After Action Report 27

A. General: The quarter from 1 May to 31 July 1970 was highlighted by the Cambodian cross-border operations directed by President Nixon on 1 May 1970. The 1st and 2nd Brigades, 3rd Brigade of the 9th Infantry Division and all maneuver battalions of the 25th Infantry Division played an integral part in the attack. Although limited in time and restricted geographically, the Division was highly successful in destroying enemy supply points, training sites and base areas along the Cambodian border. The accomplishment of this mission greatly reduced enemy offensive capabilities in the Military Region III area of South Vietnam. Additionally, the enemy suffered significant personnel losses. A total of 1075 enemy soldiers were killed, 54 captured and 22 Hoi Chanh received by 25th Infantry Division forces during the nearly two-month-long operations. Consequently, the enemy was forced to move his personnel and supply bases deeper into Cambodia and considerable time and effort has been required to reconstitute them. Personnel intended by the enemy for offensive action have been diverted to supply and support service activities.

The 1st Brigade began Operation TOAN THANG 44 on 6 May with an attack into Base Area 354, which encompassed the border region called the Dog's Face. The 1st Brigade operated there until 15 May when Operation TOAN THAN 43 Phase III began in which 1st Brigade forces were sent into Base Area 353 around the Fishhook Region. Operation TOAN THANG 43 Phase III lasted until 30 June when all US units pulled out of Cambodia. The 1st Brigade, in both operations, dealt the enemy a severe blow as many tons of food, clothing, medical supplies, weapons and munitions were captured or destroyed. During the last month of the quarter, the 1st Brigade was assigned to a new area of operations in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces and continued Operation TOAN THANG IV, concentrating on interdicting enemy infiltration from Cambodia and destroying enemy bases along the border. Tay Ninh Base Camp and the surrounding area, the 1st Brigade's AO before the Cambodian Operation was turned over to the control of the 25th ARVN Division during July, another indication of the success of the Vietnamization Program.

The 2nd Brigade remained OPCON to II Field Force Vietnam until 7 May when the Brigade reverted to the control of the 25th Infantry Division for operations in Cambodia. Operation TOAN THANG 43 Phase II began on 9 May and lasted until 15 May at which time the 2nd Brigade joined the 1st Brigade in Operation TOAN THANG 43 Phase III until10 June. The 2nd Brigade (illegible) like the 1st Brigade ws successful in locating many enemy supply caches and captured or destroyed tons of enemy food and equipment. During the month of July, the 2nd Brigade assumed control of a new AO around Yuan Loc in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces and resumed Operation TOAN THANG IV, concentrating on the destruction of the enemy and his supplies. 2nd Brigade elements also continued to assist in the pacification program in their new AO.

While the 1st and 2nd Brigades operated in Cambodia during the months of May and June, the 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV, operating not only in Hau Nghia Province but assuming responsibility for the 1st Brigade's AO in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces as well. In July, the 3rd Brigade relinquished control of the 1st Brigade's former AO around Tay Ninh Base Camp to the 25th ARVN Division and concentrated its efforts in northern Hau Hghia Province and the area around Dau Tieng in Binh Duong Province. Emphasis was placed on tactically executing small unit operations, ambushes and combat patrols to locate the enemy, disrupt his movements and uncover his supplies. Also, the 3rd Brigade during the quarter was tasked with the responsibility of the defense of Cu Chi Base Camp and designated one battalion as Division Ready Reactionary Force.

The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division sent the 5th Battalion, (illegible) Infantry (illegible) into Base Area 367 in the Parrot's Beak Region of Cambodia on 7 May. This operation TOAN THANG 500 lasted until 12 May and resulted in 159 enemy killed, 18 prisoners of war captured and 18 Hoi Chanh received. Also, 126 individual weapons, 4 crew served weapons, 28 tons of ammunition and four tons of rice were captured or destroyed. Operations by 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div battalions in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces forced sub-regional units to operate in dispersed groups to avoid Allied detection, disrupted sub-regional loyal and main force plans for future attacks, and greatly expanded the pacification program in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces. With United States Naval force, 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div forces seriously disrupted the enemy's ability to operate along canals and rivers within Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces, prevented enemy reinforcement of men and supplies to local guerilla forces and reduced the effectiveness of the Viet Cong Infrastructure by continuous monitoring of the enemy's routes of movement.

Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations remained at a low level during the first week of the reporting quarter (1-7 August). Main force units generally avoided contact with Allied forces, while supporting local force units in the collection of taxes and the procurement of food and ammunition. Sub-regional forces continued to be primarily concerned with the transportation of food and supplies from bases in Cambodia. The most active enemy main force units during the week were the 101 NVA Regiment and 268 Regiment in Sub-region (SR)-1. The number of mining incidents during the week showed a marked decrease from the 29 reported during the last week of July, resulting in four US soldiers killed and 35 wounded.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported during the week. Eight contacts were reported in the 1st Bde's AO resulting in nine enemy killed. A convoy from Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 77th Artillery received small arms and RPG fire from both sides of a road in the Michelin Rubber Plantation 4.5 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT547492) at 1206 hours on (illegible) August. One US soldier was wounded and there was light damage to one 2-1/2 ton truck and two 105mm howitzers. Fire was returned by organic weapons, artillery, a Duster and Co D, 2nd Bn, 14th Inf reacted with unknown results. Three enemy soldiers were killed in two engagements by A/2-14 Inf on 6 August. At 1700 hours, one enemy was killed with organic weapons 5 kms south of Ben Cui (XT458404). At 1934 hours, two enemy were killed 400 meters northwest of the 1700 hours contact.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the first week of August with five maneuver battalions (5th Bn, 60th Inf came under OPCON of the 3rd Bde on 2 Aug 70) operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There was one significant shelling incident reported during the week. B/5-60 Inf received eight rounds of HA at its night defensive position (NDP) 6 kms north of Trung Lap (XT608271) at 2320 hours on 3 August. Five US soldiers and one Kit Carson scout were wounded while one PRC 25 radio, one PRC 77 radio and several individual weapons suffered light damage.

There were eight ground contacts reported in the 3rd Brigade's AO during the week, resulting in 10 enemy killed and two Hoi Chanh received. C/5-60 Inf engaged two enemy with claymore mines and hand grenades at 2045 hours on 4 August 8 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT651271) resulting in two enemy killed. One AK47 rifle, one K54 pistol, two packs with assorted civilian clothing, one civilian radio, a small amount of documents, four AK47 magazines with ammunition, and 40 pounds of rice were evacuated. At 1035 hours on 5 august, C/3-22 Inf engaged 10 enemy 11 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT601477) with organic weapons and artillery resulting in one enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle. Two Hoi Chanh were also received. They identified their unit as the 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Sapper-Intelligence Company, 101 NVA Regiment which operated in the Boi Loi Woods/Trapezoid area. The two Hoi Chanh stated that morale in the unit was low due to lack of adequate food and medical supplies. A/5-60 Inf engaged eight enemy with organic weapons 6 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT618299) at 1817 hours on 5 August. On a sweep of the area at 0800 hours on 6 August by A/5-60 Inf, three enemy bodies were located. Two enemy soldiers were killed and one AK47 rifle was evacuated by B/3-22 Inf from a contact site 6.5 kms west of Ben Suc (XT506340) at 1850 hours on 6 August. Enemy small arms fire wounded one US soldier.

Enemy activity remained at a low level in the 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div's AO during the first week of August. The 3-9 Inf Div continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with one maneuver battalion operating in Long An and Hau Nghis Provinces and one maneuver battalion operating in Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province. There were five significant contacts reported during the week resulting in five enemy killed and three captured. The three prisoners-of-war were captured by A/6-31 Inf at 1235 hours on 4 August after a contact 5 kms west of Duc Hoa (XS525968). The PW's identified their unit as the Duc Hoa Local Force and said they were engaged in ammunition supply activities when captured. The most significant incident of the week occurred at 1605 hours on 3 August when an air cushion vehicle (ACF) from the 39th Cavalry with troops of D/6-31 Inf detonated a mine 6.5 kms northeast of Ben Luc (XS662815) resulting in three US soldiers killed and 19 wounded. The ACV wa a combat loss.

