TO: FWD FROM LOC SUBJ 1ST MARINES
THE 27TH MARINES SENT MOST OF ITS MARINES ON DIFFERENT ASSIGNMENTS AND THE UNIT WENT BACK TO THE WORLD, THE 1ST MARINES ASSUMED COMMAND OF THE TAOR AND THE REGIMENTAL CP WENT TO THE 27TH REGT CP AT DUONG SON (2) .
FOLLOWING FOUND IN 1ST MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR SEPTEMBER 1968
PART II SECTION E LOGISTICS
3. Maintenance. After the unit settled into the new area, as strong effort was made to bring all maintenance work up to standards. Quarterly inspections were held as required on all vehicles, and all items requiring third echelon maintenance were turned into 1st FSR. Over 100, 000 sandbags were replaced in the Regimental cantonment alone.
SECTION G COMMUNICATIONS
1. After having taken over all communications facilities from the 27th Matrines on August 31, the 1st Marines communication platoon continued to provide communication for the 1st Marines Command Post at Duong Son II.
4. From 18 September to the end of the month, a team from the 7th Engineer Bn along with Regimental Headquarters and 3/1 electricians worked on rewiring the entire CP area.
1 Sep 68- Tghe communications platoon continued to man facilities at the main CP at Duong Son II and the Regimental rear at Phu Bai. The latter consisted mainly of a message center while the former included radio, radio relay, wire. message center, electric power, and a communication repair facility.
4-6 Sep 68- The Regiment experienced a tropical storm during this period. The communications platoon worked to maintain communications despite high winds and heavy rain. The flooding of the underground communications center forced its abandonment and subsequent move above ground. Storm damage consisted of minor damage to antennas. All communications were maintained throughout the storm.
ROCKET BELT:
(6) The vital area of the Danang complex is centered on two points: Grids at AT 998763 and BT 007737
(7) The rocket belt is defined as that area that falls between radii drawn 8,000 and 12,000 meters from the two points identified in (6) above.
b. Code Name: The code name "Fire Arrow" is used to identify message traffic dealing with enemy rocket threat.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
OPERATION ALLEN BROOK--1/27 LINKUP AND RELIEF
TO DUONG SON (2) FROM CMD GRP LIBERTY BRIDGE SUBJ; RELIEF OF 3/27
FOLLOWING FROM 1/27 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR MAY, 1968:
4.) On 28 May 1968, the Battalion Headquarters and Company B arrived at Liberty bridge (AT 925532 and proceeded to cross the SONG THU BON River to effect a physical linkup and relief of the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines and regain operational control of Company C which arrived on the 27th and was with the 3rd Battalion. Immediately upon arrival in the GO NOI Island operating area, the Battalion was tasked with the responsibility of accounting for 11 MIA's from the 3rd Battalion's Company I. Company C swept the area where the MIA's were last seen and accounted for eight and had to withdraw due to darkness. The following day, Company C set out again to complete its mission but was diverted to support Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Matrines who were engaged in a fire fight with an entrenched force of NVA.
Company C assaulted the area, displaced the enemy, and located the remaining Company I's MIA's. The Battalion's mission on Operation ALLEN BROOK was to conduct searches of the villages in the northern sector of GO NOI Island from grid Line 94 to Grid Line 03. This mission was accompliehed with no significant contacts.
FOLLOWING FROM 1/26 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR MAY, 1968:
On 17 May the battalion was flown to DANANG RVN and placed under the operatinal control of the 1st Marine Division. The battalion was held as Division reserve until 26 May when the battalion was placed under the operational control of the 27th Marine Regiment. The battalion then participated in Operation ALLEN BROOK for the remainder of the month.
e. On 26 May the battalion was...moved to the vicinity of AT 925535.
261440 To: 27th Mar--Spot Report- A. Same B. 251450H c. 1st Bn 26thMar CP located at 925526-Company CP's at Co A 921526 Co B 933525 and Co D at 927523.
CONTINUING WITH THE 1/27 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY REPORT:
d. Logistics, Equipment and Supply
(2) On 28 May, the first elements of the Battalion joined Operation "ALLEN BROOK". Logistic support was provided from a Logistics Support Area (LSA) which was established at the 27th Marines command post (Landing Zone 410) at Camp DUONG SON II. Helicopter Support Teams from the 1st Shore Party Battalion were attached to each rifle company and to the Battalion Command Group, with resupply effected by helicopters from LZ 410.
Chronological Listing of Events:
27 May Company C OPCON to 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines and helo lifted to GO NOI Island. Patrol from Company A surprised 6-8 VC at BT077669 who were set in ambush site. Enemy fled and left 3 weapons, 8 grenades and numerous other military equipment.
28 May Battalion (-) departed by motor convoy to GO NOI Island for participation in Operation "ALLEN BROOK". Rear echelon 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines assumed responsibility of TAOR at 0700H. Company A OPCON to 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines effected at AT 935528. Company C searched village of CU BAN (4) AT 945632 and accounted for 8 of 11 MIA's reported by Company I, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines. One body remained but that was covered by enemy MG position. Battalion CP established at AT 955546.
