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Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't. agenciesand their contractors;Administrative/Operational Use; 01 AUG 1968.Other requests shall be referred to Office ofthe Adjutant General (Army), Washington, DC20301.

AGO ltr 29 Apr 1980 ; AGO ltr 29 Apr 1980

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THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE LAWS, TITLE 18, U.S.C., SECTIONS 793 AND 794. THE TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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CONFIDENTIALDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

OmOE OF THE ADJUTANT OCNERAI, WASHINGTON. D.C. 20910

oCO

CO&

IN ntPLV MPtM TO

AGAM-P (M) (4^ Oct 68) ^0* 683201

SUBJECT: Operational Report - Leasons Learned, Headquarters, 4thBattalion, 60th Artillery, Period Ending 31 July 1968 (U)

SEE DISTRIBUTION

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10 October 1968

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1. Subject report Is forwarded for review and evaluation In accordance ^ with paragraph 5b, AR 325-15. Evaluations and corrective actions shouldV] be reported to ACSFOR OT RD, Operational Reports Branch, within 90 days " of receipt of covering letter.

2. Information contained In this report Is provided to insure that the v Anay realises current benefits from lessons learned during recent opera­

tions.

3. To Insure that the Information provided through the Lessons Learned Program Is readily available on a continuous basis, a cumulative Lessons - Learned Index containing alphabetical listings of Items appearing In the^ reports Is compiled and distributed periodically. Recipients of the attached report are encouraged to recommend items from it for Inclusion in Che Index by completing and returning Che self-addressed form provided at the end of this report.

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BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:

1 Inclas

DISTRIBUTION:Commanding Generals

US Continental Army Comnand US Army Combat Developments Command

Commandants

US Army Command and General Staff College US Army Armor School US Army Artillery and Missile School US Army Aviation School US Army Infantry School US Army Missile and Munitions School US Army Ordnance School

C. A. STANFIEL Colonel, ACC Acting The Adjutant General

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GCTiri^F1.-T f r !

Regraded unclassified when separated from classified inclosure.

CONFIDENTIAL I

DISTRIBUTION (Cont'd)

Copies furnished:Office, Chief of Staff,Deputy Chiefs of StaffChief of EngineersChief of Research and DevelopmentAssistant Chief? of StaffDirector, Weapons Systems Evaluation GroupDefense Documentation CenterHudson InstituteCommanding Generals

US Army Materiel Command US Army Weapons Command

Commanding OfficersUS Army Limited War LaboratoryUS Army Logistics, Doctrine Systems & Readiness Agency 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery

....

Sa.. '-a

3 CONFIDENTIAL

BEEiUiTMEHT OP THE JiHMy HSADq[j;.aTK.iS, 4™ BiTTjamN (AW)(SP), 6OTH AHTTT.J.KCT

jiPO 96294

ÜTPA-^T-ATOP 1 Jlugust 1968

SDBJBCTJ OperaUonal Eeport of 4th Battalion (^(SP), 60th ürtyt Battery E (Mi), 41st Artillery and Battery B (SIiT), 29th ürtillory for period ending 31 July 1966, KOS CS 65 (El)

SEE mSXEIBITCEON

1. Section I (c) Significant organization or unit activities.

a* General

(1) The 4th Battalion Uw)(SE) 60th Artillery with attached Battery E.,(MB), 41st Artillery and Battery B (SLT), 29th Artillery, refined assigned to I Field Itorce Vietnam and fully attached to I Field Force Vietnam Artillery.

(2) Die Battalion, with attachments, continues to operate at widely separated locations in support of maneuver and artillery elements of the United States and Free World Military assistance Forces throughout Ihe II Corps Tactical Zone and portions of th? I Corps Tactical Zone.

(3) Headquarters and Headquarters Battery remained attached to I Field Force Artillery aiid was located at Camp Townes, Qui Hhon area, at the beginning of the reporting period. Headejuarters and Headquarters Battery relocated at Camp Hadoliff, An Kho, effoctive 20 June. Battery A romauiad assigned to the 4th Battalion (AV/)(SP), 60-tii Artillery. Operational control of its 1st AW platoon was exercised by the 5th Battalion, 27th Artillery in the Hian Ihiet area. Operational control of the 2nd AW platoon was exorcised by Ihe 6th Battalion, 32nd Artillery in support of its units in tao Tuy Hoa/ Winh Hoa area. Battery B remained assigned to the 4th Baf'-alion {AW)(SP), 60th Artillery. Elements of the 1st Av/ platoon were located on LZs from the ^ui Mhon aroa to Mang Giang Pass (west of An Khe along highway 19^). Operational control of the 110, 120, and 140 sections was exercised by the 4tti Battalion, (AW)(SP), 60th Artillery; Operational control of tne 130 section rfas exorcised by 41st Artillery Group. Ihe 2nd AW platoon regained located in tie Qjk To/Kontum area with operational control of 210, 220, ?nd 230 sections axeroised by the 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery (4th Division artillery). Operational control of the 240 section was exercised by tau 2nd Battalion, 9tii Artillery (4t;i Division Artillery). Battery C remained aesignod to the 4til Battalion (A"./)(SP), 60th Artillery. The 110 and 130 sections of the 1st

.1. aeo mci 1 CONFIDENTIAL FOR OT Rp GS3^0» MD JJ,,, 52OO_10

DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS; DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.

CONFIDENTIAL l^ ATO-AT-iVÜP 1 Augusi; 1968 3DBJ3CTI Operational Beport of 4tii Battalion (i.W)(Sf), 60tn ^irty, Battery E (M&), 41st artillery and Battery B (SLT), 29öi iirtiUary for Puriod ending 31 July 1968, HCS C3 65 (Hi)

iixA platoon remained teEjjoraxily attached to the 1st jior Cayalry DiTieion with operational oontrol exercised ty the 2nd Battalion, 19th ürtilleiy (1st Cavalry Elvision üxtillery) located in the Quang Tri area of the I Corps Tactical Zone. Operational control of ttie 120 aid 140 sections and thu 2nd iiW platoon was oxercised by the 4th Bat1»lion (^W)(SP)> 60th iirtillory support- ing elements of the 3rd Battalion, 319th *rtillory (173rd LS& Brigade) and the Ttii Battalion, 15th Jlrtillary (4l8t irtiller; (Jroup). ühcsa two aeotions and the entire aid ÜW platoon were deployed in the Bong Son- plains area. Battory D remained assigned to the 4'ta Battalion (jiW)(SP)> toüi Artillery, üparational control of the HLIO section, 10.21, D132, and H141 squads was oxoroised by the 4th Battalion, 42nd irtlllsry (4th Diviaon Artillery), in the Ban Mo Bwot area. Operational control of the 1)122, El31, and 1142 squads was exeroised by the 2nd Battalion, 9th artillery (4th Bivision ürtillery) at LZ Oaeie, southwest of Ploiku. Operational oontrol of Ü10 210 section at Ban Ms Thuot was exercised by the SUi Battalion," 22nd Artillery, (52nd artillery Group.) Operational oontrol of Itia 320 sootion at.Poldl Djorong (wost of Ploiku) was exorcised by tho 6th Battalion, 14th Artillery, (52nd /.rtillary Group.) Operational oontrol of the D241 and D231 squads were directly oxorcisod by the 4th Division irtillery at Ploilcu. E142 and E122 were under trie operational oontrol of tho 4th Battalion (/A/)(SP), 60th Artillery in support of tho 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry operating in the plains west of Pleiku.

(4) Battery £ (MS), 41«t Jlrtlllery remained attached to the 4th Battalion (AV)(SP), 60th artillery, She six1 machine gun sections romained further attached to batteries of the 4th Battalion (;.W)(SP), 60th VirtilLery, with operational control oxerciaed as follows: Section u attaoiiad to Battuj-y A with operational control of the let and 2nd squads exercised by the Tuy Hoa i3ub-irea CJoELaand; and the 3rd pnd 4th'squads by .the 173rd Airborne Brigade supi-orting the Tuy Hoa Sab-Area Conuandf section B attaohod to Battery Q and further attached toinporarily to the let llr Cavalry Bivision has operational control exerciaod by tho 2nd Battalion, 19tti .urtillory (1st Air Cavalry Division Artillery) in the ^iang Tri area of I Coriis Tactical Zone. Section'C attached to Battery C had operational oontrol exeipiaed by tho 4th Battalion (Ai/)(SP), 60th Artillery iii tho Bong Son area supporting elene/.ts of the 41st Artillery Group and 3rd Battalion, 319th Artillery (173rd airborne Brigade). Section D attached to Battery D had operational control of the 2nd,. 3rd, and 4th squads exorcised Vy tiio 4th Battalion (AW)(SP), 60th Artillery, supporting the 4th Bivision Ar tillery ne«r .Pleiku, and operational control of the 1st squad oxercisad by the 2nd Battalion, 9th Artillery at Kontum. Section E attached to Battery A had operational oontrol exerciae-j by the 5th Battalion, 27th Artillery in the IV-ah Thiet area. Section K attached to Battory B had operational oontrol of tho 1st, 3rd, and 4th squads exorcised by tho 4th Battalion (AW)(SP), 60th Artillery aup^orting tho 4tii Division Military Police on highway 19E from Ploilcu to Dak To. Operational control

(2)' '

CONFIDENTIAL

I 4^^ Hit■CrA.At.AW0j CONFIDENTIAL .SUBJECT: ^eratl0nr.J- I'-eport of 4th Battalion 60th Jaty, Battesy £(l«}) 4lat ilitilloxy and Battory B (8LX)f 29th i.xtlllory for Poxiod aading 31 July 1958, Q68 00 6$ (01)

of tho ftid BquaA mio exorolaed by tho 41at 4vtillexy Oreup at Phu Cat iJB.

