From Late October 1969 – January, 1/12th conducted intensive search and destroy missions in the An Lao Valley screening enemy infiltration and resupply routes.  These operations were conducted in three months of monsoon season. May of 1970 also witnessed the battalion entering Cambodia.

The Area of Operation for the The Following Diary entries is on Map 6738-2

JANUARY 1970

01 January (Thursday) A squad size element in a defensive ambush in the vicinity of BS682207 (Map 6738-2) While returning to their Partrol base surprised and detained 1 enemy who appeared to be observing the company perimeter. . (Op Report)

02 January (Friday) 1/12th began operations with C Co 1/22 Inf attached in the northern An Lao Valley. About 1600 Hours in the vicicnity of BS677199 (Map 6738-2), 2nd Platoon C Co 1/12th sighted 5-7 individuals in open potato field. Engaged with small arms and gunships. Enemy fled. Sweep produced 1 duffle bag, blood trai leading west. . (Op Report)

04 January (Sunday) A Co 1/12th at BS781193 (Map 6738-2) recieved at 2030 hour 4 rounds of 81mm fortar fire from the NW. Artillery and 81mm were employed with unknown enemy casualties. There were 6 US WIA resulting from the attack. D Co 1/12th while onducting patorls in the vicinity of BS696238 (Map 6738-2) found nunerous fresh signs of enemy activity aorund the bunker complex. 3 to 6 enemy observed fleeing from1 hootch and were taken under fire with small arms. 1 enemy KIA and 1 AK-47 CIA... (Op Report)

05 January (Monday) 1st Platoon C Co at BS667216 (Map 6738-2) engaged 10-15 enemy. 3rd Platoon C Co 1/12th was air lifted to BS662216 (Map 6738-2) and swept through the contact area finding 7 rucksacks filled with rice. C Co 1/22 along with the TAC CP 1/12 at BS687243 (Map 6738-2) recieved 5-6 bursts from enemy. US Returned fire. No casualties either side. (Op Report)

06 January (Tuesday) C 1/12th sweeping in area of contact from previious day found 1 enemy KIA. C CO 1/22 and the TAC CP at BS 691250 (Map 6738-2) finds massive bunker complect, for 50-60 fighters, 1 week old. Engaged and 1 enemy soldier CIA.. (Op Report)

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

09 January (Friday) D Co finds booby trap at BS703253 (Map 6738-2). 2 mine shaped charges were found on an LZ. At BS 675233 (Map 6738-2) 2-3 individuals were engaged by Recon Platoon and 1 enemey KIA . (Op Report)

10 January (Saturday) The Base Camp Reaction Platoon working with C Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry captured 15 detainees duringa search of four villages (AR~778430, AR773418, AR813534, and AR785443 (Map 6636-4)

11 January (Sunday) A Co 1/12 in the vicinity of BS710257(Map 6738-2) initiated small arms fire on 1 individual resulting in 1 enemy WIA, CIA. At same location D Co initiated fire on 1 individual in a bunker. Result was 1 enemy KIA. (Op Report)

12 January (Monday) D-1/12th in the vicinity of BS711251(Map 6738-2) recieved enemy initiated fire from 1 individual. Return fire resulted in 1 enemy KIA. Dog handler recieved enemy small arms wound in the ear. (Op Report)

13 January (Tuesday) D-1/12 closing the Patrold Base at BS729221(Map 6738-2) observed 3 enemy on the trail 75 meters away. Initiated small arms fire resulting in 1 enemy KIA with 4 rucksaks CIA. B Co was extracted from Patrol Base BS729221(Map 6738-2) after B Co closed the location. A 1/22 was extraced and returned to the operationas control of the 1/122 Inf. as was C- 1/22. (Op Report)

14 January (Wednesday ) C Co upon extraction from Patrl Base, BS690201(Map 6738-2) reieved enemy automatic weapons fire. C Co conducted a combat assault with negative results. (Op Report)

15 January (Thursday) Extraction of the 1/12th Inf from the An Lao Valley was begun in preparation of Camp Radcliff and further to the southern portion of Base Area 226. D Co 1/12th was extracted from Patrol Base BS729121(Map 6738-2) to LZ English. A Co was extracted from the vicinity of BS814208 to LZ English. (Op Report)

