After Action Reports 35

a. On first mission, 9 December 1967, commencing H-Hour, D+1, 2/12th Inf (-) conducts combat assault into LZ 1, secures southern portion of FSB HOOD (Bde Base). On D+2, effects link-up with TF 2/22 and conducts offensive operations in assigned AO to locate and destroy VC/NVA forces and installations until D+7. On D+8, 2/12th (-) conducts airmobile move to FSB RENO and continues to contact and destroy VC/NVA Forces until D+15. From D+15 to D+60, 2/12th conducts detailed Reconnaissance in Force Operations in assigned AO.

b. On 2nd mission, 28 December 1967, commencing 0700H, 2/12th Inf (-) conducts airlift by fixed wing aircraft to Katum, became OPCON to 1st Bde, 25th Inf Div. Conducts combat assault in vic (XT2893) and secures rice cache for extraction. Conducts patrols in assigned AO to locate and destroy VC/NVA Forces and installations until 2 Jan 68. On 2 Jan 68, returns to OPCON to 3rd Bde, 25th Inf Div and conducts missions to be announced.

2/12 (-) began operations with combat assault at 0935H. It was completed by 1100H landing at (XT387704). Bn (-) proceeded to secure southern portion of the LZ (FSB HOOD) while 3/49th ARVN secured northern portion. Co C (-) was airlifted at 1825H to FSB GRANT (XT380620) for additional security purposes. Co D found 2 Bouncing Betty mines on LZ and destroyed.

2/12th (-) continued Reconnaissance in Force operation in AO OTTER, on 12 Dec Recon at 0950H located and destroyed 7 bunkers with overhead cover at (XT472691). The bunkers were 10” x 15' x 5'. Inside were a table, chairs, canteen and two entrenching tools. Laager site for the Bn is (XT464498).

2/12 on Eagle Flight lifted to (XT3279). They then returned to Dau Tieng because of Intelligence Report. Last element arrived 1525H. Bn went on Red Alert at 1800H for possible attack. Base camp came under mortar attack at 2130H until 2330H. Approximately 45 mortar rounds fell in Bn area. 2/12th suffered 3 WHA's.

Recon went on mounted patrol in Ben Cui Rubber departing 0905H. They closed base camp at 1430H. Co's C & D departed base camp 0700H to establish two ambushes in Michelin. Co D established their ambush at (XT512483) and C at (XT510496). As C Co prepared to leave the ambush site they hit two booby traps wounding 2 at (XT510488). Co's C & D closed camp at 1535H. One platoon from C Co remains at FSB GRANT, OPCON to Task Force Romeo.

Co A combat assaulted to (XT55530) then started moving to night ambush site. At 1540H at (XT435522), they found 10 bunkers. At 16(missing) at (XT463522) located 3 bunkers 10' x 24' x 8'. All bunkers were destroyed. At 1720H at (XT645524), they located 2 bicycles along the river, also one submerged boat and one sampan. Co A's ambush site for the night established at (XT465523). Bn (-) remained at Camp Rainier with mission of Bde Reaction Force. Two platoons from Co C returned to Dau Tieng from FSB GRANT 0930H. Recon ambush patrol at 1845H was in contact at (XT509461) on all sides. Artillery, gunships and firing from checkpoint was used to get patrol back to base camp at 2000H. Checkpoint at Post #1 at 2330H received incoming grenade with negative casualties.

2/12th resumed Operation Yellowstone. They were airlifted by fixed wing to Katum (XT333897). Last lift completed at 1100H. Bn came under OPCON to 1st Bde, 25th Inf Div. From Katum, they will combat assault to (XT282925) and will recn in force from laager site until 2 Jan 68. Co B and Rec Platoon are in Dau Tieng as 3rd Bde, Ready Reaction Force.

!-2-12 while providing security for Rome Plow operations, made contact with squad size enemy element at coord (XT340884). Contact was broken at 1005H with the following results: two enemy KHA. Web gear taken from one enemy KHA proved he was member of NVA Force. At 1600H, sniper fire was received at coord (XT349886) resulting in one US KHA, two US WHA and one US NBI. Enemy losses unknown. Bravo Co at 1100H found four graves at (XT346386) with 4 male bodies uncovered.

2/12th continues security mission of Katum. At 1815H, received 10 rounds 82mm and 15 rounds 60mm mortar fire. Negative Flame casualties. Alpha departed Katum 0745H sweeping east to (XT359901), north to (XT359920), west to (XT346920) then southeast back to Katum. Bravo provided security for Rome Plow Operations working the perimeter.

