DECLASSIFIED



HEADQUARTERS
1st Tank Battalion  (Rein)
1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
FPO, San Francisco, California 96602
                                                                                                                                  Copy__of __Copies
                                                                                                                                  3/MDH/lev
                                                                                                                                  5750
                                                                                                                                  0301-68
                                                                                                                                  9 Dec 1968

[MARKED OUT]

From:     Commanding Officer
To:            Commanding General, 1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
                     c/o FPO, San Francisco, 96602

Subj:       Command Chronology for the period of 1-30 November 1968

Ref:          (a)   MCO 5750.1
                    (b)   FMFPacO 5750.8
                    (c)   DivO 5750.2

Encl:       (1)   First Tank Battalion Command Chronology

1.   In accordance with the provisions of references  (a),  (b),  and  (c),
enclosures  (1) is submitted.

2.   This letter is downgraded to unclassified upon removal of enclosure
(1).

                                                                                          [Signature]
                                                                                          M.  C. ASHLEY JR









                                                                                                                                  [MARKED OUT]

                                                                                                                                  [MARKED OUT]

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED




HEADQUARTERS
1st Tank Battalion  (Rein)
1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
FPO, San Francisco, California 96602


[MARKED OUT]

COMMAND CHRONOLOGY

1 November 1968 to 30 November 1968

INDEX

Part I - Organizational Data

Part II - Narrative Summary

Part III - Sequential Listing of Significant Events

Part IV - Supporting Documents
















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PART I

ORGANIZATIONAL DATA

[COVER PAGE]


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CONFIDENTIAL

ORGANIZATIONAL DATA

1.    Designation                                                            Commander

          Headquarters                                                      LtCol M. C. ASHLEY, JR.
          1st Tank Battalion  (Rein)                          1-30 Nov 1968
          1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF

SUBORDINATE UNITS

          H&S Company                                                   Major B. E. DAVIDSON 1-16Nov68
                                                                                              Captain M. P. SAMS 17-30Nov68
          Company A                                                            Captain B. R. MONTGOMERY 1-30Nov68
          Company B                                                            Captain R. A. DOYLE 1-30Nov68
          Company C                                                            Captain R. T. HOPKINS 1-8Nov68
                                                                                               1stLt T. G. ROBERTS 9-30Nov68
          Company A,  (Rein) 1st AT Bn                Captain F. P. BRISENO 1-30Nov68

2.    Location

          Headquarters                                                      (AT997723)
          H&S Company                                                    (AT997723)
          Company A                                                            (AT936782)
          Company B                                                            (AT962621)
          Company C                                                            (BT078663)
          Company A,  1st AT Bn                                (AT997723)

3.    Staff Officers

          Battalion Executive Officer                       Major R. H. GRAHAM 1-30Nov68
          Battalion Adjutant                                           Captain I. F. WALDVOGEL 1-30Nov68
          Battalion S-2 Officer                                     1stLt W. D. DARBY 1-30Nov68
          Battalion S-3 Officer                                     Major J. B. TERPAK 1-30Nov68
          Battalion S-4 Officer                                     Major D. R. SPARKS 1-30Nov68
          Battalion S-5 Officer                                     Captain J. K MARLATT 1-30Nov68

4.    Average Monthly Strength

                    USMC                       USN
          OFF           ENL   OFF         ENL
             48               769          1                 17




                                                                                                                                  ENCLOSURE  (1)
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[1]
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CONFIDENTIAL

Personnel and Administration

1.    Status as of 302400 Nov 68

          a.    Personnel losses and gains by MOS.

                    (1)   Officers Dropped

                              Major                    0302                    1

                              Captain               1802                    1

                              1stLt                      1802                    1

                              1stLt                      0130                    1

                    (2)   Officers Joined

                              1stLt                      1802                    2

                              1stLt                      1801                    3

                    (3)   Enlisted Dropped.

                                        E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2/1          Total

0140                                0             0              0              1              0           0               1                    2
0353                                0             0              0              1              0              0               1                    2
0369                                0             0              1              0              0              0               0                    1
1312                                0             0              0              1              0              0               0                    1
1811                                1             2              2              2              4              2               1                14
2141                                0             0              0              4              2              1               1                    8
2142                                0             0              0              0              1              0               0                  1
2143                                0             0              0              0              1              0               0                     1
2531                                0             0              0              0              0              1               0                     1
2533                                0             0              0              0              0              1               0                     1
3041                                0             1              0              0              0              0               0                     1
3371                                0             1              1              0              0              1               1                  4
3516                                0             0              0              0              2              1               0                     3
3531                                0             0              0              1              1              0               2                     4
9999                                2             0              0              0              0              0               0                     2

Total                               3             4              4            10             11             7               7                    46

                    (4)   Enlisted Joined.


