After Action Report 49

a. General: During the previous quarter the 25th Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division successfully forced the enemy to continually postpone his Winter/Spring offensive. Through aggressive preemptive operations enemy elements were forced to continue functioning in small units, unable to mount a significant offensive. During this period 25th Infantry Division operations (to include 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division) accounted for 3,478 enemy eliminated including enemy soldiers killed, captured, and rallying (Hoi Chanh) to U>S. Forces.

The 1st Brigade hand preempted all enemy attempts to initiate an offensive in Tay Ninh Province, prevented the enemy from freely using the cave-strewn slopes of Nui Ba Den as a refuge and stop-over point for infiltration groups, and successfully restricted enemy infiltration into Tay Ninh Province from Cambodia. The enemy was forced to resort to attacks by fire as his primary offensive tactic.

The 2nd Brigade continued to disrupt local and main force operations in the Trang Bang-Citadel area, Boi Loi Woods and Ho Bo Woods. As the dry season progressed, Rome Plow operations in these areas forced the enemy to further disperse to prevent complete annihilation of his offensive capabilities. Effective military and political power of Sub-Region 1 forces was seriously reduced by small unit tactics of allied forces in the 2nd Brigade area of operations. An additional ARVN battalion was moved into the 2nd Brigade AO to increase Allied effectiveness in this area. Preemptive operations cut deeply into the enemy's reserves of rations, munitions and supplies. Without these vital supplies the enemy was unable to coordinate an effective offensive in the 2nd Brigade area of operations. Close coordination between 2nd Brigade maneuver elements and Division intelligence sources caused further breakdown of the Viet Cong Infrastructure in Hau Nghia Province. Rapid reaction to exploitable intelligence continued to force local guerillas to maintain their ineffective posture.

The combat effectiveness of the 3rd Brigade was significantly strengthened by the move of the 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry from the 1st Brigade to the 3rd Brigade AO. With the advent of the dry season, enemy infiltration and offensive activities were on an increase in the 3rd Brigade AO. The move of an additional maneuver Battalion to combat Sub-Region 2 forces has seriously restricted his use of the An Hinh Corridor as an infiltration route, forced main force units into taking sanctuary in Cambodia and remaining there, and disrupted local force activities through increased use of small unit tactics, combat patrols and snipers.

Operations of 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division accounted for 1082 enemy KIA, forced Sub-Region 3 units to operate in dispersed groups to escape Allied detection, disrupted Sub-Region 6 local and main force plans for attacking Saigon and greatly expanded the pacification pr9ogram in Long An Province. With United States Navy forces, 3-9 Inf Div units seriously disrupted the enemy's ability to operate along canals and rivers within Long An Province, prevented enemy reinforcements of men and supplies to local guerrilla units and reduced the effectiveness of the Viet Cong Infrastructure by continuous monitoring of the enemy's routes of movement.

During the present reporting quarter the 25th Infantry Division continued Phase IV of Operation TOAN THANG in Tay Ninh, Hau Nghia and Long An Provinces. Planning guidance stressed the promotion of small unit combined operations with emphasis on upgrading RF/PF/PSDF and ARVN forces while stressing night operations. While searching for main force units, Division elements sought every opportunity to annihilate local force units, or infiltration groups through coordination of night patrols, detections devices and responsive firepower. The Tropic Lightning Division stressed small unit operations, pacification, upgrading of ARVN/RF/PF/PSDF forces and security of lines of communications. Contact was exploited to the maximum effort possible. Emphasis was placed on upgrading hamlets and contested villages.

The 1st Brigade operated in Tay Ninh Province with four Battalions and was responsible for security on Highways 22 and 26, for combined operations with South Vietnamese units around Tay Ninh City and for coverage of the area around Nui Ba Den. The 1st Brigade was given the mission of conducting airmobile, reconnaissance, denial, and ambush missions throughout the area of operations, and for eagle float operations with the U.S. Navy on the Vam Co Dong River; continuing participation in the combined US/RF/PF defense of Tay Ninh City; preparing to insert and extract Ranger teams and install sensor devices in conjunction with and in support of Division programs, and continuing the pacification effort in conjunction with GVN forces in Phu Khuong, Phuoc Hinh, Hieu Thien and Khiem Hanh Districts.

The 2nd Brigade operated with two Battalions and one Cavalry Squadron in the central portion of the Division TAOI and conducted security along Highways 6A, &A, 19, and 26. The Brigade conducted multiple airmobile operations, mechanized reconnaissance operations, night combat patrols, and other offensive operations in Khiem Hanh, Trang Bang, Cu Chi, upper Phu Hoa Districts, and the Michelin Plantation area, Tactical emphasis was placed on small unit operations geared to the detection and elimination of Local guerrilla and support forces, and dispersed elements of Sub-Region 1 forces in the Citadel area and Boi Loi and Ho Bo Woods. The 2nd Brigade continued to support upgrading of GVN forces in Trang Bang and Cu Chi. Pacification and upgrading of contested hamlets and villages received primary emphasis.

The 3rd Brigade's four maneuver Battalions operated in the southern portion of Hau Nghia Province with responsibility for route security along Highways 6A, 7A, 8A, 10 and 1 and the pacification program in the Bao Trai area. The 3rd Brigade was directed to continue ejection and exclusion operations in Duc Hue, Cuc Hoa and Cu Chi Districts, Hau Nghia Province and Phu Hoa District, Binh Duong Province. Brigade units in conjunction with ARVN/RF/PF and U.S. Navy forces operated along the Vam Co Dong River. 3rd Brigade was tasked with responsibility for defense of Cu Chi Base Camp and designated one battalion as Division Ready Reaction Force. Pacification Consolidation operations were conducted in coordination with Hau Nhhia Province and Duc Hue and Duc Hoa Districts.

The 3rd Brigade maneuver Battalions were 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry; 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry; 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry; and 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry: 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry: and 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry. Support was provided by 2nd Battalion, 77th Artillery.

The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division (OPCON to the 25th Infantry Division) operated with four Battalions in Long An Province area with responsibility for the security of Highways 4, 18, and 23 and the local pacification program. The Brigade reacted to exploit current intelligence and conducted multiple airmobile, reconnaissance, checkerboard, bushmaster and riverine operations in Long An Province. Continued emphasis was placed on combined operations and upgrading ARVN/RF/PF forces. The Brigade sought to locate and destroy local force units and elements of SR-3, SR-6 and 1st NVA Regiment. Special action teams worked with district RF/PF forces. Riverine operations were conducted with U.S. Navy forces on the Vam Go Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers. Emphasis was placed on upgrading VC or contested villages.

There was no significant increase in enemy activity during the first week of the reporting quarter (1-7 February). Main force units continued to avoid contact while attempting to replenish logistical bases during the three-day enemy TET ceasefire, which began on 6 February. Sub-regional forces throughout the Division TAOI continued to be primarily concerned with the transportation of food and supplies for possible post-TET activities. (See 372d Radio Research Company, 303d Radio Research Battalion Historical report for this period.)

Three shelling incidents were reported in the 1st Brigade area of operations during the first week of February. A night defensive position of Company B and one platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor, located 3 kilometers northeast of Trai Bi (XT 142711) received 15 rounds of 82mm mortar fire, all landing inside the wire. One U.S. soldier was wounded. No U.S. casualties were sustained in either of the other attacks by fire. Activity within the 1st Brigade AO remained at a low level during this period. In three separate contacts during the week, 1st Brigade forces accounted for ten enemy killed. The largest action occurred 4 kilometers west-northwest of the Ben Cui Rubber Plantation (XT401463) on 2 February. Snipers from Company C, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry engaged six enemy with organic weapons, Night Hawk helicopter and three artillery batteries (422 rounds) at 1900 hours, resulting in six enemy killed. There were no U.S. casualties from enemy return fire of small arms, automatic weapons, M79 grenade launchers and hand grenades. Firing ceased at 1915 hours.

