UNCLASSIFIED

AD NUMBERAD501737

CLASSIFICATION CHANGES

TO: unclassified

FROM: confidential

LIMITATION CHANGES

TO:Approved for public release, distributionunlimited

FROM:

Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't.agencies and their contractors;Administrative/Operational Use; 07 MAY1969. Other requests shall be referred toUS Army Assistant Chief of Staff for ForceDevelopment, Washington, DC 20310.

AUTHORITY29 Apr 1980, AGO d/a ltr; AGO d/a ltr 29Apr 1980

THIS PAGE IS UNCLASSIFIED

CONFIDENTIALDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERALWASHINGTON. D.C. 20310

IN REPLY RENR TO

AGAM-P (M) (2 May 69) FOR OT UT 691149 7 May 1969

SUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 223d CombatSupport Aviation Battalion, Period Ending 31 January 1969 (U)

SEE DISTRIBUTION -

1. Subject report is forwarded for review and evaluation in accordance-with paragraph 5b, AR 525-15. Evaluations and corrective actions shouldbe reported to ACSFOR OT UT, Operational Reports Branch, within 90 daysof receipt of covering letter.

2. Information contained in this report is provided to insure appropriatebenefits in the future from lessons learned during current operations andmay be adapted for use in developing training material.

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:

1 Incl ]KENNETH G. WICKHAMas Major General, USA

The Adjutant GeneralDISTRIBUTION:Commanding Generals

US Continental Army CommandUS Army Combat Developments Command

CommandantsUS Army War CollegeUS Army.Command and General Staff CollegeUS Army Air Defense SchoolUS Army Armor School Best Available CopyUS Army Aviiation SchoolUS Army Combat Surveillance SchoolUS Army Engineer, SchoolUS Army Field Artillery SchoolUS Army Infantry .SchoolUS Army Intelligence School Regraded unclassified when separatedUS Army Military Police SchoolUS Army Ordnance School frm classified inclosure.US Army Transportation School

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

DISTRIBUTION:

Copies furnished: .

Office, Chief of Staff, US ArmyDeputy Chiefs of StaffChief of Research and DevelopmentAssistant Chiefs of StaffChief of EngineersThe Surgeon GeneralOSD(SA),Assistant for Southeast Asia ForcesDirector, Defense Research and EngineeringCommanding Cenerals

US Army Materiel CommandUS Army Flight Training Center

Senior Army Representative, Marine Corps Development & Education CommandThe Air University LibraryDefense Documentation CenterSecurity Officer, Hudson InstituteCommanding Officers

US Army Limited War LaboratoryUS Army Logistics, Doctrine Systems & Readiness Agency223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion

CommandantsArmed Forces Staff CollegeDefense Intelligence School

2

CO NFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIALDEPUT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUAR72S, 223D COMDAT SUPPOT AVIATION BA'TTALIOAPO San Francisco 96238

AVGD-DE 12 Februa.ry 1969

SUBJECT: Operational Re,)ort of 223rd Combat Support Aviation Battalionfor Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI) (U)

SEE DISTRIBUTION

1. Segtio 1. (C) Oerationa: Signrficlnt Activities,

a. (C) Genorg.

(1) During the reporting period$, the 223rd CSAB continued toprovide fixed-wing aviation support to the US and Free World Forces locatedprimarily, in the II ,Corps Tactical Zone, Republic of Vietnam. Thissupport was rendered utilizing the assets of one (1).Utility AirplaneCompany, four (4) Reconnaissance Airplane Com:Janies, and one (1) Surv61ll-ance Airplane Company. Changes in the orgc.nization of units within theBattalion were implemented on 27 Jan 69, in accordance with GO 77, HQ DA,USARPAC. A current organizational chart is reflected in inclosure f 1.The 223rd C-AB flew a total of 28,766 hours of combat support during thisreport period.

(2) The 18th UAC continued to support its mission requirementsin all four of the Corps Areas within the Republic of Vietnam. The re-organization under MTOE 1-257F, implemented 27 Jan 69, dissolved the thirdflight platoon and the 256th Transportation Detachment (DS). The companywas reorganized into two (2) flight platoons-four sections-vice threeplatoons. Selected personnel from the 256th Transportation Detachment wereabsorbed by the Comzkany Service Platoon and the rest were. reassigned.The reorganizateibn resulted in a net loss of forty (40) personnel to thecompany. The transfer of the four (4) RU-1A aircraft, equipped for radiorel.ty missions, .to the..2nd Signal Group, lt Signal Brigade, elimina'tedthat requirement from the company mission. The 18th UAC flew a total of3173 combat support hours while maintaining a 78.8% aircraft availabilityrate for this reporting period. New bunkers have been constructdd and landline communications among the bunkers improved. The recreation area h.-.s beenlighted to facilitate the playing of basketball and volleyball at night.Medical care is provided to local Vietnamese, on a limited basis, throughthe continuous liaison of the 163rd Medical Detachment.