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                              E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2/1          Total

0353                      0             0              0              1              0              0              1                     2
1342                      0             0              0              1              0              0              0                  1
1811                      0             0              0              0              1              0              0                     1
2151                      0             0              0              1              0              1              0                     2
2511                      0             0              0              0              1              0              0                     1
2531                      0             0              0              0              0              1              2                   3
3371                      0             0              0              0              0              1              1                     2
3381                      0             1              0              0              0              0              0                   1
3041                      0             0              0              0              0              1              1                      2
3051                      0             0              0              0              0              1              1                      2

Total                     0             1              0              3              2              5              6                     17

          b.    Personnel Shortages

                    (1)    Critical MOS's

                               MOS          M/L          T/O          O/H

                               0302              4                4              2
                               3371            25              24            14

                    (2)    Staff NCO, MOS 1811

                               E-9          E-8          E-7          E-6          Total

          T/O              1              3             11            26             41
          M/L             0              4             11            19             34
          O/H              0              0              8             15             23

          c.     Promotions

                    To PFC             1
                    To LCpl          29   (3 Meritorious)
                    To Cpl            12    (2 Meritorious)
                    To Sgt              2    (Meritorious Combat)

          d.    Awards.   The following award recommendations were submitted:

                    2 Bronze Star Medals
                    6 Navy Commendation Medals
                18 Navy Achievement Medals
                    1 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry

                                          The following awards were presented:

                    1 Bronze Star Medal
                    2 Navy Commendation Medals
                    2 Navy Achievement Medals
                    7 Purple Heart Medals

                                                                                                                        ENCLOSURE  (1)
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[3]
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CONFIDENTIAL

          e.    Rest and Recreation  [Right!]

                    Place                              Quota                    Used

                    Hawaii                              13                              9
                    Australia                         9                               9
                    Kuala                                 1                               0
                    Singapore                        4                               1
                    Penang                               5                               5
                    Okinawa                          3                               2
                    Manila                               1                               1
                    Tokyo                                9                               6
                    Taipei                                8                               7
                    Hong Kong                  8                             8
                    Bangkok                       11                           10
                                                               __                              __
                    Total                                72                              58

                    China Beach               20                           20

          f.     Battalion Legal Summarization

                    Special Court Martial - 0
                    Summary Court Martial - 0
                    Informal Investigation - 7
                    Formal Investigations (Article 120, UCMJ) - 1
                    Accidental Deaths - 0
                    Non-Judical Punishment - 20

          g.     Extension of Overseas Tour - November

                    Man Months                    Number                              Number
                           1968                           6-Month Extensions   3-Month Extensions

                              963                                        22                                           6












                                                                                                              ENCLOSURE  (1)
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[4]

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CONFIDENTIAL

PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION

1.    Personnel.   During the period of this report the pesonnel situation
remained relatively stable with a net gain of one officer and net loss
of 29 enlisted personnel.   The reduction in enlisted personnel did not
present a signifcant problem, since the loss represents a reduction to
the authorized Manning Level established during November.   In MOS 0302
and MOS 3371, however, significant personnel shortages do exist.   The
Battalion has only 2 of the 4 MOS 0302 officers authorized Company A, 1st
Anti-Tank Battalion.   This deficiency reduces the efficiency of operations
of the combat outposts/counter rocket sites manned by this Battalion in
the Southern Sector Defense Command.   With an on-rolls strength of 14 per-
sonnel in MOS 3371, the Battalion has 56 percent of authorized strength
with which to efficiently support a 650 man cantonment mess hall and to
provide augmentation for three detached companies.   In addition to the
aforementioned shortages, there is a critical shortage of Staff Non-
commissioned Officers in MOS 1811  (Tank Crewman).   The on-board strength
of these personnel is only 67 percent of authorized strength and this de-
ficiency detracts from the organization's capability to provide needed
training and leadership for inexperienced tank crewmen joining the Battalion
from CONUS.

2.    Promotion.   Forty-four promotions were effected during November in the
ranks Private First Class through Sergeant.   Nine of these promotions were
attained through meritorious and meritorious combat selection.

3.    Awards.   Twelve awards were presented to member of this command, seven
of which were Purple Hearts.   Twenty-seven personnel were recommended for
awards, including two for the Bronze Star Medal.

4.    Twenty in-country and seventy-two out-of-country rest and recreation
quotas were received and twenty in-country and 50 out-of-country quota
were filled.

5.    Legal.   Seven informal investigations, one formal pre-trial investi-
gation involving an alleged violation of Article 120, UCMJ and twenty
non-judicial punishments were processed during November.

6.    Tour Extensions.   Twenty-eight requests for overseas tour extensions
were submitted and approved.   The 1968 cumulative man-month total to date
for overseas  tour extensions is 963.

