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3d Marine Regiment
December 1966
During the month of December the Third Marines
accomplished troop redeployments which significantly extended the area of
operations and altered the concept of operations. USMC forces relieved ARVN
units at CA LU and D-5 outposts, thus permitting the ARVN forces to
redeploy in full support of the Revolutionary Development program.
QUANG TRI Province was completely under the influence
of the northeast monsoon. From 1-10 December the weather was either rainy
or typically “crachin”, i.e. prolonged periods of fog and drizzle or light
rain accompanied by low level strata phenomenon. From 11-21 December the weather was fair
to partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 76 to 89 degrees
Fahrenheit. The period 22-31 December was characterized by rainy periods
and crachin weather. Average temperature for December was 71 Degrees. Total
rainfall for the month was 10.5 inches. The periods of rainfall and reduced
visibility affected operations. Operations scheduled, utilizing helicopter
transport of personnel had to be cancelled in many instances or secondary
plans instigated using other means of inserting troops into the objective
area. In addition, alternate means of resupply were used when helicopters
could not fly due to adverse conditions.
Construction and improvement of the defensive perimeter
and cantonment area of Camp CARROLL continued, although weather conditions
slowed activities. Much of the construction effort was directed toward
facilities which would alleviate the effects of the monsoon. Road
resurfacing, to cope with monsoon trafficability problems, received
priority in the Camp CARROLL area. Helicopter
resupply to THON SON LAM was curtailed much of the time.
Difficulties were experienced in other areas not
necessarily as the result of the shortages existed in selected items of
food resupply and office equipment. Certain Class II items were considered
critical during this month. Among the items were body armor, upper torso;
wrist watches; towels; jungle utilities; and jungle boots sizes 8, 9, and
10. A large influx of replacement personnel in December further complicated
the problem in that one OPCON battalion (2/3) was in excess of T/O during
the last few days of the month.
The RAO VINH/CUA Valley reconnaissance in force
operation continued into the month of December. The operation entered the
CUA Valley in the second phase with the Third Battalion sweeping the
populate areas and the First Battalion, Second Regiment, 1st
ARVN Division providing blocking forces. In the MAI LOC/MAI DAM area USMC
forces surprised 6 NVA eating breakfast, killing 5 and capturing 1.
Inclement weather forced retention of forces in the operating area for several
extra days due to helicopter unavailability. The operation terminated on 3 December, 3/3 was helilifted to its
THON SON LAM positions, and the ARVN forces withdrew to DONG HA by foot
and truck.
The probability
of mortar attacks against 3d Battalion, 3d Marines’ position required new
counter mortar techniques. Likely mortar attack positions were actively
patrolled, placed under ground surveillance and subjected to artillery
H&I fires. During periods of limited visibility, particularly pre-dawn
and pre-dusk periods, counter mortar plans were exercised. The exercises
included firing selected portions of pre-planned counter mortar fires.
Final battle casualties for December as reported
through the casualty reporting system: KIA 26, WIA 105, DOW
2.
Cumulative casualty figures for Third Marines for
Operation PRAIRIE: KIA 40, WIA 176, DOW 2
During the period 2-4 December the 2d Battalion, 3d
Marines assumed responsibility for the 2d Battalion 9th Marines
area and 2/9 was placed under the operational control of the Fourth
Marines.
2 Dec 66 Two Army Armored Personnel Carriers were used for emergency
resupply of two companies and the command group of 3d Battalion, 3d
Marines. The vehicles were able to traverse paved roads, mud, and washed
out stream beds in their journey with no difficulty.
K/3/3
Med-evaced 2 non-battle casualties, 1 USMC with back trouble, 1USMC with
possible malaria.
041515H L/3/3 at the base of the ROCKPILE (XD 974568) received
automatic weapons fire and recoilless rifle fire in CP area from unknown
number of VC on the RAZORBACK at (XD 967567). The results were 8 USMC WIA
including 2 members of the helicopter crew, 2 damaged helicopters, 1 of
which was forced to land at Camp CARROLL LZ EAGLE and 1 tank damaged by
recoilless rifle rounds. Fire returned resulted in 1 enemy KIA (Conf).
Sporadic incidents continued in the 3/3 area throughout the night. As a
result of increased enemy activity in the area of RAZORBACK an operation
was planned on top of and west of the ridgeline. Inclement weather delayed
the operation for a day
041730H L/3/3
(XD 978584) received 81mm mortar short round during fire mission resulting
in 6 USMC WIA.
041835H K/3/3 platoon (XD 988589) enroute to ambush site received
small arms fire from unknown number of VC resulting in 1 USMC KIA and 2
USMC WIA.
