MONTANA MUSTANG H

Transcription

1 The following entries, as they apply to the 1st BN 61st INF, are extracts taken from the 1st BDE 5th INF DIVISION Combat Operations After Action Report. MONTANA MUSTANG H Apr 71 to H Jul 71: [Note: All security classifications have expired.] [Web Masters Note: These are actual After Action Reports. They were signed by the BN Cmdr and then incorporated into the BDE Cmdrs report. While I have changed the format slightly, the words have not been changed and misspellings and typos have been faithfully reproduced. The Significant Events display is of particular interest. It is normally taken from the BN Operations radio log and is an accurate portrayal of what happened when. In the heat of battle rumors take on a life of their own and while sometimes WIAs later become KIAs the facts presented here are just that, facts.] Commanding General, 1st Inf Bde, 5th Inf Div (M) BG John G. Hill Jr. 08 April - 19 May 1971 BG Harold H. Dunwoody 19 May - 11 July 1971 Commanding Officer, 1st Bn, 61st Inf (Mech) LTC Arnold S. Stallman 08 April - 11 July 1971 (C) Concept of Operation: The 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mech) conducted operations with TF 1-61 in AO Orange, TF 1-11 in AO White, TF 3/5 in AO Green, TF 1-77 initially in Mai Loc District, and D/3-5 Air Cav in the Recon Zone to locate and destroy enemy forces, eliminate VCI, conduct reaction/exploitation operations and assist in pacification and Vietnamization in Quang Tri Province. Additional AO's were granted for special missions such as AO Blue where TF 3-5, in conjunction with RF/PF units, conducted rice denial operations. During the operation units continued to conduct Quarterly Refresher Training. This necessitated changes in control of AO's. Near the end of the operation the Brigade began a phased withdrawal from AO Orange relinquishing control to the ARVN Forces. (C) Execution: a. In AO Orange TF 1-61 provided security for FSB's C-2 and A-4, while continuing to conduct reconnaissance operations along the southern boundary of the DMZ. Elements from each of the other Task Forces were frequently placed under operational control of TF In addition the battalion was tasked with the responsibility of supporting ARVN Forces through blocking positions and supporting fires. (C) Administrative Matters: (a) Civic Action: The 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry (Mech), S-5 has supported two major projects in Cam Lo, the creation of a memorial park in honor of the soldiers from Cam Lo who died during the war and the construction of a soccer field. The memorial park, known as Yellowstone Park, was partially completed by the Marines prior to leaving the AO. The project was completed using salvage timber donated by 1-61 Infantry. The park consists of a playground in conjunction with the memorial. Trucks from 1-61 hauled fill to level off an area which will be used as a soccer field by the schools of Cam Lo. With the development of soccer field and soccer teams, it is hoped that greater unity will develop in the District. Both of these projects should contribute significantly to the morale of the District.

2 Special Equipment and Techniques: a. Enemy rocket attacks on FSB A-4, A-1, C-2 and C-1 placed emphasis on counter mortar/rocket fire in the northern portion of the Brigade AO. Coordinated use of the assets of the 5th Bn, 4th Arty, 8th Bn, 4th Arty, ARVN Arty and naval gunfire, along with aerial observer adjustments proved to be effective against indirect fire attacks on bases. The enemy's capability to mount sustained attacks was greatly reduced by prompt target acquisition. The best target acquisition means proved to be air observers followed by ground