7.    Administration.   There were no significant difficulties encounter in
administration during November.   The Battalion Personnel Office processed
four emergency leave and four special leave requests.   On 26 November the
Battalion received the General Staff Section Technical Inspection of Per-
sonnel and Administration.   An overall rating of Satisfactory with Minor
Discrepancies was assigned.
                                                                                                              ENCLOSURE  (1)

                                                                                                              CONFIDENTIAL

DECLASSIFIED

[5]
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PART II

NARRATIVE SUMMARY


[COVER PAGE]


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CONFIDENTIAL

INTELLIGENCE

1.    Weather.   During the month of November, the mean high temperature was
75 degrees;  the low was 68 degrees.   This compares with a 30 year average
of 80 degrees and 76 degrees, respectively.   Rainfall for the month of
November totaled 13.07 inches.   This compares with an average monthly
rainfall for the month of November of 15.1 inches over the past 27 years.

2.    Mine and RPG Incidents.   There were 7 mine incidents affecting 1st
Tank Battalion.   These mine incidents involved tanks F-23, F-24, A-24,
B-22, B-33, C-24 and an M-54 Truck from Company "B".    Mines varied in size
up to an estimated 90 pounds.   There were no RPG incidents during the
month of November.

3.    Indications.   The first half of November involved only sporadic contact.
On 17 November the enemy commenced the initial phase of a limited objective
attack against installations in the DaNang ares by entering Tuy Loan and Phu
Hoa.   He failed to hold his objectives in Ty Loan and Phu Hoa, and his
plans for attack were disrupted.   During the remainder of the month, small
sightings and contacts were observed within the Southern Sector Defense
Command.   The S-2 Section initiated weekly river patrols along the Song
Cau Do River.   The purpose of the patrols is to deny the enemy the use of
the river for resupply and transportation of men and equipment.

During December rainfall is expected to decrease considerably, while
the temperature will fall slightly.   With the reduction in rainfall enemy
activity can be expected to increase.














                                                                                                                        ENCLOSURE  (1)

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CONFIDENTIAL

OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

1.    Operations

          Throughout the month of November, with continued rainfall and loss
of trafficability, the 1st Tank Battalion adapted its tactics to the
situation in order that it might continue to support the 2nd Brigade,
ROK Marine Corps and the infantry regiments of the 1st Marine Division.
Since in most cases tank were unable to physically accompany the infantry
into battle due to poor trafficability;  a far greater emphasis was
placed upon the far reaching and highly accurate direct fire capabilities
of   the 90mm Gun.   The burden was placed upon the company and platoon
commanders to find those key terrain features from which they could
most successfully support the infantry by fire.   The early part of
November saw a marked increase in the use of mines and surprise firing
devices taking an increasingly high toll of our road bound tanks.
Although confronted by these ever-present natural and man-made limitations,
tanks of the battalion still participated in four major operations and
numerous small unit operations, while providing security for road sweeps,
road convoys, bridges and reinforcing perimeter defenses.   With the
increases in enemy rocket attacks upon the Da Nang vital area, tanks
within the division Area of Responsibility assumed an increasingly
important role in direct counter mortar and rocket fire.   Tanks and Ontos
continued to provide mobility and fire power to reaction forces
throughou the Division.

          Company A  (-)  (Rein) remained in direct support of the 26th Marines
with its command post co-located in that of the 1st Battalion, 26th
Marines.   At various times during the month tanks from the 2nd and 3rd
Platoons assumed a major role in the defense of Namo Bridge and
cantonment security for Hill 190.   Throughout the month tanks at Namo
Bridge and Hill 190 were called upon to fire missions at an increas-
ingly high number of enemy sightings as well as numerous H&I missions against
suspected enemy staging areas, routes of advance, and routes of egress.
The 3rd Platoon supported the 3rd Battalion, 26 Marines on Operation
Nicollet Bay providing supplementary fire power to the defensive
perimeter of Hill 358 as well as firing numerous H&I and aerial observer
controlled fire missions against suspected enemy targets.   At the
conclusion of Operation Nicollet Bay, the 3rd Platoon returned to the
company CP to support the ballations of the 26th Marines as needed.

          Company B  (Rein) remained in support of the 5th and 7th Marine
Regiment  with two platoons in support of each.   During the month of
November, tanks of Company B participated in Operation Henderson Hill
and provided convoy and road sweep security and reinforced perimeter
defenses.   Tanks from the 2nd and 4th Platoons located at the An Hoa
airfield in direct support of the 5th Marines wre a decisive factor
in repulsing a determined enemy assault against the regimental CP

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CONFIDENTIAL

on the evening of 21 November.   Company B's command post remained
co-located with that of the 7th Marines on Hill 55.

