DECLASSIFIED                                                                                                                                             [MARKED OUT] HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion  (Rein) 1st Marine Division  (Rein),  FMF FPO San Francisco, California 96602                                                                                                                                             Copy__of ___Copies                                                                                                                                             3/JFD/src                                                                                                                                             5750                                                                                                                                             0301-68                                                                                                                                             3 Oct 1968 [MARKED OUT] From:          Commanding Officer To:              Commanding General, 1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF c/o FPO,                        San Francisco, 96602 Subj:            Command Chronology for the period 1-30 September 1968 Ref:             (a)   MCO 5750.1                        (b)   FMFPac 5750.8                        (c)   DivO 5750.2_ 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]                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion  (Rein) 1st Marine Division  (Rein),  MF FPO San Francisco, California 96602 [MARKED OUT] COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 September 1968 to 30 September 1968 INDEX                               Part I - Organizational Data                               Part II - Narrative Summary                               Part III - Sequential Listing of Significant Events                               Part IV - Supporting Documents                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL ORGANIZATONAL DATA 1.     Designation                                                               Commander           Headquarters                                                            LtCol M. C. ASHLEY JR           1st Tank Battalion  (Rein)                                1-30 Sep 1968           1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company                                                                 Captain R. A. DOYLE 1-30Sep68 Company "A"                                                                  Captain C. R. CASEY 1-6Sep68                                                                                                     Captain B. R. MONTGOMERY 7-30Sep68 Company "B"                                                                  Captain D. G. HENDERSON 1-30Sep68 Company "C"                                                                  Captain R. T. HOPKINS 1-30Sep68 Company "A", 1st AT Bn                                          1stLt G. B. SEARCH 1-30Sep68 2.     Location           Headquarters                                                            (AT 997723)           H&S Company                                                       (AT 997723)           Company "A"                                                        (AT 936782)           Company "B"                                                        (AT 962621)           Company "C"                                                        (BT 078663)           Company "A", 1st AT Bn                                (AT 997723) 3.     Staff Officers Battalion Executive Officer                                         Battalion Adjutant                                                            1stLt C. S. SCHURING 1-30Sep68 Battalion S-2 Officer                                                      1stLt W. D .DARBY 1-30Sep68 Battalion S-3 Officer                                                      Major J. T. GARCIA 1-30Sep68 Battalion S-4 Officer                                                      Major D. R. SPARKS 1-30Sep68 Battalion S-5 Officer                                                      1stLt R. C. HOLLITZ 1-30Sep68 4.     Average Monthly Strength              USMC                                  USN OFF                      ENL          OFF            ENL 43                          854               1                16                                                                                                                                             ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                             [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [1]

DECLASSIFIED PART II NARRATIVE SUMMARY

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION 1.   The total strength of the First Tank Battalion as of 30 September 1968:                               MARINE                                                                       NAVY                     OFF                      ENL                                              OFF                ENL                         45                      794                                                     1                       17 2.   The Battalion anticipates the following losses during October:                               MARINE                                                                       NAVY                     OFF                      ENL                                             OFF                 ENL                        2                              32                                                    0                         1 3.   Records of extensions for the month of September 1968:      NUMBER OF                        NUMBER OF                      TOTAL MAN-MONTH      THREE MONTH                SIX MONTH                                   FOR  1968                                0                                                    14                                                            588 4.   Total 0141's on board:   22 5.   Anticipated 0141 losses during October 1968:   2 6.   