No shelling incidents were reported in the 2nd Brigade area of operations during 1-7 February. Rear service and supply groups were quite active during the week as 2nd Brigade elements killed 26 enemy and captured 17 prisoners-of-war in 17 separate contacts. Between 1525 hours and 1730 hours on 1 February, Trop A, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, operating 5 kilometers northwest of Ben Suc (XT5235 in the lower Boi Loi Woods, captured 17 prisoners -of-war and evacuated four AK47 rifles. All of the PWs were members of the C160 (Rice Procurement) Company of the 83 Rear Service Group. During interrogation it was learned that the strength of the company was 30 men and that the company was located in the contact area. The PWs were easily induced to surrender and at least one of them was carrying a Chieu Hoi leaflet. This is additional evidence that the low morale encountered in SR-1 combat units has spread to the logistical support units as well. Of the 17 PWs, six were classified as VC-PW, nine as NVA-PW, and two of the PWs rallied and were classified as returnees.

Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry located a cache in a hole five kilometers northwest of Dau Tieng (XT455505) at 1345 hours on 1 February. Evacuated were two M60 machine guns, two .30 caliber machine guns, one M16 rifle and 1000 rounds of .30-caliber ammunition. Two RPG rounds were destroyed.

A combat patrol from Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry killed seven enemy in a contact which began at 0055 hours on 5 February 6 kilometers north of Trung Lap (XT573279) in the Ho Bo Woods. The contact started when the combat patrol received hand grenades from an estimated 10 copter gunships. U.S. forces had one soldier wounded by hand grenades fragments. Two AK47 rifles, one K54 pistol ½ pound of documents and 50 flashlight batteries were evacuated. The following day (6 February) at 0015 hours, a security patrol from C/1-5 Inf (M) engaged 10-20 enemy moving east towards the HoBo Woods in the citadel area 2 kilometers southwest (XT558265) from the previous morning's contact. Organic weapons, one light fire team and an AC-110 “Shadow” fires were employed during the contact, killing ten enemy soldiers. The enemy force returned fire with small arms and automatic weapons wounding four U.S. soldiers, two of whom died of wounds. Two AK47 rifles were evacuated and numerous blood trails were located at the contact site. The enemy broke contact at 0210 hours. At 0800 hours, a wounded prisoner-of-war was captured at the contact site. The PW identified his unit as the 2 company, Thanh Nien Battalion, SR-1, a rice transportation unit. Thanh Nien Battalion is unidentified and is most likely a code name for a rear service element of SR-1.

Activity was at a low level in the 3rd Brigade area of operations as U.S. forces killed seven enemy soldiers and captured four prisoners-of-war in seven separate contacts. One enemy attack by fire was reported during the first week of February. Beginning at 1614 hours on 4 February, Company D, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry received four rounds of 60mm mortar fire 75 meters from their position located in the Plain of Reeds 2 kilometers from the Cambodian Border (XT271115). There were no U.S. casualties

Company B, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry began an operation on 2 February in the Filhol Rubber Plantation (XT6720) northeast of Cu Chi to rout enemy forces in this area. Elements of the Cu Chi District Force and 268 VC/MVA Regiment are know to use this area as a base of operations. As of 7 February, B/2-14 Inf had killed four enemy in this operation, which is still continuing.

Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry located a cache in the brush 6 kilometers north of Hiep Hoa at 1310 hours on 3 February. Evacuated were four 30 pound ChiCon claymore mines, 85 rounds of 60mm mortar ammunition, 108 rifle grenades, 45 pounds of C-4 explosive, 20 feet of detonating cord, 120 60mm mortar fuses, three homemade grenades, one 81mm mortar round, 750 rounds of AK ammunition and seven pounds of documents.

Company B, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry engaged an unknown number of enemy 5 kilometers south of Ben Luc (XS624716) at 0930 hours on 1 February. One enemy was killed by organic weapons fire, one prisoner-of-war was captured as members of the VCI. Two M16 rifles and one 9mm Browning pistol were evacuated. Six kilometers southeast of this contact (XS682694) at 1200 hours, B/6-31 Inf and helicopter gunships of the 118th Assault Helicopter Company engaged four enemy soldiers, killing all four. Tow M1 carbines and two Thompson submachine guns were evacuated.

Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 47th Infantry engaged an unknown number of enemy while conducting a night patrol 4.5 kilometers northeast of Binh Phuoc (XS630590) at 1955 hours on 1 February. Seven enemy soldiers were killed by organic weapons fire, TAC air strikes and “Fire Dragon” (ARVN AC-119). One U.S. soldier was wounded by enemy small arms fire. Two AK47 rifles were evacuated.

On 3 February, elements of 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry accounted for ten enemy killed in three separate contacts 6.5 kilometers northwest of Tan Tru. At 1210 hours, Company D received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy (XS628681), wounding one U.S. soldier. Returning fire with organic weapons and helicopter gunships of the 118th AHC, five of the enemy were killed. Captured documents identified the C25A Company of the K7 Sapper Battalion, 1 NVA Regiment. Three and one-half hours later (1540 hours), gunships of the 118th AHC and the C & C ship, 2-60 Inf engaged two enemy 200 meters southeast of the earlier contact (XS631680), killing both of the enemy soldiers. AT 1720 hours, Company A with gunships of the 118th AHC and Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Calvary engaged three enemy soldiers 200 meters north of the earliest contact (XS626684) and killed all three of the enemy soldiers. Two AK47 rifles were evacuated.

A prisoner-of-war captured by Company B, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry on 5 February, 5 kilometers west of Can Giouc (XS7822734), identified his unit as the C3 Company, Dong Phu Battalion. The PW stated that the battalion's strength was too low to carry out any offensive operations and that its present mission was to guard My Loc (V) (XS7972) cadre. The PW also revealed that families of NVA ralliers were being punished because of their relatives rallying to the GVN. For this reason the men of the Dong Phu Battalion are afraid to rally even though they want to. The morale in the battalion is very low and the soldiers do not want to fight any longer, however, they will not rally for fear of reprisals against their families in North Vietnam.

Enemy initiated activity throughout the 25th Infantry Division's TAOI decreased slightly during the second week of February (8-14 February), but continued at a moderate level. Main force units continued to avoid contact while experiencing a lack of logistical support. It also became apparent as a result of information received from prisoner-of-war and document readouts that enemy units have undergone a period of reorganization throughout the sub-regions. Areas of main enemy initiated activity were southwest of the Straight Edge Woods and in the vicinity if Thy Ninh. Mining activity continued at a moderate level with the main areas of mining activity located in the Sugar Mill and east of Binh Phuoc. In addition, emphasis was placed on the political redoctrination of enemy troops in an attempt to limit the effects of the Chieu Hoi program, while attempting to increase military proselytism of GVN troops.

One shelling incident was reported in the 25th Infantry Division TAOI during the second week of February. A 1st Brigade elements killed 22 enemy and captured three prisoners-of-war. A contact involving Companies A and B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry and elements of 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor, 3.5 kilometers east of Trai Bi (XT56686) on 8 February, resulted in 15 enemy killed and two prisoners-of-war. Beginning at 0620 hours the U.S. forces engaged an unknown number of enemy moving northwest with air light fire tonass, six TAC air strikes and two artillery batteries (267 rounds). The enemy force returned fire with RPGs but there were no U.S. casualties. Evacuated were five AK47 rifles, one M16 rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, one RPG launcher, 15 rounds of RPG ammunition, five ChiCom hand grenades and ¼ pound of documents. Both PW interrogation and document readout identified the enemy contacted as elements of the 82 Rear Service Group. At 1015 hours the following day (9 February), A/4-9 Inf captured one additional PW, 300 meters north of the previous day's contact.

Activity in the 2nd Brigade area of operations, while decreasing during the week, contimed at a moderate level with most of the activity being limited to logistical resupply by rear service units. In nine separate contacts, 18 enemy were killed by 2nd Brigade forces. On 9 February at 1840 hours, Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary engaged seven enemy with organic weapons and a light fire team, 8 kilometers west of Ben Suc (XT495364). Two of the enemy were killed and ¼ pound of documents were evacuated. AT 0715 hours the following the following morning (10 February), C/3-4 Cav located one enemy KIA in a sweep of the contact area. At 1615 hours, C/3-4 Cav located one grave with one enemy body, credited to the precious day's action, bringing the total number of enemy killed to four. In five other actions in the Boi Loi Woods between 10-13 February, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary elements killed eight additional enemy and located seven enemy killed by artillery fire.