29 May Company C commenced to search village CU BAN (4) (AT 945532) to recover one body and attempt to account for 3 MIA's Company I but was diverted to support Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines. Company C assaulted treeline (AT 948528) to relieve pressure on platoon of Company B. Four enemy KIA's, 1 POW (WIA) and numerous weapons and military equipment captured.
Battalion CP remained at AT 955546.
30 May Battalion commenced to sweep east searching all villages along axis of advance; no significant contacts. Battalion CP established AT 996542
31 May Company A returned to Battalion control. Company I reverted back to 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines control. Battalion completed visual linkup with elements of 1st Battalion, 26th marines. Battalion crossed railroad (BT 001537) and commenced sweeping northeast while 1st Battalion, 26th Martines sweeping east. Sweeps for both battalions were halted at the 02 grid line. Battalion CP established BT 019548.
TO DUONG SON (2) FROM CMD GRP LIBERTY BRIDGE SUBJ; RELIEF OF 3/27
OPERATION ALLEN BROOK--OBJECTIVE NOVEMBER
TO: DUONG SON (2) FROM FWD CMD GRP SUBJ LE BACK 91)
FOLLOWING FROM MAY 1968 3/27 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY AFTER ACTION REPORT:
Beginning at 0712 on the 25th, artillery preparatory fires were called in on LE BAC (1). These were followed by air missions at 0845. Again at 1000 more artillery prep fires were called in on the target and at 1002 Company L was ordered to move out toward Objective NOVEMBER, (LE BAC (1)). As Company L moved toward the objective another air strike was made and at 1045, Companies M and K with the Command Group again reached the dry stream bed just North of the objective, (QUAN DUY XUYEN), while Company L moved through the objective approximately 100 meters to the front. At 1205 Company L took one casualty due to small arms fire but avoided heavy contact by withdrawing and calling another air strike on the objective.
At 1220 the Battalion CP Group received mortar and small arms fire from its rear. Mortars and helicopter fire were brought to bear on the enemy positions, while at the same time, the Command Group and all companies commenced moving West, toward the SONG THU BON River. A battalion Command Post was established at AT 942538 and the rifle companies began preparing defensive positions. Re-supply was completed by 1615 and further air and artillery preparatory fires were brought to bear on LE BAC (1). At 1800 on the 25th, the cumulative friendly casualty count was 51 KIA, 204 WIA, 9 WIANE, and 9 MIA. While enemy casualties numbered 114 KIA and 9 detainees. Night positions were manned and at 2120 an ambush from Company M killed two NVA. Artillery and air continued to be called on LE BAC (1) throughout the night.
On the 26th at 0720, Companies L and M together with tanks commenced moving toward LE BAC (1) from West to East. Both air and artillery continued to fire on the objective. At 0940 Company L found 7 dead NVA and 22 freshly dry graves, which were opened and found to contain NVA dead. Company L received six rounds of mortar fire, wounding six men. The battalion'smortars returned fire on the suspected enemy positions and an artillery mission was called. At 1325 Company M made contact with an unknown size enemy force, receiving small arms and automatic weapons fire as well as RPG rounds directed at the supporting tanks. Company M returned fire, called air strikes on the enemy positions and directed tank fire, all of which resulted in suppressing the enemy. 5 NVA were killed and one captured. At 1520 a torrential downpour halted further contact and under cover of this rain, the enemy broke contact and withdrew toward LE BAC (2), which is located to the East of the objective area. Defensive positions were established in LE BAC (1) and the battalion prepared to spend the night.
Orders from the 27th Marine Regiment had been received indicating that one company from the 1st Battalion would be helilifted into the area and tweo companies from this battalion would be lifted out. This exchange began at 0938 and was essentially completed at 1435. Company C, of 1/27 had been brought in, and Companies K and M had been retracted.
At 1600, the Command Group and two rifle companies commenced moving to a new location at AT 959529 and arrived at 1625. Immediately, preparations for night defensive positions were begun, helicopter re-supply was completed.
Orders were received indicating that the First Battalion would relieve the Third Battalion on the 28th and that the two forces were to effect a link-up in the vicinity of Liberty Bridge. The column reached Liberty Bridge at about 1400.
FOLLOWING FROM MAY 1968 3/27 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY AFTER ACTION REPORT:
Beginning at 0712 on the 25th, artillery preparatory fires were called in on LE BAC (1). These were followed by air missions at 0845. Again at 1000 more artillery prep fires were called in on the target and at 1002 Company L was ordered to move out toward Objective NOVEMBER, (LE BAC (1)). As Company L moved toward the objective another air strike was made and at 1045, Companies M and K with the Command Group again reached the dry stream bed just North of the objective, (QUAN DUY XUYEN), while Company L moved through the objective approximately 100 meters to the front. At 1205 Company L took one casualty due to small arms fire but avoided heavy contact by withdrawing and calling another air strike on the objective.