16 January (Friday) C Co and E Co were extracted from the vicinity of LZ Tape BS744130 and sent to LZ English (Map 6837-4). Battalion comes into Ah Khe for a 3 day stand down (Hopkins:001) (Op Report)

17 January (Saturday) B Co and the TAC OP was extracted from LZ Tape. 3 Bn 506 Inf, 101 Abn Div. took over operational control of the An Lao Valley. (Op Report)

18 January (Sunday): The battalion initiates Operation Putnam Power (Dilkes:269). 1/12th was directed to establish FSB “Sheridan” (Map 6737-2) and combat assault (CA) the rifle companies into multiple LZs in southern BA  226 to locate and destroy enemy forces and facilities. (Hopkins:001)

20 - 21January: (Tuesday) battalion began the combat assault north of An Khe.  On the first day, an insertion was attempted by Co A.  The LZ was too hot and the air commander, “Ghost Rider” called off the air insertion over the objections of the battalion commander.  Co C and D remained in An Khe another night.  The battalion successfully inserted the remaining companies into separate LZs the next day January 21.  Rifle companies were directed to break down in platoon-size units, conduct reconnaissance in force operations and send out nightly ambushes for the next ten days.(Hopkins:001) (Op Report)

MAP for Following Diary inputs is Map 6737-2

23 January (Friday): D Co encountered a booby trap vicinity BR734584 (Map 6737-2) wounding a dog handler and 3 other US EM. At Grid BR734581(Map 6737-2) D Co received sniper fire resulting in 1 US KIA. Private Terence Folsom* of Delta Company (Some records indicate Charlie Company( where he had served for 6 moths prior, transfered to Delta) [R. Irving]) is killed by enemy small arms sniper fire (Arnold KIA records, Dilkes:269). The 2d and 3d platoons were co-located in a perimeter and directed to send a patrol about a thousand meters away to pick up mail from the Company CP which co-located in a perimeter with 1st platoon.  A joint six-man patrol was moving down a jungle trail when a sniper opened up with an AK-47 and fled. (Arnold KIA records, Dilkes:269).(Hopkins:001)( Ross Irving) (Op Report) * NOTE: Terence Folsom spent most of his tour in C Co. He was transferred to Delta in January 70 and was there only days before being killed.

24 January (Saturday) Co D command group was hit with three RPGs as they stopped moving in an open field on the side of a mountain.  Seven soldiers were wounded.   Following the RPG attack, the battalion commander searched for the sniper at tree-top level in a LOH, and took enemy small arms fire.  Later, an air strike was called in to the area. A Co at vicinity BR694577 (Map 6737-2) finds approximately 40 bunkers. From grid BR605577 to 697577 they found what is believed to have been a hospital complex. Early afternoon D Co is hit with 3 B40 rounds and AK fire. Artillery and gunships deployed. (Hopkins:001) ( Op Reports)

25 January (Sunday) A Co continues search of previous days find, locating more bunkers. Near BR700583 (Map 6737-2) A Co finds 1000 rounds of small arms ammo, 2 RPG's, 60 basting caps. D Co Searches their area from yesterday's and finds miscellaneous items, jugs, traps, dismantled rocket. Recon at BR680550 (Map 6737-2) finds 18 bunkers and spider holes. (. (Op Report)

26 January (Monday) A Co coninues their RIF operation vicinity BR699588 (Map 6737-2) finding 3 hoothes, 20 rounds of 12.7 link ammo, 300 lbs of rice. (Op Report)

27 January (Tuesday) All elements report recent enemy activiti in areas of interest. A Co found a small cave containing several Bloody bandages. D Co found several hard packed trails at BR727593 (Map 6737-2) and 15 bunkers used about 8 weeks prior. (Op Report)

28 January, (Wednesday) C Company, 1st Battalion, 12t h Infantry destroyed seven huts and captured 2500 lbs of rice. B Co 2nd platoon ovserved 2 enemy armed with AK-47's vicinity BR710559 (Map 6737-2). Initiated contact, received return fire. Large organics employed, several secondary expolsions observed. (Op Report)