          Company C  (Rein) remained in direct support of the 1st Marines with
the company command post co-located with that of the 2nd Battalion
1st Marines.   The 1st Platoon participated in the multi-battalion,
Operation Meade River by providing fire support from Hill 55.   On 25
November the 1st Platoon Company C, 1st Tank Battalion was redesignated
the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 3rd Tank Battalion and on 28 November
returned to the Battalion CP to be refitted for duty with BLT 3/26.
The 2nd Platoon was assigned the former mission of the 1st Platoon, to
support the infantry battalions participating in Operation Meade River.
The 3rd Platoon in support of the 2nd Brigade ROK Marine Corps
participated in Operation Victory Dragon 5 and provided security
for the Hoi An airstrip against probes and attacks.

          Company A  (Rein), 1st Antitank Battalion remained with the South-
ern Sector Defense Command providing security for the Song Cau Do and
Cobb Bridges together with elements of the 1st and 7th Marines,
respectively.   A heavy section of Ontos remained as the Song Cau Do
Bridge and a light section remained on the Cobb Bridge.   Company A,
1st AT Bn continued to man and exercise operational control of OP
Panther and the Three Finger Combat Outpost located within Southern
Sector Defense Command.   One platoon on Ontos  remained in support of
the I Corps Quick Reaction Mobile Task Force, Task Force Kilo, and
one platoon remained in general support of the 1st Marine Division.
During the month Ontos from Company A participated in two minor operations
with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in the area north of Namo
Bridge.

2.    Task Organization.

          The task organization of the 1st Tank Battalion as of 30 November is:

                    Company A  (-)  (Rein):   D/S 26th Marine Regiment
                    Company B  (Rein):  2 platoons D/S 5th Marine Regiment
                                                                 2 platoons D/S 7th Marine Regiment
                    Company C  (Rein):  D/S 1st Marine Regiment
                                                                 1st platoon D/S 2nd ROKMC Brigade
                    Company A  (Rein),  1st Antitank Bn:  Co A (-) G/S 1st MarDiv
                                                                                                         1platoon D/S task force kilo
                                                                                                         Heavy Section D/S 3/1
                                                                                                         Light   Section D/S 1/7

3.    Battalion CP Ground Actions.

          The 1st Tank Battalion conducted 90 patrols and ambushes in the
Battalion Area of Responsibility with the Southern Sector Defense
Command.
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4.    Ammunition Expenditures.

          Total ammunition expended during November by the 1st Tank Battalion
is as follows:

                                                                                          90mm

                                        HE          APERS-T          CANNISTER          WP          HEAT

DIRECT               1121             267                              16                        348              50
INDIRECT                0                    0                                0                              0                0
TOTAL                 1121             267                              16                        348              50

                                        106mm                                                                      SMALL ARMS

                              APERS-T    HEP-T          HEAT          .30 Caliber MG    .50 Caliber MG

DIRECT                 0                     4                      0              7,650                                  5,165
INDIRECT             0                     0                      0          
TOTAL                      0                     0                      0                              FLAME TANK FUEL
                                                                                                                                  16,450 Gallons

5.    Statistical Results.

          The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during November
are:

VC/NVA

          TANK OPERATIONS............................42
          SSDC  OPERATIONS............................  2

VC/NVA CAPTURED

          TANK OPERATIONS............................  0
          SSDC  OPERATIONS............................  2

VCS

          TANK OPERATIONS............................  0
          SSDC  OPERATIONS............................  0

USMC KIA

          TANK OPERATIONS............................  0
          SSDC  OPERATIONS............................  0

USMC WIA

          TANK OPERATIONS

                    MED-EVAC.....................................  6
                    NON-EVAC......................................  3
                                                                                                                                  ENCLOSURE  (1)
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                    SSDC OPEATIONS

                              MED-EVAC................................  0
                              NON-EVAC................................  1

WEAPONS CAPTURED

                    TANK OPERATIONS.......................  0
                    SSDC  OPERATIONS.......................  2

                              Two B40 Rocket Lauchers

EQUIPMENT AND DOCUMENTS CAPTURED

                    TANK OPERATIONS.......................  0
                    SSDC  OPERATIONS.......................  0

6.    Training.   Training of 1st Tank Battalin personnel during the month
of November centered mainly on General Military subjects, MOS and NBC
training, and weapons safety.   Subjects pertaining to the combat
environment in Vietnam were emphasized.   Subjects covered in the weekly
SNCO and Officers Briefing were informational services, mines and booby
traps, major items of equipment PM indicators and requesting and
adjusting mortar and artillery fire.

7.    Summary.   It is probable that with the continuing monsoon season
the employment of tanks during the month of December will continue to
remain limited primarily to support by fire.   Efforts will be made,
however, to further develop methods of employment which will enable the
Battalion to most effectively utilize the mobility and shock action of
the tanks as well as their accurate long range firepower capabilities.