Battalion Legal Report for September 1968:           a.   Special Court Martial:   1           b.   Summary Court Martial:   0           c.   Informal Investigations:   5           d.   Accidential Deaths:   0 7.   Other losses:            a.   One Humanitarian Transfer 8.   Awards           a.   Recommended - 14 Personal Awards           b.   Presented - 1 Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, 23 Purple Hearts, 4 Navy                                             Achievement Medals 9.   The following R&R Quotas were allocated to this Battalion:           a.    In Country                     (1) China Beach - 12           b.    Out of Country                     (1)   Hawaii - 12                     (2)   Australia - 8                     (3)   Kuala Lumpur - 2                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [2]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                               (4)   Singapore - 1                               (5)   Penang - 4                               (6)   Okinawa - 3                               (7)   Manila - 1                               (8)   Tokyo - 6                               (9)   Taipei - 12                           (10)   Hong Kong - 13                           (11)   Bangkok - 13 SUMMARY           The Battalion encountered no major difficulties in personnel adminis- tration for the month.   During September the S-1 officer personnel processed 1 emer- gency leave and 8 special leaves.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [3]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL INTELLIGENCE 1.     Weather           During the month of September there was a total of 17.35 inches of rainfall, compared to 3.88 during August.   This total is somewhat higher than the 25-year average of 15.7 inches.           September high mean temperature was 88 degrees while the low was 77 degrees;  compared to 88 degrees and 75 degrees respectively, over the past 25 years. 2.    Mine and RPG Incidents           During the month of September, there was one mine incident, compared to three the previous month and four four the same period in 1967.   There were no RPG incidents reported during September, compared to five during the previous month. 3.    Summary and Analysis           September was the start of the monsoon season.   During October, rainfall can be expected to increase at at sharp rate, and the temperature will drop slightly.           The last two weeks of September and the first part of October is harvest time for the Vietnamese.   The enemy may be expected to enter populated areas in greater numbers in order to effect resupply.   This is expected to increase acts of terrorism within friendly villages. It is expected that"Golden Fleece" operations will be successful in preventing the enemy from effecting this resupply at the expense of the Vietnamese farmers.           The momentum of enemy initiated activities has increased, and is expected to stay at a high level.   Low level agent reports continue to point out a possible threat to Southern Sector units and outlying areas. Rocket and mortar attack incidents have increased and may be expected to continue at a high level.   With the coming rains, the enemy is able to move about more freely to resupply and reconnonitre friendly positions. Because of the rainy season, vehicles are more restricted than ever, and units must stay constantly  alert when choosing routes.           During the month of September, there were nine enemy sightings/ contacts in the Southern Sector or adjacent to the southern boundary. There was one rocket impact and three mortar impacts within the Southern Sector boundaries.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL                                                                       DECLASSIFIED                                                                                         [4]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL OPERATIONS AND TRAINING 1.    Operations           The 1st Tank Battalion remains dispersed throughout the Area of Reponsibility of the 1st Marine Division in support of the infantry regiments of the division;  however, the dispersion is not as wide as in previous months.   The tanks of the battalion participated in three major operations during the month of September and supported numerous small unit activities as well as providing security for road convoys, defending bridges, and reinforcing perimeter defenses.   Tanks were also used in 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 division.           Company A (-)  (Rein) remains in direct support of the 26th Marines. The 2nd Platoon and Company headquarters displaced from the Phu Bai area to the Da Nang area between 8 an 11 September and co-located the Company Command Post with that of 1/26.   The 3rd Platoon remained near the Hai Van Pass in support of 3/26.           Company B  (Rein) continues to support the 5th and 7th Marines with two platoon in support of each regiment.   The tanks support many small unit operations, road sweeps and convoys of both regiments.   Company B also provided tanks in support of Operations Mameluke Thrust, Sussex Bay, and Talledega Canyon.   The Company B Command Post is co-located with that of the 7th Marines on Hill 55.           Company C  (Rein) was in support of the 1st Marine Division and acted as the division's tank reserve until 10 September when the company displaced to the 2/1 command post and began supporting the 1st Marine Regiment and the 2nd ROKMC Brigade.   The 2nd Platoon is supporting the ROKMC Brigade and has participated in numerous small unit operations. The 1st and 3rd Platoons are supporting the 1st Marines and are used mainly on road sweeps and in perimeter defense with some small unit operations.           Company A, 1st Antitank Battalion was chopped from direct support of the 26th Marines and placed in general support of the 1st Marine Division on 8 September.   On 10 September Company A assumed responsibility for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges.   On 12 September the responsibility for the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan Bridges was assigned to the 1st and 7th Marines, respectively.   A heavy section of Ontos remainded in support of elements of the 1st Marines on Song Cau Do Bridge and a light section in support of the 7th Marines on Song Tuy Loan Bridge.   On 12 September, Company A assumed responsibility for OP Panther and the combat outpost located on the Three Fingers area in the Southern Sector Defense Command Area of Responsibility.   One platoon of Company A remains in direct support of the Da Nang Mobile Quick Reaction Task Force.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [5[

