After Action Reports 4

As I remember, there were about 6-8 LRRPs who needed to be extracted from the pagoda on the south side of Nui Ba Den Mountain. Nui Ba Den is about 3000 feet high and the pagoda is about halfway up the side of the mountain. I think we pretty much made a straight-in approach. You don't want to be too fast or too slow. Get in, get out, and stay alive. The closer you get to the mountain, the more magnificence it becomes. There wasn't much left of the pagoda; it looked like it had been pummeled over the years. I tried to find a place to hover over, where the Rangers could climb in. We got real close but, because of obstacles (either rocks or trees or both), I decided to pull up, and the one Ranger on board threw out the ropes. This guy was a Telly Savalas look-alike, and as we were in this high hover facing the mountain, waiting for the rangers to secure themselves to the ropes, this guy was squatting on his knees unloading his M-16 out of each side of the aircraft. That picture was surreal, movie-like. I cannot remember at which point the hydraulics went out, but at about this time, I saw an orange dot of light dancing around in my chin bubble and wondered 'what the hell is that.'

As we pulled away from the mountain, the hydraulics were out and that was not good. On top of that, we were not going to get to pick up the rest of the Rangers. Don't you hate it when that happens? Well, anyway, now I don't have a plan but I know we're going to Tay Ninh for a running landing and that I'll figure out what to do with the Rangers on the rope by the time we get there. So we all head for Tay Ninh at about 40 knots. I felt bad for these guys. They couldn't have had any idea what was going on, and I didn't know how well they were secured and how long they could last. My original plan was to drop them at the bottom of the mountain, pick up the remaining Rangers, then go back to pick up the first group. About 5 miles from Tay Ninh the Ranger on board said they were starting to have problems, something like choking on the ropes. So we made a slow approach to a rice paddy. When we came to a high hover I asked Lt. Little to assist me on the

a. Intelligence Prior to the Operation: The VC 9th Div continued to avoid contact with U.S. Forces operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Dong Provinces. 2d Brigade elements had encountered very light contact since their commitment on 10 November 1966. The 101st NVN Regt was believed to be withdrawing NE toward Phuoc Long Province. Although the main force regiments of the 9th Div received a severe setback during their engagement with U.S. Forces they still retained the capability of attacking at a time and place of their choosing. Brigade units were also expected to make contact with the three battalions of the 70th Regt, which has the mission of security of COSVN in War Zone "C".

b. Enemy Situation During the Operation: Only sporadic contact was made during the entire operation. Significant contact was made near the Cambodian border with elements of the 70th Regiment. Captured documents indicated that a radio station had been operating in the area. The battalion encountered isolated incidents of small arms fire and AT mining. The mines were emplanted on existing roads and in areas that afforded the easiest access for tracked vehicles. Numerous base camps and cache sites were located just south of the Cambodian border; however, there was a lack of complex fortifications, trenches, or tunnels.

Throughout the day all elements remained in their respective positions, conducting local patrols in sector. No contact was made except for Co B. During the morning hours two platoons from Co B were sent on local patrols North and SE of the destroyed bridge vic XT 393628, to locate a crossing point for track vehicles. A crossing site was found; however, eight VC were spotted and engaged vic XT 393628 at 1110 hours. The VC quickly broke contact and fled the area. A search of the area was fruitless. One ambush and two OP/LP's were established during darkness and at 2037 hours two VC were seen approaching the company perimeter. The VC were engaged with mortar and .50 cal MG fire but results could not be determined.

Co A departed the area at 0730 hours moving north to check the trails from XT 279280 north to XT 269760. A trail leading east was found at 0755 hours vic XT 274720. At 0819 hours eight ox carts were found and destroyed vic XT 273722. Destroyed at 1005 hours vic XT 269752 were one steel helmet, one poncho, fifteen rice bags and five lean-to huts. A small VC base camp was found at 1200 hours vic XT 269753. Found and destroyed in the area were five Chicom grenades, 200 pounds of rice and 150 gallons of acid-type fluid which was buried in the ground. Three WIA's were sustained from acid burns as a sample was extracted. The area appeared to have been used as recently as 10 November 1966. Five bunkers, with three man capacity, were destroyed vic XT 270755 at 1220 hours. A Chicom claymore, rigged with wires for command detonation, was found and destroyed at 1302 hours vic XT 270755. Between 1359 hours and 1500 hours the company destroyed 9 Chicom grenades, one ton of rice, one concrete bunker and 240 pounds of canned foods vic XT 270756. The company then moved to vic XT 269757 and established its perimeter. One rifle grenade (dud) was fired into the company's perimeter at 1830 hours.

Co C departed the Bn base at 0730 hours to check the trails leading north, east and west between XT 270690 and XT 256760. A well used trail which appeared to have been used on 10 November 1966 was found vic XT 264704. Fresh ox cart tracks were found at 0915 hours vic XT 254715. A large east to west trail was found at 1013 hours vic XT 256723. At 1110 hours a bunker complex was found vic XT 262737. Upon approaching the complex one VC was flushed from the area and escaped to the east. At 1207 hours five more VC were flushed from vic XT 263734 and also fled to the east. At 1435 hours two trails were found vic XT 261722. One of the trails ran from south to north and the other ran from east to west. The east to west trail had been heavily traveled recently. After exploring these trails and finding nothing, Co C returned to the Bn base (-) one platoon which repaired a damaged vehicle and spent the night in Co A's base area.

