SITREP-69.
 
SITREP is a military acronym that stands for, Situation report. A sitrep can be defined as; A short concise statement identifying a units current location and tactical situation.  The sitrep’s contained in this paper are derived from S/2-S/3 daily staff journals for the 4/3 11th LIB, Americal Div. 1969. Sitrep’s highlight the activities of  Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta companies as well as, Recon, Aero scouts, HHC and C&C. Read on and you will find crisis, conundrum and comedy.

 

  If 1968 was the year of the Booby trap, the Battalion hit more than 70, then 1969 is the year of the mortar attack. One mortar attack produced 11 dead and 11 wounded. On another occasion two mortar attacks in a 4 hour period produced 36 casualties.

 

JANUARY

  01 Jan. 69     1805H

Co. B reports Osness, Victor put his M-16 in his mouth and pulled the trigger resulting in his death.

 

  02 Jan. 69     1200H

Co. C request DUSTOFF at BS847308 for 1 US WHA result of blowback from a M-79 round.

Pfc. Lynn L Glen.

 

  02 Jan. 69     1910H

Co. D request DUSTOFF at BS817401 for 1 US w/gunshot wound.

Michael Koyak.

 

  02 Jan. 69     2010H

Battalion strength report: Co. A-101, Co. B-110, Co. C-99, Co. D-96, Co. E-67, profiles-3.

 

  07 Jan. 69     1115H

Co. A 2nd platoon had 1 US bitten by dog.

Sp4. Michael Hill.

 

  07 Jan 69     1530H

Commo person N. of LZ Thunder said children have 15- 81mm rounds.

 

  08 Jan. 69     1120H

Co. C short range recon patrol,(SRRP), engaged 5 VC result 1 US KHA, 1 US WHA, 1 PRC-25 destroyed.

James Wolter-KHA.

 

  10 Jan. 69      1230H

Co. D request DUSTOFF at BS775380 for 1 US WHA by Booby trapped M-26 grenade.

Carlos Otero.

 

  10 Jan. 69     1420H

Co. C reports 2 VC KIA result of short, sharp firefight.

 

  10 Jan. 69     Summary

4/3 elements continue mission in the southern DUC PHO AO.

 

  12 Jan. 69     1625H

4/3 relieved of responsibility of Southern DUC PHO AO by 1/20 Inf. 4/3 under the OPCON of TF Cooksey for operation Russell Beach.

 

  13 Jan. 69     1100H

Co. A received AW fire result 1 US KHA.

Dennis Minkus.

 

  13 Jan. 69     2010H

Co. A request DUSTOFF for 1 US KHA.

Patrick Demarco.

 

  14 Jan. 69     1220H

Co. A request DUSTOFF at BS728819 for 3 US WHA by Booby trap. Dog handler wounded seriously. 2 A Co. em wounded.

Walter Lane

Francis Smyezynsiki

 

  15 Jan. 69     0620H

Co. A reported 30-40 VC evading at BS727803.

 

  15 Jan. 69     1045H

Recon platoon airlift to FSB South, BS727812. Same location as Co. A position.

 

  15 Jan. 69     1440H

LOH ship went down between cordon and LZ Dottie. 1st platoon from Co. B is on stand-by.

 

  15 Jan. 69     1515H

Co. D reports receiving 2 additional APC’s from H troop of the 17th Cav. Attached persons now total 37.

 

  15 Jan. 69     1945H

Co. A request DUSTOFF at BS728811 for 3 US WHA result of AW fire.

Willie J. Allen

Ulysess Norman

Steven Galluzzo

 

  16 Jan 69     Summary

4/3 continues OPCON TF Cooksey and operation Russell Beach.

 

  18 Jan. 69     1700H

FSB South received mortar rounds resulting in 2 US WHA from Co. B 4/3, 5 US WHA from 5/46 Inf.

Neil Kobi

Merle Leckaby

 

  18 Jan. 69     1840H

Co. D request DUSTOFF for 1 US burnt hands on flare.

Jerome Kircher

 

  18 Jan. 69     2005H

1 US wounded by frag from 5/46 Inf. Grenade.

Donald Fenton, evac at daylight.

 

  19 Jan. 69     1900H

Battalion strength: Co. A-96, Co. B-97, Co. C-97, Co. D-97, Co. E-74

 

  19 Jan. 69     Spot report

At BS734815, Co. A found bunkers made of brick or concrete w/six feet of dirt on top.

 

  20 Jan. 69     1035H

Co. D has 439 detainees.

 

  20 Jan. 69     1155H

Co. D has 836 detainees.

 

  21 Jan. 69     1410H

Co. D report eng. Hit Booby trap w/1US WHA, 3 US KHA.

