DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 322100H Dec 1968      Two tanks from Company C were ambushed at  (BD894662).                                                   Tanks fired 90mm and MG's resulting in 10 enemy KIA.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 25 Dec 1968, Late Entry 1 231100H Dec 1968      A tank from Company A in support of ComanyD, 1/26                                                   was requested to fire at an enemy machine gun and                                                   sniper position at   (AT892831)  which was firing at                                                   AMTRAC's moving up the river.   Tanks fired 90mm and                                                   enemy firing ceased.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 24 Dec 1968, Late Entry 1 270830H Dec 1968     Two tanks from Company C at  (BT017570) received                                                   mortar, B-40 rocket, automatic rifle and small arms                                                   fire from  (BT017573).   Tanks returned fire with                                                   unknow results.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 28 Dec 1968, Late Entry 1 THIS IS THE END OF THE 1968 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY, 1st TANK BATTALION CLICK TO RETURN TO THE INDEX PAGE

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                                                                                                                                             7 Jan 1969 [MARKED OUT] From:          Commanding Officer To:              Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (Rein),  FMF Subj:            Command Chronology for the period of 1-31 December 1968. Ref:             (a)   MCO P5750.1A                        (b)   FMFPacO 5750.8A                        (c)   DivO 5750>2 Encl:            (1)   First Tank Battalion Command Chronology 1.   In accordance with the provisions of references  (a),  (b),  and  (c), enclosure  (1) is submitted. 2.   This letter is downgraded to unclassified upon removal of enclosure (1).                                                                                           [Signature]                                                                                           M. C. ASHLEY, JR.                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 1st Tank Battalion  (Rein) 1st Marine Division  (Rein),  FMF FPO, San Francisco, California 96602 [MARKED OUT] COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1 DECEMBER 1968 TO 31 DECEMBER 1968 INDEX PART I - ORANIZATIONAL DATA PART II - NARRATIVE SUMMARY PART III - SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS PART IV - SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED PART I ORGANIZATIONAL DATA [COVER PAGE] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED [MARKED OUT] ORGANIZATIONAL DATA 1.    Designation                                                            Commander           Headquarters                                                      LtCol M. C. ASHLEY, JR.           1st Tank Battalion  (Rein)                          1-31 Dec 1968           1st Marine Division  (Rein),  FMF SUBORDINATE UNITS H&S Company                                                              Captain M. P. SAMS 1-14Dec68                                                                                                Major F. P. BRISENO 15-31Dec68 Company A                                                                      Captain B. R. MONTGOMERY 1-31Dec68 Company B                                                                      Captain R. A. DOYLE 1-14Dec68                                                                                                Captain M. P. SAMS 15-31-Dec68 Company C                                                                      1stLt T. G. ROBERTS 1-31Dec68 Company A, 1st AT Bn                                            Major F. P. BRISENO 1-14Dec68                                                                                                1stLt J. J. BANNING 15-31Dec68 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 1-31Dec68           Battalion Adjutant                                            Captain I. F. WALDVOGEL 1-31Dec68           Battalion S-2 Officer                                        1stLt W. D. DARBY 1-31Dec68           Battalion S-3 Officer                                        Major J. B. TERPAK 1-31Dec68           Battalion S-4 Officer                                        Major D. R. SPARKS 1-31Dec68           Battalion S-5 Officer                                        Captain J. K. MARLATT 1-31Dec68 4.    Average Monthly Strength                     USMC                              USN           OFF              ENL          OFF          ENL              45               727               1               18                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE (1)                                                                                                                                   [MARKED OUT] DECLASSIFIED [1]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL Personnel and Administration 1.    Status as of 312400 Dec 1968           a.     