Co B departed the battalion base at 0600 hours to conduct a reconnaissance in force of the area vic XT 279790. Heavy footprints were found on an east to west trail vic XT 265784. A north to south trail, with the grass heavily beaten down, was found vic XT 257784 at 1000 hours. A VC base camp, which could accommodate 50 VC was found at 1015 hours vic XT 253782. A search of the area revealed nothing of importance; however, the camp site appeared to have been used within the last three or four days. Found and destroyed at 1202 hours vic XT 255786 were seven two-man shelters. The company then moved down a small trail leading south where ten foxholes were destroyed at 1300 hours vic XT 255794. One CBU bomblet was destroyed at 1420 hours vic XT 271794. The company departed the area and closed into the base at 1435 hours.

At 0730 hours Co A departed the Bde base to exploit the B52 airstrike and at 0904 hours arrived vic XT 196768 where it found Co B for a joint movement into the strike area. Numerous bomb craters and destroyed houses were found in the area but there were no signs of recent VC occupancy within the area, before or after the airstrike. Co A completed its check of the area by 1350 hours, and returned to the battalion base. While enroute, at 1520 hours automatic weapons fire was received from XT 230772. No casualties were sustained and fire was returned. At 1527 hours one APC hit an AT mine vic XT 239773. Four minor WIA's were sustained and extensive damage was done to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed into the battalion base and the company closed at 1820 hours.

Co B departed the battalion base at 0820 hours to exploit the B52 airstrike. While enroute, at 0843 hours fresh ox cart tracks were found on a trail vic XT 236771. At 0902 hours a pile of scrap metal was found vic XT 206769. Co B then proceeded to vic XT 191769 where an ox cart track and two sets of fresh footprints were found since the rain during the night of 12 November 1966. The lead element observed a road block consisting of trees placed across the road at 0926 hours vic XT 188767. Upon approaching the area a large claymore was detonated against the vehicle by the VC. One minor WIA was sustained but no damage was done to the vehicle. Arty fire and airstrikes were also placed on the area. A check around the road block site two claymores complete with wire and ready for command detonation. Co B then departed at 1050 hours for its objective area. At 1202 hours one APC hit an AT mine vic XT 175764. No casualties were sustained but extensive damage was done to the vehicle. During the search of its objective area numerous bomb craters and 15 houses were found destroyed by the airstrike vic XT 150770 to XT 153770. Co B also destroyed 15 houses in the same area. A close check revealed that the area was probably a VC way-station. Co B then returned to the battalion base.

At 0828 hours Co B made a search of the area north of the battalion base vic XT 265810, XT266815 and XT 273817. Found and destroyed vic XT 270817 at 1035 hours were 1,900 pounds of bagged rice. At 1201 hours vic XT 261809 a VC base camp which could easily accommodate 300 VC was located. The camp was completely ringed with foxholes and early warning positions on a trail leading into the area. The camp site appeared to have been used approximately one week prior. A small way-station, of a 30 VC capacity, was found at 1400 hours vic XT 278828. There were five foxholes around the area. After a thorough search Co B left the area and moved to the battalion base leaving one platoon north of the battalion base as a stay behind until the CH-47 resupply was complete.

At 0842 hours Co C reconnoitered the area west of the battalion base to vic XT 244806, XT 258979 and XT 257805. Found at 0930 hours vic XT 252798 were 300 rounds of ammunition approximately the same diameter of a .50 cal round with four small fins on the tail. The ammunition was evacuated for evaluation. At the same time a three man bunker was found and destroyed vic XT 257801. At 1040 hours 44,200 pounds of rice was found vic XT 255807. The rice was covered from the weather and in good condition. With permission granted from higher headquarters the rice was destroyed. A command detonated claymore was set off against the company at 1212 hours vic XT 252797 but no casualties were sustained. A VC base camp was found vic XT 243800 at 1431 hours. The camp could easily accommodate 100 VC and consisted of bunkers with overhead cover, several fire places and a stream running east to west approximately five feet wide and five feet deep. At the same time the platoon located vic XT 246798 engaged four VC. One VC was observed falling; however, he was assisted by the remaining VC and escaped toward the east. At approximately the same time an element engaged two VC vic XT 251797. They also escaped but to the south. Co C then called for and adjusted Arty fire throughout the area and returned to the battalion base leaving one platoon west of the battalion base as a stay behind until the Arty resupply was complete.

The Bn displaced to establish the Bde Fire Support Base #2 vic XT 275863. Co A conducted a reconnaissance in force of objective 2, XT 2585 with negative results and closed into the new base at 1416 hours. Co B conducted a reconnaissance in force of objective 1, XT 2786, then secured a landing zone where an artillery battery was lifted in, to complete the establishment of Fire Support Base #2 without incident. Co C displaced after the Bn Cmd Gp and moved to the new battalion base. While enroute, vic XT 266852, five vehicles became mired and remained in that vicinity during the night. The battalion employed two ambushes and seven OP/LP's during darkness. None made contact and all returned at first light, (Incl 3).