                                                                                                                                  ENCLOSURE  (1)
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[10]
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CONFIDENTIAL

SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND

1.    General Summary.

          Southern Sector activitiess continued to be coordinated, initiated
and controlled by the Commanding Officer, 1st Tan Battalion.   During
the month 1008 activities were conducted by SSDC tenant units;   these
activities included patrols, ambushes, LP's, OP's and COP's.

          With the enemy's increased use of rockets and mortars against the
Da Nang vital area, OP's Hawk, Panther, Tiger, Bear and the Three Finger's
Combat Outpost assumed an increasingly significant role in plotting
enemy rocket positions in order that immediate direct and indirect fire
might be brought to bear by enternal supporting arms, as well as
actually taking those positions under fire with weapons organic to SSDC.

          In the early morning hours of 17 Nov 1968, the hamlets of Tuy
Loan and Phu Hoa were attacked by an estimated 2 enemy company.   A small
PF unit assisted by Marines from the local CAP unit stubbornly resisted
the enemy attempts to overrun the hamlet of Tuy Loan and the PF platoon
in Phu Hoa prevented the enemy from overrunning the entire hamlet.
To assist the besieged hamlet of Phu Hoa a Reaction Platoon from the
1st Tank Battalion cantonments was quickly mustered and immediately
deployed to the scene of the bitter fighting.   The Reaction Platoon
quickly deployed on line and in house-to-house fighting swept through
the hamlet driving the enemy from his positions.   The bitter fighting
saw several individual act of heroism by Marines and corpsmen.   This
incident at Phu Hoa demonstrates the high degree of mobility and
flexibility of reaction forces within the Southern Sector Defense Command,
and their capability to cope with limited enemy attacks.

          Tactical defensive positions throughout the Southern Sector continued
to be strengthened and reinforced to meet an apparent continued enemy
build up and increased probing activities.   German tape concertina was
utilized in abundance by all OP's and COP's in order to bolster their
tactical and protective wire.   Starlight scopes proved to be invaluable
for early detection of enemy infiltration.

          With the combined assets of Company A, 1st Antitank Battalion and
the two provisional SSDC reaction Companies as a potential delaying
force, the SSDC continued to be capable of delaying or denying an enemy
penetration from the west into the vital installations with the Southern
Sector and the Da Nang vital area.






                                                                                                    ENCLOSURE  (1)
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[11]
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CONFIDENTIAL

SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND

012355H Nov 1968     Co. A, 1st AT Bn, at (AT941718), heard heavy
                                                  movement 30 yards to their west.   Sentry dog went on
                                                  strong alert, LP threw on grenade and received
                                                  small arms and automatic weapons fire.   LP's sighted
                                                  6 VC and pulled back to COP.   COP using starlight
                                                  scope sighted 2 VC.   No further contact.

022140H Nov 1968     LP located at  (AT941717) heard movement at  (AT940717).
                                                  Sentry dog went on strong alert.   LP returned to COP.
                                                  COP fired and movement ceased.

122215H Nov 1968      A fire team size LP from Co. A, 1st AT Bn at  (AT941718)
                                                  fired SA at two VC at  (AT941719).   VC returned fire
                                                  and broke contact.   Unknown results.

170510H Nov 1968      Personnel from OP Hawk at  (AT966694) saw approximately
                                                  10 to 15 rockets fire from  (AT961689).   Fired direct
                                                  with 105mm with unknown results.

170515H Nov 1968     CP at 1/11 at  (AT988714) received approximately six
                                                  82mm mortar rounds.   No damage.

170630H Nov 1968     Squad size OP at Co. C, 7th Eng at  (AT947705),
                                                  received grenade and small arms fire frm  (AT947702).
                                                  Personnel returned fire with M60, M16, and M79.
                                                  Unknown results.

170800H Nov 1968     1st Tank Bn. Reaction Force was sent to Phu Hoa Hamlet
                                                  where estimated NVA Company was attacking.   PF's were
                                                  holding VC on east side of village.   The Reaction
                                                  Platoon assaulted throuth the village from west to east
                                                  and routed the remaining enemy force.   Five civilian
                                                  Vietnamese med-evac to 1st Tank Bn BAS.   Six
                                                  civilians  KIA by the enemy.   Two VC KIA.   Two VC WIA
                                                  sent to Hoa Vang for interrogation.   Two B40 rockets
                                                  captured.

170835H Nov 1968     Personnel at OP Panther at  (AT968707) observed
                                                  approximately 20 enemy in khaki  uniforms at  (AT958699).
                                                  Tank fired 90mm.   Enemy ran southwest with Co. B,
                                                  1/7 in pursuit.   Two VC KIA.

221945H Nov 1968      Hill 34 complex received 6 rounds of unknown size mortar
                                                  outside of 1/11 wire.   No damage and no casalties.

232230H Nov 1968      ALVT's OP at  (AT973704) sighted enemy troops with packs
                                                  and rifles at  (AT975702).   OP brought the enemy
                                                  underfire with M79 and small arms.   Unknown results.