On 10 February at 1120 hours, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry on a reconnaissance mission in the Citadel 5 kilometers northwest of Trung Lap (XT554244) located in a hole and evacuated 4500 pounds of rice in 100-pound bags with various markings. At 1500 hours, D/2-12 Inf located an additional 3000 pounds of rice in another hole. This cache was also contained in 100-pound bags with various marking and was located 200 meters north of the previous find (XT544246).

Activity within the 3rd Brigade area of operations was at a low level during the 2nd week of February. Ten enemy were killed and one prisoner-of-war was captured in five separate contacts. Company B, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry accounted for six enemy killed between 9-12 February in its operations in the Filhol Rubber Plantation. On 9 February, a combat patrol from B/2-14 Inf killed two enemy soldiers, one of whom was identified as Wu Minh Lien, Assistant Political Officer of the Quyet Thang Regiment. According to captured documents, the Quyet Thang Regiment has been reorganized to include the 1 and 2 Quyet Thang Battalions and the Gia Dinh 4 Sapper Battalion.

Company C, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry located a cache at 1100 hours on 13 February in a bunker 9 kilometers southwest of Trang Bang (XT435136). Evacuated were 35 RPG rounds, 35 new RPG boosters, three AP mines, 59 B-40 rockets, 15 B-40 boosters, three ChiCon claymore mines, 2000 feet of detonating cord, two AK magazines, 500 rounds of small arms ammunition, tow wire cutters, one RPG launcher and 1½ pounds of documents. Five homemade hand grenades in a cache located 100 meters southwest of the earlier discovery.

The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division accounted for 36 enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war in 15 separate contacts during the second week of February. The largest contact developed on 8 February at 2045 hours when Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 47th Infantry engaged an unknown number of enemy 7 kilometers east of Binh Phuoc (XS684546). Five enemy were Killed by fire from organic weapons and artillery. No U.S. casualties resulted from enemy small arms fire. Five additional enemy dead were located the following morning on a sweep of the contact area by A/2-47 Inf. (M).

A combat patrol from Company B, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, located 4 kilometers northwest of Can Duoc (XS738644), engaged an unknown number of enemy at 2010 hours on 9 February with organic weapons, light fire team artillery, killing four of the enemy. On 13 February at 2015 hours, 2 kilometers southwest of the 9 February contact, snipers of D/5-60 Inf with U.S. Navy river patrol boats engaged four enemy soldiers with organic weapons, killing all four of the enemy. One AK47 rifle was evacuated.

A number of notable civilian and military personnel visited Cu Chi Base Camp during the week of 8-14 February. General Ralph E. Heines, Jr., Commander-In-Chief, USARPAC, visited the 25th Infantry Division on 10-11 February to inspect U.S. Army facilities and troop units. On 11-12 February, the Reverend Dr. John R. McLaughlin, Secretary, Methodist Commission on Chaplains visited Cu Chi Base Camp and three fire support bases to confer with U.S. Military Chaplains endorsed by the United Methodist Church. Major General Walter J. Wool wine, Commanding General, 1st Logistical Command, USARV, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 13 February to obtain an update on logistical support to the 25th Infantry Division. On 15 February, Major General Karl W. Gustafson, the Provost Marshall General, visited Cu Chi Base Camp to observe and discuss military police operations of the 25th Infantry Division.

Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division TAOI generally remained at a moderate level during the third week of February (15-21 February). Main force units continued to avoid contact while preparing for a possible high point in March. (See 372d Radio Research Company, 303d Radio Research Battalion Historical Report for this period.) Mining activity increased during the week with the main areas of activity being north of the Sugar Mill (XT4505) and in the Boi Loi Woods (XT4837),

Seven shelling incidents occurred during the week, six of which were in the 1st Brigade area of operations. Tay Ninh Base Camp (XT1651) received attacks by fire on 17 February (eight rounds of 120mm mortar fire - one U.S. wounded). On three different occasions, night defensive positions of Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1.5 kilometers north of the Cambodian border and west of the Straight Edge Woods, received attacks by fire. Six rounds of M79 fire and 62 rounds of 82mm mortar fire were directed against A/4-9 Inf by unknown enemy forces. No casualties were sustained in any of these attacks by fire.

In five separate contacts, 1st Brigade forces accounted for ten enemy killed and the capture of two prisoners-of-war. At 1350 hours on 15 February, a 1st Brigade Command and Control ship with elements of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 8 kilometers southwest of Tay Ninh City (XT095386), engaged 15 enemy with two artillery batteries (134 rounds) and two light fire teams resulting in three enemy killed and the capture of two female prisoners-of-war. Two M-16 rifles were evacuated. At 1935 hours, A/4-9 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with small arms, automatic weapons, and light fire team approximately 170 meters southwest of the earlier contact (XT096384). One enemy soldier was killed. Captured documents identified the Ninh Dien (V) unit. No U.S. casualties were sustained in either contact.

One shelling incident was reported in the 2nd brigade area of operations. AT 2015 hours on 21 February, a night defensive position of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry on Nui Ong 12 kilometers north-northeast of Dau Tieng (XT522588), received 15 rounds of 82mm mortar fire. No U.S. casualties were sustained.

The level of enemy activity in the 2nd Brigade area of operations remained at a low level during the week with the lower Boi Loi Woods as the center of enemy activity. Rear Service operations along the Saigon River remained the primary activity of Sub-Region 1 units as was evidenced by several minor contacts on both sides of the river. Reports continued to indicate that the sub-regional forces are still suffering critical food shortages. There has also been indication that SR-1 forces intend to shift operations to the eastern Citadel, Hoc Mon (D), and the outskirts of Saigon, renewing their efforts in the area northwest of Saigon, although SR-1 forces have remained relatively dormant during the Winter/Spring Campaign. The tactics to be employed are sapper and special actions, which will be conducted in coordination with penetration agents.

In five separate contacts, 2nd Brigade forces accounted for 18 enemy killed. At 1645 hours on 18 February, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 6 kilometers southeast of Ben Suc (XT632313) in the Ho Bo Woods, engaged an estimated ten enemy with organic weapons and light fire team, resulting in four enemy killed. One female Hoi Chanh was received. Two AK47 rifles, tow K54 pistols and five pounds of documents were evacuated. Enemy small arms fire killed one U.S. soldier and wounded another. Contact was lost at 1845 hours. At 2050 hours, C/2-12 Inf engaged two enemy approximately 360 meters southeast of the earlier contact (XT634310). Both enemy soldiers were killed. Two AK47 rifles, one ChiCom claymore mine, 50 pounds of rice and ½ pound of documents were evacuated.

At 0935 hours on 21 February, helicopter gunships of the 187th Assault Helicopter Company with elements of 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 5 kilometers northwest of Ben Suc (XT525351) in the Boi Loi Woods, engaged six enemy in blue uniforms. Organic weapons fire resulted in all six enemy being killed. A/2-12 Inf swept the contact area and located five pounds of documents and ten pounds of medical supplies.

Enemy activity in the 3rd Brigade area of operations increased in the northern and eastern sections of the AO. Sub-regional forces continued to conduct reconnaissance and make preparations for future offensive operations in Northern Duc Hoa (D) and northern Long An (P). There were several indications during the week that two or three main force units of Sub-Region 2 are planning to launch offensive operations in the northern portion of the sub-region.

In five separate contacts, 3rd Brigade forces killed 14 enemy and captured one prisoner-of-war. On 19 February at 1105 hours the Combined Reconnaissance Intelligence Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry with the 15 and 55 Popular Force Companies engaged an unknown number of enemy 7 kilometers southwest of Trang Bang (XT472123) with organic weapons. Six enemy were killed and five AK-47 rifles, 100 rounds of small arms ammunition and six AK magazines were evacuated. Three U.S. soldiers were wounded by enemy return fire with small arms and hand grenades.

Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 5 kilometers southeast of Trang Bang (XT512416) on 17 February, captured a doctor from the K2 Dispensary in Ba Thu, Cambodia. The physician stated that his mission was to go to My Tan Village (XT5110) and Duc Lap Village (XT5506) and establish dispensaries between these points. He further stated that he had heard that Group 5 (the 267 Battalion) and Group 10 (the 269 Battalion) would move into northern Duc Hoa (D) in four or five weeks to conduct offensive operations. This would indicate a possible highpoint, which would be conducted in March 1970.