3 observers Integrated Observation System (IOS) and radar. After a few mortar and rocket attacks, it was noted that the surveillance was so successful that accurate targets were located within two minutes of receiving fire, thereby precluding the necessity to fire automatic plans. Estimates of the situation and intelligence led to the belief that the NVA were employing multiple rocket sites of one to two rockets each. This led the target analysts to believe that the accuracy and responsiveness of the counter rocket fire caused the enemy to fragment his units to carry out his mission. The multiple targets were effectively engaged by employing every available artillery element within range through the direct control of the battalion FDC. (C) Commander's Analysis: a. "Operation Montana Mustang", though not intended to be a major operation such as the preceding one Lam Son 719 proved to be very critical because of the period of time in which it occurred. The following significant events contributed to making "Montana Mustang: a noteworthy operation: (1) "Operation Lam Son 719" had just been completed. The duration and magnitude of this operation had placed great demands on both men and equipment. The operation which was to follow had to be one in which the primary mission of guarding the southern boundary of the DMZ could still be accomplished and at the same time recover to a high state of combat readiness. (2) Enemy activity began to increase rapidly around the ARVN held FSB Fuller near the end of May and early June. Eventually, the FSB was overrun on 24 June (3) The rice harvest during the period mid-may thru late June is a yearly attraction for VC/NVA to obtain food supply. However, there were only minor VC/NVA taxation reported in the lowlands. (4) The NVA increased the frequency and volume of rocket and mortar attacks on FSB's along the DMZ. (5) The 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mech) began a phased withdrawal near the end of the operation from its sector along the DMZ and subsequent turnover of Fire Support Bases to ARVN Forces. b. All of the above mentioned events emphasized the need for close cooperation and coordination between US and GVN Forces. In the case of the attack on FSB Fuller and high probability of attacks on Cam Lo, Mai Loc and... TASK FORCE ORGANIZATION: TF 1-61 Inf (Mech) B/3-5 Cav A/1-77 Arm D/1-11 Inf The following are entries for the 1/61st Infantry (Mechanized) ENCLOSURE 7 (Chronological Listing of Significant Events) to Combat Operations After Action Report - Montana Mustang H April H July [Note: Some pages are missing from the documents received from NARA so some dates in June are not presented.] DTG LOCATION EVENT 8 April 1971:

4 080415H YD C/2-94 received 5 unknown type rounds 200 meters South of their location. No counter-battery fire was employed H YD C/1-61 spotted and engaged 17 NVA 800 meters South and Northwest with small arms, 81mm and Arty fire. D/3-5 Cav took ground to air fire at YD and engaged area

5 with negative results. Negative casualties. 09 April 1971: H YD found a TM-41 mine buried in a tank trail. The mine was blown in place. 13 April 1971: H YD A/1-61, enroute to AO, visually sighted 1x PM-60 mine North of the tank trail half buried and half covered with erosion. The mine was evacuated to Bn S-2 15 April 1971: H YD /B/1-61 took 7x 82mm rounds with negative casualties. Counter-battery fire was employed on YD with unknown results. 16 April 1971: H YD B/1-61 found 1-1/4 pound block of explosives, 30 82mm rounds and 1 mortar firing position all of which were destroyed. 1 firing device was located and evacuated to Brigade S April 1971: H YD TF 1-61 found 1 8" Arty round on ground surface and 2 buried metallic objects suspected to be more Arty rounds. Rounds were destroyed in place. No recent activity was indicated. 19 April 1971: H YD On S&C, C/1-61 found 1 Chicom claymore which was blown in place H YD B/1-61 received SAF 250 meters East of location from 4-6 personnel--1 US WIA. Organic fire was returned. When Arty and mortars were employed the enemy fled southeast. Area sweep indicated negative results. 20 April 1971: H YD Scts/1-61. M113 detonated pressure activated TM- 60 blowing off 2 road wheels-negative casualties. No recent area activity. 21 April 1971: H YD Scts/1-61 observed and engaged with organic weapons

6 8 NVA moving North. Arty block fire was used and an area sweep produced 1 NVA KIA, 1 AK-47, 3 Chicom grenades and miscellaneous documents H YD A/1-61. A Bde Avn UH1H spotted personnel in an open area and received 51 cal MG fire. Arty was employed and D/3-5 took fire. An air strike resulted in 7 bunkers destroyed. C/1-61 and A/3-5 swept area and received fire, moving back to employ Arty once again with unknown results. 1 US WIA. 24 April 1971: H YD On S & C opn, Scts/1-61 located 2 TM-41 mines 50 meters apart. Mines were destroyed in place. 25 April 1971: H YD B/1-61. M113, on S & C, detonated pressure activated PM-60 blowing off 2 road wheels, putting hole in