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 2.    Task Organization           The task organization of the 1st Tank Battalion as of 30 September 1968 is:                     Company A  (-)  (Rein):   D/S 26th Marine Regiment                     Company B  (Rein):   2 platoons D/S 5th Marine Regiment                                                                   2 platoons D/S 7th Marine Regiment                     Company C  (Rein):   D/S 1st Marine Regiment                                                                   1 platoon D/S of 2nd ROKMC Brigade                     Company A  (Rein), 1st Antitank Bn:  CO A (-) G/S 1st Mar Div                                                                                                         1 plt D/S Task Force Kilo                                                                                                         Heavy Section D/S 3/1                                                                                                         Light   Section D/S 1/7 3.     Battalion CP Ground Actions           The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 102 patrols and ambushes in the Battalion Area of Responsibility within the Southern Sector Defense Command. 4.     Ammunition Expenditures           Total ammunition expended during September by the 1st Tank Battalion is as follows:                                                                                                     90mm                                         HE          APERS-T          CANNISTER          WP          HEAT DIRECT                 559                    34                              33                     148              25 INDIRECT               0                      0                                0                         0               0 TOTAL                     559                    34                              33                      148             25                                                   106mm                                                  SMALL ARMS                                         APERS-T          HEP-T          .30 Caliber MG          .50 Caliber MG DIRECT                           3                         1                         9175                                  8355 INDIRECT                      0                        0                                 FLAME TANK FUEL TOTAL                                3                         1                                        5,550 gallons 5.    Statistical Results           The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during September are: VC/NVA KIA           TANK OPERATIONS..................20           SSDC  OPERATIONS..................3                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [6]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL VC/NVA CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS................4           SSDC  OPERATIONS................0 VCS           TANK OPERATIONS................0           SSDC  OPERATIONS................4 USMC KIA           TANK OPERATIONS................0           SSDC  OPERATIONS................1 USMC WIA           TANK OPERATIONS                     MED-EVAC.........................4                     NON-EVAC.........................5           SSDC  OPERATIONS                     NON-EVAC.........................1 WEAPONS CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS................0           SSDC  OPERATIONS................8                     2 AK 47                     6 Chi Com Grenades EQUIPMENT AND DOCUMENTS CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS................0           SSDC  OPERATIONS                     Numerous Documents, overlays, sketches, etc. 6.    Training           Training within the 1st Tank Battalion during the month of September centered mainly on General Military Subjects, MOS Training, and Weapons Safety.   Subjects pertaining to operations in a combat environment in the Republic of Vietnam were emphasized.   Subjects covered in the weekly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO School were Field Fortifications, Revolutionary Development and Personal Response. 7.    Summary           Realignment of the assets of the 1st Tank Battalion has enabled the battalion to continue supporting the regiments of the 1st Marine Division with the mobility, fire power and shock action of the tanks and Ontos of the battalion.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [7]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND 1.    General Summary           Southern Sector activities continue to be coordinated, initiated and controlled by the Commanding Officer, 1st Tank Battalion.   During the month 928 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units.   These activities included patrols, ambushes, LP's, OP's and COP's.           In an effort to deny the enemy the use of the east-west axis of the Southern Sector as a route of approach into Da Nang from the west, the 2nd Battalion  (-), 7th Marines was diplaced to the western approaches of the Southern Sector in August, and the western boundary of the sector was expanded to permit better utilization of the terrain.   On 9 September 1968 the two companies of 2/7 which were still operating in the sector were chopped from Southern Sector OPCON and  returned to their parent unit.           