DECLASSIFIED
HEADQUARTERS
2d Combined Action Group
III Marine Amphibious Force
FPO San Francisco, California 96602
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3/ALL/mad
5750
5 Dec 1970
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CONFIDENTIAL
From: |
Commanding Officer |
To: |
Commandant of the Marine Corps (Code HD) |
Via: |
(1) Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force |
|
(2) Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific |
|
Subj: |
Command Chronology for period 1 October 1970 to 31 October 1970 |
Ref: |
(a) MCO 5750.1A |
|
(b) FMFPacO 5750.8B |
Encl: |
(1) 2nd Combined Action Group Command Chronology |
1. In accordance with the provision of references (a) and (b) enclosure (1)
is submitted.
2. Downgraded at 3-year intervals, declassified after 12 years,
DOD Dir 5200.10.
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS
2d Combined Action Group
III Marine Amphibious Force
FPO San Francisco, California 96602
COMMAND CHRONOLOGY
1 October 1970 to 31 October 1970
INDEX
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
PART 1
Organizational Data
1. Designation |
Commander |
Date |
|
2d Combined Action Group |
Lt Col J.J. TOLNAY |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
|
Subordinate Units |
|
1st Combined Action Company |
Capt T.M. CARPENTER |
1 - 4 Oct 70
|
|
1stLt S.E. RICHMOND |
5 - 31 Oct 70
|
2nd Combined Action Company |
Capt R.A. CRANE |
1 - 18 Oct 70
|
|
Capt V.E. ONEILL |
19 - 31 Oct 70
|
3rd Combined Action Company |
Capt L.H. WILLIAMS |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
4th Combined Action Company |
1stLt T.R. SADDLER |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
7th Combined Action Company |
Capt R.M. MALLARD |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
Attached Units
DET, Kit Carson Scouts, 1st Mar Div G-2 (C-1)
DET, Scout Dogs, 1st MP Battalion, FLC
DET, Medical Section, III MAF
DET, ARVN Interpreters/Translators, III MAF
2. Location
HQ, 2d CAG |
|
Hieu Nhon District, Quang Nam Province,
RVN |
CACO 2-1 |
|
Hieu Duc District, Quang Nam Province,
RVN |
CACO 2-2 |
|
Dai Loc District, Quang Nam Province,
RVN |
CACO 2-3 |
|
Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province,
RVN |
CACO 2-4 |
|
Hieu Nhon District, Quang Nam Province,
RVN |
CACO 2-7 |
|
Hoa Vang District, Quang Nam Province,
RVN |
3. Staff Officers
Executive Officer |
Maj C.L. RUSHING |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
S-1 Officer |
Capt E. COCKRELL |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
S-3 Officer |
Maj C.L. RUSHING |
1 - 27 Oct 70
|
|
Capt R.A. CRANE |
28 - 31 Oct 70
|
Asst S-3 Officer |
1stLt R.D. FLOWERS |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
S-4 Officer |
Capt E.P. WAHL |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
Chaplain/S-5 Officer |
Lt F. BIANCHINO,USN (CHC) |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
ARVN Liaison Officer |
1stLt HOA |
1 - 31 Oct 70
|
4. Average Monthly Strength
USMC |
USN |
Other |
Off Enl |
Off Enl |
Off Enl |
14 596 |
1 48 |
0 9 |
1-1
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
5. End of Month Unit Diary Strength
USMC |
USN |
Others |
Off Enl |
Off Enl |
Off Enl |
14 556 |
1 44 |
0 9 |
1-2
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
Part II
NARRATIVE SUMMARY
The month of October saw 2nd CAG making adjustments
both in personnel and physical property. The MOS of each man in the unit was
checked to determine if he was placed in the correct billet. The process of
reviewing the MOS of over 600 men involved much time and effort but the
results proved to be worthwhile. Due to the number of personnel rotating to
CONUS, and a cut-back in excess personnel, all members of the Group were
required to take an extra measure of work upon themselves, sometimes doing
the jobs of two men in addition to normal guard duties, to maintain
security. The entire personnel of the Group freely gave the extra measure
required of them. The S-4 Section at the 2nd CAG HQ continued to pare down
excesses of property and distribute the physical property of the Group in
such a manner that no Company would suffer a shortage while another Company
would be in excess.
