September 1968

01 Sept 68 1026

At 1015 hrs.Charlie Company's 3rd platoon, at grid location BT370138 observed 4 VCS moving into an area and then carrying something to the Northeast.

01 Sept 68 1300

At 1300 hrs, received report of a motor vehicle accident. Vehicle was traveling at a excessive speed and hit a culvert & turned over, resulting in 4 US injured & evacuated by dust off, 1 US killed & still pinned beneath vehicle. Indivual's parent unit is unknown at this time. MP's and medical personnel at the scene of the accident; more to follow. Killed Pfc Edward Merl Jackson / 198th light Infantry Brigade

01 Sept 68 1415

Bravo Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo  Company with FUO. Dust off was completed at 1425 hrs.

Line # 43 Sp/4 Lee E. Gale  FUO

01 Sept 68 1615

Bravo Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company with FUO. Dust off was completed at 1630hrs.

Line # 134 Pvt Biblo Dantzler   FUO

01 Sept 68 1853

Bravo Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company with FUO. Dust off was completed at 1907 hrs. William J. Connelly

01 Sept 68 2005

Late Entry; Request a dust off for 1 US EM from Recon platoon, self inflicted gun shot in the leg with a M-79. Dust off was requested at 1945 hrs. but was delayed due to bad weather. Dust off completed at 2020 hrs.

Line # 70 Peter Alexander

03 Sept 68 0030

Hill 54 received 1 incoming round, that is suspected to be a 82mm mortar. There were negative casualties.

03 Sept 68 1140

Delta Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM line # 74 from Delta Company with heat exhaustion. evacuated from QNAF by C&C.

03 Sept 68 1200

Alpha Company 1/46 Infantry closed Hill54, assumes mission in 4/3 sector of 198th LIB AO. 4/3 Infantry released from OPCON 198th LIB. 4/3 Infantry displaced Alpha, Charlie, Delta & FWD CP element from Hill 54 to Quang Ngai Airfield; Bravo & Echo to secure LZ Buff at grid BS38825.

04 Sept 68 1100

At 1055 hrs. LTC Russell while on recon with C&C aircraft. Received automatic weapons fire from grid location BS70730 & BS468740. Aircraft was at a altitude of 1500 feet; damage assessment unknown.

04 Sept 68 1355

Charlie Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS449749, engaged and KIA 1 VC, female, 25 years old and evading. Shouted at VC to stop, and fired warning shoots to no avail.

04 Sept 68 1425

Alpha Company at grid location BS451778, found 1 camouflaged foxhole and part of 1 US M18A1 mine (claymore).

04 Sept 68 1505

At 1450 hrs. Charlie Company's 3rd platoon, at grid location BS435751, found 5 VC type blasting caps w/short fuses, 56 batteries equivalent to BA-30 (not US), large quantity of medical supplies, pain pills & penicillin, 2 pairs of wire cutters, 2 pairs of tweezers, trip wire, lighters & kool-aid. 

04 Sept 68 1530

C&C ship at grid location BS489750, engaged 3 VC w/ packs that were swimming in the river, resulting in 3VC KIA.

04 Sept 68 0820

At 0810 hrs. Charlie Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS449755. apprehended 2 VCS & 1 NVA. Found NVA in a hole, 20-30 years old. The 2 VCs were 20-30 & 40-50 years old, and only 1 had ID.

05 Sept 68 1145

Recon platoon received heavy AK-47 fire from grid location BS545794; enemy force of unknown size. 1 US EM from Recon platoon / WHA, evacuated by C&C ship.

Line # 55 Pfc Paul W. Adams   WHA

05 Sept 68 1415

Delta Company's 3rd platoon 2nd squad, at grid location BS474725, reports that they are pinned down by a hostile fire from both ridges at grids BS479723 & BS482726. Delta Company is presently maneuvering. Results; 1 US WHA.

05 Sept 68 1555

Resume of Delta Company contact with enemy. Made contact at 1415 hrs; broke contact at 1540 hrs. Estimate enemy squads are at grid location BS482725 & BS470725. Aero Scouts & gunships worked over the enemy location. Enemy losses are unknown. Delta Company sustained  2 US WHA at 1500 hrs.

Sp/4 Paul G. Amason WHA       gunshot right shoulder             Pfc David C. Tanck WHA         gunshot upper left leg             Yeargin (medic)       WHA    gunshot right buttock            Garchek                    WHA  gunshot in upper left leg                 Sgt James S. Hath    KHA

05 Sept 68 1617 

Delta Company reports that a C&C aircraft has been shot down at grid location BS475729; casualties unknown at this time; presently receiving heavy fire.                                                         1630                                                                                                      Delta Company reports that there are 1 US KHA  & 2 US WHA on the C&C aircraft.

05 Sept 68 1631

At 1625 hrs. Charlie Company was directed to move to assist Delta Company.

05 Sept 68 1655

Evacuation of Delta Company's 2 WHA & C&C atrcraft crew completed at this time. Pick-up made in 2 lifts, the 2nd at 1700 hrs.

05 Sept 68 1930

Resume of C&C aircraft crash: C & C was moving in to pick up US persons WHA; they received heavy small arms fire & automatic weapons from grid location BS476718 & BS487724 & BS476715. Fire received from estimated 15 automatic weapons and causing aircraft to crash at grid location BS481721 resulting in: 1 US KHA & 2 WHA.                           Cpt Barbare    KHA   ALO from B 6/11 Arty                              Pierce               WHA  Alpha Company FO from B 6/11 Arty        Mr  Gills           WHA    aircraft commander

06 Sept 68 0822

At 0810 hrs. Alpha Company received 1 VC Cheiu Hoi, 22 years old and wearing light grey-blue clothes. States that VC forced him to work for them; also states that there were 100-150 VC in the vicinity of grid location BS492725. VC were armed with M-16 & AK-47 & AK-50 rifles. He said the area had many bunkers.

06 Sept 68 1055

At 1045 hrs. Charlie Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS473767, found 2 booby-traps, M-26 grenades in a ammo pouch under a bush. Wire led across the trail by a 6 foot stick. Also found 3 huts in the area, that had been slept in last night. Destroyed booby-traps & huts.

06 Sept 68 1320

Aero Scouts, at grid location BS548766, engaged and KIA 1 VC w/weapon; observed several other VC w/weapons evading to the East, 1 tripod mounted weapon; request permission to insert ground element.

06 Sept 68 1410

Recon platoon reports being pinned down by automatic fire from wood line at grid location BS548773.                                    1440                                                                                               Gunships are on station in the vincinty of the Recon platoon location.                                                                                               1442                                                                                                   Recon platoon reports 2 US WHA; unable to reach them at this time.                                                                                                      1708                                                                                                    Recon platoon reports 1 US WHA; more to follow.

06 Sept 68 1726

Aero Scouts at grid location BS552772, reports 10 VC KIA all wearing khaki uniforms; captured 1 carbine rifle, 1 RPG. destroyed 10 RPG rounds; captured 1 AK-50 assault rifle. Estimate Company size VC unit was in village. Extracted Infantry unit at 1615 hrs.

06 Sept 68 1800

Recon platoon reports that 5 men are pinned down. Alpha & Bravo Company's are instructed by Maj McAnaw to move their units toward the recon element.

06 Sept 68 1935

Extraction of Recon elements; On 1st lift 2 slicks (Dolphins) took hits, 1 pilot WHA (hit in leg); 2 ships extracted 5 US each. Dolphin pilot reports enemy fire was .50 cal AW, SA, & mortar. Enemy waited until aircraft was on ground before opening fire. Fire came from tree line in the vincinty of enemy village.

06 Sept 68 2233

Bravo Company reports it found 1 US pack -complete, and believed to from recon platoon.                                                        2240                                                                                                    Bravo Company reports it picked up 1 individual, from recon platoon at grid BS544773; uninjured.                                              2300                                                                                                     Alpha & Bravo Company's still moving toward recon position. 2323                                                                                                    Bravo Company reports it found 2 US (uninjured) from the recon element, who state they know the location of 2 more US.

The battle that has developed over the last 24 hours will earn the recon platoon a presidential unit citation.

07 Sept 68 0003

Bravo Company reports they have found Recon's platoon leader, Lt Montgomery WHA.

07 Sept 68 0004

Dust off aircraft called into Recon location grid BS548733 to extract 1 WHA & 3 uninjured persons from Recon element.

07 Sept 68 0020

Bravo Company reports they found 10 US KHA from Recon platoon. All 10 were stripped of field gear, except for uniform, helmet & boots.

07 Sept 68 0045

Bravo Company reports they found 2 M-16, 1 M-79 GL, 1 radio (type unknown), 7 6-8 field packs.

07 Sept 68 0120

Status Of Recon platoon; 10 US KHA, 4 WHA, 13 uninjured; 1 MIA (believed to be KHA).

07 Sept 68 0225

Bravo Company reported finding 1 US KHA from Recon platoon, it was previously considered MIA. Dust off completed at 0310 hrs.

07 Sept 68 0515

Late Entry; At 0345 hrs. Battalion received a list of casualties from Lt Willingham, Commander Echo Company; as follows; Sp/4 Terrance Randall Hanson  KHA

Sgt Edward William Secrest  KHA

Pfc Barry Russell Moree  KHA

Pfc Hershel Eugene Morrow  KHA

Pfc Jerry Gordon Richard  KHA

Sp/4 Floyd Laverne Still  KHA

Pfc Rayner Edward Williams  KHA

Pfc Donnie Raymond White  KHA

Sp/4 Larry Allen Jones  KHA     medic

WHA

Gehman   WHA

Walker      WHA

Alejo          WHA

LT Montgomery  WHA

07 Sept 68 0953

Aero Scouts at grid location BS560787, engaged & KIA 2 VC (1 in green uniform) evading. Negative weapons. Also destroyed 1 bunker at same location.

07 Sept 68 1140

Delta Company at grid location BS564772, requests dust off for 3 US EM from Delta Company with WHA from booby traps. Also reports 1 US  KHA. Dust off completed at 1200 hrs.

07 Sept 68 1150

Delta Company's booby trap was a 105mm Howitzer Artillery round, that was command detonated. Results; 1 US KHA  & 3US WHA.

Sp/4 William Cooper  KHA

Pfc Cheney  WHA   concussion

Pfc James Elker  WHA  frag / upper trunk

PFC Robert Hannah  WHA   frag / head & back of neck

07 Sept 68 1240

Results of Interview W/Members of Recon Platoon Re-engagement of 06-07 Sept 68;

• Recon platoon was in contact with a enemy force that is estimated from 2 Companys to a Battalion.

• Enemy had numerous automatic weapons, to include a 6 AA machine guns.

• VC/NVA force sustained at least 34 KIA's (confirmed) from gunships & small arms fire (observed kills).

• Recon platoon members believe VC/NVA from airstrikes & gunship fire(no estimate given).