(3) The 183rd RAC contiiued to perform its assigned mission bysupporting MAiCV, Comr.any E/2Oth Infantry, 3rd Bn/503rd Infantry, 101 Air-borne Division, 41st Artillery Group, and the IF.V Reoondo Scheol. The 183rd

R DTUTG91 1/49 1DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS;Inclosure CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.

S DOD DIR 200.10

CONFIDENTIALAV'ID-DE 12 Febru _ry 1969SUBJICT: Oper1.tiondl Rae ,ort of' the 223rd Combat Suport Aviation

Battalion for Period ýnding 31 Januiry 1969, tCS CýFOR-65 (Ri) (U)

ha. flown 5090 accident-free hours during this report )eriod and hr.smaintained an aircraft availability of 86%. Reorganization under 14TOE1-257F, PAC 1/68, had no significant changes on thiL unit.

(4) The 185th R.GC sul))pcrted MACV, 3,)ecial Forces Detachments B-50and B-23,and :orwar'd Observation Bases, and IF.:V during this re.porting)eriod. A1issionr remain-d the same, with the ýompany accruing 5195 hoursin support of ccunterinsurgency operations in II Corps. The im.3lementationof MTOE 1-257F caused no major reorganiz.ttional changes. During thisperiod, the 2nd Section, 2nd Pletoon, was. attached to Lhe 3rd i'latoon,loca-ted at San Me Thuet, in order to provide radio relay support to FOB-5.This unit is continuously imu)roving its dei'ensive perimeter as a resultof the frequent mortar and rocket attý-,cks lauached against the a.irfield.

(5) The 203rd RAC continued its support of the visuul recornnaiss-aaco program in the Binh Dinh and Phu Yen Provinces, artillery adjuctmentfor the 41st Artillery Group, and radio relay and general sup.eort forelements 'f Company E/2Oth Infantry. A'.though the unit' has been reorganizedtunder MTOE 1-257F, there h.,v been no major ch7..ges. Con-struction in thec.antonment area continued with comiletion of the unit's day room and motorpool. The 203rd RAC flew a total of 4,785 hour.s of combat snd combatsupoort durLn1 the reporting period and achieved a 92.3% aircraft avail-,7.bility rte.

(6) The 219th RAC continued its primary mission of visual reconn-aissaace in Kontum and Pleiku Provinces. The company supports the 4thInfantry Division, the 52nd Artillery Group, and'ARVN and US Forcesoperations. The PhyeiczJl appearance of' the unit Mess Hall was greatlyimproved during this reporting period. The company was reorganized underIMITUE 1-257F, with no significant change to the unit's organization. The219th RA. flew a tot-9l of 8,19 combat and combat support hours while

maintoainins- an aircraft availability rate of 80.8U. The unit experiencedthe tragic joss of two of its aviators on 9 January 1969, when CaptainThomas Shafer =n1 liLt Lynnford Higloy were involted in a mid-air collision,while jointly _.uportina the 52nd Artillery Group over the area of Duc Lap,in '•_ang Due Province, RVN. Collisioh was a result of hostile fire.

(7) Dar-t'Ln, this &)eriod, the 225th Surveillance Airplane Companycontinued to provide visual, photographic, infrared and SLAR aerial surveill-e.nca throughout the II Corps area. Milssions were flown in suport of allslli-!d units to include th., 173rd Airborne 3rigade, 4th Infantry Division,Ii ARV9 Corps, Task Force South, and the Korean Capital and Tiger DivisionS.The 225th reor•eiized under MTOE 1-128T. The major change brought aboutby the M70i) was the e-similation of the 821st Signt.1. Dctach.:ztnt and the519th Transport,.tion Dctaohrxct into thc Com;iany. hlese formerly wiare indirect .upport. Concurrently with performing its suttrveillance mission,the 225th has continued "self-help" projects to imDrove its defensive

CONFIDENTIAL 2

CONFIDENTIALAVGD..DE 12 February 1969SUBJ .CT: OperAtional Report of the 223rd Co' bat Support ,tvi ition

Battulion for Period &%ding 31 January 1969, RCS CSUUM45 (Ri) (U)

posture and the living conditions of the troops. To provide for moreoff-duty relaxation, a model airplane shop bas been constructed and adark room is being built to enable personnel to develop their own film andprint their own photographs. The 225th has completed 14,800 accident freeflying hours over a twenty-one month period; tops in Vietnam. During thisreporting period, the maintenancb section maintained an aircraf't avail-ability rate of 87.0%, while the unit totaled 2,122 combattand combatsupport hours.

b. (C) ersonnl.

