DECLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS 3d Antitank Battalion 3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF c/o FPO San Francisco, California 96601 3/VAV/jrb 3100 10 Oct65 From: Commanding Officer To: Commanding General, 3d Marine Division, FMF (Attn. Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3) Subj: Command Chronology, September 1965; submission of Ref: (a) MCO 5750.2 (b) DO 5750.1 Encl: (1) Journals (2) Sitreps 1. In accordance with references (a) and (b) the Command Chronology and enclosure (1) and (2) are submitted. (Signature) BRUCE A. HEFLIN DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED PART I 1. Reporting Unit 3d Antitank Battalion (-) 2. Period Covered 1 September - 30 September 1965. 3. Date of Submission 10 October 1965 4. Commanding Officer 1 September - 30 September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel, BRUCE A. HEFLIN 5. Command Post Republic of South Vietnam, AT987711 - Map SVN Series L701, Sheet No. 6659 III and 6658 IV. 1 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED PART II 1. Organizational 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) Second Platoon, Co. "C", 1st AT Bn. (Qui Nhon Headquarters Field Forces, Vietnam b. Period covered by report: 1 Sep - 30 Sep65 c. Name/Rank of Commanding Officer and Staff or principle subordinates, including T/O billet assignments. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS Commanding Officer Lt.Col. Bruce A. HEFLIN Executive Officer Capt. Orville R. EDMONDSON S-1/Adj WO-1 Gunther DOHSE S-2 Capt. V. A. VERNAY S-3 Capt. V. A. VERNAY S-3A Unassigned S-4 Capt. Stanley R. STEWART Liaison Officer Unassigned Supply Officer 1stLt. Avelino ANDAZOLA Motor Transport Officer 1stLt. Daniel L. TAYLOR Ordnance Officer 1stLt. Brian H. MATHEWS Communications Officer MGySgt. Robert J. DUNN Medical Officer Unassigned Headquarter and Service Company Commandant 1stLt. Christopher J. ROONEY Company "A" Commanding Officer Capt. Karl E. SHARF Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander 2ndLt. P. F. McALEER 2nd Platoon Commander 1stLt. D. B. HOUSE 3d Platoon Commander 2ndLt. R. H. JAROCH Company "B" Commanding Officer 1stLt. M. H. CHANG Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander 1stLt. J. T. MATHEWS 2nd Platoon Commander 1stLt. W. J. MAHER, Jr. 3d Platoon Commander 1stLt. J. J. McCOY 1 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED Company "C" Commanding Officer 1stLt. Andrew G. ANDERSON II Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander SSgt. W. G. GOUTHRO 2nd Platoon Commander 2ndLt. E. M. MILLER 3d Platoon Commander Sgt. L. D. WERRE Company "C", 1st AT Bn. Commanding Officer 1stLt. William F. SNYDER Executive Officer Unassigned 1st Platoon Commander 1stLt. H. J. CONNOLLY 2nd Platoon Commander 2ndLt. H. T. SCHMIT 3d Platoon Commander 2ndLt. M. M. WOOD d. Average Monthly Strength during the Period (1) 3d Antitank Battalion (Rein) 452 (a) Headquarters and Service Company 120 (b) Company "A" 81 (c) Company "B" 86 (d) Company "C" 80 (e) Company "C", 1st AT Bn. 85 2. Sequential listing of significant events a. Personnel During this month 16 men were promoted, two men reenlist- ed, one man died as a result of a plane crash, 16 went on R & R, five men were WIA, one man was convicted by a Summary Court Martial, one man was con- victed by a Special Court Martial, five men received Article 15 punishment and one man was sent ot Okinawa awaiting determination of his sole surviving son status. b. Administration All Companies were on Company administration during this period. Service Record Book audits were commenced. c. Intelligence Information is gained directly from Division Intell- igence section (Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2) concerning Antimechanized capabilities of enemy forces, i.e. mines, AT weapons, road and bridge con- ditions. 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 capble of limited intelligence processing. d. Training Emphasis on increased 50 caliber machinegun and or Anti- Aircraft posture, conducted classes on the 50 caliber machinegun, i.e. in- troduction, description, mechanical training, technique of fire, Antiaircraft gunnery marksmanship training, organizational maintenance. Company "A" es- tablished an Ontos firing range near hill 41, AT934663, for test firing and zeroing. All sections conducted on the job training during the month, emphasis on driver training and Ontos vehicle maintenance. 2 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED Newly arrived troops were given a briefing on where they were located, why they were here and what they can expect during their tour. Safety regulations and rules of engagement were also covered. e. Operations On One September the Battalion was deployed as follows: (1) 3d Antitank Battalion (-) (Rein) in general support of the Third Marine Division. (a) H&S Co. (-) (Command Group) located DaNang TAOR AT987711 (b) Company "A" (-) (Rein) in direct support of the 3d Marine Regiment. 1st Platoon Co. "A" in support of the 1st Battalion 1st Marines. 2nd Platoon Co. "A" in 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. 3d 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 (-). 