07 Sept 68 1445

Delta 3/1 Infantry at grid location BS553782, found the following items in a hut; 1 82mm mortar base plate, 2 82mm bipods serial # 130763, other unknown. 82mm mortar FDC equipment; 7 82mm HE rounds, 1 WP 82mm round, 2 chicom grenades, 4 82 mm mortar fuses, 2 US steel helmets, M-60 MG ammo, M-16 rifle ammo, 4 NVA uniforms, 1 AK-47 magazine w/pouch, 1 poncho, 3 entrenching tools, 1 AK-47 assault rifle-serial # 2008282; medical supplies, 2 canteens, 2 US packs w/canteens & personal items.

08 Sept 68 0701

Delta Company reports has individual at their grid location at BS549783, that was stuck in his leg w/a stick & requires a tetanus shot from the medics at LZ Buff.

08 Sept 68 1130

Charlie Company at grid location BS49784, have a VN who states that the VC have moved to the base of OP # 1. VN also states that there are 35 VC North of Nui Tron that are armed w/weapons & grenades, and were storing rice at grid location BS520765.

08 Sept 68 1638

Bravo Company at grid location BS480770, requested evacuation of 2 US EM w/ frag wounds from a hand grenade thrown by the enemy. Dust off completed at 1730 hrs.

Pfc Michael Whalen WHA

Jesse Thompson  WHA  Echo Company

09 Sept 68 1118

At 1105 hrs. Bravo Company received a unknown # of rounds of sniper fire from grid location BS465777; returned fire, resulting in; 3 VC KIA. 1 VC was carrying 2 chicom grenades. Contact broken at 1112 hrs.

09 Sept 68 1201

Gunships report that 1 helicopter went down at grid location BS555775, cause of crash unknown at this time. Negative casualties. Observed unknown number of VN at 200 meters to the North, ( unknown if they are VC ).

09 Sept 68 1748

At 1745 hrs. Aircraft( dolphin 530 ) received sniper fire upon arriving at Alpha Company location; Aircraft was forced down at grid location BS493781 with no casualties.

09 Sept 68 1805

Crew of downed C&C aircraft extracted by helicopter-Dolphin 588.

09 Sept 68 1818

Bravo Company requests a dust off for 1US EM from Bravo Company with FUO. Dust off completed at 1831 hrs.

Victor Osness    FUO

09 Sept 68 1920

Alpha Company's 2nd platoon, engaged 7 VC w/weapons, resulting in 2 VC KIA; bodies were located on the North side of lake & Alpha Company was unable to check for weapons.  

13 Sept 68 1045

Delta Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS512716, discovered a cave which Hoi Chanh indentifies as one containing a weapons cache. There are numerous well used trails leading to the cave.

13 Sept 68 1240

Charlie Company at grid location BS503698, found punji stakes along the trail and found 1 booby trapped chicom grenade.

13 Sept 68 1557

At 1530 hrs. Bravo Company's 1st platoon, found 1 B40 rocket; 1 60mm mortar rocket, 10 NVA khaki uniform, misc foodstuffs, firing device for M18A1 (claymore) mine, 1 steel helmet, misc documents, 2 boxes of assorted small arms ammo & 1 chicom grenade.

13 Sept 68 1957

Support for 1/1 Cav on order for operation 14 Sept 68, Bravo, Charlie, & Delta Companys will  be inserted into blocking positions South of the river to the East. Alpha Company will be a blocking position around LZ at grid location BS613760. Cav troop will move to the South of the river. Also C&C aircraft will arrive 0700 hrs. 

14 Sept 68 0847

Charlie Company at grid location BS513673, found large, well concealed found beneath large rocks. Also found US made sniper scope & 2 cases of new .50 cal linked ammo.

14 Sept 68 0945

Delta Company at grid location BS514744, requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Delta Company w/ schrapnel wounds from a M-14 mine. Dust off was completed at 0955 hrs. by C&C.

Sgt William V. Lewis WHA   schrapnel wounds

 14 Sept 68 1325

1/1 Cav reports that a small helicopter went down at grid location BS522753.

14 Sept 68 1815

Cache found by Charlie Company at grid location BS508669; 1 French 9mm sub-MG-model M1948; 2 Chinese made, Soviet designed, 7.62mm Goryunov Heavy MG-Model SGM8 7 serial # 100479; 1 BAR; 1 AK-44; 4 carbines; 1 starlight scope serial #13773; 1 mortar sight-serial #302067; 4 pairs of binoculars; 100 PG7 rockets; 5 122mm rockets; 98 57mm RR rounds; 14 82mm mortar rounds; 22 PG2 rockets; 562 blasting caps; 400 rounds of .51 cal; 2040 rounds of .30cal; 1 wheeled mount for 12.7 mm MG; 1 radio (transceiver) serial # 15601 US made (collins Radio, Cedar Falls, Iowa). 

15 Sept 68 0723

Delta Company's 2nd platoon at grid location BS500706, report the loss of a starlight scope, serial # 2867. Starlight scope was lost 13 Sept or the morning of 14 Sept 68.

15 Sept 68 0945

Bravo Company reported that 1 US from Bravo Company shot himself in the left instep. Line # 84. C&C ship evacuated indivual to Chu Lai. 

Lost starlight scope has been found and returned to Delta Company.

15 Sept 68 1545

Airstrike commenced at grid location BS553784, 2nd pass resulted in 4 secondary explosions, 1 of which produced white smoke.

16 Sept 68 1200

4/3 Infantry relieved 1/20 Infantry of responsibility for the Duc Pho AO.

16 Sept 68 1201

• Bn CP & Echo Company at grid BS874325  LZ Thunder

• Alpha Company at grid BS817383 on LZ Bronco

• Bravo Company at grid BS752435 on LZ Liz

• Charlie Company at grid BS874325 on LZ Thunder

• Delta Company at grid BS730528 on LZ Dragon

• Charlie Company at grid BS927222 1st  &  mortar platoon on LZ Charlie Brown

16 Sept 68 1915

Received message from Brigade; that a downed jet aircraft is possibly located South of LZ Charlie Brown. Flare & gunships are en-route to the vincinty of LZ Charlie Brown and will be on our FM net.

17 Sept 68 0708

Battalion Strength Report

• Alpha Company  103

• Bravo Company  94

• Charlie Company  88

• Delta Company  107

17 Sept 68 1445

At 1420 hrs. at grid location BS912265, a tractor for a lowboy was ambushed; it received small arms fire from both sides of the road, while traveling South. 1US WHA dust off completed at this time.

17 Sept 68 1530

Monitored on Arty FD net;  US vehicle struck a mine on Highway # 1 between Mo Duc & Duc Pho LTC Russell will investigate in C&C aircraft.                                                             1535                                                                                                       LTC Russell located 1 US vehicle on LZ Dragon access road, where it was damaged by a mine. 1 US WHA was evacuated by C&C aircraft; 1 US WHA pinned beneath vehicle. Wrecker requested from 11LIB.

17 Sept 68 1559

Bravo Company at grid location BS750440. LTC Russell at grid location BS745516, reports that APC has righted vehicle; C&C aircraft will evacuate 1 US WHA.

20 Sept 68 1058

At 0800 hrs. Delta Company & 19th Engineers, while on road clearing detail; found and destroyed 1 ea 40mm ctg ( for M-79 GL ) buried halfway in the East side of the road shoulder, at grid location BS882307, near Bridge 105.

20 Sept 68 1235

Charlie Company's 3rd platoon observed and pursued 1 VC that was evading into a tunnel at grid location BS782407. VC threw a grenade at US EM. Negative results known at this time.

20 Sept 68 1520

Late Entry; Charlie Company's 3rd platoon, Results of apprehension of PW: received secondary explosion when grenade was thrown. PW states there is 1 dead VC in tunnel w/ carbine.

20 Sept 68 16022

Charlie Company's 3rd platoon, while on combat sweep at grid location BS782407 at 1235 hrs. 1US EM WHA. Dust off was completed at 1725 hrs.

Pfc Larry Goodwin  WHA  frag/head

22 Sept 68 0350 

Received  a  message from Brigade; Perimeter at LZ Bronco has received 14 incoming rounds  unknown mortar type. Negative casualties / damages.

22 Sept 68 0750

Request priority dust off for 1 US EM from Charlie Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS898317. Line # 114 w/ gunshot wound in left leg. EM received wound while on offensive search. Priority dust off completed at 0800 hrs. WHA

22 Sept 68 0910

Late Entry; At 0300 hrs. Charlie Company's 2nd platoon, 3rd squad on bridge 111 at grid location BS813368, received 2 M-79 (40mm) grenades from grid location BS809318, resulting in 1 US WHA on left thigh; no evacuation required. Line #134 from Charlie Company WHA.

22 Sept 68 1001

At 0945 hrs. Delta Company 19th Engineer(Road clearing Team ), found road block at grid location BS814360, consisting of  a bamboo fence w/barbed wire. Obstacle was booby-trapped w/hand grenade placed beneath it. Engineers destroyed obstacle & continued on mission.

22 Sept 68 1020

At 0915 hrs. Delta Company 19th Engineer road clearing team at grid location BS748508, and while sweeping the road North, found 1 pressure type mine, approx 15 lbs; destroyed mine. At grid location BS783432, while sweeping South, found road in bushes. Removed obstacles.

22 Sept 68 1132

At 1100 hrs. Delta Company 19th Engineers road clearing team, at grid location BS800396, found and destroyed 6 hand grenade booby traps. They were placed in hole with rocks holding down the lever. Engineer element  continued mission.

22 Sept 68 2102

At 2055 hrs. Charlie Company's 3rd platoon, 2nd squad, received 1 frag grenade from South side of Bridge 111. Returned fire...Fired illumination flares...Negative casualties...Negative results.

27 Sept 68 0845

At 0835 hrs. a VN approached Charlie Company's 3rd platoon and at Bridge 95 at  the grid location BS920233. The individual wanted to sell a M-79 for $150.00. The individual was detained for interrogation.

27 Sept 68 1125

Helix 31 delivered 2 air strikes to grid location BS913185. Results were; 4 bunkers & 3 trenches were destroyed between 1030-1125 hrs. Number of VC cows KIA is unknown at this time.

27 Sept 68 1320

LTC Russell Battalion Commander 4/3 Infantry, confiscated the M-79 that was in possession of the VN and serial number is not known. VN has been released. Sent to Battalion S-4.

27 Sept 68 1425

Recon platoon requests C&C evacuation for 1 US EM w/ shrapnel wound to the chin. At grid location BS898314, from friendly fire.                                                                                        1426                                                                                               Individual was destroying 35 sampans on the beach head at grid location BS898314 , with a M-79 and was wounded by flying shrapnel. Evacuated to Battalion Aid Station by C&C. 

Echo Company EM  Easiey

27 Sept 68 1452

C & C ship received 3 rounds of small arms fire from grid location BS885324, negative hits to C&C ship. Took fire at 400 feet, altitude.  

28 Sept 68 0745

At 0740 hrs. Recon platoon at the grid location of BS841307, detained 2 VCS MAM in hut. Individual was packed and ready to leave.VCS were extracted to PW (prisoner of war) compound at LZ Bronco.

28 Sept 68 0830

At 0800 hrs. Delta Company 19th Engineers at the grid location BS882306, found wires leading to huts which appeared to be booby trapped. Element burned 7-8 huts with no secondary explosions.

