1     August     1330  

  From Bde: DTG received 011215 Aug. Intell: Agent reporting B-2 rating, at grid 748444. Last night-4 US POW's, 30 ARVN POW's with VC guards w/AK-47's. They were in the  31 July 2200 hrs until 010500 Aug. Departed area at 010500 carrying rice & fish-2 bags per man.  on a direct route to grid 727396 and are expected to move 7037 and stay thru the daytime. Person were dressed in black pj's-including US persons,  and appeared to be in good health. All US persons were caucasians...Believe ARVN's where from Duc Pho District. 1 ARVN POW said they came from Nui-Can-Vo, vincinty 7035. US persons were captured a long time ago, since they were not tied. Also recent captured persons are either killed or detained in POW Camp. 15 days ago the same persons w/same mission did the same thing...with only a few guards. C Co 4/3 & B Co 1/20 are to be air moved into that area at 011400. Col Barlow will be at SJH in a short time. 4/3 will be in charge of overall operation.

2     August     0001/2400

There were negative significant events of military importance in the AO today.

3     August     1330

Spot Report: from Co A , 3rd platoon DTG of event 031300 at grid 722307, found 2  3'x5' storage bins-approx 6 months old. Found two bundles of documents, which one is believed to be a diary-there is a total of 170 pages between both. 2 trails ...1 running N-S and the other running E-W ....w/negative activity and trails covered with grass.

 4 August 1100

Spot Report: Co A 2nd platoon 2nd squad at grid BS706309 found 3 hooches 6'x 8' & 4'x 4', 1 SKS rifle with a home made stock in rusty and fair condition.

4 August 1630

Spot Report: A Co CP & 4th platoon at 1600 hrs, the point man observed 1 VC/NVA at 20-25 meters watching the trail. He fired 3 rounds at the NVA who started running to the North. The point man then fired 4 more rounds when he spotted him again approx 25 meters to his front. Results: 1 NVA KIA-approx 25 years of age w/ green fatigue long sleeve shirt & short green fatigue pants. Negative/head or foot gear & Negative/weapons or ID.

4 August 2030

Dust off for B Co 2 EM's

Line # 56 Jerry W. Nelson Sp/4 

Line # 95 Michael P. Riley PFC 

Detonated a mech set out by the other element. Multiple frag wounds below the waist and on the lower arms and legs and hands. Possibility of loosing right foot for each EM. Evacu- ated to Chu Lai.

4 August 2115

Spot Report: concerning above dust off, from B Co 1st squad DTG 041945 at grid BS 775323, At above coordinates two trails crossed. The 2nd squad of 2nd platoon went on trail to the left and set out a mech. The squad returned to the platoon location and told the 1st squad to set their mech's to the right...since they put theirs to the left, but the 1st squad went out and took the left trail...detonating the mech resulting in 2 US WIA's and evacuated to Bronco by 2030 hrs.

5 August 0830

Company C had 3 men get stung by bees-2 were stung in the face, and 1 was stung on his arm. the 2 that were stung in the face had eyes swollen almost closed & man stung in arm-had trouble moving it.It happened late in the afternoon of August 4th. Bn Doctor was called and was told of the situation and he said"if breathing wasn't a problem then they could come back on a r/s bird"

5 August 1017

Dust off requested at 0945 hrs & completed 1015 hrs. Requested for B Company for Line # 66 Wagner, John H. III Sp/4 . Came in contact with some type of poison-poison ivy...eyes were swollen together.

5 August 1121

Spot Report from Recon 3rd squad 1st element DTG 050928 at grid 646425, they had a map detonate with results: 1 VC KIA was wearing black pj's carrying transistor radio, type of poncho pack w/contents; food, rice fruit, some type of leaves, 4 pair of extra shorts and 1 medium size khaki and 3 other shirts, and had 1 picture and 2 documents.(document had seal of Quang Ngai and mentioned Mo Duc, Duc Pho, Quang Ngai) VC wore HCM sandals and was moving S-SE..Also had one watch.

6 August 0001/2400

There were negative significant events of military importance in the AO today.

 7 August 2230

From Radar 2030 hrs nat grid 758327, observed lights from LZ Dwarf, Az 1620, Rg 2840, radar detected some type of transmission causing interference in operation from this location. Engaged with 4.2, 105 at Bronco, total rounds 22 HE 105....16 HE 4.2.