Throughout the day the Bn conducted patrols in zone. Co A dispatched elements to the area south, southwest and west of the battalion base with negative results. Co C also dispatched elements on local patrols in zone and at 1145 hours they destroyed 29 MG positions with aiming stakes for sectors of fire, vic XT 285841. The area appeared unused for at least three or four days. The Scout Platoon departed the battalion base at 0800 hours to make a reconnaissance of the area vic XT 286900. Found and destroyed at 1046 hours vic XT 285897 were 3 huts, 3 bunkers, 1 khaki uniform and 1 large VC classroom. Several documents were found in the area also. Numerous bunkers were found along the trail. While returning, at 1105 hours, four WIA's were sustained from incoming VC mortar fire. The platoon closed into the battalion base at 1124 hours. At 1351 hours the platoon again departed to make a reconnaissance of the stream vic XT 284870 for trafficability and a crossing site. A log bridge was found vic XT 306850 and one APC was sent across with no difficulty. The platoon then returned to the battalion base. The battalion employed three ambushes and six OP/LP's. None made contact and all returned at first light.

Co C departed at 0700 hours and at 0910 hours arrived at a VC base camp vic XT 286896. Upon entering the clearing in the area several firing positions were found on the west side of the clearing. A mess hall to accommodate 40 VC was found and destroyed along with two showers, 300 meters of electrical wire, six bicycles, one pair of legs for a claymore and miscellaneous clothing. Several documents were also taken from the area. The documents were checked by interpreters and one described a large VC base camp that existed in the general area. The document further stated that the base had a radio station, a hospital, was a political training center and was outposted with guards and telephones. Another VC base camp was found at 1106 hours vic XT 283895. This camp site also had a mess hall with the capacity of 40 persons, one large class room, two showers and six buildings. At 1335 hours, several APC's became mired vic XT 278912 which could not be extracted before darkness and the company remained in that vicinity over night.

The company departed the area at 0706 hours for objective QUEEN (XT 265944). A search of the area revealed nothing and the company then coiled in the vicinity to wait for the battalion. At 1230 hours the company departed the area and, at 1306 hours vic XT 273975, the company engaged an unknown number of VC. The VC delivered automatic, small arms and mortar fires against the company. In the ensuing fire fight 11 VC were killed (BC) and captured, were two Chicom assault rifles, one U.S. BAR, one U.S. M1 rifle, three Chicom grenades, one 60mm mortar, 11 Chicom hand grenades, 4 60mm mortar rounds, fifteen magazines for Chicom assault rifles, seven magazines for a BAR, 7 rifle grenades, 300 rounds SA ammunition and one bag of assorted documents. Co A sustained three WIA during the brief encounter. The company departed the area at 1520 hours and closed into the battalion base at 1610 hours.

By 0948 hours all vehicles were extracted and repaired and at 1230 hours the company joined the Bn (-) vic XT 275925. Co C then maneuvered to the west of Co A, who was in a fire fight vic XT 273957, and remained in this blocking position until 1520 hours. Upon entering the battalion base at 1535 hours three VC suspects were seen running NE from vic XT 274963. The suspects were hailed to stop but refused. Co C then fired a burst over the suspects heads but they continued to run and were engaged. Two of the suspects were captured vic XT 274965 and the other escaped to the NE. One of the captured suspects was armed with a hand grenade.

Co A departed at 0719 hours to establish a company base vic XT 315923 and from this location foot patrols were dispatched to the north and southeast. At XT 319910 a foot bridge was found which could sustain travel by heavy loaded ox carts and a docking site which could handle ten sampans at one time. A recently used VC base camp was found at 1318 hours vic XT 329919. Destroyed in the camp site were two AT mines and two CBU bomblets. One APC was hit by an AT weapon, believed to be an RPG-2, at 1413 hours. Two WIA's were sustained and evacuated. The company returned .50 cal MG and M79 fires in suspected locations, then called and adjusted artillery fire throughout the area. After this encounter Co A returned to the battalion base closing at 1638 hours.

Co C departed at 0755 hours on a patrol NW of the battalion base. At 0800 hours a 75 foot roll of #4 gage wire and fresh tracks (foot, boots and bicycles) were found on an east to west trail in the area. A search disclosed a VC base area consisting of a bunker/tunnel trench complex which could accommodate 400 to 500 VC. The structures in the area were old but had been recently used. The area was then saturated with artillery fire. Co C then made a deep penetration into the area but nothing of significance was found. A house and two bunkers were destroyed at XT 349040, at 1517 hours. Found within the structures and also destroyed were nine Chicom grenades, 500 pounds of rice, 100 pounds of peas and 100 pounds of salt. Miscellaneous documents were recovered from the area. At 1644 hours small arms fire was received from XT 348948 causing one WIA. Fire was returned but no results were obtained and Co C then returned to the battalion base. During darkness one ambush was established vic XT 343938. At 2140 hours the ambush received three rounds SA fire. 81mm mortar fire was called in on the VC location and a secondary explosion was observed. The ambush returned at 0630 hours.

