DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion, (Rein) 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 CONFIDENTIAL COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 February 1968 to 29 February 1968 INDEX Part I - Organizational Data Part II - Narrative Summary Part III - Sequential Listing of Significant Events Part IV - Supporting Documents ENCLOSURE (1) CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) PART I ORGANIZATIONAL DATA 1. DESIGNATION COMMANDER Headquarters, LtCol V. J. GENTILE 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1-29 February 1968 1st MarDiv (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Maj L. A. GILDERSLEEVE 1-19 Feb 1968 Company A (Rein) Capt C. R. CASEY 1-19 Feb 1968 Company B (Rein) Capt R. E. ROEMER 1-19 Feb 1968 Company C (-) (Rein) Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 1-29 Feb 1968 Company A (Rein), 1st AT Bn 1stLt V. C. DAVIS 1-29 Feb 1968 2. LOCATION HEADQUARTERS (AT 997723) H&S Company (AT 997723) Company A (AT 997723) Company B (AT 962621) Company C (BT 072644) Company A, 1st AT Bn (YD 815165) 3. STAFF OFFICERS Battalion Executive Officer Maj P. G. RADTKE 1-29 Feb 1968 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-29 Feb 1968 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt R. G. MCPHERSON 1-8 Feb 1968 Capt R. T. HOPKINS 9-29 Feb 1968 Battalion S-3 Officer Maj D. R. DICKEY 1-19 Feb 1968 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj J. A. SCHUYLER 1-29 Feb 1968 Battalion S-5/Civic Action Officer Capt N. C. WHITTINGTON 1-29 Feb 1968 4. AVERAGE MONTHLY STRENGTH USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 43 707 2 16 1 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION The total strength of 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is 43 Marine officers, two Naval officers, 633 Marine enlisted, and 16 Naval enlisted. The battalion joined one Marine officer and 133 Marine enlisted during February 1968. Loses were five Marine officers and 83 Marine enlisted. The battalion anticipates the loss of two Marine officers and 48 Marine enlisted during the month of March. Five requests for extensions of overseas tour were forwarded during February. These extensions bring the total man-months gained through extensions during 1968 to 59. The major incentive for exten- sions of overseas tour is the special 30-day leave program. During February, the marked increase in enemy activitiy made it necesssary for the battalion to further support the Southern Sector Defense Command in the form of two provisional platoons and a pro- visional company Headquarters. The need for personnel for this force required calling on support personnel (administration, tank main- tenance, motor transport, and supply) to fill these infantry bill- ets. During this same period it was also necessary to place all remaining available personnel on nightly guard for defense of the contonment, reducing not only the number of personnel available to work but also reducing normal working day to approximately four hours. The support of the tank companies became a prime requirement, with all but priority work being put on a "necessary work only" basis. This put the administration section of the battalion behind in its daily duties. Much of this work was made up by working nights whenever the tactical situation allowed the reduction of the nightly defensive posture. The battalion administrative chain also suffered the loss of two company administrative chiefs as well as some clerks without replacements. To support the tank companies, two battalion clerks were transferred to companies and personnel with typing ability were placed in the battalion office. An extensive training program was initiated with a group enrollment in an MCI Course (Correspondance Practices), supervised by the Battalion Administrative Chief. The battalion's morale during this period was very high, although all personnel were required to work long hours in many varied jobs. A total of 67 casualties were sustained during February, 18 KIA's, 33 med-evac, and 16 non-med-evac. There were also two non-hostile casualties. No special courts-martial were held during February. There were five instances of punishment under Article 15, UCMJ, in the battalion. ENCLOSURE (1) 2 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) INTELLIGENCE WEATHER: The high mean temperature for February was 76 degrees, the low was 66 degrees. This is well below the 25 year mean of 81 degrees and 70 degrees respectively. Rainfall this month was negligible, however, tanks did not appreciably increase their operating area in the DaNang AO. INTELLIGENCE: Enemy activity, high during the first of February decreased significantly towards the end of the month in the Da Nang area. In the Task Force X-Ray AOR enemy contact continued heavy through the month, especially in the Hue City area. With the decrease in contact in the Da Nang area there was an accompanying decrease in highly reliable intelligence. Mine incidents numbered four (average 50 lbs.) a sharp decrease from the nine encountered in February 1967. However, there were 44 RPG incidents involving 19 vehicles (17 tanks and 2 Ontos) reflecting the change in enemy posture from an unconventional to conventional role. During the TET offensive elements of major NVA units were identified in the Da Nang Ao. The 31 NVA Regiment