Under the S-3 Section, the Mobile Training Team
continued their fine performance. Serving as a follow-up to the education
each CAP Marine receives in the intensive two week CAP School, the Mobile
Training Team, on their tours, covered those areas of instruction that the
individual CAP Commander felt his men required. A dialogue developed between
the Training Team and the CAP Marines. The Marines in the field gave the
Training Team valuable information and suggestions as to what the CAP School
should cover in their course of instruction. With the information gathered
by the Mobile Training Team and from past experience the school staff worked
throughout October preparing the courses to be given in the new school. The
course of instruction was streamlined without weakening the content. One of
the requested subjects was a course in Vietnamese language. The CAP Marines
in the field stated that a working
knowledge of the Vietnamese language was an invaluable aid in their dealings
with the local people. This course of instruction was planned to include
both mandatory classes and extra periods of instruction for those who
request it. The course will be supervised by the OIC of ARVN interpreters,
1st Lieutenant HOA.
In the latter portion of the month, Quang Nam
Province was hit with two severe tropical storms and over a week of rain
generated by an off shore typhoon. The resulting high winds and high water
caused extensive damage to both civilian and military property.
The rapidly rising waters caused flood conditions.
The position of many of 2nd CAG’s field units became untenable. Helicopter
and Swift boat evacuation of these units was accomplished. CACO 2-3 and CACO
2-7 were evacuated in their entirety. CACO 2-2 Headquarters remained in
position, although all of their CAPs were evacuated. CACO 2-4 Headquarters
and CAP 2-4-5 remained operational while the rest of 4th Company CAPs were
evacuated. CAP 2-1-4 was evacuated to CACO 2-1 Headquarters. The remainder
of 2nd CAG’s units remained in their respective TAOC’s. The Group
Headquarters
2-1
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
suffered extensive flooding. The entire south
portion of the base was under 4 to 5 feet of water, while the north portion
was at one time covered with 3 feet of water. All but 19 people were
evacuated from the Group Headquarters. The remaining personnel included the
Command group, staff NCO section heads,
communications personnel, and vital enlisted men who requested to remain
behind to keep the unit functioning and to perform security duty. The
helicopters used in the evacuations were from MAG-16 and Blackcat. The
helicopter pilots accomplished the nearly-impossible all throughout the
evacuations, landing in restricted areas, difficult landing zones in heavy
foul weather. The personnel of the Group worked long hours, accomplishing
difficult tasks without complaint. All hands accomplished the work required
of them, plus many requested extra responsibilities. During this trying
period the true meaning
of esprit de corps was shown by the men of 2d CAG.
In addition to the Marines evacuated, over 500
Vietnamese civilians and 500 Popular Force troops were evacuated. The
evacuees received outstanding support from 2/5 at LZ Baldy. Second
Battalion, 5th Marines supplied the influx of evacuees with dry clothing,
food and shelter.
Distinguished visitors received during October by
2d CAG included, Lt. General Keith B. McCUTCHEON, Commanding General, III
Marine Amphibious Force, Brigadier General MULBERRY, Lieutenant General
JONES and Colonel SCHACHER.
2-2
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
PART III
SEQUENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
1. Operation Summary
1 October 70 |
CAP 2-7-1 patrol apprehended (2) VN civilians obviously trying to evade the
patrol at grid BT 030634, 5 km NW of Dien Ban District Headquarters.
Unresponsive to questioning, the VN were detained and delivered to District
Headquarters. RESULTS: 2 VN civilians detained.
|
2 October 70 |
USMC member of CAP 2-2-2 patrol accidentally detonated (1) M-26 grenade
booby trap rigged with a trip wire firing device submerged in a rice paddy
at grid AT 892592, 3 km NW of Dia Loc District
Headquarters. The USMC was WIA from the exploding grenade and medevaced by
helicopter. RESULTS: (1) USMC WIA(E).
|
2 October 70 |
CAP 2-7-1 ambush initiated OWF on 2 VC with weapons at grid BT 031642, 9 km
SE of Hoa Vang District Headquarters. VC returned SAF and (1) ChiCom grenade.
One USMC received minor fragmentation wounds from the exploding grenade.
RESULTS: (1) USMC WIA(M).
|
3 October 70 |
On resupply mission to CACO 2-1 CAPs, a CACO 2-1 M-37 vehicle detonated an
unknown size box type mine rigged with a pressure type firing device at grid
927719, 3 km north of Hieu Duc District Headquarters.