At 1220 the Battalion CP Group received mortar and small arms fire from its rear. Mortars and helicopter fire were brought to bear on the enemy positions, while at the same time, the Command Group and all companies commenced moving West, toward the SONG THU BON River. A battalion Command Post was established at AT 942538 and the rifle companies began preparing defensive positions. Re-supply was completed by 1615 and further air and artillery preparatory fires were brought to bear on LE BAC (1). At 1800 on the 25th, the cumulative friendly casualty count was 51 KIA, 204 WIA, 9 WIANE, and 9 MIA. While enemy casualties numbered 114 KIA and 9 detainees. Night positions were manned and at 2120 an ambush from Company M killed two NVA. Artillery and air continued to be called on LE BAC (1) throughout the night.
On the 26th at 0720, Companies L and M together with tanks commenced moving toward LE BAC (1) from West to East. Both air and artillery continued to fire on the objective. At 0940 Company L found 7 dead NVA and 22 freshly dry graves, which were opened and found to contain NVA dead. Company L received six rounds of mortar fire, wounding six men. The battalion'smortars returned fire on the suspected enemy positions and an artillery mission was called. At 1325 Company M made contact with an unknown size enemy force, receiving small arms and automatic weapons fire as well as RPG rounds directed at the supporting tanks. Company M returned fire, called air strikes on the enemy positions and directed tank fire, all of which resulted in suppressing the enemy. 5 NVA were killed and one captured. At 1520 a torrential downpour halted further contact and under cover of this rain, the enemy broke contact and withdrew toward LE BAC (2), which is located to the East of the objective area. Defensive positions were established in LE BAC (1) and the battalion prepared to spend the night.
Orders from the 27th Marine Regiment had been received indicating that one company from the 1st Battalion would be helilifted into the area and tweo companies from this battalion would be lifted out. This exchange began at 0938 and was essentially completed at 1435. Company C, of 1/27 had been brought in, and Companies K and M had been retracted.
At 1600, the Command Group and two rifle companies commenced moving to a new location at AT 959529 and arrived at 1625. Immediately, preparations for night defensive positions were begun, helicopter re-supply was completed.
Orders were received indicating that the First Battalion would relieve the Third Battalion on the 28th and that the two forces were to effect a link-up in the vicinity of Liberty Bridge. The column reached Liberty Bridge at about 1400.
OPERATION ALLEN BROOK--OBJECTIVE ECHO
TO CMD DUONG SON 2 FROM FWD OP GRP SUBJ PHU DONG (2)
FROM 3/27 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY, MAY 1968:
On the morning of the 20th at 0800 Company I and K of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, departed 3/27 Battalion CP to rejoin their parent battalion. At 0800, 3/27 moved to the East with companies L and K in the lead, and with the Command Group and Company M in trace. While enroute, Company K received sporadic sniper fire. Uopn reaching coordinates AT 970522 the battalion formed a perimeter with the three companies and set up night defensive positions. There had been no significant contacts and casualties both enemy and friendly remained unchanged.
At 211150 the battalion began moving North toward objective ECHO, the village complex of PHU DONG (2). At approximately 1355 at coordinates AT 974532, the battalion's lead elements began receiving small arms and snipe fire. Artillery and air strikes were called on the enemy positions, a number of heat casualties were evacuated, and both air and artillery missions were continued. The battalion pulled back and prepared night defensive positions in the vicinity of AT 972537. At 212235 Company L in defensive positions received 5 to 6 rounds of 60mm mortar fire while at about the same time Company M received small arms fire and 6 rounds of 81mm mortars. Small arms fire was returned and artillery missions were called on suspected enemy mortar positrions.
On 22 May at 0835 the battalion moved out to sweep from its night positions North to AN QUYEN (1). Preparatory fires were fired at coordinates AT 972544. Sniper fire wounded two Marines, neither seriously, and the battalion continued to advance. Another prep fire mission was called at 1200 on coordinates AT 970553 to clear a tree line. The Command Group and lead companies continued to move forward halting on occasion to prep danger areas with air and artillery. Sporadic sniper fire was received by lead elements, but there was no major contact made. At 1452 the lead companies and the Command Group reached coordinates AT 972553 and prepared to set in night defensive positions. Company K had been left back approximately 800 meters with several heat and a few battle casualties, together with some supplies and equipment that had not been picked up previously. Company K rejoined the remainder of the battalion after the equipment was flown out.
On 23 May at 0800, Companies K and M commenced an offensive sweep North from the battalion's night defensive positions to the SONG THU BON River. Several air strikes and artillery missions were called by both companies but neither company made contact with the enemy and both returned to the battalion's position by late afternoon. The battalion remasined in position for the night.
