01 July 68 1130

Messege from Arty Observer on Nui Tron; An aircraft went down at grid coordinates BS395795. Presently coordinating for a helicopter to check area of crash site.

01 July 68 1145

Division FAC aircraft searched area; reports that CH-47 helicopter and UH-1B helicopter had a mid-air collision.

01 July 68 1710

All Elements at Stand-down at this time.

01 July 68 2320

Quang Ngai received 8 incoming mortar rounds inside perimeter. Negative casualties or damage.

02 July 68 0001 / 2400

Stand-down

02 July 68 0520

Binh Son District reports they have received a total of 4 incoming 60mm rounds outside of their perimeter; 10-15 15-20 lb satchel charges in surrounding area. The refugee camp received a total of 2 satchel charges. Refugee camp damage is unknown at this time; US & ARVN forces negative casualties & negative damage.

03 July 68 0001 / 2400

Stand-down

03 July 68 1000

All units started departing from Chu Lai & started moving toward LZ Baldy. 

 04 July 68 1200

Delta Company is under OPCON to the 3/21 Infantry and is presently located at grid coordinates BT044331.

04 July 68 1205

Headquarters element landed on LZ West at 1010 hrs. & 4/3 Infantry Communications section departs LZ Baldy, and arrived on LZ West at 1220 hrs. 

05 July 68 1103

Effective at 1100 hrs. 4/3 Infantry assumed operations in designated sector 4/31 Infantry AO.

05 July 68 1602

Delta Company at grid coordinate AT924250 requests a dust off for 1 US individual from Delta Company to LZ Baldy with heat exhaustion.

• Sp/4 A Castaneda heat casualty

05 July 68 1735

Delta Company at grid coordinate AT924250; killed 1 VC that was hiding in a well, and who was 28 years old and wearing black pj's; Individual was killed by a grenade & possessed no documents. 1 VC KIA

06 July 68 1851

At 1815 hrs. a dust off was requested for 1 US from Bravo Company w/ possible appendicitis; completed at 1840 hrs; evacuated from LZ West

• PFC Lesko possible appendicitis

06 July 68 2240

4/31 Infantry reports a photo interpretation that shows a enemy unit at  grid coordinate AT901208;  3 foxholes & 3 weapons mounted on tripod, possibly a 12.7mm gun. At grid coordinate AT901205 saw a wheeled vehicle w/ canvas top, possibly a jeep. 

 08 July 68 1025

Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT979272, found a tunnel w/one room approximately 4'x6' feet. In the tunnel were many c-rations, VN cooking utensils, and 1 pair of tennis shoes. Surrounding the entrance were 5 spider holes.

08 July 68 1153

Alpha Company's 2nd platoon at grid coordinate AT965275, found 19 vials of medicine (Hyper sulphate on label), 4 vials of penicillin, 50 tablets (unk), & 1 inhaler. Some of the medicine was found in a hut occupied by 2 elderly females (65-70 years old). The remainder was located outside of hut.

08 July 68 1418

Battalion Surgeon requests a dust off for 1 US from HHC w/ fractured right arm on LZ West. Dust off completed at 1440 hrs.

• Sp/4 Severns   fractured right arm

08 July 68 2105

Alpha Company's 2nd platoon undertaker element spotted 2 VC w/helmets at grid coordinate AT971268; will attempt to gain position to take enemy under fire. OP's located 50-75 meters from the NDP to South & East.

08 July 68 2310

LZ Ross reported receiving 15-20 of incoming mortar rounds 82mm w/ negative casualties; all the units on LZ West were alerted, to include Brigade. The rounds landed outside of perimeter of LZ Ross.

09 July 68 1035

2 VC were killed by Arty fire on grid coordinate AT 964287. The fire was adjusted by ALO Cpt Barbare, resulting in 2 VC KIA.

09 July 68 1329

Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT978253, requests a dust off for 8 US heat casualties; Dust off was requested at 1310 hrs. & completed at 1320 hrs.

09 July 68 1535

Delta Company at grid coordinate AT921239, requests a dust off for 1 US from Delta Company, hit by a APC; Dust off completed at 1545 hrs. Individual concerned;

• SGT Coy Napier  run over by a APC. 