28 Sept 68 0902

At 0830 hrs. Recon platoon, at grid location BS843310, found 2 baskets (large) rice in hut was 120 lbs (destroyed). At grid location BS843309, found 1 105mm Howitzer round intact. Destroyed in place.

28 Sept 68 0903

At 0845 hrs. Alpha Company's 2nd platoon, 2nd & 3rd squads at grid location BS932240, found and destroyed 15 fishing boats near the village. Alpha Company destroyed a total of 16 sampans.

28 Sept 68 1310

At 1300 hrs. Delta Company found and destroyed 28 sampans at grid location BS865366.

28 Sept 68 1325

At 1320 hrs. Delta Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS870359, found 6 small engines that are US made. Brigade was notified & instructed them to destroy the engines.

28 Sept 68 1500

Delta Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS869355, detained 1 VCS MAM w/o ID Card. Individual speaks fluent English. Also detained 1 VCS 85 years old. Individual had signs on his hut saying "Yankee go home". "Yankee go to hell". Extracted to LZ Bronco Interpreter.

28 Sept 68 2025

At 2008 hrs. Charlie Company on NDP, received approx 10 rounds of small arms fire (possible carbine) from grid location BS885324. Returned fire with 4.2 mortar...negative results and negative US casualties.

30 Sept 68 0705

Alpha Company's 2nd platoon, 3rd squad reports presently in contact. Estimated force of 4-6 VC w/ carbines and possibly 1 AK-47, from grid location BS779369. Gunships requested, broke contact at 0725 hrs. Arty called in and end of mission at 0800 hrs. Alpha Company is presently sweeping the area.

30 Sept 68 0928

Alpha Company engaged 1 VC, resulting in 1 VC WIA. Also 1 VN boy came in line of fire and received a gunshot wound-extracted to LZ Bronco for medical treatment. Also Alpha Company received 2 US casualties as follows;

Pfc Mylo L. Hagen WHA minor frag/right leg remain in field Sgt Ronald Hayes  WHA   frag / face evacuate to LZ Thunder

30 Sept 68 1120

Alpha Company's 2nd platoon received s/a fire from 1 AK-47 and at least 5 carbines. At the same time 3rd platoon received fire from at least 2 AK-47's, 4 carbines and 1 MG, possible a .30 cal. Due to the shape of the ridge line, where the enemy was positioned, the lines of fire from 2nd & 3rd platoons were going toward each other. Sgt Hayes, of 3rd platoon was shot in the right cheek by one VC with a carbine, who was up a tree. He returned the fire and 1 VC KIA. The 3rd platoon RTO threw a grenade at 3 VC, approx 15 meters from his location wounding 1 and observing the others dragging him away. Fire was returned by gunships and all elements reported that the VC was firing at the aircraft. Arty was called in a search of the area was made....w/negative results and the VC evaded to the South. 

Charlie Company's 3rd platoon ay grid location BS794373, found a small deserted village, that is large enough to hold a platoon of VC. Element destroyed village.

01 Oct 68 1020

At 1000 hrs.  at Charlie Company's 3rd platoon, at grid location BS795371. Engaged and KIA 1 VC that was evading. No weapons or equipment on individual.

01 Oct 68 1405

Delta Company at grid location BS915251, found a cave overlooking Highway 1.  Cave appears to be in a good position for ambushing vehicles on Highway 1. Cave was 5' x 10' deep which appeared to have been used 2 days ago. Cave was not destroyed, it was too well constructed.

01 Oct 68 1408

Delta Company at grid location BS931265, found and destroyed 6 well camouflaged sampans. At grid location BS931259, found and destroyed 2 sampans.

01 Oct 68 1900

Delta Company requested a urgent dust off for 1 US (Navy) at Hardstand grid location BS928225. Individual was wounded when the .50 cal gun on Mike8 boat, exploded during firing.

01 Oct 68 2140

At 2125 hrs. Delta Company's 3rd platoon ambush received 1 incoming hand grenade, that was 25 meters outside of perimeter-negative casualties. Results; Delta Company's 3rd platoon is moving to new ambush location at this time.

03 Oct 68 1200

At 1140 hrs. a UH-1D helicopter from the 174th Aviation, requests to test fire their weapons at grid location BS847394. Permission was granted: chopper observed 2 VC evading and engaged. Results; 1 VC KIA.

03 Oct 68 1320

C & C chopper extracted 1 US EM from Alpha Company to LZ Thunder; with heat exhaustion.

03 Oct 68 1915

At 1910 hrs. Alpha Company's 1st & 2nd platoon at grid location BS846282, received unknown number of mortar rounds, S/A, A/W, fire, came from the West. 3rd & 4th platoon, & CP received S/A fire and probes. Results; dust off for 1 US WHA.

03 Oct 68 1925

Alpha Company received a total of 2 mortar rounds, automatic weapons fire from 17 individuals w/carbines. Results; 2 US WHA. Dust off completed at 1943 hrs.

03 Oct 68 1944

Alpha Company received automatic weapons fire until 1920  hrs. Contact was broken by enemy.

03 Oct 68 2040

At 2015 received additional information from Alpha Company; Alpha Company has 3 more individuals that were WHA;

• Lt Miller  WHA  received frag wounds in the left arm

• Sgt Slocum  WHA rec wounds in left side / left arm / rear

• Pfc Hargrove  WHA  received frag wounds in left leg

 03 Oct 68 2120

New location for Alpha Company; 1st & 2nd platoon are at grid BS835284. 3rd & 4th platoon & CP at grid BS846282.

04 Oct 68 1130

Alpha Company 19th Engineers at grid location BS798400, had a 5-ton truck explode a 40 lb mine, following a mine sweeping & clearing operation. Mine was center of road at checkpoint 114C. Driver was thrown out off truck and received wounds in cheek & knees. EM was dusted off.

04 Oct 68 1308

Cpt Sam while conducting Aero Recon in the 4/3 AO, found a  "Anti-Aircraft"position at grid location BS817327. Position had 5 meters of trench line, that was shaped like a donut w/ dirt mount in the middle.

04 Oct 68 1850

Alpha Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Alpha Company as heat casualty. Dust off completed at 1847 hrs.

Sp/4 Darryl Thomas  heat casualty

04 Oct 68 2312

05 Oct 68 0710

Alpha Company at grid location BS886285, apprehended 70 VN that were evading and only 6 had ID cards. Will be interrogated by National Police.

05 Oct 68 0940

At 0710 hrs. Alpha Company's 2nd platoon engaged 10 VC not 15 evading at grid location BS875299 w/small arms fire & Arty resulting in 8 VC KIA by small arms fire-all MAM w/o ID cards.

05 Oct 68 1005

At 0950 hrs. Charlie Company's 2nd platoon found 1 VC KIA at grid location BS894308. VC had been dead approx 12-16 hours. Believed to have been killed last night by Bravo Company's 2nd platoon on ambush at grid location BS883305 and transported to the site where it was found today. VC was MAM w/o ID and was killed by small arms fire.

05 Oct 68 1405

MP's & E Trp elements at grid location BS870310, reported PF's are in village and are under the influence and misconduct.  PF's firing weapons in the village. PF's were extracted by MP's and returned to Bridge 104.

05 Oct 68 1840

At 1800 hrs. Delta Company at grid location BS889304, observed 2 VC KIA, being carried East on poles. VC believed to be KIA by Alpha Company earlier in the day. 

06 Oct 68 0915

Delta Company's 3rd platoon observed 2 VCS evading into the village at grid location BS894317. Conducted search of village, results; element found & destroyed 10 sampans that were well camouflaged, negative finding of VCS.

06 Oct 68 1210

Late Entry; Charlie Company's 3rd platoon at grid BS811311 detonated a booby trapped 105 Howitzer round, results; 1 US KHA, 5 US WHA. Dust off requested at 1155 hrs. & completed at 1210 hrs.

• Sgt Jose M. Alamo  WHA

• Pfc Stephen W. Jackson  WHA

• Pfc Richard Miller  WHA

• Pfc Cleotha Sims  WHA

• Pvt Elemer Lefever  WHA

• Sp/4 Edgar L, Smith  KHA

 06 Oct 68 1245

C & C at grid location BS752285, ship picked up 1 US man from Bravo Company line # 127  with a sprained ankle and evacuated to LZ Thunder.

06 Oct 68 1816

C & C ship dusted off 1 US EM from Bravo Company with bee stings in the head.

Tim Willingham   bee stings in head

06 Oct 68 2355

Alpha Company received 6 rounds of carbine fire from the Southeast side  of hill near Charlie Brown. At grid BS 924217 w/ negative casualties.

07 Oct 68 0730

Delta Company, 19th Engineers mine sweep team at grid location BS872312, found & destroyed 1 X 40 LB mine that was buried in the road. Mine was set for command detonation.

07 Oct 68 1215

Elements from E troop at grid location BS915247 At bridge 96 were detained and 1 VN dressed in a PF uniform and armed with a carbine rife. Individual came out from the rocks, claims he was lost. Individual will be detained until further interrogation has been conducted.

07 Oct 68 1405

Delta Company at 1355hrs. at grid location BS873924, S-3 apprehended 9 members of Delta Company in a off limits establishment.

07 Oct 68 1510

At 1425 hrs.; Alpha Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS912248, observed 10 VN carrying unknown objects and evading to grid location BS905236. Arty called in at the same time the 10 VN's returned automatic weapons fire on Alpha Company's 3rd platoon.Fire came from 4 directions, and all within 75 meters. Results; 1 US WHA. Gunships &  Slicks requested; none are available. Presently Arty & 81mm mortar are firing into area. Alpha Company requests a dust off for 2 US EM from Alpha Company with frag wounds to the head & with high temperture. Dust off was completed at 1510 hrs.

Pfc Mard D. Voorhies   WHA   frag wounds / head

Pfc Michael S. Chenier     high temperture

08 Oct 68 0805

Late Entry; at 0600 hrs. Alpha Company's 2nd platoon at grid location BS911214, observed 2 VN carrying a body on a pole and moving East. VN came from a area where 2nd platoon placed small arms fire yesterday. VN appeared to be going to SA Huynh.

08 Oct 68 1035

At 1005 hrs. elements from 2nd platoon Troop E, found 3 VN children, who were 5-8 years old dead. Children ignited a mine in the road at grid location BS884304. VN families escorted the bodies to the village.

08 Oct 68 1350

Alpha Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS914251, observed 1 VN in PF uniform coming out of the wood line and moving toward the road. This is the same area where sniper fire came from earlier. requested  a complete investigation of PF, Platoon at Bridge 95 from Brigade.

08 Oct 68 1440

Alpha Company's 3rd platoon was unable to catch VC in PF uniform at grid location BS914251.

09 Oct 68 1510

At 1450 hrs. Bravo Company's 1st platoon at grid location BS882272, found 1 VC type fatigue uniform, 15 rounds M-60 ammo, small arms cleaning kit made in Hanoi, drums and sticks used for signaling.

