DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California 96602 Copy_1 of 10 Copies 3/RAH/mjd 5750 0301-68 [???] 4 Sept 1968 [MARKED OUT] From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF Subj: Command Chronlogy for the period 1-31 August 1968 Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) FMFPac 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] M. C. ASHLEY, JR. [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF FPO, San Francisco, California 96602 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 August 1968 to 31 August 1968 INDEX Part I - Organizational Data Part II - Narrative Summary Part III - Sequentional Listing of Significant Events Part IV - Supporting Documents ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] ORGANIZATIONAL DATA 1. DESIGNATION COMMANDER Headquarters LtCol. H. W. HITE 1st Tank Battalion (Rein) 1-27 August 1968 1st Marine Division (Rein) FMF LtCol. M. C. ASHLEY JR. 28-31 August 1968 SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company Captain G. P. BRODEUR 1-18Aug68 Captain B. R. MONTGOMERY 19-31Aug68 Company A (-) (Rein) Captain G. R. CASEY 1-31Aug68 Company B (Rein) Captain D. G. HENDERSON 1-31Aug68 Company C (Rein) Captain R. T. HOPKINS 1-31Aug68 Company A, 1st AT Bn 1stLt G. B. SEARCH 1-31Aug68 ATTACHED UNITS Company B, 5th TkBn 1stLt M. L. GILMAN 1-28Aug68 Company B, 1st Plt, 5th AT Bn SSgt J. B. FEJARAN 1-28Aug68 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 AT Bn (YD 813165) Company B, 5th TkBn (BT 072644) 3. Staff Officers Battalion Executive Officer Maj. D. R. DICKEY 1-31Aug68 Battalion Adjutant 1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-31Aug68 Battalion S-2 Officer Capt. R. D. GUNSELMAN 1-11Aug68 1stLt W. D. DARBY JR. 12-31Aug68 Battalion S-3 Officer Maj. J. T. GARCIA 1-31Aug68 Battalion S-4 Officer Maj. D. R. SPARKS 1-31Aug68 Battalion S-5 Officer/Civic Action Officer 1stLt HOLLITZ 1-31Aug68 4. Average Monthly Strength USMC USN OFF ENL OFF ENL 44 855 1 16 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [1] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION 1. Detachment of Company "B", 5th Tank Battalion resulted in a decrease in 1st Tank Battalion strength by: Marine OFF ENL 4 103 2. Detachment of 1st Platoon, Co "B", 5th Antitank Battalion resulted in a decrease in 1st Tank Battalion strength by: Marine OFF ENL 0 11 3. The total strength of the First Tank Battalion as of 31 August 1968: Marine Navy OFF ENL OFF ENL 40 740 1 14 4. The Battalion anticipates the following losses during September: Marine Navy OFF ENL OFF ENL 5 52 0 1 5. Record of Extension for the month of August 1968: Number of Number of Three Months Six Months Total Man-Months 1968 0 7 504 6. Total 0141's on board: 19 7. Anticipated 0141 losses during September: 0 8. Battalion Legal Report for August: a. Special Court Martial - 2 b. Summary Court Martial - 1 c. Informal Investigations - 1 d. Accidental Deaths - 1 9. Other losses: a. Humanitarian Transfer - 1 ENCLOSURE (1) [2] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 10. Awards a. Recommended - 5 Personal Awards b. Presented - 1 Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars 11. The following R&R quotas were allocated this Battalion: a. In Country (1) China Beach - 23 b. Out of Country (1) Hawaii - 15 (2) Australia - 7 (3) Kuala Lumpur - 2 (4) Singapore - 2 (5) Pennang - 3 (6) Okinawa - 3 (7) Manila - 1 (8) Tokyo - 5 (9) Taipei - 0 (10) Hong Kong - 9 (11) Bangkok - 14 SUMMARY The Battalion encountered no major discrepancies in personnel adminis- tration area while continuing to support two and one-third additional companies without augmentation personnel. During August, S-1 Officer pro- cessed five emergency leaves and six special leaves. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [3] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] INTELLIGENCE 1. Weather. August high mean temperature was 94 degrees, the low 80 degrees. This was above the 25 year mean of 93 degrees and 76 degrees, respectively. The rainfall total was 3.88 inches, below the 25 year average of 4.7 inches. During the month of September, temperature is expected to drop and a sharp increase in rainfall is likely. 2. Mine and RPG Incidents. During the month of August, 1st Tank Battalion experienced 3 mine incidents, compared to 17 during the same period in 1967 and 8 incidents last month. There were also 6 RPG incidents during this month. 