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3d Marine Regiment
October 1966
During the period 1-9 October, 3d Marines occupied and
control assigned sector of DA NANG TAOR, defended DA NANG vital areas in
sector; conducted unilateral search and destroy operations within the DA NANG
TAOR; conducted combat/reconnaissance patrols throughout assigned sector;
was prepared to conduct unilateral and/or coordinated operations with GVN
Armed Forces within the periphery of the DA NANG TAOR; was prepared to
provide one mobile reserve company for deployment as directed; was prepared
to conduct counter attacks to restore the integrity of assigned sectors.
During the period 10 -31 October, in the PRAIRIE area,
3d Marines conducted recon in force operations in assigned area to detect
enemy activity in area; attack and destroy enemy forces located in area
making maximum use of supporting arms; ensured security of supporting units
and installations located in assigned areas; assumed responsibility for
coordination of all units in AO and of defensive and administrative
functions of mutual interest.
Command Post Locations:
3d Marines (XD
062548)
1st Battalion, 3d Marines (XD 846417)
2nd Battalion, 3d Marines (AT 916582)
2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (ZD 117012)
3d Battalion, 3d Marines (XD 981582)
This month due to shift of location of 3d Marine
Division resulted in many changes in OPCON major changes are as follows:
010800H OPCON
of Command Group A and Companies B, C, and D/1/3was chopped to TASK FORCE
DELTA, 3d Marine Division, (PRAIRIE Area).
080815H 3d
Marines assumed OPCON of 4th Bn, 503d Infantry, 173 Airborne,
USA.
090615H Command
Group A, Regimental Headquarters commenced deployment to Operation PRAIRIE
area.
101400H the
following changes occurred:
·
Command Group B 3d Marines (DA NANG) chopped
from 3d Marine Division to 1st Marine Division.
·
OPCON of 2/3 chopped from 3d Marines to 9th
Marines.
·
OPCON of 4th Bn 503d Infantry,
173d Airborne, USA, chopped from 3d Marines to 3d Marine Division.
110900H OPCON 2/26
chopped from 3d Marines to 3d Marine Division.
131600H OPCON
of Command Group B Regimental Headquarters returned from 1st
Marine Division to 3d Marines (Commenced deployment from DA NANG to
Operation PRAIRIE area).
170800H OPCON
2/9 and 3/4 chopped to 3d Marines
301630H 3d marines assumed command of 3/3.
In addition, upon arrival at new CP, the Regimental
commander became Camp Commander of the Base complex then known as the
Artillery Plateau. This involved the normal senior officer present (SOP) responsibilities
plus the coordination of and the security for units and installations
located in the area. Administrative and logistic matters of mutual interest
within the camp also became the responsibility of CO, 3d Marines. On 17 Oct
1966 the Artillery Plateau was officially designated Camp J.J.CARROLL. The
average on board strength of the camp was 1900.
Normal radio circuits were established to include a
re-transmission capability at THON SON LAM and a Regimental Command Net
linking ADCON Battalions on a regularly scheduled basis. This vital link is
necessary as one Battalion is 110 miles from the Regimental CP. Wire lines
were laid from THON SON LAM to the adjacent Battalion CP via helicopter.
The 3d Marines sustained ninety casualties during the
period. 71 were battle casualties and 19 were non-battle. Of the battle
casualties 12 were KIA, 70 were WIA and 1 DOW. The circumstances
surrounding the non-battle casualties were investigated.
Enemy contacts declined to 59 for the month of October
1967. The decline in the total number of enemy incidents is attributed to
the redeployment of 3d Marines from Quang Nam Province to Quang Tri
Province, and to the period from 101400H to 170800H during which time the
3d Marines had no operational reporting units.
Since redeployment of 3d Marines to QUANG TRI, enemy
activity has been limited to contact with small unit actions of less than
company size.
The enemy situation at the end of the month is marked
by sporadic contact such as patrol ambushes and sniping incidents. The
enemy has the capability of attacking in Division strength by repositioning
forces. In accordance with past performance, the enemy is expected to
continue small unit actions unless he is forced to defend a vital base area
until extrication of supplies and units can be affected. Normally, an enemy
unit when met or attacked will defend for only a short while and then break
contact and melt into the mountains.
010800H Command group A and Companies B, C,
and D/1/3 were chopped to OPCON of TASK FORCE DELTA. E/2/3 (rein) chopped
to OPCON of 1/3 (rear).
