DECLASSIFIED |
HEADQUARTERS 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF c/o FPO, San Francisco, California 96601 3/ORE/mjs 3100 10 Dec 1965 From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF Subj: Command Chronology, November 1965; submission of Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) DivO 5750.1 Encl: (1) Journals (2) SITREPS (3) Company Operational Summaries, Period of 29 Oct - 1965 (4) Logistical Data 1. In compliance with reference (a) and (b) the Command Chronology and enclosure (1) through (4) are submitted. BRUCE A. HEFLIN DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 PART I 1. Reporting Unit - 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 2. Period Covered - 1-30 November 1965 3. Date of Submission - 10 December 1965 4. Commanding Officer - 1-30 December 1965 Lieutenant Colonel BRUCE A. HEFLIN 5. Command Post - Republic of South Vietnam, AT98771 - Map SVN Series L701, Sheet No. 6659 III and 6658 IV DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 PART II 1. Operational Data including attachments a. Designation/Locations (1) Headquarters and Service Company (-) (Command Group) (Danang TAOR) (a) Company "A" (-) (Rein) (DaNang TAOR) Third Platoon, Company "A" (Hue Phu Bai TAOR) (b) Company "B" (-) (Rein) (Chu Lai TAOR) (c) Company "C" (Rein) (DaNang TAOR) (d) Company "C" (Rein) 1st AT Bn. (Chu Lai TAOR) b. Period covered by report: 1-30 November 1965 c. Name/Rank of Commanding Officer and Staf or principle subordinates, including T/O billet assignment. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS Commanding Officer LtCol Bruce A. HEFLIN Executive Officer Maj. Orville R. EDMONDSON S-1/Adj WO-1 Gunther DOHSE S-2 Capt Vincent A. VERNAY S-3 Capt Vincent A. VERNAY S-3A Unassigned S-4 Capt Stanley R. STEWART Liaison Officer Unassigned Supply Officer 1stLt Avelino ANDAZOLA Motor Transport Officer 1stLt Brian M. MATHEWS Communications Officer 1-6 November 1965 MGySgt Robert J. DUNN 7-30 November 1965 MSgt J. S. KRAJEWSKI Medical Officer Unassigned Headquarters and Service Company (-) Commandant 1stLt D. B. HOUSE Company "A" (-) (Rein) Commanding Officer Capt Karl E. SHARFF Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander 2ndLt P. F. MC ALEER 3d Platoon Commander (Att. 3d Battalion 2ndLt R. H. JAROCH 4th Marines) 1st Platoon, "A" Co. 2ndLt D. C. RUMSEY III 1st AT Battalion 1 DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 Company "B" (-) (Rein) Commanding Officer 1stLt M. H. CHANG Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander 1stLt J. T. MATHEWS 2nd Platoon Commander 1stLt W. J. MAHER Jr. Company "C" (Rein) Commanding Officer 1stLt A. G. ANDERSON II Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander 1-8 November 1965 2ndLt R. D. L'HEUREUX 9-11 Novembr 1965 Unassigned 12-30 November 1965 SSgt R. F. ABRAMOWICZ 2nd Platoon Commander 1-18 November 1965 2ndLt E. M. MILLER 19-30 November 1965 2ndLt M. M. WOOD 3d Platoon Commander 1stLt L. E. WAGONER 3d Platoon Commander 1stLt J. J. MC COY Company "C", 1st AT Bn (Rein) Commanding Officer 1stLt W. P. SNYDER Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Officer 2ndLt H. T. SCHMIT 2nd Platoon Officer 1stLt H. J. CONNOLLY 3d Platoon Officer 1-10 November 1965 2ndLt M. M. WOOD 11-30 November 1965 SSgt E. DAVIS d. Average Monthly Strength during the period. (1) 3d Antitank Battalion (-) (Rein) Officers-23 Enlisted-455 (a) Headquarters and Service 9 130 Company (b) Company "A" 4 76 (c) Company "B" 3 74 (d) Company "C" 3 88 (e) Company "C", 1st AT Bn 4 87 2 DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 2. Sequential listing of significant events. a. Personnel. During the month 64 men went on R&R, four men were medically evacuated for non-battle reasons, once man was granted Humanitarian Leave to CONUS, six men went on emergency leave, five men were awarded Article 15 punishment, 47 men were transferred and 57 men were joined as replacements. b. Administration. All Companies were on Company Administration during this period. Service Record audits are completed, except for the 2nd Platoon, Company "C", 1st AT Battalion which returned from QUI NHON. One Company started the new addressograph PAS system and all Companies are expected to start next month. c. Intelligence. Information is gained directly from Division Intelligence Section (Attn: Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2) concerning antimechanized capabilities of enemy forces, i.e. mines, AT weapons, road and bridge condition. Local TAOR Intelligence is obtained from the 9th Marine Regiment (S-2). Intelligence items published by INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY peculiar to the AT Battalion are further disseminated to the Ontos Companies located in the Danang TAOR. The organic intelligence section of the Battalion Headquarters is capable of limited intelligence processing. d. Training. During the reporting period numerous classes were conducted throughout the Battalion by H&S Company and the seperate gun Companies. Five men from H&S Company attended the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines school on the Seismic Intrusion Device (see SITREP #134 & #135) and these men conducted school for H&S Company personnel. Three men attend- ed 