SUBJECT: Combat Operations after Action Report ( Vernon Lake II)

            (3) Both preplanned and immediate air strikes were timely and effective assisting immensely in the success of the operation.

(4) Results: KBA 62, structures destroyed 384, secondary explosions 31, bunkers destroyed 132, and trench lines destroyed 635 meters, foxholes 138.

c. Army Aviation:

            (1) The 14^th Combat Aviation Battalion provided helicopters for Operation VERNON LAKE II. The 174^th Assault Helicopter Company supported the operation with lift, helicopters (UH1H) for air assault and command and control helicopters for each battalion throughout the operation.  CH-47 Aircraft were used extensively for troop movement, artillery movement and resupply of fire support bases (FSB). These aircraft provided the mobility and flexibility need to carry out the operation.

            (2) Aero Scouts of the 123d Aviation Battalion were used extensively for reconnaissance.

8. Intelligence: See Annex C.

9. Mission: 11^th Inf. Bde realigned forces into the Duc Pho AO and employed ground forces in the DA VACH mountains and subsequently in the Song Re and Song Ve Valleys to find, fix and destroy (elements of) the 3d NVA Division.

10. Concept of Operation: The concept of operation for VERNON LAKE II was to combat assault two infantry Battalions into the DA VACH mountains, establish two fire support bases (FSB Cork AND FSB AMY from which extensive recon in force and multiple combat assault operations could be conducted in the surrounding mountains and valleys to interdict the movement of the 3d NVA division and destroy their base camps.  The length of the operation and commitments in other parts of the 11^th Bde AO, at times, necessitated the increasing or decreasing of the forces available to support the concept, but the original concept of the operation was maintained throughout the operation.  The following operational moves were made in support of the concept of the operation for VERNON LAKE II.

02 Nov 68: D-20 Inf. conducted a CA from FSB Pepper (491729) into Lz Cork (BS448612) to establish FSB CORK AND SECURED The Lz until the arrival of B and D batteries 6-11 Artillery and the CP Groups of 1-20 Inf. and 4-3 Inf. A co remained on LZ Pepper as Security.  B & C co conducted a CA to BS416632 and established a blocking position.  4-3 Inf. conducted multiple CA’s from LZ Pepper to LZ Crown BS395594 then moved SE.  Recon Plt airlifted into LZ Cork to secure the FSB.

11. Execution: Combat Operations After Action Report VERNON LAKE II

2 Nov 68

1-20 Inf.: At 0840 D co conducted a CA to LZ Cork & secured FSB Cork. At 1006 hrs B co conducted a CA from LZ Pepper to LZ Patch to secure the LZ. C co conducted CA from LZ Thunder to LZ Patch. A co remained on LZ Pepper. Upon completion of the movement, sweep and clear operations were started. At 1640hrs C co engaged an estimated NVA plt KIA 2 and capturing misc. equipment and documents. C co suffered 2 WHA in this action.  B co engaged an unknown size force resulting in 2 WHA and found a small ammo cache.  At 1540 LZ Cork received 82mm mortar rds results 2 KHA, 9 WHA (E), 2 WHA (M).  At 1730 hrs Aero Scouts engaged unknown number of NVA and KIA 9,

4-3 Inf. Terminated operation VERNON LAKE I 020600 Nov 68 commenced operation VERNON LAKE II 020600 Nov 68.  AT 1221 A co conducted CA from LZ Pepper to LZ Crown. At 1254 B co conducted CA from LZ Pepper to LZ Crown at 1335 Recon airlifted from LZ Pepper to LZ Cork. At 1428hrs C co Conducted CA from LZ Pepper to LZ Crown. D co remained at LZ Pepper all LZ cold.

6-11 Arty:  At 1400hrs A Battery air lifted to LZ cork from LZ pepper. At 1730hrs B Battery air lifted from LZ Pepper to LZ Cork.

 3 Nov 68

1-20 Inf.: At 0059 A co at BS434627 received 8 rounds of mortar fire and at 0245 received 5 rounds of mortar fire with negative casualties. At 1043 hrs B co Conducted CA to vic BS441625 for exploration and BDA of Arc Lite Strikes.  At 2018 hrs C co received one round of mortar vic BS430625 with negative casualties.

4-3 Inf: A, B, & C co’s continued combat sweep from NDP in an easterly direction with negative contact.  At 1502 D co conducted a CA from LZ Pepper to BS438588 and swept in am easterly direction with negative contact.

4 Nov 68

1-20Inf: At 0650 LZ Cork received Mortar Attack results: 3 WHA (E) 10 WHA (M) Continued search operation found and destroyed many bunkers and small camp. C co engaged and 1 KIA NVA.

4-3 Inf: At 1200hrs Recon PLt was OPCON to 1-20 Inf. until 1930hrs. continue search operations.

5 Nov 68

1-20 Inf: At 0720 C co conducted a CA to vic BS 423612 and conducted a Recon in force southwest finding and destroying several base camps and bunkers.

4-3 Inf:  At 0915hrs C co found and evacuated several items of NVA equipment documents and medical supplies.  At 1525 C co received sniper fire resulting in 1 WHA. The BN continued the sweep mission finding and destroying 1 base camp.

1-46 Inf. Became OPCOM to TF Cooksey at 1930 hrs, closed Quang Ngia Airfield

6 Nov 68

1-20 Inf: At 0850hrs A co Conducted CA to BS463578, conducted sweeps southwest.

At 0920 B co conducted CA to BS467577, conducted sweep to the south.

4-3 Inf: Continued search and sweep operation.  At 0855 C co found and destroyed a large base camp at BS401596.  At 1500 hrs the C&C helicopter found 1 NVA KBA. Aero scouts working with the Bn engaged and 1 VC KIA.

1-46 Inf: Commenced operation VERNON LAKE II with CA from QUANG NGIA Airport to BS455588.  The CA started at 1232hrs and was complete at 1655hrs. All LZ cold and 1-46 conducted a combat sweep northwest.

7 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: B Co found several huts, can containing a rice cache, all of which they destroyed.  At 1328hrs A co engaged an estimated platoon size element, resulting in 3 NVA KIA and 1 US KHA.

4-3 Inf: Bn continued search and seep operations. At 1300 hrs B co conducted a CA vic BS368599, and set blocking positions. B co 1-06 Inf OPCON to 4-3 Inf Effective 1533 hrs. At 1600 hrs B co 1-46 If engaged unknown size enemy force and killed 1 VC, 1 US WHA in the action.

1-46 Inf: Bn continued search and sweep operation. B co OPCON to 4-3 Inf.  Recon conducted CA from QUANG NGAI Airport to BS458608 LZ cold, conducted search of area.

8 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: At 1029 hrs A co engaged unknown size enemy forces, result 1 KHA and 4 WHA. Received sporadic sniper fire throughout the AO.  Bn continued combat  sweeps.

4-3 Inf: Bn continued combat sweeps.  At 0915hr 2 US WHA from punji stakes.  At 1043hrs 1 US WHA from punji stakes.  At 1203hrs 1US WHA from punji stakes.  B co 1-46 Inf found and evacuated misc. equipment and documents also destroyed 10 hootches. Aero Scouts engaged and KIA 1 NVA at 1400 hrs. At 1430hrs B co 1-46 Inf found KIA 2VC by Aero Scouts.  At 1515 hrs D co found 1 VC KIA by Aero Scouts. B co OPCON to 1-46 Inf effective 1623hrs.

1-46 Inf: Continued combat sweep in AO. At 1435hrs B co engaged and KIA 2 NVA. Assumed OPCON of B CO 4-3 Inf.

9 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Continued combat sweep with light sniper fire but no significant contact.

4-3 Inf: Continued combat sweep of AO.  AT 0825hrs Aero Scouts engaged 10 NVA KIA 3 NVA. D co conducted CA to LZ vic BS443578, OPCON to 1-46 Inf effective 1015hrs.

1-46 Inf: Continued combat sweep of AO with negative contact. Assumed OPCON of D co 4-3 Inf.

10 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf Continued combat sweeps of AO

4-3 Inf: Continued combat sweeps of AO. B & D co’s released from OPCON of 1-46 Inf. D co conducted CA to BS397535 at 1735hrs and continued combat sweep of AO. A & C co’s received small arms fire resulting in 5 WHA at 1040hrs. A co received HG resulting in 2 WHA at 1110hrs.

1-46 Inf: Released from OPCON to TF Cookey and air lifted to QUANG NGAI Airport effective 1620hrs.

4-21                 Inf: Become OPCON to TF Cooksey effective 1415hrs. D co airlifted from QUANG NGAI Airfield to LZ AMY.  Recon Air lifted from QUANG NGAI Airfield to BS458609. A, B, & C co’s remained at QUANG NGAI Airfield.

11 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Due to weather, all operations were at a standstill.

4-3 Inf: Bn operations were limited due to weather conditions. At1340 C co had 1 WHA due to punji stakes.

4-21 Inf: Co’s A, B, & C conducted air movement from QUANG NGAI and closed at airstrip at MINH LONG Special Forces Camp 111100 Nov 68 to remain overnight.

12 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Continued combat sweeps of AO. At 1520hrs C co engaged and KIA 1 VC.  1 US WHA in this action.

4-3 Inf: Continued combat sweep of AO. At 1030hrs gunships from 174^th engaged and KIA  9 NVA. B co OPCON to 4-21 Inf effective 1230hrs.  At 1730hrs A co found and destroyed company size base camp.  B co released OPCON from 4-21 Inf 1800hrs.

4-21Inf: A co conducted CA from MINH LONG to BS435518, B co conducted CA to BS445519, C co conducted CA to BS409527. All LZ’s cold and blocking positions were established.

13 Nov 68

1-20 Inf: Continued combat sweep in AO. C Co found and destroyed small base camp.

4-3 Inf: Released from OPCON TF Cooksey and airlifted to South DUC PHO AO. Airlift completes at 1250 hrs.

4-21 Inf Continued combat sweep in AO. At 1245hrs A co engaged 3 VC result 2 VC KIA.  At 1319hrs B co found 1 VCS WIA. At 1740hrs Aero Scouts engaged 12 NVA result 6 KIA NVA. LRRP Montana inserted at BS365475 at 1335hrs.

14 Nov 68

1-20 Inf: At 1116hrs C co was air lifted from BS462572 to LZ Cork. At 1450 hrs, D co found a hut complex with weapons, medical supplies, uniforms, rice and documents. They also found graves with 4 bodies, resulting in 4 NVA discovered. Operation continued throughout the day with no significant contact.

4-21 Inf: All companies continued Northward movement searching the heavily vegetated ridges and draws. LRRP Montana was extracted at 1510hrs because of movement heard coming in their direction. A & B co’s conducted operations North and established NDP’s.