09 July 68 1710

Reference to item # 26; Individual was lying in front of tracked ammo carrier. Carrier broke loose and rolled over the individuals legs & back. Evacuated by Brigade Commander in C&C ship.

09 July 68 1715

At approximately 1545 hrs. 3rd platoon F Troop 17th Cav; entered 4/3 Infantry AO and came under OPCON 4/3 Infantry; enroot to Delta Company's location.

09 July 68 1730

Delta Company captured 2 elderly men that were carrying 1 wounded VC with shrapnel wounds in his back; also, 2 M26 hand grenades. At 1600 hrs at grid coordinate AT912238, VC was wounded and evacuated to LZ Ross at 1720 hrs for interrogation. VC was 25 years old.

 10 July 68 0330

At 0200 hrs on LZ West perimeter bunkers were checked for alertness. Several Bunkers were not alert.

10 July 68 0430

Observed lights across the valley to the North; appeared to be a group meeting at approx grid coordinate AT977278; engaged the light position w/quad .50 cal  and resulting in disbursement of lights and the lights went out.

10 July 68 0505

At approx 0450 hrs; ALO spotted lights in the valley at grid coordinate AT973270; engaged and fired with Quad .50 cal and resulting in lights out.

10 July 68 1520

Charlie Company's 2nd platoon at grid coordinate AT 934212, found 2 old rifle grenades, they were chicom type & the element blew in place.

11 July 68 0900

Alpha Company located on LZ West request a dust off for 1 US from Alpha Company w/accidental gunshot wound at 0815 hrs. Dust off completed at this time.

11 July 68 0955

At 0940 hrs. gunships engaged 2 MAM in black pj's evading in the vicinity of grid coordinate AT985273, resulting in 2 VC KIA; negative weapons or equipment captured.

11 July 68 2005

OP leader reported that there were between 10-15 enemy in uniforms and appeared to be setting up L-shaped ambush along a trail located at grid coordinate AT845238. When OP team interrupted the action, they received small arms fire & grenades (chicom & homemade grenade). Atry mission was called in on trail and nearby draws and valleys. There were negative US casualties.

11 July 68 2120

At 2107 hrs. Bravo Company reported that they engaged 5 VC at the vicinity of grid coordinate AT845238. 2 enemy w/weapons, all had packs; VC evaded to the North with unknown results.

11 July 68 2145

Delta Company requested a dust off for 1 US at grid coordinate AT851236; circumstances as follows; trip flare was set off between Delta Company's 2nd platoon and Delta Company OP element. Individual in 2nd platoon fired 1 round in the direction of the trip flare, hitting one individual from OP element. Dust off completed at 2217 hrs.

• PFC Doug Mitchell  gunshot wound

12 July 68 0833 

Gunships spotted 2 VC in uniform at grid AT817255 & took under fire, resulting in ; 3 VC KIA (additional individual not initially observed)

12 July 68 0915

At 0900 hrs. Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT808255, KIA one NVA in a green uniform and hiding in a spider hole. NVA carried 1 canteen, 1 pistol belt, 16 rounds of 7.62mm short (for AK-47), & 50 lbs of rice.

12 July 68 0930

At 0911 hrs.Charlie Company's 1st platoon, at grid location AT810255, captured 1 AK-47, 6 rounds of 82mm mortar, 11 rockets w/booster (possibly B-40), 4  AK-44 magazines w/ammo, & 5 field packs.(found in a hedgerow). 1 B-40 rocket sighting device; 2 B-40 carriers (to hold 4 rockets) 1 AK-44 rifle w serial # 11439032, 18 rockets (appeared to be new).

12 July 68 1410

At 1410 hrs. Battalion Commander, LTC Russell, observed a tunnel complex of  unknown size at grid coordinate AT 946233. Arty mission called in and resulting in 1 VC KIA.

12 July 68 1440

At 1430 hrs. Alpha Company's 1st platoon, at grid coordinate AT813264, found one ammo belt, 220 AK-47 rounds, 3 AK-47 magazines, 1 US poncho liner, 1 NVA pack, 1 green NVA uniform, assorted medicine, 4 rounds of M-1 Garrand ammo, & 20 gallons of fish oil that was found in a hooch.

