Sunday, May 10, 2020

Map showing Ho Chi Minh Trail, Sihanouk Trail and major air bases used by FACs. (U.S. Air Force)


 


The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Vietnam initially prevented the North Vietnamese from sending troops and military supplies directly to communist forces in South Vietnam. So in 1959, they began building a secret road system through neutral Laos and Cambodia. Named the Truong Son Road - but known by Americans as the "Ho Chi Minh Trail" - this supply line consisted of a network of roads and hiding places concealed by the jungle.

Laos
Laotian neutrality prevented the overt use of American ground troops to block the Trail, but the U.S. obtained permission from the Laotian government in 1964 to conduct aerial interdiction strikes along the trail. Stringent rules of engagement (ROE) over Laos necessitated the use of FACs, who ensured that no mistakes occurred that could have resulted in Soviet or Chinese involvement.

In 1965 the air war over Laos expanded into two different operations: OPERATION STEEL TIGER provided aerial interdiction along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in central Laos, and OPERATION BARREL ROLL provided aerial interdiction and CAS for the Laotian forces fighting the communists in northern Laos.

In 1966, the USAF activated a fifth FAC squadron, the 23rd TASS, at Nakhon Phanom AB in Thailand. Operating under the call sign Nail, the 23rd's FACs patrolled the Ho Chi Minh Trail and called in air strikes on enemy trucks and supplies. The Nail FACs, with support of the Covey FACs of the 20th TASS, provided CAS for friendly forces throughout Laos.

The war in Laos brought about the creation of one of the USAF's "unique" units. Since the U.S. could not legally send military personnel to Laos, the USAF initially used enlisted Combat Controllers, with the call sign Butterfly, to direct air strikes from civilian aircraft, but Headquarters Seventh Air Force preferred that officers who were pilots perform that mission. So, USAF volunteers with FAC experience in South Vietnam went to Laos to fly secret missions in direct support of Laotian ground forces in 1966. With the call sign Raven, these pilots flew unmarked O-1s, wore civilian clothes - often tee-shirts and cowboy hats - and carried no military identification.

Technically assigned to the 56th Special Operations Wing at Udorn AB, Thailand, the Ravens generally operated from small airfields throughout Laos-with some located close to the Chinese border. They supported indigenous troops in Laos who opposed the North Vietnamese invaders, and they flew with "Backseaters" or "Robins" provided by local commanders. One indication of the Ravens' unique situation was their authority to attack any target in Laos. The other FACs operating over Laos - Covey FACs from Da Nang and the Nail FACs from Nakhon Phanom - could only attack targets in their assigned areas.

North Vietnam
In 1966, the U.S. increased its interdiction efforts into and above the DMZ, and FACs - from the 20th TASS and designated Tally Ho-were assigned this mission. Flying O-1s and later O-2s, they directed air strikes and gunfire from U.S. Navy ships if a U.S. Marine artillery spotter was flying with them. The success of these air strikes quickly forced the communists to improve their air defenses in that area.

Cambodia
The communists stockpiled large amounts of military supplies in Cambodia that they had brought down the Ho Chi Minh Trail and up the Sihanouk Trail from the port of Kompong Son (or "Sihanoukville") on the Gulf of Thailand. Also, they had attacked South Vietnam from sanctuaries in Cambodia. In 1970, at the request of the Cambodian government, the U.S. and South Vietnam sent ground forces into Cambodia to destroy communist supplies and sanctuaries. Although American ground forces withdrew from Cambodia, the air interdiction campaign continued, and USAF FACs were there to support the effort. At first flying from Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, in O-2A and OV-10 aircraft, a detachment of the 19th TASS patrolled Cambodia in support of the Cambodian troops and used the call sign Rustic. To communicate with the Cambodian forces, the Rustics flew with French-speaking interpreters. In July 1970, the Rustics moved to Bien Hoa AB and began 24-hour operations. Flying O-2As equipped with flares and Starlight night vision scopes, they directed air power against the communists at night. In November 1971, the Rustics moved to Ubon Royal Thai AB.

Click here to return to Forward Air Control in Southeast Asia.