010900H Command Group B and Company A/1/3
relieved of responsibility for TAOR by Provisional Battalion, 3d Marines.
OPCON of E/2/3 transferred to Provisional Battalion, 1/3 sector.
010906H F/2/26 reported that attached
Engineer sweep team found mined road block at (AT 936634). 3 mines and road
block destroyed.
010730H G/2/26 patrol found and destroyed 1
mine at (AT 913687). During search of the area a second mine was set off
resulting in 2 USMC WIA.
010900H Command Group 2/26 assumed OPCON of
1/3 sector as Provisional Battalion, 3d Marines. H/2/26 was chopped to
OPCON of Provincial Battalion, 1/3 sector.
011115H Command Group B and Company A/1/3
commenced movement to Operation PRAIRIE area.
011345H F/2/3 PPB (AT 861572) received small
arms fire from (AT 863564). Fire returned and area checked with negative
results.
02 Oct
66 1/3 assigned mission by
Commanding Officer Det A-101 VNSF, Commanding
Officer Det A-101 USSF and the Commanding
officer, 1/3
021020H E/2/3 patrol observed 6-8 VC at (AT
934887). Area searched with negative results.
020730H F/2/26 patrol found road block with
3 mines at (AT 941643). Mines were blown in pace causing secondary
explosion. Road block was removed.
020834H 2/3 reported an Army Advisory Team
received small arms fire from (AT) 820552). An arty mission was fired with
unknown results.
020945H E/2/3 patrol apprehended 5 VCS at
(AT 911859), VCS taken to ITT.
021245H G/2/26 patrol found and destroyed 2
mines at (AT 912688).
021332H 2/3 reported the ATT received small
arms fire from an estimated VC platoon at (AT 814566). 14 rounds of arty
fire were returned resulting in 5 VC KIA (conf) and 3 VC WIA (prob) as
relayed by civilians.
021400H H/2/26 came under OPCON of
Provisional Battalion.
021620H E/2/3 patrol located 2 caves at (AT
929911). Caves searched with negative results. 1 USMC WIA from flying rocks
when caves were destroyed.
030830H 2/3 reported a mine sweep team from
7th Engineer Battalion found and destroyed a mine at (AT
927614).
030905H G/2/26 patrol found 2 old punji pits
at (AT 916685). While bypassing the pits the patrol set of a mine resulting
in 3 USMC WIA MEDEVAC.
031000H G/2/26 patrol found and destroyed a
cave at (AT 914695).
031005H H/2/3 FO sighted 8 VC at (AT
825560). An Artillery mission was fired at the VC with unknown results.
031020H H/2/3 PPB observed 6-8 VC engaged
with 5 RF’s at (AT829559). The PPB supported the RF’s with fire causing the
VC to break contact. The VC had 1 VC WIA (conf).
031032H 2/3 reported the ATT received mortar
fire from (AT 825560) Arty mission fired with unknown results.
031237H 2/3 reported the ATT received mortar
fire from (AT 817548). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
031245H H/2/3 PPB received small arms fire
at (AT 833567) resulting in 1 USMC WIA. Fire returned and area searched
with negative results.
031335H F/2/26 patrol found and destroyed a
punji pit at (AT 952645).
031340H H/2/3 PPB received small arms fire
from hut at (AT 833567). The patrol returned fire resulting in 1 VC WAI
(prob).
04 Oct
66 1/3 Battalion Commander
issued an order that all personnel wear body armor, upper torso, and
helmets at all times.
040735H 2/26 reported Engineer sweep team found
an 81mm mortar illumination round at (AT 941646). The round was blown in
place.
040825H H/2/26 blocking force received 60mm
mortar fire from ARVN sweep force in the vicinity of LA BONG (at 964677)
resulting in 2 ARVN WIA and 1 USMC WIA. Marine from blocking force stepped
into punji pit (AT959676) resulting in 1 USMC WIA.
040930H Provisional Battalion Company H
search and clear elements detonated mine at (AT 878833) 1 USMC WIA MEDEVAC.
041145H Provisional Battalion Company H
found and destroyed 17 punji pits in the vicinity of (AT 81831).
041215H F/2/26 blocking force found and
destroyed a cave at (AT 957678).