1st AmTrac Battalion generator school (See SITREP #134). Additional men were school on the Claymore mine. The majority of training, conducted by all Companies was "on the job training" and was principally devoted to: Preventive Maintenance, Driver's Training, Communications Procedures, 106mm Recoilless Rifles and .50 Caliber Spotting Rifles with M-60 and M-14 fam firing. Special classes were given on Interior Guard, "Why we are in Vietnam", Viet Cong Tactics, Field Sanitation, Mine Warfare and Range Cards. Personnel, Small Arms and vehicle inspections were also held. A FIREX with (14) ONTOS vehicles was conducted and 326 rounds of HEP-T (106mm), 12 rounds of HEAT (106mm) and 699 rounds of .50 Cal. spotter tracer rounds were expended. A FIREX was also conducted at the HOA CAM Training Center (AT975727) primarily devoted to training in indirect fire and field registration. e. Operations. On 1 November the battalion was deployed as follows: (1) 3d Antitank Battalion (-) (Rein) is in general support of the 3d Marine Division. (a) H&SCo (-) (Command Group) located Danang TAOR AT987711 3 DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/wjs 10 Dec 1965 (b) Company "A" (-) (Rein) in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment (-) 1st Platoon, Co"A" in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines 2nd Platoon, Co"A" in direct support of the 2nd Battalion, 3d Marines 3d Platoon, Co "A" attached to the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. (c) Company "B" (Rein) attached to the 4th Marine Regiment 1st Platoon, Co"B" in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines 2nd Platoon, Co"B" in direct support of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines 3rd Platoon, Co"B" in direct support of the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines (d) Company "C"(Rein) in direct support of the 9th Marine Regiment (-) 1st Platoon, Co"C" in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines 2nd Platoon, Co"C" in direct support of the 9th Marines(-) 3rd Platoon, Co"C" in direct support of the 3d Battalion, 9th Marines (e) Company "C" (-) (Rein) 1st Antitank Battalion attached to the 7th Marine Regiment (-) 1st Platoon, Co"C" in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 2nd Platoon, Co"C" attached to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines 3d Platoon, Co"C" in direct support of the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines (2) Danang Enclave (a) H&S Company (-) During the reporting period the camp cantonment project was virtually completed. An Enlisted Club and an Officer/Staff NCO Club were constructed. An operational briefing and Civic Action tour of YEN BAC (AT985708) was conducted for Congressman CORMAN of California and Judge PREGERSON (See SITREP #126). The Maintenance Section received and repaired seven ONTOS vehicles M50A1's. Brigadier General PLATT and party visited the Battalion C.P. During the General's brief- ing, two incoming sniper rounds were received. The Company reaction squad and perimeter security squad conducted a search and clear operation near YEN BAC (AT9857708) (See SITREP #119). Suspected VC signs found on this operation resulted in a second patrol (See SITREP #121). A joint action patrol with 3d Tank Battalion on 10Nov65 resulted in the capture of two VCS (See SITREP #122) 4 DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 A platoon sized patrol in connection with S&C/Civic Action resulted in the capture of six VCS (See SITREP #140). (b) Company "A" (-) (Rein) Supported the 3d Marine Regiment during the month of November. The 1st Platoon of "A" Company expended 52 rounds of HEP-T 106mm providing H&I fires into Grid Square (AT9264). The 3d Platoon "A" Company attached to the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines expended 72 rounds of HEP-T 106mm providing H&I fires into Grid Square (YD7907). The 2nd Platoon of "A" Company fired six major caliber rounds at targets of opportunity in support of "A" Company, 2nd Battalion, 3d Marines. The 2nd Platoon attached to BLT 2/3 060001H November 1965. The 1st Platoon Company "A", 1st Antitank Battalion arrived with BLT 1/3 at 181830H November 1965 and came under operational control of "A" Company. The ONTOS were used extensively as night perimeter security/mobile reaction force. (See SITREP 117, 126, 133 with attached weekly summaries and enclosure (2)). (c) Company "C" (Rein) Participated with eight section and one platoon operation while in direct support of the 9th Marines. One section of the 2nd Platoon in support of Company "K" in a S&C operation used six major caliber rounds to destroy a VC machine gun position (AT993640), while a section of the same platoon participated in a sweep in support of Compay "I". One section of the 1st Platoon participated in a sweep of THANH QUIT (5) (BT047634) with Company "I" 9th Marines. Company "B", 9th Marines was supported by a section from the 2nd Platoon on a search and clear of CAU HA(2)(BT084664). HA QUANNE(2)(BT133626) and HA MY TAY(1)(BT122618) were swept by the 2nd Platoon supporting Companies "A", "B", and "C". 