Two USMC were WIA from the exploding SFD. RESULTS: (2) USMC WIA(E); (1) M-37
vehicle designated as a
combat loss.
|
3 October 70 |
PF member of CAP 2-7-5 patrol accidentally detonated (1) M-26 grenade rigged
with trip wire firing
device at grid BT 053697, 4.5 km SE of Hoa Vang District Headquarters. One
PF was WIA from exploding SFD and medevaced by helicopter. Two PF received
minor fragmentation wounds from the exploding SFD. Search for further SFDs
was negative. RESULTS: 1 PF WIA(E); 2 PF WIA(M).
|
5 October 70 |
A USN member of CAP 2-2-1 patrol accidentally detonated on M-26 grenade
rigged with trip wire firing device at grid AT 948584, 3 km east of Dia Loc
District Headquarters. The USN was WIA from the SFD and medevaced by
helicopter to 95th Evac Hospital. RESULTS: (1) USN WIA(E).
|
5 October 70 |
CACO 2-1 M-151 vehicle, while traveling on QL#540 was destroyed by a command
detonated type box mine of unknown size at grid AT 927719, 3 km north of
Hieu Duc District Headquarters. (2) USMC were KIA from the exploding SFD
and (1) USMC was WIA and medevaced by helicopter. Sweep of the area for
further SFDs was nonproductive. RESULTS: (2) USMC KIA; (1) USMC WIA(E);
(1) M-151 vehicle destroyed.
|
3-1
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
6 October 70 |
CAP 2-3-1 ambush initiated OWF on USEF at grid BT 073580, 1 km east of Dien
Ban District Headquarters. VC returned (4) ChiCom grenades and fled north.
(1) PF received minor fragmentation wounds during the contact. Swept area.
RESULTS: (1) PF WIA(M).
|
7 October 70 |
CAP 2-4-3 ambush initiated OWF on (4) VC carrying weapons at grid BT 170579,
500 meters NE of Hieu Nhon District Headquarters. VC fled unknown direction
without returning fire. Swept area. RESULTS: 2 VC KIA.
|
8 October 70 |
Hearing an explosion CAP 2-1-2 patrol base dispatched patrol to investigate.
The patrol discovered 1
ARVN M35A2C truck which had detonated (1) unknown size box mine with a
pressure type firing device at
grid AT 927719, 3.2 km north of Hieu Duc District Headquarters. Sweep of the
area disclosed (1) ARVN KIA and (2) ARVN WIA from the exploding SFD. The (2)
ARVN WIA were medevaced by helicopter. Search of the
area for further SFDs was nonproductive. RESULTS: (1) ARVN KIA; (2) ARVN
WIA(E); (1) M-35A2C destroyed.
|
8 October 70 |
Acting on information received from VN child, CAP 2-4-7 discovered on 175mm
HE round booby trap rigged
with trip wire firing device at grid BT 176553, 2.4 km SE of Hieu Nhon
District Headquarters. Sweep of
the area for further SFD was nonproductive. SFD was destroyed in place. VIP
was made. RESULTS: (1) SFD
destroyed.
|
10 October 70 |
CAP 2-1-5 ambush at grid AT 953663, 3.7 km SE of Hieu Duc District
Headquarters, received ChiComs, B-40’s, and heavy volume of SAF from
an estimated 40 enemy in green uniforms attacking from the north.
CAP returned OWF causing enemy to flee back to the north. 1 USMC was KIA, 5 USMC were WIA and 4 PF were
WIA in the contact. Search of area negative. RESULTS: 1 USMC
KIA; 4 USMC WIA(E); 1 PF WIA(E); 1 USMC WIA(M), and 3 PF WIA(M).
|
10 October 70 |
CAP 2-7-8 ambush at grid BT 054663, 8.2 km north of Dien Ban District
Headquarters heard an explosion
from Tu Cau Village. CAP reacted with sweep which revealed 2 non-CAP RF KIA
and 3 non-CAP RF WIA from
incoming B-40. VC had captured 2 M-16s, 1 M-79 and 1 PRC-25. Further sweep
revealed 4 M-79 HE rounds and
1 M-26 grenade. Ordnance destroyed. RESULTS: 2 RF KIA; 1 RF WIA(E), 2 RF
WIA(M); 3 individual weapons
lost, 1 PRC-25 lost; 4 M-79 HE rounds and 1 M-26 grenade destroyed.
|
11 October 70 |
CAP 2-3-2 patrol base observed a large crowd gathering at grid BT 053598,
2.2 km NW of Dien Ban District Headquarters. Patrol base dispatched a patrol
to investigate. Patrol discovered a section of QL#1 had been destroyed by an
unknown size and type explosive. A sweep of the area for further explosive
devices was nonproductive. RESULTS: Negative.
|
3-2
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
11 October 70 |
A 2d CAG HQ M-35A2C vehicle, while enroute to CACO 2-1, received (1) unknown
type round from an USEF at
grid AT 937687, 1 km east of Hieu Duc District Headquarters. USMC in vehicle
did not return fire due to lack of discernable target. One USMC received
minor lacerations to his arms when the round shattered the front windshield.
