JANUARY 1969

3 January (Friday): The battalion moves back up north to Polei Kleng (Dilkes:227).

5 January (Sunday): Bravo Company departs the fire support base by helicopter to the south.  From their landing zone, they march about 1000 meters and set up a night location near a Montagnard village called Plei Broch (Dilkes:228).

6 January (Monday): At first light Bravo Company enters the village and flushes out one armed MVC, who is killed by a member of 1^st Platoon (Dilkes:228).

7 January (Tuesday) The division base camp went on an alert status in conjunction with an enemy mortar attack on Camp Holloway (Map 6636-4), B Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry was airlifted - to AR796466  (Map 6636-4), to aid in the defense of Camp Holloway. (Division Report) Camp Holloway is located on (Map 6637-4)

8 January (Wednesday): Bravo and Delta Companies are rotated out of the field into fire support base Mile High (Map 6537-4) for perimeter guard duty.  Shortly after their arrival, the fire base receives recoilless rifle fire and is probed by the enemy.  One man is wounded (Dilkes: 228).

10 January (Friday): Leaving Bravo Company in the FSB, Delta Company makes a combat assault into a landing zone at YA 935585 (Map 6537-3) , northwest of the Punch bowl.  Two soldiers are wounded when one of them steps on a cluster bomb that had been left in the landing zone by the enemy as a booby trap.  While Delta Company is making its combat assault, Alpha and Charlie Companies, who are working together, discover an abandoned regimental-sized bunker complex. (Dilkes:228-229). Pot control agents (RCA) were used to contaminate caves at YA.693536 (Map 6437-2). "The Base Camp Reaction Platoon working with C Company, 1st battalion, 12th Infantry captured 15 detainees during a search of four villages (AR~778430, AR773418, AR813534, and AR785443 (Map 6636-4) (Division Report)

15 January (Wednesday) A platoon from Delta Company observed several individuals moving on a trail at YQ 939596. (Could be YA939596) The Platoon set up and ambush and killed two VC (Lenninger 87)

18 January (Saturday): Charlie Company makes contact with the enemy in the Chu Pa Mountain region (Map 6537-3), killing two NVA.  Specialist Fourth Class James S. Eisman and Private First Class Jerry L. Warbritton are killed in this action (Dilkes: 229; Arnold: KIA records).  Shortly after the Charlie Company contact, Alpha and Bravo Companies switch between the field and the FSB.  Bravo Company begins patrolling along the western ridge lines of the Chu Pa Mountain range (Dilkes:229).

28 January (Tuesday): The Recon Platoon makes contact with an unknown-sized enemy force resulting in one WIA and one KIA, Sergeant Dennis Lee who dies from small arms fire (Arnold KIA records, Dilkes:231). C Company, 1st Battalion, 12t h Infantry destroyed seven huts and captured 2500 lb s of rice.(Division Report)

31 January (Friday) 0200 B Company detects approximately 100 NVA moving SE up a draw in the vicinity of YA 902658 (Map 6537-3). The company engaged the enemy force with Small arms. The enemy dispersed and fled without returning fire. SRPs in the area adjusted artillery on suspected routes of withdrawal. Company conducts later sweeps and find 1 NVA KIA.(Lenninger:103)

FEBRUARY 1969

3 February (Monday): 2nd Brigade sends a message to battalion describing a boundary line between the 1/14, 3rd Brigade, and the 1/12, 2nd Brigade. It is an east-west line, with 1/14 north of the line and 1/12 south of the line.