Davis-WHA

Habecker-KHA

Holder-KHA

Moore-KHA

 

  21 Jan. 69     1840H

Co. D hit Booby trap at BS748810

Leonard Cline-KHA

Terry Hardig-KHA

Wayne Spencer-WHA

 

  21 Jan. 69     1940H

Co. D engaged unknown size enemy element result in 1 US WHA.

Stephen Karpinski.

 

  21 Jan. 69     Summary

Result of days ops are 17 VC KIA, 4 US KHA, 4 US WHA.

 

  22 Jan. 69     1705H

Co. D request DUSTOFF at BS748811. 5 US WHA, 1 US KHA result of two Bouncing Betty’s, one failed to explode.

Charles Sizemore-WHA

George Carlough-KHA

Michael McDonough-WHA

Other indivs. From eng.

 

  23 Jan. 69     0001H

FSB South received 10-11 rounds of mortar fire resulting in 13 US WHA, 2 ARVN’s WHA.

Sp4. Anthony Wieckowicz- Co. E

Sp4. Daniel McGraw- Co. A

Sp4. Walter Robinson- Co. E

Sp4. Tomus M. Mihelich- Co. A

Sp4. Bradford Hall- Co. A

Cpl. Dennis Riley- Co. A

Pfc. Joseph Gersch- Co. D

Remaining people to be evacuated at daylight HHC persons:

Ferguison

Brettelle

Spargo

Cogswell

 

  23 Jan. 69     1000H

Battalion SITREP:

Companies A and B the same. Co. C SITREP Neg. Co. D w/APC’s 17th Cav. Recon BS745817

 

  23 Jan. 69     Summary

Days results: 12 US WHA, 2 ARVN WHA, 1 US KHA, 2 US injured result non-hostile action, 6 VC KIA.

 

  24 Jan. 69     1400H

Co. D received 5 assault boats.

Co.  A in contact throughout the day. Day ops produced 8 VC KIA, 32 VCS taken to CHIC.

 

  25 Jan. 69     Summary

Results of the days ops were 3 VC KIA, 6 VC CIA, 8 VCS, 1 Chieu Hoi and 1 French sub-machine gun.

 

  26 Jan. 69     1110H

Co. D request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/frag wounds from blowback of M-79.round. Recon

Pfc. Ronnie Pugh

 

  26 Jan. 69     1520H

Co. A went OPCON 5/46 Inf. At 1400H

 

  27 Jan. 69     0215H

Co. D reports 1 US from recon with frag wounds from grenede.

Averell Clark-will evac in morning

 

  28 Jan. 69     2320H

Co. A has 1 US with snake bite.

Gary R. Lavoy

 

  28 Jan. 69     Summary

Co. A remained OPCON 5/46

Co. C and D switched places with D going to FSB South.

 

  29 Jan 69     0005H

Co. C reports receiving AW fire

 

  29 Jan. 69     0010H

Co. C at BS758840 reports there position has received 15 mortar rounds followed by 10-15 VC armed with satchel charges, RPG’s, AK-47’s and a crew served weapon, possibly 51. cal. 1 APC was hit by RPG result 9 US WHA,1 US from eng., 1 em from Co. C, Christopher Olah. 6 VC KIA, 3 AK-47’s CIA

 

  29 Jan. 69     1645H

Battalion strength:

Co. A-109+ 14 SRRP attached

Co. B-102+22 w/APC’s attached

Co. C-115+6 people w/dogs and 28 people w/APC’s attached

Co. D-97

Co. E-75

 

  29 Jan. 69     Summary

Results of the days ops were 8 VC KIA, 27 VCS detained, CIA; 3 AK-47’s, 2 30 cal MG’s, 1-60mm tube, 5- M1- carbines, 1 BAR, 1 Rocket launcher w/rocket.

 

  30 Jan. 69     1805H

Recon request DUSTOFF at BS721818. Shrapnel in head and feet.

Manue M. Moralas.

 

  31 Jan. 69     0910H

Co. B reports 1 US WHA by SA fire to foot.

 

  31 Jan 69     0950H

Co. B receiving AW fire at BS272807. Gunships and Tac air have been called.

 

  31 Jan. 69     0950H

Co. C at BS721820 receiving heavy AW fire. Gunships called.

 

  31 Jan. 69     1100H

Companies B and C in contact.

 

  31 Jan. 69     1300H

Co. C request DUSTOFF for 5 US WHA by Booby trap.

James Cooper

Michael Findura

Donald Michaels

Thomas Hill

Wyrick- new person

Also 1 Co. B person name-Cady.