On 13 Jan conducted local recon in force missions. On 14 Jan, a combat assault was conducted by Co's A, B, and C into (XT279972) and a recon in force operation began. Gunships covering the assault receiving fire vic (XT279978). They returned fire and an airstrike was called in. Co C received small arms fire (XT298978) from approximately 3 VC. Returned fire and swept the area. Co B located minefield and 10 VC bodies in shallow graves. Three companies continued sweep to PZ vic (XT282958) where they were extracted back to Katum.

Conducted local patrolling on the 17th of Jan and improved positions around the perimeter. On the 18th, continued perimeter sweep 100 meters from FSB BURT. Alpha at (XT515830) found three freshly dug foxholes 4' x 3' x 5, two had overhead cover. At 1315H, dust-off required for one US NBI, paralyzed legs due to cramps. At 1615H, a stay behind force from Alpha discovered grave with male dressed in black pajamas.

Conducted local recon in force vic FSB BURT (5080) sweeping southeast to (XT515784) southwest to (XT513782), then northwest to (XT504797). Returned to BURT 1600H. Alpha at (XT507796) found stakes tied to trees. Stakes were probably used as trail markers. Also Alpha discovered 4 bunkers 3' x 4' x 5' with overhead cover. Estimate they were three days old. Destroyed them. At 0850H vic (XT509799), found 8 huts, 17 bunkers, two with overhead cover. All bunkers and huts destroyed by fire. At 0940H vic (XT511791), found six foot bunker with overhead cover which was approximately one week old. At 1020H vic (XT517787) found 7 freshly dug unused graves, 4 foxholes 3' x 4' x 4', 2 incomplete, 6 freshly dug bunkers without overhead cover approximately 1 week old. At 1225H vic (XT511792) located 1 foxhole and hut with tunnel 8' long. At 1410H vic (XT503797) found probable staging area with approximately 30 foxholes having overhead cover. Alpha also discovered 1 radio battery case, rucksack, bandages and approximately 100 pounds of rice. Located 6 graves at same location with 6 males. At 1530H, found 1 bicycle and extracted. Delta Company at 0755H vic (XT515784) found VC bridge 3' wide tied with vines. Also found 1 AK47 with magazine at (XT504800). All elements closed BURT 1600H.

Conducted local recon in force vic BURT, (XT5080) sweeping east to (XT524800), north to (XT524809), then southwest to (XT504806). Alpha at 1510H vic (XT515805) found 17 bunkers with overhead cover 3' x 4' x 4', constructed of one (illegible) of logs with one foot of dirt on top. Also found some bloody rags and two VC entrenching tools. Close FSB BURT 1620H. Bravo was trailing element of Bn (-). At 1045H vic (XT524801) found 3 bunkers with overhead cover and 3 foxholes. Bunkers were partially destroyed and very old. Found 1 bandolier AK/47 ammo.

Continued sweeps near FSB BURT perimeter. Bravo Company at 0815H vic (XT505805) found 15 one man foxholes with no overhead cover. They were approximately two weeks old, destroyed same. At (illegible)H vic (XT507804) found 4 VC bodies about 3 weeks old. Returned to perimeter 1600H. Delta Company at 0815H vic (XT505805) found 35 one man foxholes with no overhead cover about two weeks old, destroyed same. At 0953H vic (XT512805) found small base camp having 15 bunkers with overhead cover 3' x 4' x 4', destroyed same. At 1255H vic (XT503798) found 1 VC body approximately three weeks old, 2 RPG-2 rounds with charges, and 1 CHICOM grenade. Delta returned to BURT 1600H with captured ordnance.

Bn (-) conducted Reconnaissance in Force operations in and around the Michelin Rubber Plantation. They cloverleafed each day and would return near laager site and set up ambush sites. During this time, the 2/12th (-) had negative contact, negative findings. 31 Jan 68 was the last day of Operation Yellowstone for the 2/12th.

b. United States Air Force: Extensive effective use was made of Tactical Air to include preplanned and immediate missions. All 3-22 Infantry requests for air support when through 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; this was accomplished by forwarding all requests to the Brigade Liaison Officer.