12 July 68 1835

At 1805 hrs. Delta Company at grid coordinate AT818252, found spider hole/tunnel complex. Spider hole branches into tunnels to right and left and to a depth of 8 'foot either way. Found ammo can containing 1 NVA magazine pouch, 1 US transfusion kit, 1 homemade grenade (made of small can w/ handle), 1 bottle of fungus medicine. Destroyed tunnels.

 13 July 68 1155

Charlie Company's 1st platoon at 1145 hrs. in the vicinity of grid location AT 816245, they found the following items on the inside of  camouflaged hooches; 1 SKS rifle w/serial # 10A1712, 1 ton of raw rice, and 600 lbs of corn. Corn & rice to be destroyed.

13 July 68 1215

Alpha Company's 1st platoon, at 1200 hrs. in the vicinity of grid coordinates AT 815266, found the following items in a hooch; 15 rolls of commo wire (approx 6.5 miles), 3 ammo pouches, 2 rounds of .45 cal ammo, 18 rounds of Russian MG ammo, 2 rounds of 7.62 short (AK-47), 6 rounds of .30 cal ammo, 3 carbine magazines, 2 NVA canteens, 1 NVA pistol belt, 50' feet of rope, bandages, scalpel, 10 pills &   unidentified liquid in a bottle. 

13 July 68 1320

At 1305 hrs. Delta Company at grid location AT825265, found message that was written on fibrous material (appeared to be a banana leaf) in Vietnamese, hidden between the branches of the tree. Translation; "US are coming, will shoot me, AM leaving because I love my wife and do not want her shot."

13 July 68 1950

Bravo Company ambush element was moving from NDP to the ambush location, observed movement and engaged, resulting in ; 1 VC killed & 3 children wounded, will render aid to the wounded and evacuate tomorrow. Action at grid location AT818267; VC was wearing black pj's.

13 July 68 0655

Battalion Strength Reports;

• Alpha Company   106

• Bravo Company   93

• Charlie Company   105

• Delta Company   114

14 July 68 1115

Charlie Company's 1st platoon in the vicinity of grid location AT813244, engaged 4 or 5  NVA w/ automatic weapons fire, enemy opened fire on Charlie Company, then withdrew to the West; NVA appeared to be setting up ambush; Negative enemy & friendly casualties. Gunships are requested.

14 July 68 1230

Gunship mission for Charlie Company's 1st platoon is complete; gunships drew sniper fire at altitude of 300 feet; 1st & 2nd platoon are closing in on area of enemy fire at this time; negative hits on aircraft.

14 July 68 1622

Battalion Commander Psyops W/psyops team, loudspeaker in C&C ship, in the vicinity of grid location AT813263; message to NVA: "Surrender to US and be treated well or be killed" Time; 1550 hrs. to 1608 hrs.

14 July 68 2220

Bunker  # 1 & Bunker # 2 reported a light moving toward their position, at a estimated range of 400 meters; request to fire on lights. Request was denied; SDO checked on report and found lights were out.

15 July 68 1015

LTC Russell, Battalion Commander 4/3 Infantry, became acting TF Commander effective 1000 hrs; during absence of TF Commander, BG Cooksey & Brigade Commander, Col Koreson.

15 July 68 1225

At 1215 hrs. M-Force reported observing 2 individuals near the M-Force position; Both women were interrogated; one stated that her husband and another VC observed the M-Force position last night.

15 July 68 1450

At 1437 hrs. M-Force observed 1 VC w/weapon in the vicinity of grid location AT925273 evading towards Charlie Company's location. VC was wearing brown ragged clothing and evaded into the hedgerow when last seen.

15 July 68 1600

At 1400 hrs. LTC Russell, Commander 4/3 Infantry, relinquished command of TF Cooksey upon return of BG Cooksey.

15 July 68 1645

Received message a from Captain Bryant, Battalion S-4: Individual from Alpha Company; EM Wilson has empty conex roll over on him causing a strained back (not serious) and is being sent for X-ray.