A number of notable figures visited Cu Chi Base Camp during the first week of August. The Reverend John R. Morrett, Dean of St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral of Honolulu visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 1 August to obtain firsthand information on US activities in Vietnam. On 2 August, Coloen Billy M. Vaughn, II FFV ACofS, G3 (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. General Ralph E. Haines, CINCUSPAC, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 3 August to obtain an update on 25th Infantry Division activities. Brigadier General George A. Godding, DCSINT, HQ USARPAC, visited Tan An and Cu Chi Base Camps on 3 and 4 August to obtain information on intelligence gathering, with particular emphasis on ground sensor activity. Brigadier General Harold B. Gibson, Jr., CG US Army Support Command, Saigon, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 5 August for an update on 25th Infantry Division activities. On 7 August, Lietuenant General Walter T. Kerwin, Jr., US Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, visited Cu Chi Base Camp to brief commanders and staff on the availability of trained personnel and to discuss personnel problems.

Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's AO increased slightly during the second week of August (8-14 August) as the enemy attempted to launch some kind of offensive activity. The most active units during the week were the 101 NVA and 268 Regiments in SR-1. In the other sub-regions, enemy main and local force units generally avoided contact, while engaging in supply activities and harassment of the GVN pacification program. The number of mining incidents increased to 17 from 11 the previous week, resulting in two US soldiers killed and 41 wounded.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and Northwest Binh Long Provinces. There were three significant shelling incidents reported in the 1st Bde's AO during the week. Dau Tieng Base Camp (XT4947) received 18X82mm mortar rounds at 1910 hours on 8 August resulting in 12 US soldiers wounded and light damage to two mess halls and one bunker. Fire was returned to the northeast by artillery and mortar with unknown results. At 0345 hours on 9 August, Dau Tieng Base Camp received 20X82mm mortar and two 122mm rocket rounds resulting in six US soldiers wounded and light damage to two ¼-ton trucks. Fire was returned to the northeast by artillery and mortar with unknown results. Dau Tieng Base Camp received 15X75mm recoilless rifle rounds at 2200 hours on 14 August resulting in three US soldiers wounded and light damage to one ¾-ton truck and several buildings. Fire was returned to the northeast by artillery, with unknown results.

There were nine contacts by 1st Bde forces during the week, resulting in eight enemy killed and one captured. D/2-14 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy 8 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT572495) at 1750 hours on 8 August with claymore mines and artillery, resulting in five enemy killed and the evacuation of four AK47 rifles, one K54 pistol and a small amount of documents. The documents identified the 82mm Mortar Company, 101 NVA Regiment, which normally operated in the contact area. C/2-14 Inf had two contacts with an unknown number of enemy 5 kms south of Ben Cui (XT427408) on 10 August at 1110 hours and 1525 hours. US casualties were three killed and six wounded. In the only significant contact of the week in the 1st Bde, a convoy from 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery received seven RPG rounds and small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy on Highway 239 4 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT528478), resulting in six US soldiers wounded, moderate damage to one 2-1/2 ton truck and the destruction of one 1/4 ton truck. Fire was returned by organic weapons and LFT with unknown results. A/2-14 Inf reacted and captured one prisoner-of-war and evacuated one AK47 rifle, three magazines and documents.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of August with five maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were no indirect fire attacks reported. Six ground contacts were reported during the week resulting in seven enemy killed and two VCI cadre captured. R/2-27 Inf with an element of the 25th Inf Div Military Intelligence Company apprehended two female VCI cadre with a small child and medical supplies 4 kms northwest of Trung Lap (XT549242) at 0717 hours on 9 August. Snipers from R/3-22 Inf killed four enemy soldiers at 1830 and 1850 hours on 10 August in two engagements approximately 4.5 kms west of Ben Suc (XT520347). A helicopter gunship from D/3 4 Cav engaged three enemy 10 kms northwest of Ben Suc (XT486380) with organic weapons and a FAC at 1350 hours on 13 August. An aerial rifle platoon (ARP) was inserted and destroyed nine bunkers, 50 pounds of rice and one ChiCom hand grenade.

The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of August with one maneuver battalion operating in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces and one maneuver battalion operating in Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province. Enemy activity remained at a low level as enemy units avoided contact, though there were six engagements resulting in five enemy killed and four prisoners-of-war captured. D/6-31 Inf captured two PWs at 1625 hours on 8 August 7 kms west of Duc Hoa (XS512973) and evacuated one K54 pistol and one 9mm Browning pistol. Later, at 1710 hours, C/6-31 Inf captured two PWs 200 meters south of the D/6-31 Inf contact (XS512976). A UH1H helicopter from the 190th Assault Helicopter Company, while inserting Teams 11 and 14 from Co E (Rgr), 75th Inf received small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy force 10 kms west of Tan An (XS445646). Fire was returned by artillery, airstrike and the insertion of Teams 21 and 22, Co E (Rgr), 75th Inf with unknown results. US casualties were one killed and three wounded (from 190th AHC) and heavy damage to the UH1H helicopter.

Enemy activity remained at a low level throughout the 25th Infantry Division's AO during the third week of August (15-21 August) as enemy main and local force units avoided contact in order to re-establish still inadequate supply channels. SR-1 was the most active area, with the 101 NVA and 268 Regiments being identified numerous times by captured documents. Also, moderate sensor activity from the southern portion of the Fishhook Region to the Razorbacks, Michelin Plantation and Saigon River Corridor was recorded. There were no significant attacks by fire reported during the week. However, the number of mining incidents increased by four from last week to 21, resulting in one US soldier killed and 26 wounded.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. Enemy activity was light, with only three significant contacts reported. A 5-ton truck from A/2-12 Inf with the 588th Engineer Battalion received small arms and RPG fire from both sides of Highway 13 4.5 kms northeast of Phu Khuong (XT3761607) at 0930 hours on 15 August. After the initial firing, several enemy soldiers (some dressed in ARVN uniforms and armed with M16 rifles) boarded the truck and engaged the personnel with small arms fire, killing four US soldiers and wounding five. Fire was returned by organic weapons, artillery, a LST and FAC with unknown results. In the only other significant action of the week, C/2-60 Inf received small arms fire from six to eight enemy during a sweep of a claymore mine detonation 10 kms northwest of Minh Thanh (XT541721) at 1700 hours on 18 August. In the ensuing engagement, two enemy were killed by organic weapons fire and a LFT while US casualties were three killed. One M79 grenade launcher, one AK47 rifle and a few letters were evacuated.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phoc Tuy Provinces. There were no significant ground contacts or shelling incidents reported but a large cache was located. D/4-27 Inf located a bunker complex consisting of seven bunkers and one classroom area 17 kms east of Black Horse (XS613967) at 1830 hours on 16 August. One SKS rifle, one M1 carbine, four M16 magazines with ammunition, two US hand grenades, 50 pounds of clothing, 100 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of medical supplies, six feet of detonating cord with blasting caps, one NVA entrenching tool, one machete, one US pistol belt with two ammo pouches, two pounds of documents, one map and a diary were evacuated.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the third week of August with five maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported during the week. There were 10 ground contacts with the enemy resulting in nine enemy killed. B/2-27 Inf, at an NDP 2 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT549327), engaged two enemy with claymore mines at 1805 hours on 17 August resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles and four magazines. A/5-60 Inf received hand grenades from an unknown number of enemy 8 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT646293) at 0310 hours on 19 August. The enemy force was engaged by claymore mines resulting in two enemy killed. Two AK47 rifles, two AK magazines, one pack of explosives and one book were evacuated. There were no US casualties.