In a series of contacts on 19 February, 8 kilometers west of Rach Kien (XS620702), elements of the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry killed 12 enemy soldiers. Company B engaged and killed one enemy soldier with automatic weapons fire from gunships of the 118th Assault Helicopter Company at 1320 hours. Two hours later (1515 hours), B/2-60 Inf and gunships of the 118th AHC engaged three additional enemy soldiers, killing all three. Two and one-half pounds of documents, and ½ pound of medical supplies were evacuated. One hour later (1615 hours), B /2-60 Inf engaged and estimated enemy squad with organic weapons, one light fie team, one TAC air strike and one artillery battery (337 rounds), resulting in seven enemy killed. Contact was lost at 1655 hours. Three U.S. soldiers were killed by enemy small arms fire. At 1650 hours, 2 kilometers northwest of the earlier contact (XS602710), gunships of the 118th AHC engaged one enemy soldier with automatic weapons, resulting in one enemy soldier killed.

On 20 February at 0015 hours, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 4 kilometers northwest of the 19 February contacts of B/2-60 Inf (XS597730), engaged ten enemy with organic weapons, one light fire team and two artillery batteries (181 rounds). Six enemy were killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. Four AK47 rifles, one 60mm mortar tube, three rounds of medical supplies, nine protective masks, 15 SP mines and five pounds of documents were evacuated. Documents captured identified elements of the 1 NVA Regiment, including the 1 and 2 Battalions and the Regimental Signal Company.

Thirty-four enemy were killed by elements of the 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry in operations between Rach Kien (XS7470) and Tan Tru (XS6763) during the week (15-21 February). At 2010 hours on 20 February, Company B, 1.5 kilometers northeast of Tan Tru (XS675644), engaged 14 enemy soldiers with organic weapons, a light fire team and artillery resulting in five enemy killed. One AK47 rifle was evacuated. At 2315 hours, B/5-60 Inf, 3 kilometers northeast of Ben Luc (XS581747), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons, one light fire team and one artillery battery (178 illumination rounds). Eleven enemy soldiers were killed. Four rounds of RPG ammunition, 100 rounds of small arms ammunition 3 ¼ pounds of documents, four ChiCon hand grenades, one pound of medical supplies and three rounds of 60mm mortar ammunition were evacuated. There were no U.S. casualties in either contact.

Enemy initiated activity remained at a moderate level during the last week of February (22-28 February). Previous intelligence had indicated the initiation of the Spring Campaign on 26 February. (See 372d Radio Research Company, 303d Radio Research Battalion Historical Report for this period). Enemy offensive activity did increase during the expected period with Tay Ninh Base Camp (XT1651), beginning at 0010 hours on 27 February, receiving 25 rounds of 120mm mortar fire. Six U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded. Heavy damage occurred to one bu8ilding, moderate damage to three UHD helicopters and one AHG helicopter, and light damage to two ¼ ton trucks, five buildings and two UHD helicopters. This was the most destructive enemy attack by fire against a U.S. installation during the current reporting quarter.

Recent decrease in enemy activity may be due in part to the fact that the enemy is still in the preparation phase for the main part of the Spring Campaign which is suppose to take place in March. This lull also coincides with recent allied AO changes, which may have had a bearing on the enemy's plans for the future. Enemy forces within Sub-Region 2 continued their preparations for future offensive operations in northern Duc Hoa District and Long An Province by conducting limited reconnaissance of targets in these two areas. (For further information, see Operational Report- Lessons Learned, 372d Radio Research Company, 303d Radio Research Battalion, for the corresponding period.)

Enemy offensive activities and the continuation of the Spring Campaign should be characterized by limited attacks by fire against Allied installations and outposts within the Division TAOI with the added possibility of follow-up sapper attacks. Emphasis by enemy forces will continue to be placed on the limiting of the pacification program, while attempting to maximize economy of forces.

In the 1st Brigade area of operations, five contacts resulted in nine enemy killed. This low level of contact is indicative of enemy refusal to engage 25th Infantry Division forces in open combat. Rear service resupply elements maintained a moderate level of activity. At 1920 hours on 28 February, snipers attacked to 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 1.8 kilometers north of Trung Sup (XT170568) engaged 10-15 enemy with organic weapons, light fire team and artillery. Three of the enemy were killed, two AK47 rifles and ¼ pound of documents were evacuated. Seven kilometers southwest (XT115566) on 22 February, Company C, 3-22 Inf engaged one enemy soldier in a tunnel with organic weapons at 1125 hours. The enemy soldier was killed. At 1210 hours, C/3-22 Inf engaged three enemy soldiers with organic weapons. Contact was lost five minutes later. One enemy dead was found.

At 1215 hours on 28 February, an armored personnel carrier of the Scout Platoon, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry (OPCON to 1st Bde, 25 Feb 70), detonated one booby-trapped (pressure detonating) 750 pound bomb on a road in the Michelin Rubber Plantation (XT557512), 7 kilometers east of Dau Tieng. Seven U.S. soldiers were killed.

The low level of enemy activity in the 2nd Brigade area of operations is evidenced by only five enemy killed in tow contacts during the last week of February. On 23 February at 1845 hours, Team 31, Company F (Ranger), 75th Infantry, 5 kilometers northeast of Trung Lap (XT638227), engaged three enemy soldiers at 50 meters with organic weapons, light fire team and artillery. All three enemy soldiers were killed.

At 0227 hours on 27 February, Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary (Division Troop element), 8 kilometers south of the Ben Qui Rubber Plantation in the Boi Loi Woods (XT462377), engaged four enemy soldiers with organic weapons and Night Hawk helicopter. Two enemy soldiers were killed and ¼ pound or documents were evacuated.

During the latter part of February the 25th Infantry Division began preparations for the deployment of its 2nd Brigade (Task Force Two) in March to a new area of operations to interdict enemy infiltration routes in eastern Bien Hoa Province, western Phuoc Tay Province, and areas to be designated by C.G., IIFFV. Task Force Two consisted of Headquarters, 2nd Brigade; 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry; 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry; 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor; 1st Battalion, 8th Artillery; Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary; Company C, 65th Engineer Battalion; 2nd Platoon, Company F (Ranger), 75th Infantry; and an 8” and 15mm howitzer battery from IIFFV.

On 26 February 1970 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry and 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry became OPCON to 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. The 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary was released from OPCON to 2nd Brigade and returned to Divisional control on the same day. This day also saw the new boundary between the 25th Infantry Division and the 1st Air Calvary Division go into effect. This new boundary change meant that the 25th Infantry Division gave up its portion of War Zone C.

Activity decreased in the 3rd Brigade area of operations as six separate contacts resulted in ten enemy killed and four prisoners-of-war. On 22 February at 1950 hours, a combat patrol from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 5.5 kilometers southeast of Trang Bang (XT523143), engaged five enemy soldiers 100 meters south of their position with organic weapons. One enemy soldier was killed. A sweep of the contact area located one additional enemy KlA.

On 25 February at 1115 hours, 4.5 kilometers east of Trang Bang (XT534195), elements of the 25th Military Intelligence Company exploiting intelligence information with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry and helicopter gunships of the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, engaged three enemy with organic weapons, killing all three of the enemy. Two AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, one RPG round, two ChiCon hand grenades and ¼ pound of documents were evacuated. Three prisoners-of-war were captured hiding in a tunnel in the contact area. One Hoi Chanh was received. The C3 Company, Trang Bang Local Force Battalion was tentatively identified by captured documents.

In the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division area of operations, twenty separate contacts resulted in 70 enemy killed. On 25 February at 1225 hours, the Reconnaissance Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry with the 46th ARVN Intelligence Platoon, engaged an unknown number of enemy 4 kilometers northwest of Tran Tru (XS6466). Company B, 2-60 Inf reacted. Organic weapons, one light fire team, three TAC air strikes and two artillery batteries (462 rounds), accounted for 13 enemy soldiers killed. One K-54 pistol and ¼ pound of documents were evacuated. Two U.S. soldiers and four ARVN soldiers were wounded by enemy return fire with small arms and automatic weapons. Approximately 1400 meters southeast of this contact (XS6565), at 1100 hours on 28 February, Companies C and D and Reconnaissance Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, engaged an unknown sized enemy force with organic weapons, one light fire team, two TAC air strikes, one Air Force Forward Air Controller, and two artillery batteries (1225 rounds). Nine enemy soldiers were killed. Five SKS rifles, four Browning Automatic Rifles, tow AK-47 rifles, one M-1 Carbine, one light machine gun and one RPG launcher were evacuated. One U.S. soldier was killed and four US soldiers wounded by enemy small arms fire. Documents identified the Guard Unit, Military Staff, SR-3.

