DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 Copy___of ___Copies 2/RHT/jjn 5750 9 June 1968 [MARKED OUT] From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding Officer, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF, c/o FPO, San Francisco, 96602 Subj: Command Chronology for the period 1-31 May 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 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] H. W. HITTE [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFED |
DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 [MARKED OUT] COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 May 1968 to May 31 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 H. W. HITTE 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1-31 May 1968 1st MarDiv (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Maj L. A. GILDERSLEEVE 1-31 May 1968 Company A (-) Capt C. R. CASEY 1-31 May 1968 Company B (Rein) Capt G. J. MURDOCK `1-31 May 1968 Company C (-) (Rein) Capt G. P. BRODEUR 1-31 May 1968 Company A (Rein), 1st ATBn 1stLt G. J. TAYLOR 1-21 May 1968 1stLt D. MORRIS 22-31 May 1968 Company B, 5th TKBn 1stLt R. M. JOHNSTONE 1-31 May 1968 2. LOCATION Headquarters (AT 997723) H&S Company (AT 997723) Company A (YD 815165) Company B (AT 962621) Company C (BT 062644) Company A, 1st ATBn (YD 813165) Company B, 5th TKBn (AT 997723) 3. STAFF OFFICERS Battalion Executive Officer Maj P. G. RADTKE 1-10 May 1968 Maj D. R. DICKEY 11-31 May 1968 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1- 31 May 1968 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt R. T. HOPKINS 1-31 May 1968 Battalion S-3 Officer Maj D. R. DICKEY 1-10 May 1968 Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 11-31 May 1968 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj J. A. SCHUYLER 1-31 May 1968 Battalion S-5/Civic Action Officer 1stLt R. C. HOLLITZ 1-31 May 1968 4. AVERAGE MONTHLY STRENGTH USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 48 970 1 16 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 1 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION The total strength of the 1st Tank Battalion is 48 Marine Officers, one Naval officer, 970 Marines enlisted, and 16 Naval enlisted. The battalion joined 4 Marine officers and 75 Marine enlisted. The battalion anticipate the loss of 3 Marine officers and 38 Marine enlisted during the month of June 1968. During May the battalion fowarded 1 request for a 3 month ex- tension and 6 requests for extensions of six months, which brings the total man-months gained through extension during 1968 to 303. The major incentive for extensions continues to be the special 30 da leave program. This Battalion had no descrepancies in administrative areas and the S-1 continues to support two and one third additional companies without augmentation of adminstrative personnel. During the month the S-1 joined a Sergeant 0141, with this addition to the staff a reorganization of the casualty and personnel section was made making the submission and control of reports more positive. The reorganization also relieved the administrative chief of some of his work load allowing him to devote more time to the problem areas in company reporting. In this area the S-1 will be sending a representative to each company during the next month to hold school in areas the companies seem to be having trouble with. It is hoped that this will result in more timely and accurate reporting by the companies. The battalion morale during the period continues to be above average though long hours prevail on many of the varied jobs. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 2 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Intelligence Weather: In the DaNang area for the month of May the mean high temperature was 94 degrees, the low 77 degrees. This was above the 25 year mean of 91and 75 repectively. Rainfall for this month was 0.78 as compared with a 25 year average of 2.60. Intelligence: Enemy activity increased significantly during the month of May. Attacks by fire, terrorists, sabotage and harassment were prevalent. On 5 May the well coordinated attacks throughout South Vietnam were felt in the DaNang AO by attacks by fire and limited enemy initiated ground activity. The threat of a ground attack against the DaNang Vital Area felt to be imminent during the first 20 days of May never materialized. In the second half of the month enemy initiated activity decreased but remained above average. Perhaps with the advent of Operations Allen Brook and Mameluke Thrust, enemy base and assembly areas were interdicted to such an extent that plans to initiate significant ground activity were canceled. In the Danang AOR low level agent reports at the end of April increased to a level witnessed before the TET Offensive. All evidence pointed to a planned enemy ground attack against the Vital Area during early May as a propaganda victory prior to the opening of peace talk. Although on 5 May a well coordinated attack by fire plus limited ground attacks took place, no ground activity to the extent forecast materialized. During this period DaNang City security elements uncovered substantial weapons