15 July 68 2315

Receiver report from TF TOC; LZ Center received 20 incoming mortar rounds & and are still under mortar fire attack; casualties are unknown at this time. Notified all units. 

 16 July 68 0910

At 0905 hrs. Charlie Company at grid coordinate AT920275, found what appears to be an NVA hooch made of wood w/tunnel entrance. Tunnel appeared to be a shelter.

16 July 68 1537

Col Kroesen, Brigade Commander, will depart LZ Baldy enroute to Chu Lai at approx 1800 hrs. LTC Russell, Battalion Commander, 4/3 Infantry, will act as 196th LIB Commander during his absence. Col Kroesen is expected to return at approx 2030 hrs to LZ Baldy.

16 July 68 1805

At 1805 hrs. Delta Company at grid location AT916265, apprehended 1 female , middle age, who was evading w/male that successfully evaded. Evacuated for interrogation.

17 July 68 0735

Arty 3/82 fired 6 rounds on enemy targets in the vicinity of grid coordinate AT947229; Results are; 3 VC in the open evaded and moved into the tree line. 

17 July 68 0907

Bravo patrol departed LZ Lurch on sweep of perimeter at 0900 hrs. Alpha Company patrol departed on perimeter sweep of LZ O'Connor at 0730 hrs. & returned at 0845 hrs w/ negative results.

17 July 68 2135

Alpha Company reports, that they have positioned 3 Observation Posts located 50-75 meters from LZ O'Connor perimeter at grid coordinate AT934243.

18 July 68

Charlie Company's 2nd platoon ambush element at grid location AT953264. Element observed and engaged 1 VC evading. Results; 1 VC KIA. Enemy was 27-30 years old and wearing grey clothing, no weapons, gear or documents.

18 July 68 0855

Alpha Company at 0845 hrs.at grid coordinate AT913251 and requests a urgent dust off for 1 US EM  from Alpha Company w/ frag wounds from a mine explosion.

• SSG James Hildebrandt   KHA  frag wounds

Detonated a M16 mine in the doorway of a hooch. Found 1 male & 3 children in hooch. Male was extracted for interrogation. Correction; mine was not a M16 but was made from a 20mm round & powder.

18 July 68 1011

Recon platoon at grid coordinate AT905239, request a urgent dust off for 1 US from Recon w/ a gunshot wound in the forearm. Dust off completed by C&C ship at 1020 hrs. (non battle wound).

• PFC Stephen R. Gray  gunshot / forearm

18 July 68 1240

At 1045 hrs. Arty fire on grid location AT958239, resulting in 1 VC KIA (p); observed by Btry C 3/82 Arty 1st SGT. At 1115 hrs. Arty fire on grid location AT947299 resulted in 4 VC KIA (P); mission was observed.

18 July 68 1555

Delta Company's 2nd platoon & Recon platoon at grid coordinate AT 911246; CIDG element closed on CP at 1515 hrs. At grid coordinate AT 911263 CIDG found 1 issue case, 1 homemade gas mask, 2 rounds 5.56mm short, 1 bandage & 1 empty medicine bottle, and the same location 1 VC was observed evading.

18 July 68 2120

At 1715 hrs. CIDG adjusted fire(MG) on VC in tree line at grid coordinate AT 922255 w negative results. At 1834 hrs. CIDG called in mortar fire on 2 VC in wood line (no weapons observed); results; negative.

 19 July 68 1110

At 1050 hrs. Recon platoon at grid coordinate AT942231, detained 2 males VCS ( one man 55/with wound in left shoulder; the other was 45 years old). The younger man was taking care of the older man....Evacuated

19 July 68 1240

Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT904253, requests a dust off for 1 US from Alpha Company with gunshot wound in stomach. Dust off completed at 1251 hrs. by C&C ship. Also 1 US w/ gunshot in the hand was evacuated at 1305 hrs. Alpha Company engaged & KIA 2 NVA w/weapons. AK-47's