29 January (Thursday): Co D became attached to the 1/69th Armor Battalion along Highway 19.  Armor units were experiencing frequent night attacks on their bridge sites.  Co D set up on the three key bridges at night to add additional protection for the armor units pulling security on these sites.  During the day, the infantry conducted patrols of the AO.  LZ “Scheuller” (Map 6736-4) was used as a company CP and to provide logistics to platoons along the road.  This mission lasted ten days.  Soldiers of Co D enjoyed the armor lifestyle…daily hot food and iced beer/soda. (Hopkins:002) (Op Report)

30 January (Friday) In he early afternoon C Co recieved a Chicom grenade a short distance from the point element vicinity BR699542 (Map 6737-2) Co C's first platoon sustains casualties. Squad leader, Sgt Jerry Rayalla and members of his squad are wounded from the single blast with nonlife threatening injuries. The enemy soldier (in Spider Hole) is killed by return fire.1 enemy KIA. Later C Co took 20 rounds of automatic fire as well as s 2 B-4's0. 1 US WIA. (Rayala Diaries) (Op Report)

FEBRUARY 1970

Summary: 1 Feb-30 April.  2d Brigade “Highlanders” continued search and destroy missions in Base Area 226 and route/bridge security along Highway 19.  In early February, the brigade AO shifted from Base Area 226, where one battalion remained in the current AO, one was north of LZ “Action” and one battalion northeast of Camp Radcliff.  In this three-month period, every company in 1/12th  also found extensive enemy caches while conducting patrols during this period of time. (Hopkins:002)

TET holiday - February 6-10

February (general) Delta Company attached to 1/69th Armor Feb. & April at LZ Shueller at location BR 367458 (Map 6736-4) (Hopkins:001)

1 February (Sunday) 3A/1-12 received 20 rounds of small arms fire resulting in three U.S. WIA

2 February (Monday): Fire Support Base Warrior is established north of Highway 19 in the An Khe area (Dilkes:270).

4 February (Wednesday) C/1-12 observed two NVA/VC, they engaged them with small arms fire resulting in one NVA WIA with and SKS. (Hopkins:003)

5 February (Thursday) Co D returned to battalion control. 2C/1-12 observed/engaged and wounded one NVA.(Hopkins:003)

The 1970 Tet holiday period was 6-10 February

9 February (Monday) Delta patrols north of An-Khe and finds village with only small animals in it. (Hopkins:003)

11 February (approximate Date) After TET, 1/12th moves to an area of operations vicinity of LZ Toughie (Map 6737-3), NE of An Khe. (4th Div Operational Report ending 30 April: 018)

15 February (Sunday): FSB Warrior was attacked at night by members of the 407th Sapper Battalion..  During the day, numerous soldiers came from the division rear to participate in a change of command scheduled for the next day on the fire base.  This significantly increased the population on the fire base prior to the attack.  Wounded included Specialist Fourth Class Dennis Roupe, Co B, Sergeant Ronald Squires, Co C and Specialist Fourth Class Wayne Zach, Co B  and Specialist Fourth Class Daniel Swiercz, B Btry, 4/42d FA.  The battalion XO was also wounded.  Two 105mm howitzers and one 81mm mortar were damaged.  Two NVA were KIA.  One B-40 rocket launcher with three rounds, satchel charges and ChiCom grenades were found. (Hopkins:003)

16 February (Monday) D/1-12 was occupying FSB “Toughy” Map 6737-3) which received enemy small arms fire resulting in one U.S. WIA and one Kit Carson Scout WIA. (Hopkins:003)

18 February (Wednesday) Delta Company provides assistance to Help build FSB Toughie at location BR 553-680 Map 6737-3). 2C/1-12 received enemy small arms fire resulting in five U.S. WIAs. ( Hopkins:003)

22 February (Sunday) Enemy ammunition cache found (OP Report: 004)

23 February (Monday): Specialist Fourth Class Albert Maldonado-Lluberas of Charlie Company and Specialist Fourth Class Wayne Zach of Bravo Company are killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records). An ambush with Co D killed one NVA with an AK-47.(Hopkins: 004)

25 February (Sunday): Sergeant Chad Charlesworthof Delta Company is killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records). Another soldier, Michael Fiato, was wounded by an enemy round through his hand during the action.   At the time of the incident, the platoon was taking a break from patrolling and the two men were providing security. (Hopkins: 004) (Jerry Wilson: Medic)