Find Out More
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Related Fact Sheets
Cessna O-1G Bird Dog
Cessna O-2A Skymaster
North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco
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Lectures
Hon. Craig W. Duehring: "The Story of the Raven FAC's" (01:08:15)
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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Vietnam Topographic Maps 1:50,000 - Da Nang


http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/topo/vietnam/txu-pclmaps-oclc-21713238-6641-3.jpg

Operation Hines - 23 March 1969 M.A.C.V. COMMUNIQUE. South Vietnam


COMBAT AFTER ACTION REPORT, VIETNAM 1969.

Sunday, 23 March 1969.
NEWS RELEASE.
M.A.C.V. COMMUNIQUE.
In II CORP yesterday afternoon, a mechanized infantry convoy from an
element of the 2nd Brigade, US 4th Infantry Division, was ambushed by an
unknown size enemy force in an area two miles northwest of Plei Mrong,
in Pleiku - Kontum Province.  Convoy security elements returned the
heavy enemy fire while US Army helicopter gunships and artillery
supported the action. During the action, a US Army UH-1 helicopter was
hit by enemy ground fire and crashed in the area wounding all five
persons aboard. The aircraft was destroyed.  US causalities were 10
killed and 18 wounded.  Material damage was light.???????????????

Kontum Province:
Kontum Province has experienced an extensive increase in enemy activity
with emphasis shifting from Viet Cong to NVA units.  US forces received
heavy attacks.

General:
During the period, the 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 8th Infantry, 4th
Infantry Division participated in Operation HINES.

Mission:
Secure Fire Support Base PATT, ZA097834.  Blow mines in place unless it
appears to be a new type.  Conduct reconnaissance in force operations
within assigned area of operations;  route, bridge, and convoy security;
search and clear operations;  ambushes;  short range patrol operations;
cordon and search missions;  and civic actions.

Execution:
B Company 2-8, conduct move from Landing Zone PATT, to FIRE SUPPORT BASE
BOBBIE.  Escort Arty  3-6 with two platoons.  Secure Arty  5-16 at FIRE
SUPPORT BASE PATT with two platoons.  Short Range Patrol West and
Southwest of FIRE SUPPORT BASE PATT, along DAK BLA River.  Conduct
reconnaissance in force, short range patrols, LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.
Conduct MEDCAP.

Task Organization:
HHC, A, B, C, D Companies 2-8 Infantry;  A & B Companies 1-8 Infantry
and 3-6 Arty.  1-69 Armor and 2-1 Cavalry.  Infantry, 1-35.   Engineer
support, 4th Engineer Battalion and the 299th Engineer Battalion.
Artillery, 5-6,  4-42.  Transportation, 1-8 Transportation, 2-8
Transportation.  Aviation, 4th Aviation.  Special, PLEI MRONG Civilian
Strike Force element.

Call Signs:
ATLAS, PAPPA, ATLAS XRAY, YANKEE FIVE ZERO, X EIGHT, NIPPER, BUGLE,
SKILL, WHISKEY ZERO SIX, ZERO SIX ALPHA, ZERO SIX BRAVO, BLACKJACK FOUR
HUNDRED, XRAY EIGHT, HEADHUNTER THREE SEVEN, WILDER, GAMBLER, COMMON
BASE, BIKINI SIX NINE, SIDER FORWARD AIR CONTROL, HORNET FOUR FOUR,
GLADIATOR ONE ZERO ZERO,

2-8 Infantry Commanders and Principle Staff:
Battalion CO    LTC William S deCamp
Battalion XO    MAJ Robert N Bloomstrand
Battalion S1    1LT Jordan B Gaudry
Battalion S2    CPT Edward W Strabol, MSG Earl K Andrews, CPT James F
                Schwartz
Battalion S3    MAJ Stanley W Russell
Battalion S4    CPT Robert L Schmitt
Battalion S5    1LT Allen J Spillum
HHC      1LT    Rodney D Miller, CPT James E Bilderbeck
A Co     CPT    Donald Gonneville, CPT Edward W Strabel
B Co     CPT    Angelo A Severino
C Co     CPT    Elwoood R Tauscher
D Co     CPT    James F Schwartz

Weather:
Early morning fog burning off 8:30 - 9:30 am (08:30 to 09:30 hours).
Transition from dry season to monsoon with light rain showers, variable
winds to 10 knots, thunderstorms, and cloudiness during mid to late
afternoon hours.  Temperatures ranged from 98 degrees to 64 degrees.

Terrain:
Mountainous to open plains.