(1) Current status of 223rd CSAB personnel (See Inclosure # 2).

(2) The significant personnel changes within the co!,mand =dprincipal staff during the last quarter are as follows:

(a) Major John D6 ;4ichdel, IN, 083761, assumed command of the183rd RAC on 30 Jaenuary 1969 vice Major Bobby L. Owens, IN, 0S0997.

(b) Major Forrest H. Wiilliams Jr., FA, 076752, assumedcommand of the 203rd RAC on 7 January 1969 vice Major Thomas R. Howell,TC, 072736.

(c) Major Charles R. Braseale, FA, 01102145, assumed commandof the Z19th RAC on 13 December 1968 vice Major James L. Kidd, IN, 0F10,581.

(d) 1st Lt Charles G. Vail, IN, 05239125, assumaed commandof the HHC, 223rd CSAB on 31 Janu.ry 1969 vice Captain John H. Stacy FA,05424865.

(e) Captain Thomas X. Higdon, IN, 0F108198, assmed the dutiesoas Battalion S1 on 1 December 1968 vice CW4 Donald W. Yockey, Avn, W2151425.

(f) Major Ronald Nl. Peterson, Ill, 0F106770 assumed the dutiesas Ba3ttalion S3 on 27 January 1969 vice Major John D. Michael, I.N, 08Y761.

(g) Captain James L. George, IN, 0531849 assumed the dutiesas Battalion S4 on 23 Jaiiuary 1969 vice Major Ernest W. Goebel, FA, 04018297.

(h) Captain Thomas B. Pridgen, Ch, 0233257 assumed the duties,s Battalion Chaplain on 3 January 1969.

CONFIDENTIAL3

CONFIDENTIAL

AVGD-DE 12 February 1969'UBJECT: Operational Report of the 223rd Combat Support Aviat.,on

Batt..lion for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS :J•FOR-65 U-1) (U)

(3) Casuilties: The Battclion casualties for the period werutwo (2) killed, aad thrcu (3) wounded, as indicated below:

GRAt)E KILLED KILLED WCL14D)D WOUNDED

IJ ACTION ,OJ-EO•TL ~ Id ACTIO.1 WO-HOSrT

OFFICFA 2 0 2 1

OFF I ýE•&S 0 0 0 0

E..4LISTEDZR 0 0 0 0

223rd CSAB 2 0 2 1

(4) Awards: Members of the 223rd CSAB received the followingawards during this reporting period.

DistinguiShed Service Medal 0Silver Star 0Legion of Merit 0Distinguished Flying Cross 3Soldier's Medal 0Bronze Star (Survice) 31Bronze Star (Achicvement) 0Air Medal 87.ir Medal Clusters 361

Air I ':ed.l (Valor) 1Army Commendation Nodal (Service) 45Army Commendation Medal (Achievement) 0.Army Cormondation Meda.l (Valor) 0Purp!• Heart 3

c. (C) Int! icncc:

The 223rd Combat Support Aviation Battalion raported 7,7 63significant sifhting during this repotting period; 5,440 significant si-htin-sfrom th; four W4) RAC Companics and 2,323 IR and SLUR sensor equipmentsightings from the 225th SAC.

d. (C) Qýý,;atlons:

(1) A maurked increase in operations cupported by units of the 223rd,Combat Su-port Aviation Batc1tion was avident during this reporting period.