(5) Battaxy B (flLl), 29tb Axtiliory, xonainad attaohgd to tha 4tfa lattaXloa (4V)(BP)i 601^ 4xtllloxy* lha lat, did and 3rd ao&xohliaht platoma naro attaohod to Battaxiea B, C, and 4 roapootively. Oparational control of tha platoona waa exerclaed aa folxovai lat platom,loas two aeardi- llght^ by 4th Idvlaion drtillary eloouaits In tho Dak To/Pleiau aroeA with tho runalnlnf two acarehllfl^ta controllad by Ijie 52nd irtillary CSrot5)> the 2nd platoon, Blnxia four aaarohll^^ita, by tiia 4th Bat:alion UW;(SP), '^th di'tillery supportlM ▼atious Ihitad Statoa and Itepublle of Xbxaa Ibroaa located in tho Bong Son/^ iiTion aroaa.Tho four aoarchllghta xonatnlng ware tonvoxatlly Pfovince to tha lat CaviLry Diviaion I'ocatad In tJAe 9isiig 'Sriattaohod, I Corps Tactical Zonal and tha 3rd platoon oentxollod by various Ihitod Statea and Scpubllo of Eoraa fbreoa looetad on tho coastal plains from the jmotion of highways 1 and 6b south to Phan Thiot.

(6) Coianittnenta requiring dtf asaota in oxoaas of tho 64 H424l'a and 24 M authorised by TO de I wero xoduoed during tho reporting period oo only one? lon-oomaittod oxooaa aasota ware turned in for oloaod loop oalnt- anpnoo (riotrograda) • Currently one M55 nennod by Hoadnuartors Battery is employ­ed at Bir Son liiuntain Piro Base aupportlng Battery C, 2nd Battalion, l?th dxtillary (41st dxtlllexy Group).

(?) Siomenta of tho Battalion and attaohA.;a. to participated in tne following major operational ii3iAAT:nrAi, './HITB .DltoJ 6, .4J..U '3U 12,Gx*a.loii, Xiu^L.a, liClUIK and J~i2 STUAaaI.

b* Ihtelllgeuoe

(1) Upon raloo’-tien of the Battalion Headquarters to Ca>^ liadcliff at in Bha, a new intelllgance gathering effort was initiated, with the Objeotlva being to reoaiTo tlaaly intalllganoa infoxnatlon on the aneny'a daploynant, aovaaent and probable pouraea of aoUon throughout tha U CPZ.The prior intelliganca gathering effort was oonfinod to tha iuuiediate ylolai'ty of ^a Battalion Hoadquartara at Qul iihoa, whioh -Hlb inadaqtiata fox a unit with alaatants deployed throughout tha H CT4. Burlng the fixat Month after arrival at in Bia, unite ware oontaoted t.ixoughout IX CTZ Wiiieh aubatt iatelliganoe aumarlaa (HTSOMS) to IffV HQ and arrangaoents were ada to raoaiva oopiea of ttieir 1HT30>B. ttiits from whioh IiTToUiiS are roceiveci arai 02, 4th lat Olv, Flaikuf b2, 52nd irty Gi>, xleiKu; 62, Cu B, 5 BF Croup, rleikuj 32, 5th Bh, 2?1h irty, ihan T.iiatj 32, 6th rh 32nd erty, Tuy Hoa) a4)K Tlgax Bivlsion, Qul Hhon; 27t.i Intel Taan, Hhoni and 22nd ilLVH Biv Hq, (|u1 Cion. The 82 Officer currently spends three cpys per we k on liaison visits to these HQa. Lifomation oontinues to be gp.ttierod fioa the ^li Nhon area end daily Liaison is maintained with the 1st Bn, 503xd Inf and

2* Sec Ihol 2(3)

CONFIDENTIAL

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* . ••CONFIDENTIAL f

iVPi-AT-A»<OP ^ *iufc-u8t 19668DBJBCT1 Oparational Report of 4th Battalion Uw)(SP), 60th ^ty, Battery & (M3), 41at Artillery and Battery B (SLT), 29th Artilleiy for period ending 31 July 196a, ECS CS 65 (21)

lUCV in An Khe. Purttier intelligence information regarding the II CTZ is reoelved from Headquarters JWV, in daily IBISJliS and weekly PiELIiTTEi&'S,

(2) Area studies from the Combined Intelligence Center Vietnam (CICV), were received in the early portion of the reporting period. An additional request for an eneov/ air capability study was hc^ior ;d prior to the end of the quarter* Turther Information will be requested to further develop and keep currttit the status of the enemy air threat, should the Battalion find it nocessary to revert to an air defense rolo. Numerous studies from CICV regarding enemy tactics are on order presently to form tho nucleus of a Battalion Intelligence Eeaaii^ File.-

(3) The Battalion received three A.iVN interpreters on 1 July 1968. Che was assigned to C Battery in <he Bong Son area, who have elements 8iq)porting aEVN units, to bolster their liaison with these units. Chewas assigned to D Battery to aid them in a civic action program that They had begun in the Plolku area. Ihe third was retrined at Battalion Headquarters to be utilised for oivio action and intelligence activities.

(4) Ihe Batteries during the reporting period continued to receive intelligence for their particiilar area of operations from daily briefings by st^ported and adjacent unite* This intelligence, plus ^ot reports, is forwarded by The batteries to the Battalion S2 for evaluatlcn and inclusion In the Battalion's daily intelligence suauiary.

0* Operatiens and Training Activities

(1) Operations

(a) All operp.tional elements of tho 4th Battalicn (*W) (SP), 60th Artillery and attached Battery E (M3), 41st Artllloiy, and Battery B (HLT), 29th -Irtillery, were engaged in tactical operations during tho 92 days of -this reporting period. Operations which elements of tho Buttaiion took, ppjt in werei continuations of HSA-THIH'i, ^iCCLAII>, BOLLHiG, JH3 S?U.n4T, VZL'/ZT HAim. end PEGASUS, ./ilTE HOESE 6 ?nd Mi.EKG hO 12. Firo units primary enqiloynent continued to be perimeter dofanse with supilemontial mis-ions consisting of convoy escort; route, strongpoint, work-party, bridge and mine sweep security; and reoon in force missions with mechanized maneuver elements. Supporting fire was provided by interdiction, ooiinterfira, roconaissancQ by firo, corLfirmed target engagement, and on call missions. Searc^ili^hts contin­ued to be employed in support of critical installations, defensive peiimeters, and sensitive areas. Missions were performed both in the visible and i.ifrarod modes on .a scheduled and on-call basis. Types and n\unbers of s’op^orting fires and searohli^t missions acoonplished during this reporting period are as followsI

(4)CONFIDENTIAL

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13

7 CONFIDENTIAL

AVFA-AT-AWOP 1 August 1968 SUBJECT: Operational Report of 4th Battalion (AW)(SP), 60th Arty, Battery E (MG), 41st Artillery and Battery B (SLT), 29th Artillery for period ending 31 July 1968, RCS CSFOR-65 (Rl)

Duatax (mZAl)

NuBb« m^^m^mrmtä: Ini»ii4tetion 2975 101488

Count«flro 60 9146

ReoonnHissanoe by 71r9 666 19210

Oonfirmed Tsrfirot 27 2692

Other (iT^lninÄ/On-Call) 82 5637

Total 3828 138173

«Jaa (^5)

Mi^Bion Type ^mMmltlon i&pended (50 Cal)

Interdlotion 385 167510

Coutiterfire 33 54400

iieoomiaisaanco by Pire 85 25700

Cotif limed Target 13 5200

01her (TrainlriÄ/On-CEai) 17 20500

Total 531 254310

Sawohllfiht (üf/MSa-j)

mgsionJxEä Nunber

Visible Mode

Ihtordiotlon 16346

Ch-Call 5724

aifryg^ ygjg

Interdiotion 6297

0tt-Cftll 795 TotpZ Missions 29162

(5) CONFIDENTIAL

"CONFIDENTIAL Q '■■■.' i ' • — _ . n

ATFA-A'S-AVO'P 1 ^"«"a* 1969 SDBJECTt OporftUonal Import of 4th Battalion (/iW)(SP), 60th ürty, Battery E (MB), 41at Artillarjr and Battery B (ffl/T), 29th ürtUlary for period ending 31 July 19^3, iCS CS 65 (HI)

(b) Aa a follow-up on aotivitiee of last quarter, the RUtomatio weapons and aearchl%ht enploytnant letter viiich was forwarded last quarter tlirough I Field Force VieteaJ» Artillery to the Corannnding Oaneral I Field Fpree' Vietnaffl (for approval, Indoraemont, and diatrihution to majM; oonufianders within I Field Foroe) "ia being redrafted at I Field •?oroe Vietaaai for Signatur« and distributioii to u>iit com-ja^ders within .the II Corpa Tactical 2ane.