Logistics:
Hot  A  rations averaged two meals a day.  Wood construction materials
in critical supply.  The following small arms rounds were expended:
301,220  5.56mm      663,000  7.62mm       215,000  .50 caliber

Monday, 17 March.

7:45 am.  0745 hours.
ZA059976, 1-69 in contact, 2 Armored Personnel Carriers hit by B-40
rockets - 5 wounded in action and 1 Armored Personnel Carrier destroyed.
Artillery and gunships supported contact.  In support of the contact,
additional 2 Armored Personnel Carriers 7-17 Cavalry and 2/8 hit mines,
6 WOUNDED IN ACTION and 1 ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER destroyed.

9:17 am.  0917 hours.
ZA069923, 2 tanks from 1-69 hit mines (believed command detonated) while
escorting convoy to LANDING ZONE Bass.

Tuesday, 18 March.

8:40 am.  0840 hours.
>From FIRE SUPPORT BASE PATT, start 2-8 MEDCAP.

8:50 am.  0850 hours.
Start 2-8 resupply convoy from FIRE SUPPORT BASE PATT to LANDING ZONE
MARYLOU.

10:00 am.  1000 hours.
2-8 go to PLEI MRONG give security to ARTY downed gun along road.

10:05 am.  1005 hours.
Resupply 2-8 convoy arrives LANDING ZONE MARYLOU.

4:20 pm.  1620 hours.
Resupply 2-8 convoy returns to FIRE SUPPORT BASE PATT.

7:18 pm.  1918 hours.
>From S3; erect standoff fences, dig in and put up concertina before
sleep.

11:10 pm.  2310 hours.
2-8 receives a frag., some sort of explosion.  One wounded needs DUSTOFF
(medical evacuation).

11:30 pm.  2330 hours.
WARNING ORDER for 2-8.  At 0700 on 19 March, relocate to LANDING ZONE
BOBBIE (ZA061738), move by way of villages toward Plei Mrong.  Take as
much wire and sandbags as you can carry and time permits.  Move with
Headquarters and one Line Platoon. Leave Weapons Platoon to ash and
trash LANDING ZONE PATT. Scout Platoon have two Armored Personnel
Carriers report to LANDING ZONE MARYLOU to pick up trucks.

Wednesday, 19 March.

6:55 am.  0655 hours.
Short Range Patrol from 2-8 arrives LANDING ZONE PATT.

8:15 am.  0815 hours.
2-8 HQ, Line Platoon and D Battery 5-16 Artillery leave for LANDING ZONE
BOBBY.

8:20 am.  0820 hours.
Scouts of 2-8 leave for LANDING ZONE MARYLOU.

8:45 am.  0845 hours.
Scouts to stop at PLEI MRONG turnoff for  REDLEG  (Artillery) trucks.

9:45 am.  0945 hours.
A  REDLEG  (Artillery) 548 is down and 2-8 is towing it.

10:30 am.  1030 hours.
>From S3, the LITTLE PEOPLE are operating in area, 2-8 has no radio
contact with them.

12:40 pm.  1240 hours.
2-8 having trouble crossing at ZA099766.

2:20 pm.  1420 hours.
Atry (Artillery) observer in LOH bird receives ground fire at ZA089690.

3:10 pm.  1510 hours.
2-8 crosses at ZA099766.

4:12 pm.  1612 hours.
2-8 takes B-40 rocket from 500 meters off Highway 14 at ZA198727.  One
wounded.

4:25 pm.  1625 hours.
DUSTOFF (medical evacuation) called for two wounded.

4:34 pm.  1634 hours.
2-8 1000 meters south of LANDING ZONE BOBBIE (in wrong FIRE SUPPORT
BASE).

5:25 pm.  1725 hours.
2-8 arrives correct location at LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.

5:55 pm.  1755 hours.
2-8 leaves to fix crossing at ZA099766.

Thursday, 20 march.

8:15 am.  0815 hours.  At ZA176737, ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER from 2-8
received 1 B-40 round; 1 WOUNDED IN ACTION and slight damage to ARMORED
PERSONNEL CARRIER.  Provide escort morning convoy from LANDING ZONE
MARYLOU to Polie Krong daily.  MAXIMUM RESUPPLY ACTIVITIES TO BEGIN 21
MARCH FROM POLIE KLING.

