DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California, 96602 [MARKED OUT] COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 June 1968 to 30 June 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 PART I ORGANIZATIONAL DATA 1. DESIGNATION COMMANDER Headquarters LtCol. H. W. HITE 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1-30 June 1968 1st MarDiv (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Maj L. A. GILDERSLEEVE 1-13Jun68 Capt G. P. BRODEUR 14-30Jun68 Company A (-) Capt C. R. CASEY 1-30Jun68 Company B (Rein) Capt G. J MURDOCK 1- 30Jun68 Company C (Rein) Capt G. P. BRODEUR 1-30Jun68 Capt R. T. HOPKINS 14-30Jun68 Company A (Rein), 1stATBn 1stLt G. B. SEARCH 1-30Jun68 Company B, 5th TkBn 1stLt R. M. JOHNSTONE 1-30Jun68 2. Location Headquarters (AT 997723) H&S Company (AT 997723) Company A (YD 815165) Company B (AT 962621) Company C (AT 997723) Company A, 1st ATBn (YD 813165) Company B, 5th TkBn (BT 072644) 3. Staff Officers Battalion Executive Officer Maj D. R. DICKEY 1-30Jun68 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-30Jun68 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt R. T. HOPKINS 1-13Jun68 Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 14-30 Jun68 Battalion S-3 Officer Capt R. D. GUNSELMAN 1-30Jun68 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj J. A. SCHUYLER 1-30Jun68 Battalion S-5/Civic Action Officer 1stLt R. C. HOLLITZ 1-30Jun68 4. Average Monthly Strength USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 45 914 1 14 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] 1 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION 1. The total strength of the First Tank Battalion as of 30 June 1968 was: MARINE NAVY OFF ENL OFF ENL 45 951 1 15 2. The Battalion anticipates the following losses during July: MARINE NAVY OFF ENL OFF ENL 4 56 0 1 3. Record of Extension for Tank Battalion thru 30 June 1968: Three Months Six Months Total Man-Months 1968 1 9 360 4. Total 0141's on board: 23 5. Anticipated 0141 losses during July: 3 6. Battalion Legal Report for June: a. Special Courts-martial - 1 b. Summary Courts-martial - 1 c. Informal Investigations - 10 d. Accidential Deaths - 1 7. Other losses: a. Hardship Discharges - 2 SUMMARY The Battalion encountered no major discrepancies in personnel admin- istration areas while continuing to support two and one-third additional companies without augmenting personnel. During June the Battalion S-1 Office processed three emergency leave cases, and eleven special leaves. [MARKED OUT] 2 ENCLOSURE (1) DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] INTELLIGENCE WEATHER: June mean high temperature was 92 degrees, low was 77. The 25 year average for June is 91 and 77 degrees. Rainfall totaled 2.62 inches which is slightly below the 25 year average of 2.80. INTELLIGENCE: Enemy activity was relatively light in all operating areas. There were numerous reports of buildups in preparation for a large scale assault but Operations Allen Brook and Mameluke Thrust kept the enemy threat away from the DaNang vital area. Enemy reconnaissance teams were active in the Southern Sector and were spotted from time to time by friendly patrols. On several occasions, brief skirmishes were fought with one to four enemy. Tanks of the 1st Tank Battalion detonated 13 mines and had 5 tanks hit by RPG's. There were numerous instances of tanks receiving small arms fire. This was normally long range fire and primarily harassed rather than damaged the vehicles. ENCLOSURE (1) 3 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSFIED [MARKED OUT] TRAINING AND OPERATIONS During the month of June the 1st Tank Battalion participated in four major operations: Operation Nevada Eagle Tanks of Company A and Ontos of Company A (ATs) operated in support of the 101st Airborne on this operation which took place northwest of Hue. This operation was successful and resulted in 25 NVA kills for the vehicles of 1st Tank Battalion. Operation Houston This operation has been underway for some time southwest of Hue. Tanks of Company A and Ontos of Company A (ATs) have been in support of 1/5 on this operation which has taken place along Route 1 south from Phu Bai. The vehicles have been used in several capacities, sweep forces, reaction units, security - throughout the operation, and they continue to support the infantry in this way. Operation Allenbrook This operation has been in progress for some time. Support has varied from a company (-) to a heavy section of tanks throughout the month. These tanks have been furnished by Company B, Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, and Company C. The tanks have been vulnerable to mines since they have been channelized to roads with the advent of the spring rains. Operation Mameluke