in the Charlie Ridge, Happy Valley area to the west and the 2 NVA Division to the south in the Goi Noi Island area. Coontinuing evidence of an enemy buildup was provided by the capture of documents indicating the possibility of hte 29th Regiment, 325C NVA Division west of Hue. Prisoners captured during Operation Hue City claim to be from such deverse units as the 7th Battalion, 90th Regiment, 324B NVA Division; the 416th Battalion NVA Regiment, and the 32nd Battalion which allegedly infiltrated in September 1967 with the mission of suppporting and coordinating with guerrilla units in Thua Thien Province. Information from many sources reveal that the NVA combined individuals and small units from wide spread units to create the impression that the enemy was heavily reinforced during the TET Offensive. During the month, 1st Tank Battalion alone and in coordination with other units was responsible for the capture of much enemy equipment. Among these were a 75mm recoilless rifle, 4 cases of 75mm ammo, and four AK 47's. One significant event in the Southern Sector Defense Command's intelligence gathering efforts was the capture of 3 VC by a combine force of the local Revoltionary Development Tean and 7th Communications Battalion Marines in a tunnel in Cam Hoa. Interrogation of these prisoners revealed information on VC ntentions and objectives in the Southern Sector's AOR. ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 3 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) OPERATIONS AND TRAINING During the month of February the 1st Tank Battalion participated in one major operation, Operation Hue City. On 3 February, the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines, and the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, started operations in the Hue City area in an attempt to recapture the city. On 13 February these units were reinforced by he 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Tanks. Elements of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, and 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, were initially supported by a platoon of tanks frm the 3rd Tank Battalion; however, on 17 February, this unit was replaced by 2nd Platoon (Rein), Company A, 1st Tank Battalion. The 3rd Platoon, Company A, operated from 13-24 February in the area if (YD7623). From 24-27 February, the 3rd Platoon, Company A, operated in the area of (YD7720). From 17-24 February, the 2nd Platoon, Company A, operated in the area of (YD7821) and from 24-29 February, in the area of (YD7824). The fighting in Hue was consistent and heavy for the period 13-24 February. On 24 February, the Citadel was secured. During this period of contact, Company A tanks suffered 34 RPG hits and stuck two mines. The 1st Platoon, Company A (Rein), continues to provide security for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges in the Southern Sector Defense Command AOR. These Company A tanks and two squads from the Southern Sector Defense Command are located at each of the bridges. Company B (Rein) continues to provide support for the 7th Marines. The operations were primarily involved with tank/infantry sweeps, reaction forces for infantry and CAP units, security for road sweeps, and security for command posts. Company (-) (Rein) was in direct support of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, from 1-29 February and then in direct support of 3rd Battalion 27th Marines when they assumed the responsibility for the area of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines on 2 March. One platoon is in direct support of the 2nd ROK Bridgade in the Hoi An area. The 3rd platoon remains attached to Company B, 1st Tank Battalion. Company A (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion (Rein), remains in direct support of Task Force X-Ray. The Antitank Company participated in Operation Hue City with the Company Headquarters remaining at Gia Le. 4 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) The task organization for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is as follows: Company A (Rein): G/S 1st Mar Div (Da Nang) 2nd Platoon: D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) 3rd Platoon (Rein): D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) Company B (Rein): D/S 7th Mar (Da Nang) Company C (-) (Rein): G/S 1st Mar Div (Da Nang) 1st Platoon: D/S of 3rd Bn. 27th Mar. (Da Nang) 2nd Platoon: D/S of ROK 2nd Bridgade (Hoi An) Company "A" (Rein), 1st Antitank Bn, 1st Tank Bn. (Rein): D/S X-Ray (Phu Bai) On 23 February the 1st Platoon (-), Company B, 5th Antitank Battalion was attached to the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) and immediately began orientation and training. It is anticipated that this unit will be further attached to the Antitank Company when deployed. During the month of February, the 1st Tank Battalion's M67A2 flame tanks expended approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel and napalm on assigned missions. Many of the flame comitments have been for tenant units in the Southern Sector Defense Command. This included burning brush on perimeters to improve fields of fire, and clearing brush in order that a minefield in the Camp Monahan area could be removed. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 58 patrols and ambushed in the battalion area of responsibility and responded with many special activities from platoon to company size in the SSDC TAOR. Total ammunition expended during February by the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) follows: 90mm Small Arms 106mm HE WP APERS-T .30 cal .50 cal H. E. APERS-T DIRECT 957 33 45 17 34,600 12,650 627 1 INDIRECT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 957 33 45 17 34,600 12,650 627 1 The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) during February follows: VC/NVA KIA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _124 VCC _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 VCS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 USMC KIA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 18 TANK OPERATIONS _ 13 SDDC OPERATIONS _ 5 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 5 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) USMC WIA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 MED-EVAC_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 33 NON-EVAC_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 16 WEAPONS CAPTURED: 1 75mm Recoilless Rifle, 4 individual weapons. It should be noted that many operations were conducted in Operation Hue City where two platoons of tanks and a platoon of Ontos were constantly supporting infantry. The enemy casualties inflicted by tracked vehicles are not reflected in the above figures since they were undetermined. Training for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) was centered on Weapons Safety, Crew Operations and Maintenance, Geneal Military Subjects, and NBC training for Company NBC teams. One Battalion Officer and Staff NCO school class was conducted on the RPG-2 and RPG 7 with each weapon on display. Throughout the month of February staff operations and training visitations were made to the two units in direct support of Task Force X-Ray. The Battalion Commander, Executive Officer, S-4, S-3A, Chaplain, Radio Officer, Sergeant Major, and Career Advisory SNCO flew to Phu Bai to conduct inspection and check operation. Southern Sector Defence Command 1. The CO, 1st Tank Battalion, through the 1st Tk Bn. COC,continues to initiate and control defensive activities with the Southern Sector. During the month, 725 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units including several special activities of from squad to company size. a. At 061530H, a PF patrol received heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire at (AT938708). The patrol suffered heavy casualties and a two platoon reaction force was dispatched from the Southern Sector Defense Command COC. This force also came under fire and only after heavy contact was the enemy routed. Southern Sector casualties were 9 KIA and 11 WIA. (med-evac). Of these casualties, the 1st Tank Battalion suffered 5 KIA's and 8 WIA's. This operation concluded with a air strike at dusk and a search was not conducted until first light. Although no enemy bodies were found, civilian sources reported that 13 enemy had been killed and several wounded. Later it was learned that this was possibly an advanced force planning to attack Da Nang through the Southern Sector. b. At 190230H a 3rd MP Battalion fire team size patrol received automatic weapons fire and grenades for the area of (AT973725). The patrol returned fire forcing the enemy to break contact. A reaction force was sent to bring in the wounded. Friendly casualties were 1 WIA (med-evac) and 2 WIA (non-evac). Enemy casualties are unknown. 6 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT ) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) c. At 200450H an unknown number of enemy attempted to enter the 7th Communications Battalion CP through the perimeter wire at (AT983716). Small arms fire forced the enemy to retreat. There were no friendly casualties and enemy casualties are unknown. d. At 211500H a 7th Communications Battalion patrol and a local Revolutionary Development Team located a tunnel (AT982704). 3 VC were captured. The tunnel was destroyed and the three prisoners held for interrogation. e. At 212120H a 7th Communications Batttalion patrol detonated a booby trap outside the Company B, 7th Engineer Battalion, patrol gate (AT992705). Friendly casualties were 1 WIA (non-evac). f. At 251530H a provisional company from 1st Tank Battalion conducted a search operation in the area of (AT9770, At9870). A reconnaissance diving team searched the river bank for underwater tunnels. A well used boat ramp was discovered (AT981701) and three underwater caves of unknown depth were located and destroyed (AT984701). One dead VC dressed in green shirt and khaki shorts was found floating by the river bank (AT985701). There was no enemy contact. 