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    01 July 68     0625H
Co D ambush closed on LZ Buf. Co B ambush closed on LZ Dottie. Recon ambush closed on LZ Paradise. Co C elements vic LZ Paradise.  

01 July 68     1000H       SEE Journal     #A
Co A moved from LZ Bronco to LZ Buf.

   01 July 68     1145H
Division FAC reports CH-47 Helicopter and a UH-1B Helicopter had mid air collision.
   05 July 68     1100H     LZ WEST
4/3 Inf. Assumed operations in designated sector 4/31 AO. TOC will be at LZ West. AT990250.

   05 July 68     1735H      SEE Journal     #2
Co D KIA 1 VC hiding in well at AT924250.
   06 July 68     2240H
4/31 Inf. report photo interpretation shows unit at AT901208: 3 foxholes, 3 weapons mounted on tripod, wheeled vehicle w/canvas top.
 
07 July 68
 SEE Journal     #A

  08 July 68
 SEE Journal     #B

   09 July 68     0600H      SEE Journal      #2      #3
Co B closed on LZ West. Co D closed LZ Karen. Co C vic AT929237.

  10 July 68
 SEE Report      #A

   11 July 68     0900H    SEE Journal     #1      #4   Report    #A
Co A request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/gun shot wound result of accident. LZ west; AT990250,  See journal

   11 July 68     0955H 
Gun ships engaged 2 MAM’s evading result 2 VC KIA

  11 July 68     2145H
Co D request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/gunshot wound result accident.
PFC Doug Mitchel see journal
Shot by individual in 2nd platoon. Vic AT851236

   12 July 68     0755H
Co A CA, LZ cold.

   12 July 68     0823H
Co C CA, LZ cold.

   12 July 68     0833H
Gun ships engaged 2 VC result 3 VC KIA. Scored the 3d VC KIA on the bonus round.

    12 July 68     0905H
Battalion SITREP Neg. location: Co A- AT808255, Co B- AT842243, Co C- AT813255, Co D- AT846237.

   12 July 68     1130H
Spot report: Co C and Co A are finding indiv. And crew served weapons, rockets, mortars, equipment, documents and a classroom large enough for
 40 persons.

cong

  12 July 68     1320H
Co D found message written on fibrous material, Banana leaf. The Vietnamese translation was; “US are coming, will shoot me, am leaving because I love my
wife and do not want her shot.”

  13 July 68
 SEE Journal     #3     Report   #A
 
  14 July 68     2400H
All 4/3 elements Vic. LZ O’Conner.
 
  15 July 68     0640H    See Journal    #3
Unit strength: A Co-114, B Co-93, C Co-108, D Co -118, E Co-69.
 
  18 July 68     0855H
Co A request DUSTOFF for 1 US WHA result Booby trap at AT913351.
SSG James Hildebrandt, KHA.     See journal
 
  18 July 68     1011H    SEE Journal    #2      #3     Report    #B
Recon request DUSTOFF for 1 US WHA w/gunshot to arm at AT905239.
PFC Gary R Stephen.    See journal
 
  18 July 68     2400H
Spot report: 4/3 continues security and ambush patrols vic LZ Karen, LZ Lurch and LZ O’Conner. See journal summery
 
  19 July 68     1240H
Co A request DUSTOFF for 1 US KHA, 2 US WHA by SA fire at AT904253.
James Hall -WHA ,
Philli Oglesby-KHA,
Lenioda Hargrove-WHA.    See journal    More     More     And last
 
  19 July 68     1245H
Co A engaged 2 VC result 2 VC KHA.

  20 July 68
 SEE Report    #3    #4    #5     Report         #A
 
  21 July 68     0750H
Co A and C arrive Lurch. AT925238
 
  21 July 68     1855H
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US injured by entrenching tool.
PFC Jack D Merrell. See journal

 23 July 68
 SEE Journal    #2    #3     #6     #7

  26 July 68
 SEE Journal    #3   Report    #A
   etool  
  26 July 68     1400H
Request DUSTOFF for Capt. Hendrix w/multiple burns on hands and face.  See journal      And more

     31 July 68
 SEE Report      #A      #B

 august  
January  February  March April  May June July  August September October November  December

01 Aug. 68     2400H     SEE Report    #A
Spot report: 4/3 secures LZ Karen, LZ Lurch, Hill 210, and LZ O’Conner.
    01 Aug. 68    
Co C found 14 bodies in graves Vic. AT905214.
 
