DECLASSIFIED

niq_D.~l.UAF't·ERS ,.

3d Battalic:"l~ 26-~h M9..:?:'iH;.,;:;;; San Francisco., Ca.lJi:c"i:nic.J. 96602

r ;t. From: To:

CoiiliDOOlding Offiger · --Comma.ncting General, 3d Marine Division (Rein~;·.J!'MF!~.Pa&itie. '

Subj: Command Chronology for pe!t'iod 1 January to '31 J~ 1967. ·~,..r·

Ref: (a.) FMF PACO 5750'.8 (1b) DivO 575

DECLASSIFIED

t-

'

INDEX " ' -- PARr -I .-··QRGANIZA.TIONAL DATA

"PART II - NARRKTivE SUMMARt

PA~ :;II - S~UENT::tAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICAll""T EVENTS

;..,.,.. _ ... ···· A. Combat M'\.ssions Assigned and Significant Operations Conducted. -l3 ~- · CsfP'If.l>l~iea C. Cornman~ Re1ations D • CoiDillWlica ti

.i

• 1 L

'

DECLASSIFIED

• • PARr I ORGANIZATIONAL DATA ·• . ';..

,a Battalion, 26th Marines LtCot G.':!',. BEYE.BLE ('t····l7Jtm67) LtC OJ. K. L HOCH ( 18-,1 .J'c:m6T)

SUBORDINATE UN~C:;~S

Compailly I

Company K

Compeny-L

Company M

Ca:.ryt n. F. ROLLER Jr. (1-15Jan67) Capt il. J. SA.SEK ( 16-,1 Ja.n67) Capt T. A. SILVEA.R (1-24Jan67) (WIA) Capt R. E. HINES (a5-~Jan67) Capt F. D. BYNUM (1-2:6Ja.n67) 1stLt A. L. SISCO (27~1Jan67) Capt W. F. FARRELL III (1-15Jan67) Capt R. F. ROLLER Jr. (16-~1Jan67) Gapvt R. J. SA.SEK (1-1~Ja.n67) C'apt A • D • DEBONA ( 1,.._~1 Jan67)

SUPPORriNG UNITS

Btryc, 1/13:, 4thBn, 12th Mar 2d155mmProvHowBtry{TD) CoB (-), )dATBn tstPl.t Co B, 3dEngrBn 1stPlt, Co A, 3dSPBn

2dPlt, Co A,. 3d.MTBn

Btr.y D, 1stBn, 44th Arty

Btry G, 2dBn, 65th Arty

2. LOCATION: Co :Bi Thanh Tan

3'• · STAFF OFFICERS:

Executive Officer

S-1; Personnel Officer

S-2.

Communications Officer Supply Oi'i'icer Motor T:ro.nsport O£fi':ler

Capt T. J. :BRACKMAN (1-~1Jan67) Capt J • BUTLER (1-,1J~67) Cap~ S. L. CAMBY (1-31Ja.n67) 1stLt J. E. :BISHOP (1-,1Jan67) 1srtLt N. F. PAYNE (1~Jan67) 1stLt W. C. CAILE (7-~Jan67) Capt R. L. MITCHELL ( 48Jan67) 2ndLt G. R. WADE ( 9-3:t Jan67) 1stLt R. S. RODRIGtrez:, USA (1-26Jan67) 1stLt G. H. KARSON, USA (26-3"1Jan67) 1stLt J. J. ENGEL, USA (1-20Jan67) 1stLt D. M. BOWIE, US~~- (22-31Jan67)

' Maj W. A. THOMPSON ( 1 ~-19Jan67) !1aj D. J. FOlliAM (2.0-i5.1Jam67) 2ndLt R. D. SPENCER (1j -31Jan67) 2ndLt L. R. THOMPSON t1-15Jan67) 2ndLt E. L. KNOX (16-i5tJan67) 1stLt L. G. KLEnq (1-SJa.n67) 2ndLt T. A. BA.ILEY (1'1-31Jam67) Ma.j W. J. WOODRING Jr• ( 1-'1 Jan67)

. Capt R. E. HINES ( 1-2~Jar.67) Capt W. F. FARRELl IIll (25-31Jan67) Ca. pt A • D. DEBONA ( 1-112Jan67) 1 stLt M. A. KJ:NG ( 13-!51 Jen67) C&pt J. L. STEELE (1-J:\Jan67) Caplt G. A. RADNIECKI (1_,1Jar.67) 1s:tLt. P. E. SULLIVAN (1~1Jan67)

2 . sUI.l'W ~ Enclosure ( 1 ) . -~s ~ . -j . -~~=' J_ -

DECLASSIFIED

-t

Medical Officer Assistant Medical Officer Chaplain

DECLASSIFIED - L_£0'-·

' LT J • F • IPPotrr:i, 'usN ( 1-31 Jen67-} LT J. C ~ NlllTiv!AN ~ USN ( 1-31 J

-•.. ·

DECLASSIFIED

' -· PA:ST II

During ;tha month of January 196'{ ~ ·L:i.··s )u :;:,.-t; :a.LLoa; 2,. :i , :ySarire a was engaged.: il}.. Operation CHINOOKj a saa::·ct:. ac:.c: dest::-oy o:per;:;:, -J.on in PRONG DIEN. D.~~tz:ict, THUA THIEN P .rovincE' tiD.at began ml 1 o l) ~,)ember 1966. · ':P::q.,Et? mB.:_~e'flal ~ov~d in this_ pt~d :~_\.': .;he .JA.:nw;,2·, · '> "1;t•,·.ld. · ChroflO.l~~ ::1~--~ pontJ.nuatJ.on of Enclosu:re (4-·-13) Sp:ec~a,-.~ J:p:r.. :-:.-.a.tions, to the. 3!26 ~o~ Chronology, periOO. 1. S ~:;t December ·1966 • ,.

010001 TO 012400.-.H January 1967 1. .~; ~ •• .: ::;

0925~· . A 6~ Truck from }d. MT at YD 5~318 d~to~ted: a mine approll:iinateJ.y 15 feet off of the read resulbng m eJ.ght friendly \>qA 1s,'! All casualties except 1 were from 2/2.6. Right front side ef

· truck .~ely. ~ma.ged.

0935: 13~6 patrol at YD 570"'5 observed 6 to 8 VC heading east. The VC. fired &;y. ·J-:-L-26 and broke contact wen .fire was retuxrned. Area sear~hed ~fth no furtheT contact.

1015g 3-L-26 patrol YD 577300 sited 3 VC wee:ri.ng: light colored clothing, moving in an easterly direction. Fi.red arty concentration, but unable to observe results.

1020g Co I partol at YD 51523 5 found one homemade grenaile 1 not booby trapped. Destroyed in place.

111 Q'g 3-L-26 p&trol at YD 579293· found. :;a punji -traps. All destroyed in place.

12.16: Co K patro~ at YD 501326 found one booby t:rapped l05mm round amd three punji traps. All destroyed in P'lace. Co K moved to $~.429320 and observed 7 VC moving NW. Due to inclemeznt weather and.

DECLASSIFIED

• 1.Cl25: Co K patrol found one N-79 C:.ud a:t YJ) 512.314. Destroyed

in place.

1255: Co I found a bunker with pun;)::; " .. :-ap ,_jJ.!CJ..:jS:Ftd •·L t,"l~1 barbed wire at YD .521275. De~troyed.

-· 1 '10; Co I apprehended 4 detainees. . ·:n.e woman. rm(i +.r.:;-(~F children,

at the village vic YD 525271. Detainees; evadl"J.ated to Dis-o;r~c~ Head-.ring red shorts and green rainco2.ts. Trtken to POW Compound. InteTl'oga.ters learned that they were ARVN escapees,,fr,om_,_.,,_,..c--=--..-::-::-,.=:_

VC PO\J Camp. . ~ .. ~~09.·~'.; ~.~~ f), ((i:lt'R';,;;-,·'] .. · .·,.i. W·" \''''1 H ;

DECLASSIFIED

~-~~· • ' 1\

~ .. · :1·. ): ·-r~trol rr.t YD 53. '288 found punji tmps with }6 stakes • . ·u-.-'rral" vas. 3 ft:aquare. Trap was .·"'S>trn~'ed.

13~c Co K patrol found 1~J:OO lbo r::" • ~e "'·"' i"f.. '/?:;'/ -l:. 'fumed over to ·Dis.trict Headqun.rters •

1445• CoM patrol receiveili sni:p:e: f::_o:''" f:com 3 VG F>' YD "112:94• Returned fire and seanhed the village I .;;:, •;.c ~10 furthef v.•·l~c..;\.;t.

· 1800a Co M app.t"ehended a tott"tl of 127 detainees1 vic: YD 555295, turned all aver to District Headquarters.

0600011 TO 0624001 H Jan\Wlry 1 967

08451 Co K apprehended 74 detainees at YD 577223, turned all over to District Headquarters·. ·

1015: Co H found 000' lbs of unhusked rice and turned CNer to District Headquarters.

1335: Co K at YD 5532-68 sighted 6 VC. Fired 81mm mortar mission. Wow=m in rurea atatedl that 5 VC with weapons fled to the eaat. A total of 49 detainees apprehended at YD 553268. Also found a.:. Russia.ri pouch w.:i.th aJiliilo and some documents :c,t YD 595264•

1615: CoM patrol received automat.ic weapons filw a.t YD 552292: from YD 552:289. SAF was returned. Area was ae~ed but no fu_-rther ,_c,on:tact w:>...s; ma.de • .:~~;L~~:.: .. L.::.L.~

G700~1)'f9~ 017~240_9! JI ·'J~pary 196J; ;_:,_; i':,·.: ,; L::·,c•::: ,,_:):;\; :~'t--r::-~-i'~" b;~·,::.;(; ·;;;. .f ~f iff\;~~~-.1~ .• :!~(~ .:~· :P:•: -. ·;. :·, ~-~~·r·· .~ 0935': · Co M :patrol received 9 YlrA when it detonated a mine at

YD 55~:3,A7.• f.['.wo,:o.f.,;t;h~,- WIA V(;}X~ serious;,: and .were med~vaoed bY,tAA~9• ll'll.e;·mwe~~'$":':Pf-i: t~e bo;x,;t~,, consisting of at least ·10; lbs with nuts and bolts for shrapnel. It was .. detonated by being steppecl on, and ~9.-~~~ btWfil>~~g~~dtU? ,~ .exooss:_·O.f:· }0 meters. ·, · ; 1

._ ·: '· -::·r. . .-· .. -~·;_ ::.:·~•·'~ 1 ·:: E' :..; ·:.-:- ::.··.

162.0l: YD 500281.

