Monday, August 16, 2010

Map Sheet 6641-2//RVN//DaNang TAOR







Produced by: Army Map Service//Scale: 1:50000

Title: Khu Pho Nam Tho/ Series: L7014
Contour Interval: 20 Meters
NW Lat./Long.: 16 degrees, 15 minutes N x 108 degrees, 15 minutes E

SE Lat./Long.: 16 degrees N x 108 degrees, 30 minutes E

Grid Zone: Grid:
BT West-East: 050-320; \South-North: 700-980

Map Sheet 6641-3//RVN//DaNang TAOR






Produced by: Army Map Service//Scale: 1:50000

Title: Da Nang/ Series: L7014
Contour Interval: 20 Meters
NW Lat./Long.: 16 degrees, 15 minutes N x 108 degrees E

SE Lat./Long.: 16 degrees, N x 108 degrees, 15 minutes E

Grid Zone: Grid: AT West-East: 780-990; South-North: 700-980
BT West-East: 000-060; \South-North: 700-980

Map Sheet 6640-4//RVN//DaNang TAOR

DAI LOC

Southern sector Danang TAOR for 27th Marines was found in several map sheets, the predominant one being Sheet 6640-IV.
The map as a whole can be found at :

http://www.virtual.vietnam.ttu.edu/cgi-bin/starfetch.exe?D1p8WCXnruJhXYoNprZZi4QuIZZc7w.QKtgYVk.UJPl@i2WUuTMO9MpZl.esdfAHXNhv5LhFdd9cghpxE.FL@u3oImM1ymzk/6640-4.jpg"

A B/W version of the map:





Produced by: Army Map Service//Scale: 1:50000

Title: Dai Loc/ Series: L7014
Contour Interval: 20 Meters
NW Lat./Long.: 16 degrees N x 108 degrees E

SE Lat./Long.: 15 degrees, 45 minutes N x 108 degrees, 15 minutes E

Grid Zone: Grid: AT West-East: 790-990; South-North: 430-710
BT West-East: 000-050; \South-North: 430-710

Map Sheet 6640-3//RVN//DaNang TAOR






Produced by: Army Map Service//Scale: 1:50000

Title: Hiep Duc/ Series: L7014
Contour Interval: 20 Meters
NW Lat./Long.: 15 degrees, 45 minutes N x 108 degrees, E

SE Lat./Long.: 15 degrees, 30 minutes N x 108 degrees, 15 minutes E

Grid Zone: Grid: AT: West-East 780-050; South-North: 150-430

Map Sheet 6640-2//RVN//DaNang TAOR






Produced by: Army Map Service//Scale: 1:50000

Title: Tam Ky/ Series: L7014
Contour Interval: 20 Meters
NW Lat./Long.: 15 degrees, 45 minutes N x 108 degrees, 15 minutes E

SE Lat./Long.: 15 degrees, 30 minutes N x 108 degrees, 30 minutes E

Grid Zone: Grid: BT West-East: 050-320; \South-North: 150-430

Map Sheet 6640-1//RVN//DaNang TAOR





Produced by: Army Map Service//Scale: 1:50000

Title: Hoi An/ Series: L7014
Contour Interval: 20 Meters
NW Lat./Long.: 16 degrees N x 108 degrees, 15 minutes E

SE Lat./Long.: 15 degrees, 45 minutes N x 108 degrees, 30 minutes E

Grid Zone: Grid: BT West-East: 060-320; \South-North: 420-700

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Camp Duong Son (2) Perimeter/October 1966



This diagram was found in a Command Chronology file of the 1st Marines HQ. This camp was ultimately to become the home of the 27th Marines Regimental Command and H&S Company from February-August 1968.

Notes on CP @ AT 992672//1st Marines//1966



July 1966
During July, Headquarters Company moved from its CP location north of Marble Mountain to the old 3d Battalion, 1st Marines CP southwest of DaNang. After a relatively smooth move to the new CP site efforts were directed toward establishing a tighter perimeter by drawing in the wire on the west flanks and preparing better fields of fire throughout the perimeter. Obstructions were cleared, roadblocks established and four towers were erected to provide better security and eliminate several posts. At the end of the reporting period the new command post was taking excellent shape.

August 1966
Additional wire was laid and heavy underbrush and trees were cleared on the East flank.

1-31 October 1966:

(3) Improvements continued to be made on the CP Perimeter in the form of additional wire. Pre-fabricated bunkers have been completed on ten main defensive positions.

(4) A defensive strip of approximately 100 feet by 400 meters on Northeast edge of the perimeter has been cleared with villagers and staked out. Arrangements have been made for the use of a bulldozer in clearing of this strip.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

2/9 Journal//July 1966

2nd Bn, 9th Marines to relocate to Phu Bai atra; 2nd Bn, 1st Marines to assume 2/9 TAOR.