At 240700 the batallion moved from its night position towards LE BAC (1). Companies K and L comprised the lead elements with the Command Group and Company M following in trace. At 1130, after crossing a dry river bed, the lead units began to receive sporadic small arms fire from a tree line to their front. Company K continued to move forward until 1230, when the encountered heavy resistance from prepared positions in LE BAC (1). Company K remained in heavy contact while Company L received only light sniper fire. Company M was ordered forward to assist Company K in extricating their wounded and dead as well as those pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Company M moved through the CP Group with two platoons, leaving one back for CP security. The two companies linked up at about 1400 and Company M in conjunction with Company K attempted to withdraw North to allow supporting arms to neutralize the enemy positions. By 1630 all friendly units were clear of the area and air and artillery fire was called in on LE BAC (1). During the course of the contact both close air and artillery fire was employed. Once disengaged, Companies M, K and L pulled back North toward the battalion CP and reconnaissance elements were dispatched to the vicinity of PHU TAY (2) to locate a suitable CP site. At about 1700 all units commenced moving to the night time positions in the vicinity of AT 954545. Perimeter defenses were established and re-supply was completed.
TO CMD DUONG SON 2 FROM FWD OP GRP SUBJ PHU DONG (2)
OPERATION ALLEN BROOK--18 MAY 1968
TO: COC FROM CMD GROUP SUBJ THE BATTLE VIC LE BAC (2):
FOLLOWING FROM COMMAND CHRONOLOGY AFTER ACTION REPORT; 3RD BN, 27TH MARINES FOR MAY 1968:
On the morning of 18 May 1968, at 0830 Company L moved from it's night position to link up with Company I and Company K. The Command Group with the platoon of Company K also began to move toward the rendevous point. At approximately 0940 the Command Group with one platoon of Company K joined Companies I and K (-) in the vicinity of AT 959526. While consolidating and attempting to expand the perimeter, friendly units came under small arms fire from LE BAC (2). Company K was moved to the North and Company L, approaching from the East was diverted North to assist in the action.
Initially it was thought the enemy force to be nothing more than one or two snipers, however, it soon became clear that a major enemy force was involved. The volume of fire became exceedingly heavy. Lead elements of Companies K and L were pinned down and could not be extracted. As the battle continued, heat began to take its toll, and heat casualties soon exceeded the number of battle casualties. Flak jackets, which had been worn by all hands, were discarded. Water became a critical item. Company M, which had been alerted previously to replace Company I, began arriving at 1500. Both Companies K and L and the Forward Command Group had been in contact continually since about 0940. Air and artillery missions were called in support of troops in contact, but since friendly units were in such close proximity to the enemy it was not possible to bring supporting arms to bear on all enemy positions.
Company M, upon arrival, was committed to the action in support of Company K, which had suffered a considerable number of battle and heat casualties. Company I was withdrawn from the area of operations utilizing turn about helicopters that transported Company M. Company K was replaced by Company M and withdrawn to a defensive position approximately 250 meters to the rear. The battle raged throughout the day until finally at night fall, friendly units were able to break contact, retrieve all wounded, most of the dead and withdraw to an area from which air and artillery could be fully brought to bear on the enemy positions. All units withdrew to the defensive position established earlier by Company K.
Two rifle companies from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines also joined the battalion at this position at about 1900. The battalion set in at this location (vic AT 959524) for the night. Friendly casualties for this day were placed at 15 KIA, 78 WIA and 6 MIA, with 20 enemy KIA. Casualty figures were not confirmed at this time due to the tactical situation.
3RD BN, 5TH MARINES REPORT--31 MAY 1968:
(9) Captured Equipment.
2 Operation ALLEN BROOK
(a) Weapons. 6 B/40 rockets, 1 anti-aircraft machine gun, 2 AK-47 rifles, 1 AK-44 rifle.
(b) Ordnance. 2 62mm mortar rounds, 4 60 mm mortar rounds, 31 grenades, nine mines, 5 flares, 2 RPG rockets, 16 B/40 rocket rounds, 550 AK-47 rounds, 500 lbs. rice, 50 lbs. corn, 1 rifle grenade sight, 1 rifle grenade launcher adapter, 500 Russian machine gun rounds, 10 60mm mortar ignition cartridges, 7 blasting caps.
(c) 782 Gear. 400 pounds
(d) Documents 33 pounds.
e. Artillery Support
(1) During the month of May Battery F, 11th Marines, was in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines...Battery F, displaced to the Da Nang TAOR during the last half of May to support 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines on Operation ALLEN BROOK.
f. (1) Tactical Fixed Wing Support: There were 46 fixed wing airstrikes during the month of May in support of Operation HOUSTON II and ALLEN BROOK.
11TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY--MAY 1968
Operation ALLEN BROOK, supported initially by 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines and subsequently by 2nd Battalion, 13th marines, resulted in over 300 confirmed enemy KIA by artillery. During Operation ALLEN BROOK heavy volumes of light, medium and heavy artillery were delivered on enemy fighting from dense thickets, heavy treelines and concrete emplacements.
