DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 Copy___of ___Copies 2/RTH/rhv 5750 6 April 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 March 1968 Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) FMFPacO 550.8 (c) DivO 5750.2b Encl: (1) First Tank Battalion Command Chronology 1. In accordance with the provisions of references (a), (b), and (c) enclosure (1) is submitted. 2. This letter is downgraded to unclassifid up removal of enclosure (1). (Signature) V. J. GENTILE (MARKED OUT) (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California 96602 (MARKED OUT) COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 March 1968 to 31 March 1968 INDEX Part I - Organizational Data Part II - Narrative Summary Part III - Sequential Listings 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 March 1968 1st MarDiv (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Maj L. A. GILDERSLEEVE 1-31 Mar 1968 Company A (-) (Rein) Capt C. R. CASEY 1-31 Mar 1968 Company B (Rein) Capt R. E. ROEMER 1-26 Mar 1968 Capt G. J. MURDOCK 27-31 Mar 1968 Company C (-) (Rein) Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 1-31 Mar 1968 Company A (Rein), 1st ATBn 1st Lt V. C. DAVIS 1-31 Mar 1968 Company B (Rein), 5th TKBn Capt D. MORRIS 13-31 Mar 1968 2. LOCATION HEADQUARTERS (AT 997723) H&S Company (AT 997723) Company A (YD 815165) Company B (AT 962621) Company C (BT 072644) Company A, 1st AT Bn (YD 815165) Company B, 5th TKBn (AT 997723) 3. STAFF OFFICERS Battalion Executive Officer Maj P. G. RADTKE 1-31 Mar 1968 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-31 Mar 1968 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt R. T. HOPKINS 1- 31 Mar 1968 Battalion S-3 Officer Maj D. R. DICKEY 1- 31 Mar 1968 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj J. A. SCHUYLER 1- 31 Mar 1968 Battalion S-5/Civic Action Officer Capt N. O. WITTINGTON 1- 31 Mar 1968 4. AVERAGE MONTHLY STRENGTH USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 50 912 1 17 ENCLOSURE (1) 1 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION The total strength of 1st Tank Battalion is 50 Marine Officers, one Naval Officer, 912 Marine enlisted, and 17 Naval enlisted. The battalion joined four Marine Officer, one Naval Officer, 235 Marine enlisted and two Naval enlisted during March. This includes five Marine Officer, 130 Marine enliste and two Naval enlisted as Company B, 5th Tank Battalion. Loses were three Marine Officer, two Naval Officers, 38 Marine enlisted and one Naval enlisted. The battalion anticipates the loss of five Marine Officers and 41 Marine enlisted during the month of April. Eighteen requests for extensions of overseas tour were forwarded during March. These extensions bring the total man-months gained through extensions during 1968 to 162. The major incentive for extension of overseas tour was the special 30-day leave program. On 13 March 1968, Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Battalion, with a strength of five Officers, 130 Marine enlisted and two Navy corpsman was attached to the battalion. With the addition of one more tank company, the S-1 is now administratively supporting two and one-third additional companies, withourt augmentation of administrative support personnel. At present the battalion is suffering a critical shortage of NCO's in the 0141 field. Of the seven sergeants rated by manning level, present on board strength is four, with three of these rotating to CONUS with 45 days. Of the seven corporals rated, the battalion has four though it is anticipated that two will be gained through promotions in the near future. Through a reorganization of the Battalion S-1, a redistribution of all 0141 NCO's was made to companies in an attempt to gain full utilization of their experience. Although placing a heavier burden on the battalion, the reorganization proved itself by reducing unit diary error rate to .2 percent. The battalion's morale during this period was excellent although all personnel were required to work long hours in varied jobs. A total of 15 casualties were sustained during March, four med-evac, and 11 non-med-evac. There was one non-hostile casualty, requiring hospitalization who eventually expired. There was one special courts-martial and two summary courts-martial during March. There were three punishments under Article 15. ENCLOSURE (1) 2 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) TRAINING AND OPERATIONS During the month of March the 1st Tank Battalion participated in one major operation, Operation Ford. All units of Company A (-) (Rein) were in general support and the 1st and 2nd Platoons of Company A (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion were in direct support. The oper- ation was concluded