Nineteen hundred and seventy found the First Strike Battalion engaged in three major operations. Each operation had a variety of objectives in common including, The pacification and securing of certain regions and the interdiction or destruction of enemy supply routes and caches. The purpose of this annual supplement to our unit history is to chronologically note the activities of the 1st. Battalion, 502d Infantry [Airmobile], during the year 1970 in order to view the overall picture of an infantry battalion over the span of a year in active combat. Throughout this volume, the author will attempt to show as many aspects of each operation as possible. There will be no attempt to add or detract from what actually occurred and the text will include the various problems that arose and the solutions applied to them. For the sake of brevity. Certain minute details must be omitted. The work will be complete in all other respects.
It is hoped that this supplement will pay tribute to those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation. We further hope their deeds will serve as standards for the rest of us who remain to carry on the mission.

1. MISSION, CAPABILITIES, ORGANIZATION AND TRAINING
a. Mission: To close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver in order to destroy or capture him or repel his assault by fire, close combat and counterattack.
b. Capabilities: At full strength, this unit has the following capabilities:
[1] close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver in order to destroy or capture him.
[2] repel enemy assault by fire, close combat and counterattack.
[3] provide a base of fire and maneuver elements.
[4] seize and hold terrain
[5] furnish limited anti-tank protection.
[6] provide indirect fire support for organic and attached units.
[7] conduct long-range patrolling when appropriately equipped.
[8] maneuver in all types of terrain and climatic conditions.
[9] conduct frequent combat assaults utilizing assault helicopters with minimum marshalling and planning procedures.
c. Organization: The battalion was organized with the following elements: A Headquarters and Headquarters Company [MTOE 07-176 TP501]; Four rifle companies [MTOE 07-177 TP501 ] modified so that each company has a company headquarters and three rifle platoons with no organic support; A fifth company or combat support company [MTOE 07-178 TP501] consisting of a company headquarters, a reconnaissance platoon, broken down into a platoon headquarters and three six-man teams, a 81mm mortar platoon, and a ground surveillance radar section.
d. Training: All individuals joining the battalion have received a five day in-country training program at SERTS and periodically, every two or three months, the battalion went through stand down training to concentrate on a review of those techniques so vital to combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam, ie, patrolling, map reading, ambushes [both manned and mechanical], first aid and RTO procedures. Selected Leaders Course, Advanced Marksmanship, Recondo School in order to maintain a high state of readiness to meet any contingency that arose.

2. PERSONEL
a. All individuals of this battalion, except medical personnel, are trained and equipped to fight as infantrymen as necessary.
b. This unit is dependent upon the 101st Administration Company for personnel services.
c. The esprit-de-corps, morale and professionalism of every man assigned the battalion was at all times highly evident. This in large measure, can be attributed to the nucleus of Officers and NCO`s having already completed at least one tour in Vietnam.

