Daily Staff Journal  03-Oct-69

ITEM

TIME

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC.

01

0001

LOG OPENED:
Supporting information for today's events:  Bn. Cmdr LTC Donald O. Crutchley, XO Maj Robert Chaudrue, S3 Maj. Dexter Branscome, S1 Cpt Anthony Barone, S2 Cpt Joseph Murphy, S3 Air Cpt Thomas Waldera, S4 Cpt Robert Scheifele, S5 Cpt Gary Roth (hospital)
Location:  FSB Patton XT583194, PB Hunsley XT596270, Venice East XT577183, Bau Dieu Tower XT569171, Trung Lap XT593214, PB Dong Tien XT615225.

Ballgame:
   Co A one platoon departs Patton at 0800 hours, recon to obj-A (583183) to obj-B (575179) to obj-C (566179) to obj-D (574189) to obj-E (580190) to Patton.  One platoon depart Fire Support Base at 1800 hours recon to obj-5 (586200) to obj-6 (593191) to obj-7 (597190) to obj-8 (593187) to obj-9 (586191) return to Patton.  One platoon occupy Venice East, towers at Bau Dieu and Patton, conduct road sweep on Highway 7A from Patton to Trung Lap and Patton to Highway 1.
   Co B 0645 hours returns from Cu Chi by truck to Trung Lap (593215) recon to obj-F (597217) to obj-G (614220) to Patrol Base Dong Tien.  Replace C Co at patrol base.  Conduct joint AP's
   Co C one platoon and HQ conduct joint operation with one troop 1/10 Cav and 2 Co 2/49 ARVN (US control).  Depart Patrol Base Dong Tien at 0800 hours to LD (618227), recon to obj-10 (626222) to obj-11 (636226), unit splits.  One recon to obj-12 (644216), other to obj-13 (635212), rejoin at obj-14 (633201), obj- 15 (625194), obj-16 (624205), obj-17 (619216), return to Patrol Base.  1/10 returns C Co from Patrol Base to Fire Support Base Patton.
   Co D (-) departs Patrol Base Hunsley at 0900 hours, recon to obj-1 (595265), obj-2 (597255), obj-3 (599248), obj-4 (606250), obj-5 (599265), return to Hunsley.
   One LRP team departs Hunsley during the hours of darkness and sets up an AP.
   CRIP conducts VCI in the vicinity of Trung Lap.
   4.2 (-) Fire Support Base Patton, one tube Patrol Base Hunsley, one tube Trung Lap
   Radar:  PPS-5 Patrol Base Hunsley, PPS-4 Fire Support Base Patton, PPS-4 Venice East
   1 Co 4/49 ARVN depart Trung Lap 0800 hours LD (582198), recon to obj-A (575209), obj-B (565215), obj-C (553214) and split.  One element obj-D (562207), other element obj-E (559202), join at obj-F (570200), return to Trung Lap.  1 Co 2/49 ARVN departs Trung Lap 0700 hours to LD (591217) recon to obj-1 (584224) to obj-11 (587223) to obj-21 (575230), to obj-31 (575220), to obj-41 (582212), return to Trung Lap.
   Training:  Co D 0800-0900 hours conduct formation and night operations; Co A 1500-1600 same as above.  Radar 1400-1600 hours Search and Monitor

02

0045

Sitrep - negative

03

0110

Hunsley - 3 rounds incoming impacted outside wire.  Negative damage or casualties.  1 round landed 10 ft in front of berm, 2 rounds landed 50 ft outside of berm to the south.  At approximately the same time Trang Bang, Pershing and Dees also received incoming

04

0133

Patrol Base Dong Tien reported 3 RPG rounds were fired at their location, went over the berm and landed outside the wire.  Came from the SE.  Fired 3 white phosphorous and 22 81mm high explosive rounds at grid 618223

05

0205

Patrol Base Dong Tien reported seeing 5-7 outgoing rockets, 800-900 meters from patrol base on azimuth of 108 degrees (vic 625223).  Checked with ambush patrols and ARVNs for further information, but they had negative knowledge.  Div Artillery engaged

06

0250

Sitrep - negative

07

0300

From Senior ARVN Advisor 2/49:  At 0200 the village of Trung Lap received 6 rounds directly east of village, 3 civilians wounded.  Do not know whether dustoff is required.  Shell report and crater analysis will be submitted at first light