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242210H Nov 1968     7th Comm Bn, squad size patrol made contact with
                                                  unknown size enemy force at  (AT983701).   After firing
                                                  small arms and M79.   The enemy broke contact.   Contact
                                                  resulted in one USMC WIA non-evac.



















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LOGISTICS

1.    Table of Equipment Deficiences.   During the month of November, T/E
deficiencies caused this Battalion to remain at 84% of allowances for
equipment are Helmets, CVC  (44), Radio Sets N/VRC-12  (10), Filter
Units, Gas Particulate M8A3  (59), Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked M51  (1),
Searchlight, Xenon  (11), Tank Combat, M48A3  (2), and Mixing and Trans-
fer Unit  (2).   The lack of these items is detrimental to the ful
fillment of the Battalions mission.

2.    Table of Equipment Received.   The receipt of three Tanks M48A3, two
Refuelers M49A2C, one M50A1 Ontos and one truck Cargo 1/4 Ton M151 aided
in maintaining a combat ready posture.

3.    Maintenance.   Several mining incidents;  vehicle submergences caused
by monsoon conditions;  and insufficient available assets of high usage
repair parts, components, and assemblies placed a heavy burden on the
maintenance efforts of the Battalion.   By a combination of hard work,
initiative and imagiation, however, maintenance personnel were able
to provide consistant 83% availability rate for all combat essential
equipment possessed.

4.    Supply.   During November, the Battalion Supply Platoon prepared
approximately 2000 requisitions and processed an average of 300 supply
advice cards daily.   During the month, supply fill rate of 45 percent
was attained.

5.    Fiscal.   The Phase I budget formulation was prepared and submitted
for the current year and two subsquent fiscal years.   Based on past
expenditure data for operations in Vietnam and projected expenditures
in the combat enviroment of Vietnam, this Battalion's fiscal require-
ments through FY 71 will average two million dollars per annum.

6.    Cantonment Maintenance and Improvements.   Self-help maintenance
projects continued to improve the defenses, appearance and livability
of the cantonment.   The defensive berm was raised eithteen inches and
reinforced throughout, new fighting holes were constructed and existing
defensive bunkers were refurbished and strengthened.   Three new SEA
huts were constructed, and thirty-five were painted to enhance the can-
tonment appearance and preserve the huts from deterioration from en-
vironmental elements.   Sanitary conditions were improved by the repair
or rescreening of all buildings;  the dismantling of the garbage and pot
shacks behind the old messhall;  the installation of eleven new urinoils
and the removal an burning of all old urinoils;  the installation of
a grease trap;  and the construction of a dressing room at the enlisted
showers.   Projects are underway in several other areas as well.   Two
basketball courts and two volley ball courts are being constructed, and
the Motor Transport Platoon is constructing protective revetments for
all Motor Transport equipment using sand filled drums.   Seventeen stalls
have been completed with twenty-five more under construction.

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LOGISTICS

Status as of 302400 Nove 1968

1.   Table of Equipment Shortages

              FSN                                        NOMENCLATURE                                                            QTY

5805-257-3602                              Switchboard Tele SB22/PT                                                  1

5805-543-0012                              Tele Set TA-312/PT                                                                8

5820-086-7536                              Radio Set AN/GRC-125                                                       2

5820-892-0868                              Radio Set AN/VRC-12                                                         10

5820-082-3998                              Radio Set GRA-39A                                                               1

5820-892-0623                              Radio RT-246                                                                            2

8415-926-9992                              Helmet CVC                                                                                44

6625-930-0935                              Test Kit MK-992/VRC-12                                                   9

6115-295-2398                              Generator 7.5 KW                                                                  3

6115-228-5815                              Generator PE-75                                                                       2

6115-721-4545                              Generator PU482/M                                                              1

6130-985-7899                              Power Supply PP2953/U                                                      8

4240-691-1505                              Filter Unit Gas Particulate M8A3                                 59

6130-635-1653                              Power Supply PP388A/U                                                     1

6130-903-1163                              Battery Charger PP-4567/U                                             1

6625-581-2036                              Multimeter AN/URM-105                                                  1

6230-857-0583                              Floodlight Trlr Mtd                                                                1

4320-203-0197                              Pump 55GPM                                                                           1

3655-174-0360                              Recharging Unit Carbon Dioxide                                  1

2320-933-7522                              Truck Cargo M54A2C                                                        2

2310-782-6056                              Truck Amb M718                                                                  1

4930-017-9167                              Lube and Service Unit                                                        1

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                    FSN                                NOMENCLATURE                                                            QTY

1005-605-7710                              Gun Mach M60                                                                         3

2320-835-8713                              Recovery Vehicle, FT, M51                                             1

6230-901-8639                              Searchlight Xenon                                                                  11

2350-895-9154                              Tank Combat M48A3                                                            2

1040-339-1615                              Mixing & Transfer Unit                                                      2

1040-987-9293                              Compressor Reciprocating M5                                     1

2.    Major Table of Equipment Items Received
                                                                   QTY                                        DATE                       SOURCE
          Tank M48A3                              2                              13 November 1968          R&E

                                                                      1                              27 November 1968          T/E Replace

          106mm,SP,M50A1                   1                              29 November 1968          T/E Replace

          Truck, Refueler,M49A2C    2                              13 November 1968          T/E Replace

          Truck, Cargo,1/4T,M151     1                              27 November 1968          T/E Replace

3.    Maintenance

          a.   Secondary Reparable Assets required to place tracked vehicles
in operational ready status.