3d Platoon light section swept VIEM TAY (3) (BT632637). On 19Nov65 the 3d Platoon Company "B", 3d Antitank Battalion who arrived with the 3d Battalion 3d Marines, came under Company "C" operational control. A light section later participated in a second sweep of THANH QUIT (5) (BT047634) while another light section provided the blocking force for a Company "I" sweep along Rt #1 to VIEM TAY (3) (BT032637). The section located at the 3d Battalion, 9th Marines C.P. destroyed by 106mm fire a cement bunker from which sniper fire had been received. The gun platoos were used extensively as day and night perimeter security/mobile reation force. (See SITREP #117, #126, and #133 with attached weekly summaries and Encl. #3). 5 DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 (3) Chu Lai Enclave (a) Company "B" (-) (Rein) Remained attached to the 4th Marines during the month of November. The 2nd Platoon was employed as artillery escort and security in support of an operation conducted by the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines from 29 October 1965 through 4 November 1965. During Operation "Blue Marlin" the 3d Platoon operated in direct support of the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fr the period of 12Nov65 to 18Nov65. On 19Nov65 the 3d Platoon, Company "B" was placed under OPCON of Company "C", 3d Antitank Battalion in the DaNang TAOR and is now operating in support of the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines. The 2nd Platoon provided convoy escort service to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. The ONTOS vehicles were used extensively as a night perimeter/mobile reaction force. No major caliber rounds were expended due to operations. (See SITREP #119, #126, #133 and Enclosure #3 for details). (b) Company "C" 1st Antitank Bn. (-) (Rein) Attached to the 7th Marines. The 1st and 3d Platoons participated in Operation "Black Ferrett" from 290001H Oct65 to 042400H Nov65 during which the Company sustained one WIA. During the period 050001H/112400H Nov65 the 1st Platoon attached to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines participated in operation "Blue Marlin" with one heavy section escorting a 30 vehicle convoy from BT560048 to BT296235. The 2nd Platoon is again providing a heavy section as convoy escort in twice daily runs in support of the Air Field defense. Additional convoy protection was providen by the 2nd Platoon to reconnaissance personnel and as an ammunition resupply effort. The 3d Platoon escorted a platoon of infantry from 3d Battalion, 7th Marines in a search and clear of TRI BINH (1) (BT567985). The ONTOS vehicles were used extensively as a night perimeter security/mobile reaction force. No major caliber rounds were expended due to operations. For details see SITREP #119, #126, and #133 with attached weekly summaries and enclosure (3). (4) Hue Phu Bai Enclave (a) 3d Platoon, Company "A". During the month of November the platoon was attached to the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. Their primary role was that of bolstering the Battalion's Defensive position by manning the MLR during the hours of darkness. For details see "3d Echelon" in Company "A" weekly operations summaries. 6 DECLASSIFIED __________________________________________________________________________ DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 f. COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS During the month of November, the Communications Platoon in addition to maintaining the regular duties of providing continuous communications with the Command Post and to higher headquarters, has been actively engaged in changing the location of the telephone switching central, and the radio central, to afford a more secure location against enemy attack. On 16 November and 29 inspection tours were made to sbuordinate units of this command in CHU LAI and HUE PHU BAI regarding combat readiness of communications equipment and/or supply and maintenance problems. The Communications Maintenance Section is establishing improved methods of handling the various equipments that require repair to provide a more efficient maintenance program. The communications Section is in the process of rewiring the Command Post's telephone network, to include some of the trunk lines to other units. Approximately 60% of the Command Post has been rewired with new electrical cable to provide better lighting and power. On 7 November 1965, MSgt J. S. KRAJEWSKI relieved MGySgt R. J. DUNN as Communications Officer of the Battalion. g. LOGISTICS During the month of November the following significant events took place in the Logistic Support Field. The Ordnance/ Maintenance Section deadlined five ONTOS of which three remain on deadline at the end of this reporting period. A classified modification was completed on all ONTOS vehicles in Vietnam during November. Test firing and driver training was conducted for the weapons repair section. On 1 November, a conference was held with FMFPAC Technical Assistance Team to discuss a replacement and evacuation program for the ONTOS. A recommendation has been submitted to higher Headquarters. On 2 November, a Mount-Out ONTOS vehicle was shipped, via LST to CHU LAI to replace an ONTOS that had hit a mine on 29 October. This ONTOS vehicle was coded "X". A second ONTOS vehicle hit a mine on 16 November. The ONTOS was sent to FLSG but a condition code has not yet been assigned. An Unsatisfactory Equipment Report was submitted to CMC on the Travel Lock Assembly. During the month the Maintenance Section repaired and returned seven ONTOS vehicles to service. The Motor Transport Section turned in to FLSG, two M422's that had been coded "X". A total of 7,415 miles were put on the wheeled vehicles in 644 trips. During the month 43 work orders were opened; of these 19 were completed. At the end of this reporting period three wheeled vehicles were on a deadlined status. 