CONFIDENTIAL4

CONFIDENTIALAVODw'Dg ~12 Fet i at y 19onSUDJCT: Operational Report for the'ZJJdqnbat supipt Aviation

Battalion for Period Jding 31 January 1969, RCS Cc0R.65, (Ri) (U)

(2) 7he most notable operation involved the 225th SAC in the PleiTraP Valley (northwest seator of 11 Corp).. 'Wle. on an assigned missionon 6 November 1969, Major Larits of the 225th S., discovered a tank movingacross a rivem and into a tree line. Further reconnaissance of the are"-revealed a takal of 4 tanks and 20 trucks in the immediate vicinity.This was repwted to the 4th Infantry Division Pzd the pilot remained inthe area to djust artillery and direct airstrlkes. An darkness tell, bond-lights of more vehicles were observed to the west. Throughout the nightB-52 Bombers and artillery delivered ordnance into the area. This one missioninitiated a survwellance emphasis on this section of the Corpsarea, and allthroe systems wore employed to detect enewm activity in tht Area.Photog•phy shoved attempts to by-pass orators in the roeds and hasty bkidgeconstruction. Additional airstrikes and artillery tire hove left the roadimpassable to vehicles.

(3) A resume of operations is fo•d in inclosure 0 4.

e. (C) Tkaini The 223rd Combat Support Aviation Battalion hascoqexsted its quarterly mandatory training requirements. Additional emphasisand training has been placed in the areas by the unit indicated.

(1) Eaah unit continued to conduct WT of selected personnel inthe occupational s gecialty where m•nning levels are, or are projected tobc critioal (71P20, 35K20).

(2) All RPC units of the 223rd Combat Support Aviation Battalionare presently conducting aer±al observer schools for selected personnel.

(3) The 18th UAC transitioned seven (7) pilots into the U-14airoaftp completed in-country check outs for three (3) new aviators, andsuccessfully trained three (3) unit instructor pilots.

(4) The 185th RAC conducted 195 hours of aviator training in theform of standardiaation flights, new aiptor orientation training and U-6Attansition. Familiarisation firizng fthe 81MM mortar was conducted underthe instruction of. the • t Special.Forcee Group (EOB..5),located at Ban MeThuct, RWo

(5)- Tho 225th:SAC'continued individual tiaining.&nd cross trainingin the area of Avionics. Field Services Representatives from Motorola,Lyconing.. HIB Singer, Gruumanp and Canadian Marconi have cooperated tothe maximum on training personnel-to, maintain the many oomplex systemsfound in the .OV-1.

(6) Thirteen (13) officers within the 223rd CSAB attended andsuccessfully comploted jwiglo survival training, at either the Air ForcePacific jungle Survival School or the Navy: Jungle Envirenzmeital School.

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

AV-1'-Di 12 February 1,6'S'.YBJ CT: 0'Oeration ,1 P.eport for the 223r%. Combat Support Aviation

Battailion for Period ending 31 January 1969, :,CL CSFOt-65 (Xl) (U)

f. (U) Civil Affair- .

(1) The 223rd C', s.D ored several Chri:tmrns programs ,or ViL..namese orphanages and medical-care ceitcrs. The most noted o.: these y.roj,-:is supported by the school children of Rolla, Iviissouri and provided needy

children with Christmas decorations, toys, an'1 other gifts.

(1) The 18th UAC, thru.•h the first plato'.z in Da Wang, continuedtheir support to the Vietnamese orphanaSe in Da dang. A Christm-.s partywis con-ducted for the children, and toys were distributdc.

(3) The 115th RAC distributed decorations and toyv to children ofthe Lvangelical Church of Ban He Thuot at a Christmas ive service.

(4) The 223rd CSAB Chaplain has delivered eighteen (13) cz.se% cfsoa'. to the Lepreserium in Qui Niion; in addition to distributing clothes,received irom state-.side schools and churches, to the poor in thce Qui 11honarea.

2. Secti-n 2 (C.) Lessons Learned: Co:='.aders Cbservations, Evaluations,

and -Recommendations.

a. (U) Personnel: None

b. (C) Oer•.•ions: Infrared Surveillance Targets,

(1) 0SERVATIO±: In the past, infrared targets had been assignedas large block targets, (15kn X 30 km), necessitating numerous passes overthe same area in order to cover the target.

(2) EVALUATIO:T: It was requested .during the surveillance conferenceconducted by the 225th SAC on 21 and 22 November 1968, that supporte.5.n',.t•" decrease the size of infrared targets in order to V..in more specificintelligence when these targets were flown. It Was decided to go from blocktype targets to strip t..rgets. When flying block-type targets over mount-ainou. terrein, it was necessary to fly 4,000 to 5,000 feet above some valleysin order to maintain terrain clearance at night. This i3 far above the o tmI maltitude for infar::d surveillance. Also, it was observed that on nvimerov.soccas•ion,,, fires .- re being extinguished on the ground after the aircraftmade the first of seven or eight passes over the area. By flying striptargets, the pilot is ý.ble to maintain 1,000 - 1,500 feet AGL a•rd obtainbetter and more s-oecific im•agery. The element of sur:.rise is also gainedsince the aircraft mw.kes only one pass over the target, A somewhat hiddenbenefit of the strip target is that the supported unit is forced to base hisrequcst on more specific intellience and in return receives hiore specific