(o) During the reporting period, frequont fflovement of artillery units, and numerous short duration operations of maneuver elements afe'ain demonstrated the need for a flexibl« organization for combe.t. Fluid assets remained at a minimum and as a result the Battalion was unable to render requested support in several inatfäices. Those assets that remained OPCON to the Battalion were employed in severnl short duration operations and were available and utilized for convoy escort and pe::imeter defense as needed. A prompt movenisnt of AW assets to the HWY 19B area east of the Mrng Giang Pass quite possibly forstalled an anticipated attack on small security sites in those locations. In order to oontinuo to improve this response capability and achieve a better distributed and flexible posture in automatic weapons support, this headquarters again forwarded an automatic wü^pons/ searchlight organization for combat to CG, IFFOUCEV AxtyS This recommenda- tion takes into consideration the currant unit deploymant and places elemtnts of the Battalion into either reinforcing or general support roles, based upon mission requirements in respective are^.s of operations. The recommenda- tion is pending approval at tiiis time.

(d) Xt chronological sequence of events ocouring during tiiis reporting period is present as inclosure A*

(e) Significant Events

10 May; At approximately 0450 üouxs 10 JDfay 1968 FSB 25 vicinity AE 883292 occupied by elements of the 1st Bn, 8th Infantry, was subjected to a well coordinated ground atteck by an estimated NVA battalion. The crew of ^lad jä-24 reacted immediately and brought fire to bear. Within 5 minutes the enemy overran and occupied two bunkers fifteen meters in front of the QIPA using the positions to put themselves in defilade. From these positions they threw hand grenades which wounded two cannc&eers. The gunner, 3P4 Bigger staffs continued to fire until a grenade killed him. Than eneiny then threw two more &r i.v/.oa to insure destruction of the ^ia,d. The ^uad was credited with eight NVA KU.

11-19 Mayt At 073O May 1^68. the 230 section of 0 Battery together with K nifle Coiqpany (iieinforced) of the 1st Battalion (Mechanized;, 50th Infantry and a platoon of tanks from tne l»t,Battalion, 69th Armor departed

}. See Inol 3. '■ CONFIDENTIAL

COHFIDEMTIAl ^STOBJBCT? Oparation,".! iiaport^f ^''l^ttallob- (iiV/)(SP), 60 th irty, Battary iS (iC), 41st Artillery and Battfiiy F'(ai), 29th ^tillerj 31 July 1968, ..CS C3 65 (U)

29th ^tillexy for period anaiag

LZ T%)lift goii'.5 aout.-i on Hlf^away One ta tie nortl'iem and of Au Vicinity B« 9026?5» the elomcnta moved oast thr^Uoh a nuinbor of vijLj.ages. Crossing a hill, vicinity Bi; 95^7> tho elooents found ttiemselvos oonfronted wit)i a battalion sizo oloment guarding the 22nd NVM ^lOgiaental Cr# Jhen this was discovered, Ihs uuchanizad force formed a tig^t doi'ense. !Qio Bustors wore the first to opon fire and stopped the NV4 from over-rtsining the mechan­ized eloments. The enemy fired mortars end rockets; thoy also employed automatic weapons and small arms firo; th*-y were heavily bunkurod. Because tho section had to engage the onoiqy Immediately, they did not back thoir Tracks into a firing position; this made resupply of annuniticxi difficult. j&m:lng tfej encounter, 150 70 wore Kid; 60 of these deaths were attributed to the IXister's fire. The second day, 12 Hiy, the elements perforood a search and clear operation, vicinity of Bit 931684« There was no contact. Un thu third day, th:> ujchrnlaed force disooveroci some weapons, freshly dug ,,raves, assorted web gear, tools, bods and the «egimental Cou.€uider*s ounkor with six bodies, a diiiing table cocy>lote with tabloclohi, napkins, silverware, china and flowers vicinity of B.. 95^7• On the fourth day, the mechanized team performed a search and clear operation vicinity of Bn 933^0? to Bu 941679*There were negative assessments. Un the flftn day, the 230 section roturn^a to hZ I]^lift for maintonance. «t this time, the 1^ section repl ced then in the field. On the sixth day and the seventh day, the same areas woie again swept with negative results. Ch the night of the seventh day, the FOB roco i-^ed soma rockets and mortars with negative damaoS. Ch tne eighhi day, hie same area was once more swept with negative results, at 1715, the mocnaniz^d force returned to LZ O^lift. Six personnel ’'ore wounded durino the initial

*TOtVon24-25 Hurt On 24 May 1968, C-211 and C-251 together with a

roinforood company from let Battp.lion (Mechanized}, 50th Infantry and a platoon from 1/69 4rmor moved south from LZ 0[plift and ttion west into an area approxi­mate vicinity B."i 88741“ At this location, tho uech-'nizad force cane upon a battalion sized iTt force armed with B-40 rockets, mortars and small arms. Diritve tills ini fetal fixe fight, the Dustor jHatoon Laador was WQwided as ha was firing tho 11-60 mounted on the turret. Ko was providing covoring firo as the guns were being roloadod. Ho was ijodovacod approximately one n ur later when thoy brcKo contact with tho enemy. After regrouping, the force again entered the ontact area this time receiving only small contacts. On tho second day, the mechanized force, moved further west along tii j valley again only making contact with aeall forces resulting in a short period of contact. On the tl.ird day tho mechanized force turned east and swept back toward tho highway returning to LZ Uplift late in the afternoon. Two oth.^r Aister peraon.iel were woundod during the initial centa-t but were not modovaood. Bie Busters wore credited with twenty unouy ti.li. by bodycount as a result of tho Oi^er? bion.

I

CONFIDENTIAL(7)

CONFIDENTIAL1 ilu^ust 1968IWA — —

SOBJiiCTi Op-rational lioport of 4tii Battalion 60th iirty, Battery H(i«), 4l8t jrtilljiy and Battery B (oLT), 29tti Artillery for period ending 31 July 1968, lies CS 65 (SI)

19 Julyi At 1400 hours, 19 July, 5 Busters (D-111, B-112, D-I4I, B-121, B-132) frou tho 1st AW Platoon of D Battery deployed fron LZ Oasis, vest of Pleilcu, and ezeortod a convoy consisting of uleaants of the 2nd Brigade, 4iJi Division and its' direct support battalion, 4th Battalion, 42nd Artillery to Ban ih Thuot. The Platoon fioadquarters and tvro soarchli^ts accot^anied tho aove. Platoon olcoents closed into position at O030 nours 20. July following a road narch.of 90 i-iiles. These eloiaonts are currently porforaing poriaeter security for the 2nd Brigade, tasked with the security of the Ban Mo Thuot area.

(f) Operational Control

The Battalion's organic and attr.ch^d eluuonts conti.iued to bo deployed tho lenisth a»d breadth of the II Corps Tactical Zone, with eleuonts toLS>Qrarily att chod to Iho 1st Cavalry Division (Air i-jobilo) continuoine to oporato in the ^fjcng Tri area of the. I Corps Tactical ^o» Problou ar.-as in couaand aiid control,personnel actions and supply of uajor repair parts and end iteiis, continue duo to tno lartje distances involved between the Battalion Headquarters and Battery olononts. Tho oost northern eleuont is presently 210 air uilas distant and the aost southern is 265 air uiles away. iJolocation of the Battalion base c&ijp to An Kho in June has for the bulk of the Battalion, provided a. uore cmtr-lized location for control purposes. Air JPorce fliehts are now available daily on a scheduled basis direct to ^lang Tri. ^,ir Force flights to Phan Tliiot continuo to bo axtrouely tioee consuning taking, on an average, two days each way due to tho nuiaerous shuttle flights required for the trip. Fixed wing support froa D.S. Arqy assets was not available during tile rep-r ting period. In g-n^ral, aircraft s’ Pport to ihe Phan Taiet aiea continues to be inadequate. Helicopter support fron the I28th Holicepter Coi5)any at Phu Hicp has boon very satisfactory. One helicopter, four days per week has proven adequate for accouplishoent of coordination visits, and tr-nsportation of snail repair parts. A total of 46 nissions with a flignt tine of 191 hours were flown in support of tiie Battalion. Bach Duster Battery hp.d ono flight per week scheduled in its' operational area. Thu Battalion Continued to utilize AN/G*.C-19 radios for ths bulk of the reporting period.I^on receipt of 5 AN/GiiC-106 r-=>dios in July and subsequent disposition to tho nost distant Battalion oleneuts, direct radio co-iaunioations between tho Battalion Headquarters and all Battery and Platoon Headquarters was estab­lished for the first tiao.