• PFC Phillip Oglesby  KHA  stomach wound

• PFC James Hall   WHA   gunshot wound in hand

• PFC Lenioda Hargrove  WHA   gunshot in finger

At 1240 hrs on July 19, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry vicinity AT904253 request Dust Off for 1 US with gunshot wound in stomach, Dust Off was completed at 1251 hrs by the Command and Control Helicopter. 1 US with gun shot wound in hand -evac. At 1305 hrs Alpha Company engaged and KIA 2 NVA with weapons (AK47) at AT904353 and captured 2 AK-47 weapons. Personnel involved PFC James Hall with hand wound, PFC Phillip Oglesby (Stomach wound) and Lenioda Hargrove with gunshot wound in finger all where evac. At 1533 hrs Alpha Company was informed that PFC Oglesby (DIED OF WOUNDS) at 1400hrs.

19 July 68 1534

Battalion Commander reports receiving heavy machine gun fire. possibly AA, at grid coordinate AT890275; Enemy NVA strength is unknown.

19 July 68 1625

Arty fire on grid coordinate AT898253, resulted in 1 heavy machine gun & crew was destroyed. Requested at 1545 hrs. by Battalion Commander.

19 July 68 1628

Gunships received .50 cal fire, fuel tanks were struck and forced to land on LZ O'Connor; will have to be lifted out for repair by CH-47.

19 July 68 1815

Battalion Commander reported .50 cal fire from the vicinity of grid coordinate AT907258.  fire also directed against jet aircraft; TAC air strike on target. Machine gun position destroyed.

At 2125 hrs. Alpha Company engaged 2 VC/NVA at grid coordinate AT905262, resulting in 2 VC/NVA KIA. OP unable to search due to darkness.

20 July 68 1135

Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT901254, found 2 packs (1 US & 1 NVA), 1 destroyed heavy machine gun feed tray, 1 chicom grenade. Serial # on machine gun tray; 133235 and right underneath 2563 (not US).                                               1200                                                                                     Reference to item # 27; US pack was lost by Alpha Company on 19 July 68. NVA pack contained 1 NVA poncho, 1 NVA entrenching tool, 1 can of rice, 1 NVA  green uniform with  underwear, 3 rounds of .50 cal ammo w/ black & red tip & numbers on the base of the ctg 21 & 55.

20 July 68 1340

Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT901254, found a AA site. Bunker was untouched. It was in a good position for view of Alpha Company's approach of 19 July 68. Also good view of LZ's OConnor & Lurch & Karen. Also found circular sight for chicom .50 cal.                                               1430                                                                                                At 1420 hrs. Alpha Company at grid coordinate AT 901254, found 1 green NVA helmet, 1 NVA uniform, 1 pair of boots; found in a small hole near the AA gun position.

20 July 68 1715

Alpha Company reported that on top of mountain, in the vicinity of grid coordinate AT895253, found 1 old bunker that had caved in. Also found trench line &  1  3 man brick lined foxhole that was found on the East side of the mountain. 

20 July 68 1930

B Battery 3/82 Arty reported a Arty mission on grid location AT948240 resulting in 1 VC KIA, 2 VC KIA (p).

20 July 68 2340

Bunkers # 19 & 20 reported movement between 19 & 20 & 15. Requested to fire star cluster; approved and fired with negative results.

21 July 68 0910

Message from TF Cooksey TOC; 5/46 Infantry detained 2 armed VC, who stated that there are 2 NVA companies in the vicinity of grid coordinate AT908218. Their mission is to attack LZ O'Connor or Hill 210 in the near future.

21 July 68 1220

Message from TF Cooksey; 5/46 Infantry located and captured a woman who stated that were 2 NVA companies in hamlets in the vicinity of grids coordinates of AT906216 & AT906266 w/ commo wire between hamlets. Enemy has 4 B-40 rocket launchers, 3 heavy mortars, AK-47's & SKS's. Mortars are set up in the vincinty of grid location AT903232. NVA have been there for 3 days. Detainee states that she heard talk of a attack on LZ O'Connor.

21 July 68 1601

At 1300 hrs. CIDG patrol, at grid location AT928254, engaged 2 VC running from hut at a range of 50 meters and resulting in 2 VC KIA. Other individuals questioned stated that one was a VC tax collector and that she had collected 1300 piaster. Other KIA's husband was VC Company Commander. Both were wearing black pj's and possessed no documents.