Personnel losses and gain by MOS                     (1)   Officer Dropped                               Captain                    2010                    1                               1stLt                        1802                    6                     (2)   Officers Joined                               CWO-3                    2010                    1                     (3)    Enlisted Dropped                               E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2/1          Total 0311                     0              0              0              0             0              0                 1                1 0353                     0              0              0              0             1              2                    0                3 0369                     0              0              2              0             0              0                  0               2 1341                     0              0              0              0             1              0                    0                1 1811                     0              0              4              3             8              9                11              35 2111                     0              0              0              1             1              0                    0                2 2141                     0              0              0              1             3              4                    1                9 2142                     0              0              0              1             0              0                  0                1 2143                     0              0              0              0             1              1                     1               3 2531                     0              0              0              0             1              1                     1               3 2533                     0              0              0              1             1              1                     0               3 2542                     0              0              0              0             2              0                     0               2 2841                     0              0              0              1             2              0                   0              3 3041                     0              0              0              1             1              0                     0               2 3371                     0              0              1              0             2              0                     0               3 3516                     0              0              0              0             2              0                     0               2 3531                     0              0              0              1             1              6                     1               9 Total                    0              0              7             10          27            24                    16             84                     (4)    Enlisted Joined,                               E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2/1          Total 0141                   0              0             0              0              0              0                1                1 0353                     0              0             0              0              0              1                 4                5 0369                     0              0             2              0              0              0                    0               2                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [2]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL          E-8          E-7          E-6          E-5          E-4          E-3          E-2/1          Total 1345                                          0              0             0              0              0             0                1                 1 1811                                          0              0             1              2              0             2                3                    8 2141                                          0              0             1              0              0             0                0                    1 2149                                          0              0             2              0              0             0                0                    2 2511                                          0              0             0              0              0             0                2                  2 2531                                          0              0             0              0              0             1                1                    2 3371                                          0              0             0              1              0             1                9                11 Total                                         0              0             6              3              0             5               21               35           b.    Personnel Shortages                     (1)   Critical Shortages                               MOS          M/L          T/O          O/H                               0353              4               4               2                     (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           12              20           c.   Awards.   The following awards recommendations were submitted:                     1 Silver Star Medal                     7 Bronze Star Medals                     5 Navy Commendation Medals                 50 Navy Archievement Medals                               The following awards were presented:                     1 Bronze Star Medal                     3 Navy Commendation Medals                     7 Purple Hearts                     3 Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry           d.    Rest and Recreation                     Place                    Quota                    Used                      Hawaii                        13                       10                     Australia                      9                         9                     Kuala Lumpur           2                         0                     Singapore                     1                         1                     Penang                          2                         2                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [3]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           Place                    Quota                    Used           Okinawa                 3                              2           Manila                      1                              1           Tokyo                       4                              2           Hong Kong           10                           9           Taipei                        6                           6           Bangkok               11                         11           Total                        62                         53           China Beach      20                         15           e.    