(2) Training Activities

(a) Kie training requireaents for tho Battalion's personnel continued to be satisfied at squf.d and section level at tiio firing batteries by ha.ving the Section/Squad Leader conduct traXiina, with sup^-le- Qontal instruction by tiio Platoon Leadbr. The current Battalion training regulation is under revision to allow a greater share of tne training burden to bo asstuaod at the Battalion level, tiius reducing the Battery requirenont to thr.t \dii<^ can 00 presented or closely supervised by Battery.Offioers.

(8.) CONFIDENTIAL

II CONFIDENTIALSTBJjSCTi Opor-ationrJ. ..^pox’t of 4't3i Battfilicai (u»W)(i3i'), 60th i*rty, Battery £i (l^iGr), 41st iirtillory p.n;l Batt.^ry B (SLT), 29th ^rtillory for period onc.jJifo 31 July 1968, nCS OS 65 (R1)

(b) « total of sevem nowly arrived nen possessing the i'DS 45P20 (Turret Mechrnic) attended a 30 day training course on the i42Jl fai . 1-55 conducted by the Battalion op.intenanco section. Tno.-e personnelhad boon trainod at Pt Sill as turret nediahics on field artillery oquipuoiit, i.e. 105ua and 155nn SB vehicles. See inclosuro 5 for a resume of training given.

(c) Itriver's training courses cn track and wheel vehicles wore initiated in early July at Battalion Base Carp. 411 Battalion personnel to bo assigned as track or \^eoled vehicle drivers are prograned to receive ti.ia course of instruction conducted by the Battalion Liaintenanoe soction. 4 total of 45 personnel wore trained as track veh.cle drivers and 55 P.8 \4ieeled vehicle drivers since the initiation of this course in July.4 roBuao of tiie course of instruction is InclTidod as inolosure 6.

(d) Beplaccnont training was conducted for I94 enlisted personnel following their ai-’rival at Battalion Base Canp. Starting the endof A%y,. forcal training was conducted ;diidi satisfied uandatory annual training roquironents plus additional Vielnan oriented instructioia. T.iis training deviated £xoa last quarters' replaceECnt traiiiing by virtue of acditional instruction aours being added. 4 resuuc of the training prograiu is included as inclosure J.

(0) 4 two day training program lor radio operators mdcou..iunioat.-ons chiefs was conducted hi nid-July on the 4N/G-.C-106 radio. Buphasis was placed upon correct procedures for energizing and tuning the aiplifior 41^3349 to preclude daiuage. 4 synopaia of the traii.ing' prograpi is present as inolosure 6.

(f) 4 roplacoQont training progran for newly assigned®^^^®ora liiat arc not autouatic weapons qualified has been recently estab­lished. !flio progran is presented ovor a one week period wnicn iiicludos a ■throe day visit to a firoTasa ' here the Oificor can gain practical first hand knowledge of autonatic \/eapons and their onployiient. The other four days are utilized for clasees on naint nance, snail arns and crew served ^apona, tactics, the current tactical si'tua'bion and supervisory rosponsi- ilities. 4.raauno of 'the Qffioer roplp,cenent training progr-ui is included as

inclosuro 9 •

’ (g) In preparation for the IPFV-4.1TY Conuand Inspectionof the Battalion in Septeuber, 'the Battalion Headquarters conducted a Con.and ^spection of all batteries, assigned or attached, during the non'tti of July. Checklists extracted fron IP;V iLogulation 20-1 were utilized. Continuations of lliaao inspections are scdiodulcd to bo conducted during thb nonth of 4ugxst.

(h) On 30 i’iay n iJOntaly operations and training news­letter, "Siarp Toe", was inaugurated, 'fhe purpose was to bring itens of

CONFIDENTIAL(9)

■i

1

CONFIDENTIAL . /£,AV?i-iT-i'jQP 1 iiuguBt 1968 ^803J^i Qporational .ispert of 4tli BattaUon U./)(SP), 60th Arty, Battery B (Mi), 4l8t Artillery and Battery B (SW), 29ttx Artillery for fariG;*. ending31 July 1968'f ca 65 (la)eignifioant interest to the assigned and attached units of this Battalim.Items are presented in an informal and'huaoroxxs fonaat with emphasis on items the troops can understand, identify vit^i anu need to know. Bistri*^tion is ^de down to squad level* Topics have included rul^s of engabo- ment. Firecracker duds, safety preoeutioua, maintenanoo nints, use of spot reports and congratulations to personnel and units for jobs well done*

d. Logistics

(1) ftqpportJ Effective 20 June 1966, Ihe Battalion -3ase Canp was rel oca tied from Qai Bhon to in She, requiring an almost coiaplete change in supporting logistical agencies* Logistical support of all clashes of supplies was maintained by Ihe Ikttalion for organic and attached units located at An kho* Quarters, and C-.ass I, III and F sv9>plies for Battalion maneuver elements are provided ^ythe supported or Ox'GOxT unit* B“and'TA 50”901Items are provided to all personnel of tie Battalion by S-4* ajp.lies not available throufii major subordinate commands are also sup,,lied by liis Sattalion's S-4 *0 insure "tiiat a combat-ready posture is maintained by all elements.

(a) Support following the relocation of the Battalion Baee Ca^^ wets rendered by the agencies listed at inolosure 11.

(b) Sup^.ort rendered In Class 1 and II supply categories, provided by tho 56th Field Depot in Qui anon, was considered satisfactory during this reporting period, with the exception of the following vehiclesi

YahiciaTruck, Cargo, 2^ ton

Truck, Utility, t ton

2

1

1

1

1

1

.1

1

1

Date Rea

8136

8133

8135

8147 8152 8155 8185

3155

8148

Status

(2) PLL: A training program for AW Battery PLn clerks wasconducted at this Headquarters during 27 April to 4 May I968. During this period, tho students constructed their unite PLL, indexos, record of demand Cards, visible files, and prepared -ttioix initial xequietions. Qi 5 May, tho

4. See Did 10CONFIDENTIAL

(10)

CONFIDENTIALiVFi-iT-ilWDt' 1 Au^st 196(1SIBJ^CTf Oporatioail Rep«»* of 4-th Battalion (iw')(S^)» 60th 4rty, Battery B (Mi5), 41st Artillary pji;’ Battery B (SLT), 29th Irtillory for period ending 31 JTily 1968, ECS CS 65 (El)

ELL olerke retumod to theii respootivo units end suboLtted their listing and initial requisitions to tho nearest BSO. On 28 Juno 1968| the Battalion i:'L^ Seoticsi was transferrod froo tho S-4 to the l-kintvAnpnco Section to effect direct ccordination between oux weapons systen and 2nd/3rd eaielon oeintenance*

(3) Naintonance

(a) During tho reporting p'eriod, liaison visits were □ade by tho Battalion MIX) to the Sbrward Supjjort Detachwent, 135th HEM CoE5»any at Phan Eiiot, and tho 129th Lifiai Coc^nhy at ^iang Tri in an t-ffort to obtain adequate supjjort for Battalion olonents in those locations. Jn addition, a platoon aaintenahoo activity was ostablishod at each locatioe consisting of one 63020 (track nechanic^, one 63B20 (vhoclod vehicle mechanic) and ono 76Y20 (ELL clerk). 4 ELL has boon initiated at each of thouo Locationsin an effort to roduce deadline tioe.

\ %(b) 4 total of 6 robuilt M4241's woro in-processod

during the porioeV of >fhioh 4 wore xised to fill oonbat losses and the ot:ic::s usod for rotrogr^dc 4 tctal of 5 ^^-55's wore sinilarly in-prooossod of -’Lich two woro usod to fill shortages duo to oonbnt losses.

(c) Mointcnancc activities perfornod included t;a following I roplaceuont of 35 J14241 engines and 8 1>I4241 transisiissionsj a technical inspection ef each unit's ELL and T4BBS; and lOjS of tho assigned Vehicles wore iiispecte-’''. dutihg ihe Couoiand inspection conducted by iiie battalior

• ■ (d) 4 listing of repetitive parts causing ii4241 and -4-55t.eadlinos is at hiolosvuro 12.

(4) &ipply‘» Major iteus of oquipuent turned in, roceivad and due in during the period 1 Nay to 31 July I968 axe listed at inclosure I3.