7 drivers compartment and damaging left final drive --3 US WIA. No recent area activity H YD Scts/1-61. M113 detonated pressure activated TM- 41 blowing off 2 roadwheels, damaging 3--negavtive casualties. Another M113, moving to assist the first vehicle, detonated another TM-41 with similar damage--negative casualties. No recent area activity H YD Scts/1-61 visually sighted 2 Tm-41 mines 20 meters apart and 20 meters from where the M113s had earlier detonated mines. Mines were blown in place. No recent area activity H YD B/1-61 discovered 8x 60mm rounds, destroyed 7 and evacuated 1 to S-2/1-61. No recent activity. 26 April 1971: H YD A/1-61 visually detected 1 Tm-47 mine which was disarmed and evacuated to S-2/ April 1971: H YD On S & C, A/1-61 visually spotted 1 TM-46 on tank trail. Mine was destroyed in place. 28 April 1971: H YD Scts/1-61. M113 detonated a suspected 2 TM-41 stacked mines, blowing a hole in the hull and damaging the front sprocket and 4 roadwheels --5 US WIA. 29 April 1971: H YD B/1-61 detected 1 TM-41 pressure activated mine which was destroyed in place H YD C/1-61 spotted 4 NVA 800 meters Northeast in the open. Arty employed with unknown results. Tracker team was requested and swept area with negative results H YD /B/1-61 spotted 15 NVA in the open 500 meters from their location. Arty and mortars were used and tracker team swept area with negative results. 1 May 1971: H YD C/1-61 received 4 82mm rounds--negative casualties or damage. Counter-battery fire engaged area. Area swept with negative results H YD B/1-61 M806 detonated 2 stacked non-metallic PM-60 mines blowing off 3 road wheels and track. Area swept prior to incident. --3 US WIA H YD D/1-61 M578 hit 2 stacked PM-60s blowing off 1 road wheel--negative casualties. Area swept prior to and after incident.

8 2 May 1971: H YD C/1-61 M113 hit 2 stacked TM-41 mines blowing off 4 road wheels and cracking hull --negative casualties. 5 May 1971: H YD Scts/1-61 spotted 2 personnel 700 meters North of Location. Arty employed with negative results

9 09 May 1971: H YD A-4 took 4 rounds suspected 122mm rockets, 2 landing 200 meters South and 2 landing 300 meters Northwest--no casualties or damage from rockets. Counter-battery 155mm --unknown results. 11 May 1971: H YD B/1-61 took 2 RPG rounds--negative casualties or damage. Arty employed with unknown results. Area checked--negative results. 17 May 1971: H XD visually found 1 TM-41 half buried in tank trail which had been there for some time. Mine was blown in place. 20 May 1971: H YD CP/1-61 took 10 x 122mm rockets landing near or in the perimeter--2 US WIA. At the same time A-4 received 4 122mm rockets --1 US WIA. On second sighting D/3-5 engaged area and received SAF with negative hits. 21 May 1971: H YD D/3-5 A/1-61 D/3-5 took SAF while spotting 2 caches. At 1045H Charlie Horse 45 sighted 2 rocket caches and 2 bunkers. At 1100H 1/A/1-61 was inserted, spotted 3 NVA to North which Charlie Horse engaged--3 NVA KIA. A LOH took SAF and was forced to land, secured by 1/A/1-61, and at 1130H again took SAF and 1 RPG round. At 1150H Charlie Horse replacement was hit by rockets, and LOH crashed and burned. 2 US WIA were taken from the burning craft. 1/A/1-61 secured aircraft and 2 US WIA were dusted off. At 1320H the first downed aircraft was extracted. At 1335H the following was found at 1st cache:12 x 122mm rocket, 1 x 122mm tripod, 1 x 122mm tube, 1 x 122mm sight, 1 AK-47, 4 Chicom grenades and miscellaneous documents. 3 KIA were at this location--a/1-61 destroyed 1 bunker with overhead cover. At 1405H 3/A/1-61 arrived at the second site, finding: 1 x 122mm tube, 1x 122mm tripod, 4 x 122mm rockets, 25 x 82mm rounds, 3 boxes 82mm fuses, 5 cans 82mm charges and 1 RPG warhead --destroyed 5 bunkers with overhead cover. All material was evacuated to 517th MID H C started to receive 122mm rockets equipped with delayed fuzes. Altogether 11 rockets landed within the perimeter. At 1744H the seventh rocket struck the club bunker which was occupied by an