RESULTS: (1) USMC WIA(M).
|
12 October 70 |
CAP 2-3-2 ambush initiated organic weapons fire on USEF attempting to mine
QL-1 at grid BT 053596, 2.3
km NW of Dien Ban District Headquarters. VC returned SAF and fled W. While
sweeping area CAP PF
accidentally detonated an unknown type booby trap with trip wire firing
device. One PF was WIA and
medevaced and 2 USMC received minor fragmentation wounds from the exploding
SFD. Search of area for
further SFDs was nonproductive. RESULTS: 1 CAP PF WIA(E); 2 USMC WIA(M).
|
12 October 70 |
CAP 2-3-8 ambush initiated OWF on (11) VC at grid BT 048611, 3.5 km NW of
Dien Ban District Headquarters. VC returned SAF and fled SE. Sweep of area
disclosed 1 VC KIA, 1 M-26 grenade, 1 ChiCom grenade, 1 B-40 round and
assorted medical supplies and documents. RESULTS: 1 VC KIA; 1 M-26 grenade;
1 ChiCom grenade; 1 B-40 round destroyed; assorted medical supplies and
documents turned over to Dien Ban District Headquarters.
|
14 October 70 |
CAP 2-7-8 ambush initiated OWF on 4 VC at grid BT 050660, 7 km SE of Hoa
Vang District Headquarters. VC
returned fire and fled NE. Sweep revealed 1 K-54 pistol. RESULTS: 1 IWC.
|
19 October 70 |
Acting on information received from local villagers that 10 VC were at grid
BT 056620, 3.8 km north of
Dien Ban District Headquarters, a CAP 2-3-8 patrol base dispatched patrol to
investigate. The patrol
apprehended 5 VN females, ages 16 to 30, and 1 VN male age 30, obviously
trying to evade the patrol.
Unresponsive to CAP PF questioning the 6 VN were delivered to District
Headquarters for interrogation.
RESULTS: 6 VN detainees.
|
20 October 70 |
CAP 2-3-7 patrol initiated OWF on 2 VC with weapons at grid BT 033612, 3.4
km NW of Dien Ban District
Headquarters. Sweep of area disclosed 2 VN males, age 25, and 1 VN female
age 20, with improper identification and quantity of unidentifiable
documents. Unresponsive to CAP PF questioning the 3 VN were delivered to
District Headquarters for interrogation along with the unidentifiable
documents. RESULTS: 3 VN detainees.
|
20 October 70 |
A CAP 2-7-2 patrol initiated organic weapons fire on 2 VC with weapons at
grid BT 028625, 5.5 km NW of
Dien Ban District Headquarters. The enemy returned SAF and fled north. A
sweep of the area disclosed 1
AK-47 and 1 heavy blood trail. RESULTS: 1 IWC.
|
3-3
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
21 October 70 |
Acting on information received from local villagers that 7 VC were located
at grid AT 932588, 2.2 km NE
of Dai Loc District Headquarters, a CAP 2-2-1 patrol base dispatched a
patrol to investigate. Arriving
at the scene the CAP observed 2 VN obviously trying to evade the patrol. The
2 VN were apprehended and
delivered to District Headquarters for interrogation. RESULTS: 2 VN
detainees.
|
21 October 70 |
While on patrol a USMC member from CAP 2-7-10 was injured when a command
detonated 105mm HE round
exploded at grid BT 037644, 6.3 km NW of Dien Ban District Headquarters.
USMC was evaced by helicopter.
Further search for SFDs was negative. RESULTS: 1 USMC WIA(E).
|
22 October 70 |
CAP 2-3-8 patrol initiated OWF on 6 VC with weapons at grid BT 056628, 4.3
km north of Dien Ban District
Headquarters. VC returned SAF and fled NE. Sweep of area revealed 3 VC KIA,
7 VN civilians, 2 rain
jackets and 300 lbs of rice. The VN civilians, unresponsive to CAP PF
questioning were delivered to
District Headquarters for interrogation where they were classified as VC.
RESULTS: 3 VC KIA; 7 VC POW; 2
rain jackets and 300 lbs of rice captured.
|
22 October 70 |
CAP 2-7-1 ambush initiated OWF on 3 VC with weapons moving east at grid BT
025635, 3.3 km south of Hoa
Vang District Headquarters. The enemy returned SAF and ChiCom grenades and
fled east. One USN was WIA
during the contact and medevaced by helicopter. A sweep of the area
disclosed 3 VC KIA, 2 AK-47 rifles,
2 9mm pistols, 5 M-26 grenades, 1 map, 1 poncho liner, and 1 black head
band. RESULTS: 1 USN WIA(E); 3 VC KIA; 4 IWC; 5 M-26 grenades destroyed; 1
map, 1 poncho liner, and 1 black head band captured.