1800: YD 555~'4•

DECLASSIFIED

• •

Co K ( -) found a 105IDI!l round rigged as a. boo:;;v ··-i;:::.t:>.F a.t Round m.s destroyed in place.

Co I moved to YD 535290:,. Co K to YD 577276, 2.v.d Co H to

2.025: Co I received 20' rounds· of 6omm mortar at YD 5322'3'(~ Obse--.rved fL:i:shes at YD 535285 and fired counter-mortar fire w·i-sh 60mm mortar, artillery, ?.;nd mc~chine guns from tracked vehicles. Co I received two minor WIA who were taken to BA.S.

Q:80001 TO 0824

DECLASSIFIED

1845: Co K (-) at YD 57 5268 received sniper Ere at the rea.._~ p:oint from across the river vic of YD 574286 '~y :~ \T'J., Co K 1"Ertn:r:n_edl. SA.F a.nd called in artillery. ObSeTVed one IDB.!. r"'":~l do'riJ, :.,,.,: :.1 )~move; the other two fled under fire and dieT 'L/· _ceturno i:~u~J:Lo~ K Co discovered!. numeJrous fighting hole:!¥, punji pits, some r-ove:r:·ed, srome uncov:ened, and the area near the riveT v:tc YD 5752:64 La.n: l'i few bunkers dug down amd covered. with bamboo. Indications ol' s_:;;:.,J:O!:r holes in the area. The river at YD 575263 fs 20 to 30 :i:'eet ~'

/

DECLASSIFIED

• • ---~· -....._,_w;.o.,_...,._~---- ·; !.:.;~ ~ . . ;,;;(:J.Ul~Q1l~:~~-;et~~4~wli91cat4edft. on1e bu~edft-:C1Uh.~ghhut ~:vj~? '(]) -• 55~:291 :· A bomb •··~:eb.&~~- ,,o· · · e, y ong, .1 l. , ) .c t; ·~:Lde rou.n~'- l.IcS) .. 'J.

. e

• DECLASSIFIED

• pound blook ol' :::,:-rr trip wire. Engineers

1025 ~ Sniper teP&.m at YD 5842:69 reported t1vo separate: s..LglTtings: in vicinity of YD 5i382:64. Fired two shots. One enemy KILP,

1230: Co K CP at YD 5842691 ob.servedL 3 VC nt YD 5882:65 • Sniper team employed. One VC shot 5 times, other was· hit but crawled away. Third VC fled under fire. One searching e~ea, body was not found,

• but a one meter area where VC fell wns coveTed with fresh blood!. A twmel through the heavy und'eTbrush 'WBIS found', and fresh tracks leading through it through which a body had apparent~. be~n carried.

I

1700: Co I moved to YD 519288, K Co to YD 574276,~ and Co L to YD 577294•

120001 TO 122400 H January 1967

0015• Co I at YD 520287 received one round of incoming artillery resulting in one KIA.

10231 3~-26 located numerous punji pits in vie of YD 598267 on entering a village. Pits were destroyed~ Also found two cigarette lighters, one marked 504, one with 403, also found 60 rounds of 7.62 linked ammo.

1030: 1~-26 at YD 598265 received 50 to 60 rounds SAF from vic of YD 598261, resulting in one friendly WIA. Fire was returned with SAF, M-79, M-60, ro1.d 8lmm mortar. Number r·,f enemy not knovm. Unit presently attempting to cross swollen river •

12001 3-K-26 at YD 597264 received one round sniper fire from YD 599261. 1-K-26 observed sniper and fired MG' s and rifles. VC went d.own and did not move. ·Unable to cross river to got body.

1415: Co K (CP) at YD 576276 received 1 round of sniper fire from Y.D 575269. Returned_mortar fire and pursued by rifle platoon.

1450: 1-L-26 at YD 556289 received 1 round sniper fire from' Yl> 557291. Marine tripped explosive device consisting of a grenade in a "C" ration can that was detonated '1-rhen trip ,.,ire pulled grenade out of can. One friendly Will med-evacod.

10

DECLASSIFIED

Enclosure (1) ws

DECLASSIFIED

• boo by·-tTapped 1-1i th rCube 2 inChtc~S in tied in r. b'u.tlh a.ncl

1700: Co I moved to YD 520287; co K to YJ) 577276; and Co =~· to YD 567298_. T.---- ·

20351 Co L ambush patrol at YD 558295 observed blinking lig}lts at YD 548295• Previous experience has demonstrated that each time lights were observed, some type of enemy activity followed. Lights are believed to be signals, but meaning is unlmown. Arty was fired in: area.

2045: Lights appeared again at YD 548295· Arty fired for effect, with good efect on target. Lights extinguished.

~130001 TO 132400 H January 1967 0835& Co K patrol at YD 605275 reported 2 rifle shots fired, vic

YD 581269. Believe shots were fired at helo.

0945•· Co K ~atrol at YD 603277 received 4 rds SAF from YD 605275• · Retmned fire wjSAF and 3.5 • Sniper silenced. Also sighted approximately 100 people (old men, women, and children) run across RR tracks to NE, vie YD ~99289•

-· i2'li0a Co I at YD 520282 called arty mission on 6 VC at YD 549275·, · . 6 enemy _,KID .,..: ... · ... :;; ,., ~· -~·, " - · · ' · . · ;.': '. : ':· .t',' "}.'";.,:'_'". _!'·I: l : ·, ;;·' ·.,H_._ J915: T-Go ,1. ambus}l, while.-moving into a.mbushcsite aiSAF and-·~6omm ·mortars. ~ '. -~ Enemy withdrew under fire. Enemy were again contacted at YD 560299 and fired upon _with:·Sil.li'• -Two V\C. were observed falling ;a;nd sea:rch . ·· ,. of ·~ar~a revealed one VC·. hat with bullet hole thr.(l)Ugh it. One VC KIAP. VC fled to South. (NOTE: see entry for 141225)

""··

i4a6o~ TO 142466 H J~~ 1967

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

zta /;~\ I ' L ·.V,(t~ ,, . ~ .. )'\.~-~~- (.::__;:·~\} .. ) \ .. \). '{-/ ..-(,

DECLASSIFIED

• • 1300: Co K patrol at YD 578282 located one dud 60mm mo:r:·tuor

round. Destroyed in place.

2400: Co L ambushes at YD 553292 and YD 562299 rep0rted 3 camp fires. at YD 554297 and one at YD 559301. Artillery fired on ta.r~t with good effect. Fires extinguished.

160001 TO 162400 H Jamw"ry 1967

1330: 3-L-26 observed 20 VC vic YD 549312 digg±ng in area. 81mm mortars fired mission and VC dispersed. SearchQd area with no further contact.

1420: Co I OP #3 sighted 2 VC with w:eapollS' vic YD 545291. OP fired

DECLASSIFIED

. / •• ' '1450: 3-I-26 found2 native boats at YD 550295 ~ Boa-.:-fJ v:er·:.:

deatroyed. ..

1520: YD 515290.

Co M at YD 52ll92 received one sniper round from vic Returned SAF and seaxched axe~ with no further contact.

1545: 3-L-26 at YD 555295 fired on 5 VC with SAF. They fled are& as unit approached. Further search produced one pack and BAR cartridge belt in village a:t same coordinates;. 1

2100: 1-L-26 at YD 517316 reported receiving 10 rownd$ 60mm mortar landing outside their perimeter mt YD 521315. Estimated mortacr position at YD 517327. 81's and 105's fired counter-mortar fire.

2150: 1-L-26 reported 3 more rounds mortar fire landing vic YD 521318. Estimited position in vic YD 514328. 01'&and 105's continued suppressing fires. (.see, entry for 18131.7)

22.12: Artillery security eli.ement a.t YD 539324 reppr-ted.. Eli- trip• flare set off vic: 538325. Continued observation of a.rea~ :but observed no movement.

180001 TO 182400 H January 1.967

U06: 2:-M~2.6 at YD 515312 observed 12-15 VC vic: YD: 515328. fled when observing patrol... 81 is and 105' s fired missi~. Unit checked area, with no further contact. · l

t

vc

l200g 1-M-26 a:t YD 547295 found one booby-trapped U.A.W, M-72. Used e1ectrioa..l firing devic:e, powered by batteries,, and~ beJlw; ground surface. Deliver.edi. to S-2. ·

1317: 2-M-26 at YD 5ll326 found previms enemy mort&a.r pos1.tion. Baseplate imprint. indicated azimuth 135 degrees lilflig. Fo·'Und 2 ChiCom 60mm mortar rounds:. 3 Blmm mortar C!t"aJ.tent. observed in c:dose prorl.mity

' to position, believed to be from previous nights' counter;-morta:r fire ·'·' ($co entries for lL72100 and 172150.) . :

1205: 1-M-26 at YD 545295 found one Claymore mine. Han tripped tripwire, firing.device activated, but mine failed to ext9lode. Delivered to S-2.

14

(1)

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• found ChiCom grenade in center of light.

190001 TO 192400· H January 1961:

0208: Co K ambush at YD 525307 had two-ma:n security element 30-40 meters to rear. Security element observed one man between themselves and ambush, then two more to their rear. The VC spoke in VietnBlmese, whereupon the element fired first on the sing:E man, saw him drop_, then ~fired on the other tw.o. Two moved in NW direction, .,~

A while ambush searched area under illumination, enell\1 fired on Wambush, then on 2-M-26 position, and were observed moving NW. Ambush

fired on ene~, then withdrew to perimeter. 9lmm H&I fires, plotted to prevent ratrieval of third man, and on trail running NW to vill.J:J.ge at YD 5032:.. Area s:ea:rched in morning, but no body found.

0230: Co K LP at YD 543314 reported noise gnd possiblle movement N&·s of .position. No viBlVll sightingell. · \

0815: Co M OP sighted 25 VC on patrol. at YD 528282. 105 mission fired with good effect. Resul!.ta 1 VC KIAC.

1202: 2-L-2:6 vic .. YD 549295 located 3 bunkers; 12 ft .by 12 ft with two rooms, 4 ft by 4 ft inside. One had a tunnel which led to a. third room 3 ft by 3 ft. Bunkers: w.ere des;troyed. .A ls() in the

. _same area, a.n ARVN type helmet and JJiner, one pair of utility tr

- DECLASSIFIED

• •

2115: Co K p when af:pTOXi.lTI.D~.tely 50 lli•?ters: from d.istination,. }~() CBJBU&lties, no further contact. Moved, Al!llbush s::.te a:ppro::rllnately 50 meters fr?m origilli~l location.