Major General John R. Deane, Jr., Director, Defense Communications Planning Group (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 15 August for an update on 25th Infantry Division Duffel Bag/Tight Ja(illegible) operations. Brigadier General E. M. Lynch, US Army Deputy Inspector General, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 15 August to make an appraisal of the IG system of handling complaints and discuss this matter with the IG, commanders and individual soldiers. Colonel Robert W. Leonard, Chief of Information, MACV (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp, Dau Tieng and FSB Kien on 18 and 19 August for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. Brigadier General Jack Hemingway, CG, 1st Aviation Brigade, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 21 August for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. Enemy activity was light with only three contacts reported. The most significant event of the week occurred at 1145 hours on 30 August when an APC from C/3-4 Cav detonated a 120 pound mine with pressure device 1 km northeast of Phu Khuong (XT353588) resulting in one US soldier killed and eight wounded. Two significant caches were located by B/2-12 Inf 9 kms south of Minh Thanh (XT607581) on 28 August. A bunker was located at 0900 hours and 85 pounds medical supplies and one stethoscope were evacuated. Later, at 1204 hour, another bunker was located in the same area and one sick call list, one record book, two medical books, three grams of novocaine, 100 grams of vitamin B-1, assorted bottles of medicinal alcohol and novocaine, and one set of medical scales were evacuated. The area showed signs of recent enemy activity.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the fourth week of August with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. Enemy activity was light and no significant caches were discovered. B/3-22 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy 11 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (XT539009) at 0930 hours on 31 August with organic weapons, an air strike, artillery, and a LFT with unknown results. Enemy small arms fire killed two US soldiers and wounded six. Three packs and four RPG rounds were evacuated from the contact site. Later, at 1700 hours, B/3-22 Inf located and evacuated (illegible) RPG rounds, two RPG boosters, a small amount of AK47 ammo, 30 pounds of flour, five pounds of rice, cooking utensils and one pound of C-4. In the only other contact of significance, A/1-5 Inf (M) received small arms and RPG fire at 1545 hours on 31 August from an unknown number of enemy 500 meters (illegible) east of the H/3-22 Inf 0930 hours contact (XT534014) resulted in one US soldier killed and six wounded and heavy damage to two APCs. Fire was returned by organic weapons and artillery with unknown results.

Enemy activity remained at a low level during the fourth week of August in the 3rd Bde's AO as the four maneuver battalions of the Brigade operated in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were nine contacts with enemy forces resulting in 21 enemy killed. An LST from D/3-4 Cav engaged six enemy 8 kms northwest of Ben Suc (XT506376) at 1120 on 22 August resulting in two enemy killed. An ARP was inserted in the area and at 1305 hours they located and destroyed one structure and one bunker. Fifty pounds of rice, 20 water bags, miscellaneous clothing and a small amount of documents were evacuated. In two engagements on 23 August, A/2-22 Inf (M) killed six enemy with claymore mines 6 kms southeast of Ben Suc in the Ho Bo Woods (XT620294) at 1836 and 1852 hours. Two of the bodies were located in the contact site while A/3-4 Cav located the other four 1 km west of it (XT611291) at 1225 hours on 24 August. At 1600 hours on 24 August, !/3-4 Cav located six more enemy bodies at the same spot. This body count was credited to an A/2-27 Inf contact on 21 August at 1930 hours 3 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT604320).

The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the week with two maneuver battalions operating in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces and one maneuver battalion in Nhon Trach District. There were nine contacts with enemy forces resulting in five enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. The PW as captured by A/5-60 Inf at 1743 hours 23 August after an engagement with three enemy soldiers 10 kms west of Tan (XS449647). The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no casualties. A C&C Uh1H helicopter from 3.9 Inf Div, while on visual reconnaissance 8 kms south of Long Thanh (XS58844) received small arms fire at 1255 hours on 27 August resulting in three US soldiers wounded. An ARP from D/3-4 Cav was inserted and they engaged two enemy with unknown results.

General Creighton W. Abrams, COMUSMACV, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 24 August for an update on 25th Infantry Division activities and to present a Presidential Unit Citation to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry. Brigadier General Frank McCarthy (USAR-Ret), producer of the motion picture “Patton”, visited Cu Chi Base Camp Dau Tieng Base Camp and three fire support bases on 24 and 25 August to gather Defense Information for making motion pictures concerning the Army's operations in Vietnam. Mr. Clyde D. Hardin (GS 18), Assistant SEA to the Secretary of the Army, R&D, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 26 August to obtain information on current and pending actions affecting R&D policy and decisions in the Republic of Vietnam. The Honorable Egil Krogh, Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs visited Cu Chi Base Camp and two fire support bases on 30 and 31 August to gain firsthand information on the magnitude and consequences of drug abuse problems of US troops in the Republic of Vietnam.

Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations was light and scattered during the first week of September (1-7 September). The only significant activity occurred on the evening of 3 September, the anniversary of the death of Ho Chi Minh. Although six fire support bases received attacks by fire, the damage incurred was not enough to constitute a genuine highpoint. In general, main force units voided contact while engaging in resupply activities. The most active units continued to be in SR-1 with elements of the 101 NVA and 268 Regiments identified in captured documents. The number of mining incidents decreased to 16 from the 34 reported during the last week of August resulting in 20 US soldiers wounded.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with five maneuver battalions (2-34 Armor moved OPCON to 1st Brigade on 3 September ) operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. There was one significant shelling incident reported on 3 September when Dau Tieng Base Camp (XT491473) received 25X82mm mortar rounds at 2150 hours. Only one round impacted inside, wounding one US soldier. There were three contacts reported during the week resulting in five enemy soldiers killed. A/2-60 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with claymore mines 11 kms north of Minh Thanh (XT587772) at 1725 hours on 1 September resulting in one enemy killed. Documents taken from the body identified the Distribution Office, 43rd Postal Transportation Group, Postal Transportation and Communications Office of COSV. An AH1G Cobra from the 187th AHC received 5 caliber machine gun fire 13 kms east of Katum (XT4690) at 1050 hours on 6 September resulting in two US soldiers wounded and heavy damage to the Cobra which crashed. D/2-60 Inf reacted to secure the aircraft until it was extracted at 1515 hours.

A few small caches were located by 1st Bde forces during the week. D/2-14 Inf located three cases of M-72 LAWs (15 weapons) along a trail 6 kms north of Dau Tieng (XT512534) at 1000 hours on 2 September. A/3-4 Cav evacuated 15 pounds of medical supplies and one US pistol belt from a bunker complex 4.5 kms southeast of Phu Khuong (XT367549) at 0800 hours on 4 September. A/2-60 Inf located a munitions cache 13.5 kms east of Katum (XT464885) at 1030 hours on 7 September. They destroyed 75 RPG rounds, 1.5 cases of powder trains, seven rifle grenades and two ChiCom hand grenades.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the first week of September with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were eight significant ground contacts reported during the week resulting in seven enemy killed. At 1340 hours on 3 September,B/2-27 Inf received one Hoi Chanh 3 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT562308) with one AK47 rifle and two 150 caliber ammo cans of medical supplies. The Hoi Chanh identified his unit as the 3rd Platoon, H.5 Sapper/Engineer Company of SR-1 which normally operated in the Saigon River Corridor area. A/2-27 Inf received one Hoi Chanh at 0930 hours on 4 September 5 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT528309). The Hoi Chanh then led A/2-27 Inf to a tunnel complex believed to be a field hospital 1.2 kms northeast of his rally point (XT552314) where two female detainees were apprehended. Also, they evacuated two AK47 rifles, two ChiCom hand grenades, one US hand grenade, 125 pounds of rice, 40 pounds of medicine and drugs, four bottles of plasma, one surgical kit, one dental kit, one kerosene stove, seven plastic water cans, five 5-gallon cans, two US canteens, one bag of rubber bands, two VC ponchos, one US pistol belt, one US flashlight, and assorted clothing and food. The Hoi Chanh identified his unit as the B5 Medical Section of SR-1 whose mission was to procure, package and dispense medicine and medicinal supplies to other VC/NVA units operating in the area. A/2-22 Inf (M), while sweeping the area of a claymore detonation 7 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT654256) on 4 September, received one hand grenade from an unknown number of enemy at 1948 hours. Fire was returned with organic weapons resulting in two enemy killed, two AK47 rifles destroyed and 500 piasters and one notebook evacuated.