Elements of the 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry killed 30 enemy soldiers in nine separate contacts between 22 and 27 February. At 0020 hours on 25 February, the Rat Patrol, 2-60 Inf, 5 kilometers southwest of Ben Luc (XS575757) engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons. Contact was lost at 0230 hours. Four enemy dead were located. One US soldier was wounded by enemy small arms fire. At 0800 hours the Rat Patrol located two additional bodies of enemy killed in the contact. One AK-47 rifle was evacuated and one sampan was destroyed.

At 2100 hours on 27 February, Company B, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 3.5 kilometers east of Tan Tru (XS705635), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons, light fire team and AC-119 (Shadow) gunship. Contact was lost at 2235 hours. Four US soldiers and two Tiger Scouts were wounded when the enemy returned fire with small arms and RPGs. A sweep of the contact area located seven enemy soldiers killed.

On 23 February at 1840 hours, a combat patrol, Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 47th Infantry, 7 kilometers east of Binh Phuoc (XS683545), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons, light fire team, and artillery. Contact was lost at 1850 hours. At 1300 hours on 24 February A/2-47 Inf (M) located four enemy soldiers killed in the previous evening's contact.

At 1230 hours on 24 February, Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary, 5 kilometers northwest of Ben Suc (XT528358) in the Boi Loi Woods, located a cache in a hole. Evacuated were two M-16 rifles, six AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, one 60mm mortar tube, two base plates for 60mm mortars, two 20 pound AT mines, 1200 rounds of .51 caliber ammunition, 50 rifle grenades, 70 AT hand grenades and 21,450 rounds of small arms ammunition. One US hand grenade, 97 RPG rounds, 21 RPG boosters, 11 ChiCom bangalore torpedoes, eight rounds of 82mm mortar ammunition, 13 cases of 82mm mortar fuses and 31 rounds of 60mm mortar ammunition were destroyed.

During the final week of February, a number of notable military personalities visited the 25th Infantry Division. On 26 February, Rear Admiral Frank B. Voris, Surgeon Pacific Command, visited medical facilities of the 25th Infantry Division and 12th Evacuation Hospital. ON 26 February, Colonel Samuel C. Cockerham, Commanding Officer, 34th General Support Group, made a liaison visit to the 25th Infantry Division to discuss aircraft maintenance and supply. On 27 February, Major General Chin Yung-Fa, ROC, Deputy Director, G3, Army General Headquarters, discussed tactical and technical employment of anti-infiltration warfare in the 25th Infantry Division TAOI. ON 27 February, Major General Sheldon E. Lollis, Commanding General, U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command, visited the 25th Infantry Division automotive support facilities. On 27-28 February, Wing Commander D.E. Jameson, RNZAF, Administrative Planning Staff-Ministry of Defense visited the 25th Infantry Division for orientation of Division air activities.

The 25th Infantry Division and the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, killed 489 and captured 36 of the enemy during the month of February, accounted for 186 individual weapons, 12 crew-served weapons and 4.49 tons of rice (captured and destroyed). Division soldiers destroyed 230 mines and booby traps while detonating 96, resulting in 11 U.S. soldiers killed and 101 wounded.

During the month, Civic Action/PSYCPS activities declined slightly due to a lull in operations during the TET holidays and major unit relocation to a new area expanding the TAOI. Quick reaction type operations decreased in number primarily due to the low intensity of contacts with enemy and limited exploitable new intelligence.

A total of 52.740 patients were treated during the month of ICAPS, NITECAPS, and MEDCAPS. Over 900 small gifts were prepared for distribution by the CG to patients at the provincial hospitals during the TET season. An Innocent Civilian center (ICC) was opened at Cu Chi Base Camp as was directed by the CG. It provides facilities to house innocent civilians who have been detained by Division units and later declared innocent by the IPW interrogation team. The area includes sleeping, kitchen, shower and latrine facilities in addition to a comfortable day room. It provides accommodations for VN civilians while awaiting transportation to their homes, which is provided by the detaining unit.

Approximately 15 million leaflets were disseminated and 1,235 hours of broadcasts were made during the month. Two hundred and eighty-seven Hoi Chanh rallied to all forces in the TAOI. The Kit Carson Scout authorization for the Division was increased to 400. At the close of the month there were 396 assigned.

Implementation of HES-70 resulted in numerous charges of hamlet status as of 31Jan 70. There was an overall regression of 31 hamlets in Hau Nghia Province from B & C level to D level and an upgrading of 79 hamlets in Long An Province to B level with overall upgrades of 34 and C, 27 from D, 11 from E, and 7 from VC categories.

Enemy initiated activity and mining incidents decreased throughout the Division's TAOI during the first week of March (1-7 March). Previous intelligence had indicated the possibility of an increased activity period during this week, however the anticipated increase failed to materialize. (For further information see Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 372nd Radio Research Company, 303rd Radio Research Battalion, for corresponding period.)

Six enemy were killed in four separate contacts in the 1st Brigade area of operations during the period 1-7 March. Elements of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry killed two enemy soldiers while operating in the Trapezoid against SR-1 forces (XT6336) during 1-4 March. On 5 March at 1830 hours Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 5 kilometers northwest of Ben Suc (XT524349) engaged three enemy soldiers with artillery, killing two of the enemy.

At 1115 hours on 2 March, the Scout Platoon, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry, located a cache 3.5 kilometers northwest of the Ben Cui Rubber Plantation (XT409469). Evacuated were two M-16 rifles, three SKS rifles, nine M-16 magazines and five pounds of documents. The captured documents identified local force elements of Tay Ninh Province. No tactical information was obtained.

On 2 March 1970, Task Force Two (2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division) became QPCON to II FFV (See Annex A, Task Organization). With the redeployment of the 1st Infantry Division to the United States, the AO of the 25th Infantry Division became extended. To facilitate command/control of this AO, II FFV took operational control of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.

Contact decreased in the 3rd Brigade area of operations as six contacts resulted in T4 enemy killed. The most significant contact occurred on 6 March at 2137 hours 12 kilometers northwest of Hiep Hoa (XT333180), 2 kilometers southeast of the Cambodian border. Company D, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry engaged an unknown sized enemy force with artillery. Six enemy soldiers were killed.

At 1200 hours on 5 March, Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry with elements of Company E, 65th Engineer Battalion (OPCON to 4-46 ARVNs), 5 kilometers northwest of Bao Trai (XT518097), located an enemy munitions cache. Destroyed were 27 homemade booby traps, one booby trapped round of 105mm ammunition, four booby trapped RPG rounds and two twenty-five pound ChiCom claymore mines. Two AK47 rifles were evacuated. Three dead enemy soldiers were located by GVN troops. At 1356 hours, elements of 4-46 ARVNs with A/2-22 Inf (M) and E/65th Engr Bn, located one enemy dead approximately 1700 meters northeast of the earlier find (XT519099). GVN troops evacuated two M1 carbines, ¼ pound of documents, one typewriter, two headsets, and one SKS rifle from a second cache. One SKS rifle and one AK-47 rifle were evacuated by U.S. troops. At 1445 hours, A/2-22 Inf (M) engaged two enemy soldiers with organic weapons and hand grenades, killing both enemy soldiers. One AK47 rifle was evacuated. Contact was in the vicinity of the second cache (XT579099).

Activity within the area of operations of 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued at a moderate level as main force units in Sub-Region 3 persisted in their efforts to disrupt the Pacification Program. In eighteen separate contacts, 3-9 Inf Div forces killed 54 enemy soldiers and captured one prisoner-of-war.