6 February (Thursday): At 0925 Charlie Company’s point element makes enemy contact at YA905669 (Map 6537-3) when they walk into a three-sided ambush.  By 0936 the company is reporting two WA's to battalion.  At 1000 the company is directed to consolidate its elements, prepare to evacuate their wounded, and be on the look-out for one platoon from Bravo Company that is en route to help.  The company clarifies their situation at 1020 with a report that their point element is pinned down under enemy small arms and B-40 rocket fire.   Twenty-five minutes later (1045) battalion advises the company that dust-off and gunships are in-bound for their location.  By 1135 the company is calling in artillery in an attempt to break contact with the enemy.  Succeeding 35 minutes later, the company reports they have seven (7) WIA's, one (1) MIA, and a landing zone at YA 903664. They further define the enemy situation as being two reinforced squads armed with small arms, automatic weapons, and B-40 rocket launchers.  At 1250 the Bravo Company platoon reports they are moving toward Charlie Company.  By 1615 the platoon from Bravo Company is at Charlie Company’s location, and Charlie Company has completed the dust-off of the WIA's and changed the MIA to a KIA, Private First Class Terence Kilbane.  While Charlie Company is engaged with the NVA, 2nd Brigade sends a four-part message from Division to the battalion describing an upcoming operation.  Basically, the 1/14 is going to push south in its AO and the 1/12 is going to push north in its AO, while the Delta 1/10th Cav was going to hold the east flank.  Division is hoping to fix and kill whatever gets caught in the trap (Arnold KIA records, 1/12 DSJ 02/07/69).

7 February (Friday) Operation Green Lightning begins. Conducted by the 4th Infantry Division's 3 Brigade. The 1/12th Infantry along with the 1/14 Infantry initiated actions against the 24th NVA Regiment in the Chu Pa Mountain area NW of Plei Djerang on 7 Feb. ( After Action Report)

8 February (Saturday): 2nd Brigade sends out a warning order to the battalion to get ready for an operation on the 11th. In response the Battalion S3 orders flame throwers from the Division Chemical Officer for the battalion. One goes to Delta Company and two to Alpha.  At 1011 the Alpha Company commander notifies the S3 that the flame throwers have arrived, but they are not charged.  The battalion continues with its missions throughout the day.  Late in the evening (1600), a group of three-to-four NVA, located at YA903675 (Map 6537-3), fire B-40 rockets at Charlie Company, wounding Private First Class Cox, line number W165.  Approximately 20 minutes later Specialist Fourth Class Robert Parcher Jr., line number W096, is killed by small arms fire while engaging the small enemy force.  By 1703 contact with the enemy is broken and the company continues to move.  Then at 1715 the enemy once again fires B-40 rockets at the company, this time wounding Private First Class Nesbitt, line number W124 and Sergeant Erwin Dallmeyer.  Not having enough light left to continue to move, the company establishes its night location at 907673 (Arnold KIA records, 1/12 DSJ 02/08/69).

9 February (Sunday): At 1720 Bravo Company makes contact with four-to-five NVA at YA916653 (Map 6537-3).  As a result of the engagement the company sustains five (5) WIA's and one (1) KIA, Private First Class Steven R. Bauer.  Enemy casualties are unknown (Arnold KIA records, 1/12 DSJ 02/09/69).

10 February (Monday): At 0820 Alpha Company calls in a resupply request for 26 cases of C-rations. An hour-and-a-half later the company reports they are at YA921664 (Map 6537-3). Then at 1056 a man with a broken collar bone is reported.  The company requests the S3 Air (83) find them a landing zone so they can evacuate their injured man.  The remainder of the day is consumed with efforts continuing the company sweep, checking out an enemy bunker complex, finding a landing zone and getting it cleared, getting the  wounded and injured evacuated, and finding a night location.  By 1335 Alpha Company closes on their night location at YA917663 (Map 6537-3), clears an adequate landing zone, and completed the evacuation of line numbers E-177 (Private First Class Alvin Shelton) and E-182.  Then at 1440 the S3 (82) calls the company commander and tells him that battalion is going to put a lot of fire into the area that the company will be sweeping tomorrow, and that he wants them to move with caution.  In this same log entry, the S3 staff enters a report describing what Alpha Company found during day (a bunker complex containing some 60mm mortar parts and rounds, French cigarettes, some miscellaneous helicopter parts, and some VC posters). The last message of the day from Battalion to Alpha Company is a FRAG ORDER. At 2015 the S3 (82) calls the company commander and tells him the following: SP at 0800 for Objective "A."  The company’s route of travel will be YA 917666 to YA914669 to YA912670 (Map 6537-3), then onto the objective at YA908671 (Map 6537-3).  The sequence of events on Objective "A" will be CS at 0830, artillery and mortar prep at 0845, and air strikes at 0900 (they will be dropping 500lb bombs and napalm).  Charlie and Delta Companies are given the same FRAG ORDER.  Bravo Company, with their wounded, rotates back into the battalion FSB for perimeter security detail, while Delta returns to the field (1/12 DSJ 02/10/69).