A few small caches were located by 3rd Brigade forces during the week. Company D, 65th Engineer Battalion evacuated approximately 15 pounds of medical supplies and two pounds of medical books from a spot 1 km east of Ben Suc (XT586339) at 1350 hours on 4 September. A/2-34 Arm evacuated one .50 caliber ammo can containing 30 bottles of penicillin, vitamins and morphine from a spot 6.5 kms north of Trung Lap (XT598282) at 1700 hours on 5 September. B/2-22 Inv (M), while sweeping a contact area 8 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT663253), located and evacuated one AK4 7 rifle at 0805 hours. Later, at 0945 hours, B/2-22 Inf (M) found an old bunker complex 140 meters southeast of the 0805 hours find and evacuated one radio, medical supplies, 50 batteries, one telegraph key, one headset, 17 radio tubes, 75 feet of wire, two homemade receivers, one ChiCom transceiver and eight US ammo cans containing assorted radio parts and tools.

The 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with one maneuver battalion operating in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces (until 6 September) and one maneuver battalion to Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province. Three contacts were reported resulting in 10 enemy killed. Snipers from C/2-47 Inf (M) engaged 10 enemy with organic weapons at 2045 hours on (illegible) September 4.5 kms south of Long Thanh (YS144877) resulting in five enemy killed (located on a sweep of the contact area at 0830 hours on 6 September) the evacuation of one AK47 rifle, 15 pounds of documents and two civilian radios and the destruction of five mines. The documents identified the 98th Water Sapper Battalion of SR-4 which had last been identified on 20 April following a contact southeast of Noon Trach. At 1615 hours on 7 September, helicopter gunships from the 240th Assault Helicopter Company engaged 10 enemy with organic weapons 2kms south of Long Thanh (YS135892) resulting in five enemy killed, located by A/2-47 Inf (M) on a sweep of the area.

A number of notable figures visited Cu Chi Base Camp during the week. Command Sergeant Major Silas L. Copeland, Sergeant Major of the Army (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 1 September for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. Major General John Norton, Deputy Director, Project MASSTER, DA, visited Cu Chi Base Camp to observe MACV and USARV employment of Surveillance Target Acquisition and Night Observation (STANO) equipment and to facilitate Project MASSTER's analysis of the entire STANO system. On 5 and 6 September, Lieutenant General Frederick C. Wayland, DEPCOMUSMACV (Designate) visited Tan An Base Camp, Cu Chi Base Camp and two fire support bases for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. Lieutenant General Julian J. Ewell, US Military Representative to the Paris Peace Talks visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 7 September to gain the best current appreciation of the overall situation within South Vietnam, including pacification and Vietnamization progress and problems.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported. Two ground contacts were reported resulting in one enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. A/4-23 Inf (M) received RPG fire, small arms and automatic weapons fire from an unknown number of enemy 10 km south of Xuan Loc (YS485975) at 0940 hours on 8 September, resulting in 26 US wounded and light damage to one APC. Fire was returned by organic weapons, LFT, airstrikes and artillery with unknown results. C/3-22 Inf engaged five enemy 18 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YS605980) at 0930 hours on 11 September with organic weapons and artillery, resulting in one enemy killed and the capture of one wounded PW and one AK47 rifle. The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no US casualties.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of September with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were three significant shelling incidents reported during the week. A NDP of the 984th Land Clearing Company with C/2-22 Inf (M) 5 kms east of Ben Suc (XT622348) received six 81mm mortar rounds and four unknown type recoilless rifle rounds at 0645 hours on 11 September, resulting in 11 US soldiers wounded and one ARVN wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons, LST, LFT and artillery with unknown results. An NDP of C.22-22 Inf (M) 6 kms east of Ben Suc (XT634345) received 15X60 mortar rounds from the northeast at 2045 hours on 11 September resulting in one US soldier killed (984th LCC) and three US wounded. Fire was returned by mortar, artillery, LFT, Shadow and a flareship with unknown results.

There were nine contacts with enemy forces during the week resulting in 12 enemy soldiers killed, one VCS-CD prisoner-of-war captured and one Hoi Chanh received. B/4-9 Inf engaged five enemy soldiers 5 kms south of Ben Cat (XT737482) at 1804 hours on 9 September with organic weapons and artillery resulting in three enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles and documents identifying the 83rd Rear Service Group, Rear Service Office of SR-1. The CP/2-22 Inf (M) 7 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT654255) engaged an unknown number of enemy at 1826 hours on 10 September, resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle and one .45 caliber pistol. A/2-22 Inf (M) received a Hoi Chanh at 0208 hours on 10 September 2 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT604238). The Hoi Chanh was the Assistant Chief of Staff for the K-3 Battalion, 268 Regiment, SR (illegible), COSVN. He stated that in July 1970, because of the heavy casualty rate within the battalions of the 268 Regiment, the Regiment was disbanded and reorganized as the K-3 Battalion which had three infantry companies of 20 men each. R/2-22 Inf (M) engaged an unknown number of enemy with claymore mines 4 kms west of Ben Suc (XT537341) at 2316 hours on 12 September, resulting in three enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle, one AK magazine, one flashlight, six NVA ponchos, a small amount of rice, two hammocks, one life preserver, three equipment bags, one ChiCom hand grenade, two VC pistol belts, a small amount of documents and one NVA compass. There was no enemy return fire.

(illegible) Inf located a large munitions cache in a bunker with a reinforced concrete trap door 5.5 kms east of Ben Suc (XT628329) at 1910 hours on 9 September. They evacuated one 60mm mortar tube and base plate, 13X75mm recoilless rifle rounds, 10X60mm mortar rounds, 17 boxes of 75mm recoilless rifle (illegible), (102 fuses), 14 cans of mortar charges, four ChiCom claymore mines, (illegible) M83 submachine guns with magazines, two boxes of fuses for 60mm mortar rounds, one US 81mm mortar round and 500 rounds of .30 caliber ammunition.

Brigadier General Lewis E. Maness, Deputy Chief of Staff, Comptroller, USARPAC visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 8 September to determine actions required by subordinate commands as a result of current austere funding. Staff members of the Congressional Subcommittee on Alcoholics and Narcotics of the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 8 September to investigate problems involving the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs by members of the Armed Forces. Lieutenant General Do Cau Tri, CG III CTZ, visited Cu Chi Base Camp for an update on 25th Infantry Division activities on 8 September. Brigadier General Ross R. Condit, Jr. CG, USACDC, Combat Support Group visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 9 September to provide personnel of USACDC Combat Service Support Group the opportunity to make an on-site evaluation of current (illegible) support doctrine and practices in both a tactical and non-tactical environment. General William B. Rosson, DEPCOMUSMACV, made a farewell visit to the 25th Infantry Division on 9 September. Major General Charles M. Gettys, Chief of Staff, USARV visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 14 September for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with five maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported during the week. In seven contacts with the enemy, 1st Bde forces killed six and captured two prisoners-of-war. D/1-27 Inf engaged an area of a tripflare activation 9 kms south of Ben Cui (XT461368) at 2040 hours on 16 September with small arms and claymore mines resulting in one enemy killed and the evacuation of five RPG rounds, one rucksack, three pounds of rice, one pound of documents, one notebook, one log book, one wallet and a bag of clothes. The documents identified the U/I element of the 268 Regiment of SR-1. On a sweep of the contact area at 0715 hours on 17 September by D/1-27 Inf, one wounded PW was captured. The PW identified his unit as the 2nd Company, K-2 Battalion, 268 Regiment of SR-1. At 1458 hours on 18 September, D/2-60 Inf located five enemy bodies 11 kms northwest of Minh Thanh (XT535718). The enemy soldiers had been killed by an artillery recon by fire at 1755 hours on 17 September. D/3-4 Cav and A/3-4 Cav were involved in a contact 6 kms northwest of Ben Cui at 1355 hours on 19 September, in which three enemy were killed and one wounded prisoner-of-war captured. (See Inclosure 4 for details of this action.)