26 February (Monday) 1A/1-12 received small arms fire.  One U.S. WIA (Hopkins: 004)

27 February (Tuesday) Enemy ammunition cache found, this, plus cache discovered on 22 Feb total 151 recoilless Rifle rounds, 381 mortar rounds, 180 RPG, rounds, 6 rounds of B40, 6 rounds of 122mm rocket and over 100,000 rounds of ammunition. (4th Div Operational Report ending 30 April: 004) Found 10 miles north of An Khe. Two Chinooks took cache out by sling. (Hopkins:004)

MARCH 1970

Summary: During this month, the battalion began using stay behind forces as fire bases were closed to engage enemy that came into the locations to find equipment left by Americans.  Companies also began to booby trap their trash piles with grenades following resupply days.  Both tactical concepts produced results in dead/wounded enemy. (Hopkins:004)

10 March,(Tuesday) 2C/1-12 received enemy sniper fire.  One U.S. WIA (Hopkins:004)

11 March Operation Earhart White, a division level operation employing the 1st and 2nd Brigades targeting against elements of the 3d NVA Division vicinity of the Dak Som River Valley begins. (4th Div Operational Report ending 30 April: 018)

March 11-18 Five battalions of 1st and  2d Brigade conducted a cordon operation (Operation “Earhart White”) forming a circle around a valley.  The objective was to destroy elements of the 3d NVA division.  Three battalions moved into the area overland and two battalions landed on mountain tops above the valley. With the element of surprise lost by the day-long CAs, few enemy were found as battalions swept down into the valley and units were directed to move back up the mountains for extraction.  During the night, several NVA/VC slipped through the brigade cordon so, units were directed to again sweep again down in to the valley.  Ultimately, no NVA/VC were located in the second sweep.  However, on 13 March, the Commander, Co D and his RTO (1-12th) were wounded by a grenade booby trap while moving down the same trail for the second time in the operation.  2/35th in sweeping the valley floor, found a large NVA surgical complex with extensive equipment.  The lesson learned from this divisional operations was to ensure a valid target exists before expending so many resources. (Hopkins:004)

16 March (Monday) the battalion operated out of FSB “Niagara” (Map 6737-4) with companies conducting search missions in the mountains.  Units returned to An Khe for approximately seven days of training.  Rumors began to circulate during this time that the 4th Division would be returning to the states.  These rumors would continue to circulate for the next six months.(Hopkins:004&005)

25 March (Wednesday): Specialist Fourth Class Thomas Padilla of Charlie Company is killed in enemy action (Arnold KIA records).

26 March (Thursday) Charie Company First Platoon Sgt. Larry "Granny" Ganfor sufferers a major head injury by sniper fire. SP5 Doc Charles Communs saves his life. Gunfor loses his eye, the other is forever impaired. (Daniels, Gunfor, Cummons 2024)

28 March (Saturday) 3C/1-12 was conducting an ambush and received small arms fire.  One NVA was KIA with an AK-47.  Minutes later, Co C engaged another NVA who was WIA also with an AK-47 (Hopkins:005)

APRIL 1970

1-9 April: Delta Company is OPCON to the 1/69th Armor Battalion for the first 10 days of the month and working platoon size patrols north of Highway 19 with the purpose to ambush NVA/VC moving in to mine the highway (Hopkins:005)

2 April 1C/1-12 observed two NVA.  Resulted in one NVA KIA with an AK-47. (Hopkins:005)

7 April: 1/12th is placed under Division control to provide a six hour ready reaction force due to the rapidly changing enemy situation in the vicinity of Dak Seang. (4th Div Operational Report ending 30 April: 019)

9 April: Sapper attack destroys many choppers at Base Camp Radcliff. (Hopkins:002)

10 April: Delta company returns to AnKh to set up night perimeter defense around the airfield (The Golf Course) to protect divisional helicopters. (Hopkins: 005)

MAY 1970

May - The division entered Cambodia as part of Operation Binh Tay from the period of 05 May - 16 May

2 May (Saturday) Co D was initially at FSB Aquarius (Map 6737-3), north of An Khe.  The company moved out to patrol the next couple of days.  (Hopkins: 006)