(3) On the morning of 2 Jan 68, during the Battle of Soui Cut, Army Aviation played a major role. At 0330, an emergency resupply of Class V was resupplied to 3-22 Infantry (-) by 145th Aviation. In addition, 25th Aviation, 187th and 188th Combat Aviation Battalions provided direct support with gunships and emergency resupply.

b. On the night of 1 January-2 January 1968, during the New Years truce, FSB BURT (XT5080) was attacked by elements of the 271st and 272nd VC Regiments. Interrogation of POWs after the battle revealed that on approximately 25 December these two regiments moved from or through the Cambodian Salient to staging areas within several hours walking distance of FSB BURT. On the night prior to the attack, movement was engaged outside the perimeter and the following morning two bodies were discovered with documents indicating they belonged to the 271st (one body was possibly identified as the Company Commander of C.16 Mortar Company, 271st Regiment). This was the first indication that this unit was in the area. The next night, the 271st, supported by at least two Battalions of the 272nd, attacked FSB BURT. It appeared that the battle plan included four battalions attacking with two battalions in reserve. Documents found on one body indicated that he was the Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 271st regiment, although positive identification was impossible. A Hoi Chanh who rallied on 12 January 1968, stated he was a member of the 271st. His company had been held in reserve and at 020400 hours they began withdrawing into Cambodia. His unit later moved out of Cambodia to vicinity XT5191 where they were hit by a B/52 strike. They then moved back into Cambodia (XT5691).

c. During the remaining period of Operation Yellowstone II, 3-22 Infantry experienced light enemy contact. Intelligence reports during the later stages of Operation Yellowstone II indicated that the VC were planning to conduct major offensive operations during the TET holiday period. It was assumed from those intelligence reports that the light contact we were experiencing was the result of the VC troop buildup in unknown staging areas.

9. (C) MISSION: 3-22 Infantry (-) on 29 December 1968, combat assaulted into FSB BURT to locate and destroy VC/NVA forces and installations, open land lines of communication for friendly forces, and to interdict VC NVA lines of communication from Michelin Plantation to northern War Zone C.

(7) Phase VII: (230815 Jan 68-252400 Jan 68) 3-22 Infantry (-) is airlifted back to Dau Tieng Base Camp, regains control of 3-22 Infantry units in Dau Tieng Base Camp and conducts local reconnaissance in force operations in the Michelin Plantation. (See Incl V; See Incl VI, refer paragraph 11, item (26); See Incl VII, refer paragraph 11, item (27))

a. 29 Dec - At 0835 hours, 3-22 Infantry (-) was airlifted to LZ BURT (XT498804). At 1400 hours, Company B, conducted a sweep of the area, found six (6) anti-tank mines (8x10) which were destroyed. At 1610 hours, Company B found one (1) anti-tank mine (8X10) while conducting perimeter sweep. At 1715 hours, Company B had one (1) EM dusted off with (illegible) wound. At 1945 hours, A 16 AP sprung ambush (XT501798) resulting in one (1) VC KIA (BC).

b. 30 Dec - At 0620 hours, 3-22 Infantry (-) received ten (10) 60mm mortar rounds that landed outside of perimeter. At 1305 hours, Company D had contact with unknown size VC force (XT474820) who used RPGs and S/A resulting in one (1) US KIA and two (2) US WIA and unknown VC casualties. Companies A, B, and D provided road security for FSB BURT from XT499804 to XT478820 where they were married up with 2-22 Infantry (M). At 1200 hours, Company A found nine (9) anti-tank mines (XT499819) (8x8) which were destroyed. At 1607 hours, all elements of 3-22 Infantry (-) closed FSB BURT. Negative contact as of 2400 hours.

c. 31 Dec - At 0745 hours, 3-22 Infantry began reconnaissance in force in the area around FSB BURT. At 1157 hours, Company B (XT494806) found three (3) Chicom grenades, two (2) 105mm rounds, 24 trip flares; all were destroyed. At 1305 hours, A26 (XT505816) engaged one (1) VC with S/A; negative results. At 1310 hours, A 26 (XT505816) found five (5) bunkers 20x20x4 with 2' OHC, two (2) 14x15x4 with 2' OHC, one (1) 12x12x4 with 2' OHC, one (1) 12x10x4 with no OHC. All had connecting tunnels. Also found were three (3) pounds of documents, four (4) OD uniforms, spices and liquor (all was destroyed except uniforms and documents). All 3-22 Infantry (-) elements closed FSB BURT by 1645 hours. At 2000 hours, Delta perimeter received 10 rounds of mixed RPG and 60mm mortar fire, resulting in one (1) US WIA. At 2100 hours, A 16 AP XT506808 received one (1) RPG resulting in three (3) minor US WIA. At 2130 hours, A 16 (XT506808) had movement to their front and blow three (3) claymores, resulting in two VC KIA, and 1 VC POW, one (1) 9mm pistol, one (1) pair field glasses, assorted documents, and one (1) US compass. Negative further contact as of 2400 hours.