09 Oct 68 1520

At 1515 hrs. Delta Company's 1st platoon, found 3 M26A1 frag hand grenades, 1 field pack, rain jacket and green fatigue uniform, first aid equipment, 1 steel helmet, 3 green fatigue uniforms, 1 pistol belt & 1 poncho. At grid location BS775412.

09  Oct 68 1530

At 1520 hrs. NPFF with Delta Company's 1st platoon, found 2 1/2 sets of green fatigues type uniforms hidden in the hut. Hut was destroyed at grid location BS775414.

10 Oct 68 0010

LTC Russell reported observation of a light approximately 3000 meters to the Southeast of LZ Thunder. 4.2 & Arty observers attempted to locate the light. 4.2 observer spotted light at grid location BS875308, flare ship was in area. Checked area and dropped flare. Negative results. Recon platoon location at grid BS877308 and notified of light in area.

10 Oct 68 0034

Dolphin flare ship reported the observation of a boat on the lake at grid location BS907283. Requested permission to engage target. Permission granted, but before the flare ship could engage, a crew member burned himself with a flare in the cockpit. Flare ship returned to LZ Bronco, and Arty was called in target.

10 Oct 68 1215

Charlie Company at grid location BS782358, found and destroyed 3 small tunnels 2' X 6'. While blowing tunnels 1 US EM received shrapnel wounds under arm pit. (minor) Individual will be extracted to LZ Thunder for medical treatment. 

Pfc Edwin R. Concepcion  frag wounds / arm pit.

10 Oct 68 1920

Bravo Company's 3rd platoon spotted lights at grid location BS878261 and also observed enemy movement. Arty was called in on the enemy grid.                                                       1951                                                                                             Arty mission ended and all enemy movement stopped.

15 Oct 68 0845

Battalion Surgeon requested dust off for 1 US EM from Recon platoon w/possible leg fracture. Dust off called at 0905 hrs.

Pvt Vinson  possible leg fracture

15 Oct 68 1020

Charlie Company at grid location BS867336, requested a priority dust off for 1 US WHA from Charlie Company  w/multiple frag wounds all over the body, from a search and clear operation. Dust off completed at 1035 hrs.

Lt Owens  WHA           multiple frag wounds

15 Oct 68 1610

At 1540 hrs Alpha Company requested a dust off for 1 US EM from E Troop, 1 casualty. 2nd platoon & 2 VN priority. 1 US w/gash in arm, from working on bunker. 2 VN were run over by a Navy boat and LTC Russell Battalion Commander 4/3 Infantry dusted off VN in a C& C ship. 

Ronald Stapelton   gash in arm

15 Oct 68 1920

At 1845 hrs. Bravo Company requested a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company w/ high fever. Dust off completed at 1856 hrs.

Pfc Robert E. Hagon    high fever

17 Oct 68 0800

Battalion Unit Location;

• Alpha Company All elements LZ Charlie Brown & Hardstand.

• Bravo  Company LZ Bronco / weapons platoon LZ  Montezuma.

• Charlie Company LZ Thunder 2nd squad 1st platoon at Bridge 111.

• Delta Company BS793354; 3rd platoon BS804357.

• Recon platoon closed LZ Thunder. From night ambush at 0755 hrs. Charlie Company's 3rd platoon depart at 0755 hrs. for today's operation.

 17 Oct 68 1431

E Troop 3rd platoon at grid location BS810364 apprehended 1 man VCS riding on motor bike from South to North w/ a new case of M-26 hand-grenades. Quang Ngai was marked on the box. Individual name is Nguyen Dong. Turned over to Delta Company for turn in to Prisoner Of War Compound.

17 Oct 68 1920

At 1840 hrs. Charlie Company's 1st platoon (ambush elements) at grid location BS885311. Received automatic weapons fire while moving into the ambush position. From grid location BS886311, were a unknown number of VC. Results;  1 US WHA with gun shot wounds in left leg & left elbow & left side of stomach. Dust off called in at 1843 hrs. and completed at 1905 hrs. gunships were called and are over contact area right now.

Pfc Thomas L. McKinzie  WHA frag / left leg-left elbow-left    side of stomach.

 19 Oct 68 0948

At 0900 hrs. Delta Company 19th Engineers at grid location BS816357. Mine sweeping element found and destroyed 1 command detonated mine (unknown type) and 1 chicom claymore mine. Approximately 15 lbs was placed on the North end of  Bridge 109 and on the West side of the road. Mine was placed 6 meters of the road.

19 Oct 68 1115

At 1105 hrs. gunships from the 174th Avn Bn. engaged 5 VC w/weapons at grid location BS828325; Results 3 VC KIA CIA ; 1 M-16 rifle, 1 M-1 carbine, 1 AK-44 rifle, serial #'s are; 146858, 2108086, unknown.                                             1345                                                                                               3rd weapon CIA MAS 36 M1936 7,65 serial # P2604 weapon is with Alpha Company at this time.

19 Oct 68 1305

At 1230 hrs. Alpha Company at grid location BS829322, found 2 VC KIA. By small arms fire VC were MAM w/pistol belts and a total of 3 hand grenades. No documents.

19 Oct 68 1402

At 1355 hrs Brigade Commander at grid location BS813313. Observed and engaged 4 VC; Results 4 VC KIA, w/ 1 US sub machine gun and a .45 cal pistol were destroyed. 1 VC CIA; Also spotted tunnels and snipers in general vicinity. W/insert squad to search area.

19 Oct 68 1515

Alpha Company at grid location BS828328, found 1 US  M-1  carbine serial # 811624. Also 1 US canteen.

20 Oct 68 1005

Dust off requested for Battalion Surgeon for 3 US EM;Dust off completed at 1021 hrs.

• E-7 Knight Charlie Company  w/immersion foot

• E-4 Dean Charlie Company  w/cellulotic

• E-3 Tucker Echo Company  w/tonsillitis

20 Oct 68 1012

Delta Company 19th Engineers Mine Sweep reports of washed out bridges; Bridge 105 at grid location BS883314 washed out at 0745 hrs. culverts went out. Bridge 103 at grid location BS889273 and washed out at 0930 hrs. and also culverts are out.

20 Oct 68 1605

At 1600 hrs. Delta Company received light small arms fire from grid location BS784395; Delta Company returned fire and called in Arty. Results; 2 VC KIA by small arms fire and both MAM dressed in black pj's and carrying weapons. delta Company searching stream for weapons.

20 Oct 68 1817

Received  Intell Report from Brigade rating C13; At approximately 1400 hrs. 19 Oct 1968. 2 local Sapper platoons from main force company. Designation of unit is unknown. Assembled in a area between grid location BS796339 & BS801352. unit weapons include; 2-82mm mortars, and 6  X .30 machine guns. Some time during the day of 19 Oct 1968, Charlie Company's 2nd platoon , 2nd squad (VC Company) moved to grid location BS791381. Company armed with individual weapons.

21 Oct 68 0754

At 0730 hrs Delta Company 19th Engineers Mine Sweep Team reports at grid location BS856318, found culverts half washed out. Will have to continue mine sweep on foot.

21 Oct 68 0944

At 0942 hrs. Maj Davidson Battalion XO reports, a captured pistol by elements of Alpha Company on 19 Oct 68. Time of capture; 1500 hrs. at grid square location BS8328. Nomenclature of weapon: French Mac-Mot, 1935S(date) 7.65mm serial # MACF 5794.

21 Oct 68 1340

At 1340 hrs. Charlie Company at grid location BS807348, killed 1 VC in bunker while destroying bunkers. VC refused to surrender.

21 Oct 68 1730

At 1730 hrs. C&C helicopter with Battalion S-2, Cpt Pryor, SGM Kirkpatrick, and SSG Warren & 11 MP's captured 1 VC tax collector name Vo Toi Mam aged 36 at grid location BS889275. the VC was captured as a result of a agent report from source 52A3, Dated 20 Oct 68. 

23 Oct 68 0106

Late Entry; At 0056 hrs. a dust off was requested from squad Troop E 1st Cav, located at Bridge 94 for injured Navy person. Berry & 1 other man, Navy, were checking fuel barges, when the small outboard motor boat which they used to travel from Hardstand at grid BS932222 to barges capsized breaking Berry's leg. Both men & boat made it back to shore at Bridge 94 at grid BS922221 where they secured a boat and made contact with US Army personnel securing Bridge 94. Dust off was requested & Navy Headquarters on Gilligan's Island notified. Uninjured man of the Navy remained at Bridge 94 for the night. Injured man was dusted off at 0129 hrs.

G. Berry US Navy  broken leg

23 Oct 68 1500

4/3 Infantry had negative enemy contact throughout Southern Duc Pho AO. Battalion extracted Recon platoon, Company's Charlie & Bravo to LZ Bronco in preparation for Operation Veron Lake l . At 1500 hrs. 1/20 Infantry assumed responsibility for Southern Duc Pho AO from 4/3 Infantry, with Delta Company OPCON to 1/20 Infantry effective 231925 hrs. Operation Veron Lake l was postponed for 24 hours.

24 Oct 68 0940

At 0936 hrs. C&C at grid location BS770410, engaged  and KIA 1 VC evading.

24 Oct 68 1023

At 1019 hrs. C&C ship at grid location BS769411, engaged & killed 1 VC MAM w/ small amount of medical supplies. Supplies were destroyed.

24 Oct 68 1345

Charlie Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Charlie Company With FUO. Dust off completed at 1413 hrs.

Thibodeaul   FUO 

24 Oct 68 1675

Delta Company requests a dust off for 2 US EM at grid location BS782380, from Delta Company with FUO.

Pfc Lee A. Tomsick   FUO

Pfc Herst R. Yates  FUO

29 Oct 68 1100

Alpha Company in village grid location BS634452, found &  destroyed 2000 lbs of rice, a rifle sling and numerous types of NVA clothing. Village was occupied by 1 male & female & several children.

29 Oct 68 1150

Bravo Company at grid BS682406 on FSB Dancer requests a Dust off for 2 US EM from Bravo Company with high fever & bleeding in ear.

Pfc Struss    high fever

Pfc Toppi  bleeding in ear

29 Oct 68 1445

Alpha Company requested a dust off for 3 US EM from Alpha Company with FUO & high temperature. Will be extracted by utility ship.

• Pfc Craig A. Kelsey    FUO
• Pfc Mckinley McDaniel    FUO                                             Pfc Pniewski     FUO     

 29 Oct 68 1450

Delta Company requested dust off for 4 US EM from Delta Company; 3 w/high fever & 1 with a bad leg.Personnel will be evacuated with a utility ship.

• Sgt Francis Best FUO

• Pfc John Bailey  FUO

• Pfc Dale E. Reich  bad leg

• Pfc Elker FUO

 31 Oct 68 1235

Company's Alpha & Delta request dust off for 3 US EM w/ high fever. Approved C&C helicopter utilities for dust off.

31 Oct 68 1240

Dust offs;

• Pfc Caballero 3/1 Inf  high fever complete at 1215 hrs.

• Pfc Robert E. Johnston WHA gunshot wound left knee cap. Dust off completed at 1410 hrs. at grid BS468723.