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions (2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry passed OPCON to 25th Infantry division from the 199th Light Infantry Brigade on 19 September) operating in Bien Hoa, Phuoc Buy and Long Khanh Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported during the week. In five contacts with enemy forces, 2nd Bde forces killed two enemy soldiers. C/1-5 Inf (M) received small arms and automatic weapons fire from an unknown number of enemy 7 kms south of Xuan Loc (YT48005) at 2045 hours on 17 September resulting in five US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons, artillery and LFT with unknown results. The next day at 0815 hours, C/1-5 Inf (M) located one enemy killed and evacuated one AK47 rifle, two rucksacks, one bottle of vitamins, miscellaneous clothing and a small amount of documents.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported and only (illegible) contacts resulting in five enemy killed. B/2-22 Inf (M) killed two enemy soldiers with claymore mines at 0915 hours on 20 September 7 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT654255) and evacuated one ChiCom machine gun magazine. A small cache was located by C/2-27 Inf 2.5 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT596318) at 1145 hours on 21 September. They destroyed one bunker and two tunnels and evacuated one M 2 carbine, two SKS rifles, two M (missing) rifles, two cooking pots, a small amount of rice and one entrenching tool.

Two Squadrons of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment became OPCON to the 25th Infantry Division on 15 September and continued Operation TOAN THANG IV in Binh Duong, Bien Hoa and Long Khanh Provinces during the third week in September. No shelling incidents were reported by 11th ACR Squadrons although there were three ground contacts resulting in five enemy killed. L/3-11 ACR killes four enemy with claymore mines 8 kms west of Tan Uyen (XT889259) at 0705 hours on 17 September. They destroyed one booby trapped RPG-7 round and evacuated one NVA pistol belt. ARP/11 ACR received one command detonated booby trapped 82mm mortar round and small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy 9 kms southeast of Ben Cat (XT795260) at 1820 hours on 17 September resulting in three US soldiers killed and three wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons with unknown results.

Dr. William Vivrett, Director of Chaplaincy Services, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 16 September to confer with US Military Chaplains indorsed by the Disciples of Christ. A CONARC Liaison Training Team visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 17 and 18 September to gather information in related areas of training to be used in improving and updating instruction conducted in CONUS. General Ralph K. Haines, Jr. CINCUSARPAC, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 20 September to confer with commanders, visit major headquarters and units, review matters of interest to USARPAC, make appropriate calls on local military and government officials and to bid farewell in view of his reassignment to take over CONARC.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces during the last week of September. One shelling incident was reported. C/2-12 Inf at FSB Denny (XT333896) received six rounds of 75mm recoilless rifle fire and six rounds of 82mm mortar fire, resulting in one US wounded. Fire was returned by mortar with unknown results. There were four contacts with the enemy resulting in two enemy killed and the location of four enemy bodies. D/2-12 Inf located four enemy bodies 6.5 kms north of Dau Tieng (XT518626) at 1435 hours on 24 September. The enemy had been killed after a duffel bag activation on 10 September at 1820 hours by artillery.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. There were five contacts with enemy forces resulting in six enemy killed. D/2-3 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with claymore mines 9kms southwest of Xuan Loc (YT(illegible) at 0810 hours on 24 September resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle, one US (illegible), one &S compass, one US poncho, one hammock and a small amount of documents. The documents identified the (illegible) Company, 274 Regiment. (H/(illegible) Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons 28 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YS13955) at 0730 hours on 26 September resulting in three enemy killed and the evacuation of three AK47's, five (illegible), four AK magazines, 109 AK rounds and 10 pounds of (illegible). The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no US casualties. (illegible) Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons and artillery (illegible) kms southwest of Xuan Loc (YT375055) at 1520 hours 26 September, resulting in one enemy killed. The enemy force returned fire with small arms and RPG fire resulting in two US soldiers wounded. A MEDEVA UH1H helicopter received one RPG round while coming in to pick up the wounded. Fire was returned with organic weapons and B/2-(illegible) Inf reacted with unknown results. The UH1H suffered light damage.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the fourth week of September with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces until 27 September when the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry (-) moved to the 2nd Brigade. There were 13 contacts with enemy forces resulting in 18 enemy killed, two prisoners of war captured and one Hoi Chanh received. C/2-27 Inf located three tunnels and one bunker at 0908 and 1010 hours on 22 September 3 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT590310). They evacuated six AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine, two US canteens, two rucksacks, a small amount of medical supplies and money, 24 pounds of rice and three pounds of documents. At 1030 hours, C/2-27 Inf received small arms fire from two enemy resulting in one US soldier killed. Later, at 1040 hours C/2-27 Inf received one Hoi Chanh. A/4 9 Inf located 7 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT614279), engaged the area of a claymore mine detonation with organic weapons, artillery and LFT at 1800 hours on 23 September. A sweep of the area at 1625 hours on 24 September and 1200 hours on 25 September by A/4 9 Inf located three enemy bodies. They evacuated one AK47 rifle, one bag of medical supplies and one sack of cooking utensils. They destroyed two bomblets, six ChiCom hand grenades, four pistol belts, two US flashlights, three cloth bags, two ammo pouches and one AK vest. R/4-9 Inf engaged four to five enemy 6.5 kms southeast of Ben Sur (XT6(illegible) at 1840 hours on 29 September with organic weapons, artillery and LFT resulting in three enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles. D/4 9 Inf engaged the area of a claymore mine detonation 5 kms north of Trung Lap (XT605264) at 1948 hours on 29 September with organic weapons, artillery (47 rounds HE) and LFT, resulting in five enemy killed and the evacuation of three AK47 rifles, two backpacks, one K54 pistol, two US pistol belts, nine AK magazines, three M-26 hand grenades, two US claymore mines, one flashlight, three wallets, mess gear, a small amount of medical supplies and 1-1/2 pounds of documents.