caches and infiltration of munitions indicating a renewed enemy threat to GVN and FWF installations within the city proper. Enemy reconnaissance activity remained at a high level throughtout the month of May. Towards the end of the reporting period enemy initiated activity decreased but remained above average and was concentrated in the southern DaNang TAOR. The most sign- ificant enemy contacts have occurred on the Goi Noi Island as a result of Operation Allen Brook where a new, well equipped enemy unit (2nd and 3rd Bn, 338th Regt, 306th NVA Div) was identified by the27th Marine Regiment. Significant contacts occurred also on Operation Mameluke Thrust (7th Marines) in the Thuong Duc Valley area. In this operation the 1st Bn, 136th Regt, 306th NVA Div indentified. Enemy activity n the Task Force X-Ray AOR paralled the DaNang AOR. Attacks were significant in number but not in magnitude. The majority of enemy resistance continues to be centered around the Hue/Phu Bai area. The enemy continues harassment by fire and terrorists attacks along the coastal region as well as interdiction of Highway 1. Activity decreased towards the end of the month. One enemy initiated incident of note was the ground attack on the night of 20 -21 May on Gia Le Combat Base by an estimated company of well equipped NVA. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 3 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] This was the first time this area has been subjected to a ground attack. During May the 1st Tank Battalion experience 12 mines, eleven hit by tanks and one hit by a truck (M-54). This compares favorably with 15 hits during this same period last year. There were12 tanks and [?] ontos hit by from one to five RPG's. The number of the new Russian RPG's in the TAOR continue to increase. The enemy no longer fear tanks to the extent they have in the past and seem to be willing to engage tanks at close quarters as result of the effectiveness of this new weapon. The Southern Sector Defense Command experienced an increase in activity paralleling the increase throughout the AOR. All during the period patrols and OP reported movement in small groups or individuals in the area immediately north of the Cau Do River. Kit Carson scouts stationed at the Tuy Loan Bridge reported VC/NVA units had moved in to the west of this area and were poised such as to present a threat to the bridge and Company C, 7th Engineers CP. On the night of 22- 23 May a 7th Comm ambush killed 1 VC in the area of (AT 980703). Examination of personal effects showed him to be from the military arm of Group 44 on an assassination and possible recon mission. Sighting of movement at night towards the end of the reporting period decreased to a normal level and agent reports of threat to the area showed a sharp decline. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 4 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] TRAINING AND OPERATIONS During the month of May the 1st Tank Battalion participated in three major operations. Operation Allen Brook kickee off on 4 May with units of 7th Marines and thirteen (13) tanks from Company B, 1st Tank Battalion and Company B, 5th Tank Battalion. Enemy contact was heavy and tanks accounted for [68 ?] enemy KIA. Movement for tanks was channelized in the area of operations, however, and they were pulled out and are now being used as a reaction force from Phu Loc (6). The tanks which are now employed are from Company C, 1st Tank Battalion and Company B, 5th Tank Battalion. Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, committed a platoon of tanks to Operation Mameluke Thrust. The tanks of the 1st Marine Division reserve force were also committed to the operation. The area of operations was excellent for tanks and many enemy kills were accounted for. A heavy section of tanks from Company A was operating with the 101st Airborne in the Hue area since 24 May. The operation was named Nevada Eagle and has resulted in several significant contants with the enemy. Company A (-) (Rein) is located in the Phu Bai/Gia Le area in direct support of Task Force X-Ray. In addition to the defense of the Phu Bai area, the company has a heavy section of tanks attached to the 101st Airborne and these tanks were utilized in Operation Nevada Eagle in the area of (YD 8329)[?]. Company B (Rein) was heavily committed during the month in support of operation in the 7th Marines area. The company is also preparing a platoon to send afloat with the 2/7 SLF. Trafficability in the 7th Marines area of operation continues to improve with the dry season. Some rice paddies are being flooded in preparation for the rice crop but this will not seriously impede the movement of tanks. Company C (-) (Rein) had a heavy section of tanks in direct support of 1.27 on Operation Allen Brook. The company also had a platoon in direct support of the 2nd ROK Brigade at Hoi An. The remainder of the tanks were in direct support of 3/27 which is in the Marble Moutain 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. On 18 May the 3rd Platoon was placed in direct support of the 101st Airborne for use in Operation Nevada Eagle which that unit is conducting in its area of operations. Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Battalion was in general support of the 1st Marine Division with two platoons supporting the 27th Marines. The 3rd 5 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Platoon provided security for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges in the Southern Sector Defense Command and was an element of the Division Reserve. Six tanks of the Division Reserve were committed to Operation Mameluke Thrust since 18 May and a heavy section of these vehicles remains in support of that activity. The task organization of the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is as follows: Company A (-) (Rein): D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) One platoon heavy section attached to the 101st Airborne (Quang Diem) Company B (Rein): D/S 7th Marines (Da Nang) Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Bn: G/S 1st Mar Div (Da Nang) Two platoons: D/S 27th Marines (Da Nang) Company C (-) (Rein): G/S 1st Mar Div (Da Nang) 1st Platoon: D/S 2nd Brigade ROKMC (Hoi An) 2nd Platoon: D/S 3rd Bn, 27th Marines (Da Nang) Company A (Rein), 1st AT Bn: D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) One platoon: attached to 101st Airborne (Quang Diem) Division Reserve: G/S 1st Mar Div (Da Nang) During the month of May the M67A2 flame tanks expended approximately 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel and napalm on assigned missions in the 1st Marine Division AOR. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 62 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 May by the 1st Tank Battalion follows: 106mm HE WP APERS-T CAN .30 Cal. .50 Cal. HE APERS-T Direct 572 72 118 159 61,600 13,500 120 15 Indirect 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 572 72 118 159 61,600 13,500 120 15 6 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during May follow: VC/NVA KIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- 205 VCC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 VCS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 USMC KIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 TANK OPERATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 SSDC OPERATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 USMC WIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40 MED-EVAC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 NON-EVAC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23 WEAPONS CAPTURED: six (6) AK-47's, one (1) AK-50, one (1) heavy machinegun, one (1) B.A.R., two (2) RPG's, two (2) RPG 7s, numerous Chicom grenades, B 40 rockets and 7.62 mm ammunition. Training for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) was centered on General Military Subjects and Weapons Safety. The classes for M67A2 crewmen were continued for the companies. Subjects covered in the semi-monthly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO's School were Communications Security and Supporting Arms Fire Adjustment and Control. Southern Sector Defense Command The Commanding 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, 744 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units. At 070650H, a 1st Tank Battalion 6x6 truck struck a mine at (AT963709) resulting in four (4) USMC WIA (med-evac) and heavy damage to the vehicle. This was the first mine to be struck on this road in a year and the road is now being swept daily. At 080105H, the Hill 34 complex received approximately thirty (30) 122mm rockets. There was extensive property damage but only one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). At 090040H, the 1st Tank Battalion CP received one (1) rocket round near the main gate. Results were one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac) with no materiel [sic] damage. At 220100H, a fire team size ambush from 7th Communications Battalion saw a man running at (AT 980703). The ambush fired at the man resulting in one (1) VC KIA. The man was carrying a map, binoculars and assorted other gear. There were no friendly casualties. 7 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Logistics On 31 May 1968 the 1st Tank Battalion had a shortage of the following 28 major end items that are considered particularly critical: three High Pressure Cleaning Units (steam jenny), one M37 3/4T truck, one M48A3 tank, one M51 VTR, one 39 KW generator, six 50 caliber machineguns, nine 30 caliber machineguns, and six Xenon searchlights. To fill T/E deficiencies this Command received five M422A1 1/4T trucks as temporary substitute items for five M38A1 1/4T truck deficiencies, ten M54A2C 5T multi-fuel trucks and one M49A2C refueler. Also received were 447 blocks of tank track, fifty-two sections of Ontos track and two 106mm recoilless rifles. At present tank track is considered extremely critical by this Command. Over 5,000 blocks are now on order and every effort is being made to ensure rapid delivery. In general supply activities operated routinely and efficiently during this reporting period with major emphasis placed on equipping a tank platoon from this Command for SLF deployment. To major problems were encountered in the transportation