was increased during January. Themes receiving emphasis included rewards, support GVN, sanitation, and the Chieu Hoi Program. The Chieu Hoi Program was given special emphasis dur- ing the period prior to Tet. The rewards program agained showed increased response with the largest turn-in of strategic items in recent months. The MEDCAP program was discontinued for a few days during January due to a shortage of corpsmen with the Battalion, however 509 people were treated during the remainder of the month. The results of the Viet Cong Tet offensive in Phong Bac are as yet unknown, however, it is anticipated that the pacification status will be adversely affected. During January materials were distributed in the following quantities: 38,500 pounds of garbage to the pig project 2 truck loads of lumber to the pig project 45 bars of soap 12 toothbrushes ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 12 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL PART III PART III SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 2 January 1968 : At 020945H a Company C tank on a sweep with the ROKs hit a 50 pound mine at (BT105614). The tank sustained moderate damage and there were no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 2 Jan 68, Entry 6) 3 January 1968: At 030030H B-31 and B-35 reacted to CAP-B3 by request of 1/7. Enroute to CAP-B3 both vehicles were ambushed and hit by RPG rockets. Each vehicle took four hits and returned 90mm and .50 caliber fire. Friendly casualties sustained were 1 KIA and 3 WIA (med-evac). Enemy casualties are unknown. B-34 went to the aid of B-35 and B-51 and received one hit from an RPG. The tank returned fire with 90mm, .30 caliber and .50 caliber. There were no friendly casualties. Enemy casual- ties are unknown. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 3 Jan 68, Entries 1, 2, and 3) At 030400H op #10 reported to Southern Sector Defense Com- mand Headquarter rockets were being fired from (AT955672). Permission was received from 1/7 to fire on position. Y-52 fired 30 rds of 90mm HE and 7 rds of 90mm WP. Secondary explosions were observed. (Ref: 030400H Jan 1968, Entry SSDC Watch Officer's Log) At 030930H a Company B tank in support of t7th Marines received small arms fire and saw 7 VC running into a treeline at (AT952605). The tank fired 8 rds 90mm HE at the enemy position. Results are unknown. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 3 Jan 68, Entry 10) 5 January1968: At 051315H a Company C tank hit a 30 pound mine at (AT912511) while providing security for a convoy. Damage to the tank was moderate and there were no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5 Jan 68, Entry 6) 6 January 1968: At 060815H an Ontos from Company A (-), 1st Tank Bat- talion, 1st Antitank Battalion struck a 100 pound mine at (ZD893953) while in support of a road sweep. The vehicle was completely destroyed and friendly casualties were one KIA and one WIA (med-evac). (Ref: Spot Report 060815H January 1968) 9 January 1968: At 091320H while returning from a search and destroy mis- sion, two Company C tanks received two 60mm mortar rounds and small arms fire. The tanks returned machinegun fire resultig in 3 VC KIA (C) ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 13 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL and 5 VCS captured. Medical supplies and documents were also captured. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 9 Jan 68, Entry 6) 10 January 1968: On 10 January the 2nd Platoon (-) (Antitanks) was called out as a reaction forcein direct support of Company B at (TD285525). A-22, A-23, and A-24 fired 12 rounds 106mm HEP-T as covering fire. No search made, results unknown. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of 4 Feb 68) At 100950H a tank from Company B located at (AT963950) received an unknown number of incoming small arms from a treeline at (AT965587). The tank fired 90mm and machineguns. There were no friendly casualties and enemy casualties are unknown. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 10 Jan 68, Entry 7) At 100950H a Company B tank located at (AT960534) received sniper fire from the vicinity of (AST953519). Ten enemy in khaki uniforms were observed in a tree line. The tank fired .30 caliber machinegun at the enemy position but no search was conducted. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 10 Jan 68, Entry 6) 14 January 1968: At 141245 a tank from Company C detonated a mine at (AT918517) causing light damage to the vehicle and no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 1st Tank Bn Sitrep of 14 Jan 68) 15 January 1968: At 151330H a sweep team spotted 22 VC in uniform, carrying weapons at (AT905518). A Company C tank fired 90mm resulting in 4 VC KIA (C). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 15 Jan 68, Entry 9) At 151715H two Company C tanks were proceeding to (BT 100620) to assist a Seabee unit which was under attack. At (BT104586) the second tank in the column struck a 65 pound mine resulting in heavy damage to the vehicle and two USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 15 Jan 68, Entry 10) 16 January 1968: At 161215H a tank from Company C located at (AT919513) observed a friendly aircraft receiving heavy automatic sniper fire from a village at (AT925503). The tank fired 90mm destroying 16 huts and silencing the sniper fire. No search was conducted. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 16 Jan 68, Entry 7) At 161215Ha tank from Company C which was leading an armored column struct the edge of a box mine. The mine was dud ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 14 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL and did not entirely detonate. There was no damage to the vehicle or to personnel. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 16 Jan 68, Entry 6) 19 January 1968: At 191850H a tank from Company B observed VC crossing a river at (AT905524). The VC were using four boats with four men to a boat. The tank fired 90mm sinking one of the boats. No search was conducted, enemy casualties unknown. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 19 Jan 68, Entry 7) 21 January 1968: At 211045 two Company C tanks received heavy sniper fire from (AT914495) and spotted 10 VC running from a house. The tanks fired 90mm resulting n 5 VC KIA (C). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 21 Jan 68 Entry 8) At 211200H a Company C tank struck a 35 pound mine while on a road sweep at (AT927519). The vehicle received moderate damage and there were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 21 Jan 68, Entry 7) 22 January 1968: At 221145H a Company C tank while on a road sweep spot ted 7 VC running into a treeline at (AT907508). The tak fired 90mm with unknown results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22 Jan 68, Entry 7) At 221400H a Company B tank spotted 15 VC at (AT863559). They also received a spotting from an AO of VC at (AT860550). The tank fired 90mm at both coordinates. An observation tower reported seeing 8 VC fall but no confirmed kills were found. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22 Jan 68, Entry 9) 24 January 1968: At 41040 a Company C tank spotted 3 VC running into a treeline at (AT921495). The tank fired 90mm at the enemy position with unknown results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 24 Jan 68, Entry 8) 27 January 1968: At 271040H two Company C tanks spotted 30 VC set in an ambush at (AT905493). The tanks fired 90mm resulting in two secondary explosions. No search was conducted. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 Jan 68, Entry 9) At 271300H while providing security for a road sweep, a Company C tank struck an 80 pound mine resulting in heavy damage to the vehicle and one USMC WIA (non-evac). At 271330H three Company C tanks and one headquarters tank went to the aid of a mined LVT at (BT078645). The tanks fired ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 15 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL machineguns in support of the infantry searching the area. No VC were located. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 Jan 68, Entry 10) 29 January 1968: At 291700H an infantry patrol from 7th Marines was engaged by an unknown number of enemy at (AT942607). A Company B tank fired 90mm into the enemy position. A search was conducted with negative results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 29 Jan 68, Entry 7) At 291940H an infantry unit spotted several VC running across a rice paddy at (AT947606) also, lights were spotted at (AT947607). A Company B tank fired 90mm at both sightings. Results unknown. (Ref: S-e Journal, 29 Jan 68, Entry 9) 30 January 1968: At 300430H the Southern Sector Defense Command dispatched two provisional reaction platoons to conduct a sweep and clear operation of the Sectors southern boundary along the Song Cau Do river. The sweep commenced at 0650 with negative results. At 301150H the Southern Sector Defense Command dispatch three provisional reaction platoons and three tanks to assist the 1st MP Battalion's with a blocking force on highway 1 north of the Cam Le Bridge. They later assiste in a sweep and clear operation in this area with negative results. At 301510H, while on a sweep with the ROKs, a Company C tank was hit with an RPG resulting in heavy damage. Friendly casual- ties were 3 USMC WIA (med-evac) and 1 USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 30 Jan 68, Entry 1) 31 January 1968: At 310100H two Ontos of the 3rd Platoon (Antitanks) were acting as bridge security at (YD979053) and (YD986049) when they received small arms, mortar, and rocket fire. The Ontos fired machinegun and 106mm resulting in 16 VC KIA (C) and the destruction on one 60mm mortar. Both vehicles received heavy damage from rockets and suffered on USMC WIA (med-evac) and on USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: Spot Rep 310100H Jan 68) At 300340 the Southern Sector Defense Command dispatched two provisional reaction platoons to assist I Co 3/5 with a sweep and clear operation in 3/5 AOR. Operation commenced at 0730 and completed by 1420. The results for the SSDC platoons were 10 enemy KIA and 26 captured with numerous weapons and supplies. Friendly casualties: 1 WIA. At 311005H a Company C tank received sniper fire from (BT036318). A headquarters tank fired at the enemy resulting in 1 VC KIA (C) and several documents captured. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 31 Jan 68, Entry 2) ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL 16 DECLASSIFIED |
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