15 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: At 0930hrs, B co engaged 2 NVA, resulting in 1 NVA KIA, 1 AK-47, and 1M1 Carbine and assorted documents CIA. Recon conducted CA from LZ Cork to vic BS437581 to search and clear in zone at 1012hrs.

4-21 Inf: all units conducted cloverleaf operation 1,000 meters from NDP’s. A co at BS427556 engaged 1 NVA hiding in a tunnel resulting in 1 NVA KIA and at BS418559 they found ten hootches and four bunkers besides other misc. military equipment, hootches and bunkers were destroyed and established new NDP at BS435540. B co conducted patrols establishing new NDP at BS445543. C co found 4 hutches which could accommodate 20 personnel each vic BS426537 and at BS431538 discovered a NVA Regimental size base-camp with 25 building, training aids, propaganda materials, map boards, documents, small arms ammo and model of a UH1E helicopter. C co remained in base camp vic BS432533. D co and Recon continued mission of security of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.

16 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Recon engaged 2 VC evading, resulting in 1 VC KIA at 0915 engaged 1 VC who evaded but left behind 1 AK-47, 1 SKS and his rucksack.

4-21 Inf: A co moved west and conducted detailed search of area vic BS426556 in radius of approximately 1,000 meters. B co conducted detailed search of the area and discovered cache of 10 AK-47’s, 1 BAR .3 hand guns, 1 chicom MG fit air equipment’s and documents at BS431533, and found several small bunkers and bomb shelters at vic BS433537. Aero Scouts received AW fire from Coordinates BS341469, BS338305 and BS337324. FAC reported the air strike at BS338525 destroyed 20 structures and results large secondary explosions and fire with black smoke. At grid 3966,an artillery observer received AW fire, All co’s were alerted to prepare for movement for the Song RE Valley on order.  D co and Recon continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.

17 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf At Operations continued throughout the night with little contact. At 0638hrs. Recon found a bunker and huts complex, which they destroyed. They also decovered a grave containing Military age male cause of death gunshot wound.  At 1110hr D co found numerous huts which they destroyed and 3 graves with bodies total for the day 4 NVA KIA.

4-21 Inf: A co continued mission of detailed search of area vic BS426356 with negative results.  B co moving west from BS427540 in vic BS424537 engaged 4 VC with weapons, resulting in 1 VC KIA with CIA equipment and 2 combat packs with Documents.  C Co continued search of base camp vic BS452533 with negative contact.  D co and Recon continued security mission on LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.  At 0917 hrs 4-21 assumed OPCON control of Recon co from 26^th ARVN Div. Recon co was assigned Southwestern position of 4-21 AO covering an area approx. Eight Kilometers by eight Kilometers. (Couldn’t read the material I copy but it appears that an USMC  F-4 jet aircraft went down in this area and an effort to react was being planned C&C ship 4/21 found 1KHA shot in head and 1MHA Recon co from 26^th ARVN DIV continue to work the area.)

18 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: At 0920 hrs B co found a chicom booby trap which they destroyed in place continue operation, they received sniper fire at 1109hrs found a hut complex containing a hospital and medical supplies. Late in the day they B co found 3 more camouflaged huts with NVA uniforms and documents. Recon found a weapons cache at 1138 hrs and at 1600hrs found an ammo cache in a hut and bunker complex.

4-21 Inf. A & C co’s continued a detail search with negative results. B co while conducting local patrols found a small base camp at BS423598 with approx. 12 hooches, 2500 lbs. of rice and misc. supplies. Including ammo and documents dated 3968. At BS411538 found eight newly built hooches and platoon size mess area.  ARVN Recon co at BS407512 sighted two VC co’s moving north and called Artillery with unknown results. At BS383487 ARVN Recon Co patrolling west of its base BS393502 engaged an estimated VC plt resulting in 3 VC KIA and assorted documents CIA.

19 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Throughout the day B co found and searched a hospital complex and found surgical and medical supplies.  At 1300 hrs Recon found a hut containing surgical equipment and surgical gowns. That evening Recon received one mortar rd on their perimeter with negative casualties BS446584.

4-21Inf: A co moved south from BS413547 toward BS407528 with negative results. B co continued patrolling around the area of the small base camp at BS423530 with negative results.    C co began destroying the base camp area vic BS432533. Recon 26 ARVN Div assumed security mission of LZ Cam BS372493 and US artillery was airlifted to that location. At 1300hrs vic BS345495 to BS344510 the C&C aircraft received heavy AW/SA fire resulting in 2 WHA. D co and Recon plt continued of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.

20 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: B co found a small hut complex with assorted equipment and 2 radios at 0845 hrs.  A co found a tunnel complex and a grave containing a body, resulting in 1 NVA discovered.

4-21 Inf A co continued detailed search of area approximately 2,000 meters with center of mass vic BS401539 with negative results. B co began moving south from NDP at BS434539, with negative results, C co began moving north from it’s position in the base camp area, and at BS433537 found and destroyed 13 hootches and five bunkers at BS443658 found 1 CP bunker and several fighting bunkers running SE with mutual support and 600 feet of WD-1 wire on insulators running to each bunker.  The bunkers appeared to have been occupied in the last 24 hours. D co and Recon continued previous missions of security at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. 4-21 Inf. received an extension of the AO along NW grid line 56 to 36 to NS grid line 46 effective until 232400 Nov 68.

21 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: At 1332 Hrs B co found a small hut complex with assorted equipment, ammo and rice cache. They destroyed everything in place. At 1420 hrs A co air assaulted from BS452581 to VicBS485607and swept NE with negative results. At 1425hrs Recon air assaulted from BS444586 to BS499594 to act as blocking force for A co.

4-21 Inf: A co worked the South vic BS408532 with negative findings, B co patrolling vic BS413527 found and destroyed four hootches with fresh signs of occupation. C co patrolling vic BS434657 found and destroyed 7 rolls of commo wire four radio tubes and a holster for 45-cal pistol. D co and Recon continued security missions. Recon 26 ARVN Div captured 3 VCS. Aero Scouts at BS379486 CIA 2 VCS who were evac to DUC PHO for questioning. The forward air comptroller at BS333455 received SA fire and destroyed 1 structure.

22Nov, 68

1-20 If: B co found a small base camp, which they destroyed and also a grave with a body in it at 1210hrs.  At 1425hrs Recon found a base camp with a tunnel and bunker complex.

4-21 Inf A co at BS408515 found and destroyed 4 hootches and 3 bunkers newly constructed and fifty punji pits. BS402514 found and destroyed 10 hootches. B co in the vic of BS439513 received sniper fire resulting in 1 US WHA. C co in the vic of BS439513 engaged 7 VS with weapons resulting in 1VC WIA CIA. ARVN Recon co had negative finding in sweeps around LZ Cam.

D and Recon continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.

23 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Search and clear operations continue with Recon finding 12 camouflaged huts, which they destroyed at 1335hrs.

4-21 Inf: A co moving W at BS410514 found and destroyed 500lbs of rice and 60 punji stakes, and at BS403500 found and destroyed 1,000lbs of rice buried at 2 locations. B co patrolling from NDP at BS443508, captured 1 POW at BS438508 and at BS437505, they engaged and KIA 1 VC. C co vic BS459537 found and destroyed 2 hootches and engaged 3 VC with weapons resulting in 1VC WIA, CIA 2 packs, 2 AK-44’s and documents. At BS463538, found and destroyed 1,000lbs of rice. Fifty papers 2 flags NVA and smoking jackets. ARVN Recon Co conducting local patrols from LZ Cam found 1 KBA at BS387486 and at BS395489 they engaged a squad size element resulting in 5 NVA KIA and CIA 1 AK-47. D co and Recon plt continue security missions of LX Amy and LZ Cork OP.  

24 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Contact throughout the day consisting mostly of sniper fire that resulted 1 US KHA at 1200 hrs from Recon.  D co found a small base camp containing rice and medical supplies at 1500hrs and at 1820hrs found 4 aid stations with medical supplies and documents.

4-21 Inf: A co conducted search and destroys mission from BS405503 to BS382499 with negative results.  B co at BS453537 found 1000 lbs. of rice destroyed and documents and surgical masks (evac). BS452535 found 1hootch and grave with mutilated body.  BS447537 found and destroyed 3 hootches, BS446536 found and destroyed one hootch and 100 lbs. of rice, BS450430 found and destroyed 2 large hootches and 400 lbs. of rice, and BS447539 found and destroyed large hooch.  BS449521 found and destroyed8 hootches and 600 lbs. of rice, at BS449516 found and engaged 1 VC evading resulting in1VC KIA, had documents which were evacuated. D co and Recon continued security mission.  ARVN Recon co patrolled around LZ Cam for 4 kilometers with negative finding. AO extension approved effective 260600 to 292400 Nov 68 BS4654 North to BS4645.

25 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Contact light during the day, mostly with trail watchers, who evaded. At 1020hrs,C co captured 1 AK-47. Recon engaged 4 men evading resulting in 1 NVA KIA and 1 VC at 1252hrs. While searching the area, they found a suitcase full of black pajamas. At 1425hrs D co found a base camp containing a rice and salt cache which they destroyed.

4-21 Inf: A co negatives sightings.  B co BS425517 received sniper fire and saw 1 VC with weapon evade W, BS428505 found 1 large hootch with bicycle parts destroyed, BS427505 found 1 hootch and livestock destroyed. C co at BS452532 found and destroyed 6 hooches. D co and Recon plt prepared for administrative move from present locations, to replace by C co at 161400 Nov 68.  ARVN Recon Co prepared for extraction from LZ Cam at 260800 to be lifted to QUANG NGAI Airstrip.

 26 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Activity was during the day with D co finding a cache of rice at 0805hrs while C co found 1 AK-47 at 1006hrs. A co found a tunnel complex and captured 1 NVA who was sleeping.  At 1515 hrs found another hut complex. During the afternoon, A co found 3 graves with NVA believed KIA by gunshot. D co received sporadic sniper fire and AW fire with negative results.

4-21 Inf: A co continued present mission and at BS375492 found and destroyed 12 hootches and 100 lbs. of rice and misc. military equipment. B co continued present missions and at BS425506 found and destroyed 12 hootches and 200 lbs. of rice, BS426501 found area with mortar positions, 1 Chinese made 60mm mortar and 1 hooch, around area looked like a training area, Bs425501 found and destroyed 5 hootches, BS427507 founded and destroyed 7 hootches and found several freshly traveled trails, BS423505 engaged an VC with weapon resulting in 1 weapon CIA dropped by the evading VC.  C co extracted from BS446526 taken to LZ Amy for Security mission, except 1 Plt taken to LZ Cork OP for security mission.  ARVN Recon Co extracted from LZ Cam and taken to QUANG NGAI Airstrip, 4-21 Inf released OPCON of ARVN Recon Co at 260914 Nov 68. Recon plt moved vic CH-47 to LZ AMY. The FAC at BS376538 reported Heavy ground fire. D co departed LZ Amy heading for AO vic BS460360.