Spot Report: At 1045 hrs  at grid BS787325 Co B found 1 250 lb bomb, will be destroyed in place.

8 August 2140

Spot Report: summation of A's contact-081835.A Co CP spotted 140 plus NVA at grid BS731261 moving SE-NW. Personnel moving in groups of 8-12, There were 12 groups and persons were 5 meters apart, groups 10 meters apart moving in columns and moving very fast on a trail in the valley. Were wearing green & black uniforms...Approx 1/2 had weapons and 90% were carrying packs and  rucksacks. Only small arms were observed & no radios were observed. Engaged w/Arty, after first volley-enemy moved into wood line at grid 731259. Request immediate air strikes. Kept constant Arty until AS arrived...At 2020 hrs, 2 elements of A Co received 1 round each, and it was possibly a B-40 rocket, which landed 50 meters in front of their positions at grid 735265 & 736261. At 2035 hrs a element had heavy movement to their front at grid 736261. At 2105 hrs had movement between grid 740264 & 741259. Negative results from movement.

9 August 1605

Spot Report: Co C at 1230 at grid BS704299 found 8 huts 4'x6' made of bamboo & grass and was approx 6 months old. Huts were lean to type w/no roof and located near 4 rice paddies. Paddies are well cultivated and are 15 meters x 20 meters near many trails that run in various directions. Also found tracks of 8-10 personnel used in the past 3 days and fresh defecation.

9 August 1620

Spot Report; Co B at grid BS673276. Engaged 1 VC/NVA moving South at 60 meter distance. Enemy evaded N up the hill: was approx 25 years of age wearing black & green uniform w/sweatband and barefoot. Negative results.

9 August 1740

Spot Report Co B at grid BS673273. found a 5-6 man sleeping position used within the last 24 hours-6'x12'w/4 fireplaces in area were also used. Found 1 basket containing 1 NVA canteen, 1 pair of black pants & shirt, 1 poncho liner, 1 rucksack full of cabbage, 2 lbs of rice, 2 dozen bananas and 1 1/2 lbs of crabmeat.

 10 August 0001/2400

4/3 Infantry continued offensive & ambush operations that were operating out of LZ Dwarf. C 1/20 is under OPCON (operational control) to 4/3 ..securing LZ Dwarf.

10 August 1845

Message from 4th Division: Co B 2/35: Engaged 2 VC/NVA from a ambush position w/small arms, claymores, and resulting in 2 KIA & 2 AK-47 CIA at grid BS697227.

10 August 1729

Spot Report; Co D 3rd platoon at grid 721253 found an enemy base camp: 8 hooches that were 5'x 8' and 15 bunkers w/heavy overhead cover. Found corn cobs on ground. 1 flashlight-non serviceable, 1 US water blivet, 5 green shirts & 4 blue shirts, 1- 5 gal of polished rice (destroyed) , 2 illumination cannisters of salt. There were signs of chickens in the area. 1 SKS rifle # 19642-102482 and in fair condition and operational. There were many trails in the area and running W & NW.

11 August 1539

Spot Report: Received by McEwen from A Co 1st platoon received approx 4 bursts of AK auto fire from 2 VC/NVA. Platoon returned M-79 fire, and enemy evaded to the North, could not tell what they were wearing.

11 August 1745

Spot Report: Co D 4th platoon at grid BS716248 was stopped when a reinforced squad or platoon of VC/NVA opened up with automatic weapons fire and blew/claymores or threw frags. There were 3 simultaneous explosions with negative friendly casualties....enemy evaded South. Auto weapons fire was suspected M-16. Action on well used trail running N-S up a ridge and US troops were engaged at 15 meter distance w/explosions and 50 meters by small arms fire.

12 August 1200

At 1028 hrs and grid BS700263. Co B 3rd platoon had a Map detonate , resulting in 1 NVA KIA, CIA: 1 AK-47 in excellent condition, 2 chicoms grenades-one with wooden handles (70-54-TN-K) and 1 pineapple manufactured type (386-13-69 T), 1 NVA pistol belt, 1 hammock, 1 NVA poncho, and 1 4.2 inch illumination parachute. NVA was medium height and build and was moving down the dry stream bed....he had a fresh haircut with close sidewalls.

