DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 Copy___of___Copies 2/RTH/rhv 5750 8 May 1968 [MARKED OUT] From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF, Subj: Command Chronology for the period 1-30 April 1968 Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) FMFPacO 5750.8 (c) DivO 5750.2b Encl: (1) First Tank Battalion Command Chronology 1. In accordance with provisions of reference (a), (b) and (c) enclosure (1) is submitted. 2. This letter is downgraded to unclassified upon removal of enclosure (1). [Signature] H. W. HITTE [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 [MARKED OUT] COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 April 1968 to 30 April 1968 INDEX Part I - Organizational Data Part II - Narrative Summary Part III - Sequential Listings of Sequential 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) 1-8 April 1968 1st MarDiv (Rein), FMF LtCol H. W. HITE 9-39 April 1968 SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Maj L. C. GILDERSLEEVE 1-30 Apr 1968 Company A (-) (Rein) Capt C. R. CASEY 1-30 Apr 1968 Company B (Rein) Capt G. J. MURDOCK 1-30 Apr 1968 Company C (-) (Rein) Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 1-4 Apr 1968 Capt G. P. BRODEUR 5-30 Apr 1968 Company A (Rein), 1st ATBn 1stLt. V. C. DAVIS 1-21 Apr 1968 1stLt. G. J. TAYLOR 22-30 Apr 1968 Company B (Rein), 5th TkBn Capt D. MORRIS 1-19 Apr 1968 1stLt. R. M. JOHNSTONE 20-30 Apr 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, 1stATBn (YD 815165) Company B, 5thTkBn (AT 997723) 3. STAFF OFFICERS Battalion Executive Officer Maj P. G. RADTKE 1-30 Apr 1968 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-30 Apr 1968 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt R. T. HOPKINS 1-30 Apr 1968 Battalion S-3 Officer Maj D. R. DICKEY 1-30 Apr 1968 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj J. A. SCHUYLER 1-30 Apr 1968 Battalion S-5/Civic Affairs Officer Capt N. O. WHITTINGTON 1-23 Apr 1968 1stLt. R. C. HOLLITZ 24-30 Apr 1968 4. AVERAGE MONTHLY STRENGTH USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 47 950 1 17 ENCLOSURE (1) 1 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE The total strength of 1st Tank Battalion is 47 Marine Officers, one Naval Officer, 950 Marine enlisted, and 17 Naval enlisted. The battalion joined five Marine Officers and 102 Marine enlisted. The battalion anticipates the loss of no Marine Officers and 48 Marine enlisted during the month of May 1968. Seventeen requests for extensions of overseas tour were forwarded during April. These extensions bring the total man-months gained through extensions during 1968 to 264. The major incentive for extensions of overseas tour was the special 30-day leave program. During the month of April this battalion had no major administration problems. The joining of three 1041 Sergeants during the month stablized the battalion's administratve staff. The S-1 continues to support two and one-third additional companies, without augementation of administrative personnel. During the month great emphasis has been placed on the reduction of late entries and late unit diaries by a system of checks at battalion, this system has proven itself by reducing the unit diary error rate to .1 percent (only one error reported for all companies). The battalion's morale during this period was excellent although all personnel were required to work long hour in varied jobs. A total of 14 casualties were sustained during April, three med-evac, and 11 non-med-evac. There were 2 non-hostile casualties. There were eight punishments under Article 15. ENCLOSURE (1) 2 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] INTELLIGENCE WEATHER: April high mean temperature wa 87 degrees the low 71 degrees. This wa within the 25 year mean of 86 degrees and 73 degrees respectively. Rainfall totaled 1.27 inches again around the 25 year average of 1.30 inches. INTELLIGENCE: An analysis of the enemy during April indicates, as in March, he avoided major contact with US forces in the 1st Marine Division TAOR. Those actions that were initiated consisted of limited ground action, attacks by fire, acts of terrorism and interdiction of LOC. The continuing progress of the enemy's East to West road network remains of interest due to the possible introduction of tracked vehicles into the I Corps Tactical Zone. In the DaNang TAOR enemy activity consisted mostly of harassment of patrols and outposts while replenishing units and gathering rice. Towards th end of the month low level agent reports. indicating continued preparation for a future offensive, increased. Accompaning the agent reports was an increase in interdiction of friendly LOC in the Southern DaNang TAOR. Increased reports of unconventiona warfare terrorists groups in the DaNang area has made it paramount to increase individual discipline and area security to avoid an increase in incidents that would compromise the US image in the eyes of the Vietnamese people. In the Task Force X-Ray TAOR enemy initiated activity increased slightly during the reporting period as did friendly activity. Allied forces continued to make significant contact thoughout April. Of interest is the significant increase in incidents of enemy bodies left on the battlefield, indicating deterioration in discipline among enemy forces. The First Tank Battalion experienced 4 mine incidents as compared with 13 during this period in 1967. There was one RPG incident during April. In the Southern Sector AOR, low level agents reports toward the end of April paralleled the increased reports throughout the DaNang area. Targets of future enemy activity mentioned were Cau Do and Tuy Loan Bridges, Hill 34 Complex and Hoa Cam Training Center. It is expected that the period of 1 May to 20 May will mark an increased in enemy initiated activity thoughout the 1st Marine Division TAOR. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [3] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] TRAINING AND OPERATIONS During the month of April the 1st Tank Battalion participated in one major operation and one special project. One platoon, Company A (-) (Rein), and one platoon of Ontos, Company A (-) (Rein), (Antitanks) supported the 5th Marines in Operaton Baxter Garden during the period 22 April to 26 April. This operation was conducted in the area of (YD 8822 to YD 9714). Project Woodpecker was a land clearing project which was carried out south of DaNang by 1st Division Marines. Company B participated in the project by providing a tank equipped with a blade for heavy clearing work. The clearing was completed to deny hostile forces ambush and rocket sites. Company A (-) (Rein) is located in the Phu Bai/Gia Le area in direct support of Task Force X-Ray. The majority of tank-infantry operations were conducted East of Highway One (1). Additional support of the Phu Bai Defense Command have been conducted with a heavy section of M48A3 gun tanks. Company B (Rein) provided support for several company size operations during the month of April. The terrain in 7th Marines AOR has become increasingly trafficable for tracked vehicles and it is anticipated that tank-infantry operations will increase during the dry season. Security for road sweeps and command posts was also provided during the month. Company C (-) (Rein) remains in direct support of 3rd Battalion 27th Marines and the 2nd ROK Brigade in the Hoi An area. The 3rd Platoon remains attached to Company B, 1st Tank Battalion and is located at An Hoa. Company A (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion, remains in direct support of Task Force X-Ray with headquarters at Gia Le. The Company provided a platoon in support of Operation Baxter Garden during April. They also provided vehciles in support of smaller operations conducted by 1/27 and 5th Marines. A platoon is also provided for the support of the Phu Bai Defense Command. Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Battalion, is in general support of the 1st Marine Division with two platoons supporting the 27th Marines. The 3rd Platoon provides security for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges in the Southern Sector Defense Command and is an element of the Division Reserve. The task organization for the 1st Tank Battalion(Rein) is as follows: Company A (-) (Rein): D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [4] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Company B (Rein): D/S 7th Marines (DaNang) Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Bn: G/S 1st Mar Div (DaNang) Two platoons: D/S 27th Marines (DaNang) Company C (-) (Rein): G/S 1st Mar Div (DaNang) 1st Platoon: D/S 2nd Brigade ROKMC (Hoi An) 2nd Platoon: D/S 3rd Bn, 27th Marines (DaNang) Company A (Rein), 1st AT Bn: D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) During the month of April the M67A2 flame tanks expended approximately 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel and napalm on assigned missions in the 1st Marine Division AOR. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 60 patrols and ambushes in the Battalion Area of Responsibility and responded with two special activities of platoon size in the SSDC AOR. Total ammunition expended during April by the 1st Tank Battalion follows: 106mm HE WP APERS-T CAN .30 Cal .50 Cal HE APERS-T Direct 257 18 17 15 9,100 6,100 29 4 Indirect 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 257 18 17 15 9,100 6,100 29 4 The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during April follows: VC/NVA KIA - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 VCC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 VCS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 TANK OPERATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 SSKC OPERATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 USMC WIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 MED-EVAC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 NON-EVAC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 WEAPONS CAPTURED: None ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [5] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Training for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) was centered on Weapons Safety, M67A2 crewman training, General Military Subjects and special classes taught by 1st Division Mobile Training Team instructors. Subjects covered in the semi-monthly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO's School were Helicopterborne Operations and the M-16 Rifle. Southern Sector Dedense Command The Commandin Officer, 1st Tank Battalion through the 1st Tank Battalion COC, continues to initiate and control defensive activities within the Southern Sector, 1st Marine Division Rear. During the month 720 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units including three special activities varying from