3 May ( Sunday) A Co was airlifted to Cam Radcliff. (After Action Report)

4 - 5 May (Monday-Tuesday) the battalion directed all companies to move as rapidly as possible to An Khe.  This was the beginning of the Cambodian invasion. The battalion trucked by convoys to FSB “Oasis” (Map 6536-1) for further air assaults into Cambodia. The 1/12th was originally scheduled to air assault on 6 May (D-day plus 1) following 1st Brigade. The 4th Division began preparations to deploy six battalions into Base Area 702.  This enemy area was due west of Plieku. First Brigade would consist of 3/506th, 3/8th and 1/14th Infantry battalions.  The 3/506th, from the 101st Division, had been attached to the first brigade on 24 April for their normal operations in Viet Nam.  The 2d Brigade included 1/12th, 1/22th and 2/35th Infantry battalions.  A key objective for the brigade was to find the location of the 24th NVA Regimental headquarters. Some 120 troop-carrying helicopters (slicks), plus gunships from nearly a dozen helicopter companies, as well as three companies of Chinook helicopters and one company of Skycranes would be used to support the 4th Division’s and brigade/battalion movements.  For this massive air assault, the plan called for each single battalion to be inserted in one single lift. (Hopkins: 007)

Cambodia Area of Operaton can be found on Maps 6436-1 and Map 6436-1

5 May (Tuesday) 3/506th began their insertion.  LZs were heavily prep’ed by Tac air and B-52 strikes.  However, as it turned out later these prepatory efforts were ineffective.  The lead companies of the 1st Brigade received extremely heavy fire from small arms, 51 caliber machineguns and 12.7mm anti-aircraft guns on their primary LZs.  After attempting to use alternate LZs much of the first day, their assault was aborted.  Later in the day, the 1/14th and 3/8th assaults were also aborted/cancelled.  This delayed all other 4th Division battalions one full day and threw the entire time schedule off.  (Hopkins: 007

)6 May (Wednesday) Delta Company departs LZ Oasis into Cambodia.1st Brigade units successfully entered Cambodia. The 2d Brigade was rescheduled to enter Cambodia with 48 helicopters.  The order for their insertion was 2/35th, 1/22th and 1/12th.  The order for 1/12th was Companies A, C, D and B.  Co D was ordered to provide fire base security while the other companies rapidly moved out on search and destroy missions within the area of operations. (Hopkins Records:007)

7 May (Thursday):  air assault operations had just been postponed about 1700 and units were moving back to the fire base.  Suddenly, one single helicopter landed in front of the 1/12th commander and the pilot ran to talk to him.  The pilot reported one helicopter carrying men in the 81mm Mortar Section of Co A crashed in the jungle at 1705 hours.  After a quick conversation by several commanders, the Acting Commander, Co D was directed to identify one platoon to immediately load aircraft and secure the downed helicopter.  Objecting to splitting his company in the middle of the invasion, the company commander reluctantly identified the 3d platoon.  This 13-man platoon reached the helicopter just before dusk, secured the area (did not know what country they were in at the time), stayed on the ground for two days with no communications or any fire support from anyone, loaded out the dead and ultimately were extracted by air to the battalion FSB.  (Hopkins: 007)  Private First Class Richard Barber; Specialists Fourth Class Wayne Bebo and Arthur Kangas; and Sergeant John McCarthy of Alpha Company die in a helicopter crash (Arnold KIA records). C Co arilifed from LZ Oasis(Map 6536-1) to LZ Invasion (Map 6436-1) at 1600 securing it with A Co.

For C Co Commanders After Action Report for the entire Cambodian Operation, see (After Action Report)

For B Co Commanders After Action Report for the entire Cambodian Operation, see (After Action Report)

8 May (Friday)   Co C moved out of FSB Invasion and found seven hooches with clothes, rice.(Hopkins: 007)

9 May (Saturday)   Co C found fifteen large hooches and thirty bunkers, each with 2 ½ feet of overhead cover.  Along with finding two tons of rice, some weapons and equipment, they also found five pounds of enemy documents.  The complex was burned/destroyed.  Later in the day, Co C found an enemy way station (resting point) with six more hootches. (Hopkins: 008) 

10 May (Sunday) Co C spotted smoke coming from the jungle.  They called in artillery and air support and later found a small hootch complex. (Hopkins: 008) Battalion was under the 1st Brigade control. A Co CA'd to new Cambodian AO to secure new FSB LZ Comanchee (Map 6437-2) and placed opcom to the 1.14th Inf.