27 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: A co engaged unknown enemy force with negative results. Later the day A co found a hut and tunnels complex with a small cache of ammo and documents.

4-21 Inf: All units continued search and sweep operations in their assigned AO.A co BS380400, B co BS420396, D co BS346308, Recon BS436320. C co provide security for LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. B co at BS421394 found 8 hootches with transistor radio and French rifle, 150 SKS ammo destroyed and documents which were evac, At BS421396 destroyed 2 tons of rice and, BS417495 received sniper fire resulting in 1 US WHA. BS430496 found a burp gun and French rifle found buried in the ground evac to LZ Amy, BS 4234970 found and destroyed 2 mines with pressure devices, BS416496 found and destroyed a large camp with 30 hootches so freshly made that they wouldn’t burn and had to be torn apart. At BS423497 2 personnel hit a mine, which was freshly emplace only hours before, resulting in 2 US WHA. Recon at BS458527 found and destroyed 1 hootch occupied within the last two weeks.

28 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Activity was very light with D co finding a hut complex with rice cache and documents.

4-21 Inf: No incidents or discoveries were reported for the day. A co prepared for CO on the morning of 29 Nov 68. B co moved into a blocking positions vic BS416500. C Co continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. D co and Recon continued search and sweep operations in the same AO’s.

29 Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Search and clear operations continued with very light activity, C co received sniper fire with negative results and in the afternoon D co found a base camp with documents.

4-21 Inf: A co conducted a CA from BS368491to BS400102 to sweep NE toward B co. First LZ time 0845hrs and last LZ time 1045hrs.  B co blocking position from grid BS417497 to BS417494. A co found and destroyed 2 hootches recently used and 200lbs of rice. BS413487 they also found NVA ammo pouches and detained a 65year old female who was evac. to MID at DUC PHO. BS410494 found punji pits, NVA clothing medical and barbering supplies.  B co at BS417497 found 700 rounds of assorted SA ammo. BS421503engaged 1 VC/NVA in bunker resulting in 1 KIA. BS423501 found and destroyed 2 hootches, fifty gallons of gas, 100 lbs. of rice, 300 lbs. of salt, and clothing for a company size unit. C co continued security mission of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.

30  Nov, 68

1-20 Inf: Operations continue with no significant contact. D co received sniper fire with negative casualties.

4-21 Inf: A&B co’s conducted detailed search in immediate areas Vic BS413489 and BS422490 using direct coordination between units. B co at BS404498 found storage boxes, MG belts and clothes, At BS425496 they found 3 French sub-MG in serviceable condition with magazines. C co continued security mission of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. D co and Recon Plt continued search and sweep missions in assigned AO’s.  C&C ship at BS457532 sighted 6 hootches and destroyed 3 and damaged 1.   

1  Dec, 68

1-20  Inf: Due to weather conditions, activities were curtailed during the day. A co was air lifted

 From BS481617 to LZ Cork. All units resting and preparing for air assault in the Song RE

Valley tomorrow.

4-21 Inf.

A & B co’s continued sweeps to the South. D co and Recon continued searching assigned AO’s. C co continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ cork OP. A co at BS412478 found a small base camp, 400 rds of AK-44 and 30 cal ammo, 1 /ak44, 1 French MAS, 300lbs of rice, medical supplies, 5 new NVA flags, documents, four ID Cards 1 US personnel’s dog tags and cloths. B co at BS417503 found a large bicycle repair shop with 500intertubes, 200 tires and many frames, sprocket, pedals, etc. D co at BS452535 found and destroyed 10 hootches. Recon at BS460508 found and destroyed 15 hootches.

2  Dec, 68

1-20 Inf: D co conducted a CA from BS407614 to LZ Volunteer (BS347595) Secured area until the Artillery, 4.2 mortar plt. and Recon arrived. Recon six assaulted from BS494588 to LZ Volunteer assumed security of the FSB with one platoon from D co,  D co then swept NE to search and clear in area. C co six assaulted from BS408617 to LZ Draftee BS320596, secured the LZ until after B co air assaulted from LZ Cork late into the area. Both co’s then swept South along the western side of the Song Re Valley to search and clear the area. At 1430hrs, C co engaged 1 VC evading, resulting in l VC KIA.

4-21 Inf: A co continued searching in area of small base camp vic BS406483 (later found to be POW camp). B co at BS417503 extracted bicycle parts and searched the general area. C co continued security mission of LZ AMY and LZ Cork OP.  Recon continued patrol/ambush operations to the South. Vic BS545503. A co at BS406481 found and destroyed a hootch with 200 lbs of rice and a filed of potatoes nearby.  D co at BS 435532 found and destroyed five hootches and 1000 lbs unpolished rice.

3         Dec, 68

1-20 Inf: Activities very light in Song Re Valley, with D co receiving sniper fire in the morning resulting in 1 US WHA. In the afternoon they found a small hut complex with a rice and ammo cache.  Later in the day they uncovered another ammunition cache in a cavern. The heaviest engagement of the day occurred when B co engaged approximately 6 VC when the set off a trip flare while probing the NDP with negative results.

4-21 Inf: All units continued operations in same areas. C co continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ cork OP.  B co at BS399494 found one hooch with bicycle parts and one 12-gauge shotgun; BS398490 found and destroyed fifteen bicycles. Recon moving West at BS448510 found and destroyed 2 bunkers and 3 hootches recently occupied, and at BS434509 found and destroyed 1 hooch with approximately 800 lbs of unpolished rice and 200 lbs of polished rice.  Gunships at BS445477 engaged and killed one NVA; BS439468 destroyed four hootches and received a medium secondary explosion.

4        Dec,  68

1-20 Inf: Search and clear operations continue with B co receiving sniper fire resulting in 1 US WHA.

4-21 Inf: All elements continued present missions. B co at BS395487 discovered one NVA KIA by SA. Aero Scouts at BS351436 and BS354439 received heavy AW fire and SA fire resulting in one ship and one pilot hit.  LRRP Montana was inserted at 0820hrs vic BS433505.

5  Dec , 68

1-20 Inf: light activities throughout the day with Recon finding a small base camp in the morning and a hut and bunker complex  in the afternoon, all of which they destroyed. C co found a rice cache at 1700hrs and destroyed.

4-21 Inf: A co conducted a CA from vic BS408480 to BS429479 to sweep NE.  B co conducted from vic BS436464 to BS436646 to sweep East.  C co and Recon continued present missions.  At 0730hrs. LZ Amy received approx 8 incoming 82mm mortar rds; there was negative damage. A co at BS429479 found and destroyed 8 hooches and detained 1 VC with leg wounds.  Later A co at the previous coordination discovered and extensive base camp with a least 16 hootches.  B co at BS431464 engaged and KIA 1 VC/NVA; BS429470 found and destroyed 140 bolts of blue uniform cloths each 23 yards long. LRRP Montana at BS437505 found a trenchline and one ton of rice.

6         Dec,  68

1-20 Inf: Between 0045 and 0100hrs B & C co received 8 rounds each of RPG and 82mm mortar fire at the NDP resulting in 1 US WHA. During the day, B co continuing their search and clear mission found 2 rice caches which they destroyed and also found some documents. At 1340hrs they found an ammo cache, which they destroyed. C co activities consisted of flushing 2 VC out of a hut complex, the VC evaded leaving their weapons behind. In the after noon they found an NVA version of a PX with misc. supplies and equipment which they destroyed. In the early evening FSB Cork received approx.  30  rounds of 82mm mortar fire with negative results. Counter mortar fired on suspected enemy location (BS469618).

4-21 Inf: All units continued present missions of search and destroy in area of AO. A co at BS430482 found 1 VC KIA who was dead for 3 days. B co at BS440463 found 1 VC KIA one week old. D co at BS448489 found and destroyed 5 hootches, 400lbs of rice and 1 green uniform. C co continued security mission at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. LRRP Montana call in Artillery on 4 VC vic BS413499 resulting in 2 VC KBA. Aero Scouts at BS307493 observed many well camouflaged hootches in the general area.

7        Dec,  68

1-20 Inf: Activities during the day were very light. D co engaged a trail watcher resulting in 1 VC KIA. Further along the same trail they found a hut with documents and assorted equipment. At 2140hrs, FSB Cork received 3 rds of 82mm-mortar fire with negative casualties. Counter mortar fired on suspected enemy location BS463618.

4-21 Inf: All units continued present missions in assigned AO’s. ARVN Recon Co was extracted to QUANG NGAI Airstrip and 4-21 Inf released OPCON at 1000hrs. LRRP Montana was extracted from grid BS433505 at 1025hrs negative action was reported by all units on this day.

8        Dec , 68

1-20 Inf: Throughout the day D co found 4 small rice caches while C co received sporadic sniper fire on several occasions with negative casualties.

4-21 Inf: A & B co continued sweeps to the North. C co continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. D co and Recon continued searching in Assigned AO”S. A co at BS424463 found one large storage hootch with 200lbs of unpolished rice and 400lbs of polished rice destroyed; B co at BS455468 had 1 VC with weapon into ambush resulting in 1 VC KIA, CIA 1 Chicon Carbine and 35rds ammo; BS473477 found and destroyed 1 hootch. Recon at BS430464 found and destroyed 1 hootch and animal snares.

9         Dec , 68

1-20 Inf: During the day D co found several small rice caches. Contact was light throughout the day with B co 2 VC evading, resulting in 2 VC KIA.

4-21 Inf: A co conducted patrols to the West from BS427453. B co moved by CH47 to LZ Amy and OP vic LZ Cork and assumed security missions C co extracted by CH47 to LZ Amy to BS463515 and conducted patrols from that location. D co conducted patrols 1000 meters from

BS437485. Recon was in an ambush vic BS436442. A co made contact with an unknown size force armed with 12 AW weapons resulting in 2 US WHA’s, CIA were 2 weapons, twenty packs, documents, and misc. military gear.  C co at BS433463 found and destroyed 1 hootch and 1000lbs of rice. D co at BS433463 found 1 female KBA, a campsite and 200 lbs of rice.  4-21 Inf received an alert to conduct a Battalion size CA Northeast of BA TO.

10    Dec , 68

1-20 Inf: D co received sniper fire at 1120hrs, resulting in 2 US WHA.  The enemy was spotted several times during the day but evaded before any contact could be made.