Co C departed at 0816 hours on its patrol. Destroyed vic XT 348935 at 0850 hours were one hut and three fish traps. Small arms fire was received at 1027 hours from vic XT 352927 causing one KIA. Fire was returned and while sweeping the area one rifle grenade and small arms fire was received from XT 358938. No casualties were sustained and a heavy volume of fire was returned. Three bunkers were found in the same area at 1148 hours. A check of the area disclosed wires leading out from the bunkers and at the end of one set of wires was a new type mine. All bunkers and the mine were destroyed. Also found and destroyed in the same area were one bunker, 350 feet of blasting wire (Cambodian type), two Cambodian blasting caps and five 7.62mm rounds. Co C then returned to the battalion base.

The battalion conducted reconnaissance in force to vic XT 147685 and established a new base. Co A departed at 0800 hours and moved to the new base without incident closing at 1715 hours. Co B departed at 0755 hours as lead element of the battalion and at 0952 hours, one APC hit an AT mine vic XT 234771. Extensive damage was done to the vehicle and three WIA's were sustained and evacuated. Co B then closed into the new battalion base minus three vehicles which were mired on the edge of the base. Co C secured the LZ for the artillery extraction and upon completion departed at 1400 hours for the new battalion base closing at 1700 hours. Heavy Mortar Platoon's Command Post (M577) was extensively damaged by an AT mine at 1410 hours vic XT 160752 and was destroyed in place. Three WIA's were sustained and evacuated, (Incl 5).

The quarter from 1 August to 31 October 1970 was marked by a generally low-level of activity as enemy units suffered acute supply shortages. These supply shortages were a direct result of the highly successful Cambodian operations undertaken by Vietnamese and US units in May and June 1970. Continued emphasis was placed on upgrading ARVN/RF/PF forces as units of the 25th Infantry Division emphasized combined operations with those indigenous forces and conducted extensive training programs designed to increase tactics and weapons skills. This intensive training program was conducted to insure the success of the Government of Vietnam (GVM) pacification program by providing local villages and hamlets protection against VC guerrilla activity and to pave the way for the redeployment of US troops as part of the continuing Vietnamization of the war. The Division on 12 October 1970 received keystone message directing redeployment of the 25th Infantry Division and division Operation order 183-70 was published on 15 October 1970. The 1st and 3rd Brigades were to stand down during November while the 2nd Brigade was to remain in Vietnam operating east of Saigon in Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. The 2nd Brigade was reorganized as a separate Brigade on 8 November and placed OPCON to II Field force, Vietnam. (For further information on the redeployment of the 25th Infantry Division, see the keystone After Action Report.)

The redeployment of the 25th Division was another factor contributing to the generally low level of activity reported during the first week of November. Changes in task organization and a great amount of personnel turbulence hampered combat operations by 25th Infantry Division units. The 1st and 3rd Brigades prepared for redeployment during the week and the maneuver battalions from these two brigades, 2nd Battalion 14th Infantry; 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry (Troop D); 2nd Battalion (Mech), 22nd Infantry; 2nd Battalion 34th Armor; 4th Battalion (Mech), 23rd Infantry; 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, and 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry began standing down. However contacts with enemy units did occur as four were reported in Tay Ninh, Hau Nghi and Binh Duong provinces. B/1-27 Inf killed four enemy soldiers at 1855 hours on 2 November with claymore mines 4.5 kms southeast of Dau Tieng (XT528445). They evacuated three AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, 12 hand grenades, three backpacks, a flag, and a small amount of documents from the contact site. There was no return fire. B/1-27 Inf swept the contact site again at 1100 hours on 3 November and evacuated a small amount of documents, medical supplies, one M-79 round and two M26 hand grenades. D/1-27 Inf killed two enemy at 0850 hours on 2 November with claymore mines 8kms southeast of Dau Tieng (XT557430) and evacuated one AK-47 rifle and one M16 rifle. There was no enemy return fire. Later, at 1823 hours, D/1-27 Inf received a small arms fire from an unknown number of enemies 1.8 kms northwest of the 0850 hours contact (XT540439) but suffered no US casualties. Organic weapons with unknown results returned fire. One AK-47 was evacuated. A further sweep of the area at 0900 hours by D/1-27 Inf on 3 November resulted in the destruction of eight bunkers, three cooking positions and one underground oven. They evacuated two hammocks, three uniforms, 20 pounds of rice, two pounds of sugar, two canteens, two helmets, one flashlight, three RPG rounds, 50 x .45 caliber rounds, one M26 hand grenade, two Chi Com hand grenades, 30 feet of time fuse, four blasting caps and miscellaneous cooking utensils. C/1-27 Inf killed one enemy with organic weapons fire 5kms southeast of Dau Tieng (XT524438) at 1137 hours on 5 November and evacuated one AK-47 rifle, one rucksack, and a small amount of documents. A night defensive position (NDP) of C/3-4 Cav located 6 kms east of Go Dau Ha (XT456256) received two 82mm mortar rounds, three RPG rounds and small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy at 0030 hours on 6 November resulting in two US soldiers killed and five wounded. Two RPG rounds were evacuated from the contact area during a sweep.