on 20 March. Compan A (-) (Rein) is located in the Phu Bai/Gia Le area where they are in direct support of Task Force X-Ray. The 1st Platoon remained as security for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges in the Southern Sector Defense Command AOR until 24 March when they were relieved by 3rd Platoon, Company B, 5th Tank Battalion. The 1st Platoon is now in general support of the Division and con- stitutes a portion of the Division reserve. On 23 March, the Company Headquarters of Company A (-)(Rein), 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) moved its location from DaNang to Phu Bai so that it could better support the platoons at that location. Several tanks from Compan B (Rein) provided fire support for infantry operations during the month. The tanks were limited in movement because of wet rice paddies. Other operations were pri- marily involved with reaction forces for infantry and CAP units, security for road sweeps, support for search and destroy operations and security for command posts. Company C (-)(Rein) remains in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine and the 2nd ROK Brigade in the Hoi An area. The 3rd Platoon remains attached to Company B, 1st Tank Battalion and is located in An Hoa. Company A (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion, remains in direct support of Task Force X-Ray with headquarters in Gia Le. The 3rd Platoon is in direct support of the Phu Bai Defense Command. On 22 March, the 1st Platoon, Compay B, 5th Antitank Battalion was transferred to A Co, 1st Antitank Battalion for duty in the Phu Bai area. Company B(Rein), 5th Tank Battalion was joined by 1st Tank Battalion on 13 March. The Company received an intensive training program and on 29 March the 1st and 2nd Platoons moved to 27th Marines in direct support of 1/27 and 2/27. The headquarters group remains at 1st Tank Battalion CP. The task organization for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is a follows: Company A (-)(Rein): D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) Company B (Rein): D/S 7th Marines (DaNang) ENCLOSURE (1) 4 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) Company B (Rein, 5th Tank Bn: D/S/ 27th Marines (DaNang) 3rd Platoon: G/S 1st Mar Div (DaNang) Company C(-)(Rein): G/S 1st Mar Div (DaNang) 1st Platoon: D/S 3rd Bn., 27th Mar (DaNang) 2nd Platoon: D/S 2nd Brigade ROKMC (Hoi An) Company A(Rein), 1st AT Bn: D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) During the month of March the M67A2 flame tanks expended approx- imately 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel and napalm in a continuance of their many comitments in the 1st Marine Division AOR. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 58 patrols and ambushed in the Battalion Area of Responsibility and responded with four special activities of squad and platoon size in the SSDC TAOR. Total ammunition expended during March by the 1st Tank Battalion follows: 90mm Smll Arms 106mm HE WP APERS-T CAN .30 Cal .50 Cal HE APERS-T DIRECT 145 15 1 28 12,200 2,900 219 101 INDIRECT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 145 15 1 28 12,200 2,900 219 101 The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during March follow: VC/NVA KIA_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 26 VCC_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 0 VCS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 USMC KIA_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 TANK OPERATIONS_ _ 1 SSDC OPERATIONS_ _ 0 USMC WIA_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _15 MED-EVAC_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 NON-EVAC_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 12 WEAPONS CAPTURED: None Training for the 1st Tank Battalion(Rein) was centerd on General Military Subjects, Technical MOS training and Weapons Safety. Sub- jects covered in the weekly Battalon Officers and Staff NCO's School were Intelligence, and Mines and Booby Traps. ENCLOSURE (1) 5 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) Southern Sector Defense Command The CO, 1st Tank Battalion through the 1st Tank Battalion COC, continues to initiate and control defensive activities within the Southern Sector. During the month 744 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units including five special activities varying from squad to platoon size. At 020945H a 30 man search team from 7th Communications Battalion and a scout dog team uncovered a cave and captured one VCS at (AT978704). Several items of equipment were found in the cave in- cluding a mess bucket full of rice, one battery and numerous prop- aganda pamphlets. At 040105H, the Hill 34 complex received approximately 40 rounds