11 February (Tuesday): Alpha Company reports stand-to and pills complete at 0700, and SP at 0800.  By 1014 they are held up on the line of departure (LD) and report hearing small arms fire, "pops,” and secondary explosions as a result of the prep taking place on the objective.  At 1018 the company advises battalion that once they start moving after the air strikes, they will recon by fire before moving. At 1027 the company crosses the LD, initiates reconnaissance by fire and advances the last 800 meters to the objective.  At 1200, the company reports they have closed on and secured the objective.  At 1308 two sweeps (71 and 72) are sent out.  Nothing else is reported insofar as company activity is concerned for the remainder of the afternoon.  At 1930 Alpha Company reports a long laundry list of things found on the objective. They include about 100 bunkers, 1/2 of a dead NVA (the upper half), grenades, ammo, magazines, a protective mask, a pistol belt, poncho liner, a large classroom, and other items of field equipment (1/12 DSJ 02/11/69).

25 February Tuesday) SP4 Chad Charlesworth of 2nd Platoon, Delta Company is KIA. MIchael Fiato was wounded when a round went through his hand and treated by medic Jerry Wilson. (Wilson Records)

MARCH 1969

4 March (Tuesday): Specialist Fourth Class Benjamin Rawlings of Bravo Company, 4^th Engineers is killed, while First Lieutenant Harris and Private First Class Cole of Charlie Company are wounded (Arnold KIA records).

5 March (Wednesday): Private First Class Johnny Lynn of Echo Company is killed by enemy rocket or mortar fire (Arnold KIA records).

6 March (Thursday): Specialist Fourth Class Paul Varosky of Bravo Company, 4^th Engineers is killed (Arnold KIA records). LZ Milehigh receives incoming.

8 March (Saturday): Specialists Fourth Class William Beard and Roy Zufelt, line # A127 of Delta Company, and Sergeant Dean Johnson of Bravo Company are killed by enemy small arms fire, while Privates First Class Charles Glass, Stanford Marunich, and Ramon Ovalla of Charlie Company are wounded (Arnold KIA records).

9 March (Wednesday): Staff Sergeant Charles Avery of Bravo Company, 4^th Engineers;  Sergeants Robert Protto Jr., Clarence Burleson, and Jerry McDonald; and Specialist Fourth Class Raymond Betha, Edward Millison III, Clarence Nofford and Thomas Turner of Bravo Company are killed by enemy small arms fire.  Wounded in the same engagement are Second Lieutenant Alan R. Nathan, Specialist Fourth Class William Stedl, and Private First Class Julius Mitchell of Bravo Company (Arnold KIA records).1/12th working out of LZ Roberts YA893928/ MAP 6537-4

10 March (Thursday): Specialist Fourth Class William Stedl and Private First Class Julius Mitchell of Bravo Company die of wounds received on 9 March (Arnold KIA records).

19 March (Saturday) Recon finds 30 bunkers at YB937060 (Map 6538-3) . Finds 1 NVA grave, (Op Report #59 Brigade)

APRIL 1969

05 April (Saturday): l Sgt David Nelis of 2nd platoon 1st squad is wounded. (Nelis records)

20 April (Sunday): Private First Class Silas W. Parobek is killed(led by enemy small arms fire, while Sergeant Eugene A. Murphy is wounded; both are from Charlie Company (Arnold KIA records).

24 April (Thursday): Captain Donald D. Blair, First Lieutenant James E. Bousquet, and Private First Class David G. Kellison of Charlie Company; and Specialist Fourth Class Lawrence Budzinski and Private First Class Randall Ruggs of Bravo Company are all killed by enemy small arms fire, while First Sergeant Jesse E. Revels of Bravo Company is wounded (Arnold KIA records) - See detailed After Action Report of the events of this day. AAR - 2 pages

27 April (Sunday): Staff Sergeant Kenneth Henkel, Specialist Fourth Class Elijah Williams and Private First Class Gary Hunsun of Bravo Company are wounded.

28 April (Monday): Specialist Fourth Class William Stout III , Bravo Company, dies of non-hostile causes (Arnold KIA records).