3. Summary and Analysis. During the month of August, enemy initiated activities have increased within the Southern Sector and surrounding areas, as have friendly activities. Intelligence reports from agents have been received with information paralleling those other units. The indicate enemy sightings in immediate surrounding area of, and within the Southern Sector Defense Command. It is expected that the enemy will continue intermittent rocket and mortar attacks, may attempt limited sapper attacks against isolated positions, and continue in his preparation for the continuation of the 3rd Offensive. During the month of August, units from the Southern Sector reported i sighting and 19 contacts, and captured 19 suspects. All suspects were turned over to Hoa Vang Headquarters, DaNang Special Sector or Hoa Cam Training Center for further interrogation. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [4] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED OPERATIONS AND TRAINING [MARKED OUT] 1. Operations The units of the 1st Tank Battalion remain widely dispersed throughout the Area of Responsibility of the 1st Marine Division in support of the infantry regiments of the Division. The tanks and ontos of the 1st Tank Battalion participated in three major operations during the month of August and supported numrous small unit activities as well as providing security for road convoys, defending bridges, and reinforcing perimeter defenses. Tanks of the Battalion were also utilized in a direct fire counter-rocket role within the Southern Sector Defense Command, and tanks and Ontos of the Battalion provided firepower and mobility to reaction forces within the 1st Marine Division Company A (-) (Rein) was chopped as of 161200H August 1968 from TF X-RAY to the 1st Tank Battalion and placed in support of the 26th Marines. The CP of Company A remains at the Gia Le Combat Base and the combat activities of that company are essentially the same as when they were part of TF X-RAY. Company A has one platoon (-) in support of Operation Houston and has the other platoon in support of the Phu Bai Defense Command as a reaction force. Company B (Rein) continues to support both the 5th Marines and the 7th Marines with two platoons in direct support of each regiment. Besides having tanks in support of the many small unit operations conducted by these tow regiments, Company B supplied tanks for the security of road convoys and for the reinforcement of perimeter defenses. Company B provided tanks in support of Operation Mameluke Thrust and has two platoons in support of Operation Sussex Bay. Company B has its CP located with the 7th Marines on Hill 55. The tanks of Company C (Rein) remain in general support of the 1st Marine Division and constitute the Division's tank reserve. Company C also provides tank for bridge security and counter-rocket missions within the Southern Sector Defense Command. The CP of this company is co-located with that of the 1st Tank Battalion. Company C is presently preparing to displace its CP in order to support the 1st Marine Regiment. Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Battalion, was in direct support of the 27th Marines until 281200H when the company once again became organic to RLT 27. During the month of August Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, supported the 27th Marines by providing tanks for perimeter defenses. This company also supported 2/7 on Operation Allen Brook by placing three tanks in direct support of that battalion and support the ROKMC with a platoon in direct support of the 2nd Brigade, ROKMC. Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, is presently awaiting displacement to CONUS as part of RLT-27. Company A, 1st Anti-Tank Battalion, was chopped along with Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, from TF X-RAY to 1st Tank Battalion as of 161200H and then placed in direct support of the 26th Marines. The change of the support relationship of Company A, AT's, did not alter its combat activities. The company still has one platoon in support of Operation Houston and still provides one platoon to the Phu Bai Defense Command as a reaction force. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [5] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] However, the company has lost the two platoons that had been in support of the defense of the Gia Le Combat Base: one platoon was chopped as of 4 August 1968 to direct support of the Danang Mobile Quick Reaction Task Force and moved to the 1st Tank Battalion's CP where it became attached to H&S Company; The 1st platoon, Company B, 5th Anti-Tank Battalion, ceased to be part of the 1st Tank Battalion when it became organic to BLT 1/27 as of 281200H. 2. Task Organization. The task organization of the 1st Tank Battalion as of 31 August 1968 is: Company A (-) (Rein): D/S 26th Marine Regiment Company B (Rein): 2 platoon D/S 5th Marine Regiment 2 platoon D/S 7th Marine Regiment Company C (Rein): G/S 1st Marine Division Company B (Rein), 5th Tank Battalion: organic to RLT 27 (Eff 281200H) Company A (-), 1st Anti-Tank Battalion: D/S 26th Marine Regiment 2nd Platoon, Co B, 5th AT Bn: organic to BLT 1/27 (Eff: 281200H) 3. Battalion CP Ground Actions. The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 124 patrols and ambushes in the Battalion Area of Responsibility within the Southern Sector Defense Command. 4. Ammunition Expenditure. Total ammunition expended during August by the 1st Tank Battalion is as follows: 90mm HE APERS-T CANNISTER WP HEAT DIRECT 551 134 101 69 3 INDIRECT 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 551 134 101 69 3 106mm SMALL ARMS APERS-T HEP-T .30 Caliber MG. .50 Caliber MG. DIRECT 16 65 22,680 4170 INDIRECT 0 0 NAPALM TOTALS 16 65 16,000 Gallons [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [6] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 5. Statistical Results. The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during August are: VC/NVA KIA TANK OPERATIONS.....................39 SSDC OPERATIONS.....................15 VC/NVA CAPTURED TANK OPERATIONS.....................01 SSDC OPERATIONS.....................00 VCS TANK OPERATIONS.....................00 SSDC OPERATIONS.....................19 USMC KIA TANK OPERATIONS.....................02 SSDC OPERATIONS.....................01 USMC WIA TANK OPERATIONS.....................26 MED-EVAC..............................06 NON-EVAC..............................20 SSDC OPERATIONS.....................00 WEAPONS CAPTURED TANK OPERATIONS.....................01 1 Chi Com 75mm RR SSDC OPERATIONS.....................19 3 AK 47 1 Chinese Light MG 1 Claymore Mine 1 Bangalore Torpedo 1 RPG 7 Launcher 2 RPG Rockets 10 10 Chi Com Grenades EQUIPMENT AND DOCUMENTS CAPTURED TANK OPERATIONS......................0 SSDC OPERATIONS...................... Numerous Documents- notebooks, letters and stationary Equipment- 782 gear and clothing Medical Equipment- Medicines and Dressings 6. Training. To insure the effectiveness and combat readiness of the 1st Tank Battalion, the training conducted by the Battalion centered on General Military Subjects, MOS Training, and Weapons Safety. The subjects covered in the weekly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO's School were Marijuna Indoctrination, Personal Response, and Mask, Protective, M17. 7. Summary. Even with the loss of one company, the 1st Tank Battalion will continue to be able to support the infantry regiments of the 1st Marine Division by realigning its tank assets. The mobile and agressive infantry units of the 1st Marine Division will continue to be reinforced with the mobility, shock action, and firepower of the tanks and Ontos of the 1st Tank Battalion. [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [7] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND 1. General Summary. The Commanding Officer, 1st Tank Battalion, through the 1st Tank Battalion COC, continues to coordinate, initiate, and control defensive activities within the Southern Sector. During the month 892 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units. These activities included patrols, ambushes, LP's and OP's. The east-west axis of the Southern Sector is an avenue of approach to an enemy who desires to launch an attack on Danang from the west. In order to counter the threat of such an attack as predicted by intelligence inform- ation for the latter part of August or early September, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, was displaced to the western approaches to the Southern Sector from Operation Allen Brook. The Battalion reported to the Commander, South- ern Sector Defense Command, for operations on 231600H August 1968. The west- ern boundary of the Southern Sector was expanded to allow 2/7 an area in which to operate. The Battalion initially move three companies and a command group into the area in the vicinity of Hill 70 (AT953724) but has since moved one of the companies out of SSDC to Dai La Pass (AT939735). The two companies that remain in the westen portion of the expanded South- ern Sector conduct extensive denial activities to detect and destroy enemy forces before they could reach Danang in an attack from the west. Because of the increased enemy threat to attack Danang from the west, Brigadier General DWYER assumed command of the SSDC from 231600H until 251200H. 2. Significant Events. 