Thrust This operation presently has a platoon (Rein) in support of it. These tanks are being supplied by Company B and Company B, 5th Tank Battalion and are being used as C.P. defense and road sweep security. These tanks also have hit several mines due to being restricted to the roads because of wet terrain. Company A (-) (Rein) is located in the Phu Bai/Gia Le area where they are in direct support of Task Force X-Ray. The company has provided support for two major operations throughout the month. These operations have been successful and the tanks have been well utilized. Tanks are also provided for defense of the Phu Bai Command. The tanks of Company B (Rein) have been engaged in operation n the 7th Marines AOR. Two major operations are in progress in this area: Operation Allenbrook and Operation Mameluke Thrust. The tanks are used as convoy security and reaction forces. They also support the infantry by fire when possible since the wet paddies have limited most off-road movement. The 2d Platoon, Company B was detached from 1st Battalion on 4 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 15 June and went afloat with BLT 2/7 on that date. On 18 June, Company B joined the 1st Platoon, Company A which had been acting as Division Reserve. Company C (Rein) is in general support of the 1st Marine Division. The Company C C.P. is now located in the 1st Tank Battalion cantonment. The company also has responsibility for the security of both major bridges in the SSDC AOR. Company B, 5th Tank Battalion (Rein) has been providing tanks for road sweep, C. P. security and Operation AllenBrook. One platoon is in support of the 2nd ROK Brigade in the Hoi An area. Company A, 1st Antitank's (Rein), remains in direct support of Task Force X-Ray with headquarters at Gia Le. The company has one platoon in direct support of the Phu Bai Defense Command. One platoon is in support of 1/5 on Operation Houston. The task organization for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) is as follows: Company A (-) (Rein): D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) Company B (Rein): D/S 7th Marines (DaNang) Company B, 5th Tank Battalion (Rein): D/S 27th Marines (DaNang) One platoon: D/S 2nd Brigade ROKMC (Hoi An) Company C (Rein): G/S 1st Mar Div (DaNang) Company A, 1st AT's (Rein): D/S Task Force X-Ray (Phu Bai) During the month of June the M67A2 flame tanks expended approx- imately 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel and napalm in support of various units throughout the 1st Marine Division AOR. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 60 patrols and ambushes in the Battalion Area of Responsibility. No significant contacts were made by these patrols. Total ammunition expended during June by the 1st Tank Battalion follows: 90mm Small Arms 106mm HE WP APERS-T CAN .30 CAL .50 CAL HE APERS-T DIRECT 349 15 45 52 33,450 2,925 90 8 INDIRECT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 349 15 45 52 33,450 2,925 90 8 ENCLOSURE (1) 5 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during June follows: VC/NVA KIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58 VCC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 VCS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 USMC KIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 TANK OPERATIONS - - - - - 0 SSDC OPERATIONS - - - - - 0 USMC WIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22 MED-EVAC - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12 NON-EVAC - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 WEAPONS CAPTURED: one (1) RPG-2, one (1) Chinese rifle, AK-47's, five (5) SKS Carbines Training for the 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) was centered on Technical MOS training and weapon Safety was also stressed. A battalion team conducted classes for all companies on marijuana during June. A division team conducted a lecture and application period on ambush techniques for the raction platoons in the SSDC. Subjects covered on the weekly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO's School were Informal Investigations, Special Courts Martial and Duties of the President and Court Member of the Court Martial. 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, 701 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units including four special activities of squad size and platoon size. A land clearing project in the SSDC was commenced during the latter part of June in the area of (AT9970). This consisted of firing l[???] charges form an LVT E-1 and also detonating several Fuel-Air Explosive devices which clears brush and collapses tunnels. At 042400H, an estimated four enemy fired upon the perimeter bunkers of 7th Communications Battalion at (AT991712). The bunkers returned fire forcing the enemy to withdraw and a reaction force was dispatched to maintain contact. The enemy, however, was able to evade the reaction force and they suffered unknown casualties. There were no friendly casualties. 