• Sgt Michael D. Anastasia high fever  Alpha Company

• Pfc James Jones high fever  Delta Company 

• Sp/4 Donald Warner  high fever Delta Company

 31 Oct 68 1406

Delta Company at grid location BS472784, requested a dust off for 1 US EM from Delta Company with shrapnel wounds in chest from booby trap. C&C dust off to Quang Ngai. Completed at 1410 hrs.

Sp/4 Thomas M. Behrens WHA frag wounds in chest.

31 Oct 68 1420

Delta Company reports; booby trap appeared to be a M-26 hand grenade or 60mm  that was command detonated. Individual was 15-20 feet from booby trap. Also C&C helicopter /LTC Russell was flying at a altitude of 500 feet and received 5-6 S/A fire from grid BS489786. Negative hits on aircraft.

31 Oct 68 1510

LTC Russell Battalion Commander stated that Delta Company,

Sp/4 Thomas M. Behrens was DOA  KHA  at Quang Ngai

31 Oct 68 1855

Company's Alpha & Delta received approx 200 rounds of AK-47 & S/A fire at grid location BS494779. Results; Alpha Company 1 US WHA. EM has sucking chest wound. At grid location BS67040311. Dust off completed at 2000 hrs. Arty fired....results to follow.

Sp/4 John A. Hudson WHA sucking chest wound

31 Oct 68 2356

Battalion Strength Report;

• Alpha Company  99

• Bravo Company  93

• Charlie Company  OPCON 3/1

• Delta Company  87

• Recon Platoon  29

• HHQ Company  55

 01 Nov 68 0845

Alpha Company received 75-100 rounds of small arms fire from grid location BS491778. Arty called in, and assessment unknown.

01 Nov 68 0900

At 0845 hrs. a Utility aircraft HU1D 428. Reported it received 30 rounds of AK-47 fire from grid location BS491778. Also received an explosion under tail rotator;  altitude is unknown, aircraft continued to fly.                                                                   0915                                                                                                   Received final report from Utility aircraft HU1D 428. Aircraft received 1 round in the right rear of aircraft and will return to LZ Bronco for repairs.

01 Nov 68 1105

Delta Company requests a dust off for 2 US EM from Delta Company for a bad finger & bad feet. Dust off completed at 1145 hrs.

• Thomas A. Neubauer  bad finger

• Wayne O. Patterson  bad feet

 01 Nov 68 1435

Charlie Company 4/3 Infantry is released from OPCON from 3/1 Infantry. Airlifted back to 4/3 Infantry AO. 1st lift PZ 1405 hrs.- 1413 hrs. to LZ Cold. 2nd lift 1412 hrs. -1420 hrs to LZ cold at grid location BS503777.

01 Nov 68 1930

Charlie Company's 1st platoon, engaged 4 VC at grid location BS498762; 2 VC in rice paddies & observed 2 VC evading. Results; 1 VC KIA.

02 Nov 68 1440

At 1435 hrs. Gunships of the 174th Aviation at grid location BS497750, engaged and killed 1 VC that was evading, and burned down 3 huts. Where elements received fire from; aircraft was hit, altitude unknown. Aircraft continued to fly, no casualties.

02 Nov 68 1515

At 1510 hrs. 1/20 Infantry requested a dust off for 2 US EM with gunshot wound. WHA

02 Nov 68 1545

LZ Cork received 15-20 incoming rounds of 82mm mortar. Arty FDC took a direct hit, by possible B40 rockets, that were taken in the 4/3 area. Rounds are confirmed to be 82mm mortar. Negative casualties.                                                             1615                                                                                                         LZ Cork received 10-20 more incoming rounds of 82mm mortar, 4/3  no injuries.

02 Nov 1968 1715

Aero Scouts at grid location BS457713, killed 4 NVA in green uniforms.                                                                                             1750                                                                                                     Late Entry; Aero Scouts killed 9 VC and captured 3 weapons at grid location BS457713.

03 Nov 68 1345

C & C ship while flying at a altitude of 30 feet, received small arms fire from grid location BS398594; returned fire on enemy position w/negative results.

03 Nov 68 1535

S-3 observed 4 camouflaged huts at grid location BS462583, Northwest to grid BS461585. Believed to be a NVA base camp area. Arty was called in and checking on using Helix.                  1540                                                                                                         S-3 observed NVA base camp. There are well used trails w/slit trenches and barb wire. Camp is Southeast of grid location BS462571.

03 Nov 68 1550

Bravo Company requested a priority dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company line # 110 with pulled ligaments in hip.                                                                                                       1630                                                                                                     Dust off cancelled, C & C dusted off individual at 1630 hrs.

03 Nov 68 1715

At 1645 hrs. S-3 flying in C & C received a unknown number of automatic weapons fire while flying at 100 feet. Took 1 hit with no damage at grid location BS461584.

04 Nov 68 0700

FSB Cork received 20 incoming rounds of 82mm mortar, vicinity is unknown. 0855 Gunship reported mortar position at grid location BS479615.

04 Nov 68 0905

E Company requests a dust off for 1 US WHA EM from E Company 4/3 Infantry with frag wounds in right thigh. Dust off completed at 0715 hrs.

Pfc Jerry Mallicoat WHA frag wounds in right thigh

04 Nov 68 0916

Utility helicopter rotor blade hit a tree while flying a back haul for Charlie Company. Utility helicopter is presently at FSB Cork for repairs.

04 Nov 68 1435

Bravo Company at grid location BS416571, requested a urgent dust off for 1 US with a cut on his left knee from working in the area. Line # 51 Bravo Company. dust off completed at 1554 hrs.

04 Nov 68 1840

Delta Company requested a dust off for 3 US ambulatory for internal sickness. Dust off was completed at 1913 hrs.

05 Nov 68 0815

05 Nov 68 0905

At 0840 hrs. to 0900 hrs. Helix 31 (DIV FAC) conducted air strikes at grid location BS400580. resulting in 2 secondary explosions w/white smoke.

05 Nov 68 1415

At 1327 hrs. Bravo Company at grid location BS458599 requested a dust off for 1 US EM from Line # 135 Bravo Company with a broken left arm. Dust off completed at 1410 hrs.

05 Nov 68 1530

At 1525 hrs. Charlie Company at the vicinity of grid BS407595, received sniper fire w/ rear element resulting in 1 US WHA; w/be extracted by C & C Aircraft. Dust off completed at 1550 hrs.

Pfc Thomas P. Malvorn WHA gunshot wound

05 Nov 68 1600

Delta Company element found a VC base camp at the grid location BS410572. Also found 1 60mm mortar round. 60mm round destroyed.

05 Nov 68 2010

Late Entry; At 1500 hrs. the Battalion Commander discovered 1 VC KIA from a air strike grid location BS442583.

07 Nov 68 1005

Received URI report from 11th LIB; in the vicinity of grid BS434546 is a division size enemy force within 1000 meters; In vicinity of grid BS439537 is a unidentified size enemy force within 3000 meters; Time 070830 68.

07 Nov 68 1015

Late Entry; At 0940 hrs. Air strikes in the vicinity of grid BS380576 destroyed 2 camouflaged huts, 1 tunnel & a 50 meter trench. At 0945 hrs. LTC Russell W/ C & C aircraft in the vicinity of grid BS383574, found 1 lookout tower. Destroyed by TAC Air & Arty. 1016 Air strike in vicinity of grid BS383575, resulted in a secondary explosion that was 150 feet high; black smoke & fireball.

07 Nov 68 1220

C & C aircraft W/Battalion Commander Russell in the vicinity of grid BS368582, observed a large base camp w/approximately 30 huts & 70 foxholes. Air strikes called in this grid.

07 Nov 68 1345

C & C Aircraft in the vicinity of grid BS363541, observed several tunnels & huts & a possible mortar position. Air strikes called in on targets.

07 Nov 68 1401

At 1305 hrs. Bravo Company requested a dust off for 1 US EM for Bravo Company for FUO.

07 Nov 68 1845

C & C Aircraft evacuated 1 US WHA from Bravo 1/46 Infantry.EM had a gunshot wound in the left shoulder. (4th element 13 PEA)

07 Nov 68 1915

While moving into ambush site, Alpha Company's 2nd platoon ambush element engaged an estimated 10 VC At grid location BS382587, W/ heavy automatic weapons fire, M-79 GL & hand grenades; results are undetermined due to nature of terrain.

08 Nov 68 0810

At 0807 hrs. Bravo Company found footprints leading East from grid location BS376598; found 50-100 of rice in each hut. Bravo Company also found 2 fatigue shirts in one of the huts. Shirts & rice were destroyed.

08 Nov 68 0925

At 0915 hrs. Company Commander Charlie Company 4/3 Infantry, received a injury from punji stake in the vicinity of grid BS385581, puncture wound in foot. At 0920 CPL Reynolds, Charlie Company's mortar platoon, fell into punji pit, resulting in a puncture wound of the right ankle. Both individuals were evacuated by C & C aircraft, 4/3 Infantry, to Duc Pho.

Cpt Middleton WHA punji wound in foot

Cpl Reynolds WHA punji wound to the right ankle

08 Nov 68 0953

At 0950 hrs. Charlie Company in the vicinity of grid BS385581, reported 1 US WHA with puncture wound of the left ankle. Dust off called for individual at 0950 hrs.

Pfc Cooper WHA punji wound to the left ankle

08 Nov 68 1307

Late Entry; At 1205 hrs. Delta Company at vicinity of grid BS386582, received 1 US WHA by punji stakes(puncture wound of the left foot);Individual evacuated by C & C Aircraft to Duc Pho at 1245 hrs.

1Lt Victor B. Kovac WHA punji wound in left foot

08 Nov 68 1435

At 1430 hrs. 2/B/1/46 Infantry at grid location BS376654, found 2 VC/NVA KIA by Aero Scout gunships. KIA were dressed in black uniform, one w/web gear & 2 chicom grenade; no weapons were found.

08 Nov 68 1457

At 1420 hrs. a dust off is requested for 4 US from 4/3 Infantry at FSB Cork w/ high fever.

• Pvt David Gutierrez Jr. high temperature Delta Company

• Pvt James Herrick high temperature Delta Company

• Pvt Norman Ulysses high temperature Alpha Company

• Pfc Edward Fontenot high temperature Alpha Company

09 Nov 68 0825

At 0820 hrs. Aero  Scouts 123rd Avn Company engaged 10 NVA at grid location BS387485, wearing pith helmets & khaki uniforms, running West on trail. Results; 3 NVA KIA w/ negative weapons.

09 Nov 68 0955

At 0950 hrs. Alpha company at grid location BS375590, destroyed 1 field expedient antenna & a hut surrounded by barbed wire. Observed no people in this area.

09 Nov 68 1120

At 1115 hrs. Bravo Company 1/46 Infantry at grid location BS349565, found 2 chicom grenades, 1 green NVA uniform, unknown number of expended small arms cartridges (7.62mm short for AK-47), 1 map of the area; uniforms & map will be evacuated when transportation is available.

09 Nov 68 1209

At 1209 hrs. Charlie Company's 2nd platoon, at grid location BS396574, destroyed 1 hut, 3 bundles punji sticks, & 3 NVA uniforms.

