The Ultimate Sacrifice

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The Boys Of Alpha Company

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At 1810 hrs on May 1, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry Mortar Platoon in the vicinity of BS474863 detonated a mine of  unknown type with 1 US WHA evacuation Dust Off was completed at 1821 hrs. At 1834 hrs Alpha Company Mortar Platoon requested Dust Off for another US WHA as result of mine category priority completed at 1850 hrs. E-4 Peters, George Evac wounded in both legs and arms and E4 Akutgawa, Mark has frag wounds in back member of the Recon Platoon. Recon was returning to the Battalion TOC after cutting down tree’s and clearing the road just outside the perimeter.

At 1927 hrs on May 3, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry 3rd Platoon in the vicinity of BS567905 detonated a mine, a type unknown, resulting in 6 US WHA. Personnel were as follows; 2LT Ransom, Robert C. Jr   shrapnel wounds in abdomen and right arm ( Died of Wounds on May 11, 1968 ). SGT Hake, Alan right leg and right arm, fractured leg condition serious, SGT Shelton, Timothy E. shrapnel in right arm, SP/4 Sloan, Gradvillo R. shrapnel wounds in calf, PFC Estep, Michael shrapnel wounds in arms and legs, PFC Czech, Edward M. received shrapnel wounds in right arms.

At 1401 hrs on June 25, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry 3rd Platoon at BS700894 detonated a M-16A1 “Bouncing Betty mine resulting in 4 US WHA (3 Urgent and 1 Priority) Dust Off requested at 1404 hrs and completed at 1424 hrs. Personnel involved #10 Rails, Charles E., # 24 Marzenell, Edward, #163 Sprouse and Pineski. Also Dust Off Helicopter received several rounds small arms fire from vicinity BS700900. At 1757 hrs Alpha Company informed SGT Marzenell, Edward and PFC Sprouse, Le Roy are KHA and Line #10 and Pineski in good condition and # 162 Rowland minor frag wound no evac.

  At 1401 hrs on June 25, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry 3rd Platoon at BS700894 detonated a M-16A1 “Bouncing Betty mine resulting in 4 US WHA (3 Urgent and 1 Priority) Dust Off requested at 1404 hrs and completed at 1424 hrs. Personnel involved #10 Rails, Charles E., # 24 Marzenell, Edward, #163 Sprouse and Pineski. Also Dust Off Helicopter received several rounds small arms fire from vicinity BS700900. At 1757 hrs Alpha Company informed SGT Marzenell, Edward and PFC Sprouse, Le Roy are KHA and Line #10 and Pineski in good condition and # 162 Rowland minor frag wound no evac.

At 0630 hrs on June 13, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry 1st Platoon detonated a mine, type unknown at grid BS718819. resulting in 4 US WHA evacuation. Also at 1115 hrs 4 more command detonated mines were set off resulting in no casual- ties, sniper fire received resulting in 1 US WHA. Personnel involved PFC ROSE, Belcon (shrapnel wounds in arm, SP4 Fields, John C. (Broken hip died on June 30, 1968), PFC Hunter, Charles (Shrapnel wounds in legs and arms), 2LT Matthews, Larry D. (gun shot wounds in neck from sniper fire).

At 0845 hrs on July 18, 1968 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry requested Dust Off for US with frag wounds from mine explosion Urgent, location AT913251. Personnel involved SSGT James Hildebrandt, detonated M-16 mine in doorway of hootch, found 1 male and 3 child in the hootch, male to be evac from interrogation. At 1230 hrs Information UPDATE booby trap was not M-16, was made from 20mm round and powder.

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.

At 2010 hrs. on January 13, 1969 (Late Entry ) at 1600 hrs.  Alpha Company 4/3 Infantry had  .....1 US KHA-De Marco, Patrick T. PFC. The individual stepped on a charge pressure mine at grid BS728811, it was planted in a APC Track mark.