6 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] At 160130H, a 7th Communications Battalion ambush opened fire on several VC who came ut of a cave. The VC returned fire and threw a grenade, then withdrew to the east leaving one (1) VC KIA. A reaction force was dispatched but no more contact was made. Friendly casualties were two (2) USMC KIA and one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). Equipment which was found with the enemy was one (1) AK-47 with ammunition, and a cartridge belt with magazines and grenades. At 170125H, a fire team size patrol from the 7th Communications Battalion fired on an enemy force at (AT987708). The enemy fled leaving one (1) VC who was wounded. A reaction squad maneuvered into a flanking action with negative results. Results were on detainee with no friendly casualties. At 250215H, a Marine from 7th Communications Battalion entered a friendly minefield at (AT993734) detonating a mine resulting in his own death. There were no other casualties from the incident. At 272215H, a patrol from 7th Communications Battalion received a grenade and automatic weapons fire from (AT986707). The patrol returned fire and a reaction force was dispatched but the enemy withdrew with unknown casualties. Friendly casualties were one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). ENCLOSURE (1) 7 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] LOCISTICS On 30 June 1968 the 1st Tank Battalion had a shortage of the following 32 major end items that are considered critical: one 30 KW generator, five M46A3 tanks, one M67A2 flame tank, one M51 VTR, on M37B1 truck, on M54A2C truck, three High Pressure Cleaning Units (steam jennys), seven Xenon searchlights, ten AN/VRC-12 radios, and two AN/PRC 25 radios. The lack of 40 deep water fording kits, six cakuber .50 machineguns, 18 caliber . 30 machineguns, 45 CVC helmets, an adequate amount of tank track to replace unserviceable track, and tank suspension repair parts are also considered to be critical. To fillpreviously existing T/E deficiencies, this command received two AN/PRC 25 radios, one caliber .30 machinegun and 24 TA-1/PT telephones during June. Under the R&E program, this Command re- ceived two M54A2C 5 ton trucks and two M543A2C. Supply activities operated smoothly durng June although supply response was considered only fair. Major emphasis was placed on the upgrading of priorites on all critical items with particular atten- tion given to the use of the Special Commanders Assistance Request program (SCARS). The transportation of cargo and personnel to our units in the field has presented very few problems this month. Rough Rider convoys continue to be the main source of cargo transportation to our units in the Phu Bai TAOR. However, 30 kpersonnel and 11,500 pounds of cargo were transported to Phu Bai by air. The Motor Transport Platoon logged a total of 30,654 miles, hauled 600 S/T or cargo and transported 12,978 passengers in the I Corps area this month. The Battalion maintenance platoon performed quite well this month in repairing the increasing number of combat damaged vehicles. During this reporting period thirteen tanks were damaged by mines and seven damaged by RPG anti-tank rockets. As a result of this combat damage, one M67A2 flame tank and one M48diA3 gun tank were con- dition coded combat loses and seven of the mined tanks are still undergoing organizational repair. Selective intechange of suspen- sion repair parts is still considered to be a key factor in the rapid repair of mine damaged vehicles. The lift and recovery capability of the Battalion has improved since May, however, one M51 VTR is still a T/E deficiency and another is presently being repaired by this Command. Field maintenance support improved considerably over that of last month, especially in the availability of components in the Direct Exhcange program. The completion date of the new 500 man mess hall has been extended to mid-July due to other priority commitments assigned to the Seabees. Continued rebuilding of the perimeter fighting positions and protective wire was carried out on a day to day basis. New urinals were contructed within the cantonment and latrines were obtained through the 1st Marine Division Engineer Officer to 8 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] prevent sanitation problems. Of special significance during this reporting period was the completion of a new 89' X 94' helopad and a 10' X 24' X 8' ammunition bunker by the 1st Engneer Battalion. Concession services hav operated satisfactorily