21 July 68 1855

Charlie Company requests a priority dust off for 1 US with a knee wound caused by a entrenching tool. A ambulatory priority dust was completed at 1918 hrs.

• PFC Jack D. Merrill  knee wound 

22 July 68 0205

At grid location AT924221 & AT930220 radar spotted 2 very large objects moving to the Northeast. Observed enemy for 2 hours. Size estimates possibly a company size unit. Also spotted 3-6 persons at grids AT927231 & AT911230 & 911227 & 912230. Cleared to fire 4.2  mortar. Arty fired  zone sweep on the first 2 targets & 4.2  mortar and other sightings. Results are unknown at this time.

22 July 68 1340

Charlie Company reports mines are homemade type, 10 clusters of 3. Detonator is a piece of bamboo and wire, pressure type. Wire is 3 foot long & goes to soda can of explosive with blasting cap.

22 July 68 1735

Final report from Charlie Company on mines; reference # 25 & 37. Destroyed 9 mines. Engineers will evacuate 1.

22 July 68 2125

LZ Karen received 4 82mm incoming rounds, inside the perimeter. Results; No casualties. Arty mission called. Mortar flashes observed at grid coordinate AT908232. Return mortar fire on enemy position. Enemy firing ceased.

22 July 68 2219

Permission granted to fire Arty mission on suspected mortar positions at grid location AT932260 & AT942251. Observed 2 secondary explosions.

22 July 68 2340

Delta 5/46 Infantry at LZ Polar Bear received a hand grenade attack w/ some enemy penetrating the perimeter. Attack came from the Southwest. Arty fired; gunship  and flareship enroute to location. 3 US WHA minor injuries.

• 1 EM SSG Phillips   WHA received shrapnel wounds in back of head &hand & back

• 1 EM Toomer   WHA received shrapnel  wounds in ankle, left leg & upper thigh

• 1 EM Reynolds   WHA received shrapnel wounds in back & arm

23 July 68 0035

Reference item # 73 dated 22 July 68; No longer receiving hand grenade attacks. OP reported seeing enemy setting up mortar tube and then observed Arty rounds landing in area. At 0200 hrs. SPOOKY was requested. AT 0052 SPOOKY arrives. At 0058 hrs. radar reported no movement.

23 July 68 0120

Alerted Alpha Company to have 1 platoon ready to assist Delta 5/46 Infantry on LZ Polar Bear.

23 July 68 0735

At 0735 hrs. Delta Company's 3rd platoon, found 6 chicom hand grenades and captured 1 NVA WIA in the vicinity of grid AT936213 (D 5/46) NVA was wearing a green uniform & steel helmet, and carrying a basket used to hold grenades.

23 July 68 1159

CIDG patrol, at grid coordinate AT920255, captured 1 VCS who evaded out of a spider hole. Was wearing black pj's; possessed documents & money; also he was carrying a map (sketch type). Individual is 57 years old. Interrogation of VCS indicates he is a VC cadre.

23 July 68 1535

At 1005 hrs. Delta 5/46 Infantry, 3rd platoon found, 1 NVA green shirt. Appeared to have been worn by a individual wounded by Arty.

23 July 68 1830

Request dust off for 1 US burned by trip flare on LZ Karen. Priority dust off complete at 1855 hrs.

• 1 EM  Ogas   burns from flare

24 July 68 0048

Mike Force at LZ Lurch, reported receiving 5-7 incoming rounds of 82mm mortar, from the West or Southwest of their position. Dust off requested for 2 VN WHA. Arty fired counter mortar target at grid coordinate AT903233; 4.2 mortar fired on counter mortar targets grid AT945233 & AT938236.

24 July 68 0930

Battalion S-3, Maj McAnaw, observed 4 VC evading w/o weapons at grid coordinate AT930225. Engaged  by C&C ship w/ negative results.                                                                              1006                                                                                             Reference item # 27, Arty mission on target. Results are; 1 VC KIA, 1 hooch destroyed, 2 secondary explosions at grid the coordinate AT929225.