3d platoon Co. "C" in direct support of the 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) Background. During this reporting period there was a noted increase in Ontos activity especially in the 9th Marines TAOR. The Ontos was used as an evacuation vehicle for wounded Marines, taking them from the front line positions to an evacuation point (usually a helo pad). All companies normally employed their Ontos in the same fashion with emphasis on the particular situation they were in. 3 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED The Ontos supported the infantry on patrols, reconnaissance missions, search and clear operations, as night time perimeter security/ re- action forces. Because of the particular characteristics of the Ontos (narrow, light weight, low silhouette, speed and rapid engage- ment or targets) it proved to be an extremely effective direct fire support weapon for the front line infantry man. On 14 Sep65 an Ontos hit a mine and overturned while in support of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. The type of mine was never de- termined. The vehicle was subsequently destroyed on the battle field by EOD personnel. On 15 Sep65 a second Ontos was hit by a mine in the same general area as the above, again type undetermined. The vehicle was evacuated to FSLG, damage was extensive. (3) DaNang Enclave. H&S Company (-) AST987711 improved defensive po- sitions and started construction of camp contonment. The company conducted a search and clear operation in the village of Yen Bac AT989701 on 9 September and again on 21 September. On 25 September H&S Company in conjunction with H&S Company 1st Am Trac Battalion conducted an amphibious river reconnaissance of the Song Cau Do river. On 28 September members of H&S Company supported by a blocking force from 3d Tank Battalion, two LVTP-5's from 1st Am Trac Battalion and 13 RF/PF Vietnamese from Hoa Cam Training Center conducted a search and clear operation through the villages of Cam Hoa and Yen Bac. Eight VCS were turned over to the Security Officer at Hoa Cam Training Center, 7 were released, one VCS was detained for further questioning. It is significant to note that cooperation between US Marines, US Army Advisors and Vietnamese were excellent, each agreeing that continued work along these lines was necessary. Company "A" (-) (Rein). 1st platoon conducted road reconnaissance South of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines C.P. and supported the 1st Marines move South to hill 41 AT934663 and hill 22 at AT953667. The 1st platoon also provided Battalion C.P. and perimeter security during the reporting period. The second platoon remained in a static position with one light section supporting Company "E" 2nd Batttalion, 3d Marines at Le My and a heavy section at the Battalion C.P. as night perimeter security/reaction force. The light section at Le My supported operation Harvest Moon (rice harvest protection at Le My). The 3d platoon remained attached to the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines at Hue Phu Bai they were assigned night perimeter security, and expended 89 major rounds H&I fire on 12 September in GS8708. Company "C" (Rein). 1st platoon in direct support of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines operated in the Tra Khe complex (2000 meters South West of Marble Mountain) while in support of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines operation. They expended 1400 rounds of 30 caliber machinegun ammunition and 225 rounds of sub machinegun ammunition. On 9 September the 1st platoon supported the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in a search and clear operation South of Marble Mountain with negative results. The platoon was assigned an additional mission of night perimeter security. On 23 September they supported a sweep and clear operation in the vicinity of Man Quan BT045685 with negative results. The 2nd platoon supported the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. They acted as a covering force for resupply columns and participated in Ontos/infantry patrols. They provided night time perimeter security/reaction force. 4 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED The 3d platoon, near the end of the month relieved the 2nd platoon then in support of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. The platoon set up defensive position with Company "E" in the Qua Giang complex GS BT0266. f. Communications and Electronics. During the month of September main- tainded normal communications, which consisted of Division Tactical Net #2 and a twice a day radio check with companies "A" and "C". Wire communications consisted of Internal Command Post telephones and one external trunk to Division, 9th Marines, 3d Tank Battalion and 1st Am Trac Battalion. Furnished radio comm- unications for local security patrols. Due to extreme dust alternating with excessive percipitation, preventive maintenance is the largest problem area. Continuous application is a major requirement. g. Logisitics. During the month of September the logistical support given this battalion by Division showed improvement from the previous month. First of all the receipt of strong backing from Engineer Battalion gave us a start on our permenant contonment program. Of the strong backing received approximately 30% was completed during the month of September. A small quantity of jungle boots and utilities were received and issued to Company "C". The Ordnance/ Maintenance platoon deadlined, repaired and returned to service, 16 M50A1. Due to a lack of organizational spare parts no quarterly PM's were accomplished during this month. This same lack of spare parts, both at second and third echelon, lengthened the deadline period for many vehicles. Contact team support was rendered to Company "B" and Company "C" 1st Antitank Battalion in the Chu Lai Enclave, their maintenance problem being similar to the ones being experienced at DaNang. On 14 September a M50A1 hit a land mine and was overturned. This vehicle was declared a safety hazard by EOD personnel due to the fact live rounds were lodged in the vehicle. All salvable parts were removed from the vehicle and EOD personnel destroyed the vehicles by use of explosives. On 15 September a second M50A1 was hit by a mine. Due to the fact that our wrecker could not operate in the terrain where the vehicle was, assistance was received from the 1st Am Trac Battalion and FLSG Ordnance personnel. The assistance rendered was a 100% effort and indicative of Marine Corps team work. The vehicle was retrieved and taken to FLSG. A condition code"X" was assigned the vehicle. In the supply area 1200 requisitions were submitted with an overall fill ration of 5 1/2%. 