Battalion Legal Summarization                     Special Court Martial - 0                     Summary Court Martial - 0                     Informal Investigations - 12                     Accidential Deaths - 0                     Non-Judicial Punishment - 12           f.     Extension of Overseas Tour - December                     Man Months                    Number                                   Number                            1968                           6-Month Extensions          3-Month Extensions                            1118                                                  27                                                  1                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE   (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [4]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL INTELLIGENCE 1.   Weather.   During the month of December weather conditions proved to be highly favorable for the resumption of tank operations throughout the 1st Marine Division Area of Responsibility.   The mean high temperature for the month was 81 degrees while the low was 71 degrees, compared with the average of 76 and 68 degrees over the past 33 years.   Rainfall for the month sharply decreased to 2.83 inches compared to a monthly average of 8.7 inches over the past 27 years.   More than any other factor this marked decrease in rainfall resulted in improved trafficability conditions thereby allowing our tanks to resume mobile field operations. 2.    Mine and RPG Incidents.           During the month of December the Battalion continued to be plagued by mining incidents, although to a lesser extent than during recent months. There were a total of three mine incidents which resulted in two WIA non-evacuees.   Route 4, connecting Hills 37 and 55, continued to claim a heavy toll of tanks from Company B operating in direct support of the 7th Marine Regiment.   Tank B52 within a ten day period struck two mines no more than 500 meters apart.   During the past month there was one RPG incident which resulted in minor damage to a tank from Company C and one  (1) WIA non-evac.           During the year 1968, vehicles from the 1st Tank Battalion detonated a total of 67 mines ranging in size from 40 pounds to 250 pounds resulting in one KIA and ?? WIA.   This is a significant decrease from the 111 mining incidents which occured during 1967. 3.     Indications.           During the month of December, enemy initiated activity was unus- ually light within Southern Sector Defense Command.   On the night of 21 December, OP Hawk manned by personnel and LVTH6's from the 1st Armored Amphibian Company observed a small white boat floatig down the Song Cau Do flying what appeared to be an NVA flag.   Fire was brought to bear and the boat was destoyed.   A sweep the following morning revealed numerous enemy propaganda leaflets and some debris.           On the night of 23 December, OP's Panther and Hawk observed 10-12 rockets being fired in the vicinity of the Bo Ban hamlets.   The enemy rocket site was quickly brought under intensive and highly accurate direct fire resulting in excellent coverage of the enemy target area.           Based on enemy activity, during January 1968, there remains a high probability of a new enemy offensive during January 1969.   The tenant units within Southern Sector Defense Command remain in a high state of readiness to delay or repulse any enemy attack upon the installations within the Souther Sector and the Danang vital area ????                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [5]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL OPERATIONS AND TRAINING 1.    Operations           With the significant decrease in rainfall during December and the accompanying improvement in trafficability, tanks and Ontos of the 1st Tank Battalion returned to the field to provide support for the infantry regiments of the 1st MarineDivision and the 2nd Brigade, ROK Marine Corps. Tanks participated in three major operations and numerous small unit operations, provided convoy and road sweep security, and strengthened the defensive positions of infantry units throughout the Division Area of Responsibility.   Tanks continued to be employed on key terrain features where their highly accurate direct fire capabilities were used to interdict known enemy routes of advance and egress and to provide counter- rocket fire.           Company A  (-)  (Rein)  remained in direct support of the 26th Marines with the Compay command post co-located with that of the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines.   Elements of the 2nd and 3rd Platooon continued to be employed on Hill 190, providing counter-mortar and rocket fire, and at Namo Bridge, providing bridge security.   The tanks located at Namo Bridge aided by a 50-power starlight scope adn Ground Surveillance Radar fired numerous direct fire missions at increasingly large enemy groups in the AT9184 and AT9185 grid squares, thereby denying the enemy an accessible route of advance into the northern Da Nang vital area.           Company B  (Rein)  remained in direct support of the 5th and 7th Marine regiments with three platoons in support of the 5th Marines and two in support of the 7th Marines.   The Company command post remained co-located with that of the 7th Marine Regiment with a forward command post co- located with the 5th Marine Regiment.   The 1st and 3rd Platoons of Company B remained in support of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, respectively, and during December relocated their command posts to Hill 37 and Hill 10.   Tanks from the 1st and 3rd Platoon were used primarily for convoy and road sweep security and for strengthening the defensive fortifications of their respective supported battalions.   Due to the extensive amount of convoy traffic destined for An Hoa and the 5th Marines, as well as the heavy committment for operation Taylor Common, it was necessary for the 1st Tank Battalion to  provide another tank platoon to support the 5th Marines.   On 26 December, the tank platoon which returned from BLT 2/7 was placed under operational control of Company B and displaced to the 5th Marines command post to bolster their tank assets.   Tanks in the An Hoa Basin were extensively employed during the month to provide security for convoys and road sweeps and in support of infantry units involved in search and clear and search and detroy operations.           