8:20 am.  0820 hours.
2-8 track (Armored Personnel Carrier) hit with B-40/one wounded, called
for DUSTOFF (medical evacuation)/at ZA176737/enemy fled to South.  2-8
reacting.


9:15 am.  0915 hours.
2-8 received small arms fire at ZA075700.  No damage or causalities.

9:55 am.  0955 hours.
DUSTOFF (medical evacuation) complete.

10:00 am.  1000 hours.
ARVN s (Little People) in contact (firefight) at ZA075760.  2-8 in
blocking position.

10:20 am.  1020 hours.
ZA098766, a resupply 2-8 convoy made contact with an estimated platoon
size force.  Small arms, automatic weapons, artillery were employed.
Two US were wounded and one 2-1/2 ton truck was damaged by B-40 rocket.

11:15 am.  1115 hours.
ARVN s (Little People) in contact at ZA078704.  2-8 to block on North
side of river at ZA075720.

12:30 pm.  1230 hours.
2-8 in blocking position at ZA069710.  Split 2-8 to move in blocking
position at ZA084706.

2:10 pm.  1410 hours.
2-8 receives small arms fire and B-40 rocket at ZA086728.

3:15 pm.  1515 hours.
Radio transmission from S3.  2-8 be prepared to move to vicinity PLEI
MRONG/will be in operational control of 1-35 as mobile reaction force.
Will be expected to provide immediate reaction to contacts (firefights)
of 1-35 mounted and dismounted at night

4:00 pm.  1600 hours.
2-8 go to Highway 14 and meet engineer dozer.  Escort dozer back to
LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.  RECONNAISSANCE BY FIRE.

7:43 pm.  1943 hours.
2-8 ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER escorting bulldozer hits mine at ZA090685.
Two wounded and DUSTOFF (medical evacuation) required.

8:45 pm.  2045 hours.
Commanding General 4th Infantry Division directs one platoon from 2-8
move to village ZA234825.

11:05 pm.  2305 hours.
2-8 in village at ZA090685 and coordinating.

11:50 pm.  2350 hours.
2-8 ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER that hit mine and bulldozer arrive LANDING
ZONE BOBBIE.

Friday, 21 March.

11:20 am.  1120 hours.
2-8 resupply convoy from LANDING ZONE BOBBIE is in contact at ZA098766.
Enemy small arms and eight B-40 rockets from several directions (South,
Southeast, and Southwest).  1145 enemy broke contact to south.  US
wounded hit by shrapnel.  Arty 2 and ? ton truck hit right front.  Must
be towed.

12:25 pm.  1225 hours.
2-8 leaves LANDING ZONE MARYLOU for PLEI MRONG with second engineer
bulldozer.

12:30 pm.  1230 hours.
2-8 warned by COMMON BASE that enemy from yesterdays contact is believed
to have moved to ZA096724.

3:45 pm.  1545 hours.
Our bird is BIKINI 69, tail #119.

500 pm.  1700 hours.  Prisoner VIET CONG tells Civilian Intelligence
Agent (CIA).  NVA REGULARS and /VIET CONG location at vicinity YB995266.

Saturday, 22 March.

12:05 am.  Midnight plus 5 minutes.  INFORMATION from X8 (CIA CIVILIAN
INTEL AGENT), time of report 2325 hours on 21 March.  Unknown size VIET
CONG force, entered DA RODE, YB000227.  X8 wants M60 fire  North to
South along 997 line, TACTICAL AIR COMMAND command post approves for
FORTIFY ELM.

4:20 am.  0420 hours.
Sergeant Andrews reports fire in village approximately 1000 meter
Northwest his location.

5:05 am.  0505 hours.
>From Brigade, 2-8 to provide security for Artillery convoy to LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.

8:50 am.  0850 hours.
Short range patrol of 2-8 returns to LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.

9:00 am.  0900.
Radio transmission from Captain Highsmith to Staff Sergeant Kerr; at
ZA201902 a 2-8 convoy from LANDING ZONE MARY LOU to Polie Kleng received
5 rounds small arms fire from north - negative causalities or damage.
Convoy continuing.

9:15 am.  0915 hours.
>From S3 Air, Send  REDLEG  (Artillery) convoy out this afternoon after 2-8 forces are back in your area.  Send convoy South to PLEI MRONG cut off.  Little People notified but insure you give us start/proceed time so we can insure coordination.  Commanding Officer desires 2-8 Reconnaissance In Force around crossings East of LANDING ZONE BOBBIE and the one at ZA100767.  Coordinate with REDLEGES (Artillery) at location to see if time and route is OK.