 

  31 Jan. 69     1825H

Co. D 1 US shot self in foot. Evac by C&C

Branden Mahoney

 

  31 Jan. 69     2055H

3 more Co. C wounded from 1300H incident.

William Siersema

James Benson

Carl Brocato

 

  31 Jan 69     Summary

Result of the days ops:

1 NVA KIA

11 VC KIA

4 VCS detained

10 US WHA

1 US KHA

1 US wounded by non-hostile action.

 

FEBRUARY

  01 Feb. 69     1750H

Strength report:

Co. A-116

Co. B-103

Co. C-122

Co. D-100

Co. E-66

 

  01 Feb. 69     Summary

results of the days ops were:1 NVA w/weapon KIA, 3 VC KIA, 1 VC CIA, 25 VCS detained, Misc. grenades and medical supplies.

 

  04 Feb. 69     1555H

Co. C request DUSTOFF for 2 US WHA by SA fire.

Robert Marietta

Thomas J. Gildow

 

  04 Feb. 69     1945H

Received call fron LTC. Ambrose 198th s/3. We revert back to 4/3 control and move to LZ Buf 08 Feb. 69.

 

05 Feb. 69     1545H

Co. C reports all APC’s hooked out of mud.

 

  06 Feb. 69     1310H

Co. D request DUSTOFF for 1 US wounded by own 45 cal. Pistol while searching tunnel. BS676844

Ronald L. Maruska

 

  06 Feb. 69     1310H

Co. C request DUSTOFF for 1 US who dropped claymore blasting cap on foot.

Donald L Payne

 

  06 Feb. 69     1505H

Co. C 1st platoon hailed 1 Sampan w/2 persons. Co. C received and returned fire. Later determined persons were ARVN.

 

  07 Feb. 69     1630H

Battalion strength report:

Co. A-112

Co. B-106

Co. C-118

Co. D-100

Co. E-76

Attached APC persons are 57.

 

  09 Feb. 69     0835H

Co A request DUSTOFF for 4 US WHA result of Booby trapped grenade FSB South.

Layman Ditsen

Carl Godsey

John a. Wiedman

David J. Evens

 

  09 Feb. 69     1845H

Co. A request DUSTOFF at BS523822 for 1 US WHA by SA fire

Edwin Braun

 

  10 Feb. 69     Summary

4/3 continues ops in the Buf AO with A and D companies conducting sweep and search ops. Co. C as quick reaction force at CHIC. Co. B secures Buf.

 

  11 Feb. 69     0910H

Co. A request DUSTOFF fr 1 US WHA by SA fire at BS500832.

Rufus Roundtree.

 

  11 Feb. 69     1220H

Report from Brigade: Regimental size element within 750 meters of BS509749.

 

  11 Feb. 69     1500H

Co. A request DUSTOFF at BS486848 result Booby trap.

Marcaria Banda-KHA

Michael Hill-WHA

Victor Jaca Jaca-WHA

Gilbert Aguilar-WHA

Lawernce Williams-WHA

Willie Weatherly-WHA

David marino-WHA

Larry Hatchcock-WHA

 

  13 Feb. 69     Spot report

At 0001H 4/3 became OPCON 198th Inf.

 

  13 Feb. 69     Intelligence

1. Enemy situation: The local enemy forces have enjoyed relative freedom of movement except for infrequent friendly operations by ARVN and Americal elements, the most recient being Russell Beach (13 jan. 69 to 08 Feb. 69).

 

The area is VC dominated and their control was uncontested by GVN until operation Russell Beach. Everyone should be considered as either a VC or VC sympathizer and all men of military age (MAM) must be considered as members of VC forces in the area. The AO is the principle operating area of the 48th VC Light Force Battalion and has been their base camp area for the past 2 years. The Battalion has approx. 200 VC. The battalion is normally deployed by company.

 

  D. Tactics: The enemy throughout the area can be expected to attack engaging small allied forces, bring sniper fire on helicopters and employ mines and surprise firing devices in great numbers to harass friendly units. When large allied units have gone into the VC AO, the VC and local Guerrillas have gone into hiding in tunnels and caves or mingle with local population. They do not oppose allied troops except by mining, ambushes, sniper fire and occasional mortars. Small patrols are subject to ambushes. If the enemy is surprised, experience has indicated that his initial confusion and disorientation can result in large numbers of KIA’s and POW’s. However , he will recover quickly and resort to his evasion tactics.

 

3. Conclusion:

 C. S/2 comment; It is felt that if trapped the enemy would defend to the last man .

 

  14 Feb. 69     Summary

4/3 continues to conduct sweep and search ops in the Buf AO.