CONFIDENTIAL6

CONFIDENTIAL:.VGD-DE 12 February 1969SUBJECT: Operational Report for the 223rd Comb.at Support Aviation

Battalion for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (Ri) (U)

information. Becauso of the smiller targets, the aircr.tft is able tosample more areas in a given period of time and provide surveillance ov.-ra greater part of the II Corp Tactical Zone.

(3) RECOIEDATIOt: Use of strip targets in infrar ed surveill-Sance should be continued as it provides the requester with morce detailed

information.

(4) COr,14AND ACTION: It has been recommended to supported units,that utilization of strip targets in infrarad surveillance will result inmuch more specific information than does the largo .area target.

c. (U) Traihihg. Alone

d. (U) Intelligance. Aone.

a. . (U) Logistics. Avionics Sugplv.

(1) OBSERVATION: Avionics repair parts continue to lag farbehind the requisition time, causing a problem in keeping flyable aircraftmission ready.

(2) EVALUATION: Durinig this reporting period, 90% of the OV-1aircraft were maintained in a flyable status; however, duo to avionics, themission ready average was only 55%. The major portion of this figure isdue to lack of repair parts. As the following examples illustrate; twoaircraft were EDP for two (2) months because of ID-883's (Compass Amplifiers).Compass amplifiers cainnot be direct exchanged, but must b6 turned-in forrepair, which can only be accomplished in CONUS. Several aircraft are shortgyrosý TACAN's are authorized for all aircraft, but at present arc onlyinstalled in four (4) aircraft. Lastly, the "Repair and Return to UserProgram" causes excessive delays, estimated 4 to 6 months for the repair ofgyros, amplifiers, and other components.

(3) RECONNENDATION: The stockage level of avionics repair itemsand components for the OV-1 and its associated sensor systoms should boincreased. Then, if a component must be repairdd outside the unit, thecomponent should be direot-exchanged with a resulting increase in the"mission ready" status of the aircraft.

(4) COMMAID ACTEON: An avionics conference was convened etPhu Hiep on 26. November 1968, by LTC Landry, O0 14th Trans Bn, with theexpress purpose of discussing avionics support problems of the 225th SAC.Representatives from 34th GP (GS), 79th Transportation Co, USARV Avionics,17th CAG, and 223rd CSAB vote present. Problems were identifled," discussed,and responsible agencies were tasked to find a solution. A second c onferonce

"CONFIDENTIAL

7

CONFIDENTIALAVGD-DE 12 Ft•mu-ary 1969SUWB3.Ti Operational Report for the 223rd Combat Support Aviation

Battedion for Period ELndng 31 Jinuiary 1969, RCS C$FOR-65 (R1) (U)

held 21 Jenunry 1969, revealed that mauny ropair parts had boon rocoivedand the "mission re'.dy" status of the OV-1 aircraft had improved. Theresults mf these two meetings strengthened the claim that the "Repair andReturn to User Progrnm" was, to date, ineffective as far as sup;ort for OV-1peculiar avionics waa concerned.

f. (U) Organization Maintenance Line Chief

(1) OBSEP.VTIO: There exists under the new TOE 1-128T a need fora maintennnce line chief (67H40).

(2) EVALU..TION: The crew chiefs of a surveillance airplane com:..Lnyirc under the supervision of the appropriite platoon leader (infrared , orSL.R) according to the TO&E. There is no one, EM, NCO, 6r OfftcLr in theseplatoons mainten.uice trained, and in effect, there is no maintcnance super-vision for the crew chiefs. This oroblem has been remudied by taking oneof the 67H40's from the Service Platoon and making him the direct supervisorof the crew chiefs. Since this has been accomplished, Ist echelon maint-enance has improvud greatly.

(3) .RECOMMFNDATION: TO&E 1-128T should be revised to authorize amaintenance line chief (67H40) to supervise the crew chiefs within theplatoons.

(4) COMMAND ACTION: To improve immodiate needs, for addition-.almaintenance supervision, one (1) 67H40 was reassignetd from the ServicePlatoon to supervise all crew chiefs.

g. (U) Other

(1) Maintenance, Corrosion on 0-1 Aircraft

(A) OBSERVATION: It was observed during a special inspectionthat corrosion was evident on the underside of 0-1 aircraft from statiol,00:00 to station 98:50, and along the underside of wings at the rockettube location from station 100:00 to station 118:00.