On 12 September the area of operation of the Southern Sector was again modified, and the responsibility for the defense of the Song Cau Do and Song Tuy Loan bridges was assigned to the 1st and 7th Marines respectively. On 12 September 1968, Company A, 1st AT's assumed responsibility for an area of operation in the western portion of the sector employing one Ontos platoon and a provisional infantry platoon which had been providing security for the bridges.   Company A, AT's established two Combat Outposts and a series of listening posts in the Three Fingers Area.   3rd MP Battalion established two Combat Outposts to the northeast of the Three Fingers.           Due to the changes in the SSDC boundary which relieved the sector of responsibility for the bridges, the western approaches into Da Nang through the Southern Sector are better protected against enemy use.   By employing the assets of Company A, AT's and the provisional infantry platoon as a delaying force, the recently revised SSDC reaction plan can be placed in effect to prevent or delay an enemy penetration of vital installations within the sector and the Da Nang area. 2.    Significant Events. 040535H Sep 1968      While at OP Panther  (AT968707), C 31 observed two rockets                                                   fired from  (AT966700).   Fired 1 WP, 2 Beehive, results                                                   unknown. 101520H Sep 1968      Company C, 1st Tank Bn. was relieved in place at                                                   (AT99773) by Company A, 1st Antitank Bn.     091200H Sep 1968      SSDC returned OPCON Co. E. and Co. F of 2/7 to parent unit. 120800H Sep 1968      CG message 100845Z modifies the AO of the SSDC and                                                   passes responsibility for the defense of the Song Cau                                                   Do Bridge and Song Tuy Loan Bridge to the 1st Marines                                                   and 7th Marines respectively.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [8]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 131030H Sep 1968      Brig. Gen. DWYER met the Battalion Commander, 1st Tank                                                   Bn., at the Song Cau Do Bridge and the Song Tuy Loan                                                   Bridge to coordinate the defense of the bridges with the                                                   1st Marines and 7th Marines respectively. 171900H Sep 1968      OP Panther  (AT968707) received small arms fire from                                                   vicinity  (AT968708).   Returned fire with M-79.   One                                                   ARVN WIA  (med-evac). 210140H Sep 1968      7th Communications Bn. ambush observed on enemy moving                                                   from east to west.   Two Marines circled behind enemy to                                                   force him into ambush.   Two other Marines left their                                                   position and moved into kill zone.   When the ambush was                                                   sprung, one Marine was killed by friendly fire.   The                                                   enemy escaped. 230230H Sep 1968      OP Bear  (AT948705) observed three to six Vietnamese                                                   moving at Phu Hoa Village and observed a firefight in                                                   village for about two hours.   Op Bear received 20                                                   to 30 rounds of sniper fire.   Company C, 7th Engineer                                                   Bn. area  (AT948708) received 10 to 20 rounds of sniper                                                   fire.   OP Bear returned fire with approximately 10 rounds                                                   of M-16 fire on sniper position  (AT946702).   There were                                                   no casualties. 261959H Sep 1968      A night ambush from Hoa Cam Training Center observed                                                   five V.C. crossing the river at  (AT970702).   Ambush took                                                   V.C. under fire with small arms.   Action resulted in                                                   three V.C. KIA, two AK 47's, six grenades, and assorted                                                   documents captured. 262215H Sep 1968      OP Hawk  (AT973704) received three rounds unknown                                                   caliber mortar fire.   Negative damage to vehicles or                                                   bunkers and 1 USMC WIA  (non-evac). 262220H Sep 1968      On request from 4/11, OP Hawk  (AT973704), fired 65                                                   105mm HE rounds in support of Hoa Cam night activities.                                                   Rounds were reported on target.   Negative report on                                                   damage. 262335H Sep 1968      OP Hawk  (AT973704), heard sounds and observed movement                                                   in their wire.   OP personnel fire two rounds M-79 and                                                   two M-26 grenades.   Upon checking wire at first light                                                   two trip flares were found to be missing.   No other                                                   evidence of enemy activity was found. 271300H Sep 1968      A two-company search and clear operation in the 9670                                                   and 9779 grid squares resulted in four V.C. suspect                                                   detainees at Cam Hoa  (2).                                                                                                                          ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [9]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 290020H Sep 1968      OP Bear  (AT948705), received small arms fire from                                                   (AT947705) and observed three V.C. at  (AT947701).   