PERIOD - 6Dec. `69 - 31 Mar. `70 On December 6, 1969, the 101st Airborne Division launched operation Randolph Glen, a division-wide attempt to attain a variety of objectives. This operation was destined to last until 31 March 1970. With the inception of the new year the First Strike Battalion found itself involved in a series of maneuvers designed to fulfill its role in the overall scheme of operations. I order to understand what occurred on a day to day basis it is important to realize what the primary missions of the Division were. Randolph Glen was developed in close coordination and cooperation with the 1st ARVN Division, Thua Thien Province and sector officials and provided a single concept for commitment of the 101st Airborne Division. The overall mission as to assist in the accelerated attainment of province pacification and the development of each district wilting the sector. In order accomplish this mission, it was necessary to conduct offensive operations to locate and destroy their NVA/VC main forces, to interdict enemy movement into the populated lowlands of Thua Thien Province, and to conduct operations to defeat the VCLE/VCI already in the populated lowlands. To accomplish this, limited objective operations reacting to hard intelligence were conducted rather than concurring large scale operations west of the Piedmont. In the Northern Military Region I, a great deal of communist supplies and equipment are stored in the A Shau Valley. In addition, the “A Shau” serves as a relatively safe area for the NVA/VC forces and contains a vast network of bunker complexes and storage areas. The valley's proximity to Cambodia aids in its usr as a supply distribution center. To prevent these forces and supplies from reaching the lowlands, the Randolph Glen mission provided for conducting periodic interdiction of the A Shau Valley and the placement of fires on acquired targets on a continuous basis. These measures, However, would not fully stem the flow of men and materials., Units of division found it necessary to conduct constant reconnaissance and surveillance in the area of operations with which they were primarily concerned. As is characteristic of most missions in the Republic of Vietnam, the objectives of Randolph Glen were not all military in nature. The operational objectives provided for the division to support the civic action development plans and programs of the various government agencies assisting whenever necessary. During Randolph Glen, the 1/502d Infantry was one of three infantry battalions assigned to the 2d Brigade. First Strike Battalion Headquarters was located on Firebase Birmingham with elements securing and assisting in the improvement of Firebase Arsenal. The area of operations covered by 1/502 Infantry contained a variety of terrain including double and single canopy jungle, thick brush land, plains [piedmont], and the rice paddies and residential complexes of the lowlands.
The area [responsibility for which was shared jointly with ARVN and PF units] extended from the city of Hue south beyond the “Rocket Belt” to Phu Bai and from the coast west beyond Firebase Bastogne. While our unit was primarily concerned with surveillance and patrolling in jungle areas and in securing two fire bases, elements of the battalion worked with Regional and Popular Forces. One platoon, stationed at Pohl Bridge, also conducted boat patrols on the river.
Although responsible to 2d Bde Headquarters, the battalion also worked closely with several district Headquarters, These Headquarters, Phu Vang, Phu Thu, Houng Thuy, and Nam Hoa, coordinated the actions of the Regional and Popular forces. The RF and PF units were organized and trained by Mobile Training Teams which accompanied them on their missions. All Regional and Popular forces operated on small unit levels around villages and hamlets providing security and setting up ambush patrols. Their primary area of concern was the lowlands and the regions which contained the majority of Vietnamese Nationals.
The reader will have noted by now that the operations involved in Randolph Glen were somewhat defensive in nature. Even the offensive operations were limited in scale and gave the appearance of gaining time. The reasons for this strategy are three fold. First, the weather from January to March in Military Region I is primarily monsoon rains and overcast skies with extremely limited visibility. Secondly, in the past the NVA/VC units have made use of the limited visibility to infiltrate populated areas and move various units and supplies. The lack of harassing interdiction, permits the enemy to accumulate large caches and consolidate his forces for the coming period of dry clear days. Finally, US and ARVN forces felt that the lull in heavy enemy contact could be used effectively to train and equip the irregular RF/PF units so they could assume a greater role in the defense of their areas.
The final test for any military operation is what it accomplishes. When Randolph Glen terminated on 31 March 1970 the tangible results were negligible. The operation had netted two NVA/VC KIA; three AK47`s one NVA/VC captured, and one 122mm rocket launcher captured; over one dozen bunkers and bunker complexes destroyed; and several small pieces of equipment in a variety of caches captured. The intangible results were of much more significance. During the time the Communist forces were made less effective by the battalions operations, hundreds of RF and PF personnel were organized, trained, and equipped, These units have since played a substantial role in relieving American forces of the mission of protecting populated areas. At no time during this period was any NVA/VC force sighted which consisted of more than four soldiers. This was one indicator that the enemy was unable or unwilling to consolidate, organize, and operate in larger configurations. Further, in a large number of reported incidents the NVA/VC were attempting to unjustly tax or steal rice from the populace; an indication that the supply network he had so painstakingly developed was not functioning adequately.
Phu Bai Combat Base and Hue City received no major indirect fire attacks or assaults during the entire three month period. Those attacks that did occur were directed at Firebase Birmingham and several American patrols thus indicating that enemy forces found it difficult to penetrate American combat forces. Instead, they expended valuable ammunition on the much less desirable targets rather than hitting the sprawling metropolis of Hue or the combined training, storage, and helicopter base located in the Phu Bai complex. Another factor attesting to the success of the tactics employed by the 1/502d Infantry, was the almost total absence of enemy movement within the area of operations. This was demonstrated by the lack of trail prints, agent reports, confirmed sightings and other classified methods for determining enemy movement.
As a final note worthy of mention, the Tet Lunar New Year occurred in the middle of Randolph Glen. This traditional period of heavy enemy activity passed with no attempt by the NVA/VC units to initiate even a reduced-scale version of Tet 1968. There inability or unwillingness to mount a major offensive in our area for the remainder of the year can be credited, at least in part, to the performance of the First Strike Battalion.

Overall the 1/502d Infantry contributed considerably to pacification. The pride and dedication of “First Strike” Troopers paid off in a variety of ways which will be apparent in the daily summaries. Daily operations by infantry battalions are a complex matter. It is impossible to cite every event that occurred for two firebases and four companies in a twenty-four hour period.
The next section will, however. Be devoted to outlining each day of the year and highlighting some of the more significant happenings. If terms used appear unfamiliar to non-military readers, a quick reference to the glossary of military terminology in the rear is recommended.

1 Jan.- Nam Hoa District made contact with an estimated 15 VC at 756470. The VC walked into the ambush of claymores and small arms. Blood stains on ground when VC withdrew indicated at least two causalities. The battalion continued operation Randolph Glen with negative results.

2 Jan.- The brigade and battalion commanders met the C Company commander on Arsenal today to discuss the progress of the firebase. `A` Company located unexploded bomb vic. 775025. An EOD team was requested and sent. Co D 1st Plt found a VC/NVA mortar position. It was 8 feet in diameter designed for an 82mm mortar. Location was 779106. Co C 3rd plt located a soldier hole and 3 fighting positions at 793071 [?]. They were recently built.

3 Jan.- Company D is training 35 Pf`s at Ioc. 755128. 1st plt Co A found a bomb 10 to 13 inches in diameter in about 1 foot of water located 801017. Co D 2nd plt 2nd Sqd found a spider hole 1`x 2` x 3` no recent sighs of use. The hole was located at 781173.

4 Jan.- Company D 1st Plt utilized a dog team today to aid in their patrol. Co D 2nd Plt continued to train PF`s. Co A 3rd Plt while searching vic 789024[?] found 4 rockets each 4` long 5” in diameter. Two of the rockets were wrapped in NVA ponchos. At location 819035 Recon found part of a map of Laos and Vietnam.

5 Jan.- Co D 2nd plt at location 755128 is training 23 PF`s in map reading, claymores and M16 rifle. A body was sighted today floating on the river. It was identified as 1 NVA soldier of a sapper battalion killed by small arms fire.

6 Jan.- Boat on the river at Pohl Bridge had engine trouble. It was assessed by an NCO and determined it would require extensive repair work. Another unit found a Chuoi Hoi who was familiar with our area. He will be used to locate, if possible, the rice caches of the NVA.

7 Jan.- Co D 2nd plt is training PF`s in the use of hand flares, M79, trip flares and the M60. The location of the training is 755128. Co B 1st plt had contact today. They received incoming RPG and AK47 rounds. There were no US causalities.

8 Jan.- One NVA/VC was spotted at 833045 with neg results when fired upon. Co D 2nd plt found a trail with fresh tracks made last night or early this morning. Co D 1st plt fired up a spider hole at 766098 with neg findings. Co C 3rd plt received eight founds of RPG at 801058 with no casualties.

9 Jan.- Two tunnels were spotted by the VR bird. They were about 1 year old. Each was about 7` long 6` wide and 12` deep.

10 Jan.- Co A 3rd plt received SA fire from location 707107. There were no US casualties.

11 Jan.- Information gathered from various sources indicate Firebase Birmingham is being reconed by a Sapper battalion for possible assault. Recon platoon found 1 fresh mortar position at loc 704116.

12 Jan.- Co D 3rd plt is training 14 PF`s on claymores and M16`s. Also training 9 PF`s on map reading. C Co found foot prints made by Ho Chi Minh sandals at location 816064.

13 Jan.- Co D 3rd plt is conducting training with PF`s again today. 15 PF`s are being trained on compasses and map orientation. Starting immediately all persons on Firebase Birmingham will be required to have flack jackets and gas masks.

14 Jan.- Co C 3rd plt 3rd sqd found a wallet containing notes written in Vietnamese at loc. YD82208. They also had a trip flare set off and saw a man running away. This occurred at 823087. A Recon by small arms was made with neg findings.

15 Jan.- Vic 819085 Co C found 2 pair of footprints made by Hoi Chiu Minh sandals. Co B found one hootch 10x18 feet. The hootch was used in the past 7-10 days. In the hootch they found 1 NVA belt, C-rations and chow, Vic 737025. Agent report indicates there may be an attempt to destroy Pohl Bridge.

16 Jan.- The battalion is engaged in operation Randolph Glen. Nam Hoa reports Co D 27th Eng. personnel will join the woodcutters who found the land mines at Pohl Bridge and move to mines location. Co B received two rockets from a slick, proximity there were no causalities. Co C 2nd plt a man accidentally discharged his weapon and the muzzle flash cut his finger. Agent reports 12 VC/NVA took 300 lbs of rice from Thien Monastery last night.

17 Jan.- Co D 3rd plt, 1st sqd is training 25 PF`s from the 3rd plt on compass and map reading. 2nd sqd is training 10 men from the 110 PF platoon on hand grenades and the M72 LAW. Convoys continue from Phu Bai to and from Birmingham to Phu Bai. Medivac called for and completed for Recon team vic YD732138. One man with hyper-ventilation medivaced to 85th. Co B 1st plt medivac requested and received for 1 man w/fever, chills and sweating.