platoon (-) to platoon (Rein) in size. On 8 April the SSDC COC received an intelligence report that VC were Cam Hoa village at (AT976702). Two platoons from Hoa Cam Training Center conducted a search of the area resulting in 4 VCS which were turned over to DaNang Special Sector Headquarters. A Kit Carson scout reported to the S-2, 27th Marines that he knew of a VC female living in Phong Bac village near the Song Cau Do Bridge. A fire team from the bridge was dispatched and apprehended the girl who was taken to 27th Marines for interrogation. From 090800H to 121145H a SSDC platoon plus two squads of Regional Forces from Hoa Cam Training Center conducted a four day sweep and clear operation from NS98 gridline west to 94 grid line and south from the EW71 grid line to the bank of the Tuy Loan River. The R. F. were used during the day to contact villagers and attempt to extract information on VC activity in the area. At night, squad ambushes were established, concentrating on the northern bank of the Tuy Loan River. Two medcaps were conducted in Cm Hoa (1) and Cam Hoa (2). There was negative enemy contact during the operation. At 120400H, two VC terrorists entered a Hamlet (AT947708), killing six civilians and wounding four children. An RF Force swept the area with negative contact. At 131030H, a boat in the Cau Do River (AT993703) was fired on by ARVN on the Southern bank. The boat beached on the north bank and the occupants returned fire. A reaction force was dispatched by 7th Communications Battalion resulting in one VC suspect who was turned over to ITT. At 150015H, 7th Engineer Battalion patrol member was wounded in the shoulder (AT947710). The wound could have been caused by a booby trap but no search was conducted. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [6] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] At 152300H, a fire team size patrl operating from OP Bear received one enemy grenade (AT954703) resulting in one (1) WIA (non-evac). A search proved negative. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [7] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] LOGISTICS On 30 April 1968 1st Tank Battalion has a shortage of the following 7 major end items that are considered critical: three High Pressure Cleaning Units(steam jenny), one M37 3/4 ton truck, five M38A1 1/4 ton trucks, two M48A3 tanks, one M51 VTR, one 30 KW generator, and four Xenon searchlights. This Command received 142 badly needed sections of Ontos track, three M60 Machineguns to fill T/E deficiencies, numerous repair parts, items of clothing, 782 gear, and one M51 VTR under the R&E program. The Division Command Material Management Inspection was conducted on 15 April. All sections concerned began correcting discrepancies im- mediately after the inspection. Major supply activity in the month of April centered around the dis- position of excess items on hand and recording the receipt of mount out gear that arrived with Company B, 5th Tank Battalion. Transportation of cargo and personnel to units in the field presented no major problems this month. Rough Rider convoys to te Phu Bai TAOR have proved valuable in transporting equipment to units in that area. During this month 48 personnel were transported by LCU. The motor transport platoon logged a total of 31,272 miles, hauled 602 1/4 S/T of cargo, and transported 13,427 passengers in the I Corps area during April. The performance of te Battalion Maintenance Platoon was again excellent and again resulted in very low deadline percentage for April. During this reporting period three tanks were damaged by mines. All were repaired at 2nd Echelon maintenance facilities of this command. The M51 VTR received in April under the R&E program enables the Tank Maintenance Section to maintain a marginally satisfactory lift and recovery/capability. A major problem in the maintenance area stems from the fact that the lathe motor has been evacuated to 3rd FSR for rapid repair and this severly limits the sections machine shop capability. There is no known completion date for this assembly even though it has been designated Red Ball. Aside from the lathe motor, field maintenance support has been excellent, particularly in the area of maintenance contact teams. Authorized selective interchange of certain repair parts is still considered to be a key factor in the rapid removal of damaged vehicles from deadline. During April the 1st Engineer Battalion constructed an alternate COC bunker (20X24X8) and an emergency medical bunker (10X10X8). An ENCLOSURE (1) (MARKED OUT) (8) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] additional ammo bunker (10X24X8) was also approved and construction will begin as soon as materials are available. Upgrading and improvement the cantonment entrance road has also been approved and will commence when materials are available. Replacement of the main sewage system was necessary due to the rapid deterioration of the old system. Navy Public Words [?Works] (Mr. Fixit) came to the cantonment durin April to make several minor plumbling, electrical and carpentry repairs. Also a new 500 man messhall was approved and construction was started on 9 April. Completion is expected after mid-June. Service of the Vietnamese concession and Korean PX laundry were satisfactory this month and it is expected that they will continue to operate smoothly. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [8] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] COMMUNICATION - ELECTRONICS The first 14 days of April were devoted to preparation for the Division Command Material Inspection. This inspection was conducted on 15 April and divided into two areas, Operational Communications and Electronics Maintenance. Operational Communications was given a rating of satisfactory with minor discrepencies, while Electronics Maintenance was considered unsatisfactory with a re-inspection scheduled for 31 May. A new maintenance system was devised along the guidelines provided by the Division Inspection Team. A concerted effort is being made to upgrade the level of Electronics Maintenance. An electronics contact team was dispatched to the Hue, Phu Bai area on 21 April. This team is to inspect, repair and adjust all communications equipment of Company A, 1st Tank Battalion and Company A, 1st ATBn, 1st Tank Battalion to insure the maximum efficiency of operation. The communications of Company A, was inspected on 21 April and found to be satisfactory with minor discrepencies. Twenty Five April commenced installation of an independent telephone communication system to service the alternate COC bunker now under construction. On 26 April the communication section commenced relaying the wire system for the Cau Do Bridge Security Force. This is being done to improve telephone communications and to facilitate trouble shooting of the system. The 5th Ontos of 1st Platoon, Company B, 5th Anti-Tanks Bn arrved on 26 April. On 27 April communication modification was completed with the installation of a Radio Set AN/VRC-71. During 1st Tank Battalion's modification program a total of 79 track vehicles have been modified. The Battalion Communication Center processed a total of 1150 messages during the month. Of these 1150 messages, 980 were incoming and 170 outgoing. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [9] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] MEDICAL There were 821 Sick Call visits during the month of April. Four- hundred and twenty-one immunizations were given and 64 tuberculin skin tests were administered. Fourteen men were wounded as a result of hostile action. Of these, six were hospitalized and eight were treated and returned to duty. There were 22 men on the Sick List during April. Five of these were carried over from the previous month. Of the 17 admitted to the Sick List during April, seven were medical illnesses, six were hostile injuries and four were non-hostile injuries and one man who sus- tained a non-hostile injury was evacuated out of country. Total man- days lost to the battalion secondary to illiness or injury was 127. A quarterly Medical Technical Inspection was conducted by the Division Surgeon's Office on 22 April. There were discrepancies noted in Supply and Health Records. An overall satisfactory was attained. All discrepancies have been corrected. A case of plague was discovered in one of the MEDCAP villages. Medical Section personnel, in conjunction with the Preventive Medicine Unit, Naval Support Activity and COORDS*, gave approximately 1200 plague immunizations in the Civil Affairs Area of Responsibility. There were five cases of veneral disease diagnosed and treated, four of which were contracted in the DaNang area. There were no personnel changes during the month. *[CORDS] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [10] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] CIVIC ACTION The CA Team put most of its effort into continuing the Pig Breeding Farm project. General Repairs were made at main farm and at two satelite farms. With the aid of the Army Veterinarian, all pigs were treated for mange. Other diseases were treated as they occured. Over all the pigs seem to be in good health. The MEDCAP program continued, at five spots in Phong Bac Hamlet and the Dependents Housing area at Hoa Cam Trainig Center, each receiving medical attention once a week. In addition two special Medcaps were run in Hoa Thinh Village, in support of a SSDC Operation. Treatments at MEDCAPS numbered 225 adults and 660 children. One case of Plague was diagnosed in Phong Bac Hamlet. A Team from the Preventive Medicine Unit at NSA aided by our Medcap personnel, innoculated 1200 people in Phong Bac and Yen Bac Hamlets on 19 and 20 April. The PSYOPS program continued to emphasize "VC disregard for civilian lives" and "Don't let VC take your rice" by leaflet drops in surrounding villages. In late April liason was mad with the Army 29th Civil Affairs Com- pany. They expect to have a platoon working out of the 1st Division CP, and we should be able to coordinate on projects, although none are presently planned. During April the following materials were distributed: 16,300 pounds of garbage 150 Bars of soap 1/2 Truck load of dunage ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [11] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 1 April 1968: At 011150H, two Company B, 5th Tank Battalion flame tanks, in support of an ARVN sweep, uncovered a grave containing the body of a VC. Results, one (1) VC KIA claimed by ARVN. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 1Apr68, Entry 8) 3 April 1968: At 030140H, two Company C tanks (AT993578) received rocket, mortar fire and tear gas. The tanks returned fire but C25 received one (1) RPG rocket through the compensating idler resulting in minor damage and no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 3Apr68, Entry 1) 5 April 1968: At 051000H, a Company C tank, while supporting the ROKMC, found one (1) bangalore torpedo, two (2) 50 pound shaped charges, one (1) 122mm rocket and one (1) 81mm mortar round (AT993582). These items were blown in place. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5Apr68, Entry 6) 6 April 1968: At 061950H, two Company C tanks (AT991576) received five incoming 122mm rocket rounds resulting in two (2) USMC WIA (non-evac). There was no damage to the vehicles. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6Apr68, Entry 8) 9 April 1968: At 090200H, two Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tanks in support of 2.27 repelled a company size probing action with .30 and .50 caliber machine gun resulting is four (4) VC KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 9Apr68, Entry 5) 12 April 1968: At 121735H, a Company B tank (AT876578) spotted one (1) VC crossing the Song The Bon (AT845552). The tank fired 90mm resulting in one (1) VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 12Apr68, Entry 7). At 121755H, two Company A Ontos in support of 1/27 were movng into a blocking position when four (4) VC were observed running across a paddy at (YD 818248). Machine guns were fired resulting in one (1) VC KIA. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 18 April 1968) 13 April 1968: At 131400H, Company B, 1/27 was heavily engaged with the enemy at (YD 835237) and (YD 831239). The 3rd Platoon (Antitanks) moved to position and fired 106 rifle resulting in four (4) VC KIA and no friendly casualties. (Ref: Antitank SITREP 18 April 1968) ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [12] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] At 131615H, the 3rd Platoon (Antitanks) set up a blocking force in support of a 1/27 sweep. The Ontos fired 106mm and .30 caliber machine gun resulting in three (3) NVA KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 18 April 1968) 14 April 1968: At 142045H, the 3/27 CP received approximately 20 82mm mortar rounds resulting in three (3) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 14Apr68 Entry 8) 16 April 1968: At 160900H, two Company C tanks were in support of a ROKMC company (BT 160580) when C24 struck a 250 pound mine resulting in moderate damage and two (2) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 16Apr68, Entry 5) At 161700H, an unknown size VC force ambushed a resupply convoy at (AT 982637). Two Company B, 5th Tank Battalion vehicles reacted with 90mm and .30 caliber machine gun forcing the enemy to break contact and resulting in 2 VCS. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 17Apr68, Entry 1) 17 April 1968: AT 171740H, the 1.27 Base Camp near Hue received 15 rounds of 82mm mortar from an unknown position.. The 3rd Platoon (Antitank) sustained one (1) WIA (med-evac) in the action. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 18 April 1968) 19 April 1968: At 100915H, a Company B tank hit a mine (AT 964688) resulting in light damage and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 19Apr68, Entry 7) 21 April 1968: At 210945H, a Company b crewman dismounted from his tank to converse with the infantry. While on foot he detonated a booby trapped 60mm mortar round resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 21Apr68, Entry 6) 22 April 1968: At 221530H, two Company A tanks came to the aid of an infantry squad which was under intense enemy fire at (YD 810252). The tanks fired 90mm and .30 caliber machine gun resulting in two (2) VC KIA. Ref: Company A SpotRpt of 221530H) ` ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED UP] [13] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 23 April 1968: At 231630H, a Company C tank while in support of Company I, 3/27, struck a 60 pound mine resulting in moderate damage and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 23Apr68, Entry 7) At 231915H while providing security for a 2/5 LZ units of the 3rd Platoon, Company A, come under small arms fire and received 15-20 rounds of 60mm mortar fire. There was no damage to the tanks but one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac) was sustained. (Ref: Company A SpotRpt of 231915H) 25 April 1968: At 251330H, two H&S Company tanks in support of 3/27 received sniper fire (BT 059631). The tanks returned 90mm with unknown results but one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 25Apr68, Entry 6) At 251900H, Echo Company 2/5 was pinned down by heavy fire (YD 945192). The 3rd Platoon, Company A responded with 90mm, .30 and .50 caliber resulting in five (5) NVA KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: Company A SpotRpt of 251900H) 26 April 1968: At 260830H, a Company B tank returning from a road sweep detonated a booby trap consisting of 60mm mortar rounds on both side of the road. An ambush was also triggered at this time. The tank returned fire with .50 caliber and a mortar mission was called by the infantry with unknown results. Friendly casualties were one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 26Apr68, Entry 5) 28 April 1968: At 281415H, a Company C flame tank struck an 90 pound box mine (BT 063635) resulting in light damage and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 29Apr68) [14] DECLASSIFIED |
CLICK THE BANNER ABOVE TO RETURN TO THE COMMAND CHRONOLOGY INDEX OR CLICK THE BANNER BELOW TO RETURN TO THE ONTOS CREWMEN WEBSITE MAIN PAGE |