4-21 Inf: A co prepared for extraction from BS395455 to MINH LONG at 0950hrs and completed extraction at 1055hrs.  B co continued security mission of LZ AMY and LZ Cork OP> C co was extracted from BS482466 to MINH LONG at 1100hrs and completed extraction at 1156hrs. D co was extracted from BS408486 at 0930hrs to MINH LONG and completed extraction at 1038hrs.  Recon plt extracted at 0945 to LZ Liz, OPON to 3-1 Inf until 112400Dec 68.  Aero Scouts at BS346557 captures 3 VCS and took them to LZ Amy for interrogation.  Helix 31 at BS353475 conducted an airstrike resulting in fourteen structures destroyed, ten fighting positions destroyed and one secondary explosion.  Also at BS345476, Helix 31 conducted an airstrike resulting in 13 structures destroyed.

11     Dec, 68

1-20 Inf: B & C co’s received harassing sniper fire throughout the day with negative casualties.

4-21 Inf: B co continued security missions of LZ AMY and LZ Cork OP. 4-21 (-) conducted operation in 11^th Inf Bad AO West of LZ Liz,

12     Dec, 68

1-20 Inf: Activities continue very light throughout the AO. C co received sniper fire in the morning with negative casualties. In the afternoon, made contact with 4 men, one of which tried to evade, resulting in 1 VC KIA and 3 VCS CIA. B-4-21 secured LZ Amy with 1 Plt at an OP vic BS457409.

13    Dec,  68

1-20 Inf: At 0924hrs B co made an assault from BS311609 to vic BS454590to act as a blocking force for the 2d ARVN.  At 1010hrs C co air assaulted from BS314590 to vic BS449589 to set as a blocking force for the 2d ARVN.  Later in the day C co engaged 3 VC evading resulting in 3 VC KIA and 1 weapon CIA.  B-4-21 secured LZ AMY with one plt at an OP vic BS457609.

14      Dec,  68

1-20 Inf: Light activities throughout the AO. At 1633hrs, A co air assaulted from LZ Cork to LZ Snoopy to escort the artillery to MINH LONG. B-4-21 secured LZ Amy with 1 Plt at an OP vic BS457609.

15      Dec, 68

1-20 Inf: Activities continue much the same.  At 1335 hrs, A co air assaulted from BS620604 to vic NGHIA MAMH to act as blocking force for convey from LZ Snoopy to MINH LONG. B-4-21 secured LZ Amy with 1 Plt at OP vic BS457609.

16      Dec,  68

1-20 Inf: At 1400hrs Recon use air assaulted from LZ VOLUNTEER to BS455614 to act as blocking force. TOC and D co was air lifted from LZ Volunteer to LZ Cork with security element being air lifted out last. B-4-21 secured LZ Amy with one Plt at an OP vic BS457609.

17      Dec,  68

1-21 Inf: The battalion was relieved and started air movement back to the DUC PHO and MO DUC AO at 0838hrs. The movement was completed at 1717hrs. B-4-21 secured LZ Amy with one Plt at an OP vic BS457609.

18      Dec,  68

3-1 Inf: Made an administrative to VERNON LAKE II AO from LZ Mit to LZ Cork.   Assumed operational control at 1330hrs of the AO.  TOC  became operational at 1530hrs.  A & B co’s are located at LZ Cork.  C co moved from NLP BS654376 to BS484623 and reported negative enemy activity.  D co enroute from NLP BS651381 to BS486606 reported SA fire at BS497598 resulting in negative casualties. B-4-21 secured Amy with one plt at an OP vic BS457609.

19    Dec,  68

 3-1 Inf: A co made an administrative move from LZ Cork to BS to BS498591. B co remains on LZ Cork.  Moving from NLP BS484623 to BS491582, C co at BS491582 reports capturing 1 AK 44, 1Mauser, and 1 barrel and receiver group. D co moving from NLP BS492604 to BS486606 encountered 2 VC and took under fire with negative results.  Recon remains at LZ Cork.

20      Dec,  68

4-21 Inf(-): Conducted Battalion CA. A, C, and Recon Plt PZ at BS635450. C co PZ at BS630448.  The LZ for all elements was BS488441. All elements conducted combat sweeps from this point using direct coordination among elements.  Elements were instructed to insure that all trails and draws were checked for enemy personnel and installations.  The sweeps were generally directed to the West and Northwest for approx. 4,000 meters from BS502413.  A co BS490446 found and destroyed 5 hootches and 300lbs of rice; at BS484456 found and destroyed 2 hootches; BS488456 engaged and killed 1 VC, CIA 1 M1 carbine and 1 pair of binoculars; BS473449 found and destroyed 1 hootch and 500lbs of rice; BS475449 found and destroyed 4 hootches, 500lbs of rice and 1,000lbs of salt.  BS475446 engaged and killed 1 VC. C co at BS487462 engaged 2 VC resulting in 1 VC KIA and 1 VC WIA CIA (evac to DUC PHO for interrogation), and CIA 1 AK 44, at BS483427 engaged and killed 1 VC with rucksack and found and destroyed 6 hootches; BS484460 found and destroyed 15 hootches and found and destroyed 1 bunker. Recon at BS493454 found and destroyed 7 hootches; BS496445 found and destroyed 1 hootch. Gunships at BS457460 received a large secondary explosion.  Throughout the day LRRP Idaho saw a total of 21 VC/NVA heading NW along trail vic BS516426.

3-1 Inf: D co moving from NLP BS486606 to BS496598 tripped coke can type boobytrap (M33) grenade with negative results.  D co again tripped wire connected to M33 grenade at BS497594 with negative results.  At BS499393 D co made enemy contact resulting in 5 KIA NVA, 1 WHA-US and CIA of 3 AK 47 and 2 chicom grenades. A co moving to BS499588 from this NLP of BS495583 report finding 2 bunkers, cooking pots, and blood trails at BS496587. They also found 4 surface bunkers (capable of holding 2 men each) and 1 large hut rotting down.  Between NLP BS491582 and BS492578 C co located a camp in rocks (capable of sleeping 60-80 people) containing pots and pans.

21      Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: All elements continued sweep missions with emphasis on trails and draws.  LRRP Idaho call artillery on and destroyed five hootches at BS498414 vic BS511425 they sighted a total of 11 VC with weapons throughout the day and called artillery with unknown results. Gunships at BS511425 engaged and killed 2 NVA with packs and destroyed 2 hootches.  A co at BS477441 engaged 2 VC resulting in 2 VC KIA;  At BS462462 received a large secondary explosion while firing in a defensive target. B co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. C co had negative findings.  D co at BS480427 engaged and killed 1 VC; BS478429 destroyed 7 hootches and 1,000lbs of rice; BS477728 engaged and KIA 1 NVA and at the same location found 21 positions and a bore brush for 82mm mortar. Recon at BS504434 discovered 1 VC KIA; BS504438 found and destroyed 6 hootches and 24,000lbs of rice; BS501432 found and destroyed 10 hootches.  Helix at BS485397- 2 hootches and saw much military gear spread around the area.

3-1 Inf: Moving from NLP BS499593 to BS505596, D co encountered 1 VC evading and gave chase and soon received sniper fire from the side of the tail resulting in 1 KHA US and 1 WHA US at BS500597;  At BS501595 D co engaged 1 enemy AW position with negative results. At 1600hrs at BS510597 D co engaged enemy in a large base camp resulting in 3 KHA-US, 7 WHA –US and 15 NVA KIA.  A co moving from NLP BS496567 to BS497577 reported negative enemy activity. B co is at LZ Cork. C co moving from NLP BS492578 to BS485563 and BS492381 reported negative activity. Recon is on LZ Cork.

22      Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: All units in the field worked within radius of 1,000 to 1,500 meters from the following locations: A co BS465454; C co BS460454: D co BS474423; Recon BS509439. A co at BS453467 discovered 1 NVA KIA; BS461469 found a small base camp and 11 VC/NVA KIA’s in shallow graves, and 100lbs of rice; BS462469 destroyed 1 hootch. B co continued security missions C co  had negative sightings. D co at BS476417 discovered 1 NVA KIA. Recon at BS507429 found and destroyed 5 hootches and 8,000lbs of rice; in  57 hootches from BS518417 to BS512428, Recon found forty tons of unpolished rice; all rice and hootches were destroyed. Gunships at BS357485 engaged and killed 2 NVA; BS333458 and destroyed 6 hutches. LRRP Idaho extracted from BS310410 at 1530hrs.

3-1 Inf: A co engages. 2 NVA evading resulting in 1 KIA-NVA in khaki uniforms with M-16 ammo at BS507575.  A co was moving from NLP BS497577 to BS519587 when encounter was made.  Recon made an administrative move from LZ Cork to BS498594. B co on LZ Cork. C co moving between NLP BS442578 and BS485563 and BS492581 reported negative enemy activity. Recon on LZ Cork.

23       Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: All elements in the field continued sweep missions in present AO’s. B co Continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. A co at BS455479 found and destroyed 2 hootches and misc. items; BS453487 engaged 2 VC/NVA with weapons resulting in 2 KIA and 2 rifles and ammo CIA.  C co at BS446442 found sixty bunkers, 1 mortar bipod, a French MG, 1 M-16, parts of 1 mortar bipod, 1 MG, 2 tons of rice and a blacksmith shop; BS437450 discovered 1 KIA. B co at BS472416 found and destroyed 15 hootches and 600lbs of rice, at BS478419 found and destroyed 30 structures.  Aero Scouts at BS490440 destroyed 2 hootches.  LRRP Montana was inserted at BS421430 at 1015hrs. LRRP Montana at BS424434 engaged 7 VC with weapons setting up a campsite resulting in 4 VC KIA, 1 VC WIA evaded and 3 AK 44 rifles and assorted ammo CIA extraction from place of contact made at 1247hrs.

3-1 Inf: D co Between NLP BS499593 and BS511593 located 15 NVA graves killed by shrapnel and SA fire, D co located a hut with equipment and magazines indicating a hasty withdrawal.  Recon moving from NLP BS498594 to BS498598 located a large base camp containing 20 huts. Found two cook stoves and 40rds of M-16 ammo.  A co moving from NLP BS519589 to BS525585 reported negative activity. B co on LZ Cork.  Between NLP BS198586 and BS511597 C co reported negative activity.

24    Dec,  68

 4-21 Inf: A co prepared for extraction vic CH 47 to LZ Amy to assume security mission from B co on 24 Dec 68. B co continued operations in AO vic BS440445. Recon conducted clandestine operations in conjunction with LRRP Montana vic BS425668. LRRP Montana inserted BS425468 at 0735hrs. A and C co had negative reports throughout the day. D co at BS490431 engaged and KIA 1 VC. Recon at BS425455 found and destroyed 3 newly build hootches; BS422454 found and destroyed three hootches; engaged 1 VC evading resulting in 1 VC KIA.

