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]
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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]
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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]

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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)
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[14]
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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.









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[15]

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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.











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[16]
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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)
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[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]


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[18]

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[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]
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[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]
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