2.00001 TO 202:400 H Ja11.ne.:ry 1967

0030: Co L OP a.t YD 569299 fired att suspected enemy movement at f/jYD 57

.-

- ' :· . : \; .... __ ; ':\(;,\ \ , --¥--- !/, -··· •' ;) 1:\\{o~ ·. • DECLASSIFIED

• -. ''·"'- '-

j

DECLASSIFIED

• • . , .. , .. \i\'(c

. ., ... ·,·

~·.-·Y~:·.\··.

'·~ ·;--y .• ,.·, '\•,_~;"C·:lf' ._/'-/ .. ~--~~~- / //'

DECLASSIFIED

• • -:._..._:-:: ·, 'f' /;r • ,if.~-Ci;,i(cont) 3/~6 suppor.t c::>~si"te~ ··: o ...... ~;>'lnr..nc. -tllumination for

. ~~5~~~tes; beginm.ng at 2'.:;l4, l.ntexd.l/ VC believed to have crossed Nation.."ll IioliJy #1 vic YD 5783·to .. ""'--- Resulta: of ARVN engagement: 1 captured VC lieutemnt; I ba6 of

rice vic; YD 581,0; 5 individuall weapons; 20-30 estimated enemy KIA. . ARVN planning sweep north of HWJy #1 at 05700. 3/2:.6 wil:il s8a.J:-oh

south of Hwy in AO.

0900: 2.-M-2.6 at YD 544280J received four rounds SAF from estimated four VC at YD 543271. Returned SAF and artillery. 3' VC fled under fire on an azimuth of 140 degrees maBtletic. Unit continued' on mission of searching area .•

1055: 2--M-26 at YD 54827

DECLASSIFIED

• ••

1005: Co M (-) at YD 541273 received. 3 rounds· of 6CUinm mortars from vic YD 539~67. Counter-mortar fires called, and enemy mortrura ceased.

1100: Co M at YD 537264 triDped ChiCom grenade rigged with trip wire pull device across pn..th, 2 friendly WIA •

1130: Co M (-) at YD 537264 set off pressure type device identified as: 155mm round 1 friendly KIA.

1}17: Co I at YD 542312 found explosive device in brush. Device was ChiCom rocket, similar to US 3.511 rocket with monofilament line ~rung from ba.oo to a peg in ground. Area had IOOlilY bare. footprints>. I-6 believed device set up just prior to his reaching position. When engineers detonated device, seco!!-da:ry explosion occurred, believed to be 81mm round.

1328: Co I at YD 545264 detonated ~losive device believed to be ChiC om grenade with trip w,ire, hidden in brush. · One fri endly W!A medevacedby helo •.

-: .. ' ' ..... : 1334: Co Nat YD. >545264.::detona.ted explosive. device. One friendly

WIA medevaced ." · ·,...,

140.'3: ,_.Co M. a.t YD .548261 deto~ted explosive device. Believed to be 8' nim cannistGr filled with TNT, detonated. by pressure device. One friendly WIA, medevaced by helo.

: _·; t5~9:: CoM at. YD 54527~ ~eceived 15 rounds SAF frnrn- undetermined number of VC at YD 5482'64. Returned SAF, arty mis.sd_on f?-red.

· .. , .: ; 1527: . Co. M .at· YD. 547276·· detonate\i. ex"CJlosi,~;d .rleyice. :u::esultiJ:lg i;;_ . Z: HI!l.. ·Device was ChiCom grenade in can, trip wire atta~hed, instant-aneous fuse. Me.d:evacec'L'by he'lo:. ·~· : .. , · ., '

. : .... 153~::-~. Co I -~.t YD. 54529.1 f~~d ChiC om gt>c:o.afle with t±dp vrire attached on foOtbridge.· Removed grenade. · .,, , . 1 · · .. -.• · :: ..

,. ...... .

~. ' ..

- 1·.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• • .._. _·:: . .- "~ .,~-..,..r

DECLASSIFIED

2150g PK-17 reported 2 ba~talions of y;_~ a.t YD 601255 moving north along the river •. 105 batteTy fired 161 rounds of zone fire, shifting north, from 2150 to 2155.

270001 TO 272400 H Jamua;ry 1967

1000: Co K (-) at YD 560288 observed 2 persons in treeline at YD 565271. Could not obs~rve uniform or equipment. Area search with no further contact.

1045 g Co K ( -) at YD 558288 pull-release detonated one N-2:6 grenade, resulting in 1 friendly WIA. Man W8lS med-evaced by helo. Found one M-26 grenade at same location tha~ had previous~ been pull-released. without detonating; grenade destroyed in plEllce.

1140·j 2~1~6 at ·YD 554285 found 1 bunker 5 ft by 4 ft covered with fresn, camouflage. A 4" bamboo beam supporting roof. A room 3 ft by 2 ft:_~i''dug in the side of the bunker. Bunker was destroyed.

~ - -... ..._, - '-

. -.1.140/ Co K (-) at YD 558288 found 2 pull-release wired M-26 grenades 'on trail. Grenades weTo marked W!i th rocks. One mrker consisted of 5 to 6 rocks in A; pile 5 meters from grenade. Other marker consisted of 4 rocks in squ.."Lres anprox. 2-3' inches apart located 5 meters from grenades. Grenades destroyed. in place. ·

1150: on· trail. grena:de•

Co K (-) at YD 5552'90 found pull-release wire M-26 gren.c'lde Marked by pile of 5-6 rocks on trqil 75 meters ~efore

Destroyed in place.

1215g Co K (-)·at Y.D 555290 found pull-release wired ChiCom grenade on trail. Uo markers found. Grenade destroyed in place.

1231: Co K (-) a.t VO 556291 detonated an explosive device smaller than a ChiCom grenade. Explosive device was rn

DECLASSIFIED

• • I ( -) at YD 51~:-;2e;.~- C-.lu:cJ _,:;t-::·-~J -r_,lt 15 ft b;v ~- ,--,:, :)i-:·. in plc-"'.ce •

1515: Recon Team at YJ) 461254 observed 'i 'T:; wearing )r:~._:: :.- ''L_l green utilities at YD 473268 moving SE. lu:t:-;• ::a1led' w.itl' z~or'l (:-,\;}![·age. AO reported 3 VC KIAC.

1645 g Reo on Tea.m at YD 463255 observed ']2 VC at YD 454258 moving north and carrying mortt'llrs. Every 7th man -wn.e: carrying heavy equip-ment. Air a:nd arty called on target. AO re:_:,orted 20 VC KL\C 15 VC KIAP and 1 0 VC 1tliA •

1800: K Co a.t YD 578281 observed 1 mortar round land at YD 58329QJ. No further activity.

1815g Co Kat YD 578281 observed 3 VC at YD 592Z73. Took VC ~under fire with M-50~1 1 s and M-42's w-ith good effect on target.

Three VC Kilt£ •

1910: Recon Team at YD 463255 obaerved at YD 458261. Eight KIA C a.nd 4 V C WIA by airs.trike s.

1845-2230: Co M liftefu in ' we~ves from LZ at YD 531319 as reaetion force to search YD 4626 and 4526 for 28 enemy confirJod KIA a.nd. several othe::r VC observed in a.rea.. 1st wave landed at 1845 at YD 457267, 600 meters from LZ, 2nd wave landed at 19,.1 at YD 482272, 1100 meters from LZ. Illumina-tion support provided by one 155 howitzer at PHO THACH with 19 rounds. Flare ship requested tmd au-rived on atation at 2100.:, but ma.jori ty of flares streamed and hmdect on ground •

, Co M consolidated 'a.t 2230 at YD 485274- ·

. 2245: Recon Team at YD 461254 observed one light a.t YD 455274 ~ moving north to south. Also reported seve~l small lights moving W' nortl);· to south in column, which weTe extinguished a.t YD 447272.

Fire mission called •

. '-'· a8000'1 TO 282400 H January 1967

·· .-,. 0735: Co M a.t YD 471261 found 4 ChiCom grenades and 5 81mm mortar

,_

rounds. Ordnance destroyed in ~lace.

0845 ~ AO observed at YD 477325 raft A.nd possible b:ridge constructi-O."'l. Air strike called~ AO reports 75% coverage of area.

Q650: Recon at YD 461254 reported 2 VC a:!t YIJ 47326~ moving intv hut. VC wearing khaki shirts, green trousers. Air str:!ike called. Recon reports 2 VC KIAP. · I

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• lsre,ar

Shelters destroyed in pla~co

1500: CG 3rd :r.'JarDiv visited 3/26 at 14

DECLASSIFIED

• ·----- •

1510-: Reoon Team YD 595255 spotted 5 VG at YD 578246 moving west on road. VC wearing black uniforms e.nd la:rge packs. Called air S>trikes. AO reported 2: VC KDlC and 1 VC KIAP.

1555~ Recon Tee.m at YD 461257 s:potted. 7 VC w/weapons moving north on trail at YD 448262. Arty fired and Recon reported 4 VC KIA.P.

1555: Recon at YD 595235 spotted, 12 VC moving north on trail at YD 585246. Air strikes wrere called, with artillery firing betwe~n strikes. Recon fired &\ at 3 VC who fled into treeline at YD 547247. Total VC casualties: 2 VC KIAC and 3 VC. Kt\P.

1745: Co K a.t YD 578282 obse~ted 9 VC at YD 566298 moving north between 2 treelines. Artillery fired with excellent ef~ec~ on target, resulting in 8 VC KIAP.

1805: Co I at YD 552290 fired en one· VC a.t YD 554292 VC fled NE into thich brush. Equipment which VC left behind' and was recoveTed. by Co I included 2: ChiCom band grenades, 4 clips of M-1 ammo, and a. bag of rice and clothing.

2010 ~ Co I s:potted 2-4 lights at YD 555296 moving east to west. Fired arty, l~hts. extinguished.

2.130: Co I spctted one light at YD 555296. Arty fired., light . ext·inguished.

· 300001 TO 302400 H Janu,.'U'y 1967

0955: 2-K-2:6 a:.t YD 599278 received 12 rounds. snipe;r fire from YD 605279. Returned. SA and MG fire. 2:-K-2:6 moved to OP at YD 5942.73:· while ARVN in aren searched area. No further contact wns made.

1120: Co I at YD ~5;2.90 found.•:plinji trep 2 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft with 2.5 s.ta.kes: 2. ft long. At YD 55;291 found. 2 more punji traps 16" long, 12" wide, 20" deep with 30 stakes 16" long. All 3 traps were destroyed.