2. Camp Development. One significant item was the development of a water point within the Command Post. This water point provides adequate quantities of water for both showers and drinking. A shower building was also established with adequate showering facilities to support the Battalion.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Duong Son (2)//August 1965

LZ DOG//LZ CAT//Duong Son (2) //Aug 1965

Duong Son (2) Perimeter//August 1965

Duong Son (2)//August 1965



FRAG-ORDER 10-65//9TH MARINES--

1.SITUATION
a. Enemy Forces

(2) Characteristics of the Area. Duong Son (2) has not been reconnoitered in detail, but indications are that this hamlet is heavily fortified and infested with punji traps, explosive type booby traps, including booby trapped gates and entrances. Most houses appear to have shelters and tunnels. A Pagoda type temple which is reportedly used as a messing and resting place for the VC is located at coordinates (AT 995677).
Anti-helicopter stakes have been observed at coordinates (AT 996679). A long trench partially covered with aluminum sheeting extends from coordinates (AT 999680 to (AT 999673). Another covered trench extends south from a bunker coordinates (AT 992675 to Duong Son (3). This trench is covered with sand over aluminum sheeting.

(3) Enemy strength and disposition. It is estimated that the enemy strength in the area is one VC Main Force Company supported by the equivalent of one company of Local Force Guerrillas. These units are armed with an assortment of small arms including automatic weapons, 81mm mortars, 60mm mortars,, 57mm Recoilless Rifles, grenades and assorted explosives. Exact disposition of these forces have not yet been determined, however platoon-sized units have been reported in Cam Ne (2) and Duong Son (2).

(4) Reinforcements. The 7th VC Battalion has several times been reported operating in the area south of Duong Son (2), however no exact location has been determined.

Quang Nam Chart//1965

Marble Mountain Attack//Map #3//October 1965

Marble Mountain Attack//Map #2//October 1965

Marble Mountain Attack//October 1965

III MAF Expansion//September 1965



13 Sept 1965

From: Commanding General
To: Commanding General, I Corps and Tactical Zone I

Subj: Expansion of Currently Assigned TAOR at DANANG

1.) The most recent extension of the operating area assigned to the III Marine Amphibious
Force was approved by your headquarters on 20 July 1965. Recent operations south of the
TAOR border, as well as successful I Corps operations south of the TAOR boundary, indicate
that further expansion of the TAOR boundary is desirable. This proposed expansion will
have a natural boundary along the SONG LA THO and SONG THANH QUIT. Further, this expansion
will allow the III MAF to assist your headquarters in driving the Viet Cong from the rich
rice bowl south of Danang.

2. (cont.) Present plans envisage the continued coordinated and gradual movement of Marine
forces southward into this area with full control to be accomplished prior to 1 November 1965.

III MAF Report//September 1965

COMMAND CHRONOLOGY//1-30 1965//SIGNIFICANT EVENTS--

C. Enemy Activity. The Viet Con reverted from the tactic of amassing large forces to small
unit actions during September. This change is attributed largely to the results of Operation
STARLITE; the surprise search and destroy operation which proved that large concentrations
of VC forces could be discovered and defeated by US/RVN forces. In reverting to small unit
activity, the VC concentrated on ingenious land mines and booby traps in an effort to limit
III MAF offensive action.

III MAF TAOR Expansion//July 1965

20 July 1965

From: Brig Gen NGUYEN CHANH THI CG I Corps & Tao Zone I

To: Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force

Subject: Tactical Area of Responsibility of III MAF


1. (ref to letter No. 7366 dated 13 July 65 from Tao Zone I)

And this Headquarters has noted that:

The expanding of the Tactical Area of Responsibility of III MAF in Danang must be done
very slowly and gradually, to be able to control adequately and prevent effectively VC
infiltrations. So the recommended expanding of the TAOR of III MAF in Danang, especially
in the area South of Cam-Le river, must be carried out pahase by phase and in one area
after another.

Combat Information Bureau (CIB) Report//June 1965




3. OPERATION: Since the CIB became operational 11 May 1965, 36 different newsmen have been quartered, sent to various units for news copy, given daily briefings on current action and presented the following day's general intentions with time and location for newsmen to appear.

a. A special American Broadcasting Company (ABC) team from New York arrived 23 May for about two weeks with intentions on Marine activities. They were sent to different units to obtain a complete picture of Marine operations, including construction of the Chu Lai airstrip.

b. A special team from the French National TV arrived May 27 for coverage of Marine units, Air Force units and Republic of Vietnam Air Force coverage. Marine activities were conducted by WO Smith, which included construction of the Chu Lai airstrip, a day and night with the 4th Marine Regiment, general news film coverage of Marines guarding Da Nang airfield, and general film coverage of the LAAM Bn. on Hill 327.