041225H Provisional Battalion Company E
observed 14 VC dug in in the vicinity of (AT 899888). Arty mission fired
with unknown results due to limited visibility.
041230H Provisional Battalion Company H
found and destroyed2x81mm mortar rounds (dud) at (AT 884831).
041250H F/2/26 sweep element detonated a 81mm mortar shell suspended from a tree at (AT954682)
resulting in 1 USMC WIA.
041400H H/2/26 came under the OPCON of
Provisional Battalion.
041510H Provisional Battalion Company H
patrol detonated a M-26 grenade at (AT 894830) 2
ARVN WIA and 1 USN WIA, all WIA were MEDEVAC.
050830H F/2/26 patrol found mine of unknown
type at (AT 934663). The mine was deactivated and sent to Regimental S-2.
050930H G/2/26 patrol found a pit containing
a Chi Com grenade at (AT 908619). The pit and grenade were blown in place.
051020H SPARROW HAWK was launched from LZ
EAGLE (AT 943673) on a BLUE SPRING Operation. The mission was completed and
the squad returned at 1200H.
051620H F/2/3 OP observed with 20 power
binoculars VC hauling rice across SONG VU GIA (AT 849555). Arty mission
fired resulting in damage to 1 boat.
051040H G/2/3 received 2-3 rounds of sniper
fire at (AT 915630). Area searched with negative results.
051050H G/2/3 received 10 rounds of small
arms fire from across SONG AI NGHIA at (AT 953633) The patrol was unable to
search the because of the river. There were no USMC casualties
052020H G/2/26 patrol received approximately
50 rounds of small arms fire at (AT 931682) resulting in 4 USMC WIA. Patrol
returned fire and searched area with negative results.
06 Oct
66 D/1/3 sighted undetermined
number of VC (XD 847418). The battalion was alerted to be especially
watchful for VC reconnaissance units in TAOR.
060751 H 2/26 reported an Engineer
sweep team found and destroyed a C ration can filled
with C-4.
061200H G/2/26 patrol observed 3 VC at (AT
899675). The VC were taken under fire resulting in
1 VC (conf). The patrol also captured a weapon and various documents.
061433H Provisional Battalion Company H
patrol found and destroyed a 60mm mortar round rigged as a mine at (AT
879765).
061540H Provisional Battalion Company H
patrol found a 60mm mortar round at (AT 875775).
061610H Provisional Battalion Company H
patrol found a 60mm mortar round at (AT 875770). The round was destroyed in
place resulting in a secondary explosion.
061704H Provisional Battalion Company H
patrol found and destroyed a cave at (AT 887779).
07 Oct
66 1/3 command posts A and B
were established to separate Command groups in order to minimize the danger
of a mortar attack crippling command and control functions. It also
facilitated frequent displacement of the Alpha Command Post. C/13 fired on
suspected VC (XD 885424), heard a yell, and swept the area with negative
results.
070735H 2/3 reported that a 7th
Engineer Bn sweep team located and destroyed a box-type mine at (AT
886573).
070800H E/2/26 patrol apprehended 2 VCS at (AT
905718). The VCS were sent to ITT.
070930H Provisional Battalion Company H
patrol found and destroyed a cave at (AT 914709).
070940H E/2/26 patrol found and destroyed a
cave at (AT902709).
071115H G/2/26 patrol found and destroyed a
box type mine at (AT 901706).
071215H E/2/3 (AT 888588) received sniper
fire. The position returned fire at the fleeing VC. 1VCS female was hit
with a stray round and was med-evaced. There were no USMC casualties.
071520H 2/26 reported CAC 33 reported a
truck with VN civilians was receiving small arms fire at (AT 941675). CAC
33 patrol searched area with negative results.
071340H G/2/26 patrol tripped an 81mm mortar
mine at (AT 906702) resulting in 1 USMC WIA. Area searched with negative
results.
072040H G/2/26 patrol received small arms
and grenades from an unknown number of VC at (AT 925694). Fire returned and
area searched with negative results. No USMC casualties.
080900H G/2/26 patrol located a locked shed
at (AT 925701). A search of the area resulted in finding batteries, ammunition,
rice and literature. The shed was destroyed resulting in a secondary
explosion.
081620H SPARROW HAWK provided security for
Operation BLUE SPIRNG. The mission was completed and the squad returned at
1750H.