(LATE ARTILLERY MOVES)
a. At 171300H, Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines displaced from grid AT 871994 enroute to grid AT 962609 (HILL 55). Arrived in position and laid an azimuth 3100 at 172000H, Four (4) guns up.
b. At 171330H, four (4) M-30 mortars from Battery M, 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines displaced from grid ZD 054031 enroute to grid AT 990675 (DUONG SON 2). Ar arrived in position and laid an azimuth 3400 at 171800H. Five (5) guns up.
BATTERY "M" IS MORTAR BATTERY, AS REPORTED IN 2ND BN, 13TH MARINES CHRONOLOGY FOR MAY 1968:
Narrative Summary:
On 17 May Battery "D" displaced to the vicinity of Liberty Bridge to support units of Operation ALLEN BROOK. Battery "E" 2/13 has also fired in support of Operation ALLEN BROOK, firing from its present position. (AT 012626 AS REPT LOC).
Sequential Listing of Significant Events
170900H "D" Btry displaced to grid AT 924538 (LIBERTY BRIDGE) in support of Operation ALLEN BROOK.
OPCON UNITS//CALLSIGNS:
"F", 2/11 Beechnut
"C", 1/13 Jacksonville
TO: COC FROM CMD GROUP SUBJ THE BATTLE VIC LE BAC (2):
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
ALLEN BROOK --I/3/27 OPCON TO 3/7--MAY 17, 1968
FOLLOWING FROM 3RD BATTALION, 7TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY FOR MAY, 1968:
1. The 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines continued to conduct patrolling throughout the assigned TAOR for the subject period. Company K took part in Operation ALLEN BROOK from the 1th to the 15th of May. The 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines Command Group also participated in Operation ALLEN BROOK along with I 3/27, A 1/7 and G 2/7 from 15 to 18 May. Their contact with an estimated NVA battalion resulted in 162 NVA killed and numerous weapons captured.
k. Intelligence
(1) Enemy Situation, 1-31 May. Reconnaissance elements had numerous sightings of enemy movement north and south of the Song Vu Gia in the vicinity of grid AT8454. Intelligence gained from Marine operations in the area reveal newly infiltrated NVA units. The 36th Regiment, 308th NVA Division has been confirmed as being located in the Go Noi Island area, vicinity of grid AT9754. The 162nd Battalion, 330th Regiment, 333d NVA Division, has been reported in the Thuong Duc asrea vicinity of grid (......), through interrogation reports. The 31st Regiment, 341st Division has been confirmed as being in the Thuong Duc area. no recent reports on the Q-14 (LF) Company which was last reported in Loc Tan village (AT8454).
NAVAL MESSAGE EFFECTIVE 171910H
4. 3RD BN, 7TH MARINES CHOPPED CO G 2D BN, 7TH MARINES, CO A 1ST BN, 7TH MARINES, CO I 3RD BN, 27TH MARINES AND 3RD BN, 7TH MARINES COMMAND GROUP TO 27TH MARINES 171910H
1ST BATTALION, 7TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY; MAY, 1968:
b. Significant Operations Conducted. From 8-18 May 1968, Alpha Company participated in Operation Allen Brooke. Alpha Company, commanded by Captain W. R. ROLL, was credited with 60 confirmed NVA kills, 1NVA POW, with numerous weapons and assorted equipment.m During their participation in Allen Brooke, Alpha Company received 12 KIA's and 65 WIA's. There are ten (10) Marines nominated for decorations for heroic achievement on the battlefield.
FROM 2ND BN, 7TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY: MAY, 1968:
2. 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines terminated Operation Ballard Valley on 3 May and commenced Operation Allen Brook on 4 May. The After Action report for both of these operations will be forwarded separately.
COMMAND CHRONOLOGY: 3RD BN, 27TH MARINES---17 MAY
As the battalion moved forward it was subjected to occasional mortar and small arms harassing fire. Company K moved into the tree line in the vicinity of AT 962522 and came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Company L moved to the east of Company K and met little resistance. Air and artillery missions were called in support of Company K, and at about 1930, two platoons were successful in linking with Company I. Company L was located to the east in the vicinity of AT 967523, and the Command Group, with one platoon of Company K, were located in the vicinity of AT 963518. These positions were maintained throughout the night. At 171910H OPCON of Company I passed to the 27th Marines and remained until the end of the operation. Casualties sustained on the 17th of May were as follows: Company I -50 WIA and 15 KIA, Company K-14 WIA and 6KIA, Company L-4 minor WIA's. Enemy casualties could not be accurately assessed at this time due to darkness.
1. The 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines continued to conduct patrolling throughout the assigned TAOR for the subject period. Company K took part in Operation ALLEN BROOK from the 1th to the 15th of May. The 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines Command Group also participated in Operation ALLEN BROOK along with I 3/27, A 1/7 and G 2/7 from 15 to 18 May. Their contact with an estimated NVA battalion resulted in 162 NVA killed and numerous weapons captured.
k. Intelligence
(1) Enemy Situation, 1-31 May. Reconnaissance elements had numerous sightings of enemy movement north and south of the Song Vu Gia in the vicinity of grid AT8454. Intelligence gained from Marine operations in the area reveal newly infiltrated NVA units. The 36th Regiment, 308th NVA Division has been confirmed as being located in the Go Noi Island area, vicinity of grid AT9754. The 162nd Battalion, 330th Regiment, 333d NVA Division, has been reported in the Thuong Duc asrea vicinity of grid (......), through interrogation reports. The 31st Regiment, 341st Division has been confirmed as being in the Thuong Duc area. no recent reports on the Q-14 (LF) Company which was last reported in Loc Tan village (AT8454).