OP                                                   returned fire with .50 caliber and M-16.   Search of the                                                   area at first light revealed negative results. 290500H Sep 1968      OP Panther  (AT968707) observed six rockets fired toward                                                   Da Nang Vital Area from  (AT956693).   Y 51 fired one                                                   round HE at rocket site.   The rocket firing ceased                                                   immediately.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [10]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 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, Gas Engine Trk                                                    3 4940-014-0496                    Cleaner Steam Pressure, Trlr Mtd                                   3 5820-892-0868                    Radio Set AN/VRC-12                                                            10 2350-985-9154                    Tank Combat, Full Tracked M48A3                                 2 2320-935-8713                    Tank Recovery Vehicle M51                                               1 5820-086-7536                    Radio Set AN/GRC-125                                                            2 8415-926-9992                    Helmet CVC, w/MK-1039/G                                              55 2350-973-4085                    Rifle Self-Propelled  (Ontos)                                                  1 6230-857-0583                    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                                                                                8 1040-339-1615                    Mixing and Transfer Unit                                                       2 2.    Repair Parts           The following 2nd echelon repair parts are required to remove combat essential track vehicles from deadline.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [11]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           FSN                                          Nomenclature                                                                           Qty 4720-683-8432                              Pintle Return Line                                                                      1 *1015-753-8758                          81mm Tube                                                                                   1 *1240-346-8734                          Link Assembly                                                                          27 *Not repair parts, but critically needed by this organization.   Listed here to provide requisition data. 3.     Vehicles Received           One T/E deficient M37 truck was received. 4.     Cargo and Motor Transport           a.   M151 and M38A1.   This organization received twenty-one M151's during September in exchange for M38A1 assets.   The seventeen M38A1's on hand were turned-in to Force Logistics Command and four M38A1's on requisition were cancelled.           b.   M37 Truck.   The deadline rate for this vehicle did not improve during September.   During current operations the M54A2C truck is employed for missions which normally utilize the M37 truck.   A requirement for full mobility of the Battalion at any given time would be adversely affected by the lack of M37 truck vehicle availability.           c.   The following is the status of the motor transport of this organ- ization: Item                                        Auth          O/H          OR   2nd Echelon   3rd Echelon   Problem Radio AN/MRC109          2               2               2 Radio AN/MRC110          5               5               5                    1                              1                    No Truck Cargo M37/M36B1                        6               6               3                    1                               2                 No Truck Utility M151A1                                25             25             25 Truck Cargo M54A2C                               38             38             38                    1                               3                    No Truck Amb. M170             1               1               1 Radio AN/MRC87            1               1               1                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [12]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL Item                                                  Auth   O/H    OR   2nd Echeon  3rd Echelon  Problem Radio AN/MRC-87                    2            2          2 Truck, Amb, M718                     1            1          1 Truck, Wrecker                          3            3          3 Truck, M35A2C                         3            3          3 5.    Projects           The following projects were completed during the month.           a.   The generator shed was completed and three new 100 KW generators placed in operation to provide power for the cantonment.           b.   The new messhall was completed and is presently in operation.           c.   New drainage system was completed around the helopad to prevent erosion.           d.   Additional fighting holes were prepared in the cantonment to provide better defensive positions.           e.   A new entrance to the cantonment was constructed to provide better egress from the cantonment and less traffic with cantonment proper. 6.    Concessions           No change 7.    Summary           During September, the logisitics situation continued to improve. Organizational maintenance was preformed to the maximum extent practical under conditions of readiness.   Availability of 2nd echelon repair parts was hampered by long lead-time and lack of response in the Direct Exchange program.   Authorized selective interchange was necessary to obtain several critical repair parts.   Support from field maintenance decreased during September with ten tracked vehicles presently deadlined at Force Logistics Command compared with five at the end of August.   Five tracked vehicles are deadline awaiting direct exchange items.           