(B) EVALUATION: Determined to be an unsafe condition thatcould be a hazard to the safety-of-flight status of the aircraft.

(C) RECOMMETDATION: That all aircraft paint in the fore-mentioned locations .be stripped, and the surface inspected for possiblecorrosion. Further recomqend that areas be painted with black anti-corrosionpaint.

(D) CO•4WIWD ACTID•i: All assigned aircraft are being inspected,and where necessary, action in accordance with paragraph "C" above is beinginitiated.,

CONFIDENTIAL

AVGD-DE 12 February 1969V: ý'UBJECT: Operational Report. for the 223rd Combat Support Aviation

Battalion for Period Wing 31 January 1969, RCS CsFOR-65 (0t1) (U)

(2) Igspeotion of Bell Crank Braokets on 0-1 Aircraft,

(A) 0BSEVATIO,: During a recent month, four bell crankbrackets (PSN 1560-197-1171) were found to have the same RED X conditionat P.E.. An apparent cause is hard landings which places undue stress atthe top of the bell crank bracket.

(B) EVALUATION: If the above named condition is not detectedand the brackets break during flight, the aviator could possibly loosethe elevator control.

(0) kECOHM4ENDATION: Recommendations are twofold: Thatbrackets be strengthened, and inspections be made of bell crank bracketsby Tech InSpectors (TI) after every suspected hard landing.

(D) COMMAND ACTION: One time inspection of all bell crankbrackets has been conducted. In addition, all aviators have received writtenguidance on the importance of writing up hard landings.

4. Ial WILLIA M S.1. Organizational Chart LTWC AD2. Unit Strengths Comuanding3. Aircraft Status4. Operational Statistics

DISTRIBUTIOif:2 CINCUSAKPAC, ATTN: GPOP-DT, APO 965583 CG, USARV, ATTN: AV7HGC-DST, APO 963752 CG, 1st Avn Bde,. ATTW: AVBA-MH, A.FO 963847 CO, 17th GAG, ATTN: AVGD-SO, A-20 96240

9

CONFIDENTIAL

AVBAC,3-3C (12 Feb 69) lot IndSU3JECT: Operational Report of 223rd Conbat Support Aviation Batta•lion

for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CQSOR-65 (RI) (U)

Headquarters, 17th Conbat Aviation Group, APO 96240 24 February 1969

TO: Dep.Artment oif The Army, (ACUFOR, DA), Washington D.C. 20310Commanding Gener,.l, i Field Force Vietnum, APO 96350Coumanding Offticer, 223rd Combat Support Avi.tion Battaliojn,APO 96238

1. (U) This headnuarters has reviewed the attached report, considersit to be adequwte, and concurs with the contents as stater' except asindicated below.

2. (C) The followinE comments and recommendations are submitted:

a. Section 1, Operations: Significant activities.

(1) Paragraph la, Generpl., page 1. The General Order i:plementinfreorganization should be: GO 771, Headquarters United States ArmyFacific, 22 November 1968.

(2) Paragreph lb (1), current status of 223d CZAB personnel (SeeInclosure #2), page 3. Authorized strergth figures shown at inclosureY2 are authorized by MTOE. Actual ituthorized stren-th is establishedb, Progr-uied Requisitioning Authority (IRA). At present, the FRAaviator strength is 90% of total battalion MTOE authorized. PRA forindividual units have not been established, but are expected o/a 10March 1969.

(3) Paragraph lb (2), Significant personnel changes, page 3.Significant activities should be prepared chronologically. Recoi:n:iendthis be accomplished in future reports.

(4) Paragraph lc, Intelligence, page 4. The intelligence portioncovered only the number of sightings by RAC and SAC units. A morecomprehensive intelligence picture could have been presented by pro-viding data in the following areas: Number of aircraft hit by hostilefire, number of aircraft destroyed by hostile fire, enemy attacks on

- installations where 223rd aircraft are based with a summary ofcasualties and damage and a brief synopsis of the contribution the unitis m:dking in the war effort.

b. Section 2, Lessons Learned: Comnander's Observations, Evaluations,and Recommendations.

(1) Paragraph 2b, Operations, Infrared Surveillance Targets, pago 6.Concur: Provided the target area lends itself to strip flying. AviationCommanders must continue to advise the supported unit of the capabilitiesand limitations of the aviation equipment. Mission accomplishmentcontinues to be overriding and is a compromise between aircraft/crewcapablities and nature of target-desired results.

