Page 3

On October 1, 1969, the 25th Infantry Division celebrated the 28th Anniversary of its formation on the eve of World War II. In commemoration of this important date, the following letter was received from the Commanding General, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam:

On behalf of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, I extend my congratulations to the 25th Infantry Division on the 28th anniversary of your activation on October 1, 1941.

Since your arrival in Vietnam in December, 1965, the men of the Tropic Lightning Division have added new and inspiring chapters to the military heritage of the 25th Infantry. During the past year, NVA forces have made many attempts to gain a stronghold in your tactical zone. Each attack has been successfully repulsed and, combined with your offenses, has resulted in 13,736 enemy killed and countless enemy casualties.

The long list of achievements added to your already commendable record, has contributed significantly to the progress made against the enemy.

Your contributions to the Republic of Vietnam's pacification program are also commendable and are helping to provide both security and a better life to the Vietnamese people. During operation “Colors Up” you surpassed your goal by bringing 52, instead of 35, select hamlets within the security of hamlets within the security of the Government of the Republic of Vietnam. Through your outstanding MEDCAP program in which you treated more than 121,000 Vietnamese, you have gained the respect and confidence of the Vietnamese people.

I salute you as worthy members of the United States team in the Republic of Vietnam and wish you continued success in future operations.

I note with pride the laudatory remarks of General Abrams. I feel a sense of humility when I review the accomplishments of those who have marched beneath our colors.

I am deeply honored to head the column of those who are now creating the current chapter of Tropic Lightning history. Your mettle has been tested; you have met each challenge; you are men of success in this great endeavor.

The recognition which General Abrams has made of our past accomplishments must inspire us to increase our efforts and our professional effectiveness and thereby to hasten the day of the enemy's complete collapse.

CU CHI - A cordon and search operation ripped off with dazzling speed and surgical accuracy enabled Alpha Company Warriors to kill 20 VC and put an end to an enemy sanctuary on the edge of the Boi Loi Woods.

The 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry soldiers, who took no casualties themselves, were airlifted into the village of Ong Dam, three kilometers southeast of Fire Support Base Pershing and reacted so fast that, according to Specialist 4 Kurt Kotter of Franklin, Idaho: “We hit them so quickly they were frightened right into their holes.”

“Some of the bunkers looked like anthills,” said Kotter, “and we had to go probing with knives and sticks to find the entrances.”

Private First Class Steve Ryan of Fort Wayne, Ind., was providing security when the ground next to him started to move.

“A VC poked his head out of the hole,” Ryan said. “He looked around and saw me and ducked back into his hole.”

Twenty enemy soldiers fell at the hands of the Warriors, and the GIs' digging excavated one 9mm pistol, and .45 caliber pistol, 8 AK magazines, two pounds of medical supplies, 11 pounds of documents and two ChiCom grenades. Fifteen AK-47 rifles were destroyed or captured.

TWO RANGERS, one American and one Vietnamese, show how a combined long-range reconnaissance patrol operation begins by charging off a landing helicopter during a demonstration and award presentation for Tropic Lightning's 75th Infantry Rangers. (PHOTO BY SP4 DAN ZALDIVAR)

CU CHI - In recognition and gratitude for their assistance, men of Tropic Lightning's Company F, 75th Infantry Rangers (LRRP) were awarded the ARVN Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol Wing in recent ceremonies at the Lightning Combat Leaders' School in Cu Chi.

The presentation was made by First Lieutenant Nguyen Quang Canh, commander of the 25th ARVN Division's Reconnaissance Company to 45 men of the 1st and 2d Platoons of Company F. It was the first time that Americans had been awarded the Reconnaissance Patrol Wing.

THE AWARDS ceremony was preceded by a demonstration of helicopter insertion, extraction and rope-descending procedures used by the combined US-ARVN teams in their operations.

The ARVN Rangers have worked with the men of Company F for four months. First Lieutenant Arthur Tomaschek of Allentown, Pa., Ranger commander, had nothing but praise for the ARVN Rangers.

“They came up here from Duc Moa,” he said. “They were excellent soldiers when they got here, and we are giving them some intensive training in our operations, tactics and artillery and radio techniques.

“THEY ARE aggressive soldiers,” Tomaschek added. “They are so eager that only a week ago one of our teams spotted eight Viet Cong in a field. The enemy took off in all directions and the ARVN's learned fast. They helped us, too. They were especially good at finding booby traps and locating enemy hiding places.”

MAJOR GENERAL Harris W. Hollis, commanding general of the US 25th Infantry Division, was on hand for the award ceremony. Hollis commended the unit for its outstanding performance, and praised the progress that has been made as a result of teamwork and the mutual development of skills.