Company C  (Rein)  continued to be tasked with support of the 1st Marine Regiment and the 2nd Brigade, ROK Marine Corps.   The Company command post remained co-located with that of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.   The 1st platoon remained within the 1st Tank Battalion CP pre-                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [6]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL paring for deployment with BLT 3/26, and on 22 December was placed under operational control of BLT 3/26.   Tanks from the  2nd platoon provided both direct and indirect fire support for operation Meade River and supported numerous battalion and company size operations in the vicinity of Phuong Ho 1 and 2, Man Quan, and the Marble Mountain Area.   The 3rd Platoon, in direct support of the 2nd the 2nd Brigade, ROK Marine Corps, remained constantly in the field, providing valuable direct fire support for operation Victory Dragon 6 and numerous company size operations.           Company A  (Rein), 1st Anti-tank Battalion remaied within the South- ern Sector Defense Command providing security for the Song Cau Do and Cobb Bridges together with infantry elements of the 1st and 7th Marines, respectively.   One heavy section of Ontos remained in support of the 1st Marines at the Song Cau Do Bridge and a light section of Ontos supported elements of the 7th Marines on the Cobb Bridge.   In addition to command responsibility for OP Panther and the Thre Fingers Combat Outpost, Company a, 1st AT Bn was tasked with command of OP Bear.   One platoon from Company A remained in support of the I Corps Quick Reaction Mobile Task Force, Task Force Kilo. 2.    Task Organization           The task organization of the 1st Tank Battalion as of 31 December was:           Company A  (-)  (Rein):   D/S 26th Marine Regiment           Company B  (Rein):   3 platoons D/S 5th Marine Regiment                                                         2 platoons D/S 7th Marine Regiment           Company C  (Rein):   D/S 1st Marine Regiment                                                         1 platoon D/S 2nd Brigade, ROKMC           Company A  (Rein), 1st Anti-tank Bn:   Co A (-) G/S 1st MarDiv                                                                                                 1 Plt D/S Task Force Kilo                                                                                                 Heavy Section D/S 3/1                                                                                                 Light   Section D/S 3/7 3.     Battalion CP Ground Actions           The 1st Tank Battalin conducted 93 patrols and ambushes in the Battalion Area of Responsibility within the Southern Sector Defense Command. 4.     Ammunition Expenditures           Total ammunition expended during December by the 1st Tank Battalion was as follows:                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [7]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                 90mm                                         HE          APERS-T          CANNISTER          WP          HEAT DIRECT                748                    411                       183                      181             87 INDIRECT               0                        0                         0                          0              0 TOTAL                  748                    411                       183                      181             87                                         106mm                                                            SMALL ARMS                            APERS-T  HEP-T  HEAT          .30 Caliber MG   .50 Caliber MG DIRECT                 70            131           7                       42,050                        5,375 INDIRECT              0               0           0 TOTAL                     70             131           7                              FLAME TANK FUEL                                                                                                                43,560 Gallons 5.     Statistical Results           The results of action involving the 1st Tank Battalion during December are: VC/NVA KIA           TANK OPERATIONS......................62           SSDC  OPERATIONS......................  0 VC/NVA CAPTURES           TANK OPERATIONS...................... 1           SSDC  OPERATIONS...................... 0 VCS           TANK OPERATIONS......................42           SSDC  OPERATIONS......................  0 USMC KIA           TANK OPERATIONS...................... 0           SSDC  OPERATIONS...................... 0 USMC WIA           TANK OPERATIONS                     MED-EVAC............................... 1                     NON-EVAC................................ 2                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   COFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [8]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           SSDC  OPERATIONS                     MED-EVAC.............................. 0                     NON-EVAC............................... 0 WOUNDED NON-HOSTILE ACTION           TANK OPERATIONS                     MED-EVAC.............................. 5 WEAPONS CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS:                      1 M-1                                                                                          6-82mm mortar rounds           3 M-16                                                                                     2 RPG 2 rounds           8 AK-47                                                                                   24 RPG 7 rounds           6 SKS                                                                                       20 RPG 7 Boosters           2 LAAW                                                                                   3 Bangalore Torpedos           1 M-14                                                                                     305 rounds .30 cal           2 Carbines                                                                             50 rounds .50 cal           2-81mm mortar rounds                                                    1 .30 cal machine gun tripod           1 M79                                                                                      5 anti-tank mines           SSDC  OPERATIONS................... 