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

xxx