of 122mm rocket fire. Those units suffering casualties and damage from the attack were 7th Communications Battalion; 4th Battalion, 11th Marines; 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines and Company B, 7th Engineer Battalion. Damage was light and friendly casualties were 4 KIA and 10 WIA. Several rockets also impacted in the Hoa Cam Train- ing Center but there were no casualties and no material damage. At 040900H a platoon size patrol from 1st Tank Battalion dis- covered a possible rocket or mortar site at (AT985702). The Div- ision G-2 investigated the site and photographs were taken. At 062025H, the bridge securit forces at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998707) received incoming small arms fire and observed 20 VC wearing black pajamas in the perimeter wire. Fire wa returned with 90mm and small arms but a search the following day disclosed neg- ative results. There were no friendly casualties. At 061345H a platoon size force was dispatched from 1st Tank Battalion to check a report of Vietnamese digging trenches at (AT941713). The platoon reported normal activity in the area with no evidence of trenches. There was no enemy contact. At 232340H a 7th Communications Battalion patrol received small arms and automatic weapons fire from an unknown number of enemy at (AT981705). The patrol returned the fire and searched the area with negative results. There were no friendly casualties. At 282215H, a 3rd MP Battalion patrol received an incoming grenade resulting in 2 USMC WIA. The patrol returned fire but did not search the area because of the wounded personnel. ENCLOSURE (1) 6 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) LOGISTICS On 31 March 1968, the 1st Tank Battalion had a shortage of 25 major items; two M48A3 tanks, one M51 VTR, five M38A1 1/4T trucks, one 30 KW Generator, and 16 TE-33 communications tool kits. To fill T/E deficiencies, this command received four M50A1 Ontos, one M48A3 tank, five Xenon searchlights, three caliber .50 machine guns, 26 M18 binoculars, one test set AN/GRM 55, three AN/VCR 44 radios, and one M49A2C refueler in exchange for a non-multifuel M49. Under the R&E program the command received eleven tracked vehicles; two M67A2 flame tanks, eight M48A3 tanks and one M48A3 tank with bulldozer attachment. Supply activities have operated routinely and efficiently during this period with major emphasis placed on intergrating the supply records of Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, which was attached to this battalion on 13 March 1968. The transportation of cargo and personnel to our units in the field has presented very few problems this month. The increased availability of Rough Rider convoys to the Phu Bai TAOR has significantly decreased the problems associated with transporting cargo to our units in that area. During this period, 86 personnel and 11,500 lbs., of cargo were transported to Phu Bai by air, and five tracked vehicles plus crews were transported by LCU. The Motor Transport Platoon logged a total of 30,130 miles, hauled 885 1/2 S/T of cargo, and transported 12,978 passengers in the I Corps area during March. The Battalion Maintenance Platoon performed excellently durin this period achieving the lowest deadlined percentage for tracked vehicles in over eigth months. The lift and recovery capability of the section was significantly increased with the addition of one M51 VTR which arrived with Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, and one M51 VTR and one M543 Wrecker becoming operational after an extended period of deadline. During March two tanks sustained mine damage, one was submerged, and one Ontos was hit by an RPG rocket. One of the mined tanks was repaired by this command and the other is awaiting 2nd echelon repair parts. A message was sent to CMC requesting that the submerged tank be considered as an R&E vehicle and not be assigned a condition Code F dur to the short submersion time (7 1/2 hours) and the fact that it was submerged in fresh water. Damage to the Ontos was confined mainly to the gun tubes on one side of the vehicle and these were replaced immediately by company maintenance personnel. With the arrival of Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, the maintenance section is now responsible for 107 tracked vehicles by T/E and it is anticipated that additional maintenance personnel will be necessary to function with a high degree of efficiency. Support from field maintenance was also excellant during this period with four tank packs received, six Xenon searchlights ENCLOSURE (1) 7 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) repaired, and numerous contact teams from 1st FSR. Selective interchange of suspension spare parts is still