MAY 1969

3 May (Saturday): Sergeant Cornelius of of Bravo Company is wounded.

7 May (Wednesday): Specialist Fourth Class James F. Devitt of Headquarters Company is wounded, and Sergeant John McCarthy of Alpha Company dies in a helicopter crash. LT Larry Boyd assumes command of Delta Co.

14 May (Wednesday): Specialist Fourth Class George Heatherly of Bravo Company, 4^th Engineers is killed (Arnold KIA records).

23 23 MAY 1/12th airlifted from LZ Mile High to LZ Nicole ZA 173786 (Map 6537-)1

23-27 May (See After Action Report for this period) : AAR

27 May (Tuesday): At location ZA126765 (Map 6537-2) Charlie Companies Staff Sergeant James Francis, Specialist Fourth Class Harold Warmsley, and Privates First Class Gary Fassel, Keith Gibson, Garey Grubbs, and Matthew Lozano Jr. of 1^st Platoon Charlie Company are all killed by either enemy small arms fire or fragmentation wounds, while Privates First Class Gary M. Janssen and Bill Massel are seriously wounded in the same action (Arnold KIA records). Nearly 40 men are wounded in the 7 hour plus fight. C CO CPT Wandke is wounded and LT Orndorf assumes command. LTC Robert Carter, battalion Commander lands his command helicopter into the fire fight and is killed by small arms fire. He is the highest ranking Red Warrior officer killed in the 5 years the Regiment was in Vietnam. Kenneth Seward, HHC Medic assigned to Charlie company, is also killed in the battle. A total of 8 men are KIA .(See Battle Report for this day) - (See After Action Report for this day) Wounded in Action: PFC Thomas Barter,   PFC Fred Bergholz,   PFC Carl Bess, SGT Michael Bigh,   SP4 Jerry Brower,  SP4 Elliot Bruner, PFC Howard Cathrac,   PFC Howard Cethrao, PFC James Collard, PFC Thomas Corey,  PFC Howard Cothran,   SP4 Robert Demeo, SP4 Epifan Devilacqua, PFC Wilfred Devila,   PFC Kenneth Distler, PFC Fred Eergholz,   PFC Kenneth Enland,   PFC David Frories, SP4 Donald Galles,   SGT Clyde Graves,  PFC Michael (Whitey) Harwood, PFC Willie Henry   PFC Thomas Hildebrand,   PFC Louis Jackson, SGT Gary Janssen,   SP4 Robert Johnson,   SP4 Gary Kublock, PFC Anthony Lesonzynski, SP4 Robert Lewis, 1SG Wade Livesay, SP4 Geoge Makler,   PFC William Masel,   PFC Gary Miller, PFC Kenneth Moorman, PFC Joseph Mullen, PFC William Nasel, 1LT Warren Nikkola,   PFC Ernest Ottran,   SP4 Harm Relson-Ortis,  PFC Unk Reuce,   PFC Larry Rose,   CPT Richard Wandke,  SP4 Ronald Wilke.

31 May (Saturday): In the vicinity of ZA0988761 (Map 6537-2) First Lieutenant Kenneth Scurr; Sergeants James Leonard, Prentiss Harris Jr, and William Sewell; Specialists Fourth Class Stephen Turzilli and Philip Weir; Private First Class Michael Heath; and Private Patrick Hagerty are killed in enemy action, while Captain Phillip W. Patrick, Sergeant Bill J. Warner, Specialists Mike Crawford, Zane E. Crow, Robert E. Good and Privates First Class Boon and Lifear are wounded.  All 15 men are from Bravo Company. Specialist Fourth Class Joaquin Tello and Sergeant Ralph Zeringue of Alpha Company are killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records). (Arnold KIA records) Specialist Medic Byron Calkins, HHC and assigned to Alpha Company, is killed in action.