                    FSN                                NOMENCLATURE                    QTY     END ITEM

2815-856-9005                              Engine Assy,AVDS-1790             2          M48/M67

2805-695-6237                              Engine Assy,AVSL-1790             1          M51VTR

2520-329-4565                              Transmission, XT90                       1          M50A1

2920-960-9278                              Regulator, Voltage                         4       M50A1

          b.    Motor Transport Status

ITEM                                                         AUTH   O/H   OR    2D ECHELON   3D ECHELON

Truck Cargo M54A2C                          38          36     33                    1                                        2

Truck Wrecker M5443A2C                 3            3          3                    

Truck Fuel Serv M49/M49A@C      8            8          8                    1

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ITEM                                                            AUTH   O/H   OR   2D ECHELON   3D ECHELON

Shop Van M109                                         1               1          1

Truck Cargo M37                                   6               6          4                    1                                   1

Truck Utility M151A1                         25             25     24                                                         1

Radio AN/MRC109                                 2               2          2

Radio AN/MRC110                                 5               5          4

Radio AN/MRC87                                   1               1          1

Radio AN/MRC83                                   2               2          2

Truck Amb M718                                     2               1          1

Truck M35A2C                                           3            3          1                    2

Trailer 11/2Ton M105                          22             22     22

Trailer Water M107                                10            10     10

Trailer 3/4Ton M101                                 6              6       6

Trailer 1/4 Ton M100                              13             12    12

Trailer 1/4 Ton M416B                              1              3      3

High Pressure Cleaning Unit                4            5      5

Lube and Serv Unit                                    5              5      5                    2











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CONFIDENTIAL

COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS

1.    Projects Completed

          7th  Communications Battalion cable crews completed the cut-over of two
fifty pair cables from their terminal frame to the 1st Tank Battalion
terminal frame #1.   A twenty-five pair cable was buried between the terminal
at H&S Company office and the Battalion S-1.   This cable will house all
local phone lines from the switchboard plus lines for bunker phone in the
southern end of the cantonment.   Three additional local phones were install-
ed during November bringing the total subscribers for 1st Tank Battalion to
55 local, 5 long local, and 10 truck lines.

          Quarterly Communications inspections of Companies A, B, and C were
performed on 8, 15, and 22 November 1968, respectively.   The results of the
inspections were as follows;  Company "A", Satisfactory;  Company "B", Sat-
isfactory with discrepancies;   Company "C", Satisfactory.

2.    Projects Pending

          Seven tanks in the battalion are pending "Q" service of the electronics
equipment.   Completion of this "Q" service is delayed pending repair of the
Motor Generator PU=143C/V which provides AC power necessary to operate
the test equipment.

          General replacement of unsightly cable and the "spider-web" effect
of internal telephone cables and wiring is continuing.

3.    Message Summary.   During the month of November, the 1st Tank Battalion
Communications Center processed 1167 incoming and 101 outgoing messages.

4.    Summary.   The CEO, 1st Marine Division conducted a Command and Material
Inspection of 1st Tank Battalion Communications on 11 November 1968.   A
rating of "Satisfactory" was awarded.













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7.    Medical.   There were 544 Sick Call visits during the month of Nov-
ember.   Four hundred and forty-three immunizations and 44 tuberculin
skin tests were administered.   There were 22 men on the Sick List, four
of whom were carried over from the month of October.   Of the 18 per-
sonnel added to the Sick List, six were for medical illnesses, four
with non-hostile injuries and eight were for hostile injuries.   Twelve
men were evacuated out of country:   three with medical illnesses, four
with non-hostiile injuries, and five with hostile injuries.   Total
man-days lost to the Battalion from illness or injury were 105.   There were
two cases of venereal disease diagnosed and treated;   both were contracted
in the Danang area.  MEDCAP in the villages of Cam Hoa and Phouc Thai
continued.   Surveillance and preventive measures in the Insect and Vector
Control Programs were continued.   Personnel changes during the month
included the attachment of a Hospital Corpsman Second Class.

8.    General.   On 11 November, the Battalion underwent the Command Ma-
terial Management Inspection.   The overall rating received was "satisfact-
tory with descrepancies".   Several logistic areas of responsibility
were assigned an unqualified rating of "satisfactory".