On 5 March, information gained from a prisoner-of-war captured by GVN forces in the vicinity of Tan Tru (D) revealed the conditions of local forces in the 3-9 Inf Div TAOI. The PW protested that SR-3 Headquarters apparently had no real concept of existing conditions within the District. The PW maintained that unless adequate replacement were received, it would be impossible to continue effective operations against the GVN Pacification Program. Previous intelligence had indicated that communist VCI capabilities in the District have deteriorated as a result of pacification and Allied operations.

Elements of 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry killed 21 enemy soldiers in four contacts east of Tan Tru during the period 1-7 March. The most significant contact began at 1940 hours on 1 March as Company D, 2-60 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy soldiers 4 kilometers east of Tan Tru (XS711638). Thirteen enemy soldiers were killed by fire from small arms, automatic weapons and artillery illumination, 7 kilometers southwest of Ben Luc (XS574771). Both enemy soldiers were killed, one AK47 rifle was destroyed. At 2240 hours, 2 kilometers northeast of the earlier contact (XS576748), Company B engaged 10-12 enemy soldiers with organic weapons, one light fire team, one AC-119 “Shadow” and artillery illumination (275 rounds). Six enemy soldiers were killed. Evacuated were three AK47 rifles. One U.S. soldier was wounded by enemy small arms fire.

Company C, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 47th Infantry killed five enemy soldiers in five separate contacts between 1910 hours and 2255 hours on 4 March 1970, 5 kilometers southwest of Binh Phuoc (XS6552). At 1630 hours on 7 March, the Reconnaissance Platoon, 2-47 Inf (M) located 11 enemy killed in graves vicinity (XS655519). The enemy KIA were credited to an A/2-47 Inf (M) contact at 1950 hours on 4 March Vicinity (XS654520).

During the period 1-7 March 1970, a number of notable civilian and military personalities visited Cu Chi Base Camp. On 1 March, Lieutenant General Julian J. Ewell, Commanding General, II Field Force, Vietnam visited the 25th Infantry Division for an update briefing. Colonel Howard G. Allbee, Chief, USARV AGI Team, conferred with Commanders and staff of the 25th Infantry Division on problem areas within their units on 1 through 7 March. On 2 March Major General Edward Bauts, Jr. ACofS, Operations, J-3, USMACV, received an orientation briefing on 25th Infantry Division activities. Major General Wellborn G. Dolvin, Chief of Staff (Designate), MACV, received an orientation visit on 25th Infantry Division on 3-4 March. ON 6 March, Mr. Clyde D. Hardin, Deputy for Southeast Asia Matters, Office, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Research and Development activities. Brigadier General Lawrence V. Greene ACofS, J-1, USARV, received an orientation visit to the 25th Infantry Division on 6-7 March. ON 7-9 March, the OPD orientation Team (LTC Aubrey G. Norriss, LTC Williams L. Wubbena, and LTC Clinton A. Freeman) gave a Junior Officer Career Opportunities Orientation at Cu Chi Base Camp.

Enemy initiated activity during the second week of March in the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations increased but still remained at a low level. Enemy offensive activities were characterized generally by limited attacks by fire against ARVN, RF and FF outposts. Areas of primary enemy activity were in the Trang Bang-Citadel area, vicinity of Duc Hue and along the Vam Co Dong River in Long An Province.

Two shelling incidents were reported this week both occurring in the 1st Brigade area of operations. Five U.S. soldiers were wounded in an attack by fire on Tay Ninh Base Camp (XT165515) on 12 March. AT 0110 hours the base received 30 rounds of 120mm mortar fire from vicinity XT164568 (determined by radar pickup - Q4). Thirteen of the rounds landed inside the base camp. Two LGHs received moderate damage, two LCHs received light damage, one UH1H was a combat loss, and heavy damage was sustained by one bunker4. AT 0245 hours, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry was inserted in the area of suspected enemy activity (XT164568) with no results. At 0350 hours, a combat patrol from B/3-22 Inf, located 2 kilometers northeast of the area of suspected enemy activity (XT180578) engaged 3-4 enemy 100 meters from their location with organic weapons and helicopter gunships. At 0355 hours contact was lost. One 120mm mortar was captured.

In five separate contacts 1st Brigade force killed seven enemy soldiers and captured three prisoners-of-war. The most significant contact began at 0450 hours on 12 March when a combat patrol from Company A, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry, located 3 kilometers southwest of Nui Ba Den (XT258542), engaged an estimated two enemy squads. Contact was lost at 0510 hours. Three enemy soldiers were killed by organic weapons and artillery fire. Enemy small arms fire was completely ineffective. One wounded prisoner-of-war was captured on a sweep of the contact area. Eight ChiCom hand grenades, one AK47 rifle and miscellaneous web gear were evacuated. At 0555 hours, the combat patrol engaged and killed one enemy soldier with small arms and automatic weapons fire. One AK47 rifle was evacuated along with miscellaneous pieces of web gear.

A large enemy food cache was uncovered by Company A, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry on 11 March. At 0830 hours on a reconnaissance mission 6.5 kilometers southeast of Trai Bi (XT175650), A/-22 Inf located an enemy bunker complex consisting of 18 bunkers all of which were destroyed. Evacuated were eight tons of unpolished rice, five pounds of salt, cooking utensils, six NVA poncho liners, one entrenching tool, and one flashlight battery.

Enemy activity increased slightly in the 3rd Brigade area of operations as U.S. forces killed 29 enemy soldiers in seven separate contacts. The most significant contact developed at 1000 hours on 12 March, 2.5 kilometers east of the Cambodian border (XT326186) when Company D, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry conducted a sweep of the area where artillery and a Night Hawk had previously delivered a large volume of fire due to significant radar sightings. D/2-27 Inf received small arms and mortar fire from an estimated 30 enemy and returned fire with organic weapons, six light fire teams, and two artillery batteries (110 rounds), killing 13 enemy soldiers. Contact was lost at 1100 hours. One AK47 rifle and five pounds of documents were evacuated. Seven rounds of 60mm mortar ammunition were destroyed. The captured documents tentatively identified the 2 Company, 267 Battalion. At 1300 hours, B/2-27 Inf located two complete 60mm mortars and seven rounds of 60mm mortar ammunition 500 meters north of the D/2-27 Inf contact. All were destroyed by artillery.

A combat patrol from Company A, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7 kilometers southwest of Tra Cu (XS4149336), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons, helicopter gunships, and artillery at 0025 hours on 11 March. Four enemy soldiers were killed. Contact was lost at 0100 hours. Four E54 pistols, 150 vials of penicillin, and ¼ pound of documents were evacuated. The documents identified the 2642 Battalion, which normally operates in Duc Hoa District. The documents included notes by a member of the 6 Local Force Battalion, detailing the unit's mission assigned by SR-2 Headquarters for an upcoming “D-Day”. According to the documents, battlefield preparations were to be completed by 20 March, while “D-Day” was to be scheduled for 25 March. The battalion's primary targets will be Pacification teams, RF/PF elements, and allied troops stationed in Binh Chanh District, while all the units plan to coordinate with guerilla forces to assassinate GVN officials and intelligence personnel.

Enemy activity continued at a moderate level in the area of operations of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division during the second week of March. In 16 separate contacts, 3-9 Inf Div forces killed 53 enemy soldiers and captured four prisoners-of-war. At 1040 hours on 14 March, Companies B and D, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry with elements of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Calvary and the 118th Assault Helicopter Company, engaged an unknown sized enemy force 4 kilometers northwest of Tan Tru (XS6966). Organic weapons, helicopter gunships, and three artillery batteries (534 rounds) accounted for 14 enemy killed. One AK47 rifle, one protective mask, two pounds of medical supplies and 3/8 pound of documents were evacuated. At 1515 hours, B/5-60 Inf captured one prisoner-of-war in the area of contact. The PW identified himself as the NCOIC of the Signal Section of the 211 Sapper Battalion. The battalion is currently believed to be coordinating with the 3 Artillery Battalion and the 2 Battalion, 1 NVA Regiment against the 2-60 Infantry Base Camp in Tan Tru (D). The captured documents also identified the 211 Sapper Battalion. At 1650 hours, D/5-60 Inf destroyed 11 bunkers in a bunker complex 1 kilometer northwest of the contact site (XS681663).