1145: Co I a.t YD 5532:91 found 2: pu.P..ji traps 1611 loll.g, 1211 wide, and 20J' deep with 30 bamboo st8ikes 1011 long. Also found,. following vc. gear at same location: 2: packs, one 5-gallon and one 1-gallon container of rice, 1 USMC canteen, 1 US11C spoon, VC bandage, 1011

length of rubber, 1 USMC air mattre-ss·, 2 USMC trousers,~~ .!~2.~-=~!~=-~_,..-="-~ 1 VC shirt, 1 coat, 1 hammoclii, 1 VC plc'lstic~ rain coverj--:-am'd"'Ctrle~a,, . .J,t~\UEID). \~1 \\ 'i r'IJ ,1 . ,(1-lt·· ~· ' '\: · u ~ '&•~ · . . . 25. \ . ' ,..,-~~~ ·-·.·--. ·. ~

[' ·=~ l,; :.:_~~~o,...::;;;c&.JW -

4 Eo

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

-

• • 1355: 1-M-2'6 at YD 495 32-5 had 1 VC th::cm~ a hancl gren-'ll.llo::: ~'

turn and run. 1-M-2:6 engage VC with SAF, resulting in 1 VC KJAG and 1 vcs. VCS and clothes; and equiipment of KIA.C w.ere: lleturneJL fo:~r em.min.."tt ion.

1345: Recon Terun at YD 595235 fired 105 mission at 8 VC moving NE~ at YD 5782.48 with good cove:rege. of area. 2: VC KIA.P.

1445: 1-M-2.6 at YD 498327 found 1 grave containing 1 male body. Body vas IIJr.-m.gled, apparently killed by artillery. No eq_ui.pment or cJ:othes foundl. in grave. 1 VC KIAC.

1520: , Recon Team at YD 5952}5 observed 7 VC with packs at YD 580249· Fired 105 mission resulting in 2 VC KIAP.

1600i: Co I &t YD 548282. obssrved 1 VC running south at YD 540261 • M-55 1 S' and arty fired on VC. No further. movement observed.

1650g Recon Te~ at YD 597234 observed 13 VC moving east at YD 594\24~ with 2 W'el';\pons amd packs. Arty fired mission, result in 5 VC KIAP'. .

1750: H&S Co at YD 538318 received 20 rounds auto .fire from YD 54832:5. -Re:t~eg.· ·fire·· with SA & .MG. Searched a.rea with no fl,lXt:her _cQnta.ct •. ·.: .... '•' . , ·

.· .. , . ;"· · .. ···

~- ·, '._. ~- ' . .

1040':. Co K at YD 5592'99 found 7 punji pits 2 ft by 2 ft, 3 fighting holeS>f-.~d: 2: she;Lter b\mk~s:,•: 5 _ft long, 1 1/2 inches wide and C.OYraxeO. w~t,ll, batmboo pol.ElS supporting ;~ inches;. of earth. ·.Fighting holes and. ptmji pits. des.troyed. . ' ·.. . . ·· 1 ;

110:6: Co I at YD 562266 received one round SA.F fro~ vic: YD 564267 .. Co I, _;t'e.turned: fire with: one ~~i..5 round;· 7 M•79 ro'Wl.d:S, and ·2:0;..701 rounds; !Sf!:.~·~· ·.co T searched·: a.reai and: found fresh footprints7 heai.eling into vilJlnge from W to E. Fired arty; continued search of a.rea, but I!lfllde no· further contact:~ . . . . . ' ' ..

. •. ·:·1,1:10:: .. ·.·Co I, ~t YD 523)1·2::.received 1 rouncl 81mm mortar nt YD 524314. Sea::uched area, and no further contact.

",.. ... , '. t

t15s{~ .. (~ef~r to: ~n~ry f~o~ 301355.H) .. 1 VC KL\C. wn$ lide.ntified by District HQ as being VC hamlet chief of THON HUYNH

~ ' ..

/. : ..

. '. • • •• !''

26.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• • 1340: Co K at YD 559299 dug up 3 graves conh:rir...ing 2: c:ni:.;_:ir-E:cl that had been dead for a.pprox. 5 days. Also 1 man in mid-20 1 15i cloth.ed. in light gTeen uniform. Man had heavy shrapnel wound:at in leg amci. ~ w.i th 2: fingera: of right hand blown off. Man had. been dead for ';..pprox. 48 hours... Chi1dren wtme also killed by shrapnel wounds. Co K at YD 555296 also found 1 grav.e containing a badly burned and decapitated. body. Two VC KIAC •

. . 1413: 2-I-26 at YD 576271 obserwed 2 VC running south from YD 576269. 2-I-2:6 a.ls.o recei-ved SAF !rl)m same vicinity. Searchecl area with no further con'tc'llct.

2122: Co I ambush at YD 552281 enroute to ambush si t"l obs'eTV'ed one ··alight at YD 560269~ type of light unknown. Artillery cal.led. L:.Of!ht W extinguished.

22o5: YD 567261.

~I .• :,. ,.

.... • •.•. t.l, :~. ~- ! - . ·• ~ . ,•

'. : -, ~ t ,.. • • •

Co I a~bush a.t YD 552.281 observed lights movfulg s;outh a.t CCll.lled arty fire mission, lights extinguished.

·' ;

DECLASSIFIED

• -PART III

SE)';.tUENTIA.L LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT'.;! J!:'.~l!;.r:.rs

A • COMBAT MIS~IONS ASSIGNED AND SIGNIFIGA::!:i·r 0PEP.ATlONS CONIIUC:.::E:D

During Ja:rru.ary, 3d Battalion, 26th Malrines continued to e.ondhcit. Operation CHINOOK, a search and destroy crperaticm in the sGc::tvr of' · PRONG DIEN District, THUA THIEN Province that l:iiea to the sou-th of' National Highway #1. From 1 January unti:Ii 20 Janlll3lrY the Fourth Marines had operational control of' the operation, a"l.d 3 companies of 2/26 · were also employed in the operation. From 20 January until '1 January, 3/26 had overalf control of the ope:ration. .

During Janua..ry, 3/26's: CP was: located at YD 535319. One or two companies would J;"emai.n on the battalion perimeter, while the other two or three• would operate from independent positions elsewhere in the AO. During the day, platoon and company-s.ize search and. deatroy patrolling was conducted throughout the AO. OP 1 s Wlt"e l'lk1lintained by all units, and the sniper teams; tha.t we:re available were generally employed with the OF's. At night,, squad amd platoon-sized ambushes were esta'bJ.i.shed to bJ.ock likely enemy routes of movement through the AO. Listening posts w:ere maintaine& by all units, and sniper-scopes, starlight. soopes, andc TPS-21 'SJ were employed.

During the first 3 weeks of January, mobility was. greatly impeded by terrain and weather. FoGt and· vehicular movement was:~' by sw;ollen streams and muddy ground, while aerial ope:rn:tions WEme limited to medevacs. and emergency resupp]!y runs by poQ!t' mbse:rv.a tion and low c~ lings o

As the monsoon season drev to a close, the Bat tali em was able-to operate more, free:l;y. ·On 27 January, the Battalion condua:ted its first large movement of marines by helicopter, as Co M liaS heliliJ'ted iru 3 waves to YD 4526 and 4525 to search for 28 VC KIA that w.:e:re reported. by Recon. The clearing in weather: also permi tte& increased.

.• use· of tracked vehicles:, and on 24, 27, 50, and }1 January, mecri£m:i.!Z.Ad -search and destroy patrols were cronducte:cl with Ontos:. \vith the

improvement in wealther, fixed-wd.ng airc:ra.ft be gam to ru.::.kA air-strikes during the day. ·

';2.8 ••

DECLASSIFIED

Enclos"l::t'8 ( 1)

.·~.· ~

/

DECLASSIFIED

. ··-· . - ._,.,., ... • B. CASUALTIES

1 • FriendJW Casual ties ( 1 ~~-~- Jam.Ut'llry 196})

Killled 7 Died of Wounds 1 Wounded _21_ TOTAL 99

2 • Enemy Ca.sua.lties ( 1-31 January 1967)

KIAC 143> KIA.P 221

DECLASSIFIED

Enclosure (1)

-

DECLASSIFIED

- ' ' 1. With Higher Units: F.1.:::: 1....20 JcnuL.Ii.."-.'-J'• 3/·-~· ~ .. ;:~s c':1d.c>r the operational control of the 4th I-'Ia.rines. rue;:,. ~;; 'c, !l.i;t. ~-1;;c: •. ':i.ne' Jeft 0n 20 January, Opcon was chopped to the 3d JYiar.Divo No UUllS'l.-"'J. problems -were encountered in command reht.tions.

2. With· Other Narine Units~ From 1-20i Ja.nuaJJ'Y 2/26 was alsp engaged in Operation CHINOOK. During this period, one compahy of 2/26 was under the operational control of 3/26. No unusu.al problems vera encountered in command relations.

;. With ARVN Units: Throughout January, close liaison -was main-tained with the PHONG DIEN District Headquarters a.t PRO TRACH, and the Third ARVN Regimental Headquarters at PK-17. Informatic-n vas emhanged daily regarding opera.tions, and important intelligence :i.:nf9~'".ntion wa.,q. e2:0h!m.ged as soon as it: we.s avtdl~ble. J/26 · conducted several operations in conjunction with AllVN forces, notably the ambush operation& during the nights: of 21-22 January, emd 22-2} J81IlU.8ll7• 3/26, PRO TRACH, and PK-17 also maintad.ned close liaison in artillery and prC'vided mutual su.pport to each other 1n their artillery fires.

Enclosure (1)

-DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

-- • I D. .·:.~ . 1. While uncter Opoon of the 3rd l1a.rDiv tLe b ..... litalion maintaina;; contact with Division Headquarters · on a· ~IF raJdio net, an FM covered net, and a radio relay shot. Rad)o relay provides two commonly used lines: a hot li~e .to the s. 31 and one to the JJ·scc. Teletype is superimposed.

2. Contact has been adoq.\.i.at& with one exoep,ion. Teletype was down for twelve hours due to generator failure.

Enclos'?.-l"e (1)

DECLASSIFIED

•

DECLASSIFIED --~

• • - E • FIRE SUl!.t'vTIID 1. During the· month of January the FSCC was co·, n91'nQr1 ~ori-~;., -~.ue normal coordin&ting, olearizlB. and planning of arti ·. , u,.?. :!.:G.ld cdr missic·~·"'· .

2.. From Jamua:ry 1 l!tt until Jan.uary 20th the 3rd Bn, 12th Marines controlled t:b.e fires of all unite; in the 3/26 perimeter except the Bn 81mrr. mortars. Cal]s_for fire went to the 3/12 FDC ~d were cleared to fire by the 3/26 FScc. Nol'IIJa.l se8Jl'ch and destroy missions· 'Were cBJrried out dur:iing thi~ perioCLw~th no. special fire support problem are1'W.