080621H H/2/3 observed VC squad at (AT
815570). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080643H F/2/3 received small arms fire from
(AT 820570). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080759H H/2/3 received sniper fire from (AT
816550). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080816H H/2/3 received sniper fire from (AT
835546). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080845H H/2/3 (AT 823554) received small
arms fire resulting in 1 USMC WIA. Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080851H F/2/3 received small arms fire from
(AT 816570). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080915H F/2/3 received small arms fire from
(AT 824570). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
080941H H/2/3 received sniper fire from (AT
813547). Arty mission fired with negative results.
081027H H/2/3 received 60mm mortar fire from
(AT 813547). Arty mission fired with negative results.
081030H F/2/3 patrol observed 3 VC at (AT
815565). Patrol took the VC under fire resulting in 3 VC KIA (conf).
01030H H/2/3 engaged VC squad (rein) at
(AT818552). 1USMC was KIA and 11 USMC WIA. Arty fire mission and air
strikes were conducted resulting in 20 VC KIA (prob). 12 huts and 1 bunker
destroyed.
081038H 2/3 reported Company C recon
ambushed 2 VX at (AT 814646) resulting in 1 VC KIA (conf).
081043H F/2/3 observed 8 VC (AT810569). Arty
mission fired resulting in 1 VC KIA (prob).
081150H H/2/3 observed VC positions
(AT815557). Arty missions fired with unknown results
081520H H/2/3 received small arms fire from
(AT818559). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
081530H Coordinates (XD 847418) 1
unidentified high explosive round landed on the KHE SANH Air Strip.
081522H H/2/3 received small arms fire from
(AT 818559). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
081609H H/2/3 received sniper fire from (AT
822546). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
081800H E/2/3 (rein) returned to OPCON of
2/3.
081800H 4th Battalion, 503d
Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade assumed responsibility for Provisional
Battalion TAOR and came under OPCON of Command Group B, 3d Marines.
081800H H/2/26 reverted to OPCON of 2/26
from Provincial Battalion.
090615H Command Group A, Regimental
Headquarters, commenced deployment to Operation PRAIRIE area.
091400H E/2/26 was relieved by Company B, 4th
Battalion, 503rd Infantry, USA. E/2/26 provided security for
ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. ROUGH RIDER remained overnight
at PHU BAI under the OPCON of 4th Marines.
09 Oct
66 The last of Battery B guns
arrived at KHE SANH.
091800H 2/3 assumed OPCON of 2/26 sector
south of and including TUY LOAN River. E/2/3 (rein) occupied positions in
the vicinity of Hill 41 (AT 9366) and Hill 22 (AT9566) relieving F/2/26.
G/2/26 was relieved in place by E/2/3. G/2/26 remained in position and came
under OPCON of 2/3.
090915H 4th Battalion, 503d
Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade Company C patrol detonated a mine at (AT
896822) resulting in 3 USA WIA (MEDEVAC). The mine was suspected of being 2
frag grenades connected to a trip wire.
10 Oct
66 1/3 Companies continued to
prepare Phase II position and conducted extensive patrolling of the TAOR
10900H E/2/26 platoon acted as security
for ROUGH RIDER north. The convoy returned to DA NANG at 1400H
101400H Command Group B and 3d Marines
(rear) chopped from 3d Marine division to OPCON of 1st Marine
Division.
101400H OPCON of 2/3 and responsibility for
2/3 TAOR passed to 1st MarDiv. Command Group B 3d Marines relinquished
OPCON 2/3. OPCON assumed by 9th Marines.
101400H 4th Battalion, 503d
Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade came under the OPCON of 1st
Marine Division.
101530H 2 platoons from F/2/26 departed DA
NANG acting as security for ROUGH RIDER north to PHU BAI.
101600H G/2/26 moved to Command Group B
positions at (AT947762).
102115H 2/3 reported a Recon Unit at (AT
875645) received 8-10 rounds of small arms fire. Arty mission fired and
Recon unit established an ambush in area with negative results.
11 Oct
66 H&S/1/3 reported seeing
one man moving outside its wire (XD 847414). A frag grenade was thrown at him,
but movement continued. An 81mm mortar fire mission of WP was fired. 4
persons were observed leaving the area. The area was searched with negative
results.
110900H 2/26 (-) deployed to PHU BAI with
E/2/26 platoon providing security for ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to
PHUBAI 2/26 chopped from OPCON 3d Marines to 3d Marine Division.