3-1 Inf: Recon moving from NLP BS495590 to BS593590 engaged 2 VC at BS491588 resulting in 1 VC KIA and 1 Maser CIA. Aero Scouts engaged a plt size element at BS456739; the reported 8 NVA KIA. All weapons and packs, unable to retrieve due to enemy opposition. Between NLP BS498619 and BS520534 A co reported negative contact. B co on LZ Cork. C co between NLP BS521597 and BS5205997 reported negative enemy activity.  D co between NLP BS511595 and BS514588 reported negative enemy activity.

24     Dec,  68

4-21 Inf:  A co assumed security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP at 0900hrs. B co released from security mission at 0900hrs, and moved vic CH 47from LZ Amy to BS437450.where they conducted sweep operations to the south. D co conducted sweep operations in AO with special emphasis on draws and trails vic BS513440 and BS493430. Recon and LRRP Montana continued clandestine operations. All elements conducted night ambushed along trails. C co at BS449450 found 9 weapons, 6 81mm mortar rds., and 10 trigger mechanisms. D co at BS482447 found and destroyed 2 hootches and 1,000lbs of rice.

3-1 Inf: Recon moving from NLP BS595590 to BS494594 located 5 hut base camp. Which was apparently not used in a long time. It was destroyed. A co made an administrative move from NLP BS520584 to Christmas Hill (BS512571). B co is on LZ Cork. D co made an administrative move from NLP BS514588 to Christmas Hill BS512571. C co made an administrative move from NLP to LZ Cork.

25    Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: Negative Action Reported.

3-1 Inf: Negative Act ion Reported

26    Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: All units conducted operations as per orders of 24 Dec 68. B co at BS442432 found and destroyed 1 large hooch and 10 tons of rice; BS443434 found and destroyed 1 hootch and 4 tons of rice; At BS438431 destroyed 1 hootch with kitchen; BS443449 engaged 1 VC with negative results, destroyed 1 mine with pull release device and 1 M1 carbine and 1 12 gauge shotgun; a tunnel complex was also found in the area. D co at BS478456 found 2 NVA KIA buried in ponchos and destroyed 8 hootches; BS473458 found and destroyed 16 newly build hootches and 3,000lbs of rice; Received a large secondary explosion when burning 1 hootch. Helix at BS473475 received 1 large secondary explosion from airstrike.

3-1 Inf: A & B co’s made and administrative move from LZ Cork to BS520615 and BS496603. D co conducted a CA to BS489604. They reported 1 NVA KIA carrying a AK 45, 9 60mm mortar rds, 1 circular shaped magazine and misc. documents.  Moving from BS489604 to BS498619 and BS501617 A co reported negative contact. C co and Recon remained on LZ Cork.

27     Dec,  68

4-27 Inf: All elements conducted assigned missions in AO’s A co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.  B co at BS423447 found 8 NVA uniforms and grave of baby in hootch. C co had negative findings. D co at BS67449 discovered 1 KIA and destroyed 15 hootches; at BS485454 found and destroyed 1 hootch and 2 tons of rice. Recon at BS442432 found and destroyed 2 hootches.

3-1 Inf: C&C located a base camp, observed 4 NVA and requested Helix and sharks. Results were negative. A co moving from NLP BS498619 and BS501617 to BS508613

and BS515610, BS514610 and BS513609 reported negative enemy activity. C co is on LZ Cork. D co remained in ambush at BS520609 from previous NLP. Recon moved from LZ Cork to BS486615 and reported negative enemy contact.

28    Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: All elements continued present missions as per VOCO. C co at BS452468 found and destroyed 5 hootches. D co moving North at BS478660 found and destroyed 4 hootches. BS472467 destroyed 14 hootches. B co and Recon plt had negative sightings for the day.

3-1 Inf: B & D co’s CA to BS506654 and BS514654 and captured 1 male at BS509650 (age50-60) WIA. D co reported finding a prison camp vic BS513654, results 1 British stem gun and 2 US shotguns captured. Also moving from NLP BS520623 to BS514655 reported finding 2 VC KBA. A co moving from NLP BS499615 to BS508133 and BS506613 reported engaging and one 1 KIA with no weapon or documents. B co reported negative activity moving from NLP BS515610 to BS508650. C co is on LZ Cork. Recon is at BS486615 and reports negative enemy activity.

29     Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.  Units in the field operated with a radius of 1,500 meters of the following locations; B co BS417443; C co BS454470; D co at BS474467; Recon BS432456; continued search and seep operations. B co at BS424444 destroyed 2 hootches and 200lbs of rice and 24 bolts of blue uniform cloth each 23 yard long. C co had negative findings D co at BS465456 found and destroyed 13 hootches, 10,000 lbs. of rice and misc. military equip. BS472462 found and destroyed 18 hootches. C&C ship at BS432456 received AW fire and was hit 10 times; results 1 US WHA.

3-1 Inf: A co moving from NLP BS521621 toBS521630 located a garden of tobacco and sweet potatoes surrounded by punji sticks at BS521619. B co moving from NLP BS508650 to BS503659 reported no enemy activity. C co remained on LZ Cork. D co moving from NLP BS514655 to BS516663 reported no enemy activity. Recon remained at BS526615.

30      Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions, Recon plt conducted a CA from BS432456 to BS492506 at 1110hrs, to ambush along the valley North of the LZ.  B co at BS423445 found and destroyed 9 hootches; at BS429439 found and destroyed 2 hootches on stilts and 600lbs of rice.  C co moved East to BS474477 where they found and destroyed 2 hootches. D co at BS486456 destroyed 5 hootches, 1 57mm warhead, 100lbs of rice found in camouflaged backpacks.

3-1 Inf: A co moving from NLP BS521630 to BS528641 reported negative activity. B co moving from NLP BS509659 to BS499663 reported negative activity. C co remained on LZ Cork. D co moving from NLP to BS516663 reported receiving SA fire at BS517662 resulting in 2 US WHA. D co received SA fire again at BS519657 resulting in 2 more US WHA  Recon is at BS486615.

31      Dec,  68

4-21 Inf: All units continued present missions. B co at BS474477 found 1 hootch and 1 VC KBA in grave outside hootch; BS430438 destroyed 1 Hootch and 300lbs of rice;  BS438460  made contact  with NVA resulting in 2 US WHA and 1 AK 47 rifle CIA. C co at BS460480 found 1 US LAW apparently carried by the enemy.  D co at BS491465 detained 1 female VCS and CIA assorted military gear; BS491466 found and destroyed hilltop covered with punji stakes, 100lbvs of rice and military equipment; BS485462 engaged and KIA 2 VC. Recon plt had negative sightings.

3-1 Inf: A co in their NLP BS526662 report 1 US WHA resulting from grenade thrown into perimeter.  A co reported negative activity during the day while they were moving from their NLP to BS528641.  B co moving from their NLP BS503659 to BS508658 reported negative activity. C co is on LZ Cork.  D co moved from NLP BS517658 to BS518657 located, on hill 992, engaged 1 NVA at BS517658. Results were 1 NVA KIA and 1 AK 47 captured.  Documents were found in area used for ordering medical supplies. Recon moving from LZ Cork to BS528643 reported negative activity.

1        Jan, 69

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. Units conducted saturation platoon size patrolling and night ambushes in the following AO’s, which extend 1,500 to 2,000 meters around the cord. B co BS434450; C co BS465480; D co BS490450; Recon plt BS490510. B co at BS438470 found a large hootch area being re-built and engaged 2 VC resulting in 1 VC KIA and at BS426451 found 3 hootches and 1 NVA KBA in a shallow grave.  C co and Recon had negative findings for the day. D co at BS495437 found and destroyed 3 hootches and 600lbs of rice.

3-1 Inf: A co moved from NLP BS525649 to BS522653 with negative contact. B co remained at BS508658 with negative contact.  C co is at LZ Cork. D co moves to their NLP at BS622662. Recon Plt reported that at BS527648 they found 15 hootches, trail leading East had bunker complex to defend trail.  At BS526650 they found 25 hootches and bunkers, containing classrooms, mess hall, chow cooked and left, about 2-3 days old.

7          Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions.  B co at BS440445 found a large base camp with 25 hootches, maps, overlays, assorted SA, and 8 individual weapons.  The base camp was hastily deserted only minutes before B co arrived.  C co sighted at least 5 hootches from the high ground at BS475486.  D co at BS483458 found and destroyed 1 hootch and 800lbs of rice;  BS482453 destroyed 1 hootch;  BS501450 found 6 coves used as sleeping quarters; BS501445 found military equipment, clothing, 200lbss of polished rice, and 2 camouflaged hootches. Recon plt had negative sightings.  LRRP Idaho was inserted at BS415512 at 1226hrs, and throughout the day sighted 4 VCS in hootch at BS424494, LRRP Montana was inserted at BS399503 at 1125hrs, and had negative sightings.

3-1 Inf: A co at BS527657 found a large base camp containing 1 large class room, seats and desks for approx. 150 people, 1 large latrine, trench surrounding classroom, 8-10 huts that would sleep 10-12 people, bunkers under huts that would sleep 10-12 people, medical supplies, 104 rocket boosters, 4 BAR mag., 4-60mm canisters, 200lbs of rice, many document, one of which appeared to be a chain of command, unable to burn huts, bunkers built into rock.  Reported 1 NVA KIA at same location, hiding in hole, threw hand frag, no won or doc in green uniform A co had 1 US WHA.  B co moving from BS505660 to BS504665 reported finding small base camp at BS508662. Total of 4 huts destroyed; also found 3-82mm rds, 1 shovel 1 4A chisel, 1 fuse for 60 mortar, 5 doc one which was “ GI GO HOME” type, 11 gas masks, and 10 Russian canisters.  C co remained at LZ Cork.  D co moved from BS525661 to BS524666. Recon plt moved from BS525649 to BS529652 they had negative contact with the enemy.

3        Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: All units continued present operations. LRRP Idaho at BS413509 heard much activity in the area and while investigating ran into a VC OP at which time request extraction: extraction completed from BS413509 at1042hrs. B co at BS440446 found 1 Chicom MG in a base camp area, and 300lbs of nitre sterch of which a sample was taken and rest destroyed.  C&C helicopter sighted the hootches at BS475485.  C&D co’s and Recon plt had negative sighting for the day.  Aero Scouts at BS549432 engaged 10 to 15 NVA unknown results.

3-1 Inf: A co remained at NLP BS531657.  B co while moving from BS529648 to NLP BS502677 encountered and tripped a booby trap; results 3 US WHA, 2 miner and 1 litter, BS507673, Administrative move of C & D co’s.  D co from BS525668 to LZ Cork and C co from LZ Cork to BS525668.  Recon reports at BS528648 finding 1 Chicom radio, found in bunker hootch; also 1satchal charge 4’X4” approx. 2lbs.  At BS526645 reported 1 VC KIA and 1 M rifle CIA. Recon NLP at BS529651.