10 equipment estimated personnel. The bunker collapsed on those inside and rescue operations were begun immediately. All available personnel and were requested and employed, and C/1-61 arrived from Quang Tri CB as a reaction force at 2100H.

11 Excavation rescue and dust-off activities finally ceased at approximately 0200H on 22 May. From the incident there were 29 KIA's and 33 WIA's H C took 4x 82mm rounds from the Southwest landing 150 meters outside the perimeter. Arty was employed. --IOS reported direct hit. 22 May 1971: H YD B/1-61 took 8x 82mm rounds--negative casualties and damage. Counter-battery was fired on SEL and area searched with negative results. 25 May 1971: H YD C/1-61. M113 hit 2 stacked TM-41 pressure activated mines--5 US WIA. 2 road wheels and final right drive were blown off. Area swept after incident by mine detector and dog team with negative results. 26 May 1971: H YD /B/1-61 M113 detonated a 4.2" round stacked on top of a TM-41 mine, flew 10' into the air, landed in a crater and overturned. All road wheels and arms were blown off on left side, 1 road wheel and arm on right side. TM-41 was found undetonated and was destroyed in place.-- 1 US KIA, 3 US WIA H YD B/1-61 found 4.2" round which was booby trapped. When destroyed in place a mine under it was also blown. 27 May 1971: H YD B/1-61. M113 set off 2 stacked TM-41 mines blowing off 2 road wheels on left and 1 on right side US WIA. Area swept prior to and after incident with mine dog. No recent area activity H YD B/1-61 visually spotted 1 TM-41 on tank trail which was destroyed in place H YD Scts/1-61 found 10 bunkers which had been used in 2-3 previous days. Inside was found: 30 x 82mm rounds with fuses, 3 x 60mm rounds, 3 Chicom grenades, 9 TM-41 mines, 8 TM-46 Mines and 3 TM-60 mines, all of which were destroyed in place with the bunker.

12 29 May 71: H YD Scts/1-61 visually spotted 1 TM-41 which was blown in place. Area swept with negative results /1332H YD CP/1-61 took 26x 122mm rockets, 14 outside perimeter, the rest inside causing light damage to a bunker with negative casualties. Adjust Arty and 2 air strikes were called on SEL with negative assessments 31 May 1971: /0930H YD /C/1-61 found 38 mines along sides of tank trail--34 TM-41 and 4 TM-46. Mines were destroyed in place. Dogs found 1 mine, mine detectors 2; the rest were spotted visually or by probing. Mines appeared to have been planted the previous night. 1 June H YD C/1-61 visually spotted 2 TM-41 mines which were destroyed in place. They were thought to have been