11 May (Monday): Specialist Fourth Class James Olson of Charlie Company is killed in enemy action (Arnold: KIA records). 1/12th relocated from FSB Invasion(Map 6436-1) to establish FSB “Comanache (Map 6437-2) .” Co A led the air movement.  Co D continued providing fire base security. The 1/12th (-) was also placed under the operational control of 1st Brigade who were constantly finding numerous caches and making increasingly more contacts with enemy elements in their AO.  Co C would remain in the original 2d Brigade area of operations attached to 1/22d Infantry battalion.  While in the middle of moving fire bases, with half of the artillery battery moved and all their ammunition packed in boxes for sling loading, they received a fire mission for Co B.  In approximately 30 minutes, using nearly all Co D troops, 150 artillery rounds were unboxed and successfully fired in support of the contact.. At 0815, Co C had an ambush team returning to their perimeter that came under fire by an estimated 5-10 NVA and two company soldiers were wounded during the contact.  The enemy initially broke contact with the patrol.  However, as the 1st Platoon immediately responded in support of the patrol it became pinned down by an unknown size enemy force.  3d Platoon responded in support and artillery was called in.  The enemy again withdrew.  A sweep found two NVA killed and several blood trails.  Two Co C soldiers were killed during the sweep.  Sp4 James R. Olson by a sniper in a spider hole and John A. Verno(medic) during a barrage of small arms fire.  Following this contact, Co C continued to move down a trail network where they found four hooches with 500 pounds of rice, and another four other hooches with bunkers hit by B-52s and six NVA dead with rucksacks and other equipment. (Hopkins: 008& 009)  

12 May (Wednesday): Sergeant Thomas Sherry and Specialists Troy Flint and Robert Thompson of Bravo Company are killed in enemy action (Arnold KIA records). Co C returned under control of 1/12th Infantry Battalion. On the afternoon of 12 May around 1620, Co B moved across an open area, stopped for a leaders’ meeting and then began separate platoon moves toward an eventual night defensive position (NDP).  Within 30 minutes, 1st Squad, 1st Platoon walked into an enemy ambush of 5-7 NVA approximately 50-70 meters to their front.  The squad’s point man, SP4 Robert Thompson’s immediate reaction saved the squad.   However, he was instantly killed by the enemy fire.  The rest of 1st Platoon responded to reinforce the squad.  A short time later, the remainder of Co B began to sweep the suspected enemy location.  Although the enemy broke contact, they returned to within 40-50 meters and opened fire again wounding another Co B soldier (SP4 Troy L. Flint).  The enemy effectively caught Co B in a cross fire of machineguns while also attempting to flank the company from three sides simultaneously.  Twenty or more enemy with a third machinegun cut off the company CP group from 1st and 3d Platoons.  During the height of the firefight, SP4 Keith Franklin (a medic) responded to aid SP4 Troy Flint.  Franklin was cut down by the deadly enemy fire and Flint also died.  By 0150 hours, and in the dark Co B’s platoons continued to successfully regroup as one force in spite of the enemy’s counter moves.  As 3d Platoon maneuvered against the enemy, SGT Thomas Sherrywas also mortally wounded.  Beginning at 1800, Co A began to move to reinforce Co B however as darkness arrived, they were directed to establish a perimeter within 300 meters of Co B and later told to return to their original position as the situation was stabilized and under control. (Hopkins: 009)

13 May (Wednesday)   Co C found two abandoned villages with 24 hootches and 21 bunkers(Hopkins: 009)

14 May (Thursday): While searching for huts and a possible cache in Cambodia, Sergeants Silvestre Riveraand Leroy Wallace, and Private First Class Thomas Petela of Alpha Company are killed in an enemy ambush by small arms fire.  Approximately 30 men are wounded in this same engagement, including Privates First Class Luther Edwards of 3^rd Platoon and Londell Thompson of 2^nd Platoon (Arnold KIA records, Hodo).

16 May (Saturday) The battalion was relocated by truck convoy back to An Khe.  They remained on stand down for five days.