(3) 4u!3unition • Bounds ei^ondcd by Ihe Battalion during the reporting periodi

Type 4aiu:iltion

40i-u4

Caliber .50

Total

158,173

254,310

(11)

CONFIDENTIAL

%

? 4^ 1^'

K

CONFIDEHtlSL /fiVPA-lT-iWOP . 1 Ai^ust’19^-0SDBJlSCTi Operational Report of 4th Battalion (iW)(iSP)i 60th Arty, Battery m (iC), 41st Artillery and Battery B (SLT), 29th Artillery for ijerlod emiln«51 July 1968, RGB CB 65 (R1)

(6) Base CaBU Development

(a) At the beginning of the reporting period the Head­quarters Battery, Headquarters Sections of Battery E, 41st Artillery and Battery B, 29th Artillery remained on 48 hour reaction notice pending receipt of a movement order to An IQie* On 16 Ifay a movement order was received ordering those elements to move from Camp Townes to An Khe on 20 May. Tnis order was subsequently au^ended pending establishment of security responsi­bility for Camp Townes hpon tiie units departure, and release of tie real estate to a new tenant. Following a determination that the real property at Camp Townes would be returned to the Republic of Viehiam, coordination was effected witti ijai Nhon Sub-Area Command Ehgineers and the ARVN authorities for transfer of the property. I^pon completion of this coordination, the unit was re­scheduled to move the Battalion Base Camp te An Khe commencing 15 Juiie witha completion date no later than 50 June. The movement yas scheduled for initiation of 15 June with a oompletion date of 25 June-’. The move started on schedule and was completed on 20 J\«ie, 5 days ahead of schedule. Over 400, 000 lbs. of material were transported with no vehicle accidents and only one minor personal injury (no lost time).

(b) As mentioned in the preceding 0R«L, coordination was established at Camp Raddiff prior to the move with Pacific Architectural and Engineering Corpany, the Installation Coordinator, 86th iihgineor Company,175rd Airborne Brigade, and logistical support aesncies at ait Khe. A forward elomjnt of the Battalion Headquarters was present at An Khe to coordinate construction and remodeling of facilities. The projects completed by Ha & E and the 86th fihgineers in preparation for tenancy by -the Bat'^lion are listed at inclosure 15•

(c) Following lha closing of Battalion elements at iu Hte on 20 June an agressive plan was ^laoed in offoot to develop the Battali-; area. A plapning committee was organized with the Battalion Executive Offler.-, as chairman, tiie Battalion Staff and Battery Commanders of Battery B, 29th Artillery, Battery B, 41st Artillery and Headquarters Battery as members. A list of projects according to priority was formulated for cooqpletion by ■troop labor. A listing of accomplishments is at inclosure 16.

e. Civic Action. During the past quarter, the civic action program was substantially reduced duo to tlie relocation of the Battalion Headquarters and the preparation of a new base caisp.

5. See Inol 14 (12)

CONFIDENTIAL

/•^ CONFIDENTIAL

within Tujr tnuoc eub-aeotor continuod until daDaxturo to An toe: pr0SraQ

(2) Upon arrival in An Khe, an orphanage was discovered in the city Proper which was without support from FWMAF elements. The Battalion has donated left-over food stuffs on a daily basis and numerous personnel within the Battalion have requested donations of clothing, and other artlcales; from their families and charitable organizations at home. A clothing drive has been initiated by the Ft. Bliss Boy Scouts with the approval of the Commanding General, U.S. Army Air Defense Center, Ft. Bliss, T * ~xas.

, (5) B Battory elonents located at LZ Oasis, wost of Pioin, participp.tod in a local civic action progrnn for a village neighboring th-J fircbnao, but Wro forced to onf. tho projoct whan the platoon uovorl to Ban Ma Inviot.

f. jeorsoi-mol

(1) Hie 4th Battalion (^t/)(üf), 60th «ctillory, iJattory S U-iJj. 41et Artillery ehd iiattary 3 (s^T), 29th Jirtiliory autaiorizad ana assi^sn cl stcafc-tha as of 31 July wers as follows»

4th Bn, 60th Arty

Sitry B, 41st Arty

Btry B, 29 th Arty

Totals

AGG Total

^■attxoxizqC Asoi/jud

Off M WOO

513

Off WO .iCO ii'i

57 3 145 37 3 100 665

2 0 28 87 Z 09 11',

7 0 K 112 4 0 V7 12?

46 3 205

966

712 43 3 146 901

IO93

(13)

CONFIDENTIAL

„^."^■«/►-AT-JiWQt' CONFIDENTIAL /^

(2) Oaina and Losaoai

«f S" Off Jfii'i

4*. an, 60th Zrty 9 176 lo 145

3try ja, 41st iirty 1 11 0 11

Btry B, 29th irty 1 JI _0_ ^ Totals 11 234 " 10 179

Add Total 245 — isy

:ClUCO

T + ^ (5) Oho Battalion was ovoretreagth 127 porsciuel as of toa

tu ^ * f * tn0 ndXt roi,OEtin« Period. Elia a-, vanocc: fill will roc1uc tne offoots of rotational hun^s viiich peak in the next two roptfrting periods.

(4) £8 of 31 July, this iiattelioa we short throe I.ioutcnants.

am *, (5) Durif« the period 1 May thr^gh 31 July 1^66, of the 9 .. Offxcera who woro rocoivod, 67$ wora not AW traW. All 3r.li.atJC. porsLol

reooivod as replr.ccaanta for M)S IJF waro AW tratno!.

o .,™w r, ,S6l* tf***?*0 of ::li<!,,lo gr!l'J3 NC0 P^sonnel continue to br f ^a ^^^ 3' ^^ aa(i " ^S «utioriaoc! and only 8 B-6 and ^ E-S ««. „^ SlSioiT;. i0 ^i1^^ fi8 Pr0blOU i8 ^*"^^ into LJA^T:6 Solution to the problca thua far has bean tho uso of best qualifiac' lovox grade personnol »a acting aorgonnts. v.'^-^-u*-. xuwei

* ^7l. aho Battalion i8 currontly author-zed sis Battery Motor bergoanta with five assigned aa of 31 July I968. ^o.iectod loasos i^ioatc that onxy a to^l of two wilx bo aasl.nod aa of 31 üc'tobar 1^1! ^ovi!^

■ *• ■ o r-^8^-, Tho 'ßp-t'balion lias sub.-iittoc a rüstar to IRPUHCäV for «fusion of 50 M wife January 1969 m^3 in ^ effort to r . .uco taf Luary

(14)

CONFIDENTIAL

n CONFIDENTIAL iVFA-Jß-iVßP 1 Auguet 1968 SOBJläCT» Operational Report of 4th Battelion (jkW)(SP)f 60th Arty, Battery S (MJ) , 4lBt irtillery and Battery B (aLT), 29th Artillery for period endin« 51 July 1968, HCS CS 65 (Hi)

rotational huap to ttie authorized 137 JiM« Present projected losses for that, period total 193« No reply has been received frou UTOHCJSV.

(9) The Battalion ooiapleted the relocation of finance support to diaburslng sections in closer proxiaity to tho respective batteries. Bie finance records for personnel assigntd to Battery i were transferred to tho 22 FB3. One dork was attached to handle these records. Iha records for the Batteries D and B wore transferred to the 126th FD3, Canp Schmidt, Pleiku. Two olorks wure attached. Tho finance records for HHB, 4th Bn, 60th Arty; Btry E, 41st Arty; and Btry B, 29th jrty were tranaforrod to tho IJth FUS, Qai Nhon. Two clerks were attaohod--to handle these rocords. «n afe'roouont was roached with the 89th FDS, An Kho, to handle inprocessing for all newly aasigtiG personnel. Two clerks were provided tho 89th FDS to porforn this function. It is lolt that these locations will groatly iaprovo finance service.

(10) The following amrds and decorations were rueomondod an:n./ür prosentüd during the reporting period»

Mon-Conpletod Awards Fron May - July

Nuaber

8

7

2

1

4

i5_ Total 32

CONFIDENTIAL

(15)

CONFIDENTIAL ß

SÜBJSCTi Operational Report of /^th Battalion ^A\^(SP), bOth Arty, Uattery E (MS), 41st artillery apd Batte.ry B (SLO?), 29tt. tillery for period ending 31 July 1966, EOS CS 65 (Rl)

Ooaplatad mS&.'SSS* P&L~- Ms.

lwWd NvtQber

33 6

--H 15

J3 "V" 5

OsiAHV Oortif icato of Aoiiievement 3

3S 1

ACM 4

Total 52

(11) The following Judicial anU non-juoioal actions vare taken 'uring the reporting perio'.i

irtiole 15 53

SCii 1

a i 0

Gv-X^i 0

Total 39

(12) Casualties Curing the reporting period vav-n

Syps, äi 'M la/41 2/22.

Killed by Hostile Motion 0 i 0

Diaü of Battle Wounds 0 0 c

Wounded By Hoatiie Action 21 6 0

i'lissing in Action 0 0 0

iton-Eattie a 1 1

CONFIDENTIAL (16)

n CONFIDENTIAL

arajjCCT,: .Opw.tAo^i fcport •<• 4* »«ttali«» (Arf)(^)f fcth Air^, Battery 2 (MJJ, 41at 4*ttti«jr «nd «»tttjry S (SWP),. 29* ^ptili^ry fo? period anding 31 July ^968, »J8 0* 65 (ICO - :; ■ -' V '

IiOoatlm

Australia

Bsngkok

Hawaii

Hong Kbng

Kuala Lumpur

Huiila

jfonan«

SiAgapoze

Taipei

Totaro

(I?) Beat «ad Been^«»ationi

7

6:

16

8

0

1

1

1

6

■JU4 8»&, June

JUii 7

6

16

5

0

1

0

1

4

2

6

7

17

6

1

2

1

2

5

6

6

7

17

5

1

2

1

1

5

5

7

15

6

0

1

5

7

15

6

0

1

0

1

4

_fL. Total 52 (89#)46 53 (91#)48 41 (KW») 41

(14) Ohe aorale of ttja Battalion's and attached »attorioa' personnel oontinuad to be axoellant.