|
24 October 70 |
A combined operation of CAP 2-4-2, 2-4-5, and a local non-CAP PF platoon
discovered 1 81mm HE mortar
round booby trapped with a trip wire firing device across a trail, 1 105mm
HE round booby trap rigged
with a trip wire firing device along the side of a trail, 5 one foot deep by
one foot wide by three feet
long punji pits across a trail junction, 1 M-79 HE round booby trap rigged
with a trip wire firing
device across a trail, and 1 60mm HE mortar round booby trap rigged with a
trip wire firing device
across a trail, all found within grid squares BT 1254, BT 1255, and BT 1354,
approximately 4.5 km SW of Hieu Nhon District Headquarters. Also discovered
were 2 spider holes in a treeline at grid BT 124550,
4.4 km SW of Hieu Nhon District Headquarters, 1 hospital tunnel complex
reinforced with steel and wood capable of holding 12 persons
|
3-4
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
|
at grid BT 130548, 3.8 km SW of Hieu Nhon District Headquarters, 1
camoflauged well which had been used
as a VC watering point at grid BT 126549, 4.3 km SW of Hieu Nhon District
Headquarters, 4 recently used
camoflauged base camps with a fire place, and lean-tos each camp capable of
holding 6-8 people at grid
BT 124550, BT 127547, BT 127549, and BT 129548 approximately 3.4 km SW of
Hieu Nhon District
Headquarters, and a small quantity of miscellaneous medical supplies, black
pajamas, and assorted
documents at grid BT 130548, 3.8 km SW of Hieu Nhon District Headquarters.
The SFDs, punji pits, spider
holes, base camps, hospital tunnel complex and well were destroyed. The
medical supplies, black pajamas
and assorted documents were delivered to District Headquarters. RESULTS: 4
SFDs, 5 punji pits, 2 spider
holes, 1 hospital tunnel complex, 4 base camps and 1 well destroyed;
miscellaneous medical supplies,
black pajamas and assorted documents captured.
|
24 October 70 |
An USEF initiated SAF on CAP 2-7-4 at grid BT 050630, 3 km SE of Hoa Vang
District Headquarters. CAP 2-7-4 returned organic weapons fire causing the
enemy to flee in an unknown direction. Three PFs received wounds during the
contact and were medevaced. A sweep of the area was nonproductive. RESULTS:
3 PF WIA(E).
|
24 October 70 |
CAP 2-1-2 initiated OWF on 6 VC with weapons at grid AT 927719, 3 km north
of Hieu Duc District
Headquarters. The OWF set off a secondary explosion believed to be a mine at
the same location of 3
previous mining incidents. The enemy returned SAF and fled south. A sweep of
the area was nonproductive.
RESULTS: Negative.
|
25 October 70 |
CAP 2-2-1 ambush at grid AT 935579, 2.3 km east of Dai Loc District
Headquarters, apprehended 1 VN male,
age 42, obviously observing the CAP’s position. Unresponsive to CAP PF
questioning, the VN was detained and delivered to District Headquarters for
interrogation. RESULTS: 1 VN detainee.
|
26 October 70 |
Acting on information received from a POW, CAP 2-3-3 patrol base dispatched
a patrol to investigate and
captured 1 VC agent at grid BT 050582, 1.5 km west of Dien Ban District
Headquarters. The VC agent was
turned over to District Headquarters for interrogation. RESULTS: 1 VCI
captured.
|
27 October 70 |
Hearing an explosion CAP 2-7-5 patrol base dispatched a patrol to
investigate. The patrol discovered 1
VN child with fragmentation wounds to the body caused by the detonation of a
M-26 booby trap which was
rigged with a trip wire along a trail at grid BT 049695, 4.5 km NE of Hoa
Vang District Headquarters.
CAP 2-7-5 medevaced the VN child to 95th Evac. RESULTS: 1 VN child evaced.
|
3-5
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
27 October 70 |
CAP 2-4-2 while on operational sweep of grid square BT 1856, 2.3 km SE of
Hieu Nhon District
Headquarters, found 9 bunkers, all within the above mentioned grid square.
Three of the bunkers were
rigged with one of the following SFDs; 81mm HE mortar round, 105mm HE round,
B-40 HE round. All SFDs
were rigged with trip wire firing devices. SFDs and bunkers were destroyed.