24 May (Sunday) The battalion returned to the “bush.”  The monsoon season was beginning.

25 May (Monday) CPT Richard Rhoades, CMR of Charlies Company, leaves the field.

31 May (Sunday) 1D/1-12 captured a POW that led them to six hootches and two caves.  One female was captured/evacuated. (Hopkins: 010)

JUNE 1970

June was a monsoon period

5 June (Friday): Camp Radcliff is hit with an enemy rocket attack that lasts one-and-a-half hours (Theis).

9 June (Tuesday) D/1-12 observed 8-9 NVA/VC in a bunker complex and engaged them with small arms fire.  One women was KIA, one women WIA (later died) and one child was evacuated. (Hopkins: 010)

10 June (Wednesday) C/1-12 observed one NVA/VC who fired several rounds and wounded a scout dog. (Hopkins: 010)

11 June (Thursday) C/1-12 observed six NVA/VC and engaged them with small arms.  Six enemy rucksacks were found, one with a bundle of unopened mail (Hopkins: 010)

13 June (Saturday) 2C/1-12 observed one NVA from an ambush position along a trail.  One NVA KIA with an AK-47 (Hopkins: 010)

18 June (Thursday) B/1-12 captured two Montagnards men, one women and two childrene receives two mortar rounds.  No injuries are reported (Hopkins: 010)

19 June, (Friday) 3B/1-12 engaged three NVA.  One NVA was KIA and one U.S. WIA (Hopkins: 010)

22 June, (Monday) 3C/1-12 observed and engaged four NVA resulting in a blood trail. (Hopkins: 010)

24 June (Wednesday): Two rockets strike the helicopter landing pad at Camp Radcliff.  There is no damage, and no injuries are reported (Theis).

29 June (Monday), 1C/1-12 engaged one NVA.  Resulting in one enemy KIA (Hopkins: 010)

JULY

Summary; Co D is in Fire Base “Ute.” Co B is still at Camp Radcliff where they kill two VC attempting to penetrate the wire perimeter

4 July (Saturday): Delta Company is in Fire Support Base Ute (Map 6737-3), receives an issue of new ammunition, and conducts a “mad minute” to burn up the old small arms ammo.  Bravo Company is still at Camp Radcliff where they kill two Viet Cong attempting to penetrate the wire perimeter (Theis).

6 July, (Monday) 3D/1-12 was ambushed by an undetermined size enemy force.  The first three men on point all took AK-47 rounds into their equipment (rucks, radio, and side of one helmet).  During the fire fight, artillery was called in on the suspected enemy location.  There were no known casualties. (Hopkins: 010)

10 July (Friday) D/1-12 received 8-10 rounds of enemy 60mm mortar fire.  No casualties. (Hopkins: 010)

12 July (Sunday) , D/1-12 observed seven NVA, engaged with gunships.  No results. (Hopkins: 010)

13 July (Monday) 3D/1-12 received small arms fire, no casualties, sweep of the area revealed nothing.(Hopkins: 010)

15 July (Wednesday) D/1-12 received five enemy 60mm mortar rounds, no casualties. (Hopkins: 010)

16 July (Thursday): Delta Company is in Fire Support Base Ute (Map 6737-3) when they receive two rounds of 81mm mortar fire.  There are two casualties, one is a battalion cook with a head wound, and the other is from the attached 105mm howitzer battery (Theis).

19 July (Sunday) 3A/1-12 observed three NVA.  Enemy were engaged and two rucksacks found. (Hopkins: 011)

23 July (Thursday): Delta Company is still in Fire Support Base Ute (Map 6737-3) where they receive several dog teams with handlers (Theis). 2A/1-12 observed an engaged one NVA.  Result was one NVA KIA with an AK-47 (Hopkins: 011)

25 July (Saturday) 3C/1-12 observed three NVA on a trail and engaged them with small arms fire.  One NVA was KIA and the Montagnards point man was KIA. (Hopkins: 011)

26 July (Sudnay) B/1-12 had a Gladiator helicopter crash into their PZ resulting in seven U.S. injured. (Hopkins: 011)

30 July (Thursday): Sergeant Stephen Rushing of Bravo Company is killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records).

AUGUST 1970

5 August (Wednesday): Alpha Company departs Fire Support Base Augusta BR801727 (Map 6737-2); Delta Company moves in (Theis).