COMMO SNAFU MEMORANDUM//MAY 1965



IMMEDIATE 28136Z

FROM: CG III MAF
TO: CG FMFPAC

SECRET

STATUS EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

5. BACKLOG AM EXPERIENCING A CONTINUAL BACKLOG OF 100 TO 700 MSGS. AMT BACKLOG VARIES DUE
TO TWO FACTORS:

A. CONDITION OF CKTS. IT (IF) ALL CKTS ARE IN SOLID, TRFC PASSES RAPIDLY AND WITH EVEN
FLOW. WHEN ONE OR MORE CKTS DOWN (WHICH IS USUALLY THE CASE) A BACKLOG MOUNTS AT SMOE
(SOME) MAJOR RELAY STATIONS.

B. DELIVERY OF TAPES FROM DCA PHU LAM: WHEN DCA PHU LAM CANNOT UNLOAD TRFC OVER I CORPS
AND III MAF CKTS, THEY PUT TAPES IN PAPER BAGS AND DELIVER VIA AIR COURIER. DELIVERY
CANNOT BE PREDICTED BY III MAF. RECEIVE FROM 100 TO 700 TAPES AT ONE TIME BY THIS METHOD.
TAPES MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGH GGC-3 TO PRODUCE DITTO MAT FOR REPRO. DELAY CANNOT BE PREVENTED
BY III MAF DUE TO TOTAL TIME ELAPSED FROM RECEIPT OF MSG AT PHU LAM TO RUN OFF OF COPIES
AT III MAF. ALSO HIGH RATE SVCS COMPOUND PROBLEM. OF 500 TAPES RCVD 280400H FROM DCA
PHU LAM, 135 TAPES WERE REQUEST FOR SVC. YET OUTGOING TAPES FROM III MAF ARE CLEAN AND
CLEAR TAPES.

III MAF Commo SNAFU//May 1965

MEMORANDUM


From: 1stLt R.G. HOWE
To: Communications-Electronics Officer, III Marine Amphibious Force


Subj: Frequency Conference at MACV J-6, report of


1. The following topics were discussed at a frequency conference held at MACV J-6 on
21 May 1965.


a.) Out of Country Clearance-MACV frequency coordinator stated that requests for this type
clearance went back to Washington D.C. and that it would take approximately six months
to obtain clearance. He also stated that ARVN were very hesitant in authorizing out of
country circuits.



b.) Clearance of VHF (FM) frequencies-All requests for frequencies for radio sets AN/PRC
6, 8, 9, 10 and AN/GRC 3, 5 7 and 10 must be submitted to and cleared by local Corps
Advisor. I Corps advisor stated to group that III Marine Amphibiuos Force was not doing
this and that they (III Marine Amphibious Force) should be given a written order to do so.
It was stated to conference members that the ARVN control all frequencies and they are
rather reluctant to give them up.



e.) Classification of Frequency Requests- It was requested that all requests for frequencies be classified confidential vice Secret as MACV can't go to ARVN with
anything classified Secret or above.



SUMMARY OF AUTODIN MESSAGES:


CG FMFPAC 1518Z to CMC, CG III MAF, and others..."Lack of transmission equipment is causing
a daily backlog of between 200 and 500 priority two and five requisitions".

III MAF Commo Diagram #4//May 1965

III MAF Commo Diagram #3//May 1965

III MAF Commo Diagram #2//May 1965

III MAF Comm Diagram#1//May 1965

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Interrogation Report//PERINTREP No. 18-68//5 May 1968



3. QUANG NAM (P)



a. PW TA VAN HOA, NVA Aspirant, Engineer Subsection, QUANG NAM Special Sector Committee
(HOA VANG, Q NAM PW, 270800Z Msg, USD Army Adv GP I CTZ Reinterrogation, states that when
captured he was engaged in reconnaissance of both sides of the HAN River from vicinity
(BT 0470) to the TRINH MINH Bridge (BT 040762). The other members of the Recon Party were
Liaison Cadre and two members of the R.20 Bn. Reconnaissance was to be completed prior to
28Apr, and information reported to his superiors on GO NOI Island vicinity (AT 9553-BT 0753).
PW states the enemy will launch a second offensive in the DANANG area at many points. Exact
dates and locations are unknown. When sources left GO NOI Island, the following units were
located there: R20 Bn, V25 Bn and D-3 Bn (a newly infiltrated unit from NVN) The QUANG NAM
Province Unit was commanded by DUC but source heard that he had been killed; replacement
unknown. The R20 Bn was commanded by NAM, but he had also been replaced. The V25 Bn is
commanded by THANH.



(G-2 comment: The newly infiltrated D-3 Bn is probably the 3rd Sapper Bn which is know(n)
to be operating in the GO NOI Area. Reconnaissance of the HAN River indicates that the enemy may
possibly be planning to attack installations on DANANG EAST. First report of all personalities
(F-6).)

NVA Order of Battle//Quang Nam Province//1968

III MAF Gridlines//RVN 1968




PERINTREP No. 18-68//5 May 1968//III MAF Intel Report