1-140mm Rocket EQUIPMENT AND DOCUMENT CAPTURED           TANK OPERATIONS                     ASSORTED 782 GEAR AND MEDICAL GEAR           SSDC  OPERATIONS                     NUMEROUS PROPAGANDA LEAFLETS 6.     Total for Year 1968 Combined 1st Tank Battalion, SSDC Operations           VC/NVA KIA 701           VC/NVA CAPTURED 48           VCS   83           USMC KIA   32           USMC WIA                     MED-EVAC.........................  111                     NON-EVAC.......................... 115 7.     Training.   Training of 1st Tank Battalion personnel during the month of December centered mainly on General Military Subjects, MOS Training, and Weapons Safety.   Subjects pertaining to operations in a combat enviroment in the Republic of Vietnam were emphasized.    Subjects covered in the weekly Battalion Officers and Staff NCO School were Special Munitions, Red Cross Activities in Vietnam and Individual Responsibility.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1) DECLASSIFIED [9]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL 8.     Summary.   With the improvement in tank trafficability the employment of tank in direct, close fire support of infantry units continued to increase.   Tan continued their major role in direct counter rocket and mortar fire as well as denying the enemy routes of access into vital military and civilian installations.   Although prior to December tanks were largely confined to an overwatching direct and indirect fire support role due to the extensive rainfall, many valuable lession were learned which should prove extremely valuable during 1969. The 1st Tank Battalion looks forward with enthusiasm to 1969 and the opportunity to again provide the infantry regiments of the 1st Marine Division and the 2nd Brigade, ROK Marine Corps with our armor protected mobile fire power.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [10]

DECLASSIFIED PART II NARRATIVE SUMMARY [COVER PAGE] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION 1.    Personnel.   During the period of this report the personnel situation remained relatively stable with a net loss of six officers and forty- nine enlisted personnel.   In MOS 0302 a significant personnel shortage does exist.   The Battalion has only 2 of the 4 MOS 0302 officers authorized Company A, 1st Antitank 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.   In addition to the aforementioned shortage, there is a critical shortage of Staff Noncommissioned Officers in MOS 1811  (Tank Crewmen).   The on-board strength of these personnel is only  67  percent of authorized strength, and this deficiency detracts from the organization's capability to provide needed training and leadership of inexperienced tank crewmen joining the Battalion from CONUS. 2.    Promotion.   Fourteen promotions were effected during December in the grades of Private First Class through Corporal.    Four of these promotions were attained through meritorious combat promotion. 3.    Awards.   Fourteen awards were presented to members of this command, seven of which were Purple Heart Medals.   Sixty-three personnel were recommended for personal awards including one Silver Star Medal and seven Bronze Star Medals. 4.    Twenty in country and sixty-two out-of-country rest and recreation quotas were received, and fifteen in country and fifty-three out-of-country quotas were utilitized. 5.    Legal.   Twelve informal investigations were processed and twelve non- judicial punishments were imposed during December. 6.    Tour Extensions.   Twenty-eight requests for overseas tour extensions were submitted and approved.   The 1968 cumulative man-month total for overseas tour extensions was 1118. 7.    Administration.   There were no significant difficulties encountered in administration during December.   The Battalion Personnel Officer processed three emergency leave and sixty-one special leave requests.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [11]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND 1.    General Summary.           Southern Sector activities continued to be inititiated, coordinated, and controlled by the Commanding Officer, 1st Tank Battalion.   During December, activities conducted by SSDC tenants units included patrols, ambushes, LP's, OP's and COP's.   During the month elements from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines assumed control of the Cobb Bridge and continued to defend this key line of communication, reinforced by a light section of Ontos from CoA, 1st AT Bn.    OP's Hawk, Panther, Tiger and Bear continued to provide early warning of enemy infiltration into the Southern Sector.   Company A, 1st AT Battalion assumed command from Company C, 7th Engineer Battalion of OP Bear and began improvement of defensive positions with the installation of German Barbed Concertina, aircraft flares and the E-8 CS dispenser.   Counter-rocket and mortar sites, OP Panther and OP Hawk again proved their worth in the early morning hours of 23 December when the enemy launched a rocket attack on Da Nang.   No sooner had the enemy launched his attack than tanks from H&S Company, 1st Tank Battalion located at OP Panther and LVTH6's from the 1st Armored Amphibian Company located at OP Hawk brought the enemy launching sites under intensive and highly accurate direct fire. An examination of the enemy launching sites the following day revealed that the direct fire from the LVTH6's was on target and had, in fact, destroyed one of the enemy rockets before it could be fired.   The defensive installations within SSDC continue to provide the capability of delaying or denying an enemy penetration from the west into vital installations within the Southern Sector Defense Command and the Da Nang vital area.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [12]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL SOUTHERN SECTOR DEFENSE COMMAND 160500H Dec 1968     17 rounds of 82mm mortar impacted at  (AT971716).                                                   