RESULTS: 3 SFDs and 9
bunkers destroyed.
|
2. Neutralization of Enemy Forces
|
a. |
NVA KIA
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0
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b. |
VC KIA
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9
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c. |
NVA POW
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0
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d. |
VC POW
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8
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f. |
Hoi Chanh
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|
|
|
(1)
|
NVA
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0
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(2)
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VC
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0
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(3)
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VCI
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0
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3. Casualties Sustained
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a. |
USMC KIA
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3
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b. |
USMC WIA(E)
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15
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c. |
USMC WIA(M)
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5
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d. |
USMC MIA
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0
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e. |
USN KIA
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0
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f. |
USN WIA (E)
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2
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g. |
USN WIA(M)
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0
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h. |
USN MIA
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0
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|
i. |
CAP PF KIA
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2
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j. |
CAP PF WIA(E)
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15
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|
k. |
CAP PF WIA(M)
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3
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|
l. |
CAP PF MIA
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0
|
|
4. New Techniques Employed Negative
5. Command Relationships
2nd CAG experienced no problem areas with
Vietnamese or local FWMAF units during October.
6. Significant Accomplishments of Attachments
a. Kit Carson Scouts: At the beginning
of the reporting period 2nd CAG employed 8 KCS, one man was in a UA status
at the end of the month bringing the end of the month strength down to 7
effective men. The KCS accounted for
3-6
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
3 VCS detained, 4 mines/booby traps discovered, 1 cache discovered, 2 caves
and tunnel complexes discovered; participated in 287 patrols and aided in 33
classes.
b. ARVN Interpreters: 2nd CAG had seven
interpreter and one Officer-interpreter assigned to its units during
October. The interpreters provided valuable services in the translation of
documents for ceremonies, and coordinated operations with Vietnamese
counterparts.
c. Scout Dogs: During October, 2nd CAG
utilized 15 Scout Dog Teams and 11 Mine and Booby Trap Teams. As usual the
Teams performed their duties in an excellent manner and were a welcome
addition to the units which they worked with.
7. Lessons Learned Negative
8. Logistics
|
a. General: During this reporting period this Command has established
itself in a C-1 category for supply and maintenance under the Mares Forstat
Reporting System.
|
|
b. Significant Events: This Command lost two vehicles, a truck M-151
and a truck M-37, due to enemy action. These vehicles hit mines on a dirt
road while resupplying CAPs. In addition, one truck M-35 was code H as a
result of a semi-trailer backing into it and bending the fram. Supply point
distribution has been effected. This has resulted in a more equitable use of
vehicles and should reduce miles traveled over a monthly basis.
|
|
c. Damage to Weapons due to enemy action: During the reporting period
the Command armory received no weapons damaged due to enemy action.
|
|
d. Motor Transport: The Group Motor Transport drove a total of 18,678
miles during the reporting period. There were six (6) vehicles deadlined for
2nd echelon maintenance and eight (8) vehicles for/to 3rd echelon
maintenance. Breakdown is as follows:
|
|
NOMENCLATURE
|
|
ECHELON
|
|
QTY
|
|
M35A2C, Truck
|
2nd
|
3
|
M37B1, Truck
|
2nd
|
2
|
M151A1, Jeep
|
2nd
|
1
|
M35A2C, Truck
|
3rd
|
1
|
M37B1, Truck
|
3rd
|
5
|
M151A1, Jeep
|
3rd
|
1
|
M274, Mule
|
3rd
|
1
|
(1) Average deadline time was as follows:
|
|
|
|
2nd Echelon
|
|
|
|
2-4 Days
|
3rd Echelon
|
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15-45 Days
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3-7
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
e. Airlifts: As in previous reports no airlifts have been
scheduled.
f. Messhall: Approximately 23,250 meals were prepared during
this reporting period in the 2nd CAG Messhall. Of the above total
approximately 12,000 meals were distributed to troops in the field.
g. Armory: The Group Armory repaired a total of 75 weapons. In
addition, 20 weapons were sent to 1st FSR for 3rd Echelon Maintenance.
h. Supplies: This command experienced no difficulties in
obtaining supplies for operational effectiveness for the reporting period.
i. Problem Areas: None
9. Civic Action/Psychological Operations
a. The month of October witnessed significant and substantial
accomplishments in our Civic Action Program. Civic Action NCO’s from 2nd
Combined Action Group continue to act as liaison between hamlet, village and
district officials in initiating community projects under direction of the
Group Civic Action Officer, Lieutenant F. BIANCHINO, USNR (CHC).
b. Our areas of operation were completely innundated at the
close of the month and approximately 1000 Vietnamese were moved via
helicopter and boats to high ground and safe areas. During the havoc caused
by the flood, the Corpsmen of CACO 2-4 in the village of Son Phon, Hieu Nhon
District assisted in the delivery of a Vietnamese baby girl.
c. In Hieu Nhon District, Civic Action efforts supported the
program initiated by the village priest to distribute clothing, food, soap
and other essentials to all the people affected by the flood.
d. Projects associated with self-improvement, particularly
agricultural projects, have been encouraged by the CAPs. Vegetable seeds
donated by interested people in the U.S. have proved most beneficial to
local farmers. Milk products for pig consumption were distributed by Civic
Action NCOs.
e. Classes in English and Preventive Medecine are held regularly
and Vietnamese Cultural Teams performed in all Districts. Consequently, good
fellowship and better understanding between CAP Marines, Popular
Forces and civilian populace has resulted.
f. In the month of October 2nd CAG’s Civic Action Officer
received a plethora of gifts from people in the United States. All the gifts
were distributed to the CAPs for further distribution to the populace.