,·,:

A vigoroU.s, H&I program was carried out in the CHINOOK are&. of operations: rluring this period ( ~ _2) Jan). All H&I fires we:re submitted to the 4th Rgt FSCC for approval, then_ the appr'oved H&I p·lan was sent to 3/12 FDC.- . . . . ·

3/26 FDC and 4th Rgt FSCC opera:_ t.ed' with a telephone ~hot line" to ~/26 PBGC_., This wire plan proved to be i]lvalua.ble when fire c·oo~Q.ination we.s; required..

The counter m~rtru.r plan for the. ~/'4,6 CP was; f.ound to be very effective on 17. January. The 81mm- IItortars .fire_d. the !;asd.o mortar plan reinforced by. th9. firing unita; of ;/1Z... Information waa received iii .FScc· from a fol'WW."d nla.toon. FSCC initiated!. fire with the 81's baaed upon th:i..s info and. 3/12: was notified to reinforce. The mortars; were si_+enced and fire~a~ Vane cea.sred. Then based upon a map· inspe:cti.on afid the probable routes of: withdraWal open to the ene~, additional fire$ ware plianned and executed. The resulLts; were mortars: silence, shell. crater on either sic.V of base pJ.ate im:Pression in the deck, 60lnm molrtar rounds, a:nd two fuere boxes with 3 live fuses :found abandonded, P,l?od: stai!lSJ-'•and .pieces of black clothing.

3 • At 073Ql; on 2.0 Januaxy control of fires in the Opero.t:i.ons Area retUrned to the 3/'ll.6 FSCC. The fire support means' a.vaJilable of thi~

. tim~. ~e Battery C-1-13 with 6, 155mm howitzers, the ~ 81mm mortar At: p~tocn with 8 mortt'llrs. On the 26th of January the 155 'How Be.tt&J"Y ~ dis~]aced by echelon to PK-17.

, During the· rei!k'1;o5 nder of the month the FSCC onern.ted in a routine mann~r with no najor difficulties. -

. It. is noteworthy to mention that Reconnruissanoe Te~ operating ~ ·' fu the moun:ta.ins; on the southern boundry of 3/26' B' AQ, c.alled xna;ny

· missionSl on VC '\'Ti th OJir amd o.rtillery. FSCC was able to react to these · ·_·,;, with artillery--for aJ.r observers: of Air Controllersu Airborne. Also the Li8.ison team informed the FSC when a large target ap1)eared amd aur. or nnsaed artille.ry fires:: could be GJrramged expeoi tious.ly •

;: . .

32·

DECLASSIFIED

;

' r

Enclosure ( ~)

-

•

•

DECLASSIFIED

- • • Artille-ry miasd.:ons fired by the AO w:ere ~!._/.T'(I_ost f•i.i.ways controlled in FSCC by the Air LnO and the FSC. This c'l:·tte> about because the AO could not raise the J3a;ttery FDC on W ~ : .. o. High freque..,_,l~, contact W'!3S· maintained wd. th the AO by the i\.~.::: LnO Md calls :·o . .:: tire w.ere :pn..ssed to the FSC, 'Who rela.jyed:'. ~he transmission to ·the B&t_temy by '\alephone 11hot line" • Because the Air LnO was in close proximity to the FSC no appreoia.ble tilte v.as lost in pTocessing caJ.ls for fire.

The ARVlT Artilla:y units at PHO THACH have been used: ·~·o reinforce the fires. of Batt~ C and their t55nun ho'Wii tsera were ab!.e to su:p:pm-t our units when they moved out of the 105's range. Liais-on between PRO TRA.CH and FSCC is good and :Battery C and the. Bn 81 1 s a1.~e prepared to support: the ARVN perimete-lt' wi. th tllum.ination or HE tires •

DECLASSIFIED

~ --

..

/

•

DECLASSIFIED

• • ···-····-· II. Air Su-puort. __ __. ·.-

a... Hed:ivi:J.cs

1 • 34 total missions \:ere fJ.m..,_-,_,. 2. 79 vJIA 1 s and 2 KIA' s were e:lw.·.:ta :;8d,

b. :fixed \•ling Air Supper:::

1. 10c sorties were flown in our support, ~8 oi thell during the period from 26-29 Jan. The fixed wing struck sighted VC, reporting 2-4 eneey KL~ confirmed and 9 enemy probable KIA.. They also struck VC rally areas and suspect~d tunnel comnlexes •

c. Resupply

1. 18 total sorties were flown during the period 26-30 Jan in support of this command.

d. Command and Control (Recon Flights)

1 • 20 sorties were flown in support of this command for. reco~~isance nurpoaes.

III. Summary~ Fixed wing supnort was valuable in that the comm~nd was ~ble to destroy pinpoint built-up are~s, which were VC hiding .places and possible tunnel areas. They also were on station for sighted VC ..

Air resupply missions were utilized due to un-tTafficability of the terrain the command units were operating in.

Medical ev~ouation flights were generally flown in all types of weather ~nd completed in about 40 minutes.

Comma.nd F.~nJ. control (Recon) missions were extremely valuable ;p t!l~~omi!l.D.nder in maintaining surveillance of ~ AO and oontrol

3i4 ..

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• • -

1 • Operations.

Bravo Co (-) continued in D/S of 3/2f... chrough ti.1e montn of Jam.. One TJl.atoon SUJ.rpor·Ged the Battalion perimeter on the perimeter, while the other pl8JtoGm served in a :a.·eact::i.on·~Force capacity"

On 2 J2ln, thla. company h2.d one section with 3/26 c':l a:. Battalion S&D operation

On 6 Jn:n a Heavy Section accompanied a motorized S&D operation through YD 520294, firing 51 rounds 106mm Ets recon by fire.-

On 24 Jan a Hef:l.vy Section wn.s attached to Co K, firing ~:, rounds on S&D patrols as recon by fire.

On 27, 30, and 31 Jan platoons accompanied Co t1 and on S&D pe.trols Co L. A total of 3.36 rounds 106JTllll and 1500 rounds .30 caliber w.ere expended as recon by fire, resulting i.n several buildings destroyed or damaged, and one secondary explu~ion •

. EncleBure ( 1.)

DECLASSIFIED

•

DECLASSIFIED

• • - ., 1. QUAD-50's (4th Section~ c;. J-'a.tt.::n:·y~ t)~~t;}:;. i\.:.;r;illery, US Army)

1-31 Jam~ The primary functions of the q_u~ill-50 1 s du:r::.LFg· ~'':lllUI::ll.rY 'MeTa convoy security and fire supyort on the Ba-.;i;~alion perimet:l:::!r,

2:6 Jan: On this d&te, the qUad-50's received the arldi·t;ional misosion of firing night-time H&I fires. The quad continued w,ith this mission for the remainder of the month 1 firing appa·oxim&tely 35,000) rounds: in H&I firing. Thes.e fires 'WJRre up to 550Q.l meters.

28 Jan: One quad-50 was detached~ from vehicle and was. helilifted to Hill 51 (YD 549281) to suwort Co I. Enemy targets orere engaged, emd H&I 1 s '.rere fired nightly. This 'WP~ the first time one of the quads was used w~th a company outside the Bruttal~on perimeter.

~. TWIN-40J's (1st and 2nd.L Platoons, D Battery,, 1st Bn (AW) (SP) 44th Arty, US A.rmy)

1-22 Jan: During this pa-i

DECLASSIFIED

- • • 1. The one major a.dministrativ·e probleu: enco1mt::;:c-:;d during the t:n'Jnth of January involved the handling and reporting o:i' casualties sustained •. All injured personnel were evacuated to Phu Bai for treatment and with the administrative rear echelon located in Dong Ha~ many hours were consumed trying to confirm the types of injuries and obtain accurate condition and prognosis prior to submitting reports to higher echelon. All reporting of casualties was accomplished by telephone due to the distance between the Medical Clearing facility end the administrative echelon of the Battalion. Transportation from the rear echelon to the "Chinook11 area of operations was also a problem when trying to meet the deadline imposed for submission of condolence letters on personnel killed in action. On many cases, air transportation was not available and a delay of 1 to 2 days was encountered. Had the rear echelon been located in Phu Bai, or had the casua.lt.ies been evacuated to the medical facility at Dong Ha, it is believed that the

ATeporting and processing of casualties could have been handled much more ~efficiQntly. ·

.. Enclosure (1)

-DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED _;: ~

•. .~""'· :· // / •

•\\ \uring the- period covered b: • th:::, the Lion joined zfi .::Q]:&,j[cers a.nd 135 enlisted persormol, while 1 vfCcm: and 93 enlist,d:tf:' · . pE:i~~'$:,ipJ.el were tra.nsfcl.Tcd to other units. 5 P.n.lJ8tcd were retun)::e~~ t'~ .;~NUS tror discharge/release from active duty and 2 officers, 38 erl•].:J:Sit;'ed :~~re t.ra.nsferred by service records after being evacuated out of Vietnam '~·i;a~·~~a ·reSUlt of injuries received. ·

35 ..

DECLASSIFIED

... .....,.---.... ,,.,_~··

.. e

DECLASSIFIED

• • -K. INTELLIGENCE

1. Significant factors concernin~ intelligence during period~

a. Enemy movement through :\.0 is characterized by an established

pattern of routes and times. Platoon size units are suspected to be moving frequently from vic YD 5652.45 through AO t.o food collection noints north of Hie:;hway #1 and returning •.. .:Novefien1 begins, a.t approximately 1700 hours and via the s?..me route units return prior to 0500 hours. The enemy is a1so moving out of the mountains. after 1700 and returning prior to first light.

b. Avenues of enemy movement. include the KHK VAG. AN River

Valley, alternate trails east from Hill 51, :~ailroa'l, SOHG BO River and :JONG 0 LAU River. Local e;uerrillA units provide e;uides for larger units.

c. Since 25· January 1967 an increased number of sighting of daylight, movement have been reported. Also units have been reported

moving in Lqrger·units-compan1 and battalion size.

d .On 21 and 2.5 Janu.'U'Y 1967 ARVN sources renorted 802nd Bn located vic YD · 5724:. On 23 J~m 67 a regimental HQ. (J1robably 6th Regt) was reported vic 5322.

e. Mines and boobytmns are a ma.jor pnrt of the enemy's a.Qtivity. Co }1 on 24 January 1967 encountered the 'VC tactic of withdra.wing from contact on e~. pre--planned route fortified with mines: and boobytraps. Explosive devices are being rigged in

trace of friendly units and are encc,untered either when units ·return· through the area or when a unit moves alone the s&me routed~· a later date. i~reas searched just 24 hc·urs ;previous can be e..q_:Jected to be mined or boobytrn.ped.

r. On 24 January 1967 CoM engaged the enemy entrenched in excellent fighting holes on a. hill unoccupied the previous afternoon.