The following are significant problem areas:           a.   Jungle Utility Uniforms  A significant number of jungle utilities were received during September, however there are requisitions pending for approximately 300 sets.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [13]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           b.   Inner Tubes and Hot Patches.   At the present time there is a shortage of 60 inner tubes and it has been necessary to remove tubes from some trailer tires and go withourt spare tires in order to keep prime movers on the road.   No hot patches have been received since April, although since 4 May 1968 five boxes of hot patches have been on a priorty two requisition.           c.   Requisitioning Problems.   During September, as 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 in order to obtain items in stock at Force Logistics Command and for items marked BA, M8 and local delivery when the item had not in fact been received.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [14]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS 1.    Projects Completed           The Division Command Materail inspection was conducted on 9 September and a rating of satisfactory assigned.   The FMFPac assistance inspection was conducted on 12 September and assigned a rating of satisfactory with discrepancies.           A public address system was installed throughout the cantonment on 24 September.   The microphone and amplifier were installed in the Alternate COC bunker.   The purpose of the public address system is to establish alert conditions and pass vital information in conjuction with alerts.           Permission was obtained from 3/1 and 1/7 for the SSDC to enter their fire direction net ot clear fire missions.           Units at the Song Cau Do and Tuy Loan bridges were requested to ente the SSDC net to forward tactical information to the COC and agreed to do so.           KY-8 transmission capabilities at Companies A, B, and C were completed on 20 September.   This provides the commander with a total covered capability to the companies of the Battalion. 2.    Projects Pending           New 50-pair cables, with messenger, are being installed from the division terminal box to newly constructed camp terminal boxes.   The cable was place on poles set by MCB personnel.   Completion is scheduled for 15 November 1968. 3.    Message Summary           During the month, 1st Tank Battalion's Communications Center processed 1449 incoming and 160 outgoing messages. 4.    Equipment Status           One Radio Set AN/MRC-83 is deadlined and is presently at 1st FSR.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [15]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL 1.     Sick Call and Immunizations           There were 685 Sick Calls visits during the month of September.   Four- hundred and eighty-nine immunizations were given and 53 tuberculin skin tests were administered. 2.    WIA, KIA, and Non-Effectives           Nine men were wounded as a result of hostile action, four requiring hospitalization.   There were 21 men on the Sick List during September. Five of these were carried over from the previous month.   Of the 16 admitted to the Sick List during September, nine were medical illnesses, four were non-hostile injuries, and three were hostile injuries.   Two men with medical illnesses were evacuated out of country.   Total man-days lost to the Battalion secondary to illness or injury were 132. 3.    Venereal Disease           There were 13 cases of venereal disease diagnosed and treated, nine of which were contracted in the Da Nang area. 4.    Inspections and Personnel           Personnel changes during the month included the attachment of a Chief Hospital Corpsman and one Hospital Corpsman departed TAD to III MAF  (CAP).           The 2nd Quarter Long Range Training Program was instituted.    Increased surveillance and preventive measures in the Insect and Vector Control Programs have commenced.   Venereal Disease Education is continuing.           A Medical Technical Inspection was conducted by FMFPac of the battalion medical section, with an overall rating of satisfactory with discrepancies.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [16]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL CIVIC ACTION 1.    MedCap Aid Station           The MedCap Aid Station was open 21 days during the month of September and treated a total of 357 Vietnamese. 2.    Psychological Operations           PSYOPS leaflets were distributed daily on a variety of subjects.   In conjunction with the Cau Do River control program, three aerial broadcasts were made by the 9th ASC, and a loudspeaker team made two trips along the river by boat to explain regulations concerning use of the waterway to Vietnamese living in the area.   Three movies were shown to local civilians during the month.   The Voluntary Informant Program resulted in 20 turn-ins of M-79 and hand grenades as well as small arms ammunition. 3.    Materials and Goods Distributed           During September the following materials were distributed:           a.   16,500 pounds of swill           b.   160 bars of soap           c.   4 bags of cement 4.    Summary                      During September, daily support of the Pig Farms and Pig Breeding Farm in Phong Bac Hamlet continued to constitute the majority of Civic Action work within the 1st Tank Battalion.           Solatium payments were made as follows:           4000$VN to the wife of a PF killed in a traffic accident involving a tank.           4000$VN to a Hoa Cam Training Center recruit who was accidently wounded in an operational incident near OP Panther.           1000$VN to a woman from Hoa Thinh Village whose cow and calf were shot in an incident involving Marines from 2/7 while the battalion was OPCON to the Southern Sector Defense Command.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [17]