12 August 1617

Spot Report: Co C at grid BS719252. Point element was moving SW down the trail when either a claymore or frag detonated and they received 60 AK-47 rounds and possible M-16 rounds. Enemy was approx 25 meters from point element. Estimate 4--6 persons evaded to the SE. Found 30 meters from blast area a booster from RPG....4 US slightly wounded from the explosion and not dusted off.

12 August 1832

Co D requested dustoff for EM who received shrapnel in elbow 1" long 1/2" deep...Completed 1815 hrs.

Line # 89 Deneui, Orville D. PFC

 13 August 0915

Spot Report: at 0755 hrs from C Co at grid BS715250. Engaged with unknown size enemy force at 30 meters, w/small arms fire and received small arms fire in return. Friendly element was maneuvering on enemy when a M-60 gunner was hit in the chest with 1 small arms round. Enemy broke contact, evaded to the SW.

Line # 84 Brant, Michael PFC  sucking chest wound.

13 August 0940

Spot Report: Co C at grid BS716250. found 1 new hut & 1 sleeping positing: 15'x 20' inside hooches....Found 1 NVA bush hat, 1 NVA canteen, 1 shipping container for RPG round. Area is new and used within 24 hrs, and the main trail is running E-W, and 50 meters of this location foxholes were found-5'deep and 3' square. 1 circular magazine for RPD chicom light machine gun about half full and in good condition. It was left there recently............sn # on magazine H-569 .

14 August 1450

Co D 3rd platoon at grid BS708251. While checking out a old enemy base camp received 18 rounds of automatic AK47 fire...from approx 3 VC/NVA 100 meters across a dry creek bed. Element is moving on position at this time...Negative friendly casualties.

14 August 1600

Dust off for Co B Line # 63 Sp/4 Schnakonbers, Charles  requested for chills and fever of 104 degrees. Requested 1535 hrs & 1550 hrs complete.

15 August 1005

From AMC ship: at 0850 hrs at grid BS752338. Observed 1 pack with weapons moving thru open area.... Sharks engaged and said they hit pack as he entered wood line on SE side of clearing.

15 August 1720

From Recon to McEwen to Norris: Bde Recon platoon while in ambush position, observed 1 VC/NVA at 75 meters with pack and weapon. Enemy spotted friendly, at the same time, and signaled persons in the rear by shouting. Recon platoon engaged w/small arms fire and had negative results: Enemy evaded and Recon conducted sweep of the area with unknown results.....more to follow.

15 August 2315

Spot Report: Radar 162130 at grid 752326. 4 personnel....Engaged with 4 HE 105 rounds, and about 5 minutes later had 7-10 personnel in the same area moving NW. 6 more 105 rounds fired-and believed to be a direct hit.

16 July 1235

C Company CP requests dust off for PFC Dwayne Hoseca groin trouble-collapsed testicles and is producing fluid.

16 July 1246

Urgent dust off requested by C Co 1/20 for heat casualty for Line # 153, requested 1209 hrs completed 1238 hrs, Informed TOC 1/20 and asked for name .....no line roster at their location...will get back later.

16 July 1530

C Co 1/20 requests urgent dust off for Line # 152 Heat Casualty....Requested time 1504 hrs and Completed time 1518 hrs.

16 July 1655

A Co at grid 687537 near by a stream bed, A Co found fresh cut hair in a bushy area with the undergrowth cut out, area was 20'x15' and by a trail running NS, also found pieces of cloth and plastic.

17 July 0640

Spot Report: A Co at grid 625538 had a MAP detonate at 0100 hrs. Results: 1 small brown monkey KIA.

17 July 0941

From TMF target, String 158 target C, 5 persons moving E-W at 2 mph and metal confirmed. Did not engage-Couldn't get clearance from Bato.

17 July 1630

Spot Report: B Co DTG 171440 at grid 614528: 1 VN female 40 years old walked up to B Co w/pack. She had numerous papers in her hand. KCS said her husband had been an ARVN and was killed by the VC. She was afraid because no US had been in the area for along time but had suddenly appeared. She said the VC came from the hills about every 7 days to get rice. She knew of no rice caches in the area.

