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
CLICK THE BANNER ABOVE TO RETURN TO
THE COMMAND CHRONOLOGIES INDEX
OR
CLICK THE BANNER BELOW TO RETURN TO
THE ONTOS CREWMEN WEBSITE MAIN PAGE