6 Dec 66 L/3/3 Med-evaced 1 USMC non-battle casualty: convulsions.
A new water
purification facility for Camp J.J. CARROLL was completed. The water point
was relocated at the north edge of Camp adjacent to the road in order to
take advantage of a water source located below the hill. The water is
pumped from the source to the top of the hill where it is purified and
pumped into a 21,000 gallon tank for storage and then dispensed by a
gravity feed system into water trailers and cans. The project was completed
in cooperation between Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) 7 and 3d
Engineer Battalion units. Water usage for drinking and shower water has
been as high as 18,000 gallons a day on certain days during the month since
completion of the new water facility. The system eliminated the use of
trucks to transport raw water from the CAM LO River near the KHE GIA Bridge
to the water point at Camp CARROLL some 4 miles away.
070900H M/3/3 departed 3/3 CP by foot march, after determining the
helicopters would again be unavailable. A platoon from L/3/3 moved to the
top of the ridgeline in conjunction with the operation, having been
attached to M/33 for that purpose.
8 Dec 66 M/3/3 Med-evaced 2 USMC non-battle casualties; 1 USMC with
burns on hand and leg and 1 USMC with malaria.
090830H M/3/3 was hit by enemy small arms fire from estimated enemy
squad in a cave on the RAZORBACK (XD 954587) sustaining 1 USMC KIA and 6
WIA.
091540H M/3/3 received small arms fire from unknown number enemy at
(XD 952592). Results of action: 1 USMC KIA and 8 USMC WIA. The company
returned fire on both occasions but was too distant to ascertain the
results immediately. Moving into the
areas from which the fire originated, the Company M discovered the firing
points; the VC, however, had withdrawn on both occasions.
9 Dec
66 E/2/3
Med-evaced 1 USMC non-battle casualty: a broken foot.
10 Dec 66 M/3/3 withdrew to positions north of the RAZORBACK (XD
958592) to evacuate casualties and employ artillery and close air support
could be called in on the enemy. 2 non-battle casualties; 1 USMC with
malaria and 1 USMC with a heel injury were also Med-evaced.
101245H An aircraft making a south to north run on the northern
dogleg of the RAZORBACK released 2 250 pound bombs, which missed the target
and passed over the ridgeline and into M/3/3 position resulting in 17 USMC
KIA and 11 USMC WIA. After completing medevac of the casualties, M/3/3
continued its return to the 3/3 CP and terminated operation at 110229H.
101850H K/3/3 platoon received short 81mm WP mortar round (XD
991589) resulting in 1 USMC WIA.
12 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 4 non-battle casualties: 2 USMC with
gastroenteritis and 2 USMC with arthritis.
13 Dec 66 Three Otters were assigned in direct support of 3d Marines
by their parent unit (3d Motor Transport Battalion). These vehicles have
been used for resupply of units at the ROCKPILE, CUA Valley, combat
reconnaissance missions and general housekeeping duties in the Camp area.
The vehicles are satisfactory for mud and rough terrain use, but have a tendency
to break tracks when used on paved roads. The CAM LO River has proved to be
a barrier to the operation of the Otters because they cannot cross the
swift stream during the monsoon season when the water level is high.
13 Dec 66 Colonel J.P. LANIGAN relieved Colonel
E.E. HAMMERBACK as Commanding Officer of Third Marines. The change of
command ceremony was conducted at Camp CARROLL.
15 Dec 66 H/2/3 Med-evaced 3 non-battle
casualties: 2 USMC with cramps, 1 USMC cause unknown.
150630H H/2/3 commenced a reconnaissance in
force operation in an area east of Camp CARROLL. There was no significant
contact and the operation was secured at 171155H.
16 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 2 non-battle casualties; 1 USMC wounded
cleaning pistol, 1 USMC with hemorrhoids.
17 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 4 non-battle casualties, 1 USMC with swollen
lymph nodes, 1 USMC with possible fracture, 1 USMC blood test, and 1 USMC
cause unknown.
19 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 3 non-battle casualties, 1 USMC orthopedic
consultation, 1USMC rectal abscess, 1 USMC for X-ray of ankle.
192315H Command Group A, E and H/2/3 commenced
movement to the CUA Valley for a combined operation with the 2d ARVN
Regiment at D-5. USMC forces were to act as the sweep force moving from the
north through the MAI LOC/MAI DAM area east of Route 558, and ARVN forces
were to be the blocking force to the south of the operating area. Ralliers
were employed during the operation to assist in the location of enemy
caches and several were found. Results of the operation were 5 enemy KIA (Conf) and 5 enemy KIA (Prob), in addition to
the capture of enemy munitions, food, supplies and documents. Several mines
and booby traps were encountered in the area, two of which resulted in the
only USMC casualties of the operation, 6 WIA. The operation was completed
by 211130H when the rear elements 2/3 returned to Camp CARROLL.
200727H H E/2/3 patrol detonated a booby trap
at (YD 114524) resulting in 1 USMC WIA.
200915H E/2/3 observed and engaged estimated
14-16 VC at (YD112513) which resulted in 3 USMC WIA.
20 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 1 non-battle casualty: 1 USMC for X-ray of
arm.