4        Jan, 69

4-21 Inf: All units continued present operations in same AO. Fourth platoon of C co conducted CA from BS478505 to BS473477; C co (-) and fourth plt moved vic different routes into Base camp located at BS473487 where they found and destroyed 13 newly build hootches.  D co engaged 3 VC with negative results and found and destroyed 1 hootch. B co and Recon plt had negative sighting for the day.

3-1 Inf: A co moved from BS531657 to BS536659 with no enemy contact.  B co moved from BS502677 to BS494681 with no enemy contact. C co while moving from BS525668 to BS524676 found an old base camp at  BS523668.  It was company size partially built 4 to 9 months old. 8 hutches and 2 bunkers. D co remained on LZ Cork. Recon moved from BS529651 to BS528652 with no enemy contact.

5  Jan, 69

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. B&C and D co’s continued present operations in assigned AO’s. Recon conducted a CA into new AO vic BS414508 (center of mass for 1,000 meters). Subsequent to CA moved to enemy location vic BS412506 and conducted patrol/ambush operations. Vic BS412506 recon heard a rifle shot and found a trail with signs of heavy traffic.  D co at BS484455 detained 1 male VCS dressed in black pajamas.  B & C co’s had negative findings.  Helix 31 at BS423433 destroyed 4 structures and caused 1 large secondary explosion and fire; at BS336452 destroyed 4 structures and 2 bunkers, damaged 4 structures and had 1 large secondary explosion.

3-1 Inf: A co reported seeing 15-25 VC in wood line at BS539661 artillery was called in.

While moving from BS536639 to BS533665 A co reported negative enemy contact.  B co moved from BS522676 to BS485690. Reported negative enemy contact C co moved from BS522676 to BS518690. Reported 2 VC engaged vice BS520503, 1 with US Carbine, results 1 VC WIA  BS515673 C co discovered a cache; 1 Thompson SMG, 1 MAS 36, 600rds of M60, 500rds of AK 47, 1,000rds of M16, 2 home made grenades. D co is on LZ Cork.  Recon while moving from BS528652 reported booby trap at BS527652; TNT w/blasting cap, pull type blown in place. At BS524652 Recon found base camp, with 5 huts and 2 wire booby traps of same type.

6         Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. All elements in the field continued present mission in following AO’s. B co BS433498; C co BS472478; D co BS491445; Recon BS414508; all AO’s radius of 1,500 meters. C co at BS472483 found and destroyed base camp with seven hootches and 150lbs of rice.  Recon at BS411499 discovered 1 NVA KIA. B &D co’s had negative finding for the day.

3-1 Inf: A co moved from BS535665 to BS533657 with negative enemy contact. B co moved from BS486691 to BS482701 with negative enemy contact. C co moved from BS518690 toBS499683 with negative contact. D co is on LZ Cork. Recon inserted at BS500714 spotted 2 packs at BS500711.

7        Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: A co continued security missions. Elements in the field continued saturation patrolling in assigned AO’s. There were negative reports of contact or discoveries for the day.

3-1 Inf: There was no enemy activity. A co moved to BS533657, B co moved to BS451696 with plt ambush at BS486693. C co is at BS504670, D co on LZ Cork. Recon remained at BS529652.

8 Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: Because of hazardous weather conditions all units were advised to restrict movement. A co continued security missions.  B co at BS435479 engaged 35 VC/NVA with artillery and SA fire.  A sweep of the area found 2 KIA many packs and blood trails leading to the South; at BS429462 found 1 NVA KIA. C co at BS463473 engaged 3 NVA with weapons resulting in 1 NVA KIA. Recon at BS421503 found bridges being re-built and heard much activity in the area.

3-1 Inf: A co moved from BS533657 to BS536656 with no enemy contact. B co at BS481696 received AW fire and frag or possible 60mm mortar.  Results were 10 US WHA. Amount of fire;3-4 quick bursts of AW and 3 explosions. Moved to BS480698. C co moved from BS504670 to BS498685 with no contact. D co remained on LZ Cork.  Recon moved from BS529652 to BS533657 with no enemy contact.

9        Jan, 69

4-21 Inf A co continued security missions.  All units in the field continued combat search and sweep operations. B & C co’s and Recon plt had negative contact or findings. D co at BS491445 sighted 5 VC in large site and called in artillery resulting in 1 VC KBA.  At BS375534 Helix received 3 secondary explosions and fires from air strikes.

3-1 Inf: Adminstrative move of A, B and Recon.  A co moved from BS536636 to BS546620. Recon moved from BS533637 to BS545649. B co moved from BS480698 to BS368607. C co moved from BS498685 to BS496698. D co remained on LZ Cork. No enemy contact for any element for the day.

10  Jan,   69

4-21 Inf: D co assumed security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP, at 1200hrs. A co moved from security missions at 1200hrs.  A co conducted administrative move by CH-47 to replace D co vic BS494443. On order A co moved south searching all trails and draws for enemy personnel and installations, destroying all structures and rice in the area. B co at BS433462 had 1 man hit a booby trap placed under the roof of a hootch B co burned the day before; WHA evac to DUC PHO. Recon at BS439505 found and destroyed 3 hootches; BS 434515 found and destroyed 2 hootches.

3-1 Inf: A co remained at BS546620 with no enemy contact.  B co moved from BS568607 to BS563607. They reported 1 VCS attempt to go through block.  No other contact was made. C co moved from BS496698 to BS520710. Sharks working for C co KIA 1 VC t BS520710.  D co remained on LZ Cork. Recon moved from BS545649 to BS538648 firing on 1 VC in the open with pack and weapon. Results unknown. LRRP’s were inserted at BS4684/4670/5074/5070.

11    Jan, 69

4-21 Inf: D co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. A co at BS463473 discovered 1 NVA KIA by SA fire, B co patrolling vic BS499469, engaged 3 VC with weapons resulting in 3 VC KIA and 1 Chicom Carbine, frag grenades and misc. military equip. CIA; BS499473 engaged and KIA 1 VC in spider hole. C co found a trail marker, two trees tied together and wires running along the trail at BS454488. Recon had negative contacts or discoveries.

3-1 Inf: A co remained at their NLP, with no enemy contact. B co moved from BS565687 to BS564607 capturing 1 VCS. C co moved from BS542648 to NLP BS548648 having no enemy contact. D co remained on LZ Cork Aero Scouts picked up 2 VCS at BS520737. The C & C ship received SA fire and was forced land at BS475515, later picked up by CH-47.

12      Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: D co continued security missions. A, B and C co’s had negative contact or finding for the day. Recon at BS418516 found and destroyed 2 hootches; BS416509 called artillery on 8 VC with unknown results. B co at BS437436 had 1 US killed by friendly fire when he wandered outside of night ambush perimeter.

3-1 Inf: A co moved from BS546622 to BS545622 and administrative move to LZ Cork. B co moved from BS564607 to BS365607 with no enemy contact. C co moved BS548648 to BS544654. At BS544654 they found rice, radio (pre set freq.). 1 AK-44,1 AK-47, 1 M Carbine. D co is on LZ Cork. Recon moved to BS436629 no contact,

13      Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: All units continued present missions, A co at BS453468 found five hootches, documents and 1 Chinese made 82mm motar rd; BS449468 found base camp with 22 hootches 3 rifles hidden in false bottom of hootch, 500lbs of polished rice, 25lbs if documents, 14 bolts of blue uniform cloth each 23yds long. 1 VC WIA previously and misc. military equip. B co had negative findings.C co at BS429506 found and destroyed 3 newly built and recently used hootches. Recon at BS402502 found a base camp with 16 hootches, documents and assorted SA ammo.

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B co remained at BS565607 with no contact, C co moved from BS541650 to BS547639. They received fire at BS568655.  At BS575668 they found a portion of 122mm rocket. D co moved from BS549631 to NLP BS567641, reported movement at BS559633 and received fire from M-16.  AT BS568634 they collected 1 KIA in black PJA with ruck sack, 3 NVA uniforms, a pistol belt with 2 chico grenades and a wallet. D co captured the lower receiver group of an M16A1 at BS571631. Recon moved from BS439630 to BS439631 with no contact.

14     Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: D co continued security missions at LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. Units in the field worked in AO’s. A and B co had negative sighting for the day. C co at BS427506 destroyed 3 hootches; BS426504 destroyed 2 hootches, BS429503 destroyed 2 hootches and found fresh footprints in area. BS433512 detained a Viet male who was a prisoner of the VC. Recon at BS402502 found and destroyed 3 hootches and 1,000lbs of rice.

3-1 Inf: A co LZ Cork. B co moved from BS565607 to BS564608 with no contact. C co moved from BS575688 to BS547639 and they also had no contact with the enemy. D co moved from BS574634 to BS567641 with no contact with the enemy. Recon moved from BS439631 to LZ Cork. They spotted 6 VC going NE at BS427638. Called in 4.2 mortar results unknown.

15    Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: Elements work the same areas as 14 Jan 69.  A co destroyed 2 hootches and 50lbs of rice and engaged 2 NVA with weapons resulting in 1NVA KIA and 1AK44 CIA. BS437474 discovered 3 NVA KBA in shallow graves; BS438477 found an extensive base camp with 12 well built hootches spread about 100 meters apart; BS438477, a VC walked into a hootch occupied by US troops during the night resulting in 1 VC KIA. B co and Recon had negative contact or discoveries for the day.  C co at BS427502 found and destroyed 15 Hootches, 200lbs of rice and 75ft of uninsulated wire.

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B co at BS565607 to BS579616. They received A/W from BS572627 resulting in 1 KHA. They had heavy contact at BS572627 and requested gunships.  They suffered 4 KHA and 8 WHA- US.  C co moved fromBS547639 to BS540659 capturing 1 NVA at BS548639 and getting 1 KIA at BS572627. D co moved from BS567641 to BS567642 reporting 2 KIA and 3 WHA. Recon is on LZ Cork.

16    Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: D co continued security missions. Units in field worked in same areas of  operation.  A co at BS438477 engaged 1 NVA with weapon resulting in 1 NVA KIA and 1 AK47 CIA. B co reported negative finding. C co at BS417520 destroyed 1 hootch and at BS429524 they engaged and killed 1 VC. Recon at BS403493 engaged 1 VC with weapon resulting in 1 VC KIA and 1 AK44 CIA. Per VOCO 11^th L.I.B. B and C co 4-21 Inf OPCON to 3-1 Inf effective 161500 Jan 69. B co CA from BS429429 to BS613640. C co CA from BS424523 and BS421503 to vic BS613640. Period of OPCON to 3-1 Inf 2 days.