JUNE 1969

5 June (Thursday):  At ZA 148768. (Map 6537-2) Sergeants Louie Dalie and Lawrence Paulsen, Specialist Fourth Class Alexander Santiago; and Privates First Class Thomas Horal, David Howard, Mack Preston, and Thomas Williams are killed by enemy small arms fire, while Sergeant James C. Ramsey, Specialists Fourth Class Franklin C. Everett and Walter Runningcrane, and Private First Class Fredrick Henry are wounded in the same battle.  All eleven men are from Delta Company.  Charlie Company, 1^st Platoon sustains three wounded: Second Lieutenant James Hafford, Sergeant Mike Gowan, and Specialist Fourth Class Ruben G. Cruz (Arnold KIA records). Medics Paul Tilleman, attached to Charlie Company, and Claudie Metcalf attached to Delta Company, are also killed in action. Tilleman was killed by friendly fire artillery after getting lost and separated from his company in the dark. (See Battle Report for this day)

6 June (Friday): Private First Class Fredrick Henry of Delta Company dies of wounds received on the 5^th of June (Arnold KIA records). Delta is Airlifted to LZ Nichole, (Map 6537-1) C Co mops up area of previous days battle.

13 June (Friday) CPT Capt Darrel Skubinna assumes command of C Co. taking over from LT Orndoff . (Op Report)

LATTER HALF OF JUNE AND THE MONTH OF JULY THE RED WARRIORS ARE IN INVOLVED IN OPERATION ROAM PLOW. 4th ENGINEERS DESTROYING ENEMY BUNKERS

JULY 1969

10 July (Thursday): Private First William J. Mummert of Alpha Company is wounded.

20 July (Sunday) CPT Gary Weber assumes command of Delta Company taking over from LT Larry Boyd.

25 July (Friday) the battalion moved from LZ Nicole (Map 6537-1) to LZ Penny ZA115728 (Map 6537-2) (Op Report)

29 July (Tuesday): Privates First Class Gary J. Larson and Armando McKenny of Bravo Company are wounded.

AUGUST 1969

2 August (Saturday): B Co while on a RIF mission vicinity ZA175696 (Map 6537-2) activates an unknown type of booby trap. Private First Class Garry Barbee dies of wounds (Arnold KIA records). (Op Report)

4 August (Monday):  At approximately 1000 the 2^nd Platoon of Charlie Company is conducting a sweep into a blocking position at ZA 133733 (Map 6537-2) when a pistol accidentally discharges wounding machine gunner Specialist Fourth Class Roberto Billagas. (Read statement by Acting Platoon Leader Sgt Jim Daniels) (Op Report) Later that day LT Robert (Rocky) LaRoche assumes leadership of 2nd Platoon Charlie Company.

6 August (Wednesday): RECON Plt at ZA056705 (Map 6537-2) makes contact with platoon size enemy element resulting in 4 enemy KIA. Privates First Class Joseph Hashin Jr. and Paul Nelson of Echo Company are killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records). (Op Report)

8 August (Friday): Private First Class Duane Scowden of Bravo Company dies of a non-hostile cause (Arnold KIA records).

14 August (Thursday) Approximately 0200 hrs C Co at ZA059700 (Map 6537-2) received B-40 and/or 83mm mortar. At 02:00 Privates First Class Kenneth Goodness, John Hall, and Rickey Swaney of Charlie Company are killed in an enemy rocket/mortar attack, while Sergeant Randell S. Turner is wounded (Arnold KIA records). (Op Report)

15 August. (Friday) CPT McColgin replaces CPT Skubina as CO of C Company.

16 August (Saturday) C Co received small arms fire at ZA063705 (Op Report) (Map 6537-2)

21 August (Sunday):  Charlie Company departs LZ Penny (Map 6537-2) after spending three days there.

SEPTEMBER 1969

6 - 21 September 1/12th worked their AO with negative significant contacts. (Op Report)

18 September (Thursday): Staff Sergeant Juan Cavazos of Bravo Company is wounded.

23 thru 25 Sept the 1/12th relocates from LZ Penny (Map 6537-2) to LA Tape (Map 6738-2) - in the AN Lao Valley. - the battalion moves east to New AO in the An Loa Valley

26 September - A Co at BS719091 (Map 6738-2) received Smalls fire from the NW of their location. (Op Report)

The Area of Operation, An Loa Valley, for the diary entries below is found on Map 6738-2

28 September: C Co has contact at BS714095 (Map 6738-2). Company Head Medic Emmett James, attached to C Company is Killed by a sniper. Medic Terrance Clark of 2nd platoon is also wounded in the incident while both were treating a man with a sprained ankle. An Loa Valley