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the fourth week of September (22-30 September) with two squadrons operating in Binh Duong, Bien Hoa and Long Khanh Provinces. There were six contacts with enemy forces, resulting in seven enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. I/3-11 ACR engaged the area of a claymore mine detonation 9 kms north of Tan Uyen (XT956322) at 2025 hours on 24 September with organic weapons, resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles. There were no US casualties. The (illegible) PF Compound 8 kms east of Lai Khe (XT850159) received an unknown number of mortar rounds followed by a ground attack at 0030 hours on 26 September. They returned fire with organic weapons, artillery and K/3- 11 ACR reacted resulting in the killing of 11 enemy (three credited to K/3-11 ACR) and the evacuation of three AK47 rifles, one K54 pistol and two B-40 rounds. There were no US casualties.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the week with four maneuver battalions operating in northeast Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. There were no significant contacts with the enemy during the week although a few small caches were located by A/3-4 Cav. At 1735 hours on 1 October, A/3-4 Cav located 16 bunkers 4 kms east of Phu Khuong (XT386(illegible). They destroyed the bunkers and evacuated one offset printing press, one plastic bag of medical supplies and four pounds of documents. A/3-4 Cav destroyed 15 bunkers 5 kms east of Phu Khuong (XT395564) at 1430 hours on 2 September and evacuated one M-2 carbine with magazine, one US protective mask, one US canteen, one US steel helmet, two M16 magazines, 400 feet of nylon roper, three time fuses, two ChiCom hand grenades, miscellaneous cooking pots and two .50 caliber ammo cans of documents. The documents identified the Tay Ninh Province Rear Service Section. A small medical cache was located in five bunkers by A/3-4 Cav 4 kms east of Phu Khuong (XT379574) at 1225 hours on 3 October. They destroyed the bunkers and evacuated 495 bottles of novocaine, seven quinine tablets, six bottles of unknown type pills, one bottle of calcium “C”, 45 sulfa tablets, 28 bottles of aspirin and two bottles of penicillin.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the week with three maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were seven contacts with enemy forces during the week resulting in five enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. C/1-27 Inf received small arms and RPG fire from an unknown number of enemy 8 kms northwest of Ben Suc (XT548412) at 1515 hours on 1 October resulting in seven US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons, artillery and helicopter gunships with unknown results. D/1-27 Inf engaged one enemy soldier 7 kms west of Ben Suc (XT505333) with organic weapons at 1755 hours on 2 October, resulting in one enemy killed. There was no enemy return fire. D/1-27 Inf received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy 100 meters northwest of the 2 October contact site (XT504334) at 1050 hours on 4 October. Fire was returned by organic weapons and helicopter gunships resulting in one enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle, one M16 rifle and a small amount of documents. The documents identified the 268 Regiment which normally operated in the area.

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with two squadrons operating in Binh Duong, Bien Hoa and Long Khanh Provinces. There were three contacts with enemy forces during the week, resulting in eight enemy killed. A/1-11 ACR engaged 12 enemy soldiers with organic weapons, artillery and LFT at 2230 hours on 2 October 12.5 kms west of Xuan Loc (YT291098) resulting in four enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle, assorted web gear, 5750 piasters and a small amount of documents. C/4-9 Inf (OPCON to 3/11 ACR) engaged an unknown number of enemy 7 kms southeast of Phuoc Hoa (XT967385) with organic weapons at 0935 hours on 7 October, resulting in two enemy killed and one AK47 rifle evacuated. Later, at 1030 hours, C/4-9 Inf received small arms and RPG fire from an unknown number of enemy while sweeping the area, resulting in five US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons and LFT, with unknown results until 1110 hours when contact was lost.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of October with four maneuver battalions operating in northeastern Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. Contact was light, with four enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. Helicopter gunships from D/3-4 Cav received small ammo fire from an unknown number of enemy 10 kms northwest of Ben Cui (XT963522) at 1613 hours on 9 October. Fire was returned with small arms, resulting in three enemy killed, one prisoner-of-war captured, and the evacuation of four AK47 rifles, three K54 pistols, and one box of 18 hand grenades. A sweep of the area resulted in the location of eight bunkers and the evacuation of 10 pounds of documents, one M16 rifle, 10 pounds of medical supplies, seven flashlights, 24 rucksacks, 106 rounds of K54 ammunition, 875 AK rounds, 102 M16 rounds, four B40 rounds, six B40 boosters, 12 M79 rounds, four ChiCom anti-personnel mines, one M26 hand grenade, one smoke grenade, one US trip flare, nine US pistol belts, four M14 ammo pouches, and miscellaneous clothing and web gear.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of October with four maneuver battalions operating in Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. There were three contacts with enemy forces resulting in six enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. A/3-22 Inf engaged five enemy with small arms fire 9 kms southwest of Black Horse (YS975905) at 1045 hours on 12 October resulting in two enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. One AK47 rifle was destroyed and one AK47 rifle with 210 rounds of ammunition was evacuated. At 0900 hours on 13 October, A/3-22 Inf swept the previous day's contact area and evacuated one K54 pistol, four packs with 20 pounds of documents, two pounds of C4, two electrical blasting caps and miscellaneous clothing. A/3-22 Inf located one more enemy body at 1500 hours on 14 October, which was credited to the C/3-22 Inf contact of 12 October. D/3-22 Inf engaged three enemy soldiers with claymore mines 1/4 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YT53017) at 1300 hours on 13 October, resulting in three enemy killed and the evacuation of three AK47 rifles.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with three maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were 12 contacts with the enemy during the second week of October, resulting in 21 enemy killed and one prisoner of war captured. Sct/2-22 Inf (M) killed four enemy soldiers with claymore mines 2.5 kms north of Ben Suc (XT582960) at 1405 hours on 8 October. There was no enemy return fire. Rcn/ 1-27 Inf received small arms fire from an estimated three enemy 7 kms north of Ben Suc (XT558404). Fire was returned by organic weapons and helicopter gunships, resulting in three enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles and one K54 pistol. A/1-27 Inf engaged two enemy soldiers with claymore mines and hand grenades at 0714 hours on 10 October 8 kms northwest of Ben Suc (XT551414), resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of one bipod for an 82mm mortar, eight 82mm mortar rounds, 12 fuses for an 82mm mortar round, and one US hand grenade. There was no return fire. The most significant contact of the week occurred at 0730 hours on 11 October when !/1-27 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with claymore mines and organic weapons 8kms southeast of Dau Tieng (XT551425), resulting in six enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. They evacuated two AK47 rifles with magazines, 120 AK rounds, 100 pounds of rice, two pounds of fish, five pounds of medical supplies, two pounds of documents, four cans of soy sauce, two packs of Cambodian cigarettes, 15 pounds of ARVN “C” rations, assorted pots and pans, two pounds of raw tobacco, four NVA ponchos, two pounds of tea, 10 pounds of onion skin paper, three hammocks, two NVA pistol belts, 25 pairs of trousers, 13 shirts, and 45 US non-electrical blasting caps. There was no enemy return fire. C/1-27 Inf detonated an unknown type booby trap and received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy at 1415 hours on 12 October 7.5 kms southeast of Dau Tieng (XT560437), resulting in one US soldier killed and five wounded. Fire was returned with small arms and LFT with unknown results.

Colonel W. Russell Todd, CO (Designate), 3rd Brigade visited Cu Chi Base Camp from 7 thru 20 October for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. Brigadier General David E. Thomas, USARV Surgeon, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 9 October for a farewell visit to the medical personnel of the 25th Infantry Division. Brigadier General (P) James Ursano, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and administration, USARV visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 13 October for an orientation on matters of personnel and administration in the 25th Infantry Division. Major General Edward Bautz Jr. resumed command of the 25th Infantry Division on 13 October. Major General Nguyen Xuan Thinh, CG. 25th ARVN Division visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 14 October to tour the facilities.

Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations during the third week of October (15-21 October) remained at a low level as enemy main and local force units avoided contact to engage in proselytizing activities designed to weaken GVN control. There were no significant shelling incidents reported throughout the Division's AO although Cu Chi Base Camp did receive one 122mm rocket at 1827 hours on 15 October, resulting in one US soldier wounded and light damage to two buildings. The number of mining incidents decreased by four to eight resulting in 19 US soldiers wounded.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the third week of October with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh Province (eastern War Zone C), Binh Long Province (western Chon Thanh District) and Bin Duong Province (northern Tri Tam and Khiem Hanh Districts). Enemy units in the 1st Bde's AO were the 101 NVA, 165 NVA and 209 NVA Regiments. There were four significant contacts reported resulting in four enemy killed. A/3-4 Cav engaged three enemy with organic weapons 7 kms northwest of Phu Khuong (XT282618) at 1203 hours on 21 October resulting in three enemy killed. Enemy small arms fire wounded two US soldiers. Later, at 1305 hours, A/3-4 Cav received one 60mm mortar round 1.8 kms southwest of the 1203 hours engagement (XT(illegible) resulting in one US soldier wounded.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the week with three maneuver battalions operating in Phuoc Tuy, Long Khanh and Bien Hoa Provinces. Enemy units opposing the 2nd Bde were the 274 NVA Regiment, 74 NVA Artillery Regiment and 84 Rear Service Group. The 2nd Bde also continued to coordinate its operations with the Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force (RTAVF), 43rd ARVN Regiment, 18th ARVN Division and 11th ACR (-). Contact with enemy forces was extremely light with four reported resulting in five enemy killed. At 1050 hours on 16 October, D/3-22 Inf detonated claymore mines on two enemy soldiers 13 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (YT571021) resulting in two enemy killed and two rucksacks with miscellaneous clothing evacuated. Snipers from R/3-22 Inf engaged 10 enemy 7 kms southwest of Ong Que (YS352932) at 1810 hours on 16 October with organic weapons and supported by artillery and a LFT, resulting in two enemy killed and two AK47 rifles evacuated. There was no enemy return fire.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the third week of October with four maneuver battalions (2-27 Inf moved to 3rd Bde on 16 October) operating in Tay Ninh And Binh Duong Provinces to interdict enemy movement of men and supplies down the Saigon River Corridor. Enemy forces operating in the 3rd Bde's AO were the 101 NVA Regt, 268 VC MF Regt, Quyet Thang Regt, 83 Rear Service Group and SR-1 Rear Service units. There were four contacts with enemy forces resulting in three enemy killed and two captured. A/2-22 Inf (M) detonated claymore mines on nine enemy soldiers 5 kms north of Ben Suc (XT582387) at 1733 hours on 19 October, resulting in one enemy killed and two prisoners-of-war captured. The PWs identified their unit as the C-212 food procurement company of the 83rd Rear Service Group which is responsible for the resupply of SR-1. Three AK47 rifles, one RPG launcher and two RPG rounds were evacuated. At 1620 hours on 20 October, A/1-27 Inf received RPG round from an unknown number of enemy 7 kms southeast of Dau Tieng (XT552427) resulting in five US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned by artillery with unknown results.

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the third week of October with two Squadrons operating in Binh Duong, Bien Hoa and Long Khanh Provinces. Enemy forces in the 11th ACR's AO were SR-5, Dong Nai Regt, 274 Regt and the U-1 Province (VC). There were three contacts with enemy forces resulting in four enemy killed. C/4-9 Inf 9OPCON to 3-11 ACR) engaged an unknown number of enemy 5 kms southeast of Phuoc Hoa (XT934390) at 1150 hours on 15 October with small arms, artillery and LFT with unknown results. The enemy force returned fire with small arms and three RPG rounds but there were no US casualties. Contact was lost at 1200 hours. On a sweep of the area at 1425 hours, C/4-9 Inf received small arms, RPG, automatic weapons and mortar fire resulting in two US killed and three US wounded. Fire was returned y organic weapons, LFT, artillery and air strikes with unknown results. K/3-11 ACR, reacting to the C/4-9 Inf contact at 1545 hours, received small arms, automatic weapons and RPG fire from 10-15 enemy 400 meters south of the original contact resulting in four US wounded and heavy damage to one APC. Fire was returned by organic weapons resulting in four enemy killed. Contact was lost at 1615 hours. Two MEDEVAC UH1H helicopters, one from the 25th Aviation Battalion and the other from the 15th Medical Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Division, called in to evacuate the wounded, received small arms fire at 1440 and 1515 hours, resulting in moderate damage to both aircraft. K/3-11 ACR and A/4-9 Inf (OPCON to 3-11 ACR on 16 October) received small arms and RPG fire from four to five enemy 6 kms southeast of Phuoc Hoa (XT943382) at 1330 hours on 16 October resulting in three US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned bo organic weapons with unknown results.

Major General Walter J. Woolwine, Asst Dep CG for Materiel, USARV, visited Cu Chi Base Camp for an update on 25th Inf Div activities with emphasis on logistics. Brigadier General (P) Frederic E. Davison, Director of Enlisted Personnel, DA, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 17 October to observe and receive command briefings on the status of all aspects of personnel support and current problems in the 25th Infantry Division. Brigadier General Rolland V. Heiser, Deputy J3, MACV visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 19 October for an orientation at 25th Infantry Division activities. Brigadier General Olin E. Smith, Asst Div Commander, 101st Airborne Division, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 19 and 20 October for an update on 25th Infantry Division activities and to attend the change of command ceremonies for the 3rd Brigade.

The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the week with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh Province (eastern War Zone C) Binh Long Province (western Chon Thanh District) and Binh Duong Province (northern Tri Tan and Lhien Hanh districts) against the 101 NVA Regiment, 165 NVA Regiment and 209 NVA Regiment. Contact was extremely light with two being reported resulting in three enemy killed. A claymore mine set out by the Flame Platoon, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav 7.5 kms northwest of Ben Cui (XT398618) detonated at 1410 hours on 23 October resulting in one enemy killed. Two enemy were killed by another F/3-4 Cav claymore mine detonation 4 kms northwest of Ben Cui (XT425495) at 0745 hours on 27 October. One AK47 rifle, 30 pounds of rice and three VC rucksacks were evacuated from the contact site. A/2-12 Inf swept an area 8 kms west of Bau Tran (XT430770) in War Zone C on 24 and 25 October and located one large cache. They destroyed 23 bunkers, one fighting position and 26X82mm mortar rounds. They evacuated assorted bottles of medicine, three CCs of Vitamin K, 100 aspirins, two pair of rubber gloves, 210 vials of penicillin, two pints of plasma, one 115 AC/DC generator, one can of gas, one SKS barrel, 24X75mm recoilless rifle rounds, 340 ChiCom hand grenades, five 20-pound mines, 400 rounds of .51 caliber ammunition, one 107mm rocket, 29 five foot sections of Bangalore torpedoes, 35X82mm mortar rounds and three bicycle wheels with tires.

The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the fourth week of October with three maneuver battalions operating in Phuoc Tuy, Long Khanh and Bien Hoa (Nhon Trach District) Provinces against the 274 NVA Regiment, 74 NVA Regiment and 84 Rear Service Group. The 2nd Brigade also continued coordinated operations with the RTAVF, 43rd ARVN Regiment, 18th ARVN Division and the 11th ACR (-). There were nine contacts with enemy forces resulting in four enemy killed and one captured. D/3-17 Air Cav engaged two enemy with organic weapons 12 kms south of Long Thanh (YS147819) at 2050 hours on 22 October with unknown results. Enemy small arms fire wounded one US soldier and one Kit Carson Scout. One sampan was located and destroyed. An APC from B/4-23 Inf (M) detonated a 10 - 20 pound mine with pressure device at 1240 hours on 24 October 8 kms north of Ngai Giao (YS4548838). The troops riding the APCs from B/4-23 Inf (M) jumped off the tracks only to set off a daisy chain of eight “bouncing betty” type anti-personnel mines, resulting in three US soldiers killed and 17 wounded. The APC suffered light damage. C/3-22 Inf received small arms and RPG fire from an estimated 30 enemy 5 kms northwest of Ong Que (YT374040) at 1615 hours on 24 October resulting in three US soldiers wounded. Fire was returned by organic weapons and artillery with unknown results. C/3-22 Inf located a small munitions cache in a series of bunkers 5 kms northwest of Ong Que (YT343042) at 1105 hours on 25 October. They destroyed 18 bunkers and one RPG round and evacuated four AK47 rifles, two M72 LAWs, 235 AK47 rounds, nine AK magazines, one US claymore mine, three M57 firing devices, two ChiCom hand grenades, two pounds of documents and miscellaneous clothing and cooking utensils. D/3-22 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy 9 kms northwest of Ong Que (YT319048) at 1350 hours on 28 October resulting in one enemy killed and one AK47 rifle evacuated. The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no US casualties. D/3-22 Inf engaged two enemy with organic weapons 750 meters northwest of the 28 October contact (YT314054) at 1250 hours on 29 October resulting in one enemy killed and one AK47 rifle evacuated. They destroyed 20 bunkers and one 82mm mortar round. There was no enemy return fire. B/3-22 Inf located a small weapons cache 3 kms north of Ong Que (YT398025) at 1035 and 1315 hours on 31 October. They evacuated one .30 caliber Browning Automatic Rifle, two SKS rifles, one 75mm recoilless rifle and five Russian anti-tank grenades. They also destroyed six bunkers, one mess area, one table and one chair.