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork.  B co moved from BS579616 to BS576625 and reported 1 KIA at BS572632. They found 1 ea; 9mm Russian pistol, AK47, Chi com Grenade, a barrel from M-16 at BS572623. They found a body at same location with a pistol belt and map of QUANG NGAI and Documents. An M16 barrel was found in a hootch with 1 KIA at BS571628. An AK47 was found with 3 KIA at BS572625. Recon is at LZ Cork. Aero Scouts reported 1 KIA evading at BS472767.

17      Jan,  69

4-21 Inf: D co continued security missions of LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP. A co had negative action for the day. Recon at BS423503 engaged 3 VC with weapons resulting in 1 VC KIA and 1 AK47 CIA. 4-21 Inf given warning order to be prepared for movement to LZ Buff, vic BS540825 to assume OPCON of AO. D co will be left to provide security for LZ Amy and LZ Cork OP.

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B co moved from BS576625 around their NLP with no enemy contact. C co stayed at their NLP and had a flare tripped but had no contact.  D co also stayed at their NLP BS537641 and no enemy contact. Recon remained on LZ Cork. The Aero Scouts CIA 1VC male at BS483710 and destroyed huts at BS480710 found 1 VC at BS483710 and received heavy AW fire at BS453724.

18      Jan,  69

 4-21 Inf: Released OPCON of B & C co and 4-21 Inf assumed OPCON at 0900hrs. Recon at BS423503 engaged 3 VC with weapons resulting in 1 VC KIA and AK47 CIA.  A co conducted CA from BS429468 to BS521824 at 1350hrs, completed at 1535hrs. Recon conducted administrative move from BS431511 to LZ Buff at 1550hrs, completed at 1635hrs. The 4-21 Inf operated outside the VERNON LAKE II AO. Control of VERNON LAKE II (South) was turned over to 3-1 Inf and the company remaining on LZ Amy was OPCON to 3-1 Inf.

3-1 Inf: A co at LZ Cork. B co moved from BS576625 to their NLP BS572627. They had no contact. C co moved from BS573633 to their NLP BS574632. They reported 1 NVA KIA at BS572630. D co moved from BS575645 to NLP BS568641. They found 100rds M16 wrapped in banana leaves at BS570635. Recon remained on LZ Cork. LZ Cork reported incoming mortars (20-30rds). There were grenade explosions and satchel charges. 3 Grenades were thrown at the door of TOC. Immunization and counter mortar fired.  Attack resulted in 3 US KHA and 15 US WHA. Approx. 7-10 sappers made the penetration.

19      Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B co remained at BS572627 with no enemy contact. C co moved to BS573632.  They picked up 1 male no ID Card and turned him into NGHIA HANH MACV District Hq. for questioning by National Police. They had no enemy contact except picking this man up at BS582626. D co moved to BS567643having no enemy contact. Recon remained on LZ Cork. TOC reported four sporadic incoming fire from direction South and East. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

20      Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co is on LZ Cork. B co moved to BS567605. They had no enemy contact. C co moved to BS554606 finding 1 60mm rd with no fuse, Chinese type, l rucksack and empty fish cans at BS571628. They had no contact with the enemy. D co moved to BS538641 having no enemy contact. Recon is on LZ Cork. The Aero Scouts reported fresh fighting positions at BS525628 and BS511623. TOC reported and incoming round type unknown.

 WHA and l KHA was the results. D-4-21 Secured LZ Amy.

21   Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B co was placed OPCON to-21 Inf. No enemy contact was reported. C co was place OPCON to 4-21 Inf no enemy contact. D co moved to LZ Cork. Recon remained on LZ Cork. C & C ship reported 4 VC KIA for the day D-4-21 Secured LZ Amy.

22     Jan,  69

 3-1 Inf: A co remains on LZ Cork while B and C co are OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co left LZ Cork and moved to BS451598 spotting 2 VC at BS450603. A helmet was found at BS450604. Recon left LZ cork and moved to BS443624 having no enemy contact. C & C ship reported 2 KIA for the day. The Aero Scouts found bunkers at BS428633. D-4-21 Secured LZ Amy.

23 Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork while B and C co are OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS447597. They found a base camp Bn size at BS458592. D co found four living quarters at BS445590. Recon did not leave their NLP but  captured  2 VCS at BS438645. C & C ship received SA fire at BS454743 resulting in 3 WHA.  C * C ship then reported 5 KIA later that day.  The sharks reported 1 VC KIA. At BS562806 B-4-21 found 2 NVA rucksacks, 50rds of AK47,2 RPG. B co also found 1 AK 47 part of 60mm sight, an OP manual for a MG, Chicom 60mm and entrenching tool. B co also found 1 KIA NVA with belt and 3 NBAIR at BS565802. D-4-21 Secured LZ Amy.

24   Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B & C co OPCON to 4-21.  D co moved to BS488591.  D co reported 5 VC evading at BS436625 resulting in 1 NVA KIA. A belt pack, papers and a helmet were recovered.  2 VCS were spotted at BS436652.  Recon did not move from their NLP at BS443624. Recon spotted 30 VCS believed to be a carrying party at BS443637. The C & C ship reported 3 KIA for the day. C co 4-21 reported 1 KIA at BS569800 and B 4-21 reported 2 KIA at BS564789 and BS569799. D-4-21 Secured LZ Amy.

25       Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B & C co OPCON to 4-21. D co moved to BS436648. D co reported incoming rds of 82mm or 105mm hitting 200-300 meters from their position. Recon stayed at their NLP. Recon spotted 2 VCS taking a bath, 6 walking up a trail and 3 more carrying a tube at BS434647. The C & C reported 1 VC KIA for the day.  D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

26       Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co remains on LZ Cork. B & C co remain OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved from NLP to LZ Cork. D co reported 2 VC carrying rice at BS436648. They were engaged resulting in 1 VC KIA. At BS436648 D co engaged and KIA 4 of 6 NVA. They had packs weapons uniforms and documents. The C & C ship reported 1 KIA and uncovered 2 Anti-aircraft weapons and fighting positions at BS440668.  A co 4-21 reported 2 VC KIA and 1 WHA at BS565766. B co 4-21 reported 3 CIA and 1 KIA at BS559802. C-3-1 reported 1 VC KIA at BS564776. Recon remained at BS443624 seeing 3 VCS at BS437635. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

27       Jan ,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B & C co OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS431633. A dufflebag clothes and a camera was found at BS437633 by D co. Recon remained at their NLP sending out patrols during the day. AT BS425661 Recon spotted 10-15 VCS and 10 VC at BS426665. Recon remained at BS443624 seeing 3 VCS at BS437635. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

28       Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co LZ Cork. B & C co OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS435647 engaged 2 NVA resulting in 1 NVA KIA.  1 AK47, documents, 1Chicom grenade, 1AK47 bayonet, 1 NVA belt and a pouch of salt were found. Recon did not change their NLP at BS443624 and reported negative enemy contact. The C & C reported 4 KIA for the day. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

29       Jan,  69

3-1 Inf:A co remains on LZ Cork. B & C co remain OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS409628. They engaged 1 VC with weapon at BS416620 with negative results.  Recon from their NLP spotted 6 VCS moving NE at BS440667.  The LRRP’s were moved into BS393407 and sighted 10 VC in the open moving in a NE direction. The LRRP’s moved to BS413647. The Aero Scouts picked up 1 man at BS383652 and brought him to LZ Cork. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

30       Jan,  69

3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B & C co OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS390650. They had no contact with the enemy. Recon moved from BS443624 to LZ Cork with no contact. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

31       Jan ,  69

3-1 Inf: A co remains on LZ Cork. B & C co OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS390650 having negative contact with the enemy.  Recon left LZ Cork and moved to BS435615 for their NLP. They had negative contact with the enemy. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

1        Feb,  69

 3-1 Inf: A co on LZ Cork. B & C co remains OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS391605 and received SA fire at BS394611.  Recon moving to BS449626 reported no enemy contact. The C&C ship at BS432794 requested gunships to aid picking up a rice cache.  They were unable to follow through. C&C ship reported 5 KIA for the day. D-4-21 Inf secured LZ Amy.

2  Feb,  69

 3-1 Inf: D co between NLP BS394605 and BS375589 with a Twiggy at BS374588 captured 1VCS with a wife, children and a doctor kit.  D co at BS373598 received sniper fire. With help from the C7C ship the enemy was engaged resulting in 6 KIA’s.  The C&C ship engaged a carrying party of 4 at BS419678 and reported 2 VC KIA.  D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

3        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved from LZ Cork to BS453602 with negative enemy contact.  D co returned to LZ Cork from 4-21 while C co remained OPCON to 4-21. D co moved to BS436647 setting up their NLP.  They have a Twiggy at BS441666. They had no enemy contact.  Recon moved to BS435654 reporting 1 KIA with no weapon or pack but having rice and wearing black pja. This was at BS441640. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

4        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS457597. A co reported 2 VC KIA at BS453598. B co remains on LZ Cork while C co is OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co left their NLP and moved to BS440691. 2 VC KIA were reported at BS438670 and 4 KIA at BS447667 by D co. D co also reported 2 VC KIA at BS440692. They were negative weapons or documents recovered. Recon moved from BS435654 to NLP at BS439638. 1 VC KIA was reported at BS429656 and 2 VC KIA at BS453598 by Recon.

Recon also reported 1 VC KIA at BS440642. D-4-21 Inf secured LZ Amy.

5        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS473603 having negative contact with the enemy.  B co remained on LZ Cork and C co remained OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co left their position and set up a NLP at BS464675. D co reported having contact with 2 VC at BS453686 with negative results. D co reported 2 VC KIA at BS454688 and also found a base camp at BS459678. Recon moved to BS427658.  Recon reported 2 VC KIA at BS434643. The C&C ship reported 4 VC KIA for the day. D-4-21 Inf secured LZ Amy.

6        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf:  A co moved to BS475606. They reported no enemy contact.  B co remained on LZ Cork and C co remained OPCON to 4-21 Inf. D co moved to BS484684. D co has a Twiggy at BS472685. D co engaged 3 VC at BS471665 resulting in 3 KIA. D co found a base camp at BS479683 and spotted 10-12 VC at BS480715. Recon moved to BS425672 having no enemy contact during the day. The C&C ship reported 1 VC KIA for the day. D-4-21 Inf secured LZ Amy.