162250H Aug 1968 While enroute to an ambush site, a patrol from Company C, 7th Eng. Bn, received one grenade and 15 rounds of automatic weapon fire at (AT948710). The patrol returned fire with an M79 and m16's but had to break contact because of radio failure. 190230H Aug 1968 The perimeter defenses of 7th Communications Battalion at (AT989711) signted five VC moving near the outer wire. The defensive positions engaged the enemy with M79 and M26 munitions, but a search the next morning revealed only drag marks. 200100H Aug 1968 Approximately 15 rounds of friendly artillery impacted at Phu Hoa (AT953706) killing one women. 222400H Aug 1968 The securit force at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998706) sightd approximately six people in the river at (BT008708). The security forces engaged the targets with small arms and .30 and .50 caliber machineguns with unknown results. 230115H Aug 1968 The security force at the Song Cau Do Bridge (AT998706) received seven mortar rounds from an unknown position and small arms and automatic weapons fire from the south and northeast of the bridge. The security force returned fire with small arms and machinegun fire with unknown results. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [8] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] 230115H Aug 1968 At the same time, the security force at the bridge observed (CON'T) seven people and two boats crossing the river at (AT005707) from the south to the north. Two tank at the bridge fired their .30 caliber machineguns at the targets and observed direct hits on the boats. Two personnel from CAP unit 256 located near the bridge were killed during the mortar attack while spending the night at the bridge. 230303H Aug 1968 The security force at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998706) received 6 to 8 mortar rounds from an unknown position and automatic weapons fire from (AT997706). Th security force at the bridge returned fire with small arms and machineguns with unknown results. 230300H Aug 1968 OP Hawk received 50 to 60 mortar rounds from unknown position and was attacked by a ground force at the same time. The attackers managed to throw two satchel charges within the perimeter wire. One satchel charge caused minor damage to one LVT6A1. There was one USMC KIA and four VC KIA. One AK47 was captured along with numerous documents and equipment. 230345H Aug 1968 The security force at the Song Tuy Loan Bridge at (AT945707) sighted one sampan in the river at (AT947709). One tank at the bridge fired one 90mm round at the sampan and destroyed it. 230400H Aug 1968 One tank from Company C while moving off the southern end of the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998705) was struck by an RPG rocket launched from (AT997703). The rocket was de- flected off the gun tube into the Xenon searchlight. The Xenon searchlight was destroyed but there were no friendly casualties. The tank returned fire with the .30 caliber machinegun with unknow results. 230640H Aug 1968 The security force at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998706) sighted enemy movement in the north perimeter wire. The security force fired at the enemy with M60, .30 caliber and .50 caliber machineguns and killed four of them. Numerous weapons and munitions were captured along with medicines and documents. 232205H Aug 1968 The security force at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998706) received 7 mortar rounds from an unknown position. 232210H Aug 1968 One tank supporting the security force at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998706) sighted two boats with several men in them crossing the river from south to north at (BT006704). Two tanks engaged the targets with the 90mm gun and the .30 caliber machinegun with unknown results. At the same time the bridge received 14 rounds of mortar fire from an unknown position and began to receive small arms fire from (BT006704). The Bridge security force returned fire with .50 caliber machinegun into the treeline from which the small arms fir originated. The return fire resulted in approximately 11 secondary explosions. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [9] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] 240555H Aug 1968 Cam Hoa (2) at (AT976702) received an estimated 15 rounds of friendly artillery fire after Firefly requested a fire mission on an island at (AT976700) from which they were receiving fire. The artillery killed five civilians and wounded 42 (12 med-evac, 30 non-evac). 