NAVAL MESSAGE EFFECTIVE 171910H
4. 3RD BN, 7TH MARINES CHOPPED CO G 2D BN, 7TH MARINES, CO A 1ST BN, 7TH MARINES, CO I 3RD BN, 27TH MARINES AND 3RD BN, 7TH MARINES COMMAND GROUP TO 27TH MARINES 171910H
1ST BATTALION, 7TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY; MAY, 1968:
b. Significant Operations Conducted. From 8-18 May 1968, Alpha Company participated in Operation Allen Brooke. Alpha Company, commanded by Captain W. R. ROLL, was credited with 60 confirmed NVA kills, 1NVA POW, with numerous weapons and assorted equipment.m During their participation in Allen Brooke, Alpha Company received 12 KIA's and 65 WIA's. There are ten (10) Marines nominated for decorations for heroic achievement on the battlefield.
FROM 2ND BN, 7TH MARINES COMMAND CHRONOLOGY: MAY, 1968:
2. 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines terminated Operation Ballard Valley on 3 May and commenced Operation Allen Brook on 4 May. The After Action report for both of these operations will be forwarded separately.
COMMAND CHRONOLOGY: 3RD BN, 27TH MARINES---17 MAY
As the battalion moved forward it was subjected to occasional mortar and small arms harassing fire. Company K moved into the tree line in the vicinity of AT 962522 and came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Company L moved to the east of Company K and met little resistance. Air and artillery missions were called in support of Company K, and at about 1930, two platoons were successful in linking with Company I. Company L was located to the east in the vicinity of AT 967523, and the Command Group, with one platoon of Company K, were located in the vicinity of AT 963518. These positions were maintained throughout the night. At 171910H OPCON of Company I passed to the 27th Marines and remained until the end of the operation. Casualties sustained on the 17th of May were as follows: Company I -50 WIA and 15 KIA, Company K-14 WIA and 6KIA, Company L-4 minor WIA's. Enemy casualties could not be accurately assessed at this time due to darkness.
ALLEN BROOK--INSERTION, MAY 1968
TO COC FROM COMMO SUBJ GO NOI ISLAND 1968
FOLLOWING FROM COMMAND CHRONOLOGY RECORDS: 3RD BN/ 27TH MARINES/MAY, 1968:
10. Concept of Operation. The initial concept of the operation was to helo-lift two rifle companies and a Command Group in to the southern portion of the area of operations to relieve the pressure on a battalion already committed. Companies K and L together with the 81MM mortar platoon, Security Troops, and Forward Command Group elements were lifted into the vicinity of AN TAM (1) (AT 961516). Battery D, 2nd Bn, 13th Marines was located at Liberty Bridge, and provided fire support from that location. An Engineer Team remained attached to the command group and was utilized on as required basis by the companies. The HST personnel were later centralized under the Battalion Command Group.The Tank Platoon, which was attached on 26 May 1968, was for the most part used as direct support of the two lead companies with a heavy section to one and a light to the other.
11. Execution. This battalion was alerted to the pending operation on 8 May 1968 and was given the general area of operation. Visual reconnaissance flights were arranged and on 11 May 1968, the Commanding Officer, S-3, Air and Artillery Liaison Officers, flew to the area, made a visual reconnaissance of the island and landed near the mobile Command Post of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines for a briefing with the Battalion Commander. On 13 May 1968, Company I was alerted and flown out to the area of operation and placed under OPCON of the 7th Marines. On 16 May 1968, the remainder of the battalion was alerted, except for Company M, to be prepared to move by truck convoy to Liberty Bridge, and to move on foot to the area of operations. The LSA was to be located at the 27th Marines Landing Zone, number 410. On 17 May, at approximately 0830 the truck convoy arrived at the 3/27 CP and troops and equipment were loaded. During the course of the movement toward Liberty Bridge, the convoy was ordered to report to Landing Zone 410 and the battalion was alerted to be prepared to lift by helicopter into the area of operation. This order was received approximately 1000 and the convoy arroved at Landing Zone 410 at about 1045. There was some delay in the arrival of the helicopters, however, at about 1300 the first elements of Company K were airborne.
Still another delay was experienced when a coordination problem arose in the air preparation of the landing zone. Once this problem was overcome the troop helicopters landed at approximately 1500, on 17 May 1968. After the initial delay the lift went smoothly and all elements were in the zone by approximately 1730. The LZ was hit by sporadic mortar fire during the course of discharging troops resulting in 4 WIA.