7 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) LOGISTICS On 29 February, the following major end items were T/E deficiencies of 1st Tank Battalion: three M48A3 tanks, one M51 VTR, three M50A1 Ontos, five M38A1 trucks, one M37B1 truck, five Xenon searchlights, one PU-482 KW generator and 27 M18A1 binoculars. During February, 17 tanks and 2 Ontos were damaged by RPG rockets with 10 of these vehicles being hit on 6 February. Of the 17 tanks, 14 are now operational. Five were repaired by this battalion, four were repaired at 3rd echelon facilities and five are awaiting repairs but are operational. Of the remaining three tanks, one is still at FLSG-A for repairs and two are pending evaluation and poss- ible evacuation. One Ontos was repaired by the battalion and one was declared a combat loss. Two other Ontos were abandoned due to the tactical situation approximately 2000 meters southwest of Hue and also declared combat losses. Four tanks were damaged by mines during February with three being repaired by this Battalion and one still awaiting 2d echelon repair parts. Thirteen Xenon searchlights are deadlined at 1st FSR with no completion date. Due to considerable combat damage to vehicles this month, routine organizational maintenance is behind schedule. However, it is anticipated that by the end of March, all mainten- ance will be back on schedule. One M51 VTR T/E deficiency and one M51 VTR at 1st FSR for repairs critically limits the lift and recovery capability of this command. Field maintenance support improved with receipt of five tank engines; however, this battalion still needs four transmissions to remove tanks from deadline. Supply response was slow during February. This command did receive four M49A3 tanks to fill T/E deficiences, five intermediate road wheel arm assemblies, one 81mm mortar (special allowance), and two installation kits for the AN/VRC 73 radios. The lack of tracked vehicle suspension spare parts has again become critical and authorized selective interchange has been a key factor in obtaining needed parts. During February, 63 personnel and 7,436 pounds of cargo were transported to the Phu Bai AOR by air to support Company A (-) (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion and Company A (-), 1st Tank Battalion. In addition, two Ontos, twelve tanks, three M54 5T trucks, one M38A1 jeep and one AN/MRC 83 were transported by LCU to the Phu Bai AOR with most of this equipment being utilized in Operation Hue City. During February, the Motor Transport Platoon logged 15,631 miles, hauled 564.2 short tons and 9,152 passengers. Improvements to the 1st Tank Battalion's Cantonment during February consisted primarily of construction of fighting holes on the perimeter and within the cantonment. A platoon from Company A, 7th Engineers, has been improving the perimeter defensive wire since 23 February. A Special Services recreation hut was erected by personnel from this Battalion utilizing materials provided by Division Special Services. 8 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) The 1st Platoon, Company B, 5th Antitanks Battalion, attached to BLT 1/27 was "chopped" to this battalion on 23 February. This platoon has four M50A1 Ontos, without the FM series radio. An additional ontos is expected to arrive from Hawaii in the future which will bring the platoon to T/E strength. Service of Vietnamese concessions and the Korean PX laundry were disrupted several times during the month of February due to the tactical situation. As of this date, services have been stabilized and are operating satisfactorily. 9 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) Communication - Electronics The Radio Modification Program was concluded with the modication of the last vehicle on 27 February. On 23 February, 1st Platoon, Company B, 5th AT Battalion was joined by the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein). All M50A1 vehicles arrived equipped with the GRC series of radios. The An/VRC-71 kits were placed on requisition to accomplish the required modification. A request was submitted to release AN/VRC-71 kits available in 9th MEB assets to accomplish immediate accomidation. No vehciles were deadlined during the month due to communication failure. An overall 98% communication operational capability was maintained in the Battalion. The two company and one reserve force net activated during the maximum alert period were placed on standby on 29 February. 1st Tank Battalion Communication Center assumed Communication and Crypto guard for 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines, on 20 February 1968. A trunk line was installed between 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines, and the 1st Tank Battalion. A sperate hot line was installed from 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines,FDC to the Southern Sector Defense Command COC. This month, a total of 1875 incoming and 170 outgoing radio, teletype and courier messages were processed by the 1st Tank Bat- talion Communication Center. ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 10 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) MEDICAL During the month of February, there were 746 visits to sick call at the Battalion Aid Station, representing a moderate increase from previous months. Immunizations totaled 322 during this period. With substantial increases in actions involving hostile fire, the Battalion sick list swelled markedly. A total of 37 men were hospitalized during February, 33 of these for wounds received in combat. Of these, 21 were evacuated to hospitals out of country. Four additional men were hospitalized, two for medical illness and two for non-hostile injuries. One patient with a medical illness was evacuated out of country. Eight other men received insignificant wounds in combat, were treated in the field and returned to full duty. Total days lost to the battalion secondary to illnes or injury was 233. The incidence of Venereal Disease was reduced markedly, with only four new cases diagnosed during February. Three