The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the fourth week of October with four maneuver battalions (4-9 Inf (-) moved to 3rd Bde from 11th ACR on 28 October) operating in Tay Ninh Province and Binh Duong Province (southeastern Khiem Hanh, southern Tri Tam, northern Trang Bank and Phu Hoa Districts) against the 101 NVA Regiment, 268 VC MF Regiment, Quyet Thang Regiment, 83rd Rear Service Group and SR-1 Rear Service units. The 3rd Bde's mission was to interdict enemy movement of men and supplies down the Saigon River Corridor. There were 11 contacts with the enemy resulting in 16 enemy killed. B/2-22 Inf (M) killed two enemy with claymore mines 10 kms mortheast of Cu Chi (XT723228) at 0945 hours on 22 October and evacuated one AK47 rifle. A/2-27 Inf (M) killed two enemy with claymore mines 5 kms northeast of Ben Suc (XT595384) at 1818 hours on 22 October. A/2-27 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons and artillery 5.5 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT524309) at 1020 hours on 25 October resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles, one VC poncho, a small amount of documents and miscellaneous personal items. There was no enemy return fire. B/2-22 Inf (M) killed four enemy with claymore mines 11 kms northeast of Cu Chi (XT717245) at 1750 hours on 25 October. Three AK47 rifles were evacuated. An AP from C/4-9 Inf 7 kms north of Cu Chi (XT685214) engaged three enemy at 2205 hours on 30 October with organic weapons. A sweep of the area at 0655 hours on 31 October resulted in the location of three enemy bodies and the evacuation of three AK47 rifles, one RPG round, one cooking pot, one and one-half pounds of documents, one NVA canteen, two pounds of medical supplies, two soldering irons, two pounds of flour, three VC ponchos, three pounds of miscellaneous clothing and one hot water bottle.

until 28 October) operating in Binh Duong, Bien Hoa and Long Khanh Provinces against the 274 NVA Regiment, Dong Nai Regiment, elements from SR-5 and the U-1 Province (VC) forces. In five contacts, 11th ACR forces killed seven enemy soldiers. I/3-11 ACR, while approaching two graves with a trap door between them 7 kms south of Phuy Giao (XT890300), engaged three enemy with organic weapons at 1445 hours on 27 October, resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of one K54 pistol, two hammocks, three VC ponchos, one flashlight and one transistor radio. The enemy returned fire with a hand grenade but there were no US casualties. An NDP from K/3-11 ACR, located 10 kms east of Ben Cat (XT844361), received three to four 60mm mortar rounds, 15-20 RPG rounds and three to five 75mm recoilless rifle rounds at 0130 hours on 30 October, resulting in one US soldier killed and six wounded. Two APCs suffered heavy damage and two APCs suffered moderate damage. Fire was returned with organic weapons, artillery, LFT and Night Hawk, resulting in two enemy killed and two secondary explosions. Two RPG launchers, one AK47 rifle, four RPG boosters and nine RPG rounds were evacuated.

Brigadier General (P) James Ursano, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and Administration, USARV visited cu Chi Base Camp for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities, with emphasis on maters of P&A. Lieutenant General William J. McCaffrey, DCG, USARV visited Cu Chi Base Camp for a briefing on Keystone progress in the 25th Infantry Division. Colonel William Sullivan, DCD and LTC Pembroke Curry, (illegible) A/Vice Chief of Staff, DA visited Cu Chi Base Camp to discuss procedures for the preservation of Vietnam Combat Operations data with emphasis on reporting procedures and the use of computers for operational data storage on 28 October. CMDR Joseph J. Lorfano, US Navy, Special Assistant for SEA, Div Def Information, OASD/PA visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 31 October and 1 November to obtain an update on operations and to discuss public affairs with the IO for background in dealing with and briefing the Washington press on current SEA activities.

During the quarter from 1 August 1970 to 31 October 1970, the 25th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division (until 22 September) and 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment successfully disrupted enemy movement of men and supplies throughout the Division's area of operations thus preventing any significant enemy offensive activity. In general, fighting was light and scattered during the quarter as the enemy avoided contact. This low level of activity was attributed to the highly successful Cambodian operations undertaken by the 25th Infantry Division in May and June of 1970 in which enemy border supply points were destroyed. Enemy units throughout the Division's AO suffered from acute supply shortages, making sustained offensive activity against Division units and installations or Saigon virtually impossible. The 25th Infantry Division and its OPCON units concentrated on upgrading ARVN/PF/RF forces during the quarter in order to continue the Vietnamization program as well as insure the continued success of the Republic of Vietnam's pacification program.

The 1st Brigade's AO included eastern War Zone C in Tay Ninh Province, western Chon Thanh District in Binh Long Province and northern Tri Tan and Khien Hanh Districts in Binh Duong Province. The 1st Bde's maneuver battalions were the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry; 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry; 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor; 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry; and 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry (-). Enemy units operating in the 1st Bde's AO were the 101 NVA Regiment, 165 NVA Regiment and 209 NVA Regiment. The 1st Brigade was tasked with the defense of Dau Tieng Base Camp and disrupting enemy movement through War Zone C.

The 2nd Brigade's AO included Tuy Long Khanh and Bien Hoa Provinces. The 2nd Bde's maneuver battalions were the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry (until 20 August); 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry; 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry; 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry; and 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry (15-28 September ). Enemy units in the 2nd Bde's AO were the 274 NVA Regiment, 74 NVA Artillery Regiment and 84 Rear Service Group. The 2nd Brigade conducted ground reconnaissance and search operations through the AO to disrupt enemy movement.

The 3rd Brigade's AO included Binh Duong Province, southeastern Khien Hanh, Southern Tri Tam, northern Trang Bang and Phu Hoa Districts. Enemy units in the 3rd Bde's AO were the 101 NVA Regiment, 268 VC MF Regiment, Quyet Thang Regiment, 83 Rear Service Group and SR-1 Rear Service Units. The 3rd Bde was tasked with denying the use of the Saigon River Corridor by the enemy and with the defense of Cu Chi Base Camp for which one battalion was designated Division Ready Reactionary Force. The 3rd Bde's maneuver battalions were the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry; 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry; 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry (until 20 August); 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry; and 2nd Battalion (until 20 August); 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry; and 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry.

(1) During the months of August through October 1970, the aggregate Division personnel strength averaged 16,827 of 17,709 authorized or 95%. Enlisted personnel strength averaged for this period 15,592 of 16,410 authorized or 95% while officer personnel strength for the period averaged 1,235 of 1,299 authorized or 95%. Personnel shortages continued to exist in Infantry, Signal Corps and Artillery captains, aviators overall, and non-commissioned officers in the grades E6 through E8 in the 11B, 11C, 12B, 13E, 17K, 31G, 63C and 76P MOS series.