The 2nd Brigade, during the first week of November, continued to operate as part of the 25th Infantry Division in Operation Toan Thang IV. The 2nd Brigade's maneuver battalions were the 1st Battalion (Mech), 5th Infantry, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry and 4th Battalion (Mech), 23rd Infantry, which operated in Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy provinces. There were three contacts with the enemy during the week resulting in five enemy killed. The most significant contact occurred at 1130 hours on 1 November when a UH-1H helicopter from the 240th Airmobile company received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy 7 kms west of Bearcat (YS075987). The aircraft

suffered no hits. C/1-5 Inf (M) reacted and engaged the enemy force with a light fire team (LFT) and artillery resulting in five enemy killed. One RPG launcher, two RPG boosters, one RPG pack, one AK-47 rifle, one K54 pistol, one M-1 carbine, seven RPG rounds, two US rifle grenades, one M26 hand grenade, 330 pounds of rice, two pistol belts and two field packs with miscellaneous clothing were evacuated. There were no US casualties. A/B/D/3-22 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons, artillery and LFT 8 kms northwest of Black Horse (YT365032) at 0910 hours on 2 November with unknown results. Enemy small arms fire killed one US soldier, wounded three and wounded one Kit Carson Scout. Four bunkers and one US claymore mine were destroyed on a sweep of the area. C/1-5 Inf (M) received small arms and hand grenades from an estimated 15 enemy 4 kms northwest of Long Thanh (YS118945) at 1830 hours on 6 November resulting in two US soldiers wounded. Organic weapons and artillery with unknown results returned fire.

USARV General Order 10719 established the 2nd Brigade as a separate brigade under the operational control of II Field Force, Vietnam on 8 November. The 2nd brigade continued operating in Phuoc Tuy, Long Khanh and Bien Hoa (Nhon Trach district) Province during the second week of November with three maneuver battalions targeted against the 274 NVA Regiment, 74 NVA Artillery Regiment and the 84th Rear Service group. The enemy continued to avoid contact and concentrated on conducting political reindoctrination and training in preparation for renewed combat activity in December. There were nine enemy initiated incidents during the week of which two were attacks by fire and seven were ground attacks. A total of 12 enemy soldiers were killed, one Hoi Chanh received and eight individual and two crew served weapons captured during the week. The most significant contact occurred on 12 November when C/3-22 Inf received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy 10 kms southwest of Xuan Loc (YT370033) at 0845 hours resulting in three US soldiers wounded. Organic weapons, artillery, LFT and air strikes with unknown results returned fire. Scattered firing continued and at 1235 hours B/3-22 Inf was inserted 2.5 kms southeast of the R/3-22 Inf contact at (YT383039) for reinforcement. Sniper fire at 1515 hours killed one US soldier and wounded another from R/3-22 Inf. Fire was returned by organic weapons with unknown results. A MEDIVAC Uh-1H helicopter received small arms fire at 1530 hours while attempting to dustoff the wounded. The UH-1H suffered moderate damage and was forced to land 800 meters southwest of C/3-22 Inf's position. The UH-1H was secured by one platoon from A/1-5 Inf (M) until extracted at 1750 hours. At 1600 hours, C/3-22 Inf again received heavy small arms; automatic weapons and RPG fire resulting in two US soldiers wounded. Two LFT's air strikes and organic weapons returned fire. One 7.62 ChiCom machine gun, one RPG launcher and one RPG round were evacuated from the area after contact was broken The area was again swept on 13 November by D/3-22 Inf and they

The 2nd Brigade continued operating in Bien Hoa (Nhon Trach District), Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Province during the third week of November (15-21 November) with three maneuver battalions. Enemy activity was light in the 2nd Bde's AO with 12 enemy initiated incidents reported of which one was an attack by fire, nine were ground attacks, one was terrorism and one was aircraft receiving ground fire. Five enemy soldiers were killed and 2nd Brigade units captured five individual weapons during the week. Terrorist activities on the periphery of the AO and reports of food gathering activities. Only two mining incidents were reported during the week resulting in one US soldier wounded.

A/3-22 Inf received small arms fire at 0135 hours on 16 November 11.5 kms west of Xuan Loc (YT342069) from four enemy soldiers armed with one RPG launcher and three AK-47's resulting in one US soldier wounded. Scattered firing continued until morning but there were no further US casualties. Enemy losses were unknown. C/2-12 Inf received one hand grenade while sweeping an area 9 kms northeast of Black Horse (YT527003) at 1210 hours on 16 November resulting in three US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons with unknown results. C/3-22 Inf engaged two to three enemy 9 kms south of Black Horse (YS384885) at 1545 hours on 19 November with organic weapons, forward air controller (FAC), LFT and artillery with unknown results. Enemy small arms fire wounded one US soldier. Contact was lost at 1615 hours,. A mechanical ambush set out by B/3-22 Inf and the 415 RF Company 5 kms southwest of Xuan Loc (YT415056) detonated at 0645 hours on 20 November resulting in two enemy killed and the location of heavy blood trails heading off to the northwest. One AK-47 rifle, 10 x .45 caliber rounds, several personal pictures, one promotion slip and a small amount of documents were evacuated. The captured documents identified the 21B Recon Section of the 274 NVA Regiment. The most significant contact of the week occurred at 1515 hours on 20 November when Team 1C, Company F (Rgr), 75th Infantry while on patrol received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy 19 kms east of Black Horse (YS634936) resulting in two US soldiers wounded. They returned fire with small arms, hand grenades, and LST, killing three of the enemy. They evacuated one AK-50 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, one 5-kilo bag of rice, five pounds of salt, one