111458H 2/3 reported an M-35 detonated a
mine at (AT 948663). A reaction force was dispatched from E/2/3 as security
for the vehicle until it was towed away.
111500H F/2/3 sighted 4 VC in supply column
at (AT 821561). Arty mission fired and 1 VC was seen being carried away by
the other VC, 1 VC WIA (conf).
111645H F/2/3 FO sighted 6 VC at (AT875540).
The VC moved out of observation before a fire mission could be fired.
12 Oct
66 E/2/26 platoon provided
security for ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. There was no enemy
contact.
120900H 2/3 reported a Recon patrol received
AW fire at (AT 843634) while waiting to be extracted. 2 USMC WIA. The
patrol was extracted at 121045H.
1210000H
F/2/3 patrol at (AT 876573)
received sniper fire from (AT 875565). Patrol returned fire and checked
area with negative results.
121820H F/2/3 OP sighted 5 VC in boats with supplies
at (AT 838545). Arty fire mission fired resulting in the 5 boats destroyed
and 2 VC WIA (prob).
13 Oct
66 Fresh steaks, oranges, bread
and fruit juices were delivered to all Marines in the KHE SANH area. A
report was received of 30 VC in the vicinity of a squad patrol from C/1/3.
A HU1E was dispatched to the scene and took the suspected VC under fire.
The area was searched with negative results.
F/2/26 provided
security for ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. No enemy contact.
130715H 2/3 reported an Engineer sweep team
found and destroyed a box type mine at (AT 943660).
131235H H/2/3 patrol received sniper fire
from south of the SONG YEN resulting in 1 USMC KIA. The patrol returned the
fire and an arty mission was called on the area. FO assessed VC casualties
as 3 VC KIA (prob).
132015H 2/3 reported the 8” howitzer platoon
on Hill 65 received 8 incoming grenades and approximately 50 rounds small
arms fire from (AT 886584). Fire was returned and the area searched with
negative results.
131600H Command Group B and Regimental
Headquarters (rear) closed CP and commenced deployment to Operation PRAIRIE
area.
132100H 2/3 reported CAC 21 received 5
rounds of small arms fire from (AT 932603). The fire was returned and the
area searched with negative results. There were no USMC or ARCN casualties.
14 Oct
67 F/2/26 provided security for
ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. There was no enemy contact.
141124H F/2/3 FO spotted 3 VC in boats at
(AT 851557). Arty mission fired resulting in 2 boats damaged, 1 boat destroyed
and one load of grain destroyed.
141210H F/2/3 FO spotted 3 VC boats at (AT
853555). Arty mission fired resulting in the 3 boats being extensively
damaged.
141305H F/2/3 CP spotted 3 boats with VC and
supplies aboard at (AT 856554). Tanks took the boats under fire killing 3
VC (conf) and destroying 2 boats.
15 Oct
66 F/2/26 provided security for
ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHUBAI. There was no enemy contact.
150220H 2/3 reported CAC 22 received 4
incoming small arms rounds from (AT 902573). Fire returned and area
searched with negative results.
151530H E/2/3 found and destroyed one
M-16A1, 7 punji pits, 2 punji traps and 6 punji stakes at (AT 921674).
152245H 2/3 reported 8” gun position on Hill
65 received 3 incoming grenades, fire was returned and area searched with
negative results. 2 USMC were slightly WIA.
161420H F/2/3 spotted 2 VC boats with
supplies at (AT 847553). Tanks took boats under fire destroying the
supplies and damaging the boats.
161616H 2/3 reported Recon unit spotted 4 VC
on a trail at (AT 792598). Recon took the VC under fire killing 3 VC
(conf).
161920H E/2/3 CP received 5-10 rounds of
small arms fire from (AT 942653). Fire returned and area was searched with
negative results.
17 Oct
66 F/2/26 provided security for
ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. There was no enemy contact.
171100H 2/3 reported CAC 22 patrol received
approximately 100 rounds of small arms fire from (AT 982557) and (AT
887559). Patrol returned fire but was unable to search area because the VC
fired from across the river. The patrol suffered 1 USMC WIA.
171105H 2/3 reported Recon unit spotted 5 VC
at (AT 795598). Arty mission fired with excellent target coverage, VC
casualties unknown.