 11 Nov 68 0708

1st Air strike from B-52 bombers at 0420hrs, at grid location BS426572, 2nd Air strike B-52 bombers at 0655hrs. at grid location BS423586, received secondary explosions. Will wait until 0740 hrs. before checking area for results of bombing.

11 Nov 68 0730

Delta Company requests a dust off for 3 US from Delta Company w/ spider bite/hurt back/ cut finger. Request received by Doctor's Control 101900, and completed 110720, PZ at grid location BS399538.

11 Nov 68 1340

Charlie Company requests dust off for 1 US EM at grid location BS383581 w/ wounds from punji stakes.

Sp/4 Edward Kennedy   WHA    wounds from punji stakes

11 Nov 68 1445

Charlie Company's 2nd platoon found one punji pit 6' x 5' x 5' with punji stakes at bottom of pit. Also found 4 observation positions 4' x 3' x 4' in size. All items were destroyed in place. At grid location BS383583.

11 Nov 68 1735

Bravo Company's 3rd platoon found 2 hooches at grid location BS447514 & BS39508; Found 5 hooches, with one containing 250 lbs of rice. Destroyed all items in place.

Units will be Airlifted by CH-47's from Minh Long to area designated;

• Alpha and Bravo Company's  to   LZ Bronco

• Delta Company   to   LZ Thunder

• Charlie Company  to  Charlie Brown

 13 Nov 68 1705

Elements of E  Troop 1st Cav w/ Delta Company's 3rd platoon. CIA; 2 VCS ages 10 & 45 at grid location BS864333. The older VCS had 3000 P's on his person. Both of VCS were evading, VCS are being taken to the National Police at Duc Pho.

13 Nov 68 1815

Delta Company's 3rd platoon picked up 2 VN women that were approximately 25 years of age, at grid location BS863327. The 2 VN women were taken to LZ Thunder for questioning.

13 Nov 68 1915

Received E Troop's 2nd platoons location; Bridge 94, Bridge 95, Bridge 104, Bridge 107, Lowboy & Charlie Brown.

16 Nov 68 0925

1 Lt William Kelly  broken arm

16 Nov 68 1100

At 1035 hrs. Charlie Company 81mm mortar suspected location at grid location BS932227. Results were two secondary explosions, 2nd platoon Charlie Company will recon area.

16 Nov 68 1400

Brigade Called in; between 2200 hrs & 2400 hrs, helicopters that have a starlight scope, will patrol Highway 1. All ambushes have been informed of the operation along Highway 1

16 Nov 68 1500

Late Entry; At 1420 hrs. Charlie Company requested a dust off for 1 US , Line # 148 Charlie Company w FUO unconscious. Dust off was completed at 1455 hrs.

16 Nov 68 1630

At 1540 hrs. at grid location BS877193, C & C observed two poles approximately 18 feet high, possibly radio antennas, no wires were observed.

16 Nov 68 1930

Late Entry; At 1500 hrs. at grid location BS883305, C & C observed 1 dead VC on Highway 1. Individual was killed by small arms fire.

19 Nov 68 0850

C & C aircraft helicopter observed 1 VC MAM at grid location BS825305, Results; 1 VC MAM KIA. Also at grid location BS 829319, apprehended one MAF VCS w/o identification card.

19 Nov 68 1245

At grid location BS855290, observed and apprehended 1 VCS MAM that was evading. He was approximately 23 years of age. He was brought to LZ Thunder for interrogation.

19 Nov 68 1425

At Bridge 100, 1st Cav, 1st platoon apprehended 2 VN women, one had  30 cartons of American cigarettes, and several American sheets. Brought to LZ Thunder for further interrogation.

19 Nov 68 1620

At 1540 hrs. E Troop's 2nd platoon, 1st Cav reports that 1 VN Nationalist has a 175mm dud round, in the vicinity of grid location BS845326, under VIP Program turn in.

19 Nov 68  2210

Delta Company reports that tracks on Bridge 102, observed 2 VC on Bridge 103. Engaged when 4.2  illumination rounds were fired & tracks fired with M-60 machine guns. Results; unknown at this time.

20 Nov 68 0715

At 0715 hrs. Delta Company at LZ Thunder, requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Delta Company, Line # 37 with badly swollen feet & legs. Dust off completed at 0755 hrs.

20 Nov 68 0730

At 0730 hrs. Charlie Company at grid location BS906260, requests a dust off for 1 US EM Line # 87, w/high fever and swollen eyes. Dust off completed at 0800 hrs.

20 Nov 68 0930

Delta Company's 3rd platoon received sniper fire at BS897317. Observed 5 VC's in white shirts & black pj's evading. Element fired and wounding one in the head. Element is pursuing VC's at the present time.

20 Nov 68 1940

Received report from tracks on Bridge 104; a ARVN reported to them, that there are 200 VC at grid location BS880315, and a unknown number at grid location BS883318. These VC are supposed to attack some where in the Duc Pho area; at 2100 hrs.

21 Nov 68 0933

Recon platoon spotted one VC evading at grid location BS781357. Element engaged and fired on him with small arms fire. Result; 1 VC KIA, no weapon or identification card or documents. Also found in area 10 rounds of M-1 .30  cal ammo.

21 Nov 68 1045

Delta Company's 4th platoon at grid location BS884333, found a VC body, believed to have been wounded by 3rd platoon Delta Company at DTG200935 Nov 68. At grid location BS897318, and also found a khaki uniform  in deceased belongings. Result one VC WIA is now one VC KIA.

21 Nov 68 1348

At 1348 hrs. at grid location BS845305, Delta Company's 2nd platoon, while on offensive sweep encountered a booby trap of unknown caliber, resulting in 1 US WHA from frag.Line # 108 Delta Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM with frag wounds left hand / back / back of neck.

Orsus Mooney  WHA frag wounds / left hand / back / back of neck

21 Nov 68 1405

At 1400 hrs. Delta Company's 4th platoon in the vicinity of grid location BS864334, while on offensive sweep, they encountered a bobby trap of unknown caliber resulting in 3 US EM WHA. Evacuated BY C & C aircraft, at 1407 hrs. Individuals had neck & face wounds.

• Sp/4 Thomas Stanley  WHA  frag wounds /face &neck

• Pfc George W. Page WHA  frag wounds face & neck

• Pfc Melvin Thompson  WHA frag wounds face & neck

 21 Nov 68 1420

Delta Company's 2nd platoon confirmed that booby trap was a 4.2mm mortar round.                                                                       1435 Message from Brigade;

• Pfc Melvin Thompson KHA

• Sp/4 Thomas Stanley  KHA    died of wounds at the 322nd Evac Hospital at Duc Pho.

 21 Nov 68 1550

Alpha Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Alpha Company with high fever of unknown origin. dust off completed by C & C at 1625 hrs.

Pfc Ray Breckenridge  high fever

PFC JIMMIE GREEN

25 Nov 68 0940

Late Entry; MACV reports two incidents on the night of 24 Nov 68: At 242004 Nov 68 a reinforced squad attacked new market place in Duc Pho at grid location BS803375 with small arms fire & grenades. Results; 1 VCKIA, 1 M-1 rifle CIA. At 242355 Nov 68 At the National Police Bunker at grid BS805381 was attacked by a reinforced squad using small arms fire & grenades, Results; 1 PF WHA.

25 Nov 68 1440

Late Entry; At 1000 hrs. a 1/4 ton truck from Charlie Company 3/1 Infantry hit a mine approximetly 100 meters  out of the main gate at LZ Bronco. Results were; 2 US KHA.

• Pfc Wilbert Allen Ellison  KHA 

• Sgt Fredrick Ben King   KHA

 25 Nov 68 2310

From Brigade S-2: A VC patrol armed with mines & grenades at grid location BS775377, at Xom Lum & Hoc Cat, patrol estimated at  a strength of 45 persons. Arty called with unknown results.

25 Nov 68 2315

From Brigade S-2; 1 VC company disguised as ARVN's in the vicinity of grid BS783372. Also VC unit # 219 in the vicinity of grid BS767415. Arty called in with results unknown.

At 0115 hrs November 27, 1968 Alpha Company at grid BS932222 received mortar rounds, 1 KHA and 1 WHA evac, ceased incoming at 0130 hrs 12 rounds mortar unknown size. Corporal Jimmie Green was serving as a rifleman with the 2nd Platoon; Company A, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade when the friendly force was subjected to an intense and accurate hand grenade attack, followed by heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire.While grenades were exploding throughout the friendly position, Corporal Green noticed two live grenades land within a few feet of one of the perimeter positions. With complete disregard for his own safety and braving a hail of enemy fire, he ran from his own position and knocked one of his comrades to the ground, covering him with his own body to shield the soldier from the devastating blast of the grenades. Two explosions followed immediately and fatally wounded Corporal Jimmie Green. His unselfishness and his concern for others saved the life of one man & possibly the lives of other. Corporal Jimmie Green's conspicuous gallantry,extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the cost of his own life are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon him and upon the Armed Forces of his country.

27 Nov 68 1015

At grid location BS789323, Charlie Company had 1 US picked up by C & C for bad feet and taken to LZ Thunder.

Pfc James Novak   bad feet

27 Nov 68 1100

Charlie Company, 81mm mortar was lifted from Montezuma at 1010 hrs. and brought to LZ Thunder at 1020 hrs, Bravo Company 81mm mortar was picked up at 1020 hrs. and brought to Montezuma.

29 Nov 68 1100

Late Entry; At 1005 hrs. Bravo Company at grid location BS 815401, observed 2 VC, 1 M & 1 F, evading w/weapons. Aero Scouts engaged 1 VC M at grid location BS819411. Results; 1 VC KIA, negative weapons or documents & 1 VC WIA evacuated by Aero Scouts.                                                                1120                                                                                                         At 1055 hrs. Bravo Company at the grid location BS821409, detained 2 VC.  1 had a SK-44 & M-1 carbine, serial #s are 11365896  & 5806327.                                                                     1125                                                                                                        At 1000 hrs. Bravo Company at grid location BS821409, found a box w/booby trap wires & home made booby traps. Also found medical supplies. VC have broken up in 1 & 2 man groups moving in vicinity of grid BS755420.

29 Nov 68 1410

VC WIA was evading with  Aero Scouts2 VC that the 123rd Aero Scouts engaged causing 1 WIA; WIA individual claims to be a PF who was captured by the VC 2 days ago. WIA individual evacuated to the 6th Support by Aero Scouts.

29 Nov 68 1955

From Battalion XO (Maj Spargo); Occupants of bunker # 44  on perimeter  at LZ Bronco, observed 1 individual who appeared to be digging in Carentan Road. He was engaged with small arms fire and evaded to grid location BS830372.

29 Nov 68 2255

Report from Charlie Company Commander; A patrol was dispatched from Charlie Company and returned with 3 US individuals from Charlie Company at 2210 hrs. Individuals were reported in the refugee camp at grid BS863315. Charlie Company Commander in his examination of the individuals found they had been consuming alcohol. Weapons check revealed that the individuals weapons had not been fired. Battalion Commander (LTC Russell) instructed Charlie Company Commander to inspect the refugee area for possible damages.