Firing position believed to be  (AT964695),  One                                                   (1)  Vietnamese civilian was wounded and taken                                                   to Da Nang Hospital. 212310H Dec 1968     1st ALVT's OP at  (AT973704) fired 105mm at a small                                                   boat flying an NVA flag at  (AT974698).   The boat was                                                   destroyed. 230400H Dec 1968     OP Panther at  (AT968707) fired 90mm counter-rocket                                                   fire at  (AT953692) the target was well covered with                                                   unknown results. 230400H Dec 1968     OP Hawk at  (AT073704) fired 105mm counter-rocket                                                   fire at  (AT953692).   Target saturated.   One 140mm                                                   rocket destroyed. 230400H Dec 1968     Btry C 1st LAAM Bn at  (AT974737) received one  (1)                                                   122mm rocket, causing no personnel casualties but                                                   heavy damage to the mess hall. 230400H Dec 1968     ASP #1 compound received one  (1)  122mm rocket at                                                   (AT988754).   No damage or casualties. 241100H Dec 1968     A Vietnamese boy led elements of Company I, 3/7                                                   and company C, 7th Eng to a rocket located at                                                   (AT963718).   Fuse and igniter has been removed and                                                   the propellent expended.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [13]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL LOGISTICS 1.    Table of Equipment Deficiencies.   During the month of December, T/E deficiencies caused this Battalion to remain in category C-2 for equipment and supplies on hand.   Notable deficiencies of mission essential equipments are Helmets, CVC  (47);  Radio Sets AN/VRC-12 (10);  Filter Units, Gas Particulate M8A3  (28);  Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked M51  (1);  Searchlight, Xenon  (8);  Tank Combat, M48A3  (2);  and Mixing Transfer Unit  (2).   The lack of those items is detrimental to the accomplishment of the Battalion mission. 2.    Maintenance.   Three mining incidents;  submersion of one tank; and insufficient available assets of hihg usage repair parts, compents, and assemblies placed a heavy burden on the maintenance personnel of the Battalion.   By a combination of hard work, initiative and imag- ination, however, maintenance were able to provide a consis- tent 88% availability rate for all combat essential equipment possessed. 3.    Supply.   During December, the Battalion Supply Platoon prepared approximately 41 requisitions and processed an average of 250 supply advice cards daily.   During the month, a supply fill rate of 15 percent was attained. 4.    Cantonment Maintenance and Improvements.   Self-help maintenance projects continued to improve the defenses, appearance and livability of the cantonment.   Eleven SEA huts were painted to enhance the can- tonment appearance and preserve the huts from deterioration from environmental elements.   Plywood paneling was installed in the SNCO and enlisted  portions of the messhall.   The Motor Transport Platoon completed 11 additional protective revetments for Motor Transport equipment using sand filled drums. 5.    Medical.   There were 264 immunization and 75 tuberculin skin test administered, and 237 sick call visits made during the month of December.   Nine men were on the sick list, 2 or whom were carried over from the month of November.   Of the 9 men on the sick list, 1 was medical illness, 6 with non-hostile injuries, and 2 with hostile injuries.   Total man-days lost to the Battalion from illness or injury were 23.   There were 5 cases of venereal disease, and increase of 3 over November.   All cases were diagnosed and treated;  all cases were contracted in the Da Nang Area.   MEDCAP in the hamlets of Cam Hoa and Phuoc Thai continued.    Surveillance and preventive measures in the Insect and Vector Control Programs were continued.   Personnel changes during the month included the joining of a Hospital Corpsman Second Class.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [14]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL LOGISTICS STATUS AS OF 312400 DEC 1968 1.    Table of Equipment Shortages.           FSN                                NOMENCLATURE                                        SHORTAGES 1000-605-7710                    Gun Machine M60                                                        3 1040-987-9295                    Compressor, Reciprocating                                        1 2310-835-8686                    Trk Ambulance M718                                                   1 2320-835-8713                    Recovery Vehicle, M51                                              1 2320-763-1092                    Trk, Utility, M151A1                                                     1 2320-993-7522                    Trk, Cargo, 5T, M54A2C                                           2 2350-895-9154                    Tank, Combat, FT, M48A3                                        2 3655-174-0360                    Recharging Unit, CC2                                                   1 4240-691-1505                    Gas Particulate Unit, M8A2                                  28 4930-017-9167                    Lubrication and Servicing Unit                                1 5805-257-3602                    Switchboard, Telephone  SB-22/PT                      1 5820-082-3998                    Radio Set, AN/GRA 39A                                           1 5820-086-7536                    Radio Set, AN/GRC-125                                            2 5820-892-0839                    Radio Set, AN/VRC-12                                            10 6115-228-2815                    Generator, PE-75                                                            2 6115-295-2389                    Generator, 9.4 KVA                                                     2 