of these were con- tracted within the Da Nang TAOR. Personnel changes in the medical section included the addition of five new corpsmen. Two corpsmen were wounded in hostile action and evacuated out of country. Two other members of the secion rotated to CONUS during the month, including the Chief Petty Officer. With the loss of the Chief Hospitalcorpsman, his duties are being assumed by a Hospitalman 1st Class until such time as a new Chief is joined. Attention was given during Februay to increasing the readiness of the Aid Station to fulfull its mission should the cantonment come under attack. A secondary treatment point was prepared within a protective shelter behind the Aid Station, to be used in emergencies. The Aid Station lies relatively close to the cantonment perimeter. Its vulnerability to hostile fire was hopefully reduced by the con- struction of a wall of dirt and sandbags. Quarterlly inspection of tank company aid stations were conducted during February. All companies were found satisfactory in admin- istration, supply and sanitation. The Antitank Company, attached to the battalion in December, due to its location has not yet been visited by any medical secion representative. Two corpsmen are now assigned to each of the battalion's companies. 11 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) Civic Action During early February, the activities of the Civic Action Team were greatly curtailed by the TET Offensive. All Programs and projects are now back to normal. The offensive proably had an adverse affect on the pacification status in the area, but no severe se-backs were encountered. The effort of the CA Team were again largely directely toward the pig project. The number of pigs in the project increased as a sow had a litter of five piglets. The project now sponsors a total of 56 pigs. The MEDCAP program was curtailed during the early part of the month, but response was good when MEDCAP was resumed. During February 537 people were treated. Psychological warfare was again implemented in Souther Sector Defense Command Area of Responsibility. Themes included Support GVN, Sanitation, and VC Cruelty. Special emphasis is being placed on VC Cruelty during the TET holiday offensive. During February materials were distributed in the following Quantities: 11,850 pounds of garbage 450 bars of soap 1 truck load lumber 12 sheets roofing tim 12 bags cement 20 toothbrushes 2 truck loads gravel ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 12 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 1 February 1968: On 1 February personnel of the 3rd Platoon (Ontos), were utilitized as a reaction force to relieve CAP H-5 in Phu Loc. The platoon expended 2000 rounds of .30 caliber machine gun ammunition, results unknown. Friendly casualties were 1 WIA (med-evac) and 1 WIA (non-evac). (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology for February 68) 2 February 1968: At 021345H three tanks (BT148577, BT153575) spotted three VC (BT153578). The tanks fired machine gun resulting in 3 VC KIA and 1 VCC. Four cases of 75mm ammunition were captured and destroyed. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 2 Feb 68, Entry 8) 3 February 1968: At 031115H a Company C tank struck a 20 pound mine while on a road sweep (AT907493). The tank suffered moderate damage with no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 3 Feb 68, Entry 7) At 031600H, Ontos A-23 and A-24 observed seven enemy entering a building (BT780212). The vehicles fired 106mm and .30 caliber machine gun resulting in 7 NVA KIA and two seconary explosions. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) 4 February 1968: At 041400H a Company C flame tank observed 4 VC crossing the river (BT057626). The tank fired .30 caliber machine gun resulting in 2 VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 4 Feb 68, Entry 7) At 041830H, Ontos A-21 and A-24 received heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire resulting in 1 USMC WIA (non-evac). The vehicles returned machine gun fire with negative results. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) 5 February 1968: At 051700H, Ontos A-21 and A-25 received sniper fire (YD767215). The vehicles returned 106mm resulting in 1 NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank Battalion Chronology of Feb 68) 6 February 1968: At 060200H a Company B tank and a Company A headquarters tank were sent as a reaction force to CAP B3 which was under attack. As the tanks entered the CAP (AT949697) the Company A tank was struck by an RPG rocket which penetrated the turret. The tank suffered moderate damage. Friendly casualties were 1 KIA and 3 WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Feb 68, Entry 3) ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 13 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) At 060300H two Company A tanks on Bridge security (AT991642) began receiving 122mm rocket and small arms fire. One tank received a direct hit from a rocket but no casualties. The tanks fired 90mm at the rocket site and the snipers with negative results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Feb 68, Entry 2) At 060830H a Company B tank returning to Hill 10 from Hill 41 hit a mine, disabling the vehicle. As the crewmen evacuated, one was killed by a sniper and the tank was struck by three RPG rockets. The tank caught fire and burned for several hours. The crewmen were evacuated and the vehicle recovered later. Friendly casualties were 1 KIA and 3 WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Feb 68, Entry 14) At 061305H a Company C tank, while in support of a sweep (BT013669) was struck on the turret by and RPG rocket. Friendly casualties were 1 WIA (med-evac). The tank suffered light damage and continued its mission with a three man crew. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Feb 68, Entry 10) At 061535H, Ontos AS-24 and one tank received recoilless rifle fire from (YD772215). The Ontos fired 106mm resulting in 6 NVA KIA and four weapons captured. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) AT 061550H a Company C flame tank, while in support of a sweep was hit by a recoilless rifle round resulting in two USMC WIA (med-evac). The vehicle suffered moderate damage, but was able to move under its own power. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Feb 68, Entry13) At 061630H, a Company C tank, while in support of the ROKMC Hoi An was stuck by three RPG rockets (BT155572) after firing 90mm at an ememy position. Friendly casualties were 3 WIA (med-evac). enemy casualties were 41 VC KIA and 1 VCS. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Feb 68, Entry 15) AT 061745H, while in support of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, three Company C tanks moved into a treeline (BT011639) to assist a platoon that was pinned down. F-32 was struck by two RPG rockets and suffered 4 USMC WIA. The other vehicles fired 90mm and machine guns resulting in 8 VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 7 Feb 68, Entry 1) 7 February 1968: At 071000H, Ontos A-23 and A-24 received a unknown number of RPG rockets. A-24 took a direct hit resulting in 1 USMC KIA and 2 USMC WIA. The vehicle suffered modert damage. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 14 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) On 7 February, Ontos A-11 and A-13 supporting a convoy received heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and recoilless rifle fire. Grenades and satchel charges were thrown at the vehicles A-13 received one grenade and one round of recoilless rifle fire resulting in one USMC KIA and one WIA (me-evac). A-13 had returned 106mm before being hit. A-11 received one direct round of recoilless rifle fire causing two USMC WIA (med-evac). A-11 returned machine gun fire be- fore receiving two more hits from a recoilless rifle resulting in one USMC KIA. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) 9 February 1968: At 091200H, three Company C tanks were in support of a 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines operation when they were requested to fire on an enemy unit (BT048679) and (BT044693). The tanks fired 90mm and machine guns resulting in 10 VC KIA and one 75mm recoilless rifle captured. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 9 Feb 68, Entry 10) At 091700H, a company of 2nd Bn, 5th Marines received heavy small arms fire and requested supporting fire from Ontos A-25. A-25 fired 106mm causing three secondary explosions and resulting in 5 NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) 15 February 1968: At 151300H a company of 1st Bn, 1st Marines was pinned down and requested Ontos A-15 and A-33 to fire at the enemy position. The vehicles fired 106mm and machine guns resulting in 1 NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) 17 February 1968: At 170745H Ontos A-33 in support of 1st Bn, 1st Marines, received five rounds of 60mm mortar from an unknown position. A-33 sustained one direct hit rendering guns #4, #5, and #6 inoperable. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) At 171515H, Company A, 2nd Bn, 5th Marines received automatic weapons and 82mm mortar fire from (RD763209). Ontos A-23 fired 106mm resulting in 1 NVA KIA. (Ref: Command Chronology of Feb 68) 18 February 1968: At 181305H Ontos A-22 and A-25 were requested to fire at wall and adjacent building. Both vehicles fired 106mm resulting in 10 NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) AT 181415H Ontos A-22 was requested to fire into building (RD758227). A-22 fired 106mm and .30 caliber machine gun resulting in 2 NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68) 15 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) 21 February 1968: At 211245H Ontos A-22 was awaiting a fire mission (RD764225) when it received on 60mm mortar round resulting in one USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: Antitank Battalion Command Chronology of Feb 68) At 211850H, the Company A (-) (Rein), 1st Antitank Bn, 1st Tank Bn CP received sniper fire resulting in one USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: Antitank Battalion Chronology of Feb 1968) 22 February 1968: At 221700H, Ontos A-35 observed an enemy recoilless rifle position. A-35 fired 106mm resulting in three secondary explosions. (Ref: Antitank Battalion Chronology of Feb 1968) 25 February 1968: At 251020H, South Vietnamese Marines received small arms fire from a bunker (YD751216). Ontos A-23 fired 106mm destroying the bunker. Results: 4 NVA KIA, 8 NVA captured and two USMC KIA; killed in the search after the bunker was destroyed. (Ref: Antitank Command Chronology of Feb 68). 16 ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