d. 01 Jan - 3-22 Infantry (-) remains at FSB BURT and conducts reconnaissance in force operations in that area. At 1015 hours, A 16 (sweep element) found one (1) M-16 with blood on it (XT500805). At 1855 hours, A 36 en route to AP location made contact with unknown VC force (XT502805) receiving S/A and RPG-2 fire with negative results. FSB BURT began receiving sporadic RPG and 60mm mortar fire. As of 2400 hours, Company A reported two (2) US KIA and one (1) US WIA, and FSB BURT came under heavy ground attack at this time, mainly from the northwest and southeast.

e. 02 Jan - The VC used RPGs, heavy and light machine guns, and 60mm mortars. The initial ground assault lasted until 0100 hours. At 0100 hours, the VC regrouped and continued to attack with companies A and C taking the main force of the attack. The VC penetrated the southeastern perimeter being defended by Company C; at 0230 hours, 105mm direct fire and air support repulsed the attacking VC at the perimeter. The VC regrouped at approximately 0330 hours and the heavy ground attack continued. Friendly forces continued receiving support from 105mm and 155mm direct fire and air support. At 0500 hours, the VC began their initial retreat. By 0630 hours, contact was completely broken with the exception of sporadic sniper fire. At 0600 hours, 3-22 Infantry (-) made a sweep 80 meters in front of their perimeter, counting 171 VC KIA (BC), 5 VC POW accredited to 3-22 Infantry (-). 3-22 Infantry (-) captured 14 AK-47s, 6 RPG-2 launchers, 4 RPG-7 launchers, 51 RPG-2 and RPG-7 rounds, 12 US pistol belts. 7 US ponchos, 12 canteens with covers, 20 VC soft caps, 12 machine gun drums of ammo, 30 AK-47 magazines with ammo. US weapons destroyed or unaccounted for were 7 M-79s, 1 M-60 machine gun, and 15 M-16s. At 1600 hours, 3-22 Infantry (-) began airlift to Katum (XT333900). At 1650, airlift to Katum was completed. At 1810 hours, 3-22 Infantry (-) became OPCON to 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division. Negative further contact as of 2400 hours.

i. 06 Jan - 3-22 Infantry (-) remains at Dau Tieng Base Camp (XT497472). At 0800 hours, Companies B and C departed for mission in the Michelin Plantation. At 0825 hours, Company B reported that the bridge at XT512474 had been blown. At 0900 hours, Company A detained seven (7) Vietnamese with a truck. One had a map of the Michelin, one woman had 7,400 piasters (XT507493). At 0930 hours, Company B (XT516477) destroyed two (2) oxcarts. At 1000 hours, Company A detained one (1) Vietnamese with Cambodian money in his possession. Companies A and B closed Dau Tieng Base Camp by 1530 hours. Negative contact as of 2400 hours.

j. 07 Jan - At 0720 hours, 3-22 Infantry (-) began airlift back to FSB BURT (XT498804). At 0915 hours, the airlift was complete. At 1225 hours, FSB BURT received approximately 32 rounds of 60mm mortar fire resulting in two (2) US WIA. At 1400 hours, FSB BURT received 12 rounds of 60mm mortar fire with negative further contact as of 2400 hours.

l. 09 Jan - At 1430 hours, Company B (XT482792) found three (3) 82mm mortar rounds, 156 60mm mortar rounds, forty-one (41) cases TNT (80 blocks per case), twenty-five (25) cases C4, eleven (11) cases 7.62mm rounds (1100 rounds per case), and three (3) cases of blasting caps (1400 caps). At 1915 hours, FSB BURT received ten (10) 60mm mortar rounds resulting in two (2) US WIA from 3-22 Infantry (-). Negative further contact as of 2400 hours.