9 August (Sunday) 1/12th was moved into Camp Radcliff to prepare and refit for  five to six days prior to a special divisional mission, directed by I Field Force HQ.  The battalion was to fly by C-130 aircraft, off-load into a large media event at Tuy Hoa, and begin tactical operations in Phu Yen Providence for a two-month period.  The official mission involved operating with local territorial forces in combined operations.  The “unofficial” mission was to embarrass the ROK Division by  sending an American unit into their AO.  The ROKs had been staying on their mountain top base camps and not conducting operations throughout their AO form months.  The media event was to influence the ROKs to increase their operations.  While on stand down, the 1/12th soldiers all received new jungle fatigues, new helmet covers, new boots and other new equipment so as to look “good” for the media event.  In addition, MACV advisors were brought in to brief companies on operating in a low land area.  Ultimately, the ROK Division expressed a reluctance to give up territory within their AO for American operations.  The 1-12th returned to operations north of An Khe….and much of the new stuff had to be returned? (Hopkins: 011)

16 August (Sunday): Delta Company is alerted to prepare to move from Fire Support Base Ute (Map 6737-3) to Cam Ranh Bay for a “stand-down” (Theis).

20 August (Thursday): Delta Company sends Specialist Fourth Class Michael Theis to An-Khe for Sniper School.  The training course will be three weeks long, 8/20/70 to 9/9/70 (Theis).

21 August OPCON to 173rd at FSB Uplift (Map 6837-3), probably entire battalion, Delta Company for sure. (Bruce Hopkins Records)

SEPTEMBER 1970

5 September (Saturday) 2d Brigade relocated to LZ “Uplift”(Map 6837-3), along the coast, to conduct Operation “Putnam Paragon” in Base Area 226.  (Hopkins: 012)

8 September (Tuesday): Private First Class Kenneth Nolen of Bravo Company is killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records).

22 September (Tuesday): Private First Class Michael Gambino of Bravo Company is killed by enemy indirect fire (Arnold KIA records). Battalion is ordered to reposition its forces in the eastern portion of BA 226 astride the Suci CA River. (After Action Report)

23 September (Wednesday):  Private First Class Hiram Edenton Jr. and Sergeant Robert Riveria of Alpha Company are killed by enemy indirect fire (Arnold KIA records).

25 September (Friday): Delta Company is fired upon by an ARVN unit and returns fire.  One ARVN is KIA; there are no casualties in Delta Company. The company had been directed to search for a downed ARVN helicopter and walked into the crew who fired a machinegun at the patrol.  Once the two forces identified the other, the helicopter was extracted from the jungle LZ. (Hopkins: 012)

26 September (Saturday): First Lieutenant Joseph Silva, Sergeant John Buescher, and Private First Class John Ogrizek of Echo Company’s Recon Platoon are killed when they accidentally trip/set off their own mechanical ambush (M-18 Claymore mines) as they attempt to disarm and recover the mines (Arnold KIA records, Theis).

OCTOBER 1970

 05 October (Monday) D/1-12 returned to Radcliff for training and to assume the mission of the Division reserve/reaction force. (Hopkins: 012)

10 October (Sunday): 4th Division is ordered to begin preparations to “stand down.”   Companies are to turn in all equipment and return their colors to CONUS.  The companies pull bunker guard on the division perimeter as the turn-in occurs.  During this timeframe, Camp Radcliff was caught in a typhoon, completely flooded and men had to use air mattresses to reach the bunkers. (Hopkins: 012)

12 October (Monday): Private Casey Perry of Bravo Company is killed by enemy small arms fire (Arnold KIA records).

17 October (Saturday): Specialist Fourth Class Wilbert Jones and Benton Williamson of Charlie Company are killed in an enemy rocket attack (Arnold KIA records).

31 October (Saturday): The battalion ceases all combat operations.

NOVEMBER 1970

3 November (Tuesday): The battalion conducts a final parade and awards ceremony at Camp Radcliff.

8 November (Sunday): Delta Company is alerted to prepare to move to Cam Ranh Bay for the turn-in of their equipment, and that the 4^th Infantry Division is returning to Conus.

11 November (Wednesday): Specialist Fourth Class Francis Bunk, Headquarters Company mess section, is killed in an enemy mortar attack on Camp Radcliff.  He is the last Red Warrior to die in Vietnam (Arnold KIA records).

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

Top of page