Enemy activity throughout the 2nd Bde's AO remained at a low level during the fourth week of November (22030 November). There were nine ground contacts and two attacks by fire during the week resulting in 10 enemy killed, three prisoners-of-war captured and six individual weapons evacuated. The most significant increase in activity occurred on 25 and 26 November with a series of contacts in Nhon Trach District and an attack on Suoi Tre village (YT2505). Sensor activity south of the Dong Mai River, in northern Trang Bom District (Bien Hoa Province). This movement between War Zone D and the 2nd Bde's AO was a major infiltration and supply route used by the enemy. However, operations along QL (Highway) 1 and War Zone D hindered the flow of supplies and forced the enemy to rely heavily on the local populace for foodstuffs. This reliance was evident by the enemy's increased presence in the Sparrow Valley area (YT5401) where the rice harvest was being gathered by the local villagers and along QL 1 where “shadow supply system” was set up in the vicinity of Bau Ca, Hung Nghai and Hung Loc villages. Those supplies were brought into the area from Saigon, Bien Hoa and Xuan Loc and used to feed the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 274 NVA Regiment which were operating south of the Suzannah and Ong Que Rubber Plantations.

C/2-12 Inf and 231 RF company received small arms fire from an estimated three individuals 8 kms north of Xuan Loc (YT443152) at 0953 hours on 24 November resulting in one US soldier and one RF soldier killed. Fire was returned by organic weapons, LST and FAC resulting in one VC killed. A sweep of the area located one Vietnamese newspaper, one booklet containing names of Local Force personnel, 15 AK-47 rounds and a heavy blood trail. On 25 November at 1705 hours, Sct/Flame/1-5 Inf (M) and the 291/105 RF companies engaged three to four enemy 4 kms south of Long Thanh (YS131880) with organic weapons resulting in one enemy killed, two prisoners-of-war captured and one K54 pistol evacuated. The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no Allied casualties. One of the PW's identified the unit in the Phuoc My village Guerrilla Force that had last been identified on 16 October by a Hoi Chanh. The mission of the unit was to collect taxes and spread propaganda in Phuoc Kien (Phuoc My) and My Phan villages. The taxes collected were used to buy rice. Morale was low because of inadequate food and ammunition. B/3-22 Inf killed one enemy soldier at 1600 hours on 28 November 10 kms west of Xuan Loc (YT355076) with small arms fire. One AK-47 rifle and three magazines were evacuated. A mechanical ambush detonated at 1645 hours on 30 November 10 kms south-southwest of Black Horse (YS395869). D/3-22 Inf engaged the area with 81mm mortars. A sweep located one enemy KIA (BC) and one prisoner-of-war along with one AK-47 rifle, one RPG launcher and two rucksacks containing food, clothing and documents. The documents identified the postal section

of SR-4. The most significant contact of the week occurred at 1755 hours on 30 November when B/3-22 Inf received small arms fire and B40 fire from an unknown number of enemy 500 meters west of the village of Hung Nghai (YT294096). Fire was returned by organic weapons and LFT resulting in seven enemy soldiers killed and four AK-47 rifles and one K54 pistol evacuated. Documents taken from the bodies identified the 74 NVA Artillery Regiment. The group was probably on a rice resupply mission for the regimental base area in the vicinity YT2703 to the Hung Nghai, Hung Loc area where a shadow supply system operated.

The 2nd Bde continued operating in Bien Hoa (Nhon Trach District), Long Khanh (Xuan Loc District) and Phuoc Tuy Provinces during the first week of December (1-7 December) with four maneuver battalions targeted against the 274 NVA Regt, 74 NVA Arty Regt and 84th Rear Service Group and local guerilla forces. Enemy activity remained at a low level as main and local force units avoided contact to engage in resupply activities. Four enemy soldiers were killed, one prisoner-of-war was captured and 2nd Bde forces evacuated seven individual weapons during the week. Only one mining incident was reported resulting in one US soldier killed and one wounded.

The most significant contact of the week occurred at 2130 on 2 December when B/1-27 Inf with the 105 RF and 64 PF Companies ambushed an unknown number of enemy 4 kms southwest of Long Thanh (YS103890) with organic weapons resulting in two enemy killed, one prisoner-of-war captured and two M16 rifles and one AK-47 rifle evacuated. Enemy small arms fire wounded one US soldier and RF soldier. The PW identified his unit as the Phuoc Thien Guerilla Force whose mission was to provide village security. C/2-12 Inf received small arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated five enemy soldiers armed with M16 rifles 7 kms north of Xuan Loc (YT437151) at 1100 hours on 4 December resulting in four US soldiers wounded. Organic weapons and LFT returned fire with unknown results. D/2-12 Inf engaged three to four enemy carrying rucksacks with organic weapons and artillery 12.5 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YS555013) at 1230 hours on 5 December resulting in one enemy killed and one AK-47 rifle with three full magazines, one RPG round, one pistol belt and a small amount of batteries and documents evacuated. The documents identified the D445 LF Battalion, which normally operated around Nui May Tao (YS7492). This was the first indication of this unit in the area east of the Sparrow Valley (vic YT5201).