o. 12 Jan - At 0751 hours, Company A departed FSB BURT on a sweep mission. At 1135 hours, Company A found an old VC base camp (XT475810) containing 150 foxholes (4x3x3) with 2' OHC, one (1) AK-47 magazine, one (1) VC canteen, 40 AK-47 ammo boxes, 50 meters of commo wire, one (1) well, five (5) documents, old clothes with blood stains. Company A returned to FSB BURT. At 0751 hours, Company B departed on sweep mission. At 1335 hours, Company B (XT478798) received approximately 25 rounds of M-16 sniper fire resulting in negative casualties. Found one (1) bunker with expended M-16 casings (4x6x3) with 2' OHC, contained one (1) set VC web gear complete. At 1430 hours, Company B (XT474796) received M-16 sniper fire resulting in negative casualties. Company B returned to FSB BURT. Negative contact as of 2400 hours.

r. 15 Jan - At 1000 hours, Company B found a VC base camp (XT488787) containing five (5) bunkers (6x8x5) with 2' OHC, eight hootches (7x9), one (1) kitchen (10x8x4), 1000 rounds of AK-47 ammo, eight bicycle frames, 6,325 pounds of rice, two (2) wells, one (1) table, cooking equipment, sleeping area for eight (8), one (1) gas mask and documents. At 1200 hours, Company B (XT488787) began receiving AK-47, RPG-2 fire and claymore fire. At 1250 hours, Company B shot one (1) VC out of a tree. At 1310 hours, Company B began receiving RPG-2 fire again (XT488787). Company B remained pinned down and at 1530 hours Company B 2-22 Infantry (M) arrived at XT488787 as reinforcements. At 1615 hours, Company B 3-22 Infantry (-) tripped a booby trap resulting in three (3) US WIA. Company B 3-22 Infantry suffered a total of 4KIA, 26 WIA, and lost one (1) M-16 rifle.

u. 18 Jan - At 1240 hours, Company A 15 XT488787 found twelve (12) bunkers (4x6x4) with 2' OHC, two (2) trenches, 100 meters long running north and south. At 1331 hours, Company A (XT488787) hit a booby trapped butterfly bomb resulting in 4 US WIA. At 1340 hours, Company A (XT488787) found and destroyed two (2) 60mm mortar rounds booby trapped. Negative contact as of 2400 hours.

x. 21 Jan - At 0800 hours, Company D, 3-22 Infantry (-) and Company C, 2-12 Infantry (OPCON to 3-22 Infantry) departed FSB BURT for reconnaissance operations. Companies C and D at 0855 hours found seven (7) bunkers 3x8 with 1' OHC and 100 meters of trench line (XT489809). At 0920 hours Companies C and D found two (2) bunkers 2x6 with 1' OHC (XT486809).

aa. 24 Jan - At 0700 hours, Recon element departed Dau Tieng Base Camp as security for Tay Ninh convoy. At 0815 hours, Companies A and D departed Dau Tieng Base Camp to conduct civil operations at Ap 6 Dis and Xa Dinh Phouc. At 0938 hours, Companies A and D were at Ap 6 Dis. At 0950 hours, Company A suffered one (1) WIA as a result of a booby trap. At 1115 hours, Company A and D departed Ap 6 Dis en route to Xa Dinh Phouc. At 1445 hours, Company A (XT526485) found two (2) old spider holes 2x2x4 containing two (2) Chicom mortar round boxes. At 1503 hours, Recon element with convoy closed Dau Tieng Base Camp. At 1545 hours, Company D closed Xa Dinh Phouc. At 1635 hours, Company D detained one (1) VC suspect (XT534482) who had two (2) 60mm mortar rounds, one (1) M-79 round, and three (3) M-1 magazines. Companies A and D closed Dau Tieng Base Camp by 1800 hours. Negative contact as of 2400 hours.

bb. 25 Jan - At 0700 hours, Recon element departed Dau Tieng Base Camp as security for Tay Ninh convoy. At 0815 hours, Companies B and D departed Dau Tieng Base Camp for local reconnaissance in force operations in the Michelin Plantation. At 1335 hours, Company B (XT543466) received 4-8 rounds of AK-47 fire, negative casualties. At 1455 hours, Recon element with convoy closed Dau Tieng Base Camp. At 1610 hours, Companies B and D closed Dau Tieng Base Camp. Negative further contact as of 2400 hours.

(a) Throughout the duration of this operation, the Battalion “Regulars Club” was able to provide an adequate supply of cold refreshments. This was accomplished by aerial resupply whenever the situation permitted. There were very few occasions during the period that free beer and soda could not be supplied from the rear area.