3-8
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
g. Commodities distributed during the month of September (sic) were as follows: food 7000 lbs; soap 520 lbs;
clothing 1200 lbs; baby food 250 lbs; sewing kits 112.
h. Medical assistance in support of Civic Action Med Caps
resulted in the treatment of 21,316 Vietnamese civilians and 54 dental
cases. First aid instruction was given to 61 civilians who assist in Med
Caps and serve as interpreters for the corpsmen.
i. During the month of Cotober, CAP Marines assisted Vietnamese
civilians in completing the following projects: marketplace 1; schools 1;
wells 3; fences 1.
10. Personnel and Administration
a. Personnel Transactions. During the month of October
the following personnel transactions were completed.
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(1)
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Joined
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USMC
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Off Enl
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1 19
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(2)
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Rotated CONUS
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USMC
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Off Enl
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1 96
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(3)
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Reassignment Within WestPac
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USMC
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Off Enl
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0 30
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(4)
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Transferred by Service Records while sick (out of country hospital)
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USMC
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Off Enl
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1 23
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(5)
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Extension of WestPac Tour effected
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USMC
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Off Enl
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0 1
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b. Promotions: During the month of October the following
promotions were effected.
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|
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To PFC
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2
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To SSgt
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0
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To LCpl
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60
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To GySgt
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0
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To Cpl
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6
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To 1st Sgt/MSgt
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0
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To Sgt
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1
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To SgtMaj/MGySgt
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0
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3-9
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
c. Legal Matters
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(1) Courts held:
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GCM 0
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SpCM 0
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SCM 0
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(2) Article 32 Investigations:
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0
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(3) NJP:
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2
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(4) JAG-Type Investigations:
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1
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Completed
yes
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d. Award Recommendations
e. Congrints/Splints/Welreps
The command has responded to:
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(2)
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CONGRINTS
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(0)
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SPLINTS
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(6)
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WELREPS
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f. Morale and Welfare
(1) R&R: The command has utilized
the following number of quotas to the R&R areas listed.
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(a)
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Hong Kong
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(5)
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Okinawa
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(2)
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Taipei
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(10)
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Bangkok
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(7)
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Hawaii
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(16)
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Sydney
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(7)
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(b)
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In Country
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(0)
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(2) Mail:. Daily average
bags of mail processed:
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Incoming
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(10)
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Outgoing
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(2)
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(3) Hospital Visitations: All
in country hospital patients are visited weekly by their respective
CACO Commanders.
g. Career Planning
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Re-enlistments:
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(0)
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2 yrs;
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(0)
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3 yrs;
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(0)
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4 yrs;
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(1)
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6 yrs;
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Extensions:
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(1)
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12 months.
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3-10
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
11. Intelligence: During the monsoon season enemy troop
movement has traditionally been light. October saw this light movement cut
down to a lower level than expected due to the frequent tropical storms
which hit Quang Nam Province with high winds and severe flood conditions.
Most of the enemy sighted during October were
moving in small groups of four or five men. It is probable
that these small units were contacts between the larger units which have
gone to higher ground, and
local Viet Cong Infrastructure. In most cases these units tried to avoid
detection and contact. Those
Viet Cong units which did initiate contact with 2nd CAG units were usually
eight men or stronger. There
was a noticable lack of contact with, or sightings of, NVA units, or NVA
troops working in conjunction
with local communist forces.
As the monsoons make resupply a problem the enemy
units make extensive use of caches along the way of expected troop movement
or way-stations. The CAPs of 2nd CAG have been highly successful in finding
and destroying these caches, thereby disrupting enemy lines of supply.
Towards the end of October, units from CACO 2-4 discovered and destroyed a
major cache complex. Approaching a wooded area, the units ran into a heavily
mined and booby trapped trail. They destroyed these mines and traps, and
moved forward finding 2 spider holes, a hospital tunnel complex reinforced
with steel and wood capable of holding 12 people, a camoflauged well,
camoflauged base camps, and a small quantity of miscellaneous medical
supplies, black pajamas, and assorted documents. The entire hospital and
base camp complex was destroyed and the material found was returned to Hieu
Nhon District Headquarters to be analyzed. Two days later CAP 2-4-2 found 9
bunkers, 3 of which were mined with trip wire firing devices. The bunkers
and protective mines were blown by the CAP.