6115-721-4525                    Generator, PU-482/U                                                    1 6130-635-1655                    Power Supply PP-388 A/U                                          1 6130-903-1163                    Battery Charger, PP-4567/U                                   1 6130-985-7899                    Power Supply, PP-2953/U                                          8 6230-857-0583                    Floodlight Set                                                                  1 6230-901-8639                    Searchlight Set, Xenon                                              8 6625-581-2036                    Multimeter, AN/URM-105                                     1                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [15]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           FSN                                          NOMENCLATURE                                        QTY 6625-643-1030                              Ohnmeter, AM-214-/U                                        1 6625-930-0935                              Test Kit, MK-992/VRC-12                            9 6625-930-0936                              Test Kit, MK-992/PRC-25                               2 8414-926-9992                              Helmet CVC                                                        47           b.    Major Table of Equipment Items Received.    None           c.    Maintenance                     (1)   Secondary Reparable Assets required to place tracked                               vehicle in operational ready status.           FSN                      NOMENCLATURE                    QTY          END ITEM 2520-066-3954          Transmission Hyd                              1             M50A1 2520-678-4164          Assy, Final Drive                               1             M48A3/M67A2 2815-064-6270          Engine                                                      6            M48A3/M67A2 2920-830-6660          Generator                                              2            M48A3/M67A2 2920-960-9278          Regulator, Voltage                          2             M50A1                     (2)   Motor Transport Status                                                                                                                             2d Echelon            3d Echelon ITEM                                                  AUTH          OH          OR          NORS  NORM  NORS  NORM Trk, Cargo M35A2C                       3                3              3 Trk, Cargo M37                                 6                6              4                    1                                                    1 Trk, Ambulance                                  2                1              1 Trk, Tank Fuel M49A2C              8                8              6                                        1                                1 Trk, Cargo M54A2C                      38              36            33                                     1                                2 Trk, Utility, M151A1                      25              24            23                                                                         1 Trk, Wrecker M543A2                    3                3              3 Trlr, Water M107                              10              10            10 Radio Set, AN/MRC-83                 2                2              2 Radio Set, AN/MRC-87                    1               1              1 Radio Set, AN/MRC 109/110      7               6              6 Trk, Van, M109                                    1               1           1 High Pressure Cleaning Unit          4               4              4 Trailer, Lube 250-455                        6               5             3                 2                                                                                                                                             ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                             CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [16]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS 1.    Projects Completed           The unsightly overhead cable wire has been removed from the Eastern portion of the cantonment.           Quarterly inspections of H&S Co and Co A, 1t AT Bn were held, with both companies being awarded a grade of satisfactory.           Seven tanks which required "Q" services were provided this maintenance during December. 2.    Projects Pending.   Quarterly service of all companies commences with Company A during January. 3.    Message Summary.   During the month of December the 1st Tank Battalion Communications Center processed 1200 incoming and 97 outgoing messages. 4.    Summary.   "Q" services were performed on the incoming and the outgoing SLF platoons.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [17]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL CIVIC ACTION 1.    Medical Civic Action Programs  (MEDCAP).   During the month of December a total of four MEDCAP's were held in the hamlet of Cam Hoa and four in the hamlet of Phuoc Thai.   A total of 200 Vietnamese were treated during these MEDCAP's.   On 9 December, a child from Cam Hoa who had been admitted to FLC Children's Hospital for corrective surgery on a hare lip/cleft pallet died of pneumonia without having undergone surgery.   The body of the child was returned to the parents at which time building material was distributed to the villagers in solatium for the child's death.   On 26 December, a child from Phouc Thai was released from FLC Children's Hospital and returned to her village after being treated successfully for a severe skin disease. 2.    Psychological Operations  (PSYOPS).   Movies were shown to the people of Phong Bac Hamlet four times during the month of December. A cultural drama team was requested to perform for the villagers of Phong Bac and Cam Hoa hamlets;  however, it was necessary to postpone the programs due to previous commitments.  PSYOPS leaflets, prepared by the S-5, were distributed to the villagers of Cam Hoa and Phuoc Thai on alternate days  and a successful aerial drop of PSYOPS leaflets was made on the hamlet of Phuoc Thai. 3.    Material and Goods Distributed.   