241400H Aug 1968 The security force at the Song Cau Do Bridge at (AT998706) observed four NVA dragging three wounded NVA at (BT005707). One tank at the bridge engaged the enemy with its .30 caliber machinegun. This action resulted in 7 NVA KIA. 260550H Aug 1968 The Hill 34 defensive complex at (AT989710) received 5 rockets, but all the rockets landed outside the perimeter wire. 270455H Aug 1968 The Camp Monahan security complex at (AT983726) reported that one rocket impacted at (AT987736). 300001H Aug 1968 OP Panther at (AT967704) observed two boats with four people in them at (AT967693) moving rapidly from east to west. The two tanks at the OP fired at the boats with the 90mm gun and destroyed both boats. Enemy casualties unknown. [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] [10] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] LOGISTICS 1. Shortages. The following is a list of critical table of equipment shortages for this organization. FSN Nomenclature Qty 6115-721-4525 Generator Set PU-482/M 1 6115-228-5815 Generator Set, Gas Engine PE-75 2 6115-295-2389 Generator Set Gas EngineTrk 3 4940-014-0496 Cleaner Steam Pressure, Tr?r Mtd 2 5820-892-0868 Radio Set AN/VRC-12 10 2350-895-9154 Tank Combat, Full Tracked M48A3 2 2320-835-8713 Tank Recovery Vehicle M51 1 2320-542-4632 Truck Cargo M37 1 5820-086-7536 Radio Set AN/GRC-125 2 8415-926-9992 Helmet CVC, v/MK-1039/G 65 2350-973-4085 Rifle Self-Propelled (Ontos) 1 6230-857-0759 Floodlight, Set, Electric Trlr Mtd 1 6625-930-0935 Test Kit, MK-992/VRC-12 9 6625-643-1030 Ohmeter AM-21 1 6130-985-7899 Power Supply, PP-2953/v 8 5820-857-0759 Radio Set AN/PRC-25 2 5805-543-0012 Telephone Set TA-312-PT 23 6230-901-8639 Searchlight Set 12 2. Repair Parts. The following repair parts are required to remove com- bat essential track vehicles from deadline. FSN Nomenclature Qty 5315-708-2935 Pin, straight 1 2590-707-1226 Collar, Adjustable 1 2540-020-2291 Bracket 1 *838944 Tube 1 *10922082 Tube 1 *10920587 Hanger 1 *7340001 Flange 2 4730-289-0163 Elbow 1 2540-020-2291 Bracket Mounting 1 5315-769-9609 Pin, straight 3 4730-809-1452 Seal Assy 2 *7340001 Flange 2 **1015-753-8758 81mm Tube 1 **1240-346-8734 Link Assembly 27 *Parts Number **Not repair parts, but critically needed by this organization. Listed here to provide requisition data. [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [11] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] 3. Vehicles received. During August, this organization received two M48A3 tanks and one M543A2C truck. In addition, five M50 Ontos and two M51 Retrievers were received on the R&E program. 4. Cargo and Motor Transport. a. M151 and M38A1's. This organization has only four of its authoriz- ed M151's at this time. Further, this organization has available only 13 of its 21 authorized M38A1's. This situation has resulted in an acute lack of mobility between widely dispersed units. b. M37 Truck. Even though this organization is without two of its six M37 trucks, it presents only two small problems. The lack of these trucks limits the capability of this organization to navigate thru the streets of Danang while picking up and delivering the Vietnamese personnel who work within the 1st Tank Battalion Canonment. Furthermore M54A2C trucks are required to be utilized when the requirement could be handled by an M37 truck. c. The following is the status of the motor transport of this organizat- ion. Item Auth O/H OR %D/L 2nd Echelon 3d Echelon Problem Truck, Cargo M422/M422A1 5 5 5 Radio AN/MRCI 09 2 2 2 Radio AN/MRC1 10 5 5 5 40% 2 No Truck, Cargo M37/M37B1 6 5 3 40% 2 No Truck Cargo M54 1 1 1 Truck Cargo M54A2C 37 37 35 2 No Truck Utility M151A1 4 4 4 Truck Amb. M170 1 1 1 Radio AN/MRC87 1 1 1 Radio AN/MRC83 2 2 2 Truck, Amb. M718 1 1 1 Truck, Wrecker 3 3 3 5. Projects. The following projects were completed during the month. a. External wiring of the cantonment was completed and provided much better electrical service. b. A new generator pad was poured and the shed was started. c. The new messhall was completed to the point that it could be put into operation, however due to troop billeting requirements, the messhall was required for billeting troops. It is now estimated the messhall will be placed in operation on 10 September 1968. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [12] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] d. A new entrance for tracked vehicles into the cantonment was completed. The new entrance will prevent damage to the wheeled vehicle entrance. e. A welding shop was completed in the tank maintenance area. f. One command bunker, two ammunition bunkers and three personnel bunkers were refurbished. g. Drainage around the Officers and SNCO Clubs was improved. 