~. \leather and ~Gl'rf'iin.

a. \·leather-cloudy t:>ldes prevailed 27 of 31 d.a.y's with associated lig;ht and heavy tropical s:r .. c .. rers • There were 18 da.;urs iwi th pre-cipitation during the perio::l. 'I'M~ weather WR.S the ·g:x.·~n.-t~::::.:>+.. single factor affecting operations during t!:.Q -period.

b. Terrrrin-the numerous srnr::1ll hamlets SU.cY"Gunr:Lod .by thick hedges of shrubs and trees provided enemy sni~ers mnd OP's with excellent conce:tlment-. Strer:1;ms swollen up to three' times normal width nnd deJ1th and impassable rice paddie:s were ma~jOl' obstS.Cles and channelized troop movement enabling the enemy t.o yap-italize on mines a:nd sniper activity. . '

:En~losure (': 1 J ·- ' i--}9.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

- • • 3. Eriemy Personnel Md J]qui:pment Losses f:;:-om 1 to 31 January 1967 a. KL\ 1 s (c) 14 3

b. KLi. Is ( p) 221

c. · lletainees 21 0

d. :l.p1,1"vximately 75 pounds individual web equipment a.nd uniforms

Individual weapvuc 6 Total. 6

4([i)· Enclosu~e · (1) . . . -

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• • -' . - . ·.• L • .I CIVIL AFFAIRS

1 • During the period from 1 to ~1 January 1967 a. close liaison was· established and maintained with the District Chief of PHONE DIEN (D) • The primary target of our efforts has been the refugees in and around PHO TR1.CH, who were displMed from the CO BI TARN TAN Valley, uuring Operation CHINOOK.

2. Under the direction of the Platoon CormnE:mder, 1st ii.A Platoon, 29th CA Company, all materials have been II1..9.de available to the District Chief for the construction of a. refugee village v.ic YD 530350 to house over 200 families. The land is being cleared by the refugees, and local civilians will provide the labor force necessary to complete construction. The beginning of TET is the target date for the completion of the first major phase of cons-truction. A bulldozer has been made avatl.able by 3/26 to the District Chief for use in clearing the land where necessary.

~. Coordination is being made by 3/26 doctors to continue the bi-weekly ·Visits to the refugee C

DECLASSIFIED

- • •• M. PSYCHOLC~Ie\I=. MA~'lLRE

1 • On 29 January 1967 comrdina:tion was made wi iih the Psy Ops .Lia:'. son Officer, 3rd MarDiv:, to launch a program of psychological via.rfA-re to exploit our immediate tactical situation.

a. Leaflet dro-ps commenced 30 JanuEl.l'y 1967 with primary emphasis on influencing the enemy to ral;ly by exj:>~aJining why , how amd where to rally. This is iri' direct support of . the ChieU Hoi Program •.

b. Aerial broadcasts' will be conducted simultameously with leaflet drops throughout AO.

2. On 29 JanU

•

DECLASSIFIED

• • - N. LOGISTICS SUPPQ11T 31. Jan 1967: 5 days of all classes of surrrlie~S on hand! at !.SA.

' New Deve~opments

1. Hglif>opters wexe nnde available for resupP'lY missions.

2. The B!:tttalion has: been unable to obtain spark plugs for M274/A2 (l1'1.le) •

Enc~osure ( 1) 43· -

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• .- . ( .. . . . ' ..... \~

: ~ .

The foliLowing is. an account of the major engineer effort during the period (!)f 1-31 January 196T py 1st Pla.toon, B Company, 3rd ~ineer Battalion.

·1. Teaans of .2-4 men. have been attached to each p1atoon or. company .for support on swee~ and search and destroy operations.

2 ~ .. Olle team of. 6 engine.?rs has. b~n employe~ each d.azy- for the: mine f!Weep of th~ access ~oad .tC> Hwy #1 • · ·

on 2 ·January 1967 a d.olibor-.;.te sweep was conducted south along the road from Y]) 5323,15. ~o YD519297 in connection wit.h the

·.·· ·. ~- ~

sweep ~e of t}:_le CO .OI THAlffi ThN ·valley. . . ' ·. .. ·...,.. . ' :. ' ,· . . . ' .

3· On 7 January 1967 the engineer platoon suffered 3 WIA !a i(hO were attached to M C()mpany!" All wounds were the result of booby. traps. · ·

4. On 14 January one b,ox .. typ~· min~ was found. at·· 547326 ··containing a:opa-oximately 7 poun4s~. ·of ex}>losiv&, was destroyed in pl.lice. On the same day 1 VC hD.iid acn.'\do cont~:dniri.g 1-2. poWids of explosive was destroyed at .YD 547327 •.

5. on 23 January 1 engineer was killed in action while on a resupply ~: ·~9~, L Company.

"',,..,.._, ..... , ......... .

6. On 2.5 January construction was started on 2 deckS' for the sick bay tents;; :Decks were ~qmp:l:-e~~d QP,. 27 .. January. . . ... '-: :_;: .,. '.:· . ', ... 1•,_.-:: on:.~·,P~·~~ 5~ S!C:t:9:R.d~ables: :were c_onstr~:rcte.~-, '•];

, ' ~-- .,. .. ,

..:. · ........ ·.::. .

. · .. -~- ' . .. . ~ '. t '

t:· . .s, ···. :":'fk.~':·; -:.:~:-- .. ::·· "'.-·."

~-- ...... \:- ~· -·· i,; ~ .:..

··.' ·.·;-:.·: ·, :. -~ .. _: ..... · ·,:_:·. \~~-·.::::· :.·~- t.~: t! ·.'; ..... .'

..•. '• ... ~. ~

·.1; : ) . '. '.. -~~- ·--.. :·. ' }, ~-;. '. .•. ~ . ;.. . ~- -~· . Eri

~---

DECLASSIFIED

• • - P • MEDICAL-DENTAL 1. Personnel: At present time the total personnel at the Bli..S is; 45. This includes: 2. doctors and 43 hospital corpsmen. There !:"ll.re 14 hospd. tal corpsmen at the BAS !31nd 2 9 with the 4 Companies. During the month ·of ·January HMC STARR "ll!lll..S3 assigned to the BA.S and HMC STUDEMAN and HMC EGLEHOFF were transferred outside of this coiilllland. The BAS is currently 1m; hospU. tal corpsmen short of T • 0.

2:. Ca]lahilities: The BA.S at the pre-sent time has. eertabllJshed two wards with a. total holding facility for approximately )Qi to 35 patients. We are capable of treating routine medical problems and of performing minor surgical procedures.-

3· SuJPP;y-: The BA.S receives its supplies; in one of three ways-. Most af our supplies are obtained directly from FLSU-2 or from the 3rd. Wvledical Battalion at PHU ~U. It is- alsu possible to obtain SU]lplies

by s:ending an emergency dispa.tah to DA NANG. At ]llt'eaent the ·supply system is adeqta te.

4• Training: Hospital corpsmen receive on the job training under the supBrvisd.on of the doctors. To fa.cili tate our tcraining program ve are now: in the proces:s of obtaining tradning adds from Battalion rear~

5. Dental: There are no dentai facilities at the R\S at this time. Dental emergencies are evacua. t~ to the 3rd. Medical B!attalio~ 11ll.t PHU BAI •

.::. --~ . ,.... ~- ... ~; .. r ~

6-;:.:::.~6'bt Care: During the month of Jan\lM'y a. foot clinic was:· established for the purp&se of preveJ!lt.ing -~rsi,ozr;foP:t. Companies; were rotated.L through. the clinic. At the clinic, feet were washed and then inspected

..A.by". a;II!:~d,i~l,!·.9;ff;9€_,_ :r::•:. ,;W.h~ rrar_.-~~ef>.:WS~P9:.·g;L.~v:_.en_:.s_ a_ -~~~pn __ ·?~t.m_ ent a ___ :rlq. taught . ·~~~ to·~l;lp1;v··:it .and :hoy.r •. .-tp:.use _it~·:; They.~~ .al;~o giy;~n -~ Jl,ew na .. ir of

B'09l. :. -,.:,-~::~ · t~·:·. ~~ ... ~~-r·- .... ~._. ·._:-. ::.~..:t:';.::i

1•··:',> S.~l"l~_t?l:_tion;._,·::·-P8.l~.l;y,(~;P~:9ti~~:"59f: h.~-'lil.P

-

DECLASSIFIED

• • -10. Statistics: The followj_ng is a list of all patients seen at the llitS during the month of January. Included are those oasult~es resulting from missile wounds, hostile and self inflicted., s!et:::n..at $he :BAS~ Those casulties directly eva.cuated to reg,r arercLs are listed in the report of the Battalion S-1.

H&S I K L M TOTAL Immersion Foot 8 94 17 17 61 197 Burns 43 15 2 6 5 71 Skin Infections 49 38 25 32 19 163 Laceratir,ns 19 3 Qj OJ 01 22 Hostile Missile Wounds 5 6 a 20 12 51 Gastroenteritis; 81 85 13 17 32 228 Evooua.tions 18 13 a, 1Q; 12. 61 KLi 1 Q; OJ 2 0 3 Other Disen.ses 27 35 12 17 25 116 Dental Problems 9 2 11 01 ' 25· Self Inflicted vlounds 0 ' 1 0 2 6 TOT/1.L 260 294 97 121 171 94, s1veral Points. Mr.v Be Emphasized:

; 1 • H&~:) Company total inclu:de all of attached units such as 3rd Engineers.