(15) Haligioua JotiTitie«. Bo-te Protestant and Catholic sorTioes in lha Battalion Chapel were O5«ci4uota<5 weekly following aovonant of •the Battalion 3ft8e Canp to in She. i'rovioualy only jrrotastant eervicos were available. The total attondpjice for earvioos dxiring the quarter wns 860. 53 i'roSostfint oorvioe» woro conduotad by tho Ch^plf.in at varioua locptivns Ihroughout the I and II Corps T^otioul Zonos öurlng tee quarter. Jk coupra- hvonsivo characior guidance progr-n was toltiatad in Mpjr wiih * aii.ioofer-phod Biip.loaont of fco topic for too r.umto instituted to in«uro tliat tho Battalion's

^tft^T*^™^1** * ^Vort^ian would not doprivc poraon-

CONFIDENTIAL

(17)

'CONFIDENTIAL £0 AWA-AI-AVOJ. i August 1968 SDBJBCTi Operational Report of 4tii Battalion (iW)(siJ), 60th ^rty, üattery B (iC), 41st .irtillory an'1. Ba*ttory B (SLT), 29th Artill-ery for p eriod andint, 31 July 1966, r i Cs 65 (HI)

(16) Medical«

(e) During the reporting period« the Battalion Surgeon viai tod the following locations and aduiuistered innoculatiunsi

Artillery Hill 35

Cany SiaXi 18

Kinh Hoa 17

Ctng Son 14

Itong Tre IB

uplift 1

Hill 881 0

x'o Lei KLent 12

Dik To 6

Bridge 25 2

LZ Ton 6

LZ Sifliah 11

JJZ jrony 26

Bn.n Mo Thuot 2

Oaais 1

^oloi Djornng 0

L2 Sharon 38

LZ Hetty 8

.irhu Cat 16

Kjr Son 0

Base CP.HD 743

Tot/?! - 974 CONFIDENTIAL H

.

^/vFi-ikT-Awoi> CONFIDENTIAL i Au*u8t 1968SDBJS'iTi Gperaticnal Report of 4tii SatTallc^ CA’’^)(Sfe'), 60th Arty, Battexy £ (I'Ci), /fist Ipvy mcl Battery B (oLl), 29th Artillery for period eadiag 31 July 1968, HCS OS o5 (hi)

(b) Base Cac^ Totals Lioludedt

m

■ iSBl July Totals

Out i^tient Visits 313 455 452 1220

Quartered Patients 6 11 15 32

Hospital Adaieeions 56 49 36 141

ixi’jnt^rattrnc 358 150 466 974

In3Hecxio»»s 13 13 12 38

(o) Other Patients 8eent

Viotnameso Treated 87 33 9 129HD2S Trea-tod 1 2 1 4

Tota 88 35 10 133

(d) Health and Disease Disorders!

M>ilaria Losses 5 4 7 16

Poot Disorder Losses 0 0 0 0

Infectious iLnanucleosis 1 Losses

0 1 2

CONFIDENTIAL

U9)

nwBDim pica KJMUNOT riXMB»

AMD BBoi

£3 a

3KGTIOH 2. LBSäOMS MUBN^^'fttrtMLMag'a'OBSiitYATKatS. ^VAU^TIOM.

CONFIDENTIAL pßttSüiWiäli. None

b. QPhaUTIOBS.

(1) QYiüBHBiJ) COVER

(a) Observation. Operations with cavalry «nd armor unite have disclosed the neod for K42iil orewnon to be able to oonstruot their Indivlduftl nl^ht positions quickly, inoluding overhead oovur.

(b) Evaluation! It la a oardinal rule that M42il orevmen have overhop-d covor whilo ir. r^ht positions. Armored cavalry and amor units dt not need oxtoaaiva preparation for ni«ht posttltns and oonsequontly allew little time for their pmparation prior to dasknese. Little more than slit trenches can bo prepr~od in the time available.

(o) Rocominendation. That haU sections of 30" dlametor Botal oulvar*; be iwailabla to M42A1 crews. Tho half sections of motal culvert are placed ovor a slit trenoh. Sandbags are filled with the dirt romovod from tho silt tron^jh gnd with approxlnatoly 20 saadbags on top of the oulvart, a seouxo and oomfortablQ individual shelter results. For transport tho culvert sections can be stacked oompaotly beside the turret on the Dusters and bohind the driver's seat oa the Qaads.

(2) PSiä OF JEVUSH SHPRES30B3

(a) Observation. On Hooon in Force operations when operating in dense undorbrush, flash suprosaors on tho M42A1 continually become fouled in vines and brush.

(b) Evaluation. Flash aupreeuors are of little taotioal valuo when providing fire support to manouvorlng oleaants. Whon removed, however, the tubes remalnod froe from ontangloment •

(c) Roowmaendation. That unit SOP's inoludo tho removal of flash suprossors prior to ootaaenoamant ef operations requiring travel through dense underbrush.

(}) DS3 OF DECOY QPAD 50

(a) Observation. Rough, inaccosaable terrain and limited assets often prevents tho on^loyisont of an adequate miaber of automatic weapons on isolated fire basos, and those assets are vulnerable to B-40 RL or raooileaa rifle firo dae to limited camouflage and restricted nobility.

(b) Evaluation. One of our units was given the mission of providing assets for an isolated fixe base, LZ Hlle High, and found thooselves confronted with this problem. Only one Quid 50 (M55) wa» available, and it was airlifted into the fire base. Tho Quad noved psrlodloally around the periooter but could not cover the entire area. The firefcase did not offer much In tho wryr of concealed areas and the Quad was difficult to camouflage making it susceptable to B-40 HL fire.

(20)

CONFIDENTIAL , / (c) Recomendation. That a dec«/ Quad be eonstrueted of avail- «JS* J

able naterlal (wood, canvas, pipa, rubber hose and aano eaaa) and airlifted Inte the fire baso. The deception is only effective when there la a y^c. operating In the area and flrln*. Öie deception will be enhanced if the poeitlons of the Qjiad and deooy are'switohod parlodloally. At beet, the iDpresjlon of ad.Utlonal flrepqwes Bajr fow^all an attack» At woret, the'odds of the Quad being hit »re reduced 50^.

(4) gRQgqonoN "T SSMaE SMSB "ffp^mt (cvo) HSXMBIS

(a) Obsarvatlon. A oontinuli« problem enoountared In tie oomnun- Icatlons aysten of the M42U la cialntainlng the OVC helnets In an operational condition.

(b) Evaluation. With the adverse weather oondltlona found in Vlatnno, the CVC helnets ssen to ioour most of their trouble froo rain and dust getting Inside of then, thus rendering then Inoperative.

(c) Recotinendation. Eint when not In U8o,.CV0 hal.-.ota be kapt in plastic bags, fixporlonoe has shown that the problem of moisture and dirt making the helmet inoperative had been sharply reduced.

(5) üagOiOmEHr OF <gr..J5 KB CONVOY SSCORT

(a) Observation. The 2\ ton truok used aa the prime mover for the Quad .50 mount (M53) requires ocnstaat'nalntananoe, because of the heavy- load carried.

(b) Evaluation. Curing a thirty day period, four olutqhes nad to be replaced in 2i ton prino movers used for convoy escort on, a daily basis. Experience has shown that a narked decrease in downtime Is noted when one day of maintenance is pulled for every two days of use. using this principle for thirty days, it was noted that no clutch replacement was necessary nor was any other deadline time logged. Adjustments by mechanics can be performed and minor problems corrected before they become major.

(o) Recommendation. That Quad 30*8 used for convoy escort be enployod In groups of throe or multiples there of. This allows the "one for two" maintenance required to keep the prime mover operational.

(6) aOSTAINBD FTHEl-OWBR TOR THü M42^1

(a) Observation. Once the first sixteen rounds have been fired frco the automatic loader of thu M42ul Duster, it is difficult in a minimum manning situation for one man to keep the loaders fed using the present storage facilities.

(b) Evaluation. During periods of mlnimua manning' Dusters are somatines required to operate with only one cannoneer in addition to the gunner. Once firing has begun, the autonatic loader is emptied before

(21)

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL, "22 «tana-by PMwmel can man the oth«tcannoneer position, ihe pr«iMat aamru-

nitlon storage facilities ore not-lobated such that one man can ziloni both autonatio loaders as quickly aa neofessary to maintain the fire superiority.

(o) Heoonmendation-..,: • That a ready rack as shown at Iholoeure 17 be oonstjjuoted and Installed for Busters mbjeot to mlnimua «»nnlng situations to enable »ne cannoneer to maint&in the all iasiurtant fijce superiority vntil Bt«d-by personnel can man the positions.

(7) mw- vpaKDTS. WUH C^V^UY maTa is mj C]arriL,L HioHL^Kpa

.. . _ \a) Observation. It has bean observed during recent operations F^ce opeMti^s!"11*" fre<1U^lt diffioulty ^ crossing streams during Heoon In

.«,.„ .,- ,<jy\ BTaau*ti4ön' Many riv« and stream banks in an area of oper- ation «re likely to be unsafe for Duster crossing due to the danger of miring in d^pth. 0r K * g ^ 8trean8 with drop offs deeper than the Dusters fording

„-«/• *„ * 4. i$ ^«"^«Wations. That an mi3 armored Personnel Carrier be or IX ?le

ibank and'Ohack fording depth. This will lessen the possibUit

b^tStfdCc^bUiS.^5 ^ ^ a0rö 0aaay -^^ « *"* -d 1- ^ " (8) fOSPTIDM W 'JMa TH^CK COnmuSR

mandors ofton^i „^^^^^'.v^ Ord0r t0 obtain a bettdr view *» ^«ck oon- mandors oftan stand on tho sandba^god floor inside eotwander ooi^artment leaving them vulnerablo to Injury frou nine explosions. "*•'■"«'

(b) Evaluation. The track oomander is probably the nost vulaorablo SrSidrionTtS^9 T ^ fr0Q th0 f0rCe 0f a ^o plosion because^fri: !^ ^cation and st^co with hie weight on his foot. Standlnt, on tiio S^Äi H?!1 ^ *? ^h±010 all0WS ^ forco of R ^o explosion to be transmitted dirootly to his legs.

be used Thn(!L+^

00\Jenda-i0^. miat ttle .traok ^«^ders seat must always obtained ^ £ + ^° r^Sed t0 mxiaaU linit arid additional height can bo oth^fL^V d I10"81 f"*?«*10» S^^ ^ placing salvaged flak Jackets or hS*t^« ^ T^ Tt' ** aatel:i*a i9 n0t raftdily »vailablo and additional height is needed it is better to stand on the soat.

(9) POLAROID Cti'am. AID gg Banp

«uicklv r^J8. +Ob807ation- ^tog RSOP, tho Platoon Loader needs a method to

quickly record detailed onforaation oo»ooming river orossij.gs, detours, danger areas and positions to be occupied at tho destination for lalU ciseo^aS

nr,<+ ^ (*) ^aiuation. Tiao available for reconnaissance is nornolly LnoH « ^^^of, sketches and notes are difficult to obtain. Also loss do- ta^Ld or accurate tnan a photograph, i. Polaroid caoora can bo of invaluable ^S ^C^ A n^°0^^ ^ his HSOP if either air or ground reoornais- a^c^lv ^^o,* Jftaf «l^o^tion c«n be collected and dissoioinatod quickly and efficiently in this uanner. Osunlly there are several Polaroid cameras within a platoon, and cost of fila is uiniaal.

CONFIDENTIAL 3.1

CONFIDENTIAL . (o) ReodaiaandatWli. THlirfc'WlSlfcold oeaota. bo taken alon« ££>

on RSQPi 'if available.

(10) RiSFFJiLING m2Al VEILS OH RKCQN IS TORCB üraR..TIüHa

(a) Observation. 4 problen in obtaining «asAin« Car Sust«xs during reoon in force opawtioire has bean expttxi«noad by alouonts of tni» conaand.

(b) Bvaluation. It is a fact that Duatare trttvol oor» Uian 6 tines the actual distanoe fron ine point to another because of obstacles auch as rivers ancl stronus. Cavalry or aroor units aave oqutpaent witt» fllasel ungines and do not nornally have tankers available to trpflsport gasoline. Thus, tiie responsibility rostswith the Dustor iiattory to transport fuel. Tlio Battorj has a tanker capability but often duo to oaint^nanoo proJleLis or other ooJJulttnjita cannot neut the refueling requiren-ntö.

(o) HüCOLk-iendatiün. That a 500 gallon tank bo pr^oureu fox suoh aventUElities. Tho tank can be aountad on one of the IXistar Battery's lg ton trailors. It can bo left at the pernanent Ic-^or sito for perioüic rafuoling by tho Duster Bnttory tanker or towod to tho xOi facility by a di^eel tanker or ordinary 2^ ton truck of the supported nechaniaod unit.

(11) f-OSITIOH OP m2Al SLJ ffHiTIC DüFüiNaa

(p.) Observation. Vfhon in a static defonsa, if tno M42A1 IXistor is driven foryftrd into the firing position, crow oeubors arc uxj-osad to hJBtilo fixe vftiile traiasforring anuunition frou the drivor-'e cot^artoont to tho turiot.

(b) Evaluation. Jinnunition storod within tho IXistar aust be passed out throarfi tho front hatches to tho turret. When the Duster is drivon forward into the firing position, it is necessary that tho aui.iunitJ on be further twihandled e.lcng the sido .^f tlio vehicle before it can be pas sod to the cannoneors. This sibJation exposes th^ anuo hancUors to in couing fire for aj-- actvXid^d ciurntion.

(o) RacoariandatiJn. That the Duster bo backed into the firiut, position with the engine ooniartaent toward liie direction of fire, aummition can be handed up to the cannoneors directly fron the front hatch.- Tho bulk of the Duster shields the anoo handlers froa smll cros fire, and auaani- tion transfer is faster due to the shorter diatanoo inv.lved. However, cara nust be taken to protect the roar dock phone froa iiuzzle blast frou the »uns. This is a snail price t. pay for a ;ded craw safety.

c. TauIHUG.

(1) Obser/ation. Because of the wide dispersion of iattery eleaents, only lialted training can be o-Cfocti-ely conducted at Battery level.

(2) jävaluntion. üandatory trrining required for all personnel includes nine subjects annually, two aubjoots oonthly anii ons subject weekly for a total of 85 hjurs per year. Uatterios are not able to effoctivoly conduct all foroal training ruquired baoaut.e of iji.8B.ii3n oon.ittnanta anr, wld« rUBporsi.on of oienents.

Z3 CONFIDENTIAL

ZI CONFIDENTIAL

(3) ReconimendatioTi. That annual mandatory training requirements can be handled at Battalion level during replacement training as indicated at inclosure 7. Monthly and weekly subjects can be thoroughly covered by the Battery Commander, the Platoon Leaders, and Platoon Sergeants as they make their normal visits to each fire element.

d. INTELLIGENCE. None.

e. LOGISTICS.

(1) COMBAT LOSS REPLACEMENT FOR 1\ TON TRUCKS

(a) Observation. A critical problem area for this unit has been the difficulty of obtaining replacements for 2^ tone truck combat losses utilized as gun platforms for M-55 Quad .50 cal machine guns.

(b) Evaluation. At the present time the machine gun battery attached to this Battalion is short four 2\ tone trucks that were combat losses. The Battalion has been unable to supply replacements for these because of its own critical shortages. Consequently, the Quads must be ground mounted until replacements can be obtained.

(c) Recommendation. That truck, cargo, Ih tone that are utilized as prime movers for the M-55 Quad .50 cal machine gun be placed on the list of command and control Items by the 1st Logistical Command. A recomnendatlon to this effect has been forwarded to the CG, IFFV-ARTY.

f. ORGANIZATION. None.

g. OTHER.

(1) EXTENDED RANGE FOR FM RADIOS

(a) Observation. The limited range of FM radios have caused communications problems within the Battalion because Battalion elements are often separated by distances In excess of the radio's nominal range.

(b) Evaluation. Many stations often are on the periphery of reception by using RC-292 antennae. Sufficient radios to provide a retrans- mission capability are usually not available. If a few extra miles of range were able to be generated, communications could be established.

(c) Recommendation. That an antenna matching unit MX-2799/VRC with base antenna support AB-719/VRC and conventional 10' whip antenna be mounted on top of either a telephone pole or a TRC-24 mast. RF and match unit cables can be locally manufactured to any length necessary. By using the match unit/whip combination, greater forward power can be produced with less reflected power, thus increasing the range.

(24)

CONFIDENTIAL

:W7 '--S'*,;

CONFIDENTIAL(2) LOCATION OF HEALTH AND DENTAL RECORDS

(a) Observation. The problem of the advisability of maintaining health and dental records at Battery level rather than at the Battalion aid station was recently aired by this Battalion.

(b) Evaluation. The health and dental records were recently released to two of the Batteries for maintenance and the balance remained at the Battalion Aid Station. It was found that a significant number of records were lost by these batteries whereas very few records belonging to the batteries which were maintained at Battalion were lost during this period. Members of the Armed Forces are never denied emergency care because they do not have their medical or dental records. Neither are records ordinarily needed for routine care. The medical facility treating the person merely records their findings and sends them to be filed in the person's permanent record. When these records are needed for the treatment of chronic illnesses, non-emergency dental care, or Identification of bodies, the records are at a known location and can be readily signed out without a loss of control of the records. Another factor to be considered is that the Battalion Surgeon has the responsibility for inmunizatlons, review of records for the admin­

istration of profiles, and giving a professional opinion in many psychiatric and disciplinary cases within the command. This would be a near impossibility without immediate access to the medical records.