Company B, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 47th Infantry, 5 kilometers south of Ben Luc (XS618718) engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons, one light fire team and two artillery batteries (310 rounds) at 1350 hours on 10 March. Eight enemy soldiers were killed. One AK47 rifle was evacuated. While sweeping the area of contact, ground troops detonated one booby-trapped (trip wired) ChiCom hand grenade. One U.S. soldier was wounded. At 2015 hours, B/2-47 Inf (M) located six enemy dead 700 meters south of the earlier contact (XS618711). Three AK47 rifles were evacuated. Captured documents identified the C30 Company, D8 Training Battalion, 1 NVA Regiment. To date the training unit of the 1 NVA Regiment has been identified exclusively in the vicinity of Ben Luc, indicating that the battalion has been infiltrating personnel along the Bo Bo Canal, a traditional route into the northern sub-region.

At 2045 hours on 12 March, the Reconnaissance Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry with Vietnamese Navy elements, 9 kilometers northwest of Tan An (XS488718), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons and U.S. Navy helicopter gunships. One U.S. soldier was wounded by enemy small arms fire. Four of the enemy were killed. ON 13 March at 2130 hours, Rcn/2-60 Inf with U.S. Navy elements engaged and killed one enemy soldier 2.6 kilometers northeast of the previous evening's contact.

Enemy initiated activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations remained at a low level during the third week of March (15-21March) as enemy units continued to avoid contact while confining their activities to reconnaissance of future targets and replenishment of logistical bases. Mining activity increased within the AO with the primary area of activity located north of the Sugar Mill (XT4505). Areas of significant enemy activity were around Tay Ninh, the lower Boi Loi Woods and Trang Bang area.

Three shelling incidents were reported during this period, all within the 1st Brigade area of operations. One U.S. soldier was wounded when Company C, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry received 10 mortar rounds at 0855 hours on 19 March. The company was located 4.5 kilometers northeast of Trang Sup (XT305583) at the time of the attack by fire. Tay Ninh Base Camp (XT165515) received attacks by fire on 19 March (2330 hours) and 21 March (0518). There were no U.S. casualties or equipment losses or damages.

The 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry accounted for 56 enemy dead in a two-day operation on Nui Ba Den and just northeast of the mountain. At 1022 hours on 15 March, C/4-23 Inf (M), approximately 600 meters northeast of the mountain (XT280610), received small arms and RPG fire from an unknown number of enemy. One U.S. soldier was wounded. U.S. forces returned fire with organic weapons, helicopter gunships and artillery with unknown results. Contact was lost at 1337 hours. A/4-23 Inf (M) received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy at 1100 hours 2.8 kilometers northeast of C/4-23 Inf (M) contact (XT282612). Ten U.S. soldiers were wounded. U.S. forces returned fire with organic weapons, helicopter gunships, artillery, CS drops and TAC air strikes resulting in 31 enemy killed. Contact was lost at 1730 hours. At 1900 hours, A/4-23 Inf (M) received small arms fire resulting in one U.S. soldier killed. Contact was lost at 1905 hours.

At 1010 hours on 16 March, Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary and A/4-23 Inf (M) were inserted in reaction to an intelligence target on the “Saddle” area of Mui Ba den (XT285600). An LOH received small arms ground fire resulting in moderate damage to the LOH but no casualties. The fire was returned with organic weapons and artillery. (For further information see Operational Report-Lessons Learned, 372d Radio Research Company, 303d Radio Research Battalion, for the corresponding period). Later at 1338 hours, A/D/4-23 Inf (M) received small arms and RPG fire from an unknown number of enemy vicinity XT280600. U.S. forces returned fire with organic weapons, helicopter gunships, and TAC air strikes with unknown results. An AH1G Cobra gunship supporting the 4-23 Inf (M) contact received heavy small arms fire at 1400 hours and crashed. A/4-23 Inf (M) swept the contact area at 1430 hours and located ten enemy killed vicinity XT285605. At 1527 hours, C/4-23 Inf (M) received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy vicinity XT281615. Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded. U.S. forces returned fie with organic weapons, light fire team, TAC air strikes, and artillery resulting in 15 enemy KIA. Contact was lost at 1845 hours.

Operations by 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary during this period resulted in seven enemy killed and the capture of three prisoners-of-war in two separate contacts. On 18 March at 1500 hours, a light scout team from Troop D, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav received heavy small arms fire from an estimated 20 enemy, 1kilometer east of the Cambodian border (XT346139) near the Tay Ninh and Hau Nghia Province borders. The team LOH took one hit, sustaining minor damage. Returning fire with organic weapons, helicopter gunships and supporting artillery accounted for six enemy KIA. Company A and C, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry swept the contact area with no further results.

A combat patrol from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry received small arms and RPG fire from an unknown number of enemy 8 kilometers southwest of Go Day Ha (XT375171) on 17 March at 2125 hours. They returned fire with organic weapons, a light fire team, and a flare ship, resulting in six enemy killed. One U.S. soldier was killed and five were wounded during the contact. Two AK47 rifles and two RPG launchers were evacuated. At 2005 hours on 19 March, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, reacting to duffel bag activations, engaged ten enemy soldiers with organic weapons, a light fire team and a flare ship 3 kilometers southeast of B/2-14 Inf's contact on 17 March. Five of the enemy soldiers were killed. There was no return fire from the enemy element.

Company C, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry killed seven enemy soldiers in four separate contacts on a rubber tree plantation 3 kilometers southeast of Cu Chi (XT655122). The contacts began at 0920 hours on 16 March and continued sporadically through 2150 hours on 17 March. One AK47 rifle, 21 pounds of commo wire, one headset and miscellaneous medical supplies were evacuated to Cu Chi Base during the operation. Captured documents identified elements of the Quyet Thang Regiment and SR-1 Headquarters sections.

Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry with elements of the 25th Military Intelligence Company uncovered a small enemy weapons cache at 1223 hours on 15 March. The cache was located 5 kilometers north of Trung Lap (XT587266) in the Boi Loi Woods. Evacuated were three M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, one SKS rifle, one Carbine, four M16 magazines, four 122mm rockets and 700 pounds of polished rice.

Activity within the area of operations of 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division remained moderate during the week as main force and local force units continued their reconnaissance and re-supply efforts for future planned activities intended to disrupt the GVN Pacification Program in Long An Province. In 26 separate contacts, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division elements killed 75 enemy soldiers and captured six prisoners-of-war.

In a series of contacts 4 kilometers southeast of Ben Luc (XS6473) on 20 March, elements of 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry killed ten enemy soldiers, captured five prisoners-of-war, and received one Hoi Chanh. At 0940 hours, helicopter gunships of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Calvary with A/2-60 Inf (XS640733), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons resulting in four enemy KIA. At 1200 hours, A/2-60 Inf (XS640729), engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons resulting in two enemy KIA. Three prisoners-of-war were captured and one rallier received. One of the PWs identified his unit as the 1 Company, 1 Battalion, 1 NVA regiment. The PW also stated that the mission of the company was to serve as a commo/liaison unit between Ba Thu (XT0604) and Long Dinh Village (XS6573). One-half pound of medical supplies, five AK47 rifles and one K54 pistol were evacuated from the contact area. At 1305 hours, D/2-60 Inf (XS640738), captured two male prisoners-of-war, and evacuated four pounds of documents to Tan Tru. At 1800 hours, A/2-60 Inf (XS645729) engaged four enemy soldiers with organic weapons fire, killing all four enemy.

At 2155 hours on 21 March, Team 21, Company B (Rangers), 75th Infantry, 3 kilometers north3west of Ben Luc (XS598782), engaged 5-6 enemy soldiers with organic weapons, U.S. Navy light fire team, and artillery. Five of the enemy were killed. No U.S. casualties resulted from enemy small arms fire. At 0130 hours, Team 11, Company E (Rangers), 75th Infantry was inserted in this area (XS598782) and received small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy. Returning fire with organic weapons, flare ship, U.S. Navy light fire team and artillery, U.S. forces killed two enemy soldiers, bringing the total number of enemy killed during the contact to seven.

