ALPHA COMPANY 4 / 3 11TH LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE

Sitreps October 1968

Complete Sitreps For Every Day Of 1968

01 Oct 68 0750

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;

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

Track on Bridge 104 reports hearing M-79 explode from grid location BS893282 and received 5-10 rounds of small arms fire, from same grid, Negative casualties.

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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

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;

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;

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