At 1100 hrs on January 13, 1969 (LATE ENTRY at 1600 hrs) Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry received automatic weapons from BS721818 with the result 1 US KHA Minkus, Dennis J. PFC. Alpha Company requested gun ships, artillery and Dust Off completed at 1115 hrs at BS728811 Combat Assault into a hot LZ-Start of Operation Russell Beach.

At 0835 hrs on February 9, 1969 Dust Off requested for 4 US wounded by frag from  booby trap grenade that blew off by Alpha Company section of Fire Support Base South ..and Dust Off completed at 0845hrs. Personnel involved Ditson, Lyman R. SGT, Godsey, Carl A. SP4, Wiedman, John A. PFC, and Evans, David J. PFC. At 1508 hrs on February 10, 1969 hrs Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry was informed that SGT LYMAN R. DITSON DIED OF WOUNDS at 1300 hrs February 9, 1969 from multiple frag wounds received from booby trap grenade outside of the perimeter of Fire Support Base South.

 At 1500 hrs. on February 11, 1969 LATE ENTRY AlphaCompany 4/3 Infantry at 1425 hrs. requested a Dust Off in the vicinity of grid BS486848 for 7 US WHA and 1 US KHA. When the 2nd platoon hit an unknown size mine, while conducting a sweep operation in LZ Buff AO. Second platoon had advanced to a small hill (w/a30 degree incline) for a break (ground showed signs of old GI garbage on ground). Mine was pressure detonated and was a Bouncing Betty planted on side of hill with old c-ration cans on ground. Dust Off completed at 1455 hrs. Personnel involved; Hill, Michael SP/4-leg wounds... Jaca Jaca, Victor SP/4-leg wounds... Aguilar, Gilbert PFC-front part of body.... Williams, Lawrence PFC-leg and wound.. Weatherly, Willie SP/4-leg and arm wounds...Marino, David PFC-leg and arm and stomach wounds...Hatchcock, Larry PFC-chest wounds...Banda, Macario SP/4 KHA.     

At 1120 hrs on August 21, 1969 4-3 Infantry reports Helix 34 began air strike at BS659364 with 500 pounds, high drag and napalm. At 1125 hrs Alpha Company reports 1 EM KIA by Air Strike Cunningham, Dennis PFC, hit in chest with shrapnel proximately BS659364 Alpha Company reports 2 men WIA but not Dusted Off Houston, Richard F. SGT frag wound below his eye and Dino, Gary T. PFC.

At 1905 hrs on September 21, 1969 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry in their previous used ..Night Defense Position received 30 82mm mortar rounds at BS577414 and small arms fire from all around perimeter.Alpha Company reports 4 US KHA and 5 WHA. At 2000 hrs Alpha Company update reports add 7 more KHA and 6 more WHA for a total of 11 KHA and 11 US WHA. First Dust Off for 6 US WHA completed at 2000 hrs. At 2100 hrs Alpha Company reports the 10 KHA and 10 WHA are Dusted Off with 1 WHA remaining in the field. There where 3 mortar rounds that landed directly in fox holes resulting in all KHA. Element set up their NDP in an old NDP position....(enemy had area measured) Personnel involved KHA Foster, Joe A. SFC, Amdrads, Wilfredo SGT, Stewart, Henry SP4, Barttebaugh, Dennis PFC, Franks, Davitt PFC, Hathcock, Larry SP4, Larson, Thomas PFC, Pachecon, Michael PFC, Castillo, Gregorio PVT, Steven , Elting PVT, (Medic) on loan from Bravo Company 4/3, Dean, Carl PFC. WHA Ariaga, Arthur E-5, Koonta, Norbert PFC, Sawatzki, William PFC, Shields, Michael PFC, Trussell, Donney SP4, Norwood, Mickey PVY, Nauck, Albert 1LT (Bravo Battery 6-11 Artillery FO), Girres, Daniel SP4, Ross, Levi PFC, Perdue, Paul E. PFC and Ortiz, Arsenio PFC was not Dust Off minor wounds.