08

0355

Sitrep - negative

09

0400

Brigade IPW team wants 2 POWs brought from Trung Lap to Cu Chi ASAP

10

0415

From D Co, Mixer 26 (Rangers) does not have new SOI (new radio frequencies), will have to keep 1 radio at Hunsley on old push until Rangers close

11

0455

Sitrep - negative

12

0500

Changes SOI's (radio frequencies)

13

0502

Patrol Base Dong Tien received 3 bursts of automatic weapons fire from SE, high, negative damage or casualties.  Returned fire with M-60 and 81mm mortar

14

0505

Received Conf. Msg #X710-003C, Subject: Plans Summary 3 Oct 69

15

0525

ARVN AP-1 has sprung ambush, contacting Sr. ARVN advisor offering assistance.  Negative casualties

16

0600

C Co AP-2 breaking position

17

0618

AP-1 results 1 body count, 1 POW and 2 AK-47

18

0826

AP-2 closed night laager

19

0635

Centaur 45 on station, will check AP site

20

0648

There were 4 individual ARVNs threw hand grenades, result 2 wounded, 1 POW, 1 body count, 2 AK-47s old and dirty.  Were going to link up with Company near Cu Chi, supposedly company was broken up by ambush patrols.  AP was at grid 623212

21

0703

AP-1 closed 0645

22

0704

Centaur 45 released due to radio trouble

23

0715

Road sweep departed

24

0727

Sniff mission 6121 to 6118 to 6521 to 6518 approved until 1000 hours

25

0730

Menehune 2 on station to shuttle IPW and POW from night laager to Trung Lap

26

0805

From now on until sniff mission is complete we will reset to all A readings sent to us by Light Scout Team.

27

0807

3 Hoi Chanhs came into Trung Lap last night, IPW team will interrogate them

28

0812

C Co one platoon and Command Post kicked off

29

0815

Menehune on station for Psyops

30

0825

A Co reports road clear Highway 1 to Patton

31

0830

Unit Locations:  C Co (623222), 1st Co 4/49 (582198) 1st Co 2/49 (591217)

32

0840

Road open from Highway 1 to Trung Lap

33

0845

D Co had class NOP's today, had airmobile movement class instead

34

0853

D Co departed for ballgame

35

0855

AS clearance for XT600290 TOT within one hour is cleared

36

0900

2/12th AO request for 04 Oct disapproved

37

0905

C Co departed to sweep area of contact

38

0920

Unit Locations:  C Co (635222), D Co (495265), 1st Co 2/49 (587233), remaining ARVNs same location

39

0921

2/12th has changed to this alternate frequency and call sign:  Foxy Jacket 59.25

40

0922

C Co (635222) found 105mm round, negative booby-trap or lot number, will blow

41

0928

Sniff mission airborne

42

0932

D Co located 595272

43

0933

C Co (635222) found M-26 hand grenade, booby-trapped, will blow

44

0940

AO request to 1/5th (Mech):  DTG 040800-041900 Oct, South of 21, West of 65, North of 16, East of 61 to AO boundary.  Passed

45

1000

1/5th AO request altered but approved as follows:  East 105, North 165, West 65, South 21

46

1001

C Co (637221) found well-used trail E-W, Ho Chi Minh sandals, possibly used last night

47

1003

D Co (595272) found old bunker 4x4x6x1 1/2 foot overhead cover, negative recent use, will blow

48

1008

C Co (622211) found 1 VC body, approximately 2 days old, in open, mortars apparent cause of death.  NVA clothing on (worn out), ammo vest, 2 AK-47 magazines, well torn up by shrapnel.

49

1010

C Co & CP between obj-11 and 12, stream is too high to cross, omitting objective 13

50

1010

A Co kicked off ballgame

51

1012

Rangers closed Hunsley

52

1029

AO Lobo given to 25th Aviation for free-fire zone from now until 1930

53

1035

D Co Spot Report:  A. Co D, B. Fighting positions & sleeping positions, Tu Dia signs, C. 597255, D. fighting positions 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 3 feet deep, 1 SKS (Russian) rifle, old and rusty, stock broken, E. Will continue

54

1035

Ballgame passed to brigade

55

1055

Locations:  Co A 583183, Co C 2nd platoon 622211, 1st platoon & Headquarters 1/10 Cav 626216, Co D 597255