B/3-22 Inf and Long Khanh PRU engaged an estimated 20 enemy one km east of Hung Nghai hamlet (YT310091) at 0855 hours on 9 December with organic weapons resulting in two females with NVA rucksacks filled with rice detained. At 1010 hours, contact was reestablished but broken immediately, resulting ion PRU solider wounded. Later, at 1350 hours, B/3-22 Inf and PRU engaged three enemy 100 meters east of the 0855 hours contact resulting in one enemy killed, one wounded NVA prisoner-of-war captured and two AK-47 rifles evacuated. The PW was a member of the 2nd Platoon, 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, 274 NVA Regiment and had been on a food supply mission for the 2nd Company when captured. This was the normal area of operations of the 2nd Battalion. The most significant contact of the week occurred at 1920 hours on 10 December when a mechanical ambush set out by B/3-22 Inf 1 km east of Hung Loc hamlet (YT331095) detonated. B/3-22 Inf engaged the area with organic weapons and received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy. There were no US casualties. The area was swept at 0730 hours on 11 December, resulting in the location of five enemy dead and the evacuation of four AK-47 rifles, 13 Ak-47 magazines with 483 rounds, two US hand grenades, three US pistol belts, 10 pounds of documents. The documents identified the Rear Service Section of the 274 NVA Regiment. Three enemy soldiers were killed by a mechanical ambush at 2145 hours on 12 December 2 kms east of Hung Loc hamlet (YT342085). B/3-22 Inf evacuated one AK-47 rifle from the site.

Enemy activity remained relatively light throughout the 2nd Brigade's AO during the third week of December (15-21 December), however, there was a slight increase over last week. The area with the most activity continued to be south of highway QL 1 and west of highway LTL 2 as small groups of enemy engaging in resupply missions were contacted. Allied operations around Hung Nghai and Hung Loo hamlets on QL 1 have severely disrupted enemy resupply activities and forced the enemy to shift his efforts to procure supplies east of those hamlets. Another area of increased enemy activity was in the Viet Cuong Plantation (vic YS4889). This plantation was used as a rear service area for MR-7 units and as a major east-west commo-liason route linking southwestern Bien Hoa Province to the May Tao Mountain area (YS7491). The 2nd Bde's four-maneuver battalions killed 10 of the enemy, captured one prisoner-of-war, and evacuated nine individual weapons during the week. There were four mining incidents reported resulting in three US soldiers wounded.

Containing food captured. A blood trail was also located. A LOH from D/3-4 Cav was downed by enemy small arms fire 7 kms west of Long Thanh (YS070926) at 1245 hours on 16 December. An aerial rifle platoon (ARP) secured the aircraft until it was extracted. One enemy was killed and one wounded prisoner-of-war was captured by C/3-22 Inf after a mechanical ambush 11 kms west of Black Horse (YS330982) at 0835 hours on 17 December. Two rucksacks containing one M26 hand grenade, a knife, 25 pounds of rice, clothing and documents were evacuated. The documents identified west of the Viet Cuong Plantation, vic YS3688. Two enemy were killed by mechanical ambush detonation at 1712 hours on 18 December 5 kms east Phuoc An (YS187783). Sct/Flame/1-5 Inf (M) swept the area and evacuated two AK-47 rifles and one AK-47 magazine. Husky compound, vic YT466093, received eight to twelve 81mm mortar rounds, four of which landed in the compound, at 1905 hours 18 December resulting in 16 US soldiers wounded, one civilian killed and three civilians wounded. Counter mortar fore was returned to the northeast, vic YT48-113, with unknown results. R/3-22 Inf engaged five enemy soldiers 2 kms southeast of Hung Nghai (YT315080

) with organic weapons at 1155 hours on 19 December resulting in two enemy killed. The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no US casualties. One K54 pistol and one AK-50 rifle were evacuated from the contact site. C/1-5 Inf (M) received two Hoi Chanhs 9 kms west of Long Thanh (YS051924) at 1255 hours on 20 December. Both men were members of the rear service team of the 4th Company, 4th Battalion of SR-4 which operated in northern Khan Trach District. R/3-22 Inf engaged 10 enemy with organic weapons 2 kms southeast of Hung Nghai (YT315080) At 17645 hours on 20 December resulting in two enemy killed and twoAK-47 rifles, two rucksacks and a small amount of documents evacuated. The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no US casualties. The documents identified the 6th Company, 2nd Battalion, 274 NVA regiment which had been on a resupply mission to Hung Nghai-Hung Loc hamlets.

The most significant contact of the week occurred at 2240 hours on 23 December when a mechanical ambush set out by B/3-22 Inf 1 km south of Hung Loc (YT322085) detonated. The area was engaged with organic weapons and a Nighthawk resulting in five enemy killed. The enemy force returned fire with hand grenades but there were no US casualties. The contact area was swept by B/3-22 Inf at 0630 hours on 24 December and they received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy resulting in one US soldier wounded. Organic weapons and helicopter gunships with unknown results returned fire. Three AK-47 rifles, one carbine, one rucksack with a small amount of clothing and documents were evacuated from the contact site. The documents identified the C22 Transportation company, 274 NVA Regiment and included a