9:50 am.  0950 hours.
>From S3 Air.  Improve crossing at ZA100767.  2-8 will be taking a
REDLEG (Artillery) 15 truck convoy to PLIE MRONG this afternoon.

10:20 am.  1020 hours.
2-8 and REDLEGES at crossing ZA081735.

11:10 am.  1110 hours.
Radio transmission from CAPTAIN Long to STAFF SERGEANT Kerr; at
YA822902, 2-8 find 25-30 well camouflaged bunkers with three feet
overhead cover formed in perimeter.  There were three 10 foot mortar
pits with adjoining ammo bunkers with four to six feet overhead cover
and eight huts in the area.  Bunkers and huts were destroyed.

11:30 am.  1130 hours.
2-8 and REDLEGES at ZA127813.

12:10 pm.  1210 hours.
2-8 and REDLEGES at ZA127814.

12:45 pm.  1245 hours.
2-8 and  REDLEG  convoy have crossed crossing at ZA127814.

2:15 pm.  1415 hours.
ZA029887, 2-8 found 15-20 bunkers and made contact.  Lost communications
with the Wilder Element, believe one man hurt, in contact.
Communications regained with, two US WOUNDED IN ACTION with gun shot.
Dust off required.

2:30 pm.  1430 hours.
2-8 and  REDLEG  / resupply convoy report contact (ambush) at ZA082713.

2:35 pm.  1435 hours.
2-8 taking small arms fire and B-40 rockets, at ZA073704 by company size
enemy force.

2:40 pm.  1440 hours.
Radio transmission from MASTER SERGEANT Maurstead to SERGEANT FIRST
CLASS Peterson; at ZA082713, 2-8 while escorting a resupply convoy
received a large volume of B-40 rocket fire and automatic weapons from
the west side of the road.  Two Armored Personnel Carriers were struck
and began burning.

2:45 pm.  1445 hours.
81mm mortars and Arty being worked up and gunships called for.

3:00 pm.  1500 hours.
Enemy moved to WEST, near Blue Line. (Infantry)

3:05 pm.  1505 hours.
Two COBRA helicopters making first pass and reported on target.

3:20 pm.  1520 hours.
Still receiving fire and call for DUSTOFF (MEDICAL EVACUATION) made.

3:25 pm.  1525 hours.
Cobras out of Ammo.  81mm mortars and Artillery going in.

3:40 pm.  1540 hours.
DUSTOFF (medical evacuation), BLACKJACK 400, hit by B-40 rocket, down
and burning.  More GUNSHIPS called for.

3:45 pm.  1545 hours.
2-8 to sweep area, to work behind gunships.

3:46 pm.  1546 hours.
4th Aviation BLACKJACK helicopter attempting a DUSTOFF (medical
evacuation) was hit by B-40 rocket and destroyed.  52nd CAB Slick landed
to pick up wounded and was hit and exploded when it lifted off.  May
have been hit by a round cooking off in the burning Armored Personnel
Carriers as no one heard a B-40 fired at that moment.  Four WOUNDED IN
ACTION from 52CAB. Gunships and artillery supported.

3:47 pm.  1547 hours.
Radio transmission from 2-8, BLACKJACK 400 hit by B-40, down and
burning, crew still inside slick, eight critical wounded, unknown
killed.  Two Armored Personnel Carriers and one truck also hit.  Request
more GUNS.  B-40 rockets still coming in, unknown amount.

3:32 pm.  1552 hours.
Radio transmission from 2-8, two more guns on station.  B-40 s still
coming
in, trying to sweep around contact.  Four guns 81mm emptied.  Believe
sweep is pinned down.

3:55 pm.  1555 hours.
Armored Personnel Carriers to pick up dismounted elements in area.

4:00 pm.  1600 hours.
2-8 received sniper fire at ZA027877.  Commanding Office and Platoon
Leader were Dusted OFF.  Both received leg wounds from small arms fire.

4:10 pm.  1610 hours.
>From Major Russel,  have reinforcements move to LANDING ZONE NICOLE for
possible HOT COMBAT ASSAULT.