18 July 1214

D Co 2nd squad 3rd platoon, DTG of event 181140 at grid 621518. D Co had secured area around hut and were checking area when 1 NVA walking S-N along stream bed-engaged at 10 meters KIA who was approx 24 years old and wearing a blue uniform and Ho Chi Minh sandals, pack w/ID papers, printed book. Blue shirt green pants-khaki, green GI shorts, pistol belt, 2 chicoms, 1AK-47 ser # 7337999...They will blow up chicoms and shelter.

18 July 1400

Spot Report: D Co at grid 621511, 181253: Had one MAP detonate-3 KIA wearing grey shirt & black pj type pants, 2 wearing blue uniforms. They were on a trail going NE-SW. One blood trail, one wallet containing pictures & MACV card and ID card-Valetine card(US). second wallet unknown at this time. One AK-47 ser #11041869, one M-16 ser# 840952, one M-16 ser# 864894. One man was 20-25 years old and the second man was 18-20.

18 July 1439

C Co requests dust off at grid 760337 for Line # 99......... PFC Robert Mc Kay Requested 1421 hrs & completed 1439 hrs.

18 July 1818

Spot Report: C Co 3rd platoon 2nd squad, at grid 760320, had a MAP detonate resulting in 1 KIA, male 20-25 years old wearing green pj's & green GI shirt, green GI T shirt, bare footed, negative pack, billfold or papers of any kind. He was carrying 1 SKS with bayonet and 5 rounds in magazine. ser # 02876...KIA was moving in a SW direction.

18 July 2115

C Co 1/20 at grind 602516, urgent, sporadic contact, dust off 89, hit in back with small arms fire.1 US WIA.

 19 August 1025

Spot Report from BATO: P105A element initiated contact with 1 squad of VC, enemy broke contact and evaded to the North, results: 1 VC KIA....CIA: 1 AK-47 -will get serial number later. Friendly casualties 2 CIDG WIA.

19 August 1820

Spot Report: Co C at grid BS693250 while closing on LZ Avenger ....walked into a friendly MAP....results: 2 US KIA, 1 US WIA. Dust off complete 1800 hrs.

19 August 1821

Dust off requested and completed for C Co 1 WIA-shrapnel wound from claymore in left hand and face, also concussion.

Line # 13 Sp/4 Ward Daniel L.  Hysteria

Line # 36 Sp/4 Boatwright, William  Hysteria

2 US KIA

Line # 88 PFC Cross, Fredrick W.

Line # 32 Sp/4 Anthony, John E.

1 US WIA

Line # 26  E-5 Pederson, George W. shrapnel wound in left hand and face w/concussion.

19 August 1910

From Bde: D Co CA is approved w/7 birds. B Co & C Co exchange will have to go w/Hooks. From S-3: Cancell D Co CA. HOOKS must go after 201000 Aug, Approved by Cpt Mullen.

20 August 1319

Late entry: Co A 2nd platoon at grid BS688242. engaging 2 VC and resulting in 1 VC WIA-POW. CIA: 1 AK-47 w/banana clip, 1 pistol belt with buckle, compass w/case and pack. Other VC evaded with negative findings. Action at 0905 hrs.

20 August 1440

Ref item #21, additional information: POW 25 years old, and was engaged on the trail at 50 meters. Trail was running SE-NW...CIA: 1 chicom, inside pack was parachutes-from 4 105 mm Arty flares , 8 pieces NVA plastic poncho. Had green shirt, black shorts, no head or foot gear. Companion evaded to the SE, had negative weapon, and wore same clothing plus bush hat.

20 August 1508

Co D requested dust off for 2 people...WIA from MAP...1450 hrs & completed 1500 hrs.

2 US WIA

Line # 26 Huey, William S. Jr E-5  hit in legs Line # 63 Mills, Donald J. Sp/4  hit in cheek & tongue.

20 August 1520

Co D 2nd platoon at grid BS711247 walked into a MAP resulting in 2 US WIA evacuated. The platoon was disoriented approx 700 meters...they sent their location as BS707244 and were supposed to be moving South. They were instructed not to have any MAPS out today.