04 Dec 68 1320

Message from Brigade's S-2; 2 enemy units are operating in the Duc Pho AO; C-120 Sapper Company at grid square BS8630, and C-219 Local Force Company at grid square BS7938.

04 Dec 68 1412

C & C extracted 1 VCS from coordinate grid location  BS870350 to LZ Bronco for interrogation. 1540                                                                                                      VCS is a civil defender & a member of the Farmers Association. Individuals hamlet is VC controlled. 4 VC are armed with M-1 rifles in hamlet. Information from Brigade TOC. Grid location of hamlet is BS870353.

04 Dec 68 1430

Charlie Company at grid coordinates BS862357, KIA 1 F 25-30 years of age. Individual was evading Charlie Company; Negative weapons or documents.

04 Dec 68 1610

Charlie Company's 1st platoon engaged one VC at grid location BS856355, who evaded into a tunnel. The VC refused to come out of the tunnel, so a grenade was tossed into the tunnel; Results; 1 VC KIA.

04 Dec 68 1645

Late Entry; At 1550 hrs. ARVN's received heavy automatic weapons fire at grid coordinate BS905228. Element reports a estimated enemy squad size VC unit was at grids BS920171 & BS919182. Delta Company in support, fired 81mm mortar on enemy grid. Results are unknown at this time.

04 Dec 68 1950

Delta Company reported Win ARVN camp hit today by platoon size element of VC. Time of incident was 1500 hrs. Weapons used in the incident were; AK-47, M-79, M-16, and machine guns. Delta Company reports information from ARVN's; the 406 NVA Battalion & the 119 NVA Battalion at grids BS889271 to BS889200.

04 Dec 68 2240

Received Report from Brigade to Battalion;  81 mm ammunition lot # KN-7-115-68 is defective.

10 Dec 68 0020

Daily Staff Journal dated Dec 9 68; At Gilligan's Island-next io Charlie  Brown, 3 VN men approached the gate, and were wounded by M-79's. It is believed they were looking for treatment. VN apparently were scared and ran away when Navy persons approached them.

10 Dec 68 0235

Flare ship spotted two sampans on the lake, at grid square location BS8434. Engaged with M-60 fire and both sampans were destroyed with one person in each sampan.

10 Dec 68 1100

At 1050 hrs. Bravo Company requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company Line # 93 at grid location BS935225, with a broken ankle injury. Dust off completed at 1120 hrs.

Pfc George D. Douglas  broken ankle

10 Dec 68 1400

Bravo Company at grid location BS928224, requested a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company, Line # 46 with a possible broken back injury. Utility ship evacuated EM to The 6th Support, and completed at 1412 hrs.

Sp/4 David E. Karaba   possible broken back injury

10 Dec 68 1610

Bravo Company requested a dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company Line # 107 with a back injury. Dust off completed by Utility ship at 1650 hrs.

Pfc D. W. Johnson back injury

10 Dec 68 1925

Battalion Strength Report;

• Alpha Company 105

• Bravo Company  143

• Charlie Company  111

• Delta Company  111

• Echo Company  37

11 Dec 68 0020

Late Entry; At 0010 message to Delta Company from Battalion Commander; all commanders will enjoin every member of this command to adhere to the following:

1. No burning of hooches unless it is ordered by the Battalion Commander.

2. Mistreatment of prisoners will not be tolerated. All VN persons, to include PW's , WB treated will respect and gentleness.

3. Indiscriminate firing of weapons at indigenous persons or into hooches will not be tolerated.

 11 Nov 68 1905

Bravo Company at grid location BS935203, fired on two fishing boats and got two hits on one boat. Fishing boats evaded to the Southeast with swift boats were in pursuit.

11 Dec 68 2120

Bravo Company reports that they fired M-79 & M-60 rounds into 2 boats. Swift boat element went after boats but was uable to catch them. Bravo Company est 3 KIA's. Will check for boats this morning.

13 Dec 68 0130

At grid location BS896318, 2 VC probed Alpha's Company ambush position from the East. Ambush fired on VC with small arms fire with negative casualties. 4.2 called in at 0130 hrs. & the mission ended at 0240 hrs. A total of 10 HE & 1 WP 4.2 rounds were expended. 

 13 Dec 68 0900

Alpha Company at grid location BS825324, engaged 7 to 8 VC evading North and wearing black pj's. Result; 1 VC F WIA. Requested dust off; completed at 0930 hrs. Also  wounded 1 male, but individual escaped. Alpha Company received negative fire.

13 Dec 68 1110

Message from E Troop 1st Cav; At grid location BS915165, a VC high jacked a VN policeman and his jeep. Acquired police's 45 pistol and shot him. Individual was dusted off.

13 Dec 68 1215

Late Entry; At 1140 hrs. Delta Company's 1st platoon, spotted 1 VC evading element. Called in gunships to grid location BS717556. Gunship engaged VC with result; 1 VC KIA; negative weapons/documents.

13 Dec 68 1615

Emergency  phone call for Pvt Pasquale Cortese from Alpha Company. Individual left on C & C ship at 1615 hrs.

13 Dec 68 2115

Sick man from Alpha Company at Aid Station with a 102 degree fever had a dust off requested for him. Dust off was refused (FUO's are not a dust off priority)

Pfc John G. Gilman

14 Dec 68 1000

TF PRYOR at grid location BS 773362, spotted 1 VC evading into a small tunnel. Grenade thrown into tunnel. Results; 1 VC KIA, negative weapons / documents.

14 Dec 68 1101

TF PRYOR at the grid location of BS785365, hit a mine  (type unknown) Results; 1 US KHA & 3 US WHA; Dust completed at 1103 hrs. All from Bravo Company.

• Pfc Oscar E. Sanabia  KHA

• Sgt Thomas C. Fegley  WHA  urgent

• Pfc Wayne A. Yeske  WHA  urgent

• Sp/4 Lee E. Gale  WHA   priority

 14 Dec 68 1225

TF PRYOR engaged 1 VC evading at grid location BS786368. Results; 1 VC WIA. WIA is being dusted off & completed 1238 hrs.

14 Dec 68 1545

At grid location BS892312, Alpha Company's platoon spotted an unknown size of VC w/1 carbine and M-60 ammo. Checked with MACV and they stated negative PF's are in the area. 

14 Dec 68 2340

At 2100 hrs. Bravo Company &  Navy persons on Hardstand, were firing 81mm illumination rounds, and some rounds hit the village at Sa Huynh. The rounds burnt three hooches and killed 3 persons. It is undetermined which round did the damage. Bravo Company will make a through investigation.

15 Dec 68 0700

Illumination was being fired in support of Navy. flares were fired over harbor and drifted into the village. At 2100 hrs. Dec 14 68  Bravo Company & Navy persons on Hardstand fired flares.

15 Dec 68 1000

LTC Jack Davis assumes command of 4/3 Infantry Battalion.

15 Dec 68 1720

Battalion Strength Report;

• Alpha Company  105

• Bravo Company  100

• Charlie Company   122

• Delta Company   118

• Echo Company  65

Delta Company reports the PF's informed them that they spotted 40 VC at grid location BS705555. Delta Company's 1st platoon is moving in to investigate the area.

16 Dec 68 1204

Delta Company's 1st platoon received approx 40 rounds of automatic weapons &semi -automatic weapons fire, from 2 positions at grid location BS705555. Negative Casualties.

16 Dec 68 1342

Delta Company at grid location BS705558, found 1 82mm round, booby trapped under a coconut shell.Shell was accidentally kicked and it bounced in the air not going off. Round was destroyed in place.

16 Dec 68 1435

LT Covington (BDG S-5) reports that at 1350 hrs., while in the village of Thuy Thach, he saw a women w/child who had been killed by gunshot. VN woman claimed that child was shot by a US soldier. Lt Covington checked a suspected vehicle and the weapons belonging to the individual of vehicle had not been fired recently. Lt Covington wanted to know if any fire had come from LZ Thunder. Cpt Simpson (S-3 Air) informed Lt Covington that no fire had come from 4/3 Infantry elements & no firing had been cleared by 4/3 Infantry.

16 Dec 68 1615

Alpha Company requests a urgent dust off for 3 US EM persons from Alpha Company, due to a tunnel cave in at grid location BS848283. Dust off completed at 1620 hrs.

• Donny J. Bateman urgent

• Gregory J. Wyrick urgent

• Bruce N. Segor

• Pallischeck FO

16 Dec 68 1622

Explosion in tunnel and individuals were overcome by chlorine gas from C-4 explosive.

17 Dec 68 0745

Bravo Company at grid location BS894236, request a dust off for 1 US from Bravo Company w/ burns on hand from a trip flare. Taken to 6th Support by C&C.

Sgt David E. Bird burns on hand from trip flare

17 Dec 68 1325

Bravo Company at grid location BS928224 request a dust off for 1 US civilian. Individual cut knee while working on his boat. Dust off completed at 1348 hrs.

17 Dec 68 1800

In village Sa Huynh it is reported that 1 M-16, 1 m-79 &130 .45 cal pistols were taken off boat.

17 Dec 68 1851

At 1539 hrs Bravo Company Commander informed TOC that a man named Monty Oliphant owns the barge. Individual denies that 130 .45 cal pistols were on his barge.

Investigation and reports From MACV indicate that the 45 cal pistols had fallen overboard from the barge and that VN from the village of Sa Huynh dove for them. The location of the weapons was not known at the end of the reporting period. The investigation continues. Four US civilians who were on the barge and who had traveled to Chu Lai will be questioned.

18 Dec 68 1005

At 0905 hrs Charlie Company at grid location BS789383, spotted 1 VC evading, engaged with small arms fire. Results; 1 VC KIA, approx age is 35, negative weapons & documents.

18 Dec 68 1150

Delta Company at grid location BS810320, hit a booby trap grenade. Results 2US WHA. Dust off requested for 2 US w/frag wounds. Dust off complete at 1200 hrs by C&C.

• Pfc Robert Pelton WHA frag / chest wound

• Sp/4 James R. Herdzik WHA frag / face wound

18 Dec 68 1200

Alpha Company at grid location BS891295, requests a dust off for 1 US EM from Alpha Company with a 104 degree temperature. Dust off Complete at 1210 hrs by C&C.

• Pfc Merle D. Tanner 104 degree temperature

18 Dec 68 1250

Alpha Company at grid location BS896305, found drawings of helicopters, APC's, and boats in a VC village chiefs hooch. Will bring drawings to LZ Thunder.

18 Dec 68 1615

Alpha Company; At 1425 hrs. at grid location BS894306. Alpha Company was patrolling and moving back toward LZ Thunder, with a right & left flank w/ CP moving in center. The Command Post triggered fire from enemy in numerous spider holes. Element received Automatic weapons fire, small arms fire, AK-47 & Carbine fire. Air strike was called in and two aircraft dropped 500 lbs bombs on enemy targets.