The pattern of heavy mine emplacement established
in previous wet weather experience in Vietnam held true in October. The
majority of wounds received by CAP personnel were from enemy emplaced mines
rather than contact with enemy troops. Trip wire firing devices were used in
rice paddies submerged in the paddy water, command detonated mines were used
along routes of resupply against vehicles and foot traffic.
On the 11th of the month the VC cut QL#1 2.2
kilometers northwest of Dien Ban District Headquarters. On the 12th, CAP
2-3-2 initiated organic weapons fire on an USEF attempting to mine QL#1. The
VC returned fire and fled west. While sweeping the area, one PF accidentally
detonated an unknown type booby trap rigged with a trip wire firing device.
One PF was WIA(E) and 2 USMC received minor fragmentation wounds.
With the onslaught of the three tropical storms in
the last three days of the month and the evacuation of the majority of the
CAPs of the Group, it is expected that the VC units may have entered the
TAOCs of 2nd CAG prior to their reinsertion of the pulled units. This may
cause increased contact with the enemy during November.
a. Weapons and Ordnance Captured:
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(1) Individual Weapons Captured
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AK-47
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2
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K-54
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1
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9mm pistol
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2
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3-11
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
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(2) Ordnance Captured
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175mm round
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1
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105mm round
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3
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81mm round
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3
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25 lb. box mines
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2
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B-40 round
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3
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M-79 round
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1
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M-26 grenade
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1
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ChiCom grenade
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1
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SFD
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6
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(3) Gear Captured
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VC flag
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1
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VC banner
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1
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Propaganda leaflets
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350
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Tobacco
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3 lbs
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Rice
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310 lbs
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Haversack
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1
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12. Communications
a. Battery usage (BA-386): 1452
batteries were used during the month.
b. Combat Operations Center: The following communications
traffic was passed through the combat operations center over various nets:
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Incoming Messages
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278
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Outgoing Messages
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237
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Spot Reports
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112
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Casualty Reports
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6
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Total Traffic
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633
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c. Communications Supply: For the month there was a total
of 46 outstanding requests.
d. Maintenance:
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Work Requests Submitted
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124
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Work Requests Completed
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123
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Work Requests Outstanding
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1
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Total Outstanding
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10
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13. Fire Support: During October 2nd CAG utilized (12) artillery fire
missions, (4) 81mm illumination missions, and (10) 60mm fire missions
14. Air Support: In addition to gunship missions, 2nd CAG utilized 53
helicopter evacuation missions during October.
3-12
Top
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
15. Activations, Deactivations, Redesignations and Relocations of
CAPs:
There were no activations, deactivations, redesignations or relocations of
CAG units during October.
16. Special Services
a. During the month of October, two Special
Services trip to Hong Kong were made for the purchase of Poloroid film,
tiger shorts, projector bulbs, and miscellaneous smaller items.
b. Weekly rations of beer and soda to Combined
Action Companies continued with 416 cases of beer and soda distributed.
c. Two USO shows were provided during the
month of October.
18. Medical Department
a. General: During the month of
October, emphasis was placed on wet weather hygiene and prevention of
immersion foot.
An increase in the number of cases of
Hepatitis was noted and personnel were instructed not to eat or drink
Vietnamese foods or beverages.
Hospital Corpsman in the field were
instructed to intensify the training program of PF Corpsmen.
Routine inspection of CAPs was carried out
during this period.
Med Caps at 2nd CAG level totaled
1,042 during October.
b. Personnel:
|
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(1)
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Medical Department Representative:
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A.L. GRANT
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HMC, USN
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(2)
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Admin/Sick Call Petty Officer:
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J.F. COMBS,
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HM1, USN
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(3)
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Supply/Sick Call Petty Officer:
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G.J. DAGLEY,
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HM1, USN
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(a)
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Detached
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05
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(b)
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Hospitalized (NBC)
|
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03
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(c)
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Hospitalized (WIA)
|
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02
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(d)
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Joined
|
|
00
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c. MedCap: During the month of
October, Combined Action Platoons treated 21,251 civilians in
routine Med Caps and a total of 65 civilians who were casualties
resulting from hostile action.
d. Training: CAP Corpsmen held a
total of 91 classes with a total attendance of 463 Health
Workers, PF Corpsmen and civilians.
3-13
(End of 2d CAG Command Chronology for October, 1970)
Go to the Command Chronology for November,
1970
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