20 August 1700

From Bde Cpt Green to 4/3 TOC (McEwen) POW was Recon Squad Leader of 1st Squad 2nd Co 403 Sapper Bn with a strength of 45 men. At time of capture he was leading a patrol of 10 men to Recon US positions. Unit is approx 1 day West of place of capture in the vicinity of Bay Sau Slope and Hon Hoa.The reason unit was long out of contact w/US is shortage of food. Also persons were on resupply mission.

20 August 2235

From Ba To: received LZSJ 1800 hrs P105A at grid BS564398 at 201300 hrs. Enemy engaged w/platoon & w/RPG's & small arms fire. Enemy was 200 meters away, had dug-in fighting positions. Enemy broke contact to East under heavy fire from gunships and Arty, No friendly casualties...unknown enemy casualties.

21 August 0835

Spot Report: MCP at grid BS727279 spotted 7-8 persons moving NW-SE with packs and weapons. Engaged with 10 rounds of 4.2 with unknown results.

21 August 0918

From Bde (Norris): POW captured by A Co located at 91st Evac at Chu Lai source said 40th Co has 3 platoons -recon w/15...sapper w/20....transportation w/10 men, source said 2 squad per platoon. Co has 45 AK-47's, 6 B40, 3x 82 mm, 1 x 60 mm, 1 RPG launcher, and source knows of no other unit in the area.

21 August 0940

Co B 3rd platoon at 0915 hrs. at grid BS695257. 50 meters North of this location element found a cave by a stream bed with a opening of 6'x 4' which narrowed to 2' x 2' of solid rock material. Inside 3 rusty metal cannisters 30" long x 4" with flip top approx 25# inside cannister a projectile approx 28" long 1st 14" OD in color like 81mm round. On back end was plastic part with holes in it. Back part like 105 mm cannister. Numbers on rounds 75-60, 28-66 .

  22 August 0950

Spot Report: Co D 2nd platoon at 0915 hrs  at grid BS708241. found 7  collapsed 8'x 12' bunkers, and 5 hooches were new. 3 were just framed -all were destroyed. 18" commo wire was found along with 15 potatoes, 2 corn cobs. On the trail running NW-SE there was a blood trail approx 3 days old. Their scout said that boot tracks on trail were possibly made by approx a platoon of NVA moving South..

22 August 1210

Spot Report: Co D 2nd platoon at grid BS706244 found what appeared to be an 8' x 12' classroom w/ benches. There was barbed wire in the area and the scout thinks it is a sapper school. 2nd platoon is destroying all structures.

22 August 1325

Spot report: from Co D at grid BS706244. 2nd platoon found 10' x 8' x 10' bunkers with built in stoves and a wash area. This area was in approx 2 weeks ago. There were trails going in all directions that showed use in the last week.

22 August 1719

Spot Report: from Co D 2nd platoon found one 51 caliber machine gun. It was broken down into its main parts. Will call back with more details. It was in fair condition, slightly rusty, all parts except tripod. Had 2 circular type sights. Serial # A209.

23 August 0001/2400

Daily Journal For August 23, 1970 Missing

24 August 1312

Late entries-Spot Report: BA to C26A at grid 594415 at 241125 hrs. saw 3 VC in khaki uniforms 20 meters away. Engaged resulting in 3 VC KIA w/negative weapons, VC Vietnamese. Spot Report: C at grid 836257, 241205 hrs., point man from 3rd platoon killed a pig.

24 August 2330

Intell from Bde Kiernan, from Nghia Hanh grid 633589, observed extensive sampan travel every night on the Song Ve River, in the direction of S-N sampans are loaded while moving in that direction. At 2300 hrs they stop at a bridge location 6155, than move to what appears to be a load off point approximately grid 655576 which PF's observed 100-500 flashlights. When sampans return they are not loaded cargo is unknown.

 25 August 0955

From Bde Annas-Primo 5 at 241900 hrs. at grid 898213. while on VR , observed a smoldering camp fire & recent signs of activity also some clothing and wood cut for fire. At 240830 at same location observed clothing had been moved around.

25 August 1020

26 August 0001/2400

Journal Summary; 4/3 Infantry continues search and clear operations in 4/21 Infantry AO. AO ext B-03. Ref item # 32 Helix 03 dir A/S on grid 670328. Ref item # 48 reg Intell NVA holding Propaganda program. Ref item # 56 reg AO ext B-05 for upcoming operations. Negative of further import occurred.