2.. H&S Company hElS no corpsmen and therefore patients: AJre, .not screened p'rior to coming to the BA~ T:hes:e two facts account :\,n:; part for the larp:e number of patient-s seen from B:~S Compruv tit'"the· BAS~

.: -~ .. ·,' ·. ·:-. i . : ... ... , ' ::::; .,.;. -~- . ~. · 3;, lOne :.:factor·:·in the: total of patients seen.; frorri a·tC:ompany: is.' •H::h< . the:niedical·~cumen of the .senior, corpsm~n of .that company~. Hil;li .: ·c; ·ability t.o screen •and·.:treat pn.tients a.cc.ounts in Jrd.X't for the ·c .• diff.terences)in >.company ·totals. ":Irl.::this. ,.regard HM2 DICKSON of c·cmpi?..ny_ K is to be Pl''lised for his overall perfor!DAilce of his duties. ,,. · ., .. ,

4; .. );:,w~tal p~.t~"ents evacuat~~. from ~the Bl~~ was .:61. 'This is·:·~~5% o! ithe ;;t'ota:l. :patients seen at . the -BlL.3 • . c:lf the>nunib eJ;! of hos,~ile missile. :~:wounds· requiring evS.Cua tion and· the nUJ:llb.er of dent::tl prol:!l:.e.ms · r;(3q~i]:'ing ~YP~Cua. tiOn is subtrac;ted from this tota;ji: it W;illt\be,::no.t.e:~ i'~hat the percentage ·of p"J.t:i;e.nts '.evacua-"ited is·::very liow.-:.·'' .. 25: .. dental patients and•· .24 mis:sile ·~wounds w.ere 1evaouated. Therefore only 12 other pc'1 tient-s Qr 1 • ?ffo of the t ot?:l pa tie;n ts wetr~ ,eva;QWJ;;t~,. Included :i,-;rr these;rpatients wc.;a on~·jCase of;:, niala,ri:a and· •one. case of infectious•· mononucleosis. l."'ost of;:these ev.:a;_qu~.:t;i;:on,s; :~ccurre~t.:prior :·to the :~ompl~tion o_f the ,;·:·two ne'l:l,' :a.S. ; T: ~· '.!. 5

'. .:;Ti t•;Encil:bsure (1 ) -s;,. ,. ··:,.' .. DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

-· • -Q.. TRAINING

The following training was given to the designated personnel during January.

1. Orientation' All :personnel joined a.s replaicements during Janua.ry 1967 receiwedJ_ an orientation to the Battalion from the Commanding Officer a.nd the Battalion Staff. Personnel also reo.eived orientations at the compt:tny levi:l f:rrom their assigned Company Commanders.

2.. ~ety Regulations and FAM Firing: All personnel joined during January were instructed in proper pTocedures regarding weapons; and ammunition, namely, regulations pertaining to chambering rounds in weapons, proper hamdling of grenades, and ammunitien handling.

Before joining companies all personnel FAM fired their weapons and established battle sights on the range at the edge of the B&tta~ion perimeter.

3· PreventiV:e; Maintenance for PU-42z' Generator: The Battalion S-2 scouts received approximately 30 hours of instruction on preventive ID2.intenance of the PU-422 generator from communications personnel on January 7, 8, 9, and 17. This generator is used with the AN/T~S-2.1; the operaticn of which he~ been a primary function of the scouts in Oper.a.tion CHINOOK. ·

4· Seismic Intrusion Device: During Jacrmary, all the Battalion S-2 scouts~, and selected personnel from each of its; r::.fle companies _;e.~ived approxim!'ttely 3 hours of instruction on the seismic intrusion device.

47· Enclos~e (1) ..

DECLASSIFIED

.e

DECLASSIFIED

- • 1 January (New Yea:rs :Day): )ivi.he 9ervices were held in B..-:.tt:J.lian CP.

No Ser"'ices to the Line Compahies. DUring the rest . of th~ .Week the usual daily 1700 services were held in the CP. Ori 1, Jariuafy Chaplain was called to the scene of a gTenade explosion in the I Co Billeting area. The Chaplain a:dministered conditional last rites.,. to.--severe.l serious caseS: and assisted in getting the wounded adr-. lifted to PHU BAI.

a January - Provisd.ons: made for l'rotestant Services: in the cP • Chaplain from 2/26 held an Episcopal Service, followed by Episcopal Communion. This same Sunday, Catholic services provided by having one :Mass. im the CP; one Mass for 2/26 CP; and a third Mass for Charlie and ·Bravo Battenes. Regular schedule of evening Catholic Services dUring the rest of the week.

15 January - Provisions· made for Protestant Services in ~/26. CP. Chaplain. from 2/26 conducted Epsicopal.Services, followed by· Episcopal Communion. This same Sunday, Catholic services provided by h:·wing onaMa.s:s in 3/26 CP; one at 2/26 CP~ and one at Charlie and Bravo Batteries. Regular schedule of evening Catholic Services rest of the week. On 20 Jqnuary, provided for Protestant Services again in 3/26 CP - Chaplain from 1&\ held the Service.

-,L •. _22 January -Provisions for ·catholic Sentces this Sunday as 'Ee.l:\;()!'S : One Mass in CF area 1 one a:t K Co. CP ; one at I Co • CP, ·and:,a-··fourtn Ma.ss at Charlie .ffa+.te:ry, cr area. On 23 January, Chap'la.in along with Regimental Photographer and Civil Affair& Personnel visited the l,tef'~e Ca:~;t:lo~~Q; ,l'fi~sion at PHONG DIEN. This was an introductory meet:ing: 'oo'tween.the Catholic Missionary and ~he -J1~l~ta~ ,of, 'l26.; . Re~ .. E1.9hedu;L~l·9f: ey:~-~~ patAQlic . . .· .. .Seryi_c.e_E:J::·r.es~. o~.hth~L'~e~_ •. , · .·· id: :t:'"':·-> >cj .. ·_ in: -v:!:'t~:, c>·~- (-~-~ ~r-:.- j-~-_-i;··.r; ... ~,.::-r-~z ::> . :?9::-Ja.p~., ~~P;ro,y.;J.s;;o:r:ta:-~~e -~?r I:'r;o~~st.El.flt,.:.SP;Y:~9,~B2,in_:;,/2_6 c., CJ?:.·~~!;I.:•:: C~pJ.a.in·.f%'91}1. r'fl.Ui::\l;~.:r,,~~v~_c;t: ()~ JQ99t, ~!lO.PWr:,-~9- ppp,q~cted

~:~::;h:1~~cr!~:::t;:6;6~b;i~:~ -~lf~dr~~~166~&,·c~9d}~olic 1200· Charlie 'Battery CP. · Regular schedule of evening Services for CatholiQ$~-ip; 3/a.Q;:.CP.:L ~~~, ,:r;est o£ ~,ekt" ., Or\: 31 ;J~ ,~ ;.~ 'f~9pJe. -Y.; l.l:~Itt v;ts~~~~;,;'.: ,, ;> ( .. ':'•

DECLASSIFIED

• "From: Fourth Marines.

PARr DT

SUPPORTING DOCU}!ENTS

A • FOURTH MAR FRAG 0 2.-67 - COPY -

• To: ~.HQ c·o. ·4th IV~arims; Third Bn, 26th Mar; Arty H~.ct Group•, Third Bn,

Twelfth Mar; Go· B(-), Third AT Bn; Co A(-) Third SP Bn

Info: CG Third MarDiv, Third.MarDiv (FWD)

BT SECREJr Bubj: Frag 0 2...67 ( Qperation CHINOOK)

Ref: (a) 4th~ Frag 0 18$~6

1. ~itua.tion. Ref (a)

2. Mission. Ref (a.)

3. Execution.

A. Concept of Operation

(1) Ref (a)

(2") Boundary change between battalions as ref'lected on ope-:ra.tion overlay to this order issuecl separately.

B., HQ. CO Fourth Mar c.ontip.ue assigned. mission.

e. C. Second. Bn, Twenty S.i'Xth M:"l.r Continue assigned miss~Gn.

Commencing at 101200H, pas:s Opcon of E/2/2.6 to 3/;2.6 ' reassume Opc.on of H/2/26.

( 1)

(2) and

D.. Third Bn, Twenty Sixth Mar.

(1) Continue assigned mission.

(2) Conn.encing at 101200H, assume O:pcon of S/2/2.6 and pe~s's Opcon of H 2/26 bn~k to 2/26.

(3) Commencing 10Q8QOH, provide one platoon (rein) with th~ capability of being assembled and moved on 15 minutes notice P~d · remainder of company on 30 m:iinutes notice. Mode of transportation by foot~ truck, helo, or any combination. Possible missions: counter attack, relief, reirlforce,, or ree.ction force.

Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED

•,.

'c-•.•

DECLASSIFIED

-· • ~· .... E. Coordine~ting instructions

(1) Ref (a)

(2) Cancel my Fra.g 0 189-66 and 1-67

(3) Th:i.s Grder effective commencing 100800H.

4• Admini~ion 2md Logistics. Ref (a)

5. Coiiiiik.-md and Communication-Electronics:. Ref (o:.)i

Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED

11From: Fou.rlh Ma:r

DECLASSIFIED

• B. FOURTH JVJl.R FRA.G 0 3-67

- COPY -

• To: HQ Co, 4th Mn.r; 2nrl Bn, 26thJV.ur ; 3rd Bn, 26th Marines; Arty

H~ Group, 3rd Bn, 12th ~ar~nes; Co B(-), 3rd AT Bn; Co A(-) )rd SP Bn

:trifo: CG 3rd MarDiv, 3rd MarDiv (Fwd)

BT SECRET

Subj; Frag 0 3-67 (Operation CHINOOK)

Ref: (a) 4th Ma.r Frag 0 188-66 (b) CG 3rd MarDiv 14130TZ Jan 67

TASK ORGANIZATION: No change except delete 2nd Bn, 26th Mar and plt (Rein) 3rd Engn on· arrival PHU BlH

1. Situaticm.

A. Erlemy forces. Ref (a) and current ISUMS and intelligence briefings.

B. Friendly forces. Ref (a)

c. Attachments and detachments. See Task Orga;niza.tion.

2. Mis:sion'•' Ref (a.)

}. Execution.

A.. Concept of operations. No change

B. HQ. Co, 4th Mar Ref (a.).

c. 2nd Bn, 26th Mar

( 1 ) Continue ass:igned miss:i

'· I~

DECLASSIFIED

• • .. . D. 3rd BD, 26th Mar

(1) On order on or about 160700H assume control of entire CHINOOK operating area and continue assigned! mission as s·et forth in Ref (a)

E. Coordinating Instructions

( 1) Ref (aJ.)

(2) On or about 160700H and on orde.r 3rd Bn, 26th Malrines will assume control of entire CHINOOK operating area. Delete boundary designating separate battalion operating areas.

4. Administration and Logistics. Ref (a)

5. Command and Communic&tion-Electronics. Ref(tu)u

Enclosure (1) ~.

DECLASSIFIED

11·From: To:

Info:

BT

DECLASSIFIED

• • CG Third MarDiv

-COPY-

Third HarDiv (Fwd); Fourth Mr.'U'ines; Third Bn, 26th Marines; Twelfth Marines; Fourth Bn, Twelfth Marines; Third Eng Bn; HQ. Bn Third IYiarDiv; Co A, Third Med Bn; Third NT Bn; Third SI' Bn; Third Recon Bn; First Bn, Forty-fourth Arty.

I

CG, 1s:t; MAW;. GCs FLC; 220thARVN Co; 131'stARVN Co; 1st ARVN Co; 2nd bn, 9th ~~rines; Third Med Bn; CG, First MarDiv; HMM-163; Btry D, tst Bn, 44th Arty.