At 1905 hrs on September 21, 1969 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry in their previous used ..Night Defense Position received 30 82mm mortar rounds at BS577414 and small arms fire from all around perimeter.Alpha Company reports 4 US KHA and 5 WHA. At 2000 hrs Alpha Company update reports add 7 more KHA and 6 more WHA for a total of 11 KHA and 11 US WHA. First Dust Off for 6 US WHA completed at 2000 hrs. At 2100 hrs Alpha Company reports the 10 KHA and 10 WHA are Dusted Off with 1 WHA remaining in the field. There where 3 mortar rounds that landed directly in fox holes resulting in all KHA. Element set up their NDP in an old NDP position....(enemy had area measured) Personnel involved KHA Foster, Joe A. SFC, Amdrads, Wilfredo SGT, Stewart, Henry SP4, Barttebaugh, Dennis PFC, Franks, Davitt PFC, Hathcock, Larry SP4, Larson, Thomas PFC, Pachecon, Michael PFC, Castillo, Gregorio PVT, Steven , Elting PVT, (Medic) on loan from Bravo Company 4/3, Dean, Carl PFC. WHA Ariaga, Arthur E-5, Koonta, Norbert PFC, Sawatzki, William PFC, Shields, Michael PFC, Trussell, Donney SP4, Norwood, Mickey PVY, Nauck, Albert 1LT (Bravo Battery 6-11 Artillery FO), Girres, Daniel SP4, Ross, Levi PFC, Perdue, Paul E. PFC and Ortiz, Arsenio PFC was not Dust Off minor wounds.

At 1905 hrs on September 21, 1969 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry in their previous used ..Night Defense Position received 30 82mm mortar rounds at BS577414 and small arms fire from all around perimeter.Alpha Company reports 4 US KHA and 5 WHA. At 2000 hrs Alpha Company update reports add 7 more KHA and 6 more WHA for a total of 11 KHA and 11 US WHA. First Dust Off for 6 US WHA completed at 2000 hrs. At 2100 hrs Alpha Company reports the 10 KHA and 10 WHA are Dusted Off with 1 WHA remaining in the field. There where 3 mortar rounds that landed directly in fox holes resulting in all KHA. Element set up their NDP in an old NDP position....(enemy had area measured) Personnel involved KHA Foster, Joe A. SFC, Amdrads, Wilfredo SGT, Stewart, Henry SP4, Barttebaugh, Dennis PFC, Franks, Davitt PFC, Hathcock, Larry SP4, Larson, Thomas PFC, Pachecon, Michael PFC, Castillo, Gregorio PVT, Steven , Elting PVT, (Medic) on loan from Bravo Company 4/3,  Dean, Carl PFC. WHA Ariaga, Arthur E-5, Koonta, Norbert PFC, Sawatzki, William PFC, Shields, Michael PFC, Trussell, Donney SP4, Norwood, Mickey PVY, Nauck, Albert 1LT (Bravo Battery 6-11 Artillery FO), Girres, Daniel SP4, Ross, Levi PFC, Perdue, Paul E. PFC and Ortiz, Arsenio PFC was not Dust Off minor wounds.