The helicopter landing of this battalion relieved the pressure on Company I which had been in heavy contact during most of the day and had suffered relatively heavy casualties. Company I was still OPCON to 3/7 at this time, and the plan was to link up the battalion with Company I prior to darkness.
TO COC FROM COMMO SUBJ GO NOI ISLAND 1968
ROBERT C EWALD
ROBERT CLARENCE EWALD
- See more at: http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/15511/ROBERT-C-EWALD#sthash.OwNsYmF5.dpuf
is honored on Panel 56W, Row 19 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- Wall Name:
- Date of Birth:
- Date of Casualty:
- Home of Record:
- County of Record:
- State:
- Branch of Service:
- Rank:
- Panel/Row:
SGT. GERALD L POPPA//1ST RECN BN/1968
GERALD LELAND POPPA
is honored on Panel 50W, Row 45 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- See more at: http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/41296/GERALD-L-POPPA#sthash.rxRHBfwf.dpuf
Wall Name:GERALD L POPPA
Date of Birth: 7/21/1945
Date of Casualty: 8/1/1968
Home of Record: SALINAS
County of Record: MONTEREY COUNTY
State: CA
Branch of Service: MARINE CORPS
Rank: SGT
Panel/Row:50W, 45
Casualty Province: QUANG NAM
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DECLASSIFIED
1st Reconnaissance Bn.
Da Nang, RVN
010800H Aug 68
OPERATION MAMELUKE THRUST
Operation Order: 564-68
Patrol: Flaky Snow E-4-3
Debriefer: Lt. J.J. Barta
Maps: Vietnam 1:50,000; AMS L7014;
Sheet 6640 IV, 6540I
PATROL REPORT
1. SIZE, COMPOSITION AND EQUIPMENT:
A. COMPOSITION: 15 ENL, 1 USN
B. SPECIAL ATTACHMENTS: NONE
C. COMM AND OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT: 2 PRC-25, 1 7X50, 1 BC SCOPE, 1 STAR-LITE SCOPE
D. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 2 M79, 1 M60
2. MISSION: CONDUCT RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS WITHIN YOUR ASSIGNED HAVEN TO DETECT POSSIBLE VC TROOP MOVEMENT OR ARMS INFILTRATION IN THE QUAN DUC DUC VALLEY. BE PREPARED TO CALL AND ADJUST ARTY/AIR ON TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION MAMELUKE THRUST.
3. TIME OF DEPARTURE AND RETURN: 301500H/010600H
4. ROUTE: N/A
5. SYNOPSIS: THIS PATROL COVERED A PERIOD OF 39 HOURS WITH 1 CONTACT WITH AN ESTIMATED VC COMPANY, RESULTING IN 7 VC KIA CONF., 5 USMC KIA, AND 11 USMC WIA MED-EVAC. A REACTION FORCE RELIEVED THIS PATROL AND SECURED THE PATROL'S POSITION UNTIL ANOTHER PATROL WAS INSERTED.
6. OBSERVATION OF ENEMY AND TERRAIN:
A. ENEMY:
010405H AT 797528 AN ESTIMATED COMPANY OF VC/NVA ASSAULTED THE PATROL'S POSITION FROM THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE PERIMETER WITH GRENADES, RPG ROCKETS, BANGALORE TORPEDOES, SATCHEL CHARGES, AND SMALL ARMS. THE VC/NVA SWEPT THROUGH THE PATROL'S POSITION AND THEN WITHDREW TO THE NORTH. THE PATROL CONFIRMED 7 VC KIA AND SUFFERED 5 USMC KIA AND 11 USMC WIA. DUE TO LOSS OF COMM, NO FM WAS CALLED. AT FIRST LIGHT, A 29 MAN REACTION FORCE WAS INSERTED, THE REACTION FORCE RECEIVED SPORADIC SNIPER FIRE IN THE ZONE AND 3 USMC WERE WIA FROM AN EXPLOSION OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN. THE PATROL AND THE REACTION FORCE WIA'S WERE MED-EVACED. THE REACTION FORCE POLICED UP THE POSITION AND DESTROYED DUD ORDINANCE IN THE AREA. 2 AKM ASSAULT RIFLES WERE CAPTURED ALONG WITH ASSORTED WEB GEAR AND AN NVA FLAG WHICH WAS FLYING OVER THE POSITION. AT 011600H ANOTHER PATROL WAS INSERTED AND THE REACTION FORCE WAS EXTRACTED.
D. TERRAIN: N/A
7. OTHER INFORMATION: INSERT AND EXTRACT LZ VIC, AT797528
8. RESULTS OF ENCOUNTERS WITH THE ENEMY: 7 VC KIA CONF., 5 USMC KIA, 11 USMC WIA
9. CONDITION OF PATROL: 5 USMC KIA, 11 USMC WIA EVAC
10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: EXTENSIVE FORTIFICATION IS NEEDED AT THIS POSITION.
11. EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPORTING ARMS: N/A
12. COMMENTS OF DEBRIEFER: NONE
13. PATROL MEMBERS:
CPL. KEISTER / 2180551
LCPL LUERA / 2346589
LCPL. IRBY / 2369119
PFC. MOORE / 2417588
PFC. MILES / 2404374
LCPL DERENICK / 2245148
LCPL. KING / 2354566
CPL. BERTIN /2288217
PFC. WHITACH/ 2411884
SGT. HICKS / 2302511
HM3 PLOETZ / B401751
LCPL. GRAY/ 2375218
PFC. SMITH / 2404911
SGT. POPPA / 2215726 (verified at aad.archives.gov)
CPL. PARKER / 2337321
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
1st Reconnaissance Bn.
Da Nang, RVN
010800H Aug 68
OPERATION MAMELUKE THRUST
Operation Order: 564-68
Patrol: Flaky Snow E-4-3
Debriefer: Lt. J.J. Barta
Maps: Vietnam 1:50,000; AMS L7014;
Sheet 6640 IV, 6540I
PATROL REPORT
1. SIZE, COMPOSITION AND EQUIPMENT:
A. COMPOSITION: 15 ENL, 1 USN
B. SPECIAL ATTACHMENTS: NONE
C. COMM AND OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT: 2 PRC-25, 1 7X50, 1 BC SCOPE, 1 STAR-LITE SCOPE
D. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 2 M79, 1 M60
2. MISSION: CONDUCT RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS WITHIN YOUR ASSIGNED HAVEN TO DETECT POSSIBLE VC TROOP MOVEMENT OR ARMS INFILTRATION IN THE QUAN DUC DUC VALLEY. BE PREPARED TO CALL AND ADJUST ARTY/AIR ON TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION MAMELUKE THRUST.
3. TIME OF DEPARTURE AND RETURN: 301500H/010600H
4. ROUTE: N/A
5. SYNOPSIS: THIS PATROL COVERED A PERIOD OF 39 HOURS WITH 1 CONTACT WITH AN ESTIMATED VC COMPANY, RESULTING IN 7 VC KIA CONF., 5 USMC KIA, AND 11 USMC WIA MED-EVAC. A REACTION FORCE RELIEVED THIS PATROL AND SECURED THE PATROL'S POSITION UNTIL ANOTHER PATROL WAS INSERTED.
6. OBSERVATION OF ENEMY AND TERRAIN:
A. ENEMY:
010405H AT 797528 AN ESTIMATED COMPANY OF VC/NVA ASSAULTED THE PATROL'S POSITION FROM THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE PERIMETER WITH GRENADES, RPG ROCKETS, BANGALORE TORPEDOES, SATCHEL CHARGES, AND SMALL ARMS. THE VC/NVA SWEPT THROUGH THE PATROL'S POSITION AND THEN WITHDREW TO THE NORTH. THE PATROL CONFIRMED 7 VC KIA AND SUFFERED 5 USMC KIA AND 11 USMC WIA. DUE TO LOSS OF COMM, NO FM WAS CALLED. AT FIRST LIGHT, A 29 MAN REACTION FORCE WAS INSERTED, THE REACTION FORCE RECEIVED SPORADIC SNIPER FIRE IN THE ZONE AND 3 USMC WERE WIA FROM AN EXPLOSION OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN. THE PATROL AND THE REACTION FORCE WIA'S WERE MED-EVACED. THE REACTION FORCE POLICED UP THE POSITION AND DESTROYED DUD ORDINANCE IN THE AREA. 2 AKM ASSAULT RIFLES WERE CAPTURED ALONG WITH ASSORTED WEB GEAR AND AN NVA FLAG WHICH WAS FLYING OVER THE POSITION. AT 011600H ANOTHER PATROL WAS INSERTED AND THE REACTION FORCE WAS EXTRACTED.
D. TERRAIN: N/A
7. OTHER INFORMATION: INSERT AND EXTRACT LZ VIC, AT797528
8. RESULTS OF ENCOUNTERS WITH THE ENEMY: 7 VC KIA CONF., 5 USMC KIA, 11 USMC WIA
9. CONDITION OF PATROL: 5 USMC KIA, 11 USMC WIA EVAC
10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: EXTENSIVE FORTIFICATION IS NEEDED AT THIS POSITION.
11. EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPORTING ARMS: N/A
12. COMMENTS OF DEBRIEFER: NONE
13. PATROL MEMBERS:
CPL. KEISTER / 2180551
LCPL LUERA / 2346589
LCPL. IRBY / 2369119
PFC. MOORE / 2417588
PFC. MILES / 2404374
LCPL DERENICK / 2245148
LCPL. KING / 2354566
CPL. BERTIN /2288217
PFC. WHITACH/ 2411884
SGT. HICKS / 2302511
HM3 PLOETZ / B401751
LCPL. GRAY/ 2375218
PFC. SMITH / 2404911
SGT. POPPA / 2215726 (verified at aad.archives.gov)
CPL. PARKER / 2337321
DECLASSIFIED
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