Comprehensive list identifying the 274 Regiment, the three battalions, all regimental support companies except the C19 Engineer Company and the three staff sections of the Regiment. One enemy was killed and another captured after a mechanical ambush set out by D/3-22 Inf 5 ½ kms south of Hung Nghia (YT285042) detonated at 0745 hours on 24 December. Documents taken from the enemy body identified the 3rd Battalion, 74th Artillery Regiment that was providing security for the 74th Arty Regimental Headquarters located near the contact area. A/2-12 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy in bunkers 13 kms northeast of Black Horse (YT569010) at 1055 hours on 24 December with organic weapons resulting in three enemy killed. The enemy returned fire with small arms and automatic weapons resulting in two US soldiers wounded and one Kit Carson Scout wounded. An LST from D/3-4 Cav received small arm's fire at 1630 hours on 25 December from a sampan carrying one individual and some ammo cases 6.5 kms southwest of Long Thanh (YS088898). The sampan was engaged and the ARP/3-4 Cav was inserted in the area. They destroyed the sampan and evacuated one M26 hand grenade, miscellaneous clothing and documents. A further sweep of the contact area at 0805 hours on 26 December resulted in one enemy body located and one K54 pistol, one transistor radio, one stove, two carbine magazines, one poncho and a small amount of documents evacuated. B/1-5 Inf (M) engaged 13 enemy 5 kms south of Hung Loc (YT316044) at 1115 hours on 26 December with organic weapons, LST, artillery, and FAC resulting in one prisoner-of-war captured and two Hoi Chanh received. One radio, one English/Vietnamese dictionary, clothing and documents were evacuated. The PW identified his unit as the C20 Signal Company, 274 NVA Regiment that has last been identified in the same area on 16 December. The C20 was being used on resupply missions to the Hung Loc-Hung Nghai area. B/3-22 Inf with the 984 RF Company engaged an estimated 30 enemy in the open 1 km southeast of Hung Nghai (YT307087) at 18120 hours on 26 December. Heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire was exchanged and a LFT flew in support. One US soldier was wounded while enemy losses were unknown. Scattered firing continued until 2045 hours when contact was broken. C/1-11 ACR maneuvered into blocking positions north, east and west of the area in preparation for a sweep the next morning. A sweep by 3-22 Inf and the 984 RF Company at 0855 hours on 27 December located two enemy bodies, three AK47 rifles and six AK47 magazines. An OH-58 helicopter from D/3-17 Air Cav, while supporting 2nd Bde forces, crashed and burned 18 kms northwest of Xuan Loc (YT3824) at 1145 hours on 30 December after hitting power lines due to mechanical problems. Three US soldiers, the crew of the LOH, were killed. A/1-5 Inf (M) and some RF's secured the downed aircraft.

The most significant contact of the week occurred at 0710 hours on 3 January when a mechanical ambush set out by C/1-27 Inf 8kms southwest of Black Horse (YS391899) detonated killing three enemy soldiers. They evacuated two AK-47 rifles, one K54 pistol, three rucksacks, clothing, 20 AK47 armor piercing rounds, 100 AK-47 rounds, 14 K54 rounds and one pound of documents from the site. The documents identified elements of SR-4 Finance and Economy Section and the place of capture was a rear service area for SR-4 and MR-7. B/2-12 Inf located six bunkers and a sapper training area 14 kms southwest of Xuan Loc (YS564994) at 1110 hours on 3 January. They destroyed the bunkers and evacuated one typewriter, one sewing machine, some pill bottles, several notebooks and diaries, five .50 caliber ammo cans of documents, medical supplies, one map and one M1 Carbine. The documents identified elements of the Xuan Loc District Headquarters and subordinate units. Two enemy soldiers were killed with artillery and LST by C/1-27 Inf 1.5 KMS northwest of the 0710 hours contact (YS383912) at 1405 hours on 4 January and located two separate bunker complexes with a total of 38 bunkers. They destroyed the bunkers and evacuated papers and documents, miscellaneous cooking utensils and clothing, five shovels, five full AK-47 magazines, two full M16 magazines, 120 AK-47 rounds, 100 M16 rounds, eight NVA ponchos, one six volt battery, five AT tripwire detonators, two CS grenades, nine US canteens and medicine. A/2-12 Inf received small arms and automatic weapons fire from an unknown number of enemy 13 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YT565012) at 1315 hours on 5 January resulting in two US soldiers killed and three wounded. Fire was returned with organic weapons resulting in one enemy killed. They evacuated three RPG rounds, three RPG boosters, one RPG launcher, 25 pounds of rice, one hammer and a small amount of documents and clothing from the contact site. A sapper training area with four bunkers and two hootches was located by B/1-5 Inf (M) 14 kms north of Xuan Loc (YT567011) at 1330 hours on 6 January. They destroyed the bunkers and hootches and evacuated one defused 105mm round, five pounds of rice, 1800 M16 rounds, 12 x 7.62 rounds, one ChiCom claymore, one RPG round, 10 full M16 magazines, two full carbine magazines, 300 meters of commo wire, 20 ponchos and several pounds of maps and documents. A/2-12 Inf received small arms and automatic weapons and RPG fire from an estimated 10 enemy 13 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YT567011) at 1450 hours on 6 January. Fire was returned with organic weapons and artillery resulting in one enemy killed and one AK-47 rifle with two full magazines evacuated. There were no US casualties. C/3-22 Inf engaged two enemy 2.5 kms south of Hung Nghia (YT310072) with organic weapons, LST and artillery at 1558 hours on 6 January and killed one. One AK-47 rifle was evacuated. A UH-1H helicopter from 2nd Bde Aviation