considered to be a key factor in the rapid repair of mine damaged vehicles. Due to the low number of mine incidents during this period all replacement parts were obtained through normal supply channels. Improvements to the battalion cantonment during March consisted primarily of increasing perimeter wire and installation of five new defensive perimeter bunkers with assistance from a platoon of Company A, 7th Engineers. The interior of the enlisted messhall was painted and several outbuildings were constructed to comply with sanitation and safety regulations. An addition to the Officers Mess, to be used as a scullery and storeroom, is presently under construction with completion expected around the middle of April. Services of the Vietnamese concessions were satisfactory this month. The Korean PX laundry was not able to meet its commitments and the services of a Vietnamese laundry had to be utilized temporaily. By the end of March the Korean laundry was again operating efficiently and the services of the Vietnamese laundry will be terminated. ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) 8 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) COMMUNICATIONS During March five radio sets AN/VRC-71 kits were released from 9th MEB assets held at FLC to modify 1st Platoon, Company B, 5th AT Battalion. The four vehicles in country were modified and the remaining modification kit is on board awaiting arrival of the fifth and final vehicle of that platoon from Hawaii. On 13 March Company B, 5th Tank Battalion was joined by the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein). All vehicles were given complete technical inspections and all discripencies were corrected. On 18 March, Area Communications Center was transfered to 7th Communications Battalion. Over the counter service is now being provided to the 1st Tank Battalion by this unit. The battalion placed all teletype equipment in storage and online crypto material was returned to the RPS Custodian for storage. 1st Tank Battalion Message Center continues to process all radio and teletype traffic for this command. No vehicles were deadlined during March for Communications. A 99% operational capability was maintained in the battalion. ENCLOSURE (1) 9 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) MEDICAL The month of March brought a noticeable decrease in Sick Call with 681 visits. Two-hundred and eighty-nine immunizations were given and 147 tuberculin skin tests were administered. Fifteen men were wounded as a result of hostile action. Of these, four were hospitalized and 11 were treated and returned to duty. There were 22 men on the Sick List during March. Seven of these were wounded during hostile action in February. Of the 15 admitted to the Sick List in March, eight were medical illnesses, four were hostile injuries and three were non-hostile injuries, one of which was fatal. Ten of those admitted to the Sick List were evacuated out of country. Of these, six were injuries sustained during hostile action and two were non-hostile injuries. Total man-days lost to the battalion secondary to illness or injury were 91. A Medical Technical Inspection was held on all letter companies and Company A, 1st AT Battalion. All were found to be satisfactory in administration, supply and sanitation. A hospital corpsman was sent to the Preventive Medicine Unit, 1st Marine Division to broaden his knowledge and gain experience in sanitation practices at the battalion level. There were five cases of venereal disease diagnosed and treated, one of which was contracted within the DaNang area. Personnel changes in the Medical Section during the month included a new Battalion Surgeon and two hospital corpsman. One hospital corpsman rotated to CONUS for duty. ENCLOSURE (1) 10 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) CIVIC ACTION The major efforts of the CA Team were again directed toward expanding and improving the pig project. Some difficulty was encountered with skin disease among the pigs. This problem was overcome with the aid of Army Veterinarians. The new road to the Breeding Farm was completed during March. During the early part of the month, clothing was distributed to refugees in the Phong Bac area. A good working relationship was established with the Revolutionary Development Team in Phong Bac. The battalion provided them with various material and technical assistance during March. The MEDCAP program continued to be implemented. People receiving medical assistance numbered 603. Emphasis was placed on two new themes in the Psychological Warfare campaign. Those were VC disregard for civilian lives and don't give rice to the VC. During March materials were distributed in the following quanties: 13,200 Pounds of