30 September - A Co took sniper fire NW of their position. No injuries.

OCTOBER 1969

03 October - D Co received small arms automatic fire at BS742200 (Map 6738-2). Employed small arms, artillery and gunships. Unknown results. Later at BS748213 (Map 6738-2) D Co captured 1 NVA,. (Op Report)

07 October - 2nd platoon A Co at BS773232 (Map 6738-2), point element receives small arms fire. Small arms returned fire with results.(Op Report)

09 October - Recon Platoon at BS717113 (Map 6738-2) engaged 2 VC//NVA with small arms resulting in 1 Enemy killed. (Op Report)

16 October - 2nd squad B Co at BS735110 (Map 6738-2)had contact with squad size element. Fire exchanged, unknown results. (Op Report)

17 October - B Co at BS731100 (Map 6738-2) made contact with estimated squad size element. Small arms fire exchanged, unknown results. 1C, 2C at BS753148* employed frag grenades and M-79 on movement, heard moaning and groaning. Estimated 1 VC/NVA KIA. (Op Report) (Personal Diary Sgt Greg Steel and Sgt Jim Daniels) (*Correction from Op Report: C elements were at the vicinity BS738177) Jim Daniels Diary)

18 October - 1st platoon D Co at BS754124 (Map 6738-2) initiated contact with 4 or 5 NVA, resulting in 1 Enemy KIA (Op Report)

19 October - 1st Platoon D Co while sweeping made contact with 1 NV! attempting to flee resulting in 1 NVS KIA. (Op Report)

20 October - 1st Platoon B Co at BS760180 (Map 6738-2) engaged 2 enemy with small arms fire. Unknown results. (Op Report)

24 October - SRP from B CO at BS742096 (Map 6738-2)engaged unknown number of VC/NVA with small arms fire. 1 possible enemy KIA . (Op Report)

25 October - C CI 1/503 Inf at BS574146 (Map 6738-2)while OPCON to 1/12th engaged NVE with small arms fire resulting in i Enemy KIA. Carrying documents, believed to be a courier. (Op Report)

28 October - RECON at BS703087 (Map 6738-2) engaged 3 VC/NVA with small arms fire resulting gin 1 enemy KIA. (Op Report)

29 October - SRP from 1st platoon D Co at BS743169 (Map 6738-2) employed claymores and artillery in unknown size VC/NVA unit resulting in 2 enemy KIA. 3rd platoon D Co employed frag grenades and artillery on suspected enemy movement resulting in 1 NVA KIA. (Op Report)

30 October - RECON at BS709093 engaged 5 VC/NVA with small arms and artillery resulting in 1 NVA KIA. (Op Report)

NOVEMBER 1969

01 November through 31 January, 1970 - Operation Putnam Wildcat - Also see After Action Report for the period - AAR

01 November (Saturday) 1/12th returned to the operational control of the 2nd Bde, 4th Inf Div. D Co observed 3 enemy crossing a stream. Artillery and small arms employed. I enemy KIA found during sweep and 1 enemy soldier surrendered

2 November (Sunday) B Co SRP observed estimated 20 NVA/VC with Rucksack and weapons. Artillery and 4.2 mortar fire employed. Sweep of the area negative. 3rd Platoon finds 7 graves at BS695166 (Map 6738-2)

3 November (Monday): The Battalion is still conducting search-and-destroy operations in the upper portion of the An Loa Valley.  Working out of Fire Base Tape, three companies and the Recon Platoon have established individual patrol bases around the fire support base and are each conducting their own short range patrols.  Intelligence reports from Brigade indicate that the enemy is trying to relocate some of its major elements in the battalion AO further to the south.   The weather for the next several days will be affected by the fall monsoon with scattered rain showers and considerable cloud cover.  Winds are predicted to remain variable at 5-to-10 knots.  The moon is in its last quarter.  The percent of illumination will decrease from 34% on the night of the 4^th of November to 0% on the night of the 10^th.