18 Jan.- A 2 ½ ton truck turned over in a convoy located at 728114. The MP`s investigated with neg hostile actions found. The brigade commanders helicopter took ground fire of at least 10 rds at YD549051. Medivac requested and received for a Co A 3rd plt. One man with accidental M79 wound in hand. The weapon caught on vine and discharged at loc YD717195. Co D 2/502d became Op Con to 1/502d at 0800 hrs.

19 Jan.- Co C 2d plt found 1 bunker 4` deep 2` wide about 1-5 months old. They also found 3 expended 75mm[?] rounds w/case same age. There were no trails in the area. Co C found 100-150 bones, rfc cages[?]. Estimated number of personnel to be 25.

20 Jan.- Recon team 1 detected movement 100 meters from YD733138. Co C 3rd plt 2nd sqd located a booby trap vic 764068 and destroyed it with small arms fire. Co C 2nd plt found a pair of sneakers vic 782064.

21 Jan.- Co B defense reports one claymore wire was broken last night. All others OK. Co D 3rd plt is training 17 PF`s from the 119 PF plt in claymore, map and compass review. They are also training 17 men from the same unit if First Aid. Co D 3rd plt 2/502 attached to our battalion found a ruck sack with rice. Co D 2/502 blew an ambush on a 5 man VC/NVA element >with small arms and grenades. The element split up and blood was found.

Dates 22 Jan. through 1 Feb. missing.

2 Feb.- One man was medivaced out of Co C 3rd plt at location 717113 with severe headaches. A man was killed in non- hostile action on the Firebase Birmingham bunker line. This shooting was accidental.

3 Feb.- Co A 3rd plt found five sets of sandal tracks at 734033. They were 2 to 4 hours old and moving N.W. on a trail. Condor 29 checked out sampans. The condor also found used campsite at 734015.

4 Feb.- Recon found 36 priming charges and 2 chicom 82mm mortar rounds with Chinese writing and numbers on front. They also located 3 foxhole positions each with overhead cover. The location of the equipment and foxholes was 713061. Condor located one old bunker 6` x 8` at 798031 and two spider holes at 802016 which were recently built.

5 Feb.- Recon teams 1 and 2 at location 715054 found 5 sets of fresh tennis shoe tracks on trail. Also discovered was 1 foxhole used in the last 24 hours. Medivac was called in to Co A 2nd plt for man requiring stitches in his finger. Tet cease fire went into effect all units on defensive posture.

6 Feb.- Co D 2nd plt reported movement outside their NDP at 786107. They set off two claymores and requested illumination. Neg results. Tet cease fire ends 1800 hrs.

7 Feb.- Co A at location 773046 found remains of 1 NVA dead about 6 months. Also located 1 NVA pistol belt, 1 ammo pouch with 2 magazines of AK rounds, 1 poncho, 1 canteen and cups and 1 cooking pot. An emergency resupply test was conducted with Co A [-] recon. They recovered all 6 bundles in satisfactory condition.

8 Feb.- Co C found 35 dud frags between bunkers 10-11 at Firebase Birmingham while laying wire. They blew them in place.

9 Feb.- Firebase Birmingham received 5 incoming 122mm rockets with neg causalities and damage. Co A found booby trap on road made with M72 Law and grenade. They blew it in place.

10 Feb.- Artillery registration received a secondary explosion when shelling 71350640. Search of area produced no results.

11 Feb.- Co A 1st plt at vic 713061 found shot gun shells, not a US manufactured type. Co A later found 11 82mm mortar rounds, 3 cans shotgun rounds and a bamboo carrier. Recon found two launching sites for 122mm rockets loc 737018.

12 Feb.- Recon team 1 found 3 hootches with signs of recent use. Also found a note containing several names.

13 Feb.- Co D 3rd plt is training PF personnel on map reading and the use of a compass. They also are teaching m-16 inspection and cleaning to other PF personnel.

14 Feb.- Recon[-] cut LZ at 735020. Recon team 1 at 738016 engaged 1 NVA/VC with S/A fire. They then made a sweep of the area with neg findings.

15 Feb.- Boat personnel at Pohl Bridge have requested a new boat.

16 Feb.- Co B received transmission on radio from an unknown location. They identified themselves as lawyer 71,72,74 and 76.

17 Feb.- Pf forces requested medivac for man who fell and needs facial stitches. Convoy received one round S/A fire from unidentified source.

18 Feb.- Birmingham is having commo trouble with units on secure line but fire[?] reestablished the commo with all elements.

19 Feb.- All units continued operation Randolph Glen in Sector Golf. No significant occurrences.

20 Feb.- Co A requested medivac for 1 man wounded in the leg from M79 shrapnel. Firebase Birmingham had a practice alert today. A mortar raid was conducted to location 777095.

21 Feb.- Co D located bunker complex a 7699. Items found in the bunkers included 2 AK47`s, 2 NVA ponchos, misc. cooking utensils, 1 typewriter. Co D located trail with many recent footprints and requested a dog team.

22 Feb.- A perimeter defensive check was made of Birmingham today with negative results. Medivac requested for man with severe head wound that was sustained when an M79 blew up. The man was in Co B 2nd platoon located YC787987. Recon team 2 located underground kitchen 8` wide 15` deep with overhead cover of 8” dirt and logs. Estimated usage 1 year ago. They destroyed it.

23 Feb.- At 0940 Co B [-] and 2nd plt was engaged by 5-10 VC/NVA while moving down a trail. They received 3 RPG rounds and S/A fire. They sustained minor casualties and returned fire with S/A with negative results. The causalties were all minor fragmentation wounds.

24 Feb.- Co D taught PF forces today on a variety of subjects including First Aid, Hasty ambushes, NDP sites and M79 grenade launcher. Co B[-] moving east received S/A fire and one man was wounded in both legs below knees. He was evacuated to rear. The location was 795985. Enemy casualties were unknown. Co C 3rd plt spotted 1 NVA/VC carrying something. The man fled and a search of the area produced nothing.

25 Feb.- Recon spotted silhouette of 1 suspected NVA/VC. They employed artillery and are sweeping the area with negative results. Co B 3rd plt engaged 3 NVA/VC and wounded one at 808988. They also captured 1 ruck sack containing 50 lbs of rice, 1 each binoculars, spices, and misc. items.

26 Feb.- Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd found a campsite occupied by 2-3 enemy. It is estimated to be 24-48 hours old.

27 Feb.- Co D 3rd plt has 18 personnel from the 114 PF plt. They will be trained on grenades, M-16 quick kill. And First Aid. A LOH helicopter received ground fire vic YC802986 and was shot down. Three personnel were hurt two seriously hurt, one with minor injuries. At same location and time Co B [-] was in contact. They received S/A fire resulting in 1 US WIA with minor flesh wound and 3 US WIA evacuated to 85th Evac. After sweeping the area Co B found new bunkers and hootch complex and several misc. items.

28 Feb.- Co B destroyed the bunkers located yesterday. The battalion continued operation Randolph Glen with negative results.

1 Mar.- Co A requested a medivac for non-hostile cause. A man was given plague and cholera shots and was allergic to both.

2 Mar.- Condor 29 located a spider hole used about 1 week ago at location 7940---[?] Condor 29 also spotted various trails some indicated recent usage. Co B located elephant tracks and other tracks approx. 1 week old.

3 Mar.- A group of Popular Forces graduated from the training given them by battalion personnel today. They will assume an active role defending their hamlets and villages. Co B[-] found a grave approx. 2-3 months old. At the same time and location they spotted 1 NVA and engaged him at a distance of 25 meters. Results: 1 NVA KIA, Co A 3rd plt at 733026 engaged 1 NVA with negative results. Co A 2nd plt found 1 NVA hand grenade along a stream bank.

4 Mar.- Co D 3rd plt trained 11 PF`s on joint US-PF patrols. From Co C; spotted from LOH; a tunnel entrance 1 meter x 1 meter with a small trough leading up to it. Co A 3rd plt found fresh tracks of NVA and hootch frame made with green bamboo strips.

5 Mar.- Recon received S/A fire from 3 to 4 NVA/VC. One US was wounded in action and a medivac and ARA was called in. The ARA spotted 2 NVA/VC and engaged. The ARA also engaged bunker, tunnel, and bunker complex, all with unknown results. Recon found blood trail running to the southeast. These incidents took place the areas 795988 and 799988 respectively.

6 Mar.- Recon while making a sweep of some dense foliage found 1 VN letter, 2 empty fish cans, and 1 did RPG round. Recon team one at approx location 795989 found 100 or more bunkers ranging from 5`x6` to 8`x10` with overhead cover of 3” to 9” of logs and dirt. Bunkers are estimated to be 3 to 9 months old and the area is honeycombed with well used trails. Recon also located rocket launching site used in last 30 days. Co C spotted 2 VC/NVA vic 782021 running north. They engaged with negative results.

7 Mar.- Recon team #1 received S/A AK47 fire and RPG`s at a distance of 40 meters resulting in 2 US WIA. Action occurred at YC787985. The wounds were minor and were treated in the field. Co C 2nd plt found 3 spider holes and one bunker. Estimated age was 6 months.

8 Mar.- C Co 3rd plt at approx location 782010 found 14 fighting positions and four large bunkers. There was a double apron barbed wire fence used for sapper training. Complex was about 1 year old. The C/C bird sighted 2 NVA/VC in open at 792988 and called in artillery with negative results. Co C 3rd plt found a trail used by 1-2 persons in last >12 hours.

9 Mar.- Co A 3rd plt spotted 3 NVA/VC moving 50 meters away along a trail. Engaged with S/A with negative results.. They also located six sleeping positions. Co C 2nd plt found one bunker approx 1 year old. Bunker was located in position at 768997. Recon located 1 booby trap made with grenade and three 81mm fuses. Co A 3rd plt at YD746806 found 4 to 6 elephant prints. Estimated to be 1-2 weeks old. At YD743005 they found an old Chicom grenade along a stream bed.

10 Mar.- Co B had VN at trash dump that did not have necessary papers and both were taken to Nam Hoa by MP`s.

11 Mar.- Co C 1st plt located 200 old damaged AK rounds. Co D reconed 18 trails to determine movement of enemy and recent use. A planned artillery zone at YC87[?] to YV87998 was executed with two secondary explosions occurring in zone.

12 Mar.- Co B 3rd plt 3rd sqd found 1 sleeping position and three sets of sandal tracks. Co D 2nd plt requested medivac for man with heat cramps., At location 763004 A Co 1st plt found 4 VC type bunkers 5-6 months old. They contained 2 VC protective masks, 1 pick, 4 entrenching tools, 2 Ak magazines, 4 ponchos, 1 canteen, various medical supplies and other small equipment. It was back logged on the first available bird.

13 Mar.- Recon found tracks of 3 pair of tennis shoes an ½ of a US poncho liner. The trail indicated the VC or NVA were dragging something heavy. A >agent report indicated the VC were on a rice mission in vic 775125.

14 Mar.- Camp Eagle took incoming rounds with minor damage. Our units reported they suspected launching sites to be 730059 and 766049. A Pink team located footprints of 2-3 persons and an old campsite at YD748071. Boat patrol hit a dud round or mine in water and had minor damage to their engine shaft. Co D saw people searching and heard voices 300 meters from NDP. They employed S/A and M79 fire with negative results.

15 Mar.- Recon elements heard 4 or 5 shots from the Salad Bowl area. At location 735044. Recon [-] found 3 cases of RPG rounds wrapped in plastic and the charges to go along with them. They were all in excellent condition. They blew them in place. Co D 2nd plt found 4 60mm mortar rounds at location 761055 and destroyed them there. Co D 1st plt found 4 60mm mortar rounds at location 761055 and destroyed them there. Co D 1st plt[-] found a rocket launcher and tripod. Many high speed trails are running around the area and out into the canopy. A cave was 10 feet from the site and showed no signs of recent use.

16 Mar.- Co B 2nd plt[-] reported definite movement 50 meters east of their position at 715110. They threw a grenade with negative results.. VR bird spotted an old bunker complex with a freshly dug entrance. Co D reported that the 177 PF platoon at location 728085[?] found 2 NVA bunkers with recent signs of use. One position had a lot of blood in it. At 740087 the PF platoon found 9 122mm rocket canisters and several sets of footprints.

17 Mar.- 177 PF plt sighted 4-5 NVA/VC at an extreme distance. There were negative findings after a sweep of the area. They also found 1 blood stained T-shirt at location 701055 estimated to be 2 days old.

18 Mar.- Co D [-] found a bunker complex in a completely subterranean cave. There were 2 entrances with several rooms. Much miscellaneous equipment was located in the bunkers including beds, medical supplies, and cooking utensils. The location is 771033. Co D river boat patrol found a radio and transmitter at YD732102.

19 Mar.- Co D 1st plt found one M26A1 fragmentation grenade and several blocks of TNT rigged into a booby about two days old. Co B at PZ818097 found a potato masher type grenade with a pull fuse.. Co A 1st plt found 1 hootch with 20 60mm mortar rounds inside at location 7230051. Co B 3rd platoon spotted movement and performed a recon by fire with negative results.

20 Mar.- Co D while on VR observed at location 76048 a freshly dug cave entrance and at location 737037 two spider holes, both camouflaged. Co C 3rd plt 3rd sqd found a B40 rocket and booster in the middle of an LZ. They blew it in place. Co B 3rd plt found a trail at 773057 freshly cut within the last 48 hours. C Co found an AK47 magazine. Bunker 5 on Birmingham spotted movement and preformed a recon by fire with negative results.

21 Mar.- Co D`s Commanding Officer on a VR today located 3 hootches at 768033. Cheese 27, the Pink team, located a trail with human waste on it done in the last 10-15 minutes. A recon by fire produced no results. Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd found an I-shaped cave. It had ashes inside and out and a sleeping position inside appeared very old. The same unit [B Co] found a 122mm rocket 6 feet long and new. It was OD in color and found by a bunker.

22 Mar.- Co B 3rd plt found two old sleeping positions. One of them had overhead cover. They showed no signs of recent use.

23 Mar.- Second plt D Co heard movement at 733044 and made a recon by fire. They had negative findings. The Division Commander inspected Birmingham today.

24 Mar.- A man was medivaced from Pohl Bridge with an apparent appendicitis attack. Co C 1st plt found 1 dead NVA in grave at 847034. The grave was about 15 days old.

25 Mar.- Co D [-] observed a very old bomb at 724067 and requested a EOD team. Recon team #3 found a camp site. The approximate age was 3-5 days. Co D at location 765039 found several hootches and bunkers, about 1 year old.

26 Mar.- No boat patrol was executed from Pohl Bridge because of engine trouble. Arrangements were made for men from each company to attend church on Easter Sunday and the helicopters were reserved.

27 Mar.- The Condor VR bird spotted a variety of enemy signs from the air. At 740034 they saw a trail with prints about 3-4 days old. At 766041 and 769045 they discovered 2 graves, one 6-12 months old and the other 2-3 months old.

28 Mar.- Brandy 22 CC spotted movement of one person in location 747087. Condor 24 pink team sighted a bamboo raft at YC689997. They also saw four hootches, 3 of which were in good condition., The hootches were located at YC717933.

29 Mar.- First light VR located some smoke probably made by VC or NVA at YC703110. Recon found 4 bunkers all destroyed by weather or artillery at 771048[?]. A RF unit located some bunkers about one year old used by a platoon sized element. VN civilians located VC cache while cutting bamboo. They were permitted to keep the food inside and the building was destroyed.

30 Mar.- Recon team #1 spotted a flashlight approximately 300 meters from their location. Co D located 6-10 old bunkers at 764047[?]. Co A 1st plt 1st sqd found a Chi Com grenade which they blew in place. Recon at location763045 found two bunkers with a variety of equipment inside including a NVA poncho, AK47 magazine, and several rounds of ammo. The estimated age of the bunker was 1 year.

31 Mar.- Recon team #2 found three bunkers and tunnel. The tunnel was about 40[?]feet long . In the bunkers they found two metal boxes with four AK47 magazines and over 400 loose rounds. Estimated age of complex, 1 year. This day marked the termination of operation Randolph Glen.

“TEXAS STAR”
(1 APRIL - 5 SEPTEMBER )

With the successful completion of ‘Randolph Glen” on 31 March 1970, the 101st Airborne Division instituted the plan of operations that was to serve the division until the onset of monsoon season the following September.
The new operational directive was a far more aggressive plan than Randolph Glen and was designed to capitalize on the advantages gained and lessons learned throughout previous operations. These new, bold concepts of division employment was designated “Texas Star”.
Under operation ‘Texas Star’ the 2d Brigade assumed responsibility for pacification and development support throughout Thua Thien Province, while the 1st and 3rd Brigades were assigned to conduct offensive operations against enemy units in the western portions of the Area of Operation.
Concurrent with the repositioning of division units, the areas of operation of regiments of the 1st Infantry Division [ARVN] were adjusted to maintain the brigade-regimental relationships developed and refined during the preceding month.