garbage 125 Articles of clothing 120 Bars of soap 52 Sheets of roofing tin 14 Quarts of paint 1 Truck load of sand ENCLOSURE (1) 11 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 4 March 1968: At 040100H a Company B tank located at (AT930707) observed an enmey rocket attack on DaNang and also received small arms fire from an unknow size force. The tank fired 90mm at the rocket site and returned .50 cal machinegun fire at the enemy snipers with un- known results. (Ref: S-3 Journal 9 March 1968, Entry 2) At 040105H, three Company B tanks spotted enemy troops at (AT904664, AT906635, AT913666) but were denied permission to fire. Shortly afterwards the tanks observed rockets fired from the same area and fired 90mm at the site resulting in two secondary explosions. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 4 March 1968, Entry 1) 5 March 1968: At 051745H a Company C tank hit a 50 pound command detonated mine at (BT070695) while enroute to Nui Kim Son. There was moderate damage to the tank with no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5 March 1968, Entry 7) 7 March 1968: At 071000H, two Company B tanks, while in support of a 7th Marines sweep, received enemy sniper fire at (AT857545). The tanks returned 90mm fire resulting in 2 VC KIA and 3 detainees. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 7 March 1968 Entry 8) 14 March 1968 At 140745H, thre Company C tanks, supporting a search and destroy mission by a Company of 3/27, received automatic weapons fire and one possible short RPG round from (BT065629). The tanks fired 90mm and machinegun with unknown results. There were no friendly casual- ties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 14 March 1968, Entry 6) At 141600H, a company of 2/3 received heavy automatic weapons fire from (YD921213). Two Ontos were requested to return fire and complied with 106mm fire. Enemy casualties are unknown. Friendly casualties were one WIA(med-evac). (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 15 March 1968) At 142240H, Ontos A-31 received incoming 60mm mortar fire from coordinates (YD916212) resulting in one WIA (med-evac). (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 15 March 1968) At 142330H, two Ontos received two rounds of rocket fire from coordinates (YD914212). The vehicles returned fire with 106mm with negative results. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 15 March 1968) ENCLOSURE (1) 12 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED (MARKED OUT) 18 March 1968: At 181530H, a Company of 1/1 received heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from (YD949186). The 1st Platoon, Company A(Antitank) deployed and returned fire with 106mm resulting in 14 NVA KIA. There were 5 USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 22 March 1968) At 182030H, a Company of 2/3 received heavy enemy fire. Four Ontos in support of the company deployed and returned 106mm and .30 cal machinegun fire resulting in 5 NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 22 March 1968). 20 March 1968: At 201830H, two Company B tanks observed a column of approx- imately 25 NVA with packs and rifles moving from east to west in a treeline. The tanks fired 90mm resulting in 3 NVA KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 20 March 1968, Entry 7) At 202155H, a Company B tank on guard at (AT925527) received one incoming M26 grenade which landed approximately 10 feet from the tank before detonating. The vehicle was not damaged but one crewman received minor injuries from shrapnel. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 20 March 1968, Entry 9) 27 March 1968: At 270845H, two Company C tanks which were in support of a Com- pany of 3/27 received sniper fire and observed two VC with rifles running into a treeline at (BT058643). The tanks returned fire with machineguns and a search revealed footprints and possible rocket sites. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 March 1968, Entry 2) At 271340H, a Company C tank detonated a 50 pound mine at (BT058634) resulting in moderate damage to the vehicle and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, Late Entry of 28 March 1968) 29 March 1968: At 281930H and 290630H, the Company A CP in Phu Bai received a total of 26 140mm rockets resulting in one USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: Company A SITREP of 30 March 1968) 31 March 1968: At 311220H, a Company B tank at (AT927527) observed on VC walking through a rice paddy at (AT938504). The tank fired .50 cal machinegun resulting in one VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 31 March 1968, Entry 6) ENCLOSURE (1) 13 (MARKED OUT) DECLASSIFIED |
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