10 DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS;

DCCLASSMED AFTER 12 YEARS.CONFIDENTIAL DOD DIR 5200.10

CONFIDENTIALAVBACB-SC (12 Fc-b 69) 1st Ind 22 Feb 69SUBJECT: Operational Report of 223rd Combat Support Aviation Batttdion

for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (R1) (U)

(2) Paragraph 2es Logistics, Avionics Supply, pagc 7. Concur:A country wide shortage Of spare repair itew,. apparently ex ist. Thisheadquarters is investigating the possibility of obtaining additionalrepair items.

(3) Paragraph 2f, Organization Maintenance Line Chief, page 8.Concur: Unit is preparing a change to authorized MTOE.

(4) Paragraph 2g (1), Maintenance Corrosion on 0-i Aircraft, pale8. Concur with corrective action. 1st Aviation Brigade has beeninformed of our actions to correct the problem.

(5) Paragraph 2g (2), Inspection of Bell Crank Brackets on C-1Aircraft, page 9. Unit th submitting EIR. Recomiend this conditionbe passed to other units having 0-1 aircraft.

FOR THE COPMNAER:

IMRC L. TIJMASCPT, ADAAdjutant

CONFIDENTIAL11

AVFA-GC.OT (12 Feb 69) 2d Ind

SUBJEC• s Operational Report of 223d Combat Support Aviation battalionfor Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI) (U)

DA, Headquartorep I Field Force Vietnam, APO 96350 4 MAR 1965

TOt Commanding Goneral, lot Aviation Brigade# APO 96384

(U) This headquarters has evaluated subject report and conours an

indorsed.

FOR M O0OiN•R a

o~Ie~AGOdAdjutant Gwerneo

Cy furns17th Avn Gp

12

AVBWOC-O (12 Feb 69) 3 -IdSUBJECTs Operational Report of 223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion

for Period Ending 31 Januaxy 1969, RCS CSMR-65 (M) (u)

DA, EADQUAEMES, 1ST AVIATI(N BRIGUDl, APO 96384 15 MAR 10'

THRUt Comading General, United States ArmyVietram, ATlN# AVHGC-DST,APO 96375Conwrider-ln-Chief, United States Arr Pacific, ATTVN GPOP-OT,APO 96558

Tot Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Department of theAro,, Washington, D. 0. 20310

1. This Boadquartere bas reviewed this report, considers it to be adequateand concurs with the contents as indorsed, except as noted below.

2. The following additional ooments are considered pertinents

a. Paragraph 2b, Page 6. Concur in the basic concept of flyingstrip targets as opposed to ares targets; however, the sise of the targetis determined by the 3I9 and the tactical situation. It may be necessaryto fly area targets to secure the desired coverage. This area coveragecan be obtained with the same degree of accuracy and surprise by varyingthe technique utilised to obtain the desired informtion, i.e., flyone strip or segment of the target area and return at a later time tofly a parallel area.

b. Paragraph 2f, Pap 8. lot Aviation Brigade letter, SubjectiStandardized IM oom~ens, dated 12 Febr•zy 1969, was forwarded toall units to obtain reoooendations concerning the accuracy and adequacyof the new standardised HLEo. Evaluation of the responses of this letterpcoupled with 0ELL input will provide data for correcting deficienciesin present MOEs.

c. Paragraph 2g(l), Page 8. Concur. 17th Combat Aviation Groupnotified their subordinate units. G-4, let Aviation Brigade, will notifyother groups of corrosion on 0-1 aircraft.

d. Paragraph 2g(2), Page 9. Conours lst Aviation Brigade MaintenanceOfficer will notify 0-1 units of the condition outlined which dictatesmore frequent inspections of bell crank brackets, FSN 1560-197-1171.

MOR THE C(ERUNRs

13

AVHGC-DST (12 Feb 69) 4th ndSUBJECT: Operational Report of 223d Combat Support Aviation 3attali cv

for Period Ending 31 January 1969, RCS CSFOR-65 (Ri) (U)

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY, VIETNAM, APO. San Francisco 96375 2 8MAI? 19S

TO: Commander in Chief, United States Arqv, Pacific, ATTN: GPOP-DT,APO 96558

1. This headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lessons Learnedfor the quarterly period ending 31 January 1969 from Headquarters, 223dCombat Support Aviation Battalion.