Alpha Company (81) is in the fire support base providing security, as well as maintaining four short-range patrol positions at BS 750149, 758140, 757128, and 744120 (Map 6738-2) . SP4 James Deming is WIA. (RW Assoc Data Base)

Bravo Company’s (82) patrol base is located at BS 731100 (Map 6738-2).  While 3^rd Platoon (61) provides patrol base security, 1^st (59) and 2^nd (60) Platoons are out on patrol.  The 1^st Platoon discovers a large cave contaminated with persistent CS agent at BS 721099 (Map 6738-2).  They estimate that the cave hadn't been used in over two weeks and probably held a platoon-sized element.   Inside they find a significant amount of military equipment, which included: several rounds of 40mm ammunition; a short belt of M60 machine gun ammunition; two M-16 rifle magazines, one of which was loaded; a short belt of Chicom machine gun ammunition; and assorted cooking utensils and food.  Nine other smaller caves are found nearby.  2^nd Platoon, conducting a reconnaissance in force in the vicinity of LZ Stinger, finds nothing.

Charlie Company (83) is operating out of its patrol base at BS 726171 (Map 6738-2).  At 0920, its 3^rd Platoon makes contact with and engages three armed NVA in green uniforms at BS 703176 (Map 6738-2) .  Using artillery and gunships, contact is finally broken.  A search of the area afterwards reveals one pistol belt and traces of blood.

Delta Company’s (84) patrol base is located at BS 779195 (Map 6738-2).  From this location four short-range patrols are sent out to BS 767179, 765200, and 773210 (Map 6738-2).  At approximately 1515, the first patrol hears the sound of someone chopping wood in the vicinity of BS 769180 (Map 6738-2).  A reaction team is sent out from the patrol base to investigate and finds only a shallow depression and a few wood chips.

The Recon Platoon (74) is located in the vicinity of BS 754078 (Map 6738-2) where it conducts a reconnaissance-in-force.  At 1330 they report finding evidence approximately 48 hours old of four individuals cutting vegetation for possible camouflage use at BS 77310 (Map 6738-2)5.  They also find an abandoned rucksack approximately two-to-three months old in the same area (Axelson).

04 November (Tuesday) 2nd Platoon of B Co engages 5 enemy in a ave comples at BA 754058 (Map 6738-2) . Report 1 enemy KIA, 3 CIA WIA,. In the viciinty of BS778101 Recon Platoon engages 3-4 enemy. Artillery and small arms fire employed. (Op Report)

05 November (Wednesday) B Co continues to work on cave complex which was destroyed, find 5 enemy KIA from the previous day. Recon Platoon at BS783058 (Map 6738-2) spot and engage 1 individual with small arms. Enemy employed small arms and grendades.Artillery employed on to the site. Results, 2 possible enemy KIA., two U.S. slightly WIA. by enemy grenades. (Op Report)

13 November (Thursday): Sergeant Luis Hilerio-Padilla of Charlie Company is killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records).

14 November (Tuesday) While conducting a RIF vicinity 757902 the 1st Suad of the Recon Platoon surprised and captured 1 VC/NVA carrying 2 US Grenades.(Op Report)

15 November (Wednesday) 3rd Platoon, C Co engages 2 enemy vicinity of BS765163 (Map 6738-2). Enemy flees. Later 3 enemy seen, small arms engaged, with unknown results. ((Op Report)

16 November (Thursday): Staff Sergeant LeVern Tegtmeier of Alpha Company dies of suffocation (Arnold KIA records).

17 November (Monday): Vicinity of BS783093 (Map 6738-2) Specialist Fourth Class Michael Pastorino of Alpha Company is killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records). 2 US WIA. A Co initiated contact with an estimated 9-11 enemy, small arms fire and grenades exchanged resulting in in 1 US KIA and 1 US WIA.. While moving from the LZ 2nd Platoon A Co engaged 1 enemy with small arms, resulting in 1 enemy KIA. 2nd Platoon B Co while conducting RIG along a ridge line spotted and engaged with small arms, 1 enemy, results 1 enemy KIA. 2nd Platoon D Co spotted 4 individuals at BS 773182 (Map 6738-2), artillery employed. 1st Platoon D Co swept are, captured 1 enemy wearing US Fatigues and had been wounded by artillery. POW Later died. (Arnold K IA records -(Op Report)

18 November (Tuesday):  At BS782099 (Map 6738-2) Private First Class William Mummert of Alpha Company is wounded Co at BS751085 while checking out a cache of ammunition, (13 B 40 rounds, 25 83mm rounds, 12 60mm rounds, captures 1 VC/NVA who was carrying a machine gun bipod. (Op Report)