56

1055

From Bde:  Sniff mission "A" readings 6121-6118 Area 6521, 6821, 6519, 6819

57

1100

Co A location vicinity obj-B (575179)

58

1101

Co C vicinity 644216 found one tunnel 3x2x4, found one US steel pot, half full of C-4 explosive broken into small pieces and 2 old smoke grenade cans, outside of tunnel, one booby-trapped hand grenade, M-16 round detonator on it

59

1103

Spot Report:  A. Co D, B. 1 bunker 4x4x6 with 1 1/2 foot overhead cover, more Tu Dia signs, 2 fighting positions 3x2  C. 597255, D. Negative recent use.  Fighting position 1 pair pants, 1 blue shirt, blood stains  E. Continue

60

1105

2nd platoon Co C sweep contact area and return to Patrol Base

61

1113

Col. Whitehead arrives at Fire Support Base

62

1128

Spot report:  A. Co D  B. Bunker, hootch type 10x10 with 1 1/2 foot overhead cover, C. XT597252  D. Will destroy  E. Continue mission

63

1130

Col Whitehead departed Patton

64

1132

Co A at obj-C (566179)

65

1145

1st Co 2/49 (575230), 1st Co 4/49 (553214), D Co (597252), A Co (566179), 1st Troop 1/10 Cav, 2nd Co 2/49 & C Co (649216)(635212)

66

1152

D Co located obj-3 (599248), negative sitrep

67

1205

A Co located obj-D (574189) negative sitrep

68

1207

D Co (599248) found one punji pit fairly new, will destroy 2 bunkers

69

1220

A Co closed Patton

70

1230

D Co (599248), C Co, 1/10 Cav, 2nd Co 2/49 (625203), 1st Co 2/49 (575220), 1st Co 4/49 (553214)

71

1308

Air Strike clearance for grid 565236 TOT with high explosive approved

72

1310

Spot Report:  D Co 598253 found 4.2 round, negative booby-trap or lot number, will blow

73

1312

B Co dismounted at Trung Lap will give us update when they move out

74

1345

D Co (599298) found 8-foot long trench, 4x4 with 2 1/2 foot overhead cover, 40-50 AK-47 rounds, will destroy

75

1400

D Co (597249), C Co closed Patton, B Co departing Trung Lap for night laager, 1st Co 2/49 closed, 1st Co 4/49 (562207)

76

1406

Requests from LNO:  ARVNs request 1. to shoot their 105mm for landing zone prep along with US artillery.  2. Maj. Keller requests 200 lbs explosives, 150 blasting caps, 500 feet time fuze (passed to S-4 1415 hours).  3. Maj. Liem was put in for award by Lt. Col. Blastos for assisting CRIP when bunker collapsed on them.  Date 26 Aug 69.  Want to know status.  4.  Maj. Keller wants air sometime today around 1700 to take advisor to night laager and return to Trung Lap

77

1415

Request permission to put AP (572199) in AO Cherry (passed to LNO)

78

1420

D Co found 155mm round, booby-trapped with tilt rod, negative lot number, will blow (597249)

79

1423

Col. Long's C&C ship will pick up Col. Crutchley at 1915 hours.  1830 depart Cu Chi, 1845 Hampton, 1900 Pershing, 1915 Patton, 1925 Devins, return at 2200 hours, reverse order

80

1435

AO request DTG 040600 to 051800 (6523-6518-6918-6922) follow river 668242.  This AO next to one we requested from 1/5th (Mech).  5th ARVN Div requesting it.

81

1436

Col. Whitehead arrived Trung Lap

82

1445

AS clearance 620281 TOT 1315, approved

83

1446

AMC cancelled for 4 Oct

84

1457

Col. Whitehead departs Trung Lap

85

1502

B Co (608221) M-26 booby-trapped hand grenade along side of road, will blow

86

1505

B Co (608221), D Co (603257), ARVNs closed

87

1507

AP site (572199) in AO Cherry approved

88

1535

B Co closed night laager

89

1555

D Co closed Hunsley

90

1700

Menehune 5 on station for 30 minutes VR for Maj. Keller

91

1730

D Co 3rd platoon kicked off

92

1748

A Co 3rd platoon departed

93

1759

1st Div troop support from 6231 1000 meters from River to the west out of our AO.  Approved Cpt. W.