During December the following Materials were distributed:           a.   5200 pounds of swill  (To the Battalion Swine Breeding Farms)           b.   257 bars of soap           c.   1 truck load  (6X6) of lumber           d.   50 pounds of clothing           e.   2 cases of canned goods           f.   27 bags of cement           g.   3 woodworking kits           h.   2 stone-mason kits           i.   500 school kits           j.   8 crosses to thee Priests and Nuns of St. Joseph's Catholic                Orphanage  (Christmas gifts)           k.   $100 to St. Joseph's Catholic Orphanage (Christmas gifts) 4.    Significant Events           a.   During December two major Civic Action projects were initiate in the hamlet of Phuoc Thai.   Intitial steps were taken for the est- ablishment of a Farmers Cooperative Pig Farm and the construction of a new hamlet well.           b.   On 22 December, a highly successful Christmas party was held at the 1st Tank Battalion cantonment for 380 children including 42 orphans from St. Joseph's Catholic Orphanage.   Gifts of toys and candy were distributed to all chrildren and lunch was provided.                                                                                                               ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                               CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [18]

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL           c.   On 24 December, as part of Christmas celebration, gifts of toys and candy were distributed to some 465 chrildren of Cam Hoa and Phuoc Thai hamlets.           d.   Project submittal sheets to build a new two-room school in Phouc Thai were submitted to Hoa Vang for approval.   Weekly checks were made with Province on the pending Cam Hoa School project.           e.   In order to provide a permanent facility for the holding of regular weekly MEDCAP's,  a MEDCAP station was erected in the Phuoc Thai hamlet.           f.   During December the Civil Affairs Officer  (S-5)  attended a COORDS Advisor Orientation Course of 4 days in Saigon.           g.   During the latter part of December a voluntary drive was begun in the 1st Tank Battalion cantonment for contributions to be given to Vietnamese civilians during the TET Holidays.                                                                                                                                   ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                                   CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [19]

DECLASSIFIED PART III SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS [COVER PAGE] DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL OPERATIONS 1.    1st Tank Battalion 041600H Dec 1968     Two tanks from Company B  (AT924518) in support of                                                   1/5 reacted to assist a convoy under fire from                                                   (AT912517).   Tanks fired 90mm and MG's.   Action                                                   resulted in seven  (7)  enemy KIA.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 04 Dec 1968, Entry 10 061715H Dec 1968      A tank from Co B in support of Company C, 1/5 at                                                   (AT957525) received A/R fire from  (AT965516).   Tank                                                   returned fire with 90mm and MG's.   Action resutlted                                                   in three  (3)  enemy KIA.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 07 Dec 1968, Late Entry 1 091530H Dec 1968      Four tanks from Company C at  (BT122598) in support                                                   of the 25th Company, ROK Marines fired 90mm and                                                   MG's into suspected enemy position at  (BT126597).                                                   Action resulted in 13 enemy KIA's and one  (1)  M-1,                                                   two  (2)  M-16's, one  (1)  M-14 and one two  (2)  LAAW's                                                   captured.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 10 Dec 1968, Entry 2 101325H Dec 1968     Two tanks from Company B in support of 1/5 at                                                   (AT948525), received small arms fire from  (AT962522).                                                   Tanks returned fire with 90mm and MG's.   Results                                                   unknown.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 11 Dec 1968, Late Entry 1 111515H Dec 1968     Two tanks from Company C in support of Company E, 2/1                                                   at  (BT095662) were taken under heavy automatic                                                   weapons fire from  (BT099662).   Tanks returned fire with                                                   90mm and MG's.   Action resulted in 20 enemy KIA. 111115H Dec 1968      A tank from Company B at  (AT937523) in support of                                                   Company C, 1/5 fired 90mm at a suspected enemy                                                   position at  (AT955532).   A search of the area                                                   revealed three  (3)  enemy KIA.                                                   Ref:   S-3 Journal, 14 Dec 1968, Late Entry 1 131445H Dec 1968      A tank from Company B at  (AT956525) in support of                                                   Company C, 1/5 fired 90mm at enemy troops at                                                   (AT966528).   Action resulted in three  (3)  enemy KIA,                                                   four  (4)  AK47's, two  (2)  carbines, assorted medical                                                   and 782 gear, one  (1)  enemy captured and 42 detainees.                                                                                                                         ENCLOSURE  (1)                                                                                                                         CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED [20]