19 November (Wednesday): Staff Sergeant Tommy L. Frye of Echo Company is wounded vicinity of BS753070 (Map 6738-2) .(Op Report)

22 November (Sunday) PFC Thomas Prostsik is slightly wounded with shrapnel, C Company, 2nd platoon (Source Protsik)

DECEMBER 1969

2 December (Tuesday) RECON Platoon at BS744168 (Map 6738-2) finds remains of 6 individuals approximately 1 month old. Evidence of the 29 Oct contact with D Co in the area (Op Report)

6 December (Saturday): Specialists Fourth Class Kelly Wood and Richard G. Whitaker, and Private First Class Michael Thompson of Bravo Company are wounded.

10 December (Wednesday) Recon platoon in vicinity of BS 707099 (Map 6738-2) engaged 1 individual with small arms. Individual fled, but believed wounded. 2 Platoon Co while Ivy patrolling in vicinity of BS667213 (Map 6738-2) observes 5 individuals at approximately 500 meters. They were engaged with 4.2 mortars, gunships and small arms resulting in 2 enemy KIA, 1 CIA, and 1 AK-47 CIA.(Op Report)

14 December (Sunday) A Co at BS787106 (Map 6738-2 ) received 2 bursts of automatic weapons fire resulting in 1 US WIA. Small arms and artillery employed, Sweep produced negative results.(Op Report)

18 December(Wednesday) 3 Platoon C Co engaged 1 individual at approximately 150 meters, vicinity of BS677208 (Map 6738-2). Sweep produced 2 NVA rucksacks with bullet holes in them.(Op Report)

22 December (Sunday) 2nd Platoon B Co while on patrol engaged individual with small arms fire at BS770209 (Map 6738-2). Person fled. 2nd Platoon C Company at BS667213 (Map 6738-2) observed 5 individual at approximately 500 meters. Engage with 4.3 mortars, gunships and small arms resulting in 2 enemy KIA, 1 CIA, and 1 A -47 CIA.(Op Report)

23 December (Tuesday) near BS762212 (Map 6738-2) 2nd Platoon B Co initiated contact with an unknown size enemy element resulting in 4 enemy KIA. 2 Platoon C Co at BS674213 (Map 6738-2) spotted 3 individuals with weapons at approximately 800 meters. Employed 4.3 mortar fire. Sweep produced 1 Chicom radio.(Op Report)

24 December (Wednesday): 2nd Platoon B Co while checking area of contact BS764222 (Map 6738-2) found miscellaneous equipment, several bunkers, 2 fresh graves, resulting in 2 more enemy KIA. At BS764219 they received small arms fire and 1 B40 rocket resulting in in 3 US WIA, and Specialist Fourth Class Thomas Hires of Bravo Company s killed in enemy action (Arnold KIA records - (Op Report)

.26 December (Friday) A Co while checking a small bunker complex in the vicinity of BS756223 (Map 6738-2) engaged and captured a wounded enemy soldier.(Op Report)

27 December (Saturday ): 1st Platoon C Co at BS675215 (Map 6738-2) spotted 6 VC in open near the river. Small arms employed and 7 more come into the open. 4.2 mortars were employed resulting in 2 possible KIA. 3 Platoon D Co at BS701220 (Map 6738-2) while checking fresh signs engaged 4 individuals believed 2 male, 2 female resulting in 1 enemy KIA. Specialist Fourth Class Wilfred Pla of Delta Company, 3rd squad is wounded through the shoulder by sniper fire. (Pla records - (Op Report)

29 December (Monday) 1st Platoon C Co at BS674207 (Map 6738-2) found a fresh grave estimated 1 day old. ((Op Report)

31 December (Wednesday) Squad size ambush from 2 Platoon B Co at BS728148 (Map 6738-2) detected movement at 20-30 meters out. Ambush sprung employing grenades, M-16 and M-79. Negative friendly casualties, Enemy losses unknown.(Op Report)

This diary is still being compiled. Please Contact Del Willenbecher on how to send copies of any reports, documents, orders, manuscripts, letters, recollections, or pictures. email Del

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