201810H L/3/3(XD 976576) received small arms fire and 40-50 rounds
of 82mm mortar fire from the RAZORBACK. Shortly thereafter at 201820H M/3/3
received 40-50 rounds of the same and L/3/3 received small arms and
automatic weapons fire from (XD966565). Total results were 3 USMC KIA, 15
USMC WIA. Counter mortar fire was returned by tanks, ontos, 81mm mortars
and artillery. Enemy action terminated by 1840H. Artillery H&I’s by
155mm and 105mm howitzers on the RAZORBACK and further west continued
throughout the night to cut off the withdrawing enemy.106 HE rounds were
fired during this period.
201200H H/2/3 patrol detonated an unknown type
mine at (YD 102509) resulting in 5 USMC WIA.
22 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 2 non-battle casualties: 1 USMC cause unknown
and 1 USMC fungus infection.
23 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 1 non-battle casualty: 1 USMC with rat bites.
240700H to
260700H The Christmas truce
prevailed. Extensive local security patrols were conducted, but there was
no enemy contact. All personnel at Camp CARROLL received liberal amounts of
mail. 3d Marine Division Christmas cards, 3d Marine Division engraved
wallets, and Red Cross gift were the highlights of the Christmas period. A
Christmas party for the children of CAM LO and the CUA Valley was conducted
in CAM LO.
25 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 1 non-battle casualty: 1 USMC with possible
fractured leg.
260715H F/2/3 commenced a reconnaissance in
force operation in the foothills to the south of the CUA Valley. In the
only significant contact F/2/3 received sniper fire resulting in 3 USMC
WIA; returned fire resulted in 1 enemy KIA (Prob). The operation was
secured at 281915H
270950H F/2/3 (YD 031518) received small arms
fire from (YD 029515) resulting in 1 USMC KIA and 2 USMC WIA.
27 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 2 non-battle casualties: 1 USMC with burns
and 1 USMC with a leech in his urethral tract.
281705H 3/3 CP north of THON SON LAM received 100-110 mortar rounds
primarily 82mm. 7 or 8 rounds 120mm mortars were employed for the first
time. A patrol from K/3/3 to the northeast of the battalion CP was mortared
during the same period. Friendly casualties were 2 USMC KIA, 2 USMC DOW and
21 USMC WIA. Counter mortar fire was quickly returned and two of the three
enemy mortar position was later determined to be west of the RAZORBACK and
was not detected during the attack. Throughout the night 981 rounds of all
calibers were fired as artillery attacked targets along the length of
MUTTER RIDGE from which the enemy fire had predominately originated. Crater
analysis on the following day determined that two of the three enemy mortar
positions were fired upon during the attack. Only the enemy 120mm mortar
position was not fired upon. Artillery missions were undertaken and 421
rounds of 105 and 175mm artillery were fired at the MUTTER RIDGE to cut off
enemy withdrawal and to spoil any enemy buildup for an attack on 3/3’s
positions.
30 Dec 66 K/3/3 was transported by helicopter from its position by the
ROCKPILE to an initial point on Route 9 (XD 991556). K/3/3, separated from
the control of its parent unit, remained under the operational control of
the regiment. At 300945H K/3/3 (Reinf) and the 123d Regional Forces Company
and commenced movement by foot march over Route 9 a motorized resupply
convoy joined Company K at the initial point and accompanied it to CA LU
relieving 1st Battalion, 2d Regiment, 1st ARVN Division to free
these forces for employment in the Revolutionary Development program. The
ARVN Force at CA LU was withdrawn by the same Route. This was the first
time during Operation PRAIRIE that a motorized convoy had traversed this
road. The move was completed by 310700H
30 Dec 66 3/3 Med-evaced 6 non-battle casualties; 1 USMC with asthma, 1
USMC upper arm wound, 1 USMC slight face wound, 1 USMC with foot trouble, 1
USMC for rabies shots, and 1 USMC with slight elbow wound.
310700H 3d Marines commenced observation of
the New Year Truce when maximum recon patrols and ambushes were conducted,
but without enemy contact. G/2/3, which had been operating in the CAM LO
area with the Fourth Marines, returned to its parent unit.
310920H E/2/3 departed by foot march to CUA
Valley and moved to D-5 overland utilizing Route 558 from CAM LO The unit
was accompanied by two Otters. This represented the commencement of a
concerted effort to open Route 558 for military and civilian traffic. They
arrived at D-5at 311120H. 122d RF Company arrived at D-5 and at 311300H
E/2/3 and the RF unit relieved the ARVN forces and they withdrew from D-5
by truck transportation over Route 558 to DONG HA.
The
redeployment of forces increased the Third Marines operating area by 42
square miles. The inclusion of D-5 and the populated areas of CUA Valley
and CAM LO significantly increased the civilian population in the Third
Marines AO. Civic action and PsyWar programs are in progress in these
areas.
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