94

1807

1/5th (Mech) informed of our cancellation of AO requested for 4 Oct (lost air)

95

1815

D Co 3rd platoon closed Hunsley from afternoon RIF

96

1815

B Co AP-1 departed Dong Tien

97

1820

D Co Mixer 26 (Rangers) departed for night activities

98

1824

B Co AP-2 departed

99

1840

A Co 3rd herd closed Patton

100

1854

From LNO:  2/49 & 4/49 ARVNs AP sites: 582302, 589208, 591206, 598200, 595219, 587212, 590198, 598213, 600207

101

1927

Mixer 26 (Ranger) AP in site have spotted 6 VC, requested illumination, VC are 100 meters to west moving N to S.  3 Co ARVN in position

102

1956

TPS radar at Trung Lap, 4-5 individuals at XT5916208, 1-2 individuals at XT59582082, ARVN AP's operating in vicinity of both

103

2005

Hunsley tower sighting, 5 individuals 250 degrees, 900 meters, vicinity of 586268, firing illumination for confirmation, will fire 81mm mortars, 10 rounds high explosive, target disappeared

104

2025

D Co will change frequency 040630 to AT freq. 34.70

105

2029

Hunsley tower sighting 250 degrees 1200 meters fired 9 81mm high explosive rounds, movement ceased

106

2030

2/12th requests AO for 050600 to 051800, 5728 south to 5726, west to AO boundary.  Negative clearance by S-3

107

2035

C Co AP-4 reports movement to their north, request illumination 400-600 meters to north, fired 2 105mm illumination, negative movement.  AP 3 & 4 in position

108

2100

From LNO, for Commanding General:  locations and strength of ARVN AP's for 2 Oct: XT595220 - 25 men, XT586215 - 11 men, XT598212-11 men, XT590209-11 men, XT586206-11 men, XT596209-11 men, XT590201-25 men, XT598202-25 men, XT588203-25 men, XT623212-25 men

109

2145

Starlight sighting 4800 mils 1200 meters from Patton, approximately 20 individuals, radar has pick up of 7-8 individuals stationary 57361954, cannot fire mortars or artillery due to close proximity to friendly forces

110

2242

Intel request form Bde concerning 3rd battalion 268th Regiment of NVA/VC

111

2250

Sitrep - negative

112

2320

Hawk 03 Night Hawk on station

113

2355

Sitrep - negative

114

2400

Hawk 02 Night Hawk on station

115

2400

Hawk 03 Night Hawk depart station

Summary:  Shortly after 0100 hours Hunsley, Trang Bang, Pershing, and Dees receiving incoming mortar rounds.  30 minutes later Trung Lap and Patrol Base Dong Tien received incoming fire.  1 US WIA in another battalion's AO and 2 civilians wounded at Trung Lap.  Negative damage to 2/14th bases.  Patrol Base Dong Tien reported seeing 5-7 rockets being launched and at about the same time Cu Chi received about the same number of rockets.  Artillery was placed into possible mortar and rocket sites and aircraft hovered nearby to check suspected sites.  ARVN AP out of Dong Tien sprang an ambush on 4 individuals southeast of the patrol base, 1 body count, 1 POW and 2 AK-47s.  Brigade IPW team and ARVNs conducted interrogation of POW.  LST and sniff mission and Psyops flight operated in area where company-size force of VC/NVA were hiding.  C Co swept contact area and found 1 additional body which was several days old.  Co A conducted morning RIF and evening RIF out of Patton.  B Co replaced C Co at Patrol Base Dong Tien.  C Co conducted joint operation with elements of 1/10 ARVN Cav and 2/49 ARVN Regiment - found well-used E-W trail, tunnel with explosives, 2 booby-trapped grenades and 1 105mm dud.  D Co conducted RIF out of PB Hunsley and found several bunkers, fighting positions, rusty SKS, "Tu Dia" signs and 1 4.2mm dud round south of Hunsley.  CRIP conducted VCI activities in the vicinity of Trung Lap.  Rangers conducted night operations out of Hunsley.  C Co had 2 AP's out of Patton, B Co had 2 AP's out of Dong Tien.  Hunsley tower sighted 2 groups and fired artillery.  Radar at Trung Lap had 2 pickups near friendly AP sites.  Patton also spotted movement to west near friendly AP.  Negative findings.