(c) Roconuondatioii* That health and djotal rocor 's be pernanantly mintainjd at the Battalion iid Stati^by the Battalion Surgeon^

17 Tnol Inc 1 1-16 Withdrawn, ■ ag. Available at Hq, DA

KLSTRIBDTIDili 2-CiNCUSABPiC

aTTNi GPOP-jer 5-OaASV

ATT»: AVHGC (SST)5-CG, IFPOROflV

iTTNi AVFA-AT-D 1-CG PORT BLISS, TBXilS 79916

ATTIlj G-3 TiTG-DIV 1-CG, DNITJD STATiiS TWG CSNTER

ATTJT- J.ST TiJG BBS POJST T£X*S 799I6

1-DHITED .'.RiiY AIR DBPJ3NSE SCHOOLATTN^ tow AL'OI'TUna KISSiLi! LEPARTMBNT POP.VA’' 1 area iflAPONS HrVISION PORT BLISS. TJXiS 79916

1-1 ST B.H l/.rxi ARTY 1-5TH eif: ARTY1-iia : f.yOTION, 4Td BIf, 6OTH ARTY 1-iiU Bv. . BN, 60TH ARTY

(25)

^ lADL H SCHDLT2; ' T'^ T mn /Dfnv *LTC, ARTY

Conuanding

CONFIDENTIAL I

„q CONFIDENTIAL

AVFA^AT-JQ (1 Aug 68) let Ind SUBJECT: Operational Beport of 4th Battalion (AU) (SP), 60th Artin ery,

Battery E, (LG), ast Artillery and Battery B (SLT), 29th Arty for Period Ending 31 July 1968, RCS CüiXJß-65 (Rl)

DA, Headquarters, I Äeld Ibrce Vietnam Artinery, APO 96350 2 5 AUG 1968

Tut Headquarters, I Eleld 5brce Vietnam, APü 96350

(0) This headquarters has reviewed the attached Operational Report and concurs with all reconmendations with the following con.ents»

a. Heference paragraph Id (l)(b), page 10; Iruoks, utility, i ton arc command controlled items and are only issued upon approval of L3A1CCV.

->-,. b* Itef'erence paragraph 2b (6)(c), page 22, Sustained Jlrepower for the li/UAl. Concur. Reconunend that this field expedient be evaluated by appropriate agency,

c. Reference paragraph 2e (l)(c), page 2^, Conbat IJOSB Replacenent for 2-aton trucks. Unit reooojiendation is pending approval of CG, I-f-SORCKV Arty.

JDK THE Cajii'J'IDER»

Adj utant

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

3C AVFA-GC-OT (1 Aug 68; ad Ina aUBJJCT: Operatiojial Keport of ^th Battalion (AV.'KSPJ, 6Üth Artillery,

Battery K, ^KG), 41st Artillary and Battory B (ÜLT), 29th Artillery for Pariod finding 31 Juiy 1968, KCS C3FOit-fc5 (Rl)(u;

DA, Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, AH) V635Ü 2 S AUG 1968

TO: Commanding General, United States Array Vietnam, ATflv: A7f;UÜ-D3T. AlO 96375

(,C; This headquarters has evaluated subject report and forwarding in- dorsoraents and concurs making the following coirmient. Heference para- graph 2e(lKc; page 24, Comniand and Control Itens List: Unit's recou!- mendation that 2 1/2 ton trucks, prime movers for M-55 Quad .50 Cal MG be placed on the list of oommand and control items oy 1st logistical Conmand is being considered by this headquarters. Heoommendations for control of this item will be made to Headquarters, USAiiV.

FOR THii COMMANDSt:

^ROBERT C. GABBARD ILL A3C ASST ADJUTANT GENERAL

Copy furnished: CG, I FFOHCiäV .4rty

CONFIDENTIAL

21 AVHGC-DST (1 Aug 68) 3d Ind (U) IttJ Klingmai^ds/LBN U33 SUBJECT: Operational Report of 4th Battalion (AW)(SP), 60th Arty,

Battery E (JC), 4l8t Artillery anl Battery B (SLT), 29th Artillery for period ending 31 July I960, HCS CS 65 (Rl)

HEADQUARTERS, US ARMY VIETNAM, APO San Francisco 96375 5 SEP 968

TO: Comnander in Chief, United SUtes Amy, Pacific, ATTN; GPOP-DT, APO 96558

This headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lessons Learned for the quarterly period ending 31 July 1968, from Headquarters, 4th Battalion (AW)(SP), 60th Artillery, with attached Battery E (MG), 41st Artillery, and Battery B (SLT), 29th Artillery, and concurs with the report as modified by the preceding indorsements.

FOR THE COMMANDER!

W. C. ARNTZ ILL ACC Assistant Adjutant General

Cy furn: Ht I FFV HQ 6/40 Arty

28

GPOP-DT (1 Aug 68) 4th Ind (U) SUBJECT: Operational Report of HQ, 4th Bn (AW)(SP), 60th Arty, Btry E

(MG), 4l8t Arty and Btry B (SLT), 29th Arty for Period Ending 31 July 1968, RCS CSF0R-65 (Rl) (U)

HQ, US Army, Pacific, APO San Franciaco 96558 21 SEP 13G3

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Department of the Army, Washington, D. C. 20310

This headquarters has evaluated subject report and forwarding Indorse- ments and concurs in the report as indorsed.

32

FOR THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF:

Ct. SMORTT m, AGC A.it AO

29

3^ READY RACK FOR M-42 (DUSTERS)

1. This ready rack.ls designed primarily to aid the cannoneer in loading. It also enables the track to safely carry an additional six clips of ammuni- tion. To design one that would hold more clips would hinder the use of the hand operating lever.

2. The rack is supported in the rear by hooks that hook over the edge of the turret. The front of the rack rests on the cartridge deflector brackets until the guns reach an elevation of 15 degrees. The rack is then supported by a leg built of 1" and 3/4" pipe. The 3/4" pipe slides inside the 1" pipe and a metal stop is welded on the 3/4" pipe in order to support the front of the rack after the guns are raised above 15 degrees. A bracket must also be welded to the floor of the turret to keep the leg from sliding. The bottom, sides and forward ends can be constructed from 1" by 4" or 1" by 6" lumber. Three .30 caliber ammunition boxes with the tops removed can be cut In half and fastened to the rear portion of the rack against the turret to hold the 6 clips of 40mn ammunition in position.

3. Due to the limited allowance in elevation (55°), the ready rack is designed primarily for ground targets.

Inclosu-.e 17

30

PIOCSDIID PICS BUnUSOT 7ZU0BD

1. oniOINATINO ACTIVITV (Cofpsraf* •ulhor) 1

OACSFOR, DA, Waahington, D.C. 20310l2«. HLPORT SLCUHITV C L A SSI F t C A MON

Confidential26. GROUP

4

Operational Report - Lessons Learned, HQ, 4th Bn (AW)(SP), 60th Arty (U)

V iHssiiH )MM«n

DOCUMENT CONTKOL DATA - R & D

«. OltCMl^TivK NOTH (T)rp» •! t»pat» amf InthMiv*

Exoerlencea of unit enitAB&d In countartnauroengy ooerattona. 1 May - 31 Jul 68f«*f nmmm)

CO, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery

1 August 19,687G. TOTAL NO. OF PAOK*

32•a. ONIOINATON*S RCPONT NUM*BR<t|

6.PHOJBCTNO.

N/A683201

•a f ••c» %b. OTHKR RKPORT NOlit (Anr atti.r nunbara tfiaf auv b* mtmigntu

rftia fpQrt)

A

DD ,'T:..1473

to. OlOTfllOUTION STATCMKNT 1

•

i

1tf. OPONSORINO MILITARY ACTIVITY

N/A OACSFOR, DA, Washington, D.C. 20310

UNn.ASSTFTFn

mcmam MOB IUMMMT wxum

The following Items are recommended for Inclusion in the Lessons Learned Index:

ITEM 1

* SUBJECT TITLE . .

** FOR OT RD #

***PAGE # _^_

ITEM 2

SUBJECT TITLE

FOR OT RD #

PAGF. it

ITEM 3

SUBJECT TITLE

FOR OT RD #

PAGE #

ITEM 4

SUBJECT TITLE

FOR OT RD #

PAGE #

ITEM 5

SUBJECT TITLE

FOR OT RD #

PAGE #

* Subject Title; A short (one sentence or phrase) description of the item of interest.

** FOR OT RD # : Appears in the Reply Reference line of the Letter of Trans- mittal. This number must be accurately stated.

***Page # : That page on which the item of interest is located.

w

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DEPARTMENT OF THE »RMY POSTAGE AND FEEI PAID

OePABTMCNT OF THE ARMV

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for ~ Force Development S

ATTN: Operational Reports Branch n

Headquarters, Department of the Army Washington, D.C. 20310

OA L«b»i IB, I APR SO PREVIOUS EDITIONS OP THIS LABEL ARE OBSOLETE.

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