4:23 pm.  1623 hours.
Radio transmission from 2-8, GAMBLER guns expended from air, leaving
area.

4:25 pm.  1625 hours.
Reinforcements ready to go for hot combat assault.

4:36 pm.  1636 hours.
PLEIKU DUSTOFF (MEDICAL EVACUATION) standing by for COLD Landing Zone.
Three birds standing by for reinforcement HOT COMBAT ASSAULT.

4:45 pm.  1645 hours.
LANDING ZONE is almost secure, request DUSTOFFS now.  DUSTOFF (MEDICAL
EVACUATION) LANDING ZONE at ZA085704.

4:50 pm.  1650 hours.
2-8 can have NAPALM and 20mm air guns in 30 to 40 minutes

4:57 pm.  1657 hours.
Estimated time of arrival of DUSTOFF (MEDICAL EVACUATION), 15 minutes.

5:02 pm.  1702 hours.
HEADHUNTER working to West of contact site.

5:15 pm.  1715 hours.
LIFT BIRDS holding at LANDING ZONE MARYLOU to COMBAT ASSAULT
reinforcements.

5:18 pm.  1718 hours.
Will not use LIFT BIRDS today.

5:20 pm.  1720 hours.
Artillery going in on West side of redball (road).

5:25 pm.  1725 hours.
Contact broken.  No Little People within 3 kilometers.

5:30 pm.  1730 hours.
As of now, 17 WOUNDED IN ACTION pulled out, 7 WOUNDED IN ACTION remain
on ground.

5:31 pm.  1731 hours.
SIDER Forward Air Command notified no friendlies within 3 kilometers.

5:36 pm.  1736 hours.
VTR helping to secure DUSTOFF (medical evacuation) site.

5:37 pm.  1736 hours.
AIR STRIKE called for ZA071702.

5:39 pm.  1739 hours.
FORWARD AIR CONTROL informed 1-35 is in nearest locations at ZA034708,
ZA034694 and ZA103693.

5:40 pm.  1740 hours.
>From 2-8, twenty-one WOUNDED IN ACTION dusted off.  Still estimate 8
KILLED IN ACTION; birds on the way to pick up KILLED IN ACTION.  Four
boxes (Armored Personnel Carriers) hit instead of two.  Two are burning
with ammo cooking off.

5:42 pm.  1742 hours.
>From Command Sergeant Major, Reference 2-8 contact:  Friendly seven
killed, twenty-one wounded.  Four Armored Personnel Carriers hit, one
slick destroyed.  Relief ready to move Northeast, relief requires one
hour to close (arrive) once they get started.  All KILLED IN ACTION
being evacuated.  Relief ready to go in when birds expend ammo and are
out. HH and CIDE on station and ready to go in, have friendly locations,
looking for targets.

5:47 pm.  1747 hours.
BIRDS extended until we are through with them.

5:51 pm.  1751 hours.
CAPTAIN LAUDERDALE returning to KONTUM to take LOCAL SECURITY FORCE
(Little People) to LANDING ZONE BOBBIE for reinforcements.

5:52 pm.  1752 hours.  LTC deCamp now in HORNET 44.  CAPTAIN Lauderdale
in GLADIATOR 100.

5:54 pm.  1754 hours.  One SLICK lifted (leaving) with KILLED IN ACTION.
Another SLICK waiting for other KILLED IN ACTION to be brought to
LANDING ZONE.

6:00 pm.  1800 hours.
CAPTAIN Lauderdale at KONTUM.  LOCAL SECURITY FORCE (Little People) are
not there for pick up.

6:07 pm.  1807 hours.
YANKEE 50 says his people are ready for lift tomorrow at 0730.

6:10 pm.  1810 hours.
Air Strike diverted to another mission.

6:30 pm.  1830 hours.
>From Brigade Commanding Officer:  2-8 RECONNAISSANCE BY FIRE.

6:34 pm.  1834 hours.
>From 2-8, 1-35 released to return to LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.

6:42 pm.  1842 hours.
>From Battalion Commanding Officer:  2-8 told to get moving NOW and
RECONNAISSANCE BY FIRE.

6:45 pm.  1845 hours.
>From Brigade Commanding Officer to Battalion Commanding Officer:  Guns
are gone, GET PEOPLE MOVING!

6:50 pm.  1850 hours.
>From Brigade Commanding Officer to Battalion Commanding Officer:  When
you find out details, see him.