Enemy initiated activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations remained at a low level during the fourth week of March (22-31 March) as the predicted highpoint for enemy main force units failed to materialize. This postponement may have been due to the current politico-military situation within Cambodia. Enemy main force units continued to avoid contact while confining their activities to reconnaissance of future targets and replenishment of logistical bases. There was a decrease in mining activity within the AO during this period. (For further information, see Operational Report- Lessons Learned, 372d Radio Research Company, 303d Radio Research Battalion, for the corresponding period.) Areas of significant enemy activity occurred within the 3rd Brigade of the 9th Division's AO, specifically around Tan Tru (XS6763) and Rach Kien (XS7470).

Four shelling incidents were reported within the Division's TAOI, all occurring during the last three days of March. Two of these attacks were within the 1st Brigade's AO, the most significant being against Tay Ninh Base Camp (XT165515) in the early morning of 31 March. At 0123 hours, Tay Ninh Base Camp received small arms and RPG fire, 16 rounds of 60mm mortar, two rounds of 107mm mortar and an unknown number of 82mm mortar rounds from an unknown number of enemy, resulting in seven U.S. wounded. This enemy force was engaged with helicopter gunships, an Air Force forward air controller, a Night Hawk, and artillery, resulting in five enemy killed. On a sweep of the area by Company C, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry and Company A, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry, two prisoners-of-war were captured. The two PWs identified the 8 Sapper Battalion, 16 Amor Office, COSVN, which had last been identified on 7 March by documents taken from an enemy body southwest of Tham Rot (XT719531). Three AK47 rifles, 80 ChiCom hand grenades, 23 RPG rounds, two bangalore torpedoes, one ChiCom pistol, two rifle grenade launchers, five AK47 magazines, and two pair of wire cutters were evacuated.

The most significant contact occurred at 1600 hours on 28 March 8.5 kilometers north of Dau Tieng (XT491473) in the Razorbacks. The 1st Brigade Mini-Cav with the Reconnaissance Platoon and Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, engaged 8-10 enemy in bunkers with organic weapons, helicopter gunships, tactical air strikes and artillery. Seven enemy soldiers were killed. Return fire by the enemy resulted in one U.S. killed, three U.S. wounded and one Kit Carson Scout wounded. Three AK47 rifles, ten pounds of documents, and ten pounds of clothing were evacuated.

Operations by 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary during this period resulted in 12 enemy killed and the capture of two prisoners-of-war. On 22 March at 1800 hours, an LOH from Troop D 3-4 Cav on visual reconnaissance over the Fil Hol Rubber Plantation (XT695206) received small arms fire. The gunship returned fire with organic weapons, killing four of the enemy.

On 26 March at 0720 hours, a light scout team from Troop D, 3-4 Cav engaged 5-4 enemies with organic weapons and artillery resulting in two enemy soldiers killed. A sweep of the area by Troop C, 3-4 Cav and Company D, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry resulted in the capture of two prisoners-of-war and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles, ten pounds of documents, one S.O.I. and code book, and ten pounds of medical supplies. One of the prisoners captured identified the B1 Staff Section, 268 Regiment. He also stated that the entire 268 Regiment was located in the Boi Loi Woods (XT4838) with an approximate strength of 300 men in January.

The only significant enemy caches found during this period were by Troop A, 3-4 Cav on 23 and 24 March approximately 10 kilometers north of the Ben Cui Rubber Plantation (XT426580, XT432560, XT432554). A medical cache containing 100 pounds of penicillin pills, five pounds of unidentified red powder, ten pounds of sulphate, seven pounds of unidentified pink pills, one five gallon can of ether, one .50 caliber can of ether vials, two .50 caliber cans of syringes and surgical thread, two .50 caliber cans of powdered penicillin in bottles, one .50 caliber can of unidentified yellow powder, four quart bottles of ether, one five gallon can of chloroform, nine bottles of malaria pills, five pounds of unidentified yellow pills, two 500ml bags of glucose, three pounds of unidentified orange pills, nine pounds of unidentified orange powder, 18 pounds of unidentified white pills, two bags of surgical thread, and two CKC rifles was located at 1245 hours on 23 March. At 1100 hours on 24 March 4,720 pounds of rice were evacuated. At 1515 hours on 24 March 50 pounds of medical supplies were evacuated.

Enemy activity within the 3rd Brigade area of operations remained at a low level as main force units continued to avoid contact while attempting to replenish logistical and personnel losses. In 19 separate contacts, 3rd Brigade forces killed 46 enemy soldiers and captured two prisoners-of-war.

On 31 March at 2050 hours, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry engaged an unknown number of enemy with organic weapons 8.5 kilometers northwest of Hiep Hoa (XT373110) in the Plain of Reeds. Six enemy were killed and three AK-47 rifles and three RPG rounds were evacuated. The enemy returned fire with organic weapons, wounding two U.S. soldiers.

On 22 March at 2130 hours, a combat patrol of Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry engaged an unknown number of the enemy with organic weapons, a Night Hawk helicopter funships and artillery, 4 kilometers northwest of Cu Chi (XT599161). Nine enemy were killed and ½ pound of documents were evacuated with no U.S. casualties.

A prisoner-of-war was captured by Company B, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry 9 kilometers southwest of Go Dau Ha (XT351175). The PW was an NCO for the Commander of the 269 Battalion. He revealed that the main mission of the 269 Battalion is to combat the success of the Rural Development Cadre in Loc Giang and Duc Hoa (D). He also stated that the 269 Battalion plans on attacking three allied posts in the vicinity of Loc Giang (XT4315), An Hiep (XT4612), and Rach Cong (XT4111).

In an action by snipers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry on 27 March at 1930 hours 10 kilometers southwest of Dau Trieng (XT467370), in the Boi Loi Woods, five enemy soldiers were killed. Two AK47 rifles, 2 ¼ pounds of documents, ¼ pound of medical supplies, and ten pounds of clothing were evacuated.

A Hoi Chanh received by Company D, 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry at 1350 hours on 27 March 10 kilometers southwest of Hiep Hoa (XS426940) identified the 3 Company, 267 Battalion and related that the Company's mission was to support local forces in attacking Revolutionary Development Cadre.

Activity within the area of operations of 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division remained moderate during the week as main force units continued to work with local forces to disrupt the Pacification Program. In 32 separate contacts, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division forces killed 86 enemy soldiers and captured seven prisoners-of-war.

In two separate contacts on 22 March at 1950 and 2030 hours, elements of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, killed four enemy soldiers 4 kilometers east of Tan Tru (XS703625). Three prisoners-of-war were captured by B/2-60 Inf on 23 March at 1651 hours 2 kilometers northeast of Tan Tru (XS681651). They identified the C5 Company, K5 Battalion, 1 NVA regiment which had last been identified by a prisoner-of-war captured on 19 March 10.5 kilometers northwest of Tan Tru (XS591696).

In an action on 25 March at 1120 hours, D/2-60 Inf with air cushion vehicles engaged three enemy with organic weapons and helicopter gunships 5 kilometers north of Tan Tru (XS70660). Two enemy soldiers were killed, one prisoner-of-war was captured, and two AK47 rifles were evacuated. One U.S. soldier was wounded by enemy small arms fire. The PW identified his unit as C4 (107mm Rocket Company), 3 Artillery Battalion which previous intelligence had indicated was targeted against the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry's Base Camp at Tan Tru (XS665623).

On 27 March at 0125 hours, a combat patrol of Company D, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry with helicopter gunships of the 190th Assault Helicopter Company, reacting to duffel bag activations, engaged an unknown number of enemy 8 kilometers north of Thu Thua (XS506800) with organic weapons, one light fire team, and one artillery battery (150 rounds illumination), resulting in 13 enemy soldiers killed. Three SKS rifles, four AK47 rifles, one RPG launcher with 13 RPG rounds, one ChiCom .30 caliber machine gun, 33 rounds of 82mm mortar, 7,750 rounds of small arms ammunition, three anti-tank mines, 751 pounds of explosives, seven ChiCom hand grenades, one protective mask, 30 pounds of rice, 30 blasting caps, five pounds of clothing, two pounds of medical supplies, one round of 57mm ammunition, and five pounds of documents were evacuated. The enemy returned fire with organic weapons slightly damaging one helicopter. There were no U.S. casualties. The captured documents identified the K8 Training Battalion which trains newly infiltrated replacements in sapper tactics.