DECLASSIFIED PART III SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS [COVER PAGE] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 010200H Sep 1968      Bridge at (YD927104) received RPG, 82mm mortar and auto-                                                   matic weapons fire from unknown number of enemy.   One                                                   Ontos from Co. A, AT's, returned fire with 106mm, .50                                                   caliber and .30 caliber.   Bloodstains and trails were found                                                   in the morning.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 02 Sep 1968, Entry 7 021010H Sep 1968      A contruction crew at  (AT914947) was ambushed with 60mm                                                   mortar fire.   Two Ontos from Co. A, AT's fired 106mm and                                                   caused an avalanche over the suspected mortar position.                                                   Mortar fire ceased, negative search.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 02 Sep 1968, Entry 8 031515H Sep 1968      While on sweep with Co. M, 3/5, two tanks from Co. B                                                   received heavy automatic weapons and B-40 rocket fire                                                   from  (BT048534).   The tanks moved on line with the assault                                                   force and fired 90mm, .50 caliber and .30 caliber.   Eight                                                   NVA were killed.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 03 Sep 1968, Entry 8 061110H Sep 1968      Brig. Gen. DWYER, ADC, visited 1st Tank Bn. to assess the                                                   damage from Tropical Storm Bess.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 06 Sep 1968, Entry 5 101520H Sep 1968      Co. C relieved in place at (AT997723) by Co A, AT's.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 10 Sep 1968, Entry 6 112100H Sep 1968      Two tanks from Company B were called out to assist Co. F,                                                   2/5, which was being ambushed at  (AT915161).   Tanks                                                   returned fire with 90mm, .50 caliber and .30 caliber.                                                   No search made.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 12 Sep 1968, (late entry) 120800H Sep 1968      The 1st Tank Bn. was inspected by the FMFPac inspection                                                   team.   The inspection lastetd until approximately 1430 and                                                   was rated as satisfactory with discrepancies.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 12 Sep 1968, Entry 2 120920H Sep 1968      While providing security for a mine sweep a Co. C tank hit                                                   a mine at  (BT066660.    Mine estimated to be 50 pounds.                                                   Tank sustained light damage.   No injuries.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 12 Sep 1968, Entry 6                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [18]

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 121000H Sep 1968      While in support of a road sweep, two tanks from Co. B                                                   spotted enemy movement and fired .50 and .30 caliber.                                                   No search conducted.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 12 Sep 1968, Entry 8 131330H Sep 1968      One tank from Co. A, supporting 2/26, fired 90mm and.30                                                   caliber at a sampan with four personnel aboard.   Sampan                                                   checked by Swift boat.   OneNVA WIA was found.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 17 Sep 1968, Entry 1 131730H Sep 1968      Two tanks from Co. B, while in support of Co. G, 2/5,                                                   spotted 15 NVA  (AT899499).   Tanks fire 90mm, .50 caliber                                                   and .30 caliber.   Three NVA were captured.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 13 Sept 1968, Entry 13 141400H Sep 1968      Two tank from Co. B supporting Co. F, 2/5, at  (AT932517)                                                   fired on a fortified treeline with 90mm and  .30 caliber.                                                   Sweep of area showed negative results.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 14 Sep 1968, Entry 9 141745H Sep 1968      One tank from Co. B, while supporting Co. G, 2/5, observed                                                   three NVA carrying bodies across an open area  (AT898499).                                                   Tank fire one Beehive round.   Four NVA killed.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 14 Sep 1968, Entry 12 151145H Sep 1968      Tanks from Co. B supporting Co. G, 2/5, at  (AT899498)                                                   observed 11 NVA.   One tank fired two Beehive rounds into                                                   treeline.   One NVA was killed.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 15 Sep 1968, Entry 7 151340H Sep 1968      Two tanks from Co. C supporting a road sweep at (BT085703)                                                   came under enemy fire.   Tanks fired 90mm at three enemy                                                   bunkers at  (BT088707).   Four NVA were killed.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 15 Sep 1968, Entry 8 151640H Sep 1968      Two tanks from Co. C supporting 2/1 at  (BT073715) fired                                                   90mm at enemy bunkers at  (BT075707).   Four NVA were killed.                                                   In the same action, in suppot of 3rd Amtrac. Bn., two                                                   tanks from Co. C fired 90mm at caves at  (BT075709) and                                                   destroyed them.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal,  15 Sep 1968, Entries 10 and 11                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [19]