171905H F/2/3 spotted 2 boats at (AT
855555). Tanks took the boats under fire resulting in 3 VC KIA (conf) and 2
boats with supplies destroyed.
17200H G/2/3 bridge security at (AT
919598) received 1 incoming grenade. Fire was returned and area searched
with negative results. No USMC casualties.
18 Oct
66 F/2/26 provided security for
ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. There was no enemy contact.
180830H 2/3 reported an M-35 truck
suffered extensive damage and 1 USMC WIA when the truck detonated a mine at
(AT 942663).
180900H F/2/3 patrol received heavy small
arms fire from across river at (AT 878564). 81mm and arty mission were
fired in support of the patrol, 1 USMC WIA.
180945H E/2/3 patrol received sniper fire
from village at (AT 964667). Village searched with negative results.
181030H F/2/3 OP sighted 5 VC with weapons
at (AT 875572). Arty mission fired resulting in 3 VC KIA (prob).
180830H Engineer sweep team received 5
rounds of sniper fire from (AT 955666). Sweep team had 1 USMC KIA. E/2/3
dispatched 2 squads and 1 tank to help search the area with negative
results.
180900H F/2/3 patrol received incoming
grenades 2 USMC WIA. Fire returned and area searched with negative results.
Small arms fire and arty mission fired with good target coverage.
181245H E/2/3 patrol received sniper fire
from (AT 964667). Fire was returned and area searched with negative results.
181415H E/2/3 received 8-10 rounds AW fire
from 2 VC at (AT 925689). Patrol returned fire and area searched with
negative results.
191130H 2/3 reported a VN female was
accidently shot in the shoulder by a Marine assigned as bridge security at
(AT 914598).
191200H H/2/26 chopped OPCON 2/4 to OPCON
2/26. G/2/26 chopped OPCON 2/26 to OPCON of 2/4. E, H and Command Group A
/2/26 commenced Operation BACON.
191230H F/2/3 spotted 5 boats loaded with
supplies docked at (AT 845551). Arty fired destroying all 5 boats.
191600H 2/3 reported CAC 22 patrol
apprehended 6 VCS in boat at (AT 907574). Also apprehended was a large
amount of medical supplies. VCS and supplies were taken to DAI LOC District
Headquarters.
At
191645H 2/3 reported CAC 22 received
small arms fire wounding 1 USMC Medevac.
20 Oct
66 C/1/3 located a possible
sniper position in a tree top. 100 rounds of ammunition, loose and linked,
for US rifle Cal 30 were found.
E/2/26 platoon
conducted security for ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. There was
no enemy contact.
201000H F/2/3 sighted people on river bank
loading supplies on boats. As the VN spotted the patrol they fled leaving
behind 200 pound of salt and 10 gallons of gas. Patrol received heavy
sniper fire as them moved to confiscate supplies. Patrol destroyed supplies
after taking samples which were sent to Battalion S-2.
201000H E/2/3 patrol found a dud 105mm round
at (AT924682). Dud destroyed in place.
210800H E/2/3 found and destroyed a M-26 booby trap at (AT 934663).
211130H E/2/3 patrol received sniper fire
from 15-20 VC at (AT 936658) fire returned with small arms and mortars.
Search of the area revealed 2 VC KIA (conf) and 3 VC KIA (prob). There were
no USMC casualties.
211520H H/2/26 found and destroyed 2 caves
at (YD 009010).
211750H 2/3 reported a vehicle on Route #5
received small arms fire at (AT 943632). Mortar mission fired resulting in
1 VC KIA (prob).
23 Oct
66 The Huong
Hoa District Chief was informed that if Marines
received fire from any of the villages in the area, fire would be returned.
Any villager attempting to leave would be in danger of being fired upon.
232000H E/2/3 received 10-15 rounds of small
arms fire from (AT 942663). Patrol returned fire and checked area with
negative results.
24 Oct
66 1/3 Alpha Command Group
joined the Bravo Command group in the vicinity of the KHE SANH air strip.
Company B began preparation of its Phase III positions.
E/2/26 provided
security for ROUGH RIDER north from DA NANG to PHU BAI. There was no enemy
contact.
241428H 2/3 reported Recon sighted 17 VC
carrying 8 rifles and 3 sacks of food at (ZC 163678). Arty mission fired
with excellent target coverage.