during June. The barber shop was relocated to a more advantageous location which places all PX concessions in one area. The Vietnamese Gift Shop employed workers at their own expense to improve and remodel their shop with new shelving and cabinet thereby increasing their stock capability and providing better services. Negotiations are presently underway to acquire the services of a Vietnamese portrait painting concession. ENCLOSURE (1) 9 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] During the month of June, installation of communication facilities in the Alternate COC bunker was completed. Two switchboards SB-22 were stacked to accommodate primary trunk lines paralleling those in the primary COC bunker. Radio mounts were installed to provide for the Southern Sector command and Battalion tactical net. A trunk line was installed to Charlie Battery First LAAM Batalion. This provides a direct trunk to all major commands in the Southern Sector Defense Area. Preparation of the one platoon of tanks to be sent afloat was completed. During the month of June, 1119 incoming and 71 outgoing messages were processed by the Tank Battalion Communications Center. 10 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] MEDICAL There were 710 Sick Call visits during the month of June. Three- hundred and forty-seven immunizations were given and forty-eight tuberculin skin tests were administered. Eighteen men were wounded as a result of hostile action. Of these, twelve were hospitalized and six were treated and returned to duty. There were 34 men on the Sick List during June. Six of these were carried over from the previous month. Of the 28 admitted to the Sick List during June, eleven were medical illnesses, twelve were hostile injuries and five were non-hostile injuries. There were fifteen men evacuated out of country; six hostile injuries and nine medical illnesses. Total man-days lost to the battalion secondary to illness or injury were 200 days. There were seven cases of venereal diesease diagnose and treated, six of which were contracted in the DaNang area. Five Hospital Corpmen were detached from the BAS; two rotating to CONUS for duty, one evacuated out of country with a medical illness, and two were lost due to inter-division transfer. One hospital corpsman was received on board for duty. ENCLOSURE (1) 11 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] CIVIC ACTION The Phong Bac Pig Project consumed much of the section's time, including treatment of sick pigs with medicine procured from the Army Veterinarian. A Vietnamese Aid Station was built just out- side the battalion main gate to provide better health care than can presently be provided by MEDCAPs. PSYOPS continued to emphasize "Support GVN", "Rewards", Sanitation" "Chieu Hoi" and "Allied Assistance". Movie nights were well attended on 11 and 25 June. Movies shown included Cartoons, Chieu Hoi and Pro-GVN features. During June the following materials were distributed: 24,000 pounds of garbage 160 bars of soap 22 sheets of tin 3/4 truck load of lumber 3 bags of cement 3 gallons of paint ENCLOSURE (1) 12 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 1 June 1968: At 011400H, the 2d Platoon, Company A (ATs) in support of the 1st Squadron, 502d Cavalry at coordinates (YD910146) came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons, B-40 rocket and mortar fire from coordinates (YD912146). The 2d Platoon deployed and expended 44 HEP-T, 16 HEAT, and 1500 caliber .30 rounds, resulting in two secondary explosions. The supported unit made no advance on the enemy position. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 8 June 1968) 2 June 1968: At 020700H, two Company A tanks in support of "B" Troop of the 101st Cavalry had contact with NVA troops for about 6 hours; they received small arms fire, B-40 rockets and 60mm mortars. The tanks returned fire with 90mm, .30 and .50 caliber, resulting in six (6) NVA KIA. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 2 June 1968) At 021120H, the 2d Platoon, Company A (ATs) in support of 2d Squadron, 17 Cavalry at coordinates (YD968163) came under small arms and antitank rocket fire. The 2d Platoon deployed and returned 106mm and .30 caliber fire. Enemy fire was reduced. After a fixed wing air strike, enemy fire ceased. There were unknown enemy casualties but one (1) USMC WIA. (Ref: Antitank SITREP of 8 June 1968) 3 June 1968: At 030130, three Company A tanks in support of the 101st, were set in a night defensive position at (YD965168) when an NVA attack overran the friendly lines. The tanks fired 90mm and .30 caliber machinegun resulting in twenty (20) NVA KIA. One tank was hit by a B-40 rocket with no damage to the tank and no friendly casualties. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 3 June 1968) 5 June 1968: At 051730H, two Company B tanks were moving in support of a column at (ZC184555) when they received enemy fire from a hill overlooking their position. Both tanks received damage from B-40 rockets but 90mm fire was returned resulting in one (1) NVA KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5Jun8, Entry 8) At 051830H, two companies of 1/27 were pinned down by enemy fire at (AT955535). A heavy section of tanks from Company C were called as a reaction force and they fired 90mm, .30 and .50 caliber machinegun resulting in one (1) VC KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 5Jun68, Entry 9) 13 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED 6 June 1968: At 060900H, Company A tanks were working with units of 1/5 at (YD937046) when they encountered a small enemy force. The tanks fired 90mm and .30 and .50 caliber machinegun resulting in five (5) NVA KIA and five (5) captured SKS Carbines. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 6 June 1968) At 061930H, three Company C tanks and Company Retriever were enroute to the 2nd Company, ROKMC when they were hit by automatic weapons fire from two sides. The vehicles attempted to move forward out of the killing zone when one of the tanks hit a mine. The tanks fired 90mm and .30 and .50 caliber machinegun with unknown results. There were two (2) USMC WIA (med-evac) resulting from the mine. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 6Jun68, Entry 8) 8 June 1968: At 080905H, a Company B tank while on a road sweep to Hill 37, hit a 40 pound mine resulting in moderate damage to the tank and no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 8Jun68, Entry 4) At 081430H, while in support of a unit of the 26th Marines, a Company C tank spotted 4 NVA running into a village at (AT919522). The tank fired 90mm resulting in four (4) NVA KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 8Jun68, Entry 10) At 081800H, two Company C tanks were requested to fire at fortified positions at (AT913522) by the 26th Marines. The tanks fired 90mm resulting in four (4) NVA KIA and one (1) RPG-2 captured. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 8Jun68, Entry 11) At 082320H, tanks of the 1st Platoon, Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, received small arms fire and mortars at (AT947530). The tanks returned fire with .30 caliber machinegun with unknown results. Friendly casualties were one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 9Jun68, Entry 3) 10 June 1968: At 100900H, a 1st Tank Battalion headquarters tank struck a 250 pound bomb rigged as a mine at (AT877828) resulting in heavy damage to the vehicle but no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 10Jun68, Entry 6) 11 June 1968: At 111430H, two 1st Tank Battalion headquarters tanks were taken under fire by recoilless rifle and mortar fire at (ZC192559) while escorting a convoy to Hill 52. The tanks fired 90mm resulting in two (2) NVA KIA. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 11Jun68, Entry 7) ENCLOSURE (1) 14 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 12 June 1968: At 121915H, a Company C tank was sent in support of the 26th Company, ROKMC at (BT088613) when it received small arms and automatic weapons fire. The tank returned fire with .30 and .50 caliber machinegun resulting in one (1) VC KIA and one (1) Chinese rifle captured. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 12Jun68, Entry 7) 13 June 1968: At 131155H, two 1st Tank Battalion headquarters tanks were in support of a convoy when they came under heavy fire at (ZC192559). One tank struck a mine and the other was hit by 57mm recoilless rifle fire. An air strike was called with unknown enemy casualties. There were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 13Jun68, Entry 8) At 131550H, two Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tanks and a Company B, 1st Tank Battalion tank were requested by 1/26 to fire on an enemy position in a treeline t (AT982566). The tanks fired 90mm and .30 and .50 caliber machinegun resulting in four (4) NVA KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 13Jun68, Entry 7) 14 June 1968: At 141710H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank in support of the ROKMC was hit by small arms and one (1) RPG round at (BT083613). The round didnot penetrate but the driver was blinded by the flash resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 14Jun68, Entry 8) 15 June 1968: At 152145H, Three Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tanks were hit by B-40 rockets and satchel charges while in support of a 3/27 night defensive position. The tanks returned fire with 90mm and .30 caliber machinegun with unknown results. Friendly casualties as a result of enemy action were two (2) USMC WIA (med-evac) and two (2) USMC WIA (non-evac). One enemy back pack was captured along with one B-40 rocket. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 16June68, Entry 2) 16 June 1968: At 161630H, two Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tanks in support of 1/27 received sniper rounds from a treeline at (AT969546) resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). The tanks fired 90mm with unknown results. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 17Jun68, Entry 11) 19 June 1968: At 191300H, a Company B tank on a roadsweep at (AT873492) detonated an anti-personnel mine resulting in minor damage to the tank with no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 19Jun68, Entry 6) ENCLOSURE (1) 15 [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 20 June 1968: At 201200H, a Company A tank in support of 1/5 hit a mine at (YD943045). Another Company A tank enroute to aid the disabled vehicle, struck a mine near the same location. Both tanks received moderate damage but no casualties from mines estimated to be 50 pounds. (Ref: Company A Spotrep of 20 June 1968) At 201250H, two 1st Tank Battalion headquarters tanks on Hill 52 received one mortar round resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 20Jun68, Entry 7) 22 June 1968: AT 220905H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank struck a 50 pound mine at (AT978545) enroute to the Liberty Bridge. The tank suffered moderate damage but there were no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22Jun68, Entry 4) At 221122H, a Company B tank struck a 40 pound mine while on a road sweep from Hill 65 to Hill 52. The tank suffered moderate damage with no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22Jun68, Entry 7) At 221230H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank struck a 50 pound mine while escorting Company C, 1/27 to the Liberty Bridge. The tank suffered moderate damage with no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22Jun68, Entry 8) At 221540H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank struck a mine at (AT937531) while proceeding in column to extract a mined vehicle. The tank suffered moderate damage and there was one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac) and one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22Jun68, Entry 11) At 221915H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank observed VC in a woodline at (AT999539) while in support of a ROKMC unit. The tank fired 90mm resulting in three (3) VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 22Jun68, Entry 12) 23 June 1968: At 231710H, an aerial observer spotted 7 VC moving into a tree- line at (AT994559). A Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tank which was operating in the area with the ROKMC fired 90mm on the enemy, resulting in seven (7) VC KIA. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 23Jun68, Entry 9) 24 June 1968: At 241200H, a Company B tank stuck a 40 pound mine at (AT837562) while in support of a convoy to Hill 52. The tank suffered moderate damage but no casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 23Jun68, Entry 6) 16 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED. [MARKED OUT] At 241500H, two Company B, 5th Tank Battalion tanks were ambushed by small arms and RPG fire at (BT065657) while enroute to a patrol base from C.P. The tanks returned fire with 90mm and .30 caliber machinegun with unknown results. Both tanks were hit by RPG rockets resulting in light to moderate damage and three (3) USMC WIA (non- evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 24Jun68, Entry 8) At 242000H, the 2d Platoon, Company A (ATs) received 60mm mortar fire while supporting units of 1/5 at (YD972171). Friendly casual- ties were one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: Antitank Spotrep of 24 June 1968) 26 June 1968: At 261910H, a tank crewman of Company B, 5th Tank Battalion stepped on a M26 booby trap while walking down a trail at (BT141620). The explosion blew of his right leg at the knee resulting in one (1) USMC WIA (med-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 26Jun68, Entry 8) 28 June 1968: At 281350H, a Company B tank struck a mine at (ZC180553) while moving with an infantry platoon. The tank suffered moderate damage and one (1) USMC WIA (non-evac). (Ref: S-3 Journal, 28Jun68, Entry 6) 30 June 1968: At 301550H, a Company B, 5th Tank Battalion [tank] struck a mine a (BT058658) while enroute to 3/27 C.P. The tank suffered moderate damage but there were no friendly casualties. (Ref: S-3 Journal, 30Jun68, Entry 9) 17 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
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