6:54 pm.  1854 hours.
>From Brigade Commanding Officer to Battalion Commanding Officer:  Use
road only if pressed for time.

6:56 pm.  1856 hours.
Mortars are working up data for illumination (flares), if needed.

7:04 pm.  1904 hours.
2-8 convoy, lead element is just 500 meters out of LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.

7:15 pm.  1915 hours.
2-8 convoy arrives LANDING ZONE BOBBIE.

7:16 pm.  1916 hours.
QUESTIONS From Commanding Officer 2nd Brigade:
1)   Why were 2-8 tracks on road?
2)   Why was there a lack of aggressiveness?
3)   Why was BLACKJACK 400 called into a HOT landing zone?

11:00 pm.  2300 hours.
>From 2-8, at Yard Camp ZA2337828, reports that location received small
arms fire and one B-40 rocket.

11:55 pm.  2355 hours.
>From 2-8.  LANDING ZONE NICOLE received incoming, small arms and B-40
from the South.  Possible grenades.

12 Midnight.  2400 hours.

Headquarters, 2-8 (Mechanized) Infantry Operational Reports, Duty
Officer s Log, Daily Staff Journal.

Headquarters, 2nd Brigade Operational Reports, Duty Officer s Log, Daily
Staff Journal.

Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division Operational Reports, Duty Officers
Log, Daily Staff Journal.

ALL JOURNALS, OPERATIONAL REPORTS, DUTY OFFICER S LOGS  CLOSED


LIST OF KILLED IN ACTION:

ANDERSON, RICHARD WILBUR
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd Battalion and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 56934363
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE:  E4
INFANTRY
AGE: 21
HOME: KALAMA WA
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1947 07 12
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: Protestant
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

BALL, ROSCOE WILLET JR
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 67009526
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE: E4
INFANTRY
AGE: 19
HOME: CHARLESTON WV
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1949 11 29
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: ROMAN CATHOLIC
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

BLAKE, ARMIN JOCHAIM
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 17379020
RANK: SERGEANT FIRST CLASS GRADE: E7
INFANTRY
AGE: 34
HOME: DENVER CO
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1934 09 19
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: ROMAN CATHOLIC
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE
NUMBER: 56505726
RANK:  SPECIALIST 4 GRADE:  E4
INFANTRY
AGE:  23
HOME: CLARISSA MN
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1945 09 27
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: PROTESTANT
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 56504753
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE: E4
INFANTRY
AGE: 21
HOME: ST PETER MN
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTHDATE: 1948 03 12
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: LUTHERAN
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

HERMSEN, MICHAEL EDWARD
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 56459275
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE: E4
INFANTRY
AGE: 22
HOME: DE PERE  WI
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1946 12 12
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: ROMAN CATHOLIC
MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

MC KECHNIE, JAMES ALLEN
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 51600439
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE: E4
INFANTRY
AGE: 21
HOME: WEST FARMINGTON   ME
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1947 04 16
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: PROTESTANT
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

PETERS, LAUVI PAUL PHILIP
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 18865629
RANK: PRIVATE FIRST CLASS GRADE: E3
INFANTRY
AGE: 19
HOME: GARDEN GROVE  CA
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1949 04 07
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: LUTHERAN
MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

REYES, ANGEL
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 67052618
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE: E4
MOS: 63C20
AGE: 24
HOME: PHILADELPHIA  PA
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1945 02 25
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: ROMAN CATHOLIC
NOT MARRIED
 ------------------------------------------------------------

SWEATT, CLYDE STANLEY
4th INFANTRY DIVISION, 2nd BATTALION and 8th INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
SERVICE NUMBER: 67087872
RANK: SPECIALIST 4 GRADE: E4
INFANTRY
AGE: 22
HOME: GREENWOOD  SC
DIED: KONTUM PROVINCE SOUTH VIETNAM ON 22 MARCH 1969
BIRTH DATE: 1946 04 22
CAUCASIAN
RELIGION: BAPTIST

Map showing Ho Chi Minh Trail, Sihanouk Trail and major air bases used by FACs. (U.S. Air Force)

  https://mhttps://media.defense.gov/2009/Jun/17/2000551414/-1/-1/0/090617-F-1234P-033.JPGedia.defense.gov/2009/Jun/17/2000551414/-1/-1/...