6. Concessions. The cantonment obtained an Exchange Concession Artist during the month of August. 7. Summary. During August, the Logisitics situation continued to improve. Organizational maintenance was performed to the maximum extent practicable under conditions of readiness. Availability of repair parts remained good; however, authorized selective interchange was necessary to obtain several critical repair parts. Support from field maintenance improved during August with five tracked vehicles presently deadlined at Force Logistic Support Group Alfa (FLSG-A) as compared to six at the end of July. The following significant problem areas are commented on: a. Utility Uniforms. A significant number of uniforms now in the possession of the personnel of this Command are rapidly approaching the point of being unservicable while an additional quantity of people do not have their authorized allowance of uniforms. The Battalion is in the process of determining its utility uniform requirement. It is estimated that total requirements will be submitted prior to 8 September 1968. b. Inner Tubes and Hot Patches. At the present time this organization has a shortage of 60 inner tubes and has been forced to remove tubes from some trailer tires and go without spare tires in order to keep prime movers on the road. This organization has not received hot patches since April. Since 4 May 1968 this organization has had on requisition five boxes of hot patches on a priority two requisition. c. Requisitioning Problems. During August this organization was required to submit duplicate requisitions on a significant quantity of requisitions marked "no record". In addition duplicate requisitions were required to obtain an item in stock at Force Logistics Command and for items marked BA, M8 and local delivery when the item had not in fact been received. This problem was brought to the attention of the Division Supply Officer in the September Summary Report. d. Maintenance Time. The Battalion is presently twenty-four (24) tracked vehicles quarterly inspections behind and has seven (7) tracked vehicles down for repairs at the Battalion level. The primary reason for this situation has been a lack of time to make repairs. Personnel are required for tactical employment as Command Post defense and reaction forces. This situation has been partially remedied by a change in policy which provides some relief for maintenance personnel from alert status. ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [13] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] COMMUNICATIONS - ELECTRONICS 1. Projects Completed. During the month of August a switchboard was installed in the COC to facilitate communications between units of the Southern Sector and the Commander, Southern Sector Defense Command. An additional radio net was created by splitting the units on the Southern Sector Defense Command Net in order to give the Commander better control of the Southern Sectory by radio. On 23 August 1968 Radio Relay was installed to supplement land line communications with the next higher echelon. The Repair Section completed "Q" service of Company B, 5th Tank Bn. and Company B, 1st Tank Bn. during the month of August. 2. Projects Pending. Recabling of the cantonment was begun by the Wire Section with an estimated period of two months as completion time. 3. Messages Summary. During the month of August, 1st Tank Battalion Communication Center processed 1231 incoming and 149 outgoing messages. 4. Equipment Status. One (1) Radio Set AN/MRC-83 and one (1) AN/MRC-87 were deadlined and are presently at FLSG-A and FLSG-B respectively. [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [14] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] MEDICAL 1. Sick Call and Immunization. There were 645 Sick Call visits during the month of August. Four- hundred and twenty-seven immunizations were given and forty-three tuberculin skin tests were administered. 2. WIA, KIA and Non-Effectives. Tweny-six men were wounded as a result of hostile action. Of these, six were hospitalized and twenty were treated and returned to duty There were 23 men on the Sick List during August. Six of these were carried over from the previous month. Of the 17 admitted to the Sick List during August, 8 were medical illnesses, 6 were hostile injuries and 3 were non-hostile injuries. There were seven men evacuated out of country: five hostile injuries and two medical illnesses. Total man days lost to the Battalion secondary to illness or injury were 312. There were two deaths during August resulting from hostile action. 