  04 Aug. 68     1250H     SEE Report    #A      #C
Co A and Co C prepares to move to Hill 54.

   05 Aug. 68
 Dustoff      #3
 
  06 Aug. 68
 Summery  

  09 Aug. 68     SUMMARY
Co A continues patrol sweep at BT418083.
Co B secures Hill 54.
Co C at Chu Lai for stand down.
Co D secures LAAM site and bridge security.

  10 Aug. 68
 Tracy Sheets     #2      #4      #A

   11 Aug. 68
 Hadaway      #5
 
  13 Aug. 68     1418H
Co C closed on Hill 54.
 
  13 Aug. 68     SUMMARY      SEE Journal      #2
Co A secures LAAM site and BA BAU Bridge.
Co B secures LZ Bowmen.
Co C conducts operations Vic Hill 54.
Co D is at Chu Lai for stand down.

    14 Aug. 68
 Bradford Hall        SEE Journal     #2
 
     15 Aug. 68
 SEE Journal     #2

  16 Aug. 68     1155H SEE Journal     #2      #3
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US WHA by sniper at BT335104.
PFC Richard Woods.     See journal
 
   18 Aug. 68
 SEE Journal     #3      #4  

  19 Aug. 68     1115H
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/FUO at BT382117.
SP4 Ronald A. Chura.   See journal
 
  19 Aug 68     1120H    
Co B request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/frag wounds from misfired claymore.
LZ Bowmen,
Ernesto G. Espinoza.   See journal
 
M18 Claymore
The M18 Claymore, a directional fragmentation mine, is 8-1/2 inches long, 1-3/8 inches wide, 3-1/4 inches high, and weighs 3-1/2 pounds.
The mine contains 700 steel spheres (10.5 grains) and 1-1/2 pound layer of composition C-4 explosive and is initiated by a No. 2 electric
blasting cap. The M18 command-detonated mine may be employed with obstacles or on the approaches, forward edges, flanks and rear
edges of protective minefields as close-in protection against a dismounted Infantry attack.
 
claymore
The Claymore projects a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls in a 60-degree horizontal arc, at a maximum height of 2 meters, and covers a
casualty radius of 100 meters. The optimum effective range (the range at which the most desirable balance is achieved between lethality
and area coverage) is 50 meters. The forward danger radius for friendly forces is 250 meters. The back blast area is unsafe in unprotected
areas 16 meters to the rear and sides of the munitions. Friendly personnel within 100 meters to the rear and sides of the munitions should
be in a covered position to be safe from secondary missiles.


The Claymore projects a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls in a 60-degree horizontal arc, at a maximum height of 2 meters, and covers a
casualty radius of 100 meters. The optimum effective range (the range at which the most desirable balance is achieved between lethality
and area coverage) is 50 meters. The forward danger radius for friendly forces is 250 meters. The back blast area is unsafe in unprotected
areas 16 meters to the rear and sides of the munitions. Friendly personnel within 100 meters to the rear and sides of the munitions should
be in a covered position to be safe from secondary missiles.
Characteristics: M-18A1 (Claymore)
claymore-2 

The M18A1 mine is primarily a defensive weapon. It may be employed to a limited extent in certain phases of offensive operations. The M18A1 has 

the same basic capabilities as antipersonnel mines and can be used in most situations where other types of antipersonnel mines are employed. 

In addition, the M18A1 has the capability of being sighted directionally to provide fragmentation over a specific area and does not necessarily rely 

upon chance detonation by the enemy. The M18A1 is adaptable for covering the ranges between maximum hand grenade throwing distance and the 

minimum safe distance of mortar and artillery supporting fires.