2. Comments follow:

a. Reference item concerning Logistics: Avionics Supply, page 7,paragraph 29; concur. Low density OV-I surveillance and navigation sy'-tems are, in many cases, beyond the maintenance capability of this com-mand. Action has been taken to improve availability of these systems byincreasing maintenance float levels, improving the DS and GS maintenancecapability, and reducing turn-around time of the repair and return touser program.

b. Reference item concerning Mission: Corrosion on 0-1 Aircraft,page 8, paragraph 2g(l); concur. Comments have been forwarded to 34thGeneral Support Group for inclusion in maintenance newsletter. The USAAviation Materiel Command (USAAVCCM) representative at USARV has been ap-praised of the problem.

c. Reference item concerning Inspection of Bell Crank Brackets on 0-1Aircraft, page 9, paragraph 2g(2); concur. The item has been forwarded to34th General Support Group for inclusion in a maintenance newsletter.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

C. 0. WILSON1"LT, AGCAuestant Adjutant General

Cyf urn:223d Combat Spt Avn Bnlt Avn Bde

14

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to %

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1IVIN301IN03

CONFIDENTIAL

UNIT STRENGTHS AS OF 31 JANUARY 1969

1. Military

"1uBORfDI.JArE" OFFICER WO " M TOTALUNITQLI "I O,.LL. Aut 0/ th H AuthL SL/LH

HrIC 19 14 3 1 87 89 109 10218th UAC 16 14 24 18 139 175 179 20?183d RAC 32 26 2 2 90 94 124 1225th RAC 32 26 2 1 90 94 124 121

203rd RAC 32 22 2 5 90 89 124 116219th•RAC 41 32 2 2 104 119 147 153225th RA• 19 15 22 7 291 285 332 307

223rd CS-B 191 149 57 36 891 945 1139 1128

2. Civilian

UBORDINATE DAC yJ 3D NATL CONTRACTRUNIT Auth O/H Auth O/H Auth O/H

!HHD 0 0 2 2 0 0 0'18th UAC 0 0 14 16 0 0 0183rd RAC 0 0 11 9 0 0 01 85th RAC 0 0 8 7 0 0 0

'203rd IL-.C 0 0. 0 0 0 0 0219th RAC 0 0 8 8 0 0 0225th SAC 5 11 10 0 2 0I - - - - ii - -_i i

1223rd CSABI 6 5 54 52 0 2 0

/ 7 DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR IITERVALS;DECLASSIfiED AFTER 12 YEARS.

DOD DIR 5200.10

Inel 2 CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT STATUS

31 January 1969

Subordtnate 0-1 U-6A U-1 A OV-1

unit Auth 0/H bAth 0/,H uth O/H Auth o/H

223rd CSAB, Hq 0 0 1 1 0. 0 0 0

l8th UAc 0 0 0 0 16 16 0 0

183rd RAC 24 25 1 1 .0 0 0 0

185th RG 24 24 1 1 o -00 0

2o3rd.RAC 24 24 1- 1 1 0 .0 0 0

219th RAC 32 32 1 1 0 0 0 0

225th SAC 0 0 1 1 0 0 18 18

223rd CSAB 104 105 6 6 16 16 18 18

'DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS;

CONFIDENTIAL DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.DOD DIR 5200.10

Incl 3

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DOWUMT COMM~l DATA. RI & D

I. OmleawATINO ACTIVITY (C"qami". Mfow All. RPR OCCUR# Tgurv C:L*,& i, -CAT#Ob

HQ, OACSFOR, DA, Washington. D,, C. 20310 ConfidentialOT4

Operational Report -'Lessons lpearned, Hq, 223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion

4- O90CRIPTIV8 MOTU$ (rnW of WWI, 00 holfellii do#**

E~seienjj o unt InIOX in conj~ gnc 0erationl. 1 Nov 68 to 31 Jan 69.

CO, 223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion

6. REPORT OAT9 I T. TOTAL. NO. OF PAGES 76. No. or flar$

12 February 1969 221B.CONdTRACT 00 GRANT NOd. 94. ORIGINATOR*$ REPORT NUMOCRISP

6911496. wuojgCC 100.

C.N/A 06. OrTe~rn RCwORT NO($$ (AaJ' 61010t nM111000` te01 user be 080i~,

d.

10. OISTRIDUTION uTATCOACUT

it. UPOL&ACNANY OTC$Ia.SPONSORING MILITARY ACTIVITY

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

I.S. ASTRACT

20

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