13 planted the previous night H YD C/1-61 took 2 RPG rounds from Southwest--negative casualties. 81mm and Arty engaged YD causing 1 secondary explosion. Area searched with negative results. 3 June 1971: /1430H YD took 22 x 120mm rounds and 4 x 122mm rockets --negative casualties or damage. 81mm and 4.2" mortars placed fire on SEL silencing the 120mm position with unknown results /1823H YD C-2 took 99 x 122mm rockets during this time period. 77 landing inside perimeter. 2 US KIA, 1 x 122mm rocket site and launcher destroyed, 25x 122mm rockets destroyed H YD /B/1-61 visually spotted 1 TM-41 mine and blew it in place. No recent area activity. 4 June 1971: /1750H YD took 12 x 122mm rockets, 10 inside and 2 outside perimeter--2 US WIA. 3 PPS-5 radars damaged. Counterbattery was fired with unknown results /1945H YD took 22 x 122mm rockets inside perimeter. 2 US WIA. Arty and 4.2" fire caused 3 secondary explosions on SEL. 6 June 1971: H YD Scts/1-61, while setting up night ambush sites, took 6-8x 60mm rounds--1 US KIA, 2 US WIA. Arty fired at SEL--4-6 NVA spotted by RF at these locations. 7 June 1971: H YD spotted 7 personnel outside wire and engaged with M16 and M79 while 81mm--contact broken 0255H with no return fire from enemy H YD B/1-61 took 8 x 82mm rounds--negative casualties or damage. Arty adjusted on SEL silencing mortars. 8 June 1971: H YD /B/1-61 visually spotted 2 stacked TM-41 mines on tank trail which were destroyed in place H YD B/1-61 found 2 TM-41 through use of mine detector. Mines were destroyed in place. No recent activity. 9 June 1971: H YD B/1-61 mine dog located 2 PM-60s stacked in tank trail and through use of mine detector 1 TM-41. All 3 were blown in place H YD /B/1-61 heard voices and engaged area with SAF

14 --1 NVA KIA. 1 AK-47 with 2 magazines, 1 binoculars, 1 map, several Chicom grenades and other miscellaneous items were captured. 10 June 1971: H YD /C/1-61 on S & C found 2 stacked TM-41s which were blown in place. 12 June 1971: H YD A/1-61 M113, while starting brush fire, tripped a

15 flare which bounced back into another M113 which caught fire and was considered a combat loss. 13 June 1971: H YD /C/1-61 visually spotted 2 TM-41 mines which were blown in place. No recent area activity H YD A/1-61 visually spotted 1 TM-41 stacked on TM-46 on side of tank trail. Mines were blown in place. 14 June 1971: H YD C/1-61 M-125 set off TM-41 stacked on a 4.2" buried in tank trail blowing off 2 roadwheels and sprocket --3 US WIA. Area swept prior to and after incident with detectors and mine dogs H YD /C/1-61 visually spotted 2 stacked TM-41 mines which were blown in place. No recent area activity. 17 June 1971: H YD B/1-61 visually spotted 2 stacked TM-41s which were destroyed in place. 1 non-metallic mine was discovered 100 meters north and was also blown in place. 18 June 1971: H YD Scts/1-61 took 2 RPG rounds lightly damaging M US WIA. Mortar and Arty engaged SEL with unknown results. Area swept with negative results. 20 June 1971: H YD A/1-61 visually spotted a TM-41 which was destroyed in place H YD B/1-61 & A/1-77 took 3-5 rounds RPG, 1 M48A3 taking 2-3 RPG rounds--2 US KIA, 1 US WIA. Area engaged with organic weapons, mortar and Arty fire. At 1125H, pursuing RPG team, unit took 2 x 82mm rounds 800 meters from location. At 1320H they engaged and captured 1 NVA who was medevaced to 18th Surg but died of wounds. 1 AK-47 and 4 Chicom grenades were captured /1346H YD Scts & B/1-61 took 8x 120mm rounds, the closest 75 meters from location. Arty employed with unknown results. 21 June 1971: /1815H YD A-4 took 8 rounds 120mm, 5 hitting 8/4 Arty, 3 outside perimeter--negative casualties or damage. At 1645H FB took 8 120mm rounds inside perimeter. 1 Q-4 radar damaged. At 1815H FB took 1 x 122mm rocket outside perimeter--negative casualties or damage H YD A/1-77 & B/1-61 took 3 RPG round damaging 2 x M113 and burning 1 M113--negative casualties.

16 SAF and Arty employed-1 NVA KIA, 1 AK-47 captured H YD C/1-61 spotted and engaged 4 NVA--SAF and 2 RPG rounds were returned by enemy--5 NVA KIA. 2 AK-47s, 5 AK-47 magazines, 1 B-40 launcher, 4 Chicom grenades and documents were captured.

17 211415H YD B/1-61 took 6 x 120mm rounds--negative casualties or damage. Counterbattery was fired with unknown results H C took 5 x 122mm rockets--negative casualties or damage. Arty engaged--1 secondary explosion, 12 bunkers destroyed; 1 NVA KBA by 155mm fire; 2 secondary explosions by 8" Arty fire. 22 June 1971: H YD C/1-61 spotted 1 NVA meters from location and engaged with SAF and Arty with unknown results H YD C/1-61 found 8 TM-46 mines stacked in pairs. All mines were blown in place H YD B/1-61 spotted 7 NVA and used 81mm and Arty --area swept with negative results H YD C/1-61 took 10 x 82mm rounds while waiting for dustoff--1 US WIA. Counterbattery was fired with unknown results H C took 6x 122mm rockets--negative casualties or damage, 3 inside and 3 outside perimeter.arty employed on SEL--2 bunkers and 1 x 122mm launcher destroyed, 2 secondary explosions H A-4. FB took 2 x 122mm rockets which landed outside perimeter. 23 June H A took 12 x 122mm rockets inside perimeter, 4 x 81mm rounds North of perimeter. Arty and 4.2" employed on SEL with unknown results /0315H DHCB Took 23 x 122mm rockets--3 US WIA. Arty fired on SEL with unknown results H C took 5 x 122mm rockets inside wire--negative casualties or damage. Arty employed with unknown results H C took 5 x 122mm rockets from SEL. D/3-5 sighted 1 rocket and expended ammo with unknown results. Arty employed with unknown results H C-2 & A-4 C-2 took 4 unknown type rounds and A-4 took 9 x 120mm rounds from SEL. D/3-5 expended and FAC Arty was used with unknown results 23150H 5km NE of Fuller CO/B/2-17 Cav was shot down--all crew extracted. At 0845H FSB Fuller came under indirect fire --12 ARVN WIA. At 1615H they were under ground and indirect fire attack. At 1905H they took 82mm rounds, SAF and CS and prepared to evacuate. At 2030H FSB was evacuated H C took 13 x 122mm rockets, 12 inside perimeter--negative casualties or damage. FAC adjusted Arty on SEL--5 secondary explosions. 24 June 1971: H C-2 Took 5x 122mm rockets, 4 inside perimeter-- negative casualties or damage. At 0255H they took 4 x 122mm rockets inside perimeter--negative casualties or damage. Counterbattery was fired on

18 SEL. Between 1020H and 1200H they took 18 x 122 mm rockets inside perimeter--negative casualties or damage /1200H A took 39 x 120mm rounds--2 US WIA,

19 were negative damage. Counter-battery and air strikes employed on 3 SEL--3 secondary explosions. At 1420H unit took 10 x 120mm rounds--3 US WIA, negative damage. Counter-battery was fired on 2 SEL--2 secondary explosions. 26 June 1971: H YD C/1-77 & C/1-61 took 3 RPG rounds and AK-47 fire --1 US WIA. Organic weapons and 81mm fire were returned with unknown results. 27 June 1971: H YD Vietnamese children showed C/1-61 the location of 2 stacked TM-60 mines which were blown in place. 28 June 1971: /0945H C-2. Base took 9 x 122mm rockets damaging 3x 2-1/2 and 1 x 1/4 ton truck trailer. 7 rounds landed inside the perimeter--negative casualties /0945H A-4 Base took 24 x 120mm rounds, 12 inside perimeter --1 US KIA, 1 US WIA. Arty and 4.2" were utilized on SEL. B/1-61 swept area and took 9 x 82mm rounds 400 meters from location--negative casualties or damage. 29 June 1971: H 2 2 July 1971: H in place. 4 July 1971: H destroyed in TM-41s which H planted YD /C/1-61 engaged 2-3 NVA at 300 meters with 81mm and Arty fire. Area sweep revealed 2 NVA KIA and AK-47s captured. YD /C/1-61 visually spotted TM-41 which was blown YD /B/1-61 found 2 buried TM-41s which were place. At 1030H they visually spotted 2 stacked were blown in place. No recent area activity. YD /A/1-61 visually sighted 3 PM-60 which were not or had fuses set and were evacuated to S2/1-61.