Co. A and B vic. BS700800

Co. C at CHIC

Co. D securing Buf

Results of  the days ops: 25 VC KIA, 7 VC WIA/CIA, 19 VC CIA, 26 VCS, 635 detainees, 1 US WHA.

 

  15 Feb. 69     1715H

Strength report:

Co. A-99

Co. B-104

Co. C-125

Co. D-100

Co. E-78

 

  16 Feb. 69     1015H

received top priority message from 198th Inf. , subject: Instructions for cessation of offensive operations. 1. Cessation will be in effect from 16 Feb. 69 at 1800H to 17 Feb. 69 at 1800H. General rules: US forces will not initiate any air/ground offensive.

 

  16 Feb. 69     2010H

Message from 11th LIB: 4/3 be prepared for release from 198th OPCON to OPCON 11th LIB for deployment south of river vic. BS5274. 4/3 will leave 1 company at CHIC.

 

  16 Feb. 69     2102H

Co. D request DUSTOFF for 1 US with blown eardrum.

Kenneth H. Walker

 

  16 Feb. 69     2120H

Co. D sprung ambush with 4 claymores, had secondary explosions. Closed LZ Buf.

 

  17 Feb. 69     Summary

4/3 Inf. Ceased operations until 1800H then resumed normal operations.

 

  18 Feb. 69     1025H

C&C ship took 8-10 hits result 1 US WHA

Bruce Brittingham

 

  18 Feb. 69     Spot report

Co. A relieve Co. C 20 Feb. 69. Assume responsibility security CHIC.

Co. D secure Buf.

Heavy mortar platoon on Buf

 

  20 Feb. 69     1230H

Co. A moves to CHIC

Co. B moves to BS524821—vic lz buf

Co. C moves to BS525822—vic lz buf

Co. B closed LZ Buf

 

  20 Feb. 69     2140H

Recon platoon received incoming grenade at BS525813. Result is 2 US WHA.

Samual Wadle

Harold Sullivan

 

  20 Feb. 69     Summary

results of the days ops were:1 US WHA, 1 US KHA, 1 US non-hostile wound.

 

  21 Feb. 69     1600H

Co. D request DUSTOFF at BS554795 for 1 US KHA, 2 US WHA from Booby trap.

Christopher Meagher

Ronnie Bailey

James Holyfield

 

  21 Feb. 69     Summary

results of the days ops were: 3 VC KIA, 2 VC WIA/CIA, 1 VC CIA, 4 VCS apprehended, 2 US WHA, 1 US KHA.

 

  22 Feb. 69     1110H

SRRP, Larry Davidson Dusted off w/frag wounds vic. Recon platoon.

 

  22 Feb. 69     1450H

H Trp. 17th Cav at BS480785. Hit road mine result 6 US WHA. Us from Recon:

Charles Thomas

James Pope

Ervin Sharper

Joel Cultice

 

  22 Feb. 69     Summary

Results of the days ops were:6 VC KIA, 4 VCS, 6 VC CIA, 5 NVA KIA, 1 Chieu Hoi, 9 US WHA, 1 AK-47 CIA.

 

  23 Feb. 69     0145H

LZ Buf received 6-8 rounds mortar fire resulting in 5 US WHA, 1 US MHA.

David Irwin

Duane Downing

Bruce Flaherty

Leroy Shatava

Michael Hess

 

  23 Feb. 69     0309H

Co. D request DUSTOFF for 1 US WHA by grenade.

David Lutz

 

  23 Feb. 69     0345H

Co. D reports finding missing US. Indiv. KHA, body Booby trapped.

Richard Ritzler

 

  23 Feb. 69     Summary

results of the days ops: 6 US WHA, 1 US KHA, 2 VC KIA.

 

  24 Feb. 69     1000H

SRRP request DUSTOFF at BS529848. Blowback from hand frag in tunnel.

Berry Spring

 

  24 Feb 69     2035H

LZ Buf came under attack with Grenades and SA fire resulting in 7 US WHA, 1 US MHA.

Hermon Cortez

Garcia

Edward Ruditys

Martin Naquin

When DUSTOFF arrived another attack resulted in 3 US WHA.

Capt. Charles Fields

Gerry Rogers

Coy R. Tinsley

Co. D MHA is Allen M. Royston

 

  26 Feb. 69     0510H

Co. C request DUSTOFF for 2 US with frag wounds from friendly grenade.

Claude Parker

David Klingberg

 

  26 Feb 69     2000H

The command post of the PF and US advisors came under attack and asked for Co. A assistance. Co. A and 3 APC’s fought there way into the stressed command resulting in 2 US KHA, 1 US WHA.

Joseph F. Bauer-KHA

Lawrence Defelice-KHA