7 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 The Supply Section submitted 550 priority 17 and 12's; 18 priority 05 and one priority 02. Pending requisitions completed during the month total 224 of which 28 were priority 05 and six priorty 02. Major items received during the month were a MRC-36 radio, on the R&E program. A M422A1 was received to replace a M422. Eight Seismic Intrusion Detectors were received during the month under a Division special allowance. The 50 Line item Criti- Pac from MCSC Barstow arrived furnishing the Maintenance Section enough stock to resume quarterly PM's on the ONTOS vehicles. h. CIVIC ACTIONS The Battalion MEDCAP Team treated a total of 1274 Vietnamese patients during November. The team dispensed a total of 2001 treatments; of this number 39 were dentally treated. Providing the dental assistance were Lt.'s J. C. LUFKIN and WIERSMA of the Dental Corps. Over half of the treatments fell into the "Upper Respiratory Infection" and "Disease of the Skin" category. Four children from the village of YEN BAC (AT985708) were evacuated from the village for minor surgery to the Battalion Aid Station and returned to the village after treatment. One male adult farmer from the village was treated at the Battalion Aid Station for a gun shot wound in the head. During the week of 1-6 November the Battalion visited the village of YEN BAC (AT985708) twice along with medical assistance, the villagers were given a new soccer ball. The Battalion Maintenance Section received and repaired two hand tools for the villagers. During the week of 7-13 November the village of CAM HOA (2) (AT976701) was visited. Sick call was held and 84 patients received a total of 199 treatments. After sick call supplies from "Operation Handclasp" were distributed. One large box of candy, 20 pounds of clothing, six boxes of buttons and 100 hotel size bars of soap were distributed. The village of YEN BAC (AT985708) was visited five times. Scrap lumber in excess of 200 pounds was contributed to the villagers. During one MEDCAP visit instructions on Dental Hygiene were given by Lt. J. C. LUFKIN (DC) U. S.N., and the doctor passed out a number of toothbrushes. Durinng the week the villagers also received two boxes of toys, 35 pounds of clothing and six pounds of candy. The Maintenance Section repaired 13 hand tools during the week. While the MEDCAP Team held sick call Capt V. A. VERNAY (Civic Action Officer) was taken on a tour of the class rooms by Mr. TRAN DUOC, Head Master of the school, to determine the need for school supplies. During the week of 14-20 November the village of YEN BAC (AT985708) was visited four times. The An-Hai Primary School (BT048769) was visited three times. During the visits to YEN BAC, 75 pounds of scrap lumber were distributed. Posters written in Vietnamese were posted in the sick bay area. They illustrated various steps in hygiene and simple sanitation practices. 8 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED 3/ORE/mjs 10 Dec 1965 Repairs to two swings (built and contributed by the Battalion) at the AN-HAI School were made. Salt was given to the facualty and 104 bars of soap were distributed during the week to the students. During the week of 21-27 November the village of YEN BAC (AT985708) was visited five times. AN-HAI School (BT048769) was visited twice. On one occasion 24 bars of soap were given to the villagers of YEN BAC (AT985708). On another trip one case of used soap bars were given to them for use in washing clothing. The AN-HAI School children received 200 bars of soap, two pounds of chewing gum and a case of vitamins during the two visits. During the week of 28-30 November the village of YEN BAC (1) (AT985701) was visited, 20 pounds of clothing, 100 bars of hotel soap and six pounds of gum were given to the villagers. YEN BAC (AT985708) was also visited and soap, candy and gum were distributed to the villagers. Sick call was held at the AN-HAI Elementary school (BR048769) during the week. The Attitude of the contacted Vietnamese Adults has been friendly, congenial and grateful for the assistance rendered. The children were happly and looked forward to our visits. The school children have a "School Patrol" to help our Corpsman run an orderly sick call. The villagers of YEN BAC (AT985708) have built a sick call hut for our visits. The Month came to a close with plans made for a special "Children's Day" at the AN-HAI School (BT048769). Said day to be a day of presentation of school kits (Provided by CARE) and candy. Band music and other festivities are also planned. Plans for a small school in the village of YEN BAC (AT985708) are being considered. 9 DECLASSIFIED |
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