 The M18 antipersonnel mine is an earlier model of the M18A1 antipersonnel mine. The M18 antipersonnel mine comes in two versions--with or 

without a peep-sight; otherwise, both versions are identical. The mine is a curved, rectangular, plastic case and contains a layer of composition C3 

explosive. It has a fragmentation face of rectangular steel fragments. The front face containing the steel fragments is designed to produce a fan-shaped 

spray which can be aimed at a prescribed target area. The electrical firing device issued with the M18 CLAYMORE is not safe. Due to its construction, 
it may cause premature detonation of the mine. Whenever possible, the battery holder (firing device) issued with the M18 mine should be replaced by 

a standard M57 firing device if the battery holder is used, both firing wires should be connected to one terminal until the desired moment of detonation.
claymore-3
   20 Aug. 68
 Dustoff      SEE Journal    #3

  21 Aug. 68
Jerry Mills     SEE Journal   #4

  22 Aug. 68
lindsey Russell    SEE Journal    #5



 23 Aug. 68     0255H   SEE Journals    #1    #6      #7      #9    
Co D reports 7 US WHA result mortar attack;
James Herdzik,
William Gress,
Daniels Rodriques,
Mathew Smith,
Larry Jones.     See journal
 
  23 Aug. 68     1755H
Recon request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/hand wound result accident while cleaning M-79.
Graig Anthony.     See journal
 
  24 Aug. 68     2012H
Co C 1st  Platoon 1st Squad reports 6-8 VC in kill zone. Can hear VC talking
 
  24 Aug. 68     2025H      SEE Journal    #5
Co C reports talking VC turned out to be fish playing in water.

  25 Aug. 68     SEE Journal    #4
Nicholas Cosaluzzo    See Journal

  26 Aug. Dustoff    SEE Journlal    #6
 
  27 Aug 68     0040H    SEE Journal    #1
Co D request DUSTOFF for 5 US WHA result mortar and AW fire. BT405106.
Willie Epps,
Henry Warner,
Wayne Westving,
Larry Kinch,
Roger Able.    See journal     More

 
  28 Aug. 68     1615H   SEE Journal    #3    #4    Summery
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US WHA result Booby trap at BT344151.
SSG William B Ford.    See journal
Nicholas Gates

   29 Aug. 68   SEE Journal    #3    #4
 Thimothy Long
 Leland Meier

  31 Aug. 68     2137H    SEE Journal    #2     #5
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/snake bite.    See journal
 september
January  February  March April  May June July  August September October November  December


01 Sept. 68     2005H
Recon request DUSTOFF for Peter Alexander result self inflicted gunshot wound to leg from M-79.    See Journal   #4     #5     #6

  02 Dept. 68
  SEE Journals     #3     #5     #7     Reports    #A     #B
 
  03 Sept. 68     0001H     SEE Journals     #4      #7
All 4/3 elements prepare to move to QUANG NGAI airfield. Co B and E will secure LZ Buf.
 
  04 Sept. 68     1800H     SEE Report    #B
 Co A NDP: BS454778
Co B LZ BUF
Co C NDP: BS466755
Co D NDP: BS466755
Recon LZ BUF
(Editors note: The battle that will develop over the next 24 hours will earn the recon platoon a Presidential Unit Citation. 
Link to 52 pages of daily staff journals that cover Sept. 4, 5, 6th and 7th 1968.)






ak
Chi-com type 56 7.62


crew served
Type 24 Heavy MG 7.96 
mortar
Soviet 82mm Mortar M1937
05 Sept. 68     0325H       SEE Journal    #4     #5    
Weather report: Extremely bad conditions with increased winds and rain. Bad weather may reach a high over the next few days. Take measures to secure property and lives.
    05 Sept. 68     1140H
Co B is receiving SA fire from BS 513795. Recon is receiving heavy AW fire. Paul Adams was shot then evacuated by C&C ship. BS545794. Co C receiving fire from BS 455579.
 
  05 Sept. 68     1415H
Co D reports pinned down by AW fire from BS474725. 2 US WHA.
 
Hath
  05 Sept. 68     1617H
Co D reports C&C ship shot down BS475729.
 
  06 Sept. 68     1410H
Recon platoon reports it is pinned down at BS548773.
 
  06 Sept. 68     1708H
Recon reports 1 US WHA, details to follow.
 
  06 Sept. 68     1725H
Shark received fire resulting in 2 US WHA; Pilot and door gunner.
 
  07 Sept. 68     0120H
Status of recon platoon: 10 US KHA, 4 US WHA, 13 US uninjured, 1 US MIA.
SGT Secrest-KHA,
Hanson-KHA,
Gehman-WHA,
Moree-KHA,
Morrow-KHA,
Alerjo-WHA,
Jones (medic) KHA,
Montgomery-WHA.
 