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CIVIC ACTION

1.   Medical Civic Action Program  (MEDCAP).   During November, 4 MedCaps
were held in Cam Hoa and 4 in Phouc Thai.   A total of 248 Vietnamese
were treated.   One child from Cam Hoa was taken to FLC children's
hospital for treatment of a hare-lip.

2.   Pschological Operations  (PSYOPS).   Psyops leaflets were distribu-
ted in Cam Hoa and Phuoc Thai on altenative days.   On 17 November, an
Armed Propaganda Team from Division G-5 visited Phu Hoa immediately
following the Viet Cong attack on the hamlet.   Movies were shown to
the people of Phong Bac Hamlet only twice during November because
psychological operations support facilities were committed to a tac-
tical operation during most of the month.

3.     Materials and Goods Distributed;   During November the following
materials were distributed:

          a.   7,000 pounds of swill
          b.   725 bars of soap
          c.   2 3/4-ton truck loads of lumber and tin
          d.   300 pounds of rice
          e.   600 pounds of C.S.M.
          f.    50 pounds of soy bean oil, sauce, and rolled oats
          g.   50 pounds of clothing

4.    Summary.

          a.   During November daily support of the Pig Breeding Farm was some
what limited by poor road conditions.   In addition 7th Communications
Battalion assumed part of the responsibility for the Breeding Farm.

          b.   On 26 November, in a ceremony at Bo De Hoa Tho School in Phong
Bac Hamlet, LtCol ASHLEY presented General Walt Scholarships to 25
students.

          c.   Solatium payments were made as follows:

                    (1)   3000#VN to a boy who injured in a motor vehicle incident
involving H&S Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

                    (2)   2000$VN to a man who was injured in an incident invovling
H&S Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

                    (3)   1000$VN to a woman who was injured in a motro vehicle
incident involving H&S Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

                    (4)   4000$VN to a man who was injured in a hostile fire
incident involving the Provisional Company of 1st Tank Battalion.

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CONFIDENTIAL

                    (5)   1000$VN each to 3 home owner in Cam Hoa whose house
were destroyed by an aircraft flare.

                    (6)   4000$VN to a man who was injured in a motor vehicle in-
cident involving H&S Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

                    (7)   4000$VN to a National Policeman who was injured in a motor
vehicle incident involving A Co, 1st Antitank Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion.

          d.   Project Submittal Sheets for a new two-room school in Cam Hoa
Hamlet were submitted to Quang Nam Province for approval after having
been approved at Hamlet, Village and District levels.

















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PART III

SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS



[COVER PAGE]




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OPERATIONS

1.    1st Tank Battalion

010915H Nov 1968     Brig. Gen. DWYER ADC, visited the 1st Tank Battalion
                                                  for a briefing of Tank Bn and SSDC activities and a
                                                  tour of SSDC Western Sector.

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 01 Nov 1968

021300H Nov 1968     Three tanks from Co. C, at (BT075601) in support of
                                                  27th Co. ROK Brigade, received fire from  (BT063592).
                                                  Tanks returned fire with 90mm.   No search conducted.

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 03 Nov 1968, Late Entry 1

022350H Nov 1968      A tank from Co A, at  (AT929840) fired 90mm in
                                                  support of a platoon from Co. C 1/26 pinned down at
                                                  (AT901851).   1/26 called end a mission, results unknown.

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 03 Nov 1968, Late Entry 2

030905H Nov 1968      A tank from Co. C, at  (BT075601) in support of the 27th
                                                  Co. ROK Brigade received sniper fire from  (BT063592).
                                                  Tanks returned fire with MG's and 90mm.   No search
                                                  conducted.

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 03 Nov 1968, Entry 5

031455H Nov 1968     Lt Gen. NICKERSON, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower,
                                                  visited the 1st Tank Bn for a briefing on operations
                                                  manpower of the 1st Tank Bn and SSDC.

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 03 Nov 1968

041415H Nov 1968     One tank from Co. B returning security squad to the
                                                  Golden Gate Bridge struck a mine at  (AT968588) estimated
                                                  to be 50 pounds.   Slight damage to the vehicle.   The
                                                  tank was retrieved to Co. B CP at Hill 55.

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 05 Nov 1968, Late Entry 1

051715H Nov 1968     While in support of 1/5 a tank from Co. B stuck a
                                                  mine at  (AT890496).    Light damage to the vehicle.
                                                  The tank was retrieved to Phu Loc  (6).

                                                  Ref:   S-3 Journal, 05 Nov 1968, Entry 17

061305H Nov 1968     One tank from Co. B, while on road sweep struck a 60
                                                  pound mine at  (AT968588).   Moderate damage to the tank.
                                                  Tank retrieved to Co. B CP at Hill 55.

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