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 160815H Sep 1968      Two gun tanks and one flame tank from Co. B supporting                                                   a roadsweep at  (AT965593) were hit from both sides by                                                   automatic weapons fire.   Tanks returned fire with 90mm,                                                   .50 caliber and .30 caliber.   No search of area was made.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 16 Sep 1968, Entry 2 181515H Sep 1968      Tanks from Co. A supporting 3/26 at  (ZD152011) received                                                   80 mortar rounds from  (ZD151968).   One tank returned fire                                                   with 90mm.   Results unknown.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 18 Sep 1968, Entry 8 182115H Sep 1968      Tank supporting Co. B, 1/26, fired 90mm and .30 caliber                                                   on suspected enemy position at  (AT922845) from which                                                   patrol was receiving small arms fire.   Results unknown.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 18 Sep 1968, Entry 11 201520H Sep 1968      Tanks from Co. A, in support of 3/26, received approximately                                                   20 rounds of 82mm mortar fire from (ZD150000, ZD150003,                                                   ZD155967).    Tanks fired 90mm.   One tank had two tail lights                                                   and one driver's periscope knocked out.                                                   Ref:   Tank Bn. SITREP 265 of 21 Sep 1968 201910H Sep 1968      One tank in support of 3/26 spotted five enemy carrying                                                   mortar tubes toward a village at  (ZD150003).   Tank fired                                                   90mm.    Search showed negative results.                                                   Ref:   Tank Bn. SITREP 265 of 21 Sep 1968 210720H Sep 1968      Two tanks from Co. C supporting the 2nd ROKMC Brigade,                                                   observed enemy movement at  (BT151598, BT151598).  Tanks                                                   fired 90mm, .50 caliber, .30 caliber.   Two V.C. were                                                   killed.                                                   Ref:   Tank Bn. SITREP 265 of 21 Sep 1968 210930H Sep 1968      Tanks from Co. B, supporting Co. E, 2/5, at  (AT934512)                                                   received sniper fire from treeline at  (AT930514).    One                                                   tank returned fire with 90mm, .50 caliber and .30 caliber.                                                   Area searched with negative results.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 21 Sep 1968, Entry 10 231615H Sep 1968      Two tanks from Co. C, supporting 9th Co., ROKMC, at                                                   (BT150605) were directed to fire on huts and into a                                                   treeline at  (AT152606).   Tanked fired 90mm and destroyed                                                   four huts.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 23 Sep 1968, Entry 8                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [20]

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] 272030H Sept 1968     One tank from Co. A, supporting 1/26, spotted enemy                                                   position from which a patrol was being ambushed at                                                   (AT926844).   Tank fired 90mm.   Five AK-47's captured.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 28 Sept 1968, Entry 1 281355H Sep 1968      Maj. Gen. YOUNGDALE, CG 1st MarDiv, visited 1st Tank Bn                                                   and presented a Silver Star and three Purple Heart awards,                                                   General was briefed after ceremony on Southern Sector                                                   operations.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 28 Sep 1968, Entry 13 281845H Sep 1968      1st Platooon of Co. B, supporting 1/7, took six rounds of                                                   82mm mortar fire and sporatic small arms fire in platoon                                                   CP.   Tanks returned fire with 90mm, .50 caliber and .30                                                   caliber.   Action resulted in four USMC WIA  (three med-                                                   evac, one non-evac).                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 28 Sep 1968, Entry 18 282223H Sep 1968      Tanks from Co. A, supporting 1/26, spotted enemy movement                                                   at  (AT898835).   One tank fired 90mm.   Sweep made with                                                   negative results.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 29 Sep 1968, Entry 1 291245H Sep 1968      A jeep from Co. C was fired at with an RPG at  (BT060666)                                                   while driving on Tu Cau Road.   In an attempt to avoid the                                                   rocket the jeep overturned.   Two USMC WIA  (non-evac).                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 30 Sep 1968, Entry 1 390930H Sep 1968      A flame tank from Co. C, supporting 2/1, cooked off a                                                   surprise firing device while burning brush at the Tu Cau                                                   Bridge at  (BT034649).   Incident resulted in three USMC                                                   WIA  (one med-evac, two non-evac).                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 30 Sep 1968, Entry 12                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [21]