SECRET Section 1 of 11 Section Subj: Fmg, Order 1-67 (Operation CHINOOK) Time Z 6rie : H

Ref: (a) Third MarDiv OpO 416-66 (b) Third MarDiv OpO 377-66 (c) Third MarDiv 0 3100.1 (:d) Third VJarDiv Admin 0 31T-66 (e) Third MarDiv o P02000-2E (cor)

. T~i.SK ORGii.NIZATION: Third.. .. En ·(:.rein)~ 26th Marines:; 2nd' Bn, 26th Yer; H9. Bn, 3rd Mc"U'Div (RR); 3rd Recon ::Sn; 2 Sects Btry D·, _1st Bn, 44th Arty (USA) (4 dual 40's); Sect Btry G, 65th Arty (US..'l) (4 qu.ad 50's); Plt (Rein), Co B, 3rd Mr Bn; Btry C, 1~st Bn, 13th M."!.r; CoB(-), 3rd AT Bn.

1. SituHtion.

• r ..

·.:_,_

' ; : + : '' ' .. ~ t •' ,-'

( 1) • e ·, ·· ; · :-.r ~ .. :" ' ' : ~- \ . ···

F'fi'IA\•1-Provides cas and helo support a:s req\!.lired • . , :

(2) 1st ,·ARVN,.Div·.· : ' ' ~ •' -.. .

r> .. '.,:

'',.

... (3j

(4)

.. '(5)

-·-,

220th.ARVN Co, AO . ·.1 . ··•', .'

131st ARVN Co, AO ~ 1

Effective 200730~ Jan 1967. . .. ~· -·· . ... . . . .· ' ~

2. Mission. _Commencing 2o,JalJ-67, 3rd. Bn (llein) 1 26th f.-Iarines conducts operations' in•as$i'R'Ued AO t() se~rch,,qut and c1estroy en~my forces operating i11 :the area. Deny the :enemy .. access to populip. ted lowland area and secure lines of communication within the open;ation area.

. . , . . i ';', :Enclosure ( 1 )

DECLASSIFIED

•f··· t·"'(, .. , ···---

DECLASSIFIED

• • -;. Executiam. A. Concept of operation. Commencing 20Jan67 the 3rd Bn (rein),

26th Marines conducts search a:nd destroy operation in assigped area of ope:ration to locate and destroy enemy forces, interdict routes of egress from the highlands to deny the enemy a.ce:es;g, to the food producing and populated cwstal areas and secure LOC 1 S w:i. thin 11.0. PS~Vchological operations will be conducted in conjunction with all phases of the opera.t ion,

B. 3rd MarDiv (FWd)

· ( 1) Conduct Rough Rider on 20Jan67 tc "return those forees nat assigned to continue OI'le:mtion CHINOOK to DONG HA.

(2) Assume Opcon all forces retUrning to DONG Ek\ commencing 2001730H,

(3) On order deploy HQ 4th Marines to ~HU Bhi Combat Base.

Co' 4th Marines(-) (Rein)

(1) At. 2'00f730H Jan 67 pa.ss Opcon Operation CHINOOK and designated forces. tc 3rd Bn (Rein), 26th Marines·.

(2) Commencing 2:0 Ja.n 67 deploy 4th Mar Cmd Group and forces, not e'Ontinuing Operation CHINOOK to DONG HA no., Rrn~ Rider.

(3) Upon arrival at DONG HA commence planning for d:eplo~u."'Ttt of HQ, 4th Mar to PHU R.U Combat Base during Fe-\) 67.

D. 3rd Bn (Rein), 26th Marines

(1) At 2.00730H assume control of Opere .. tion CHINOOK and continue to conduct seareh and dfstroy operation~ in assigned AO.

(2.) Interdict enemy lines·-~··'t!·olnmUnica~~~ns to deny the enemy acroess to food producing and popula.ted areas.

(3) Secure LOC 1S within A_O.

(4) Conduct extensive psorchologic

DECLASSIFIED ---------~~~

• • - (1) Commencing 20Jan67 provide D/S Btry in support 3rd Bn(Rein) 26th Marines

(2) Commencing 20Jan67 rein D/S bt~· with one medium artillery Btry

G. 3rd Recon Bn

(.1) One platoon general support 3rd. Bn (Rein), 26th Marines.

(2) Attach Ln team to 3rd.Bn (Rein), 26th Marines.

H. 1st Bn( -) (Rein), 44th Arty

(1) Att.n.ch 2 sections: M-42 to :?rd Bn (Roin), 26th .MP.rines

-- J. 3rd Ellgr Bn

( 1) Attach cne:J. pktoon to 3rd !3n (Rein), 26th Marines·

J. 3rd MT Bn

(1) Attach 1 truck platoon to 3rd Bn ~Rein), 26th Marines.

K. 3rd SP Bn

(1) Attach HST and LSU to 3rd Bn (Rein), 26th Marines.

L. Hi.i Bn

l1) Attach Det RR to 3rd Bn (Rein), 26~h Marines

(2) Attach Det 1st CIT to 3rd Bn (Rei~), 26th Marines

M. Co B(-) 3rd AT Bn

(1) CoB (-) D/S, 3rd Bn (Rein), 2:6th Marines

N. Coordinating instructions:

(1) Cancel CG 3rd MarDiv Fra.g Orders 430-66 and '13"3-66 effective 200730H Jan 67.

(2) Unclass code name CHINOOK.

(3) DIRLi;.UTH ALCON.

(4) Durn.tion inclefinite

(5) Operation overlay no change

(6) Rules of engagement Ref (c)

55.

DECLASSIFIED

Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED ~.,- : . . . . ' . . . ··,. : :··. ~ ··_ .. : '_,· .. ~.r·· '··

. . :, ·.;,

(~t }i,iiri~-~ use of he lo

(10) •- Fire_-~pport and .coordination Ilef (b) , -~ • ·.:· . ,. c.O::,

(11) : Rep~rts· Ref ( ~)

(12) · Jdr. support

(a}_. Preplanned - req 24 hr in advance

·' >" (b): .. _- Emergency - IJ!i~.R- net-;~~it:&:- ~::-.,:\.£~- ,:·'."''·~- ~!;.. ·:.:·· ; ··, .· - . '

4 .; ~~dmiilistration and Logistics.

··:~-

B. Dump ~evels fox: all classes will be rnai.ritained at five d.a1ySl ..

c. FlSu~ (PHU -~'I.I}, pri~ source:: of_ supply. , ..

. D. Supt}•q point ,diatribu~:i.0Il fer LSA fron_.:FhSU..2 fr HUE ~mp as d1.rected• . · · · - ··- · - ·, · -• · · ·. · · -· ·. '' . ~

_.,,~;· · Div:·.r-fi!··,a.s~et~:PHU ::BAI: aitgments-atta.ched. MT:as required. ·• ,t

···--·"·· ~-

:F·. •'sti.brnit · .clw!ip. ·.s~atus _:,r~p-orts ·to ·this HQ ·by ·1800H:'~as of 1200H daily•: T.it'i!ii~.~-1?rioriti:·me:S.sa~ :or telephQne Shoye 4. _ .

'(1) -~lass I ~: Mea:ls/DOS ~li) . ~':l:_~~~ '(±I·, :.;. '·Rpt 6riti cal. shortages only •

;,· . . .

'(3) . .... -~·~ ~·· . ' . ' ,_,. c1as:s ·rrr· ~ ·· ·· (; . ..... .~ ' · .. · '•

\~J ·.-- M~~i'.:. ~'ls/DOS

( b f' .. ])'i'~~~i '·- gals /DOS. ·,·to) · :L~be-~>ind -~~ases' :. ilOS.

-~.(4·}-·>c:t~i5~·rv:·~ -Rpt.'CX:iti~l short~s only

d · ~:;_:-.:~:: .... (5-:Y,~~.c;Lc~ss.v: ·.;.. Rpi' :l)y J)OIJAC items lesa thP.m ··--·

G. :~r~±n:Lhll':ie u~e ~f heli~optera for resupply. for ,f'rnia.J..~rwy · l.'etlUpP).y- this. Hi,i ( COC) . .

', "', • ~ :• :." • ,: • ,,; • 0 • ~ ,r '•. • •.'. ~. : )' •• ' • i • '• ' •: ", •' '", ·,, : '•" .:", • ·,' ':, ' /:j • • ' • • • -~ • ', • ,- '

... -~- .::·""~" r:. '~ . _; . ~·

Sub:•Ini t requests

,...._· ~ ·-~- ::. •'.: .· "'·. ; . : ·:"':.

DECLASSIFIED

~ :--~

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5. Command Communieations,-E_lectr·~ nics.

A. Ref (b)

B. Ref (e)

c. Radio activate nets, as follows:

(1) Div TAC no 1 (M15)

(2) Div TAC no 2 (M742)

(3) KY-8 secure voice operations on requeat or when directed!. by NDS on M 724. Contents of K.AG-2:.7A apply.

(4) Freqs, call signs and key list· lief' (e).

D. R1..dio relay \

(1) Be prepared to receive and establish radio relay terminal AN/MRC-62. Channelization as. follows: •

(a) Channel 1 .- CIT/V

(b) Cha.nne 1 2 .- CTJ /V.

(e) .Channel 3·- sujcoc/S-3 . '

(d) Channel 4 - SU/FSCC/SUPERIMPOSED TT COMCEN (covered)

E;;_· Lia1sori DlRtAuTH>-lith.:·us ·a.dvi.sors, 1st ARVN Div and ARVN Forces in vicinity of· AO for commu.nications coordination.

G. Co111-mmication EQuipment and Personnel. Emerge!PCY reques,ta: to HQ, 3rd Ma.rD:iiv..

H. Cormna.rid Posts

(1)' Divis;i~ YD se3134

(2) Heport cr··location vlhen established. II ., .

. ,_,. Enolcmure ( 1 )

··\·.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• • -- D. CG 3d MA.RDIV NE~SSAGE 140352Z Jan 67 . "From:

Tog CG ~rd. Ma.rDi v ~rd.Bn, 26th Marines

Info: ~rd MarDiv (Fwd)

BT UNCIAS3

-COPY -

1. Re~.ssign the following officers.

LtCol K. 1. HOCH 039151/0302 from HQ, Bn to 3rd Bn, 26th l1arine.s for duty Le CO effective 15 Jan 67.

LtCol G. T. :BEYERLE 0503079/0302 from 3rd Bn, 26th l1arines for duty ~th HQ Bn (PHU BAI) effective 17 Jan 67.

2:. Cite this' msg a.s auth and furnish this HQ, with BNSO (SC-7B)"

Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED