Sitrep 03/09/1969 1/501st FSB LEE

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: TOC FSB LEE

To:. (S3) Operations 1/501^st, Cyclone 6 Actual

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

DATE/TIME: 03/09/1969

Night 08-09 Passed quietly

03/09/1969

Delta –

211 619 Discover empty cache site, estimate cache only recently emptied

202 628 well used trail heading NW.

198 638 Bunker empty estimated Trail watchers bunker

195 638 Trail watchers bunker empty

198 639 Trail watchers bunker empty

196 639 Trail disappears in to marshy ground

Bravo –

Village extraction eventually took 7 sorties by the Chinook, First sortie reports taking Single Sniper round on way out’

2^nd Platoon & 3rd Platoon to patrol South West on GR’s 211 601 & 211 609 

2^nd Platoon discover well-worn trail 210 599 See Sitrep map for details

LP’s GR 235605 & 235 625 set and Radio check made

1/B/326^th Engr Construction continues, Fire control center and artillery firing positions set and prep begun awaiting arrival of artillery tomorrow

Bravo 2/17^th Cav

Continues work on FSB and Security

                        EYES ONLY

Orders 1/501st + FSB LEE 03/09/1969

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) Operations 1/501^st,  Cyclone 6 Actual

To:.  TOC FSB LEE

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

DATE/TIME: 03/09/1969

Delta - 3rd Platoon to provide Point with flanking security from 1st Platoon (left) and 2nd Platoon (right) ,  Wpns & Co Platoon to be rear of Platoon Diamond formation and conduct patrol North West of FSB perimeter for up to 2KM  - Duration 6hrs plus 2 x 20 min stops – Area to be patrolled GR 211 621 to GR 201629 continue searching for any obvious trails/signs of the enemy. Maintain use of Hill 524 as OP

Bravo – 
Weapons Platoon provide Security FSB

1st Platoon provide escort for Village extraction

2nd Platoon & 3rd Platoon to patrol South West on GR’s  211 601 & 211 609 

1600 hrs to send out two LP’s to the following two co-ordinates GR 235605   & 235 625

Final readiness prep for the full re-location of Villagers – 5 batches – circa 50 per batch

1/B/326^th Engr to continue FSB Lee construction Completion on track to enable planned insertion of Artillery Batteries and Support Units

Cyclone 6 Actual Out

Cyclone 6 Actual to Divisional FAC

Chinook to carry out village relocation, estimate will need to make 5 trips to complete full removal of Villagers and livestock based on final numbers provided – so expect this to take most of the day

Cyclone 6 Actual Out

LTC P D Lewis

             EYES ONLY

SITREP 03/08/1969 1/501st

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From : TOC FSB LEE
TO : S3 Operations, 1/501^st, LTC Lewis Cyclone 6

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

DATE/TIME: 03/08/69

Units: Bravo & Delta 1/501st, 1st Aplha 328th Egnr, Bravo 2/17^th Cav

Bravo -

Night passed quiet

Morning set out on Patrol Nothing found beyond what is marked on map until 221 611 discover 2 x booby traps, grenade traps.

1^st Platoon remained on Hill 524 for security with Weapons Platoon. Request that this position become a permanent OP for FSB LEE to provide security

Delta –

Quiet Night,

Day aiding in FSB construction.

Head count of Villagers 227 plus livestock and belongings This includes villes both N. And S. of FSB LEE, that are viewed as being too close to perimeter.

Send out LPs on requested co-ordinates

1-Bravo/326^th Engr

FSB construction ongoing, Basic bunkers built, minor berm and double concertina wire in place.  Ready to receive guns 03/09/1969

B 2/17th Cav

Assist in construction of FSB LEE building in hull down positions for Troops ACAVs and M48s

1/501st Orders 03/08/1969

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) Operations Col Eyles. 2/502nd. (CO ACTING)2nd Brigade HQ 101st Division
From : S3 Operations, LTC Lewis 1/501^st, Cyclone 6

To :  Bravo & Delta 1/501st, 1st Bravo 328th Egnr, Bravo 2/17^th Cav

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

DATE/TIME: 03/08/69

Units: Bravo & Delta 1/501st, 1st Bravo 328th Egnr, Bravo 2/17^th Cav

Cyclone 6 Actual to Cyclone Bravo 6

 Bravo -

1^st Platoon to provide Point with flanking security from 2^nd Platoon (left) and 3^rd Platoon (right) ,  Wpns & Co Platoon to be rear of Platoon Diamond formation and conduct patrol North West of FSB perimeter for up to 2KM  - Duration 6hrs plus 2 x 20 min stops – Area to be patrolled GR 221 621 to GR 211629 searching for any obvious trails/signs of the enemy – be advised when full Battalion inserted we will be breaking into the foothills of this region

Delta –

All Platoons to provide ongoing security to FSB build and to send out two LP’s to the following two co-ordinates at 1600 hrs  GR 235605   & 235 625 – if these are unsuitable/impractical to the patrol commanders they must choose LP’s in the vicinity and radio in their new co-ords.

Co-ordinate via translator the readiness for 03/09/69 0900 hrs the full re-location of Villagers from the Ville on located at the juncture of the FSB – have allowed for circa 100 villagers and assorted livestock – advise on number

1-Bravo/326^th Engr

Continue FSB Lee construction and provide ETCompletion for to enable planned insertion of Artillery Batteries and Support Units

Cyclone 6 Actual Out

          EYES ONLY

Map of 6-7th March 1969s Operations and Contacts

Request for Tactical Air Support 389th TFS

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) Operations Col Eyles. 2/502nd. (CO ACTING) 2nd Brigade HQ 101st Division

To:.  (S2) Intel (S3) Ops 101^st Division HQ

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

DATE/TIME: 03/07/1969

Units: The 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Request for The 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron to be on operational standby status for CAS air to ground support of ARVN ground troops in the K14 AO on the 03/13/1969.  

Targets and mission location to be confirmed during operation. Ordinance requirement ARA and Napalm canister.

PP - Col Eyles 2/502nd

EYES ONLY

1/42nd ARVN Stand To Orders

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) Operations Col Eyles. 2/502nd. (CO ACTING)2nd Brigade HQ 101st DivisionTo:.  Colonel Dat commander 1/42nd ARVN

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

DATE/TIME: 03/07/1969

Units: 1^st Battalion, 42^nd Regiment ARVN

Colonel Dat.
Please find below your Battalions Stand To orders for operation RAPIDSTRIKE III. You will have had time to view the 1/42 part of the operational overview and disseminated the relevant information to your staff. This includes all support call signs.

Your elements will be airlifted by 101st ABN Divisional transport from Bien Hoa airbase. You will be inserted into the AO on the 03/13/69. Area to be confirmed but it will be around the Chu Bong Kran Rise.

Recent Arial recon suggests that there will be enemy activity in this area and small arms AA has been received from the ground.

LZ MASON, later to be FSB MASON, will be cleared by a BLU-82 detonation on 03/12/69. If you haven't witnessed this method of clearance I would warn you that while it clears a considerable area, the perimeter can become cluttered with trunks and branches of trees. This is an ideal cover for NVA ambush sites. By the time of insertion, FSB LEE will be operational and will be able to cover your southern boundary, so the real threat to you position will be to the north and sides of the LZ.

670th Company- 10th Transport Battalion From Cam Ranh Bay will transport 1/42nd by truck to Bien Hoa on the 03/12/69.

101st QM at Bien Hoa will supply you with any provisions and ammunition you'll require for the first three days of operations.

Confirmation of your, CALLSIGN- DRAGON 6

Col Eyles. Hurricane 6 Actual.

Au Colonel commandant ARVN Dat 1/42ème
du Col Eyles . 2/502ème. 2e Brigade HQ

Colonel Dat.
Veuillez trouver ci-dessous vos bataillons statif pour ordre d'opération RAPIDSTRIKE III. Vous aurez eu le temps pour afficher l'1/42 partie de la vue d'ensemble opérationnelle et diffusé les informations pertinentes pour votre personnel. Cela comprend tous les indicatifs d'appel d'assistance.

Vos éléments seront transportées par 101e ABN le transport de divisionnaire Bien Hoa airbase. Vous sera inséré dans l'OD sur le 03/13/69. Zone à être confirmé, mais il sera autour du CHU Bong Kran augmenter.

Ces dernières Arial recon suggère qu'il y aura l'activité ennemie dans ce domaine et d'armes de petit calibre AA a été reçu à partir du sol.

LZ Mason, plus tard pour être FSB MASON, sera effacée par un BLU-82 détonation, le 03/12/69. Si vous n'avez pas assisté à cette méthode de jeu j'aimerais vous avertir que bien qu'il s'efface une superficie considérable, le périmètre peut devenir encombrée de troncs et de branches d'arbres. C'est une couverture idéale pour ANB sites d'embuscade. Par le moment de l'insertion, FSB LEE sera opérationnel et sera en mesure de couvrir votre limite méridionale, de sorte que la véritable menace pour vous position sera au nord et côtés de la LZ.

670Th Company- 10e bataillon de transport de Cam Ranh Bay transportera 1/42ND par camion à Bien Hoa sur le 03/12/69.

101QM à Bien Hoa vous fournira tout de provisions et de munitions que vous aurez besoin pour les trois premiers jours d'opérations.

Confirmation de votre, CALLSIGN- DRAGON 6

Col Eyles. L'OURAGAN 6 actuelle.

        EYES ONLY

SITREP 1/501st and Attached units 03/06/69-03/07/69

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: Cyclone Bravo and Delta 6, PADDY BRAVO 6 and DIGGER 16
To: CYCLONE 6 Actual

 03/06/1969

RE OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III –

SITREP 03/06/1969

Weather Temp: 18-32° Rain: 0-5% Humidity: 53% Wind: 4-7 mph NW

Bravo, Delta and 328^th

0700 2nd platoon inserts and secures perimeter of LZ

0715 As Co HQ and Wpns insert take sporadic fire from High ground to South West. Gunship suppresses area, firing stops.

1000 Bravo on Ground LZ perimeter expanded and secured Hamlet at 240 600 Villagers sullen but otherwise neutral

1300 Delta Safely on Ground, Perimeter expanded, Sent Platoon toward high ground from where fire was taken. 3 x Spider holes 241 598 empty and partly destroyed, Plt returnes to perimeter.

1400 Engineers on ground with equipment

Bravo 2/17^th

1230 263 592 Take sporadic sniper fire, and an ACAV hit mine and damaged track. Recon by fire to areas of suspected sniper, firing stops,

1300 Track repaired moved out and Link with B, D and 1^st plt Engineers.

All ground Elements

1430 Engineers and equipment loaded on to ACAVs and Tanks units Boon Tsuke.

1500 As Entering Village spot approx. 15 VC fleeing village, take sporadic small arms fire, return fire, 1^st Platoon Bravo pursue and to ward and secure high ground hill 524 228 611, Spider holes and several empty Bunkers, no sign of enemy though suspect they may have been occupying these bunkers, Order to set OP/LP here NDP

1700 Other elements Secure Ville and Base, Set up perimeter, dig and Engineers sweep base and begin assessment for prep for FSB LEE.

1800 Local villagers surely and hostile, request that they be relocated as an obvious security issue with the ville so close to the FSB

03/07/1969

Weather: Temp: 19-32° Rain: 0-5%  Humidity:48%  Wind:3-7 mph West – East Via South

In Night 1/Bravo took two (2) mortar rounds, no casualties

0600-1800 Work continues on clearing base and securing perimeter and building bunkers etc.

1100 Patrols sent out Ville 225 625 villagers seem to be Neutral nothing to report could get no information on enemy activity in area.

Bravo 2/17^th

0700 Begin Patrol North, three (3) ford crossings of river

227 629, 230 628, 237 623, all passable with low water levels.

1200 Reach crossing point at 200 666 Ford passable and river at low levels.

1400 Return to FSB LEE and join in securing perimeter

ALL UNITS set up NDP

 

EYES ONLY

Airlift and Movement Plan, Bravo & Delta 1/501st, 1/Bravo 328th Engineers

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) OPERATIONS 1/501^st Inf
To: S2 & S3 2nd Brigade HQ, 101st Division

 03/05/1969

RE OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III – Request for Airlift & Insertion of elements 1/501st

Airborne Insertion Movement Orders

Requested assets are:
8 x UH -1D Hueys
1 x CH-47 Chinook
1 x OH6a Scout
1 x Huey Gunship for cover support

Time: 0700hrs 03/06/1969
Bravo Deployment & Insertion via UH1D  at 0700 hrs – 15 mins between each Platoon departure

2nd  Platoon – 1 x sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr
Wpns & Co CP – 1 x sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr

1st Platoon – 1 x sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr
3rd Platoon – 1 x sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr

ETA of total units onto ground 3hrs – approx. 0.5 hrs between each pair of units deploying into the field

Time: 1100 Hrs
Delta Deployment & Insertion via UH1D at 1100 hrs

2nd  Platoon – 1 x sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr
Wpns – 1 x sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr

3rd Platoon & Co CP 1 sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr
1st Platoon – 1 sortie using 4 UH1Ds 1 hr

ETA of total unit onto ground 3hrs – approx. 0.5 hrs between each pair of units deploying into the field

1st Platoon 326 Engineering & Equipment via Chinook – 1 sortie at 1300 hrs

Estimate that all units will be in the field by 1400 hrs

Cyclone 6 Actual Out
LT Colonel P. D. Lewis

FROM: S3 OPS 2^nd Bgde 101st Division HQ
TO: S3 Ops 1/501^st, CO Bravo 328^th Engr
RE OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III – Request for Airlift & Insertion of elements 1/501^st

Movement plan and order received and logged prep begins

 EYES ONLY

Orders Bravo & Delta 1/501st, 1/Bravo/328th Engr, 2/17th Cav

CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: LtC Paul Lewis CO S3 OPS 1/501^st

To: CO’s D 1/501^st & B 1/501st B 2/17^th Cav, 328^thEngineers.  2^nd Brigade, 101^st Division HQ

Operation RAPIDSTRIKE III -

Time: March  03/06/1969 – 0600 hrs

Units: Bravo 1/501^st Delta 1/501st, 1/Bravo/328th Engr

            

Action: Insert both Company’s via Helo to GR8241 1360 – companies will proceed to secure LZ

-     provide security for further insertion of elements of 326 Eng.Batt

-     on full insertion of all Units proceed north flanking the highway at patrol speed in tactical column to the old Military Installation

-     Delta as security in deployed perimeter whilst Engineer Unit sweep installation for booby traps and intel.

-     On confirmed clearance commence initial site blasting where relevant to prep FSB Lee. 

-     Bravo to proceed at patrol pace in deployed formation North to rendevous with 2/17 at Boon Tsuke Village GR 8235 1361

Duration: 4hrs

Units: B Troop 2/17

Action: Enter AO on Highway 344 at Southern end of AO and proceed at patrol pace northerly up highway reconnoitering and securing villes to West of Boon Tsuke GR 8235 1361

-     Rendezvous at this point with Bravo Company 1/501st.

-     Dig In with secure NDP around ville – engage with local village leader(s) utilizing Hearts & Minds program if practical.

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Time: 03/07/1969 – 0600

Units: Engineer 326 Delta 1/501

Action: Units to commence ground clearance and construction of FSB Lee to enable Arty support to be inserted – Delta to provide security

Duration: 12 hrs

Units:   Bravo 1/501 Bravo,2/17

Action: Bravo Hold on standby – ensuring regular comms with Delta & Engineers.

-     2/17 Recon up Highway 344 to 8196 3665 to ascertain suitability of River Crossing at this GR

-     – return to ville outskirts and set up NDP

Duration: 12 hrs

 EYES ONLY

Request for Escort flight of Daisy Cutter mission

CLASSIFIED 

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) OPERATIONS 2nd Brigade HQ, 101st Division
To: S2 & S3 Division HQ
 03/04/1969

RE OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III – AERIAL ESCORT FOR BLU-82 DAISY CUTTER MISSION


In support of the 2nd Brigade 101st Divisions operation RAPIDSTRIKE III  a Sikorsky CH54, BLU-82 (Daisycutter) mission is requested for 07:30 03/12/1969. CALLSIGN: UHAUL.54

FURTHER REQUEST: of Divisional assets to act as Arial security for this mission. Suggest  rendezvous with CH54 Skycrane over FSB LEE (235-615).  This area will be secured by elements of the 1/501st by mission date. Target is 12# km NNW of FSB LEE.

Be advised, small arms AA fire from this area has been received during recent recon flights and enemy ground fire is expected. Suggest weapons platoon 7/17th Cav (Air) in attendance.

Mission schedule  03/12/1969.
Start 1hr flight time from Long Binh.                           06:00hrs
Rendezvous 7/17th at FSB LEE  (235-615).                                  07:00hrs
Mission drop at Chu DOURDLON (0245-7335).                                  07:30hrs
Return to base                                                                  07:35hrs
Mission end                                                                     08:35hrs

Liaise with
273rd AVN Co. (HH) CALLSIGN: UHAUL five four.
12th AVN Group
Long Binh

Confirm, Coordinates for operational Daisycurtter drop are  2045-7335 Designated as CHU DOURDLON,

Col Eyles Co 2/502nd.


FROM: S2 INT & S3 OPS 101st Division HQ
TO: 2nd Brigade HQ S2 INT & S3 OPS

RE: OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III – AERIAL ESCORT REQUEST
Request processed and logged mission escort will be provided

EYES ONLY

URGENT Revision Request Daisy Cutter MIssion

 CLASSIFIED

YOK NAM LOA MASSIF AREA

From: (S3) OPERATIONS 2nd Brigade HQ, 101^st Division

To: S2 & S3 Division HQ

 03/03/1969
RE OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III – REVISED BLU-82 DAISY CUTTER MISSION

Be advised: Change to mission coordinate... Repeat change to mission coordinates. 

(8)2045-(13)7335 repeat (8)2045-(13)7335 supersedes previous coords

In support of the 2nd Brigade 101st Divisions operation RAPIDSTRIKE III in the K14 AO (Yok Nam Loa Massif) a Sikorsky CH54, BLU-82 (Daisycutter) mission is requested for 07:30 03/12/1969. Please refer request to:
Major Warren Silva

273rd AVN Co. (HH)

12th AVN Group

Long Binh

Confirm, Coordinates are (8)2045-(13)7335 Designated as CHU DOURDLON, US Army Map series L7014-sheet 6533. 

Please advise confirmation of availability ASAP.

Col Eyles Co 2/502nd.

FROM: S2 INT & S3 OPS 101st Division HQ
TO: 2nd Brigade HQ S2 INT & S3 OPS

RE: OPERATION RAPDISTRIKE III – REVISED BLU-82 DAISY CUTTER MISSION

Change of coordinate, received, understood and logged

EYES ONLY