7        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS478615. No contact was made by A co. B co is on LZ Cork and C co is OPCON to 1-20 Inf: D co moved to BS484684. D co reported 1 VC KIA at BS478690. Recon moved to RADAR HILL observing no enemy contact during the day. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

8        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS497618. Negative contact was reported. B co remained on LZ Cork. C co is OPCON to 1-20 Inf; D co moved to BS477699 and had no contact with the enemy. Recon is on RADAR HILL observing no enemy contact during the day. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

9        Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS494644. They had no enemy contact, but set off a booby trap which resulted in 2 WHA.  B co is on LZ Cork. C co is OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co moved to BS467697. They engaged the enemy at BS457708 resulting in 2 KIA and 2 WHA-US. Recon remained on RADAR HILL. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

10    Feb,  69

  3-1 Inf: A co had no enemy contact moving to BS482534. B co is on LZ Cork and C co is OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co moved to BS467697. They reported negative contact with the enemy. Recon remained on RADAR HILL reporting no enemy contact. D-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

11    Feb,  69

4-21 Inf: Conducted air move from NA THAHN to VERNON LAKE II AO. A co secured LZ Amy. D co air moved to LZ CEDER MOUNTAIN and conducted a Recon in force to the West. C co conducted a recon in  force to the South of LZ  CEDER MOUNTAIN. B co secured LZ Ceder Mountain.

3-1 Inf: A co moved from their position at BS482534 to their NLP at BS486546. They had negative contact with the enemy. B co remains on LZ Cork while C co is at LZ Bronco. D co moved to BS4536696. They engaged 1 VC resulting in 1 KIA at BS463697. They recovered 1  carbine, 1 pistol belt, documents and letters. Recon is on RADAR HILL. The C&C ship received SA fire at BS395586. The Aero Scouts destroyed 14 Sampans at BS439749 and reported 3 VCS evading at BSBS509749.

12    Feb,  69

4-21 Inf: No significant activities no contact. Conduct Saturation Patrols.

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS462533. They reported no contact with the enemy. B co is on LZ Cork while C co is at LZ Bronco OPCON to 1-20 Inf.  D co moved to BS469646. D co found 2 huts, 120mm casing, 1 M1 shell and engaged an unknown force resulting in 2 WHA’s. At BS472647 they found documents and burned 2 huts and exploded a booby trap. Recon remained on RADAR HILL

13    Feb,  69

4-21Inf: At 1015hrs C co discovered 1 VC KBA. Bn continued Saturation patrols and Recon in force.

3-1Inf: A co remained at BS462533 and sent patrols out during the day. They had no enemy contact. B co remain on LZ Cork. and C co is at LZ bronco OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co at their NLP had no contact during the day. Recon remained on RADAR HILL.

14    Feb,  69

4-21 Inf: B, C & B co’s airlifted from VERNON LAKE II AO to DUC PHO AO. A  co OPCON to 3-1 and continued security of LZ Amy. Recon secured LZ CEDER MOUNTAIN.

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS465543. They reported negative contact. B co is on LZ Cork. C co is at LZ Bronco OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co moved to BS467643. They located a base camp and huts at BS469641. They had negative enemy contact. Recon is on RADAR HILL. They sent elements out during the day. They observed 3 VC evading at BS435597 with negative results. They spotted 2 VC at BS464606 and received 5-6 rds from a carbine. The Aero Scouts received heavy AW fire at BS339555 with negative results. Helix reported Helix reported destroying 3 huts with negative results.

15    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS464562. They reported 3 KIA at BS451549 and 1 KIA at BS450559. B co is on LZ Cork. C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co moved to BS467645. They reported no enemy contact. Recon remained on RADAR HILL sending out elements during the day. They also had no enemy contact. The C&C ship reported seeing 3 VC bodies. LZ Cork reported a small sapper element trying to get through the wire. A co 4-21 secured LZ Amy and CEDER MOUNTAIN

16    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co remained at BS464562. They sent patrols out during the day. They located 6 hootches unoccupied at BS457564 which were 20-30 days old. They spotted 1 VC evading at BS457564 which resulted in 1 VC KIA. B co remained on LZ Cork, C co is at LZ Bronco OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co moved to BS466638. They observed 1 man evading at BS463640 resulting 1 VC KIA. The C&C ship reported 3 KBA at BS398585. A co 4-21 secured LZ Amy and LZ Ceder Mountain. Recon Plt air lifted from LZ Ceder Mountain to LZ Bronco.

17    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS473553. They engaged 2 VC at BS468366 resulting in 2 VC KIA. They recovered 1 M carbine, extra clothes, documents, food,$100.00 NVA, pistol belt, poncho, and canteen. B co is on LZ Cork. They sent out 17 man defensive patrol finding a fresh fire where 20-30 people had just moved out at BS464582. They found 1 fresh grave 24hrs old contining 1 male killed by fire and 2 fish traps at BS458598. They found a base camp with 8 huts which hasn’t been used for about 2-3 months. It had been bombed. They also spotted 2 VC at BS452608. They reported negative contact with the enemy.  Recon remains on RADAR HILL with no enemy activity to report.  The C&C ship reported capturing 1 Man at BS483659. He was digging a grave but ran when ship appeared. He was taken to DUC PHO. A co 4-21 secured LZ Amy.

18    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS462533. A co reported 2 VC KIA at BS456637. They were in shorts and dark shirts. B co remained on LZ Cork sending out a patrol without results. C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf: D co mover to BS455627 with a Twiggy at BS455626. D co found a old hut containing 15 rds of 82mm mortars, 2 full cases containing 6 ea (Chinese Type) at BS455628. They reported no enemy contact. Recon remained on RADAR HILL. NGIA reported 1 VC Bn and 1 VC sapper co at BS595625. The C&C reported 5 KBA at BS393593. The C&C ship brought in 1 VCS from BS466634. An explsion went off in front of bunker #9 on LZ Cork. It was no a friendly explosion. They observed what looked like an ammo box in the wire. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

19    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co remained at BS462533. They sent out patrols which observed a 6 men carrying party at BS457560 which they engaged KIA 2 VC. At BS463538 A co found 2 radios, 1 AK44, 1 French Carbine. The hut is thought to be an old rice cache. B co remained on LZ cork. C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co mover to LZ Cork. The LRRP’s spotted 10 VC in the open with packs, weapons, and wearing black pja at BS437648. They were moving North. The LRRP’s spotted 4 NVA along a tail at BS435648 and 4 along a trail moving South at BS440667. At BS434651 they reported seeing 4 VC with heavy packs. Artillery was called in resulting in 2 KBA. The LRRP’s also spotted 2 VC with weapons at BS434651. The C&C ship reported 2 KIA by 4.2 at BS455600. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

20    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co mover to BS454534 reporting 1 KIA in black pja. B co moved to BS467635. B co reported no enemy contact. C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co remains on LZ Cork. Recon on RADAR HILL reported no enemy activity. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

21    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS463523. A co reported negative enemy activity. B co moved to BS467634 with no enemy contact. C co OPCON  to 1-20 Inf. D co on LZ Cork. And  Recon on RADAR HILL. Recon found a pair of HO Chi Mini sandals in a crater near their perimeter. The LRRP’s made heavy contact at BS441668 and called for immediate extraction. The LRRP’s reported 5 KIA in a group of 40 NVA. Helix reports being fired at BS441658 knocking out instruments and forcing them to land at HA THNH.  They observed 2 KBA from the previous fire mission. A-4-21 Inf secured LZ Amy.

22    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS455520. A co reported 1 KIA at BS449520, 2 KIA at BS468512, and 1 KIA evading at BS455523. No weapons or documents recovered. They observed and 3 VC wearing black pja evading south at BS455520 in which they engaged resulting in 3 VC KIA. B co moved to BS447617. They reported no enemy activity during the day. C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co remains on LZ Cork. One of their patrols picked up 2 men wearing black pja at BS432614. Remained on LZ Cork. They reported no enemy activity. B co CA to DUC PHO OPCON TO 1-20 Inf. A-4-21 secured Amy.

23    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS461517. They reported 1 KIA at BS465511 and 2 KIA at BS459509. No weapons or packs were recovered. B & C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co is on LZ Cork. Recon from RADAR HILL reported a ground attack and SA fire. About 10 VC penetrated the perimeter throwing Chicom grenades. The was 5 WHA as a result. Recon reported 2 VC in a bunker that were throwing grenades. The bunker was destroyed. A blood trail was reported leading from the bunker down to the wire.  At 0827 in the morning incoming mortar rounds were reported ( about 16)which resulted in 6 more WHA. A starlight scope was destroyed, 1M-60 MG destroyed, 1 M-79 missing there was damage to the C/M Radar, 60mm mortar attack and 82mm mortar attacks. HA THANH RECIVED 10 ROUNDS OF MORTARS. The C&C ship reported AK-47 fire at BS489604 taking about 5 hits resulting in 3 WHA. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

24    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co remained at BS461517. A co reported 1 KIA at BS464517, 2 KIA at BS451518 and 2 KIA at BS469519. No weapons or packs were recovered. B & C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co remained on LZ Cork. Recon is on RADAR HILL. The C&C ship reported a NVA flag flying at BS447774. 2 KBA were seen at BS491606. They reported an incoming rocket at QUANG NGAI when they stopped to refuel. NGHIA HANH  reported 1 round RPG or recoilless resulting in 1 US WHA. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

25    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co moved to BS487604. They reported 3 male KIA at BS473523. They moved on LZ Amy receiving sniper fire, They CA to BS487605. B & C co remained OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co on LZ Cork. They reported no enemy activity. Recon remained on RADAR HILL. The C&C ship received AW fire at BS5562 and was hit 4 times and went down at LZ Snoopy. A-4-21 Inf. Secured LZ Amy.

26    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co stayed at their NLP at BS487604 having no enemy contact. B & C co remain OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co remained on LZ Cork reporting no enemy activity.  Recon reported spotting 2 or 3 VC running down the west side of hill and called a direct fire mission.  They also spotted 3 VC on the SW side of the hill. They reported 4 VC 2 RPG rds and 2 WHA.  The C&C ship reported 2 KBA at BS436652. NGHIA HANH reported 24 rounds of 82mm with negative casualties. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

27    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co OPCON to 4-21, B & C Opcon to 1-20 Inf. D co remained on LZ Cork. They sent patrols off the hill with no enemy contact. The C&C ship observed garden spot and possible hootch at BS422595. The 4.2  was called in. They made assessment of quad 50 fire on BS436648 and confirmed 5 KIA with packs visible.  They  confirmed 2 NVA KIA at BS422595 as result of 4.2 fire. A-4-21 secured LZ Amy.

28    Feb,  69

3-1 Inf: A co OPCON to 4-21. B & C co OPCON to 1-20 Inf. D co on LZ Cork. Negative enemy activity was reported. Recon is on RADAR HILL and they reported no enemy activity.  The C&C ship confirmed 5 KIA at BS393602 and 3 KIA at BS498595 all which had no weapons or packs.  It was reported that there are 3 BN of VC at grids BS561630, BS594659, BS589529. A-4-21 Inf secured LZ Amy.

28 Feb, 69

3-1 Inf: Request to Division for termination of Operation VERNON LAKE II. 

Vernon Lake II Charles S. Seketa Transcript

January 15, 2004

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