18 Dec 68 1620

At 1320 hrs. Alpha Company received fire from grid location BS894306 and are pinned down. This area was South of LZ Thunder and the terrain was flat and was cultivated in sugar cane & potatoes. Requested gunships. HELIX 33 came on station with fighters. Enemy fire came from grids BS891301 & BS 891303 & BS891305. Negative casualties.

18 Dec 68 1620

At 1330 hrs. Alpha Company at grid location BS891305, KIA 2 VC in spider holes. Checking for weapons & documents. Found rough drawn map. Alpha Company closed on LZ Thunder at 1700 hrs.

Summary of Operation

At 1320 hrs Alpha Company received heavy S/A & AW fire at grid BS894306. Gunships & fighters were called to support Alpha Company. Recon platoon has moved by foot from grid BS843330 to BS883302 to join a platoon from Bravo Company along with Bravo Company's Commander to sweep into area, with contact from the West. Bravo Company moved by APC from Charlie Brown. Recon and Bravo Company were in position to support Alpha Company within one hour after contact began. Two TAC air strikes supported the operation. Results; 2 VC KIA & 6VCS.

18 Dec 68 1844

APC; E Troop 1st Cav hit mine at grid location BS915257. APC was traveling North on Highway 1 from Hardstand to Bridge 107. Results; 2 US KHA & 2 US WHA.

• SSGT Donald Albert Kaski KHA

• Cpl Carl Joseph Metcalf Jr. KHA

18 Dec 68 1910

Bravo Company reports that at 500 meters from grid location BS931215. There is a sampan that was following a Naval re-supply ship. 2000 At grid BS931215, sampan was sunk. Results: 2 VC KIA. Reported from Bravo Company.

18 Dec 68 2205

Bravo Company at grid location BS921211, requested a dust off for 1 US from Bravo Company with a temperature of 103 degrees....Dust off was denied until AM & KKA at Hardstand would be dusted off in AM.

19 Dec 68 0740

Staff Journal Dec 18 68 1910 hrs.  Bravo Company reports that at 500 meters from grid location BS931215. There is a sampan that was following a Naval re-supply ship. 2000 At grid BS931215, sampan was sunk. Results: 2 VC KIA. Reported from Bravo Company. There is a change in the body count on sampan's at grid BS 931215. There are 4 VC KIA instead of 2 VC KIA as reported by Bravo Company.

19 Dec 68 0819

HELIX 33 reports the results of air the strike at grid location BS928266; 4 VC KIA.                                                                      0850                                                                                                 HELIX 33 reports from air strike coordinates. Spotted two secondary explosions & received small arms fire. Had 2 fires on the ground.

19 Dec 68 1400

HELIX putting in air strike at coordinates BS877240.               1415                                                                                                  HELIX coordinates BS877240, reports that there were 2 good secondary explosions with a lot white smoke, could be rockets or flares, Burned approximately 3 minutes.

19 Dec 68 1445

Bravo Company's 2nd platoon at grid location BS882264, found a good sniper position, behind some rocks, Also 3 containers of rice (50-75 lbs), water. bed mats & a tunnel that holds 30 persons. 

19 Dec 68 2020

Bravo Company requests a dust off for 1 US Commander of Bravo Company with 104 degree temperature and rising.          2055                                                                                                      After talking to Battalion Surgeon, it is agreed to dust off Cpt Pryor. Dust off from Charlie Brown was completed at 2107 hrs. Cpt. Pryor     104 degree temperature

21 Dec 68 0810

Late Entry; At Dec 20 2300 hrs. at grid location BS854371, Alpha Company spotted movement & lights. Fired 1 M-79 round. Results; 1 VC KIA & 1 VC WIA. Dust off requested, individual had frag wound in arm.

21 Dec 68 0920

Charlie Company requests a dust off for 2 US EM WHA from Charlie Company at grid location BS771344 with frag wounds from a 81mm booby trap. Dust off was completed at 0937 hrs.

• Sp/4  John J. Rollet  WHA      frag wounds
• Sp/4 McKenley Wilton   WHA   frag wounds

21 Dec 68 1500

21 Dec 68 1850

Recon at coordinates BS885274, spotted 2 VC hiding in bushes, they evaded the element and Recon engaged. Results: 1 VC KIA with pistol belt and canteen. Other VC evaded South toward grid BS885271.

21 Dec 68 2015

Late Entry; At 1920 hrs at grid location BS 892273, Recon's point man spotted 3 VC and all were evading with weapons. Recon engaged with M-79 fire. Now working in that area till dark, to see if they hit any of the evading VC.

 25 Dec 68 0740

Recon platoon at  grid location BS863303 requests a dust off for 1 US from Recon platoon. Individual was sick and collapsed. Dust off completed at 0855 hrs.

Pfc Averell Clark  sick & collapsed

25 Dec 68 1230

Bravo Company requests dust off for 1 US EM from Bravo Company. At  the grid location of BS918238, a 1/4 ton truck (jeep) with 4 men from Bravo Company were ambushed by automatic weapons fire  & M-79 fire. Results; 1 US KHA

• Pfc Robert Amspacher  KHA  head injury severe  DOA at 312 Evacuation Hospital Chu Lai 

25 Dec 68 1250

Bravo Company requests a dust off for 2 US EM WHA from Bravo Company with broken leg and head injury. Dust off completed at 1250 hrs.

• Sp/4 Thomas Geary WHA

• Sp/4 Gordon Reynolds WHA 

 25 Dec 68 1445

Bravo Company received 15-20 rounds from sniper at grid location BS935225. Action taken: Bravo Company returned fire. Results; 5 VC KIA, coordinates at grid BS935229, Sharks also received fire at coordinates at grid BS935225.

25 Dec 68 1630

HELIX 03 conducted an AS at coordinates BS932234, 1 hooch destroyed, 2 secondary fires; one sustained fire went 50 feet in the air. Bombs that were used; 6   250 lb bombs, 8 napalm & 20mm.

25 Dec 68 1705

Late Entry; 1630 hrs. Delta Company's 1st platoon apprehended 3 VCS at grid coordinates BS883306. ID card appeared to be altered. They will be extracted to LZ Bronco.

25 Dec 68 1730

Late Entry; Bravo Company at grid coordinates BS932234, reports 1 VC KIA by AS.

25 Dec 68 1850

Battalion Strength Report;

• Alpha Company  102

• Bravo Company  110

• Charlie Company 117

• Delta Company   115

• Echo Company   60

• Profiles   2

27 Dec 68 0015

Brigade notified 4/3 Infantry TOC that PF's at Sa Huynh are under attack by a unknown size enemy force. Requested 4.2 mortar to fire illumination rounds.

27 Dec 68 0825

A dust off is requested by Navy personnel at Hardstand for 1 US with Dysentery. Dust off completed at 0857 hrs.

27 Dec 68 1115

At 1030 hrs. Charlie Company reported that intel information confirms that there are weapons hidden in the area. Charlie Company found medical supplies & destroyed 3 dud rounds which had been carried into the village at grid BS929259; 1 105mm, 1  155mm, & 1  4.2 mortar round. Charlie Company's Commander believes these duds may be the source of the many mines used on Highway 1. Found 1 M-1 carbine rifle serial # 1544238. Weapon was in the village at grid BS929259 and was hidden under a rock. Found 2000 lbs of rice in various locations. Element will destroy.

27 Dec 68 1225

Charlie Company at grid location BS929259, 2nd platoon found one SKS-44 rifle in a cave. Part of the serial # isD2762, and remaining  numbers are unreadable due to rust and corrosion.

27 Dec 68 1245

A jeep from Delta Company, turned over on the access road to LZ Thunder. 2 US were injured and a dust off is requested....dust off cancelled.

Pfc Sotana

Pfc Zayas

27 Dec 68 2045

Charlie Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS934258, sprung ambush on 3 VC. Results; 3 VC KIA, negative weapons, ambush will move to a new location.

27 Dec 68 2055

E Troop 1st  Cav at grid location BS842328, received 60 rounds of automatic weapons fire. PF's received fire 400 meters from Northwest Bridge 107. E Troop is moving to Bridge 108 at this time.

27 Dec 68 2115

Late Entry; At 2055 hrs. at grid location BS840330. E Troop 1st Cav reported that a PF KIA 1 VC w/5 chicoms grenades and pistol belt. Negative weapons.

 28 Dec 68 0815

At grid coordinates BS925260, Charlie Company elements found 2 home made grenades in a hooch. Also found a 1 1/2 lb explosive charge. Explosive & hooch was destroyed.

28 Dec 68 1350

Alpha Company at grid location BS767358, found a tunnel complex, 1 camouflaged hooch with bunker. Near the hooch was found a sand bag that contained; one sewing kit, one bottle of methiolate, one mosquito repellent, one pair of black pj's, ane one ARVN type green uniform.

28 Dec 68 1410

Alpha Company at grid location BS767358, found 1 pair of ARVN boots, 1 US canteen, and 2 tunnels with camouflaged entrances.

28 Dec 68 1615

Delta Company at grid location BS808327 had 1 US from Delta Company trip a 150mm booby trap. Individual was KHA & Delta Company received no other casualties. 

Sgt A. W. Howard Jr  KHA   frag wounds

28 Dec 68 1740

Aero Scouts (123d ARVN ) at grid location BS762358, had a aircraft downed by suspected enemy fire. Two or three of the crew are badly hurt. Alpha Company's 3rd platoon is moving to grid coordinates to secure aircraft.

28 Dec 68 1845

Delta Company's 1st platoon at grid location BS830311, was moving toward night ambush when they saw 10 VC moving in the open. Arty was called in with results; 3 VC KIA; the 7 remaining VC evaded to the Southwest. Negative weapons were found.

28 Dec 68 1900

Alpha Company's 3rd platoon, at grid location BS765358, found in the area of the downed chopper, fresh food, 3 or 4  hats, 2 hooches, VN shirt drying on the brush, and there  was the smell of fresh fires.

28 Dec 68 1905

Alpha Company's 3rd platoon at grid location BS762358, closed in on and around the downed aircraft.

30 Dec 68 1030

Delta Company's 2nd platoon, at grid location BS80631, found 1 plastic bag, it contained; 1 black shirt, 1 T shirt, 1 pair of blue shorts & 1 camouflaged hooch.                                                        1100                                                                                                    Found 1 hooch 8'x6'x8' ft, 1 45 cal holster, 1 M-26 grenade, 1 air matress, old currency & fresh food.                                          1115                                                                                                     Delta Company found 4 hooches at grid location BS806331 that were well camouflaged. Hooches were searched and burned.

30 Dec 68 1330

Delta Company's 2nd platoon at grid location BS806331, found 13 non-electric blasting caps, 10-15 lbs of explosive that is similar to C-4 in hooches. Will destroy.

30 Dec 68 1415

Message from Brigade; 58 drums of CS gas were dropped: contaminated area includes these grids: BS618462 & BS629462  & 631459  &  BS622459. These grids form a box of the contaminated area. All impact gas burst are drifting South to Ba Too.

30 Dec 68 1505

Sharks (174 Avn Co) coming into area: Truck are being fired on near Bridge 105. Sharks are coming on station to protect personnel and vehicles in area.