24 July 68 2224

Message from CPT Leech, TFC; possible mortar attack on LZ O'Connor (heavy mortar).

24 July 68 2353

5/46 Infantry on LZ Polar Bear, received 2-3 incoming 82mm mortar rounds from 1100 meters & 170 degree. Negative casualties.

25 July 68 0425

Alpha Company's 3rd platoon, 3rd squad on OP requested 1 round of illumination. 4.2 mortar platoon fired 2 rounds illumination. Negative results.

25 July 68 1040

Delta 5/46 Infantry 3rd platoon at grid coordinate AT942201, found & destroyed 20-25 bags of rice. Rice was found 25 meters from trail near a abandoned hut.

25 July 68 1535

M-Force patrol observed 5 middle aged males moving West. Males moved into the wood line at grid coordinate AT929226. Arty mission was on target and 1 hut was destroyed and all movement ceased.

25 July 68 2005

LZ Karen observed mortar flashes; engaged enemy positions w/ .50 cal. fire, & 4 rounds of 60mm mortar, impacted outside the perimeter 150 meters from river. Fired Arty mission on suspected mortar position at grid coordinate AT911229. AT 2015 hrs. received 1 round of 60mm mortar; no casualties.

25 July 68 2201

D 5/46 Infantry received a unknown number of frag grenades on the South side of the perimeter, w/ negative casualties. Fired small arms & grenades. Size of enemy force is unknown.              2205                                                                                                          D 5/46 Infantry reported observing 1 VC/NVA run down the hill when illumination round was fired; deploying reaction force to sweep the area under illumination.

25 July 68 2205

Recon platoon received incoming small arms fire and 1 grenade from grid coordinate AT923236 w/ negative casualties ; fire was returned w/ 81mm mortar (organic)                                                2220                                                                                                    Recon Platoon received 1 or 2 hand grenades from the West side of the hill. Observed VC/NVA running down hill; engaged w/ M-79 grenade launcher.

26 July 68 0625

Battalion Strength Report;

• Alpha Company   112

• Bravo Company   99

• Charlie Company    122

• Delta Company   125

• Echo   57

• HHG   56

26 July 68 1335

Delta Company's 3rd platoon spotted a group of VN wearing black pj's and white pith helmets at grid coordinate AT897242 (approx 1500 meters from LZ Karen) and attempting to cross river.

26 July 68 1400

Request dust off for 1 US w/ multiple burns. Individual was mixing fuel to burn grass around LZ O'Connor. Dust off completed at 1419 hrs.

• Cpt Hendrix CO    multiple burns  

26 July 68 2050

Bravo Company's 2nd platoon, 1st squad, observed 7-8 lights moving at a range of 700 meters toward their position at grid location AT896275. Arty fired & lights went out.

26 July 68 2340

Radar picked up moving target; small group of individuals at grid coordinate AT956236. Appear to be searching for something. Arty mission was called and fired.

27 July 68 0820

At 0815 hrs. M-Force found impression of a 82mm mortar base plate at grid coordinate AT922233. Appeared to be 2-3 days old.

27 July 68 1315

Observer on LZ O'Connor observed 1 VC in the open in the vicinity of grid coordinate AT914218. Results of Arty fire; Area well covered and no further movement.

27 July 68 1536

At grid coordinate AT895213, BLUE GHOST attempted to extract 1 VN female; it received 400-500 rounds from grids AT8921 & AT9021 (small arms & automatic weapons fire); they returned fire, resulting in 18 huts being destroyed. Aircraft altitude was 200 feet. Also detected several .50 cal positions in same general location. Negative hits on aircraft and it continued to fly.

28 July 68 0115

Bunker # 3 reported hearing a dog barking forward of Bunker # 3, at the base of LZ O'Connor. Informed to keep observant for movement.

28 July 68 0651

At 0605 hrs. Recon Platoon received 7 incoming 82mm rounds. Mortar rounds are from unknown location and resulting in 3 US WHA  (m) of B 3/16 Arty. Arty fired on grids AT911224 & AT915230 & AT904228 & AT916220; 4.2 mortar fired on grids; AT905205 & AT915205 & AT910208. Enemy mortar attack ceased at 0620 hrs.