27 August 0701

Cancel AO ext B-03 to BDE.

27 August 1550

Sport Report: from S-3 Command Group 2714500 at grid 477705, booby trap construction a pit 6" wide x 1' long top covered with waterproof bag, w/4 sticks for support, function, step on bag and fall into pit & boom.

27 August 1605

Spot report; from B Co 2nd platoon at grid 461697. found 1 new 81 mm mortar with safety pin still in it. ...Will destroy.

27 August 1705

Dust off request, from B Co at grid 461688. Sliced ligament between thumb & fore finger.....started 1628 hrs and completed 1645 hrs.

27 August 2015

Spot Report; from C Co at grid 488696, DTG 271900, spotted 3 VC/NVA with packs and weapons. Company moving in to ambush to set up mechanicals at all exits to the valley. At first light element will patrol the area. Capt Carlo refused Arty. Approx 800-1000 meters away from brown shirt on 1 black uniform on other,could not tell what third was wearing.

28 August 1310

Company C requests dust off at grid 488696. For Sgt Lynn-heat stroke.......Started 1240 hrs. & completed 1325 hrs.

28 August 2310

Spot report; from B Co 1st platoon at grid 458688. 10 children walked into ambush 2 children approx ages were 9-11. The other 8 children evaded to the West, where there was adult footprints in area. Holding children until tomorrow. 

28 August 2310

Spot Report; from Company C CP DTG 281915 at grid 480707. 150 meters away from CP in a valley spotted 1 VC/NVA. Engaged w/small arms fire and he evaded to the South ....negative results and will check area in the morning.

29 August 0715

Co C 1st platoon on DTG 290615 at grid 483717. had Map detonate. Results: 1 VC KIA-20 years old. Wearing black shorts & shirt. Also US T-shirt, paper w/VN writing, and will be back hauled. Sandbag, with pack of tobacco, 1 1/2 lbs of dried potatoes, HCM, 3'x5' poncho, and 5oz of salt. Moving SE when Map went off.

29 August 0845

C Co 4th platoon on DTG 281915 at grid 482708. engaged 1 VC/NVA at 150-170 meters moving North. At 290715 found body. KIA wearing black shorts and shirt and Ho Chi slip -pers. Also had one fish trap 2' long and 6" in diameter.

29 August 1800

C Co 1st platoon at grid 484708 onDTG 291620. Engaged 2 VC/NVA. Results: 1 KIA VC/NVA. The second man evaded to the South , towards the CP at grid 485715. He is believed to be wounded. The 1st platoon is maneuvering to capture second man. Dead man wearing blue shorts and no shirts or shoes. Carrying a blue khaki shirt. The one that got away is believed to be carrying an M-16 or SKS. Approx 30 meters away when engaged w/ 10 rounds.

29 August 2210

Late entry from C Co Spot Report on DTG 292000. 1st squad 1st platoon had a MAP detonate at the above time. A hasty search of the area results in one KIA female-14 years old, no weapon, she may have been carrying a pack. Will check area at first light.

30 August 1403

Recon requests dust off at grid 467723 for PFC Joy and KCS Khakh. Extracted for heat exhaustion.

30 August 1840

Dust off request for D Co at grid 466719. Line # 39 Sp/4 Allard compound fracture-left leg and right ankle. Time started 1825 hrs & completed 1840 hrs.

30 August 1930

Spot Report; from D Co 2-0 DTG 301830 at grid 463727. a booby trap detonated resulting in 1 US WIA & evacuated to Chu Lai ....Booby trap was a home made chicom w/wire attached.

30 August 2030

From Bde Major Swaney-There is a great possibly, that our field elements will be attacked tonight. Could not give source due to security.

31 August 1040

Dust off requested by Co D at grid 463743, DTG 310955. Line # PFC Leroy Trimble-received compound fractures and multiple frag wounds to both legs as a result of booby trap. Made of home made chicom grenades w/trip wire above ground.Whole blood was needed. Dust off was requested at 0955 hrs and completed at 1010 hrs.

31 August 1330

Command group found booby trap at PZ. Trap was a can of explosives with buried trip wire across trail. Blown in place.

Dust off requested by C Co completed at 1950 hrs, requested at 1920 hrs. for;