of cargo and personnel to our units in the field this month. Again rough rider convoys to the Phu Bai TAOR have been invaluable in transporting equipment to our units in that area. During this period 32 personnel were transported to Phu Bai by air, and two tracked vehicles plus crews were transported by LCU. Also three vision ring modification kits were sent ot An Hoa by helicopter. The motor transport platoon logged a total of 28,002 miles, hauled 700 1/2 S/T of cargo and transported 12, 121 passengers in the I Corps area during May. The accomplishments of the Battalion Maintenance platoon were more than satisfactory in view of the increased number of vehicles sustaining damage : 17 this month (opposed to 3 last month) in combat. Eleven of these 17 were mine damaged with the remaining six being hit by RPG's. With the exception of five awaiting parts of second echelon and one at 1st FSR for power pack repairs, all mine damaged vehicles were repaired by this Command. Five of the RPG damaged vehicles have been repaired by this Command with the sixth still undergoing repair as of this date. The lack of sufficient lift capability continues to plague the Battalion's maintenance effort. With one M51 VTR T/E deficiency, two at 1st FSR for repair and both M543A2C wreckers authorized this Command deadlined we must rely on outside assistance (which is not always available) to keep an effective maintenance effort going. The machine shop capability of the maintenance platoon also continues to be limited because the lathe motor has been evacuated for repair. This assembly has been designated red ball. Field maintenance support was good ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 8 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] during the reporting period with the exception of the Direct Exchange Program. 1st FSR does not have sufficient assets to maintain a satisfactory DX program. Authorized selective interchange continues to be a key factor in obtaining tracked vehicle repair parts. Construction on the new 500 man mess hall progressed well this month and completion is still expected around 1 July 1968. The perimeter defenses have been continuously improved during this month, particularly by the replacement of unserviceable sand bags and the adding of overhead protection to some of the fighting positions. The proprietor of he Vietnamese Gift Shop completely renovated the shop to include a new overhead, display wares and shelves, as well as an increase in both amount and variety of stock. Service of the Korean Laundry continues to be satisfactory. A portrait printing concession was recently approved by this Command and service is expected to start around 15 June 1968. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 9 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Communications - Electronics Activities during the month of May in the area of communications were directed twoard improving some areas of the 1st Tank Battalion cantonment. Installation of communication facilities were continued in the newly contructed alternate COC bunker. Also continued was the improvement of the internal telephone system by replacement of five pair cable with twenty-five pair cable. A new telephone wiring system for the Cau Do Bridge security element was completed during the month. During th emonth a trunk line between Hoa Bang District Headquarters and 1st Tank Battalion Headqarters was completed. In addition, cable pair from the 1st Marine Division was requested for the purpose of establishing a direct line between Hoa Vang and 1st Tank Battalion. The 1st Tank Battalion is sending one platoon of tanks afloat with BLT 2/7 in June and preparations of this platoon in the area of communications were commenced during May. The comucications section of Company B and Company A, 1st Antitank Battalion were inspected by a battalion team during this period and found to be satisfactory with minor discrepancies. On 31 May, 1st Tank Battalion was re-inspected in the electrnics main- tenance area. The division team announced a rating of satisfactory. During the month of May, 1232 incoming messages and 173 outgoing messsages were processed by the 1st Tank Battalion communications center. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 10 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Medical There were 771 Sick Call visits during the month of May. Four- hundred and twenty-six immunizations were given and 55 tuberculin skin tests were administered. Forty men were wounded as a result of hostile action. Of these, ninteen were hospitalized and twenty-one were treated and returned to duty. There were 46 men on the Sick List during May. Three of these were carried over from th eprevious month. Of the 43 admitted to Sick List during May, nineteen were medical illnessses, ninteen were hostile injuries and five were non-hostile injuries. There were four fatalities resulting from hostile injuries. Thre were fourteen men evacuated out of country: eight hostile injuries, three non- hostile injures and tree medical illnesses. Total man-days lost to the battalion secondary to illness or injury was 186 days. A sanitation inspection of the1st Tank Battalion cantonement by Preventive Medicine Secion, 1st Marine Division was conducted with an overall evaluation of "very good". There were four cases of venereal disease diagnosed and treated three of which were contracted in the DaNang area. One [????] Corpsman was detached from the BAS, rotating to CONUS for seperation. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 11 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] Civic Action The majority of the S-5 section's time was put into the Phong Bac Pig Project. Daily garbage runs took up the mornings. The Army Veterinarian was called in to check some sick pigs, and at the end of the month to innoculate all pigs for cholera. In the MEDCAP area, it was decided that many children were goin to two or more MEDCAPs only for free cough syrup. So the number of areas visited was decreased to three. There are the Market Place and Old School in Phong Bac and Hoa Cam Dependents housing. A proposal is being consider- ed to build an aid station for Vietnamese just outside our front gate. If accepted, this station would serve all the people in Phong Bac, and MEDCAPs would be discontinued in the hamlet. A total of 230 adults and 502 children were treated during May. In the PSYOPS field, leaflets were distributed daily, emphasizing "Support GVN", "Sanitation" and "Rewards". On 14 and 30 May the Audio-Visual Team frm Division showed movies at the Vietnamese Theater. These movies, a mixture of cartoons, Pro- GVN and Sanitation, were well received by approximately 350 people each night. During May the following materials were distributed: a. 20,000 pounds of garbage b. 160 bars of soap c. 4 sheets of tin 12 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 2 May 1968: At 021430H, three gun tanks and one flame tank from Company B, 5th Tank Battalion and H&S Company were involved in a clearing operation at (BT 088627) when they uncovered a grave containing one (1) VC and assorted web gear. Results were one (1) VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 2 May 1968, Entry 1) 3 May 1968: At 030900H, a Company C tank in support of a sweep received one RPG hit in the #2 roadwheel on the right side. All tanks returned fire but no search was made. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 3 May 1968, Entry3) At 031015H, Company B tanks in support of a sweep received small arms fire from a treeline at (AT918526). The tanks returned fire resulting in one (1) VC KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 3 May 1968, Entry 7) At 031930H, Company A tanks sighted five enemy with weapons at (YD??4234) and took them under fire with 90mm cannon and .30 caliber machinegun. Results were three (3) NVA KIA with no friendly casualties. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 031930H) 4 May 1968: At 041015H, a Company B tank struck a 65 pound mine at (AT 940580) while proceeding to Hill 37 on Liberty road. Damage to the vehicle was light and there was one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal 4 May 1968, Entry 6) At 041015, a tank of Company B, 5th Tank Battalion fired 90mm at enemy spotted at (AT 940532) resulting in seven (7) VC KIA and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 4 May 1`968, Entry 7) 5 May1968: At 050205H, the Company C C.P. received eleven rounds of mortar fire resulting in two (2) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5 May 1968, Entry 1) At 050235H, the C.P. of the 1st Platoon, Company C located at (BT 102582) received fifteen rounds of rockets and twelve rounds of mortars resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5 May 1968, Entry 3) At 050330H, the perimeter of Company d, 1/27 at (YD 835244) came under ground attack by an estimated company of NVA. Company A Ontos received two RPG hits and all vehicles on the scene returned fire with 106mm and 13 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] .30 caliber machinegun resulting in one (1) NVA KIA and one (1) AK-47 captured. The Ontos received moderate damage from the rockets but there were no friendly casualties. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 9 May 1968) At 052015H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank in support of Company G, 3/27 at (BT 018622) received one RPG hit in the sponson box with no resulting friendly casualties. The tank returned fire with unknown results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5 May 1968, Entry 15) 6 May 1968: At 060330H, the Company B C.P. at (AT 964613) received three mortar rounds resulting in two (2) USMC WIA (non-evac) and one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 May 1968, Enry 1) At 060945H, a Company B tank struck a mine at (AT 951664) while escorting an engineer sweep team. Damage to the tank was heavy but there were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 May 1968, Entry 6) At 061015H, a heavy section of tanks from Company , 5th Tank Battalion, while in support of Company G, 3/27 at (BT 005619) received small arms and antitank rocket fire. The tanks returned fire with unknown results. All three tanks received a total of six RPG hits resulting in three (3) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 May 1968, Entry 9) 7 May 1968: At 071245H, an infantry unit was sweeping through a ville at (AT 971546) with tanks of Company B when small arms fire was received. The tank commander of the lead tank was struck between the eyes and killed instantly. Fire was returned but enemy casualties are unknown. Friendly casualties were one (1) USMC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 7 May 1968, Entry 9) At 071830H, approximately six mortars were taken at (AT 965551) where tanks of Company B, 5th Tank Battalion were set in. Friendly casualties were two (2) USMC WIA 9 (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 7 May 1968, Entry 11) At 071900H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank (AT 965551) received four hits by RPGs. There was no mechanical damage and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 7 May 1968, Entry 12) 8 May 1968: At 081440H, a Company C tank at (BT 013598) was hit with three RPGs resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac) and one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). Tanks returned fire with negative results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 8 May 1968, Entry 8) ENCLOSURE (1) 14 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] At 081815H, a Company B tank struck a mine at (AT 944535) resulting in moderate damage to the tank and one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac) and one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 8 May 1968, Entry 13) At 081900H, while on a search and destroy mission with the ROKMC in the vicinity of (BT 019602), two Company C tanks engaged an unknown size enemy force. Both tanks fired on the enemy but one of the tanks received heavy damage from an RPG hit. There were no friendly casualties and eight (8) NVA were killed, Numerous Chicom grenades were captured. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 8 May 1968, Entry 15) 12 May 1968: At 120730H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank struck a mine at (BT 002535) resulting in light damage to the vehicle and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 12 May 1968, Entry 2) At 121400H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank was struck on the slope plate with two RPGs as the tanks were accompanying the infantry on a sweep at (AT 998540). The tanks returned fire but friendly casualties were one (1) USMC KIA and one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 12 May 1968, Entry 6) 15 May 1968: At 151010H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank struck a mine at (AT 946536) while following a road sweep team. Damage to the tank was light and there were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 15 May 1968, Entry 6) 18 May 1968: At 181530H, while accompanying the infantry through a treeline at (AT 819552), the tanks of the 1st Platoon, Company B were fired upon by an unknown size enemy force. The tanks returned fire resulting in nine (9) NVA KIA and one (1) AK-47, one (1) AK-50 and numerous Chicom grenades captured. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 18 May 1968, Entry 7) 19 May 1968: At 191545H, units of 1/7 came under heavy enemy fire at (ZC 198559). Two platoons of tanks from H&S Company and Company B reacted and fired all organic armament resulting in fifteen (15) NVA KIA and no friendly casualties. One tank was hit in a roadwheel by and RPG but the vehicle was not damaged seriously. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 19 May 1968, Entry 6, 7) 20 May 1968: At 201730H, two Company B tanks at (AT 785554) spotted one (1) VC moving across a rice paddy at (AT 824558). The tanks fired machinegun 15 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] resulting in one (1) VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 20 May 1968, Entry 9) 21 May 1968: At 210100H, Gia Le Combat Base came under a ground attack by a company size NVA/VC unit. Ontos of Company A returned fire with 106mm and machine- guns. Results were one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac), thirty (30) NVA KIA and one (1) AK-47 captured. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 22 May 1968) At 210410H, the 1st Platoon, Company B, 5th Antitank Battalion C.P. at (YD 870126) received ten rounds of 82mm mortar fire. The Ontos returned fire with unknown results. Friendly casualties were one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac) and three (3) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 22 May 1968) 25 May 1968: At 250700H, two Company B tanks in support of Company D, 1/7, spotted mortar flashes while taking incoming mortars at (ZC 175538). The tanks fired 90mm at the mortar site resulting in two (2) mortar tubes destroyed and one (1) NVA KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 25 May 1968, Entry 8) At 250730H, the location of Battery G at (ZC 210550) received ten rounds of 82mm mortar fire from unknown source. There was a platoon of tanks on the scene and these personnel suffered three (3) WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 25 May 1968, Entry 7) At 25090H, a Company B tank on a road sweep at (AT 963594) received several rounds of small arms fire. The tank fired 90mm and .50 caliber machinegun in return with unknown results. Friendly casualties were one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 25 May 1968, Entry 6) 26 May 1968: At 260045H, a landing zone a (YD 865274) which was being guarded by tanks of Company A, came under a ground attack by an unknown size enemy force. The tanks fired on the enemy with 90mm and machinegun resulting in eight (8) VC KIA and four (4) VC captured. Also captured were three (3) RPG launchers, three (3) AK-47 rifles and numerous hand grenades. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 260045H) At 260955H, a Company B tank hit a 40 pound mine at (AT943581) while on a road security mission. The vehicle suffered moderate damage but there were no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 26 May 1968, Entry 4) At 261230H, a heavy section of Company C tanks in support of Company K, 3/27 was ambushed at (AT 939525). The Company C Executive Officer who was in charge of the section was shot through the chest and killed instantly. The tanks returned fire with negative results. One (1) NVA heavy machine- gun was captured. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 26 May 1968, Entry 6) ENCLOSURE (1) 16 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] At 261420H, a Company B tank located at (AT 968585) received enemy sniper fire from (AT 965586). The tanks fired 90mm resulting in four (4) NVA captured. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 26 May 1968, Entry 7) 27 May 1968: At 271100H, tanks of Company C were requested to fire reconnaissance in support of Company I, 3/27 at (AT 955931). A search of the area resulted in two (2) VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 May 1968, Entry 8) At 271350H, a Company B tank detonated a mine at (AT 822557) re- sulting in three (3) USMC WIA (non-evac) and moderate damage to the vehicle. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 May 1968, Entry 10) 28 May 1968: At 281030H, tanks of Company C and Company B, 5th Tank Battalio in support of 1/27 at (AT 940531) received small arms and RPG fire. One vehicle suffered radio damage form an RPG rocket and friendly casualties were one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac) and two (2) USMC WIA (non-evac). The tanks returned fire resulting in eight (8) NVA KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal 28 May 1968, Entry 7) At 281730H, a unit of the101st Airborne which was being supported by a section of tanks from Company A, came under fire from two platoons of NVA. The tanks returned fire resulting in two (2) NVA captured and one (1) B.A.R. captured. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 281730H) 29 May 1968: At 291115H, a Company B tank hit a 50 pound mine at (AT 966607) resulting in moderate damage to the tank and two (2) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 29 May 1968, Entry 7) At 291100H to 291800H, a light section of Company A tanks working with 1/5 ran into heavy NVA contact in the area of (YD 955059). The tanks fired 90mm in support the infantry resulting in eleven (11) NVA KIA. (Ref: Company A spotrep of 291900H) 30 Map 1968: At 300930H, two Company A tanks in support of the 101st Airborne in the area of (YD 874232), made contact with a reinforced company of NVA. The tanks fired 90mm resulting in twenty one (21) NVA KIA. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 302240H) At 301145H, a Company C tank struck a mine at (AT 985537) while traveling in echelon. The tank suffered moderate damage but there were no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 30 May 1968, Entry 6) 17 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] At 301400H, a convoy traveling on Route 4 from Hill 52 to Hill 65 was ambushed and a Company B tank which was escorting the convoy received five RPG hits resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). The tanks returned fire with unknown results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 30 May 1968, Entry 11) Late Entry At 291730H, Company D, 1/5 (YD 946058) flushed out an estimated NVA squad. Ontos of Company A fired 106mm on the enemy resulting in one (1) NVA KIA. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 1 Jun 1968) At 301000H, Company A, 2/17 of the 101st (YD 873233) received mortar, RPG and automatic weapons fire from (YD 876234). The Ontos which were in support of the infantry were requested to fire and responded with 106mm and .30 caliber machinegun resulting in five (5) NVA KIA. One vehicle had a near miss by a B40 rocket but shrapnel from the rocket damaged three 106mm rifles on the vehicle. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 1 Jun 1968) At 301200H to 301600H, Company A, 2/17 of the 101st made contact with a company size enemy unit at (YD 879232). The Ontos were requested to fire and responded with 106mm and .30 caliber machinegun resulting in three (3) NVA KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 1 Jun 1968) ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 18 DECLASSIFIED |
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