28 July 68 0715

Alpha Company's 3rd platoon closed LZ O'Connor at 0710 hrs; results; forward Bunkers 19 & 20 found hole in tactical wire ( Alpha Company will make the repair) also, forward of Bunker # 21 found M26 hand grenade. (will destroy).

28 July 68 1335

Delta Company on LZ Karen, requested a dust off for 1 US w/ head injuries. Completed 1335 hrs. by 4/3 Infantry C&C ship.

• Leonard E. Borbandy   WHA  head injuries

28 July 68 1700

Aerial observer (HELIX ll) observed bunkers & spider holes at grid coordinate AT919197. Also observed 3 foot square hole (possible mortar position) at grid location AT890217 H&I fires planned.

28 July 68 1720

Bravo Company's FO observed 6 VC at grid coordinate AT 915261 w/o weapons or gear. Maj McAnaw, S-3, searched area; and observed 1 female evading. Arty mission fired on grid coordinate AT915261. C&C ship KIA 1 VC at grid coordinate AT909261.

28 July 68 2125

TFC TOC reported that LZ Richards personnel observed large secondary explosions in the valley as a result of our H&I fires.Confirmed by Arty; B 3/16 firing on grid square AT9121 observed 6 secondary explosions.

29 July 68 0205

At 0145 hrs. Delta Company's 3rd platoon , observed explosions (possibly 20 incoming rounds of 60mm mortar) at a range 300-400 meters, azimuth of 210 degrees. Delta Company did not request counter mortar fire or illumination flares. 

29 July 68 1100

At 0900 hrs. CIDG, at grid coordinate AT912267, CIA 1 VC w/ weapon; M-1 carbine w/serial # 6416081 & 2 clips of ammo. VC was wearing a khaki uniform and hiding in a hut. Also prossess -ed  documents.

29 July 68 1322

C&C ship, at grid coordinate AT935276, engaged 3 VC evading and resulting in 1 VC KIA, Enemy was wearing black pj's and was moving to the Southwest.

29 July 68 1420

C&C ship at grid coordinate AT 937279, engaged & KIA 2 VC; enemy was wearing black pj's and was evading to the West.

29 July 68 1813

Bunker guards on LZ O'Oconnor observed 1 VC move into the wood line North of LZ; fired 81mm mortar in the grid vincinty AT928248. Results unknown.

30 July 68 0650

At 0605 hrs. CIDG Alpha element KIA 1 VC (male) evading grid coordinate AT927270; wearing black pj's.

30 July 68 0715

At 0655 hrs. at grid coordinate AT935273, CIDG captured 1 VC in a khaki uniform w/documents & 1 US carbine rifle w/serial # 985716 with 1 magazine & 15 rounds of .30 cal ammo. Subject was evading from hooch when apprehended.

30 July 68 1515

Arty mission fired on 1 VC that was digging a hole at grid coordinate AT930225, resulting in 1 VC KIA (p).

30 July 68 1710

Brigade Avn CH-47 received 15-20-automatic weapons fire from grid coordinate AT 930225. Heavy mortars were fired with results unknown.

30 July 68 1740

Late Entry; Sp/4 Ronald Blake, Delta Company 4/3 Infantry, lost his M-16 w/serial # 861945 while attempting to cross a river at grid coordinate AT939201 on 27 July 68.

30 July 68 2155

Charlie Company requested illumination flare for suspected probing action around perimeter LZ Lurch. OP's reported 2 incoming hand grenades at grid location AT925243. Arty mission fired on suspected enemy and movement stopped.

31 July 68 0846

Bravo Company mortar platoon, at grid location AT908260, found 1 new 75mm recoilless rifle round w/case in a small spider hole. 

31 July 68 1405

C&C ship engaged 1 VC evading at grid location AT 927158, w/negative results. Also at grid AT926164 fired on a sampan & received automatic weapons fire in return; negative hits on aircraft (altitude 400').

31 July 68 2325

4.2 mortar platoon observed a secondary explosion at grid coordinate AT925218, after firing H&I mission. Arty fired zone sweep on location.