241840H F/2/3 OP sighted 15 VC with packs at
(AT845566). Arty mission fired resulting in 8 VC KIA (prob).
250215H 2/3 reported CAC 33 received 10
rounds of small arms fire from (AT 942678). Fire returned and area searched
with negative results.
251150H E/2/3 patrol received 4-5 rounds of
sniper fire from (AT 958676). Fire returned and area swept with negative
results.
26 Oct
66 1/3 set plans into motion
for extended platoon size patrols as companies continued improvements on
Phase II and III positions.
261040H H/2/3 patrol found 1x81mm mortar
round with electrical detonating device at (AT 929668). Round was blown in
place by Engineers.
261215H E/2/26 patrol detonated an unknown
explosive device at (YD 935018) 2 USMC WIA MED EVAC.
262100H E/2/26 patrol sighted 6 VC at (YD
927024). The patrol did not fire because of the distance.
27 Oct
66 C/1/3 patrol apprehended 3
indigenous personnel roaming through the area. Personnel proved to be local
military personnel in a UA status. They were turned over to the Commanding
Officer of the local forces. Message received that 3 tons of rice requested
from 3d Division (Fwd) would arrive at KHE SANH. The rice was scheduled for
distribution to local civilians to reimburse them for the rice they were
unable to harvest because of USMC operations, or rice that had been
destroyed by Marines moving into the KHE SANH area. As of 31 Oct the rice
had not yet arrived D/1/3 patrols reported difficulty crossing the RAO QUAN
River. The stream was unusually swollen as a result of heavy rains in the
preceding 24 hours.
270937H H/2/26 observed 3 VC at (ZC 005996).
The VC broke contact upon sighting the patrol. Patrol returned fire and
searched the area with negative results.
271500H H/2/26 received 5 rounds of small
arms fire and approximately 15 grenades from 10 VC (YD 931023). Fire was
returned and VC broke contact. Results: 1 USMC KIA, 1 USMC WIA, and 1 VC
KIA (prob).
271800H H/2/26 patrol sighted 1 VC at (ZC
997975). The VC fled but the area was searched and medicine and VC documents
were found.
281200H Operation BACON secured. G/2/26
chopped from OPCON 2/4 to OPCON 2/26.
29 Oct
66 D/1/3 security squad at the
Battalion water point reported a man crossing the road at (XD 835430). He
was taken under fire. The area was searched with negative results.
290800H 2/26 (-) commenced Operation PAWNEE
III
292140H E/2/3 patrol apprehended 4 VCS who
attempted to run as patrol approached. The VCS were turned over to
Battalion S-2 for interrogation.
30 Oct
66 D/1/3 patrol reported
sighting 10 VC dressed in gray uniforms (XD 788454). A mortar mission was
fired; the area was searched with negative results.
300740H F/2/3 patrol spotted 9 VC with
weapons and packs at (AT 877558). Arty mission fired with unknown results.
300915H 2/3 reported a
M-35 truck detonated a box type mine at (AT 9415645). There were no
casualties or damage to the truck.
301930H 2/3 reported a convoy of 8 trucks
from 7th Engineer Bn was ambushed at (AT 943673) with small arms
fire and grenades, 1 USMC WIA. Convoy returned the fire and a 81mm mortar fire mission was fired in support of the
convoy. Enemy fire ceased and the area was searched with negative results.
31 Oct
66 Commanding General, FMFPac visited 1/3 and received a 30 minute briefing
from the Battalion Commanding Officer and the Officer in Charge of the 3d
Marine Division Forward Intelligence Group. The battalion presented LtGen KRULAK with a Montagnard Cross-bow. Extensive
night aerial photographic reconnaissance missions were flown in the KHE
SANH area.
311445H E/2/3 patrol received 30-35 rounds
of small arms fire from 1 VC in the tree line at (AT 956667). Patrol returned
fire and searched area with negative results.
311250H 2/26 reported AO observed 10-15 VC
at (AU 826040). AO called air strike and reported the air strike resulted
in 6 VC KIA (prob).
31 1800H
2/3 sighted supplies at (AT
880558). A boat was spotted crossing the SONG VU GIA to pick up the
supplies. Tanks took the boat under fire killing 2 VC (prob) and destroying
the boat. A patrol was dispatched from Hill 65 to confiscate the supplies.
The supplies were distributed among the PF’s.
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