At 1905 hrs on September 21, 1969 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry in their previous used ..Night Defense Position received 30 82mm mortar rounds at BS577414 and small arms fire from all around perimeter.Alpha Company reports 4 US KHA and 5 WHA. At 2000 hrs Alpha Company update reports add 7 more KHA and 6 more WHA for a total of 11 KHA and 11 US WHA. First Dust Off for 6 US WHA completed at 2000 hrs. At 2100 hrs Alpha Company reports the 10 KHA and 10 WHA are Dusted Off with 1 WHA remaining in the field. There where 3 mortar rounds that landed directly in fox holes resulting in all KHA. Element set up their NDP in an old NDP position....(enemy had area measured) Personnel involved KHA Foster, Joe A. SFC, Amdrads, Wilfredo SGT, Stewart, Henry SP4, Barttebaugh, Dennis PFC, Franks, Davitt PFC, Hathcock, Larry SP4, Larson, Thomas PFC, Pachecon, Michael PFC, Castillo, Gregorio PVT, Steven , Elting PVT, (Medic)on loan from Bravo Company, Dean, Carl PFC. WHA Ariaga, Arthur E-5, Koonta, Norbert PFC, Sawatzki, William PFC, Shields, Michael PFC, Trussell, Donney SP4, Norwood, Mickey PVY, Nauck, Albert 1LT (Bravo Battery 6-11 Artillery FO), Girres, Daniel SP4, Ross, Levi PFC, Perdue, Paul E. PFC and Ortiz, Arsenio PFC was not Dust Off minor wounds.

At 1905 hrs on September 21, 1969 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry in their previous used ..Night Defense Position received 30 82mm mortar rounds at BS577414 and small arms fire from all around perimeter.Alpha Company reports 4 US KHA and 5 WHA. At 2000 hrs Alpha Company update reports add 7 more KHA and 6 more WHA for a total of 11 KHA and 11 US WHA. First Dust Off for 6 US WHA completed at 2000 hrs. At 2100 hrs Alpha Company reports the 10 KHA and 10 WHA are Dusted Off with 1 WHA remaining in the field. There where 3 mortar rounds that landed directly in fox holes resulting in all KHA. Element set up their NDP in an old NDP position....(enemy had area measured) Personnel involved KHA Foster, Joe A. SFC, Amdrads, Wilfredo SGT, Stewart, Henry SP4, Barttebaugh, Dennis PFC, Franks, Davitt PFC, Hathcock, Larry SP4, Larson, Thomas PFC, Pachecon, Michael PFC, Castillo, Gregorio PVT, Steven , Elting PVT, (Medic) on loan from Bravo Company 4/3, Dean, Carl PFC. WHA Ariaga, Arthur E-5, Koonta, Norbert PFC, Sawatzki, William PFC, Shields, Michael PFC, Trussell, Donney SP4, Norwood, Mickey PVY, Nauck, Albert 1LT (Bravo Battery 6-11 Artillery FO), Girres, Daniel SP4, Ross, Levi PFC, Perdue, Paul E. PFC and Ortiz, Arsenio PFC was not Dust Off minor wounds.

At 1905 hrs on September 21, 1969 Alpha Company 4-3 Infantry in their previous used ..Night Defense Position received 30 82mm mortar rounds at BS577414 and small arms fire from all around perimeter.Alpha Company reports 4 US KHA and 5 WHA. At 2000 hrs Alpha Company update reports add 7 more KHA and 6 more WHA for a total of 11 KHA and 11 US WHA. First Dust Off for 6 US WHA completed at 2000 hrs. At 2100 hrs Alpha Company reports the 10 KHA and 10 WHA are Dusted Off with 1 WHA remaining in the field. There where 3 mortar rounds that landed directly in fox holes resulting in all KHA. Element set up their NDP in an old NDP position....(enemy had area measured) Personnel involved KHA Foster, Joe A. SFC, Amdrads, Wilfredo SGT, Stewart, Henry SP4, Barttebaugh, Dennis PFC, Franks, Davitt PFC, Hathcock, Larry SP4, Larson, Thomas PFC, Pachecon, Michael PFC, Castillo, Gregorio PVT, Steven , Elting PVT, (Medic) on loan from Bravo Company 4/3, Dean, Carl PFC. WHA Ariaga, Arthur E-5, Koonta, Norbert PFC, Sawatzki, William PFC, Shields, Michael PFC, Trussell, Donney SP4, Norwood, Mickey PVY, Nauck, Albert 1LT (Bravo Battery 6-11 Artillery FO), Girres, Daniel SP4, Ross, Levi PFC, Perdue, Paul E. PFC and Ortiz, Arsenio PFC was not Dust Off minor wounds.