3. Venereal Disease. There were three cases of venereal disease diagnosed and treated, one of which was contracted in the Danang area. 4. Inspections and Personnel. Personnel changes during the month included the attachment of the new Battalion Surgeon and two Hospital Corpsmen. [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [15] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] CIVIC ACTION 1. MedCap and Aid Station. The MedCap and Aid Station was open 20 days in August and treated a total of 479 Vietnamese. 2. Psychological Operations. PSYOPS leaflets were distributed daily. On 23 August 1968, a loudspeaker team from 7th PSYOPS Battalion broadcast Chieu Hoi messages to VC/NVA fighting in and around Phong Bac Hamlet and Binh Thai Hamlet. There were six (6) turn-ins of mortar and small arms rounds in the rewards program. 3. Materials and Goods Distribution. During August the following materials were distributed: a. 21,800 pounds of food waste b. 160 bars of soap c. 500 board feet of lumber 4. Summary. During August dailly support of the Pig Breeding Farm and satelite farms in Phong Bac Hamlet was continued. This included food waste distri- bution, general repairs and the services of an Army Veterinarian from Danang. Solatium payments were made to three (3) people in Phu Hoa Hamlet for a serious Incident involving Artillery short rounds. Thirty-two (32) people received solatium in Cam Hoa (2) Hamlet after "FireFly" and artillery were called in on a suspected VC/NVA platoon, and subsequently destroyed approximately one third (1/3) of the Hamlet. [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [16] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNFICANT EVENTS 011930H Aug 1968 While in support of the 2nd Bn., 7th Marines, three tanks from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., were ambushed at (AT949539) by small arms and automatic weapons at (AT951539). One tank returned fire with the 90mm gun and with the .30 caliber machinegun with negative results. Ref: S-3 Journal, 1 Aug 1968, Entry 6 031430H Aug 1968 While in support of 2nd Bn., 7th Marines, two tanks from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., were ambushed at (AT970532) by a squad of VC at (AT970532). The tanks returned fire with the 90mm gun. No sweep was made of the area. Ref: S-3 Journal, 3 Aug 1968, Entry 6 041005H Aug 1968 While enroute to the CP of 2/27 a tank from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., detonated a mine at (BT053658) which resulted in heavy damage to the vehicle. Ref: S-3 Journal, 4Aug 1968, Entry 1 051025H Aug 1968 Tanks from Company B received friendly incoming mortar rounds while in support of infantry at (AT936517). There was one friendly WIA (Non-evac) Ref: S-3 Journal, 5 Aug 1968, Entry 4 061045H Aug 1968 Three tanks from Company B at (AT942516) received small arms and 75mm recoilless rifle fire from (AT945517) while in support of 2/5. The tanks returned intensive fire with the 90mm gun and the .30 caliber machinegun which resulted in seven NVA KIA and one captured 75mm recoilless rifle. Ref: S-3 Journal, 6 Aug 1968, Entry 4 070950H Aug 1968 One tank from Company B while on road sweep detonated a mine at (AT912487). The vehicle sustained moderate damage. Ref: S-3 Journal, 7 Aug 1968, Entry 6 131030H Aug 1968 One tank from Company B while in support of 2/5 at (AT922510) sighted five VC in open on ridgeline at (AT940514). The tank fired its 90mm gun at the VC but no search was made of the area. Ref: S-3 Journal, 13 Aug 1968, Entry 5 ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [17] DECLASSIFIED |
[MARKED OUT] 141330H Aug 1968 Three tanks from Company B at (AT901507) sighted 6 VC in treeline at (AT895506). The tanks fired their 90mm guns at the VC. Two VC bodies were observed after the firing but the hazardous treeline prevented a search. Ref: S-3 Journal, 14 Aug 1968, Entry 5 141830H Aug 1968 One tank from Company B at (AT900508) received small arms fire from (AT908508). The tank returned fire with its 90mm gun but no search was made of the area. Ref: S-3 Journal, 14 Aug 1968, Entry 8 171600H Aug 1968 Two tanks from Company B while in support of 3/5 at (AT932492) received small arms and RPG fire from (AT932494). The tanks returned fire with the 90mm gun and the .30 caliber machinegun and killed five NVA. There was one friendly WIA (non-evac). Ref: S-3 Journal, 17 Aug 1968, Entries 5 and 7 171825H Aug 1968 Two tanks from Company B while in position with 2/5 at (AT933519) sighted NVA at (AT939514) moving in treeline to avoid a sweeping force. The tanks from their elevated position fired their 90mm guns and the .30 and .50 caliber machineguns at the enemy and killed one of the NVA. Ref: S-3 Journal, 17 Aug 1968, Entry 8 210850H Aug 1968 One tank from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., detonated a mine at (BT138588) while returning to its platoon CP from the 9th Company, ROKMC. The tank sustained moderate damage. Ref: S-3 Journal, 21 Aug 1968, Entries 1 and 7 230400H Aug 1968 Two tanks from Company C while in support of Company B, 1st Eng. Bn., received one RPG hit per tank. The RPG's were fired from (AT970698) and caused moderate damage to both vehicles and resulted in one USMC KIA and three USMC WIA (med-evac). Ref: S-3 Journal, 23 Aug 1968, Entries 1 and 6 231230H Aug 1968 Three gun tanks and one flame tank from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., were ambushed at (BT016707) while moving with 1/27 toward objective. The enemy fired small arms and RPG rockets from (BT016712) and slightly damaged on tank. The gun tanks returned fire with their 90mm guns and the flame tank sprayed the area with napalm. The return fire by the tanks netted four NVA KIA. Ref: S-3 Journal, 23 Aug 1968, Entry 11 [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [18] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] 231250H Aug 1968 Two tanks from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., while in support of ARVN units at (BT063577) received fire from enemy in houses at (BT062574). One tank fired its 90mm gun at the enemy position resulting in two NVA KIA. Ref: S-3 Journal, 23 Aug 1968, Entry 8 231500H Aug 1968 Two tanks From Company B, 5th Tk Bn., while in support of 1/27 at (BT016714) received small arms fire from a bunker at (BT016712). The tanks returned fire with their 90mm guns and destroyed the bunker and killed four VC. Ref: S-3 Journal, 23 Aug 1968, Entry 12 251700H Aug 1968 Three tanks from Compny B, 5th Tk. Bn., supported 2/27 at (BT004672) in an assault on two or more companies of NVA at (BT004672). The tanks fire the 90mm guns during the assault. One tank sustained an RPG rocket hit but was only slightly damaged. The action ceased after dark with no sweep being made of the area. There were two friendly WIA (one med-evac, one non-evac). Ref: S-3 Journal, 25 Aug 1968, Entry 9 271430H Aug 1968 While in support of infantry at (AT032643), two tanks from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., received small arms and RPG fire from (BT032643). The tanks returned fire with the 90mm gun and with machineguns. The action resulted in 10 NVA KIA. Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 Aug 1968, Entry 5 271530H Aug 1968 While in support of infantry at (BT032647), two tanks from Company B, 5th Tk. Bn., received heavy small arms and RPG fire from (BT028652). The tanks returned fire with their 90mm guns and killed four NVA. Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 Aug 1968, Entry 7 271740H Aug 1968 Ontos from Company A, 1st At Bn., were ambushed at (YC887954) while escorting a convoy. The Ontos received small arms and automatic weapons fire from (YC896946) and returned fire with the 106mm recoilless rifles. The action resulted in one enemy captured. Ref: S-3 Journal, 27 Aug 1968, Entry 10 290930H Aug 1968 While dismounting from a tank in support of 3/7, the platoon leader of 3rd Plt., Company B, was shot and killed by a sniper. Ref: S-3 Journal, 29 Aug 1968, Entry 4 [MARKED OUT] ENCLOSURE (1) [MARKED OUT] [NOTE: THIS COPY WAS DIFFICULT TO READ THERE MAY BE MISTAKES] [19] DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] 291030H Aug 1968 One tank from Company, while in support of 3/7 at (AT974574) sighted three VC across a river at (AT971574) The tank engaged the enemy with its 90mm gun and .30 caliber machinegun and killed all three. Ref: S-3 Journal, 29 Aug 1968, Entry 5 301145H Aug 1968 Two tanks from Company B moved to assist elements of 3/7 at (AT974545) which were pinned down by enemy fire from (AT974545). The tanks fired the 90mm guns and the .30 and .50 caliber machineguns to relieve the friendly units. One tank was hit by an RPG rocket and sustained light damage. The RPG also caused one USMC WIA (non-evac). The tank fire destroyed three bunkers. Ref: S-3 Journal, 30 Aug 1968, Entry 6 [MARKED OUT] [MARKED OUT] [20] DECLASSIFIED |
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