  07 Sept. 68     1140H
Co D request DUSTOFF for 1 US KHA, 4 US WHA result Booby trap at BS564772.
KHA-William Cooper,
WHA- PFC Cheney,
WHA- James Elker,
 PFC Robert Hannah.
 
  08 Sept. 68     0931H
MG Gettys, Div. Commander, Arrives at Buf.
 
  08 Sept. 68     0952H
DG Galloway, Assistant Div. Commander, Arrived at LZ Buf.
 
  08 Sept. 68     1010H
Col. Henderson, Brigade Commander, arrived at Buf.
 LINK TO RECON 
chech_crewserved_weapon
Chech_crewserved_weapon
gooks-2 ak-2

1 VC Prod Thung Dung Bn, Quang Ngai ·        
107 NVA Hvy Wpns Spt Bn, Quang Ngai
·         403 NVA Sapper Bn, Quang Ngai
·         406 NVA Sapper Bn, Quang Ngai
·         409 NVA Sapper Bn, Quang Ngai
·         120 VC Mont Inf Bn, Quang Ngai (Mont = Montagnard?)
·         402 NVA Sapper Bn, Quang Ngai
·         32 NVA Recon Bn, Quang Ngai
·         404 VC Sapper Bn, Quang Nam
·         471 VC Naval Sapper Bn, Quang Nam
08 Sept. 68     1247H
Aero scouts report 1 aircraft shot down at BS485775. Co A is moving to secure area.
 
  08 Sept. 68     1638H
Co B request DUSTOFF for 2 US WHA result grenade frag at BS480770.
Michael Whalen,
Jesse Thompson.    See journal
  
  09 Sept. 68     0040H
Notified Bde that A,B,C and D would continue intensified search operations north of the TRA KHUC river.
 
  09 Sept. 68     1118H
Co B engaged 3 VC result 3 VC KHA.
 
  09 Sept. 68     1201H        SEE Journal    #7  ( Victor Osness )  
C&C aircraft at BS555775 extracted by Dolphin 588
 
  09 Sept. 68     1735H
Two persons know the location of a Howitzer buried during TET offensive.

  10 Sept. 68
 Douglas Quinn    SEE Journal    #5
 
  11 Sept. 68
 Edward Russell    SEE Journal      #4  

  12 Sept. 68
 Gregory Gaeng     SEE Journal     #3

  13 Sept. 68     0625H
4/3 field strength: A-93, B-94, C-88, D-85
 
  14 Sept. 68     0945H
Co D request DUSTOFF for 1 US WHA result Booby trap at BS514744.
William V Lewis Jr.    See Journal
  
  15 Sept. 68     1120H
Co A reports finding 4 Bamboo vipers tied to rafters of hut. BS513757
snake-1 snake-2 snake-3
  15 Sept. 68     1533H
Co C now located LZ Thunder and Charlie Brown.
 
  16 Sept. 68     1000H
Co B- LZ Liz, Co D-LZ Dragon, Co A-LZ Bronco.
 
  17 Sept. 68     0830H
Unit strength: A-112, B-103, C-93, D-107
 
  20 Sept. 68     1602H
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US w/head wound from frag. BS782407.
Larry Goodwin.     See journal

  21 Sept. 68
 See Plans    #A
 
  22 Sept. 68      0750H
Co C request DUSTOFF for 1 US with gunshot wound to leg. Line #134      See journal       #2      #3  

   23 Sept. 68
 Fever of unknown origin-- FUO--      SEE Journal      #6
 
  27 Sept. 68     Spot Report
Co. A     LZ Thunder
Co. B     LZ Bronco
Co. C     Operation Handstand BS928224
Co. D     closed Bronco
Recon     LZ Thunder
 
  28 Sept. 68     Summary
4/3 units combined to destroy over 100 sampans.

  29 Sept. 68
 Dustoff--SEE Journal     #6
 
  30 Sept. 68     0805H    SEE Journal    #3    
A Co reports contact at BS775362.
Hagen and Mylo received frag wounds.
SGT Hayes received wounds to face.    
 
  30 Sep. 68     Summary
All companies received fire throughout the day.