40 priority 02 were submitted and two were completed. 178 priority 05 were submitted and 13 were completed. Three M50A1's were requisitioned and replaced two code "X" vehicles and one with excessive minor damages. A PU-482 generator, authorized by special allowance from the Assistant Chief of Staff G-4 was received. Also received was one jeep ambulance M-170 which had been on requisition since January of this year. The Motor Transport section processed 87 work orders, which included Annual and Quarterly PM's. One M-37 truck belonging to Company "A" was ambushed by grenades and small arms fire, the vehicle sustained 27 hits. The only major part damaged was the radiator, which was put on priority 02 requisition. Division Motor Trans- port held a detailed motor transport inspection, results satisfactory with minor discrepancies. Corrective action was taken on all discrepancies. 5 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFIED h. Civil Affairs. The battalion started out the month of September with emphasis on programing more Dental help within our Medical Aid visits. Eight hundred and thirty four patients were medically treated during the month, 63 Dental patients were treated with 32 extractions leading the list. This was the first Dental work incorporated in the battalion's Medical Aid program. The villagers were initially hesitant to receive Dental care, however, most of the villagers grouped around the Dentist (Lt. J. C. LUFKIN(DC) USN) during his first examination and extraction, after which they willingly accepted Dental assistance. Thereafter when we visited the village of Yen Bac AT985708 prospective Dental patients would come up pointing to their aching teeth. As most of the adults chew Beetle nuts, causing a permanet jet black discoloration of their teeth, it causes some unique problems to the Dental Section. Any small cavity or discoloration is almost invisible. The Medical Team discovered that a marked improvement was noted during the month in the villagers, mostly in the areas of sores and minor infections. The addition of vitamins and sanitary indoctrination as well as penicillon have helped to bring about this improvement. On 2 September two swings, constructed by the members of this battalion, were presented to the children of Yen Bac AT985708 by the Battalion Commander. The children were overjoyed and the swings were an immediate success. On the 4th of September in conjunction with over scheduled sich call visit the children of Yen Bac were presented with two see-saws, constructed by the members of this battalion. The children took immediate possession. The village adults helped with placing and setting up of the see-saws in the village. On 10 September the Battalion Commander along with the village Chief, Mr. Tran HAU and the adults of the village helped the children celebrate "Vietnamese Children's Tet" (children's annual holiday). Paper children's lanterns, Vietnamese cookies, Mid-Autumn cakes as well as other children's favorites were distributed to the children of the village. The cost was defrayed by 50 dollars donated by the Officers and men of the battalion. Clothing, soap and candy were distributed to the villagers during the month. The supply was received from the people of the United States under "Operation Handclasp". On 14 September initial contact was made with the Headmaster of THAN PHO DANANG, TRANG PIEU Moc An-Hi (Elementary school) and plans to hold sick call there were formulated. This expanded our People to People Program with two locations to cover. The battalion expanded its program of aid and friendship to visit and Medically treat at least one location daily, Monday through Friday and when the occassion deemed necessary on Saturday. To graphically illustrate the image held by the people of Yen Bac of our battalion, a note worthy incident took place on 23 September. At noon on the 23d a young Vietnamese boy age 16, approached the battalion perimeter and indicated to one of the security guards that he needed medical treatment. He had been severly beaten about the head and neck. He was brought into the battalion C.P. area where he received medical attention and a Doctor from the adjacent 3d Tank Battalion was called for. After being put under medical observation and treatment for six hours he was released back to the village with instructions to attend the next sick call. An interpreter from Hoa Cam Training Center was called while the boy was still here, and it was discovered that the boy was beaten by a farmer for allowing his water buffalo to wander into the farmer's sweet potato patch. 6 DECLASSIFIED |
DECLASSIFED The boy knowing that when he needed help could turn to us, then he made his way to our perimeter for assistance. Although the coming month, with their rainy season is upon us, the battalion will continue its active role in the People - to - People Program. 7 DECLASSIFIED |
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