While Randolph Glen was primarily a holding operation, This was not true of “Texas Star” as is apparent from the very first objective. A part of the “Texas Star” plan was the conduction of extensive airmobile operations in the area east of the A Shau Valley and west of the populated lowlands of Thua Thien Province to locate and destroy NVA/VC units. Also included was the interdiction of infiltration and supply routes. The objective of this plan was to provide maximum security for the population and the urban centers.
Once again, as in Randolph Glen, it was impossible to ignore the A Shau Valley. It was proposed from the beginning to place fires on acquired targets in the valley on a continuous basis and to perform Visual Reconnaissance of the area by observation helicopters supported with gun ships.
In addition to objectives similar to Randolph Glen, such as the continuation of providing civic action assistance where requested and supporting Government pacification and development plans and programs, several new objectives were now possible. Because of the ideal campaign weather, NVA/VC limited assaults on Hue were considered likely. Therefore one of the missions of the 101st Airborne Division was to aid government forces in providing security around the major urban center. Also included in the mission was assistance to ARVN forces in providing security for the Vietnamese Railway System within the area of operations.
The 1/502 Infantry is an organic unit of the 2d Brigade. As such, its mission was primarily one of providing security and continuously training for the Regional and Popular Forces. During Randolph Glen there was such success in the employment of RF/PF units that an expansion of the program was directed.
The time invested in training the Vietnamese paid off in the many contacts they had with NVA/VC forces. During the latter part of April, the security of the Pohl Bridge was released to a RF company. The Regional Forces protected the bridge in an outstanding manner and managed to repel a NVA attempt to destroy it later in the campaign.
The period between the end of March and the middle of September, in Military Region I, is marked by hot and primarily dry weather. The humidity is always high and working conditions are often difficult. The visibility is excellent and the few summer rain storms that occur are brief.
“First Strike” battalion was responsible for approximately the same area of operation it had in the previous campaign. While conducting ambushes and patrols, work continued on fire bases Arsenal and Bastogne. In July, an advanced tactical operations center was established at Bastogne, and early in September Arsenal became the Command Post of the battalion.
It would be impossible to mention all the significant actions over an entire operation., To be familiar with the function of the 1/502d Infantry, it will be necessary, however, to cite a few.
Texas Star enabled the “First Strike” battalion to employ its subordinate units utilizing the full concept of rapid movement and airmobility. Everyday during the campaign elements of various sizes were shuttled by helicopters throughout the Area of Operations and performed combat assaults into pre-designated and prepared landing zones. This rapid, coordinating movement made it possible to cover large areas of land effectively with minimum force. The net result was an increase in enemy killed in action and the ability to surprise the NVA/VC units in their bunker complexes.
Regional and Popular Forces accompanied by Mobile Training Teams, conducted forays in the single and double canopy jungle obtaining the element of surprise on several occasions. This provided exceptional training for the RF/PF units and netted several bunkers and enemy casualties.
In almost any terms imaginable Texas Star was a major allied success. The “First Strike” battalion alone netted approximately twenty confirmed NVA/VC killed in action. There were as estimated sixty NVA/VC who were killed or wounded but could not be confirmed because the bodies were removed. We also captured three prisoners of war.
On the material side our forces captured or destroyed in excess of three hundred pounds of rice, five crew served weapons, eight AK47 rifles, several bunker complexes and substantial amounts of other equipment. This equipment included over eighty satchel charges, assorted rockets and rocket propelled grenades, thirty-five pounds of TNT in a variety of charges, over twenty ruck sacks and canteens, assorted booby traps, captured American weapons of older types. And other items too numerous to mention.
Operation Texas Star put the training of the Regional and Popular Forces to the test of combat. The performance of these units while on patrol or defending fixed military objectives such as bridges and villages, reflected credit on themselves and the American advisers who trained them.
The conflict proved conclusively the will of the Vietnamese to protect themselves from aggression and terror perpetrated by the Viet Cong insurgents.
The constant pressure placed upon the NVA/VC supply network made them unable to store the arms and equipment necessary for a prolonged campaign. The NVA/VC units that were discovered were almost invariably hungry and short of ammunition. Ground unit activities along with the constant shellings and raids to rear areas apparently forced the enemy to postpone or cancel plans for all but minor actions. To illustrate the effectiveness of the allied effort, the insurgents mortared the Phu Bai complex only once in the entire five months and then with only eight rounds. There was no equipment damaged nor allied personnel hurt.
By every known standard of measure, the 1/502d accomplished its mission in an outstanding manner.

1 Apr.- The battalion began operation Texas Star today at 0001 hours. The >battalion assumed opcon of two LNO teams and three mobile training teams. The security of the Pohl Bridge was terminated and given to the 221 RF company.

2 Apr.- Co D 1st plt 3rd sqd point man sighted movement at 763054 and fired the area up. A search produced negative results. The battalion commander conducted a briefing for all company commanders on Firebase Birmingham concerning operation Texas Star.

3 Apr.- Disabled helicopter being slung load by a Heuy slipped out of the sling and crashed vic 7311. Security of aircraft was preformed by our battalion.

4 Apr.- Hung Thuy made a sweep of the village of Phu Loong with the result of detaining 25 persons for various reasons.

5 Apr.- Recon team #1 at 783038 found a bunker complex and the area showed no signs of recent use.

6 Apr.- At 0030 hours an unknown size force of VC/NVA assaulted Firebase Arsenal with RPG`s, S/A, satchel charges, and bangalore torpedoes. Three NVA/VC penetrated the perimeter defense. One NVA/VC was killed inside of wire and other bodies were sighted outside. Co C 2nd plt 3rd sqd engaged an estimated 15 VC/NVA 200 meters [?]. E. of their night ambush at YD823079. Results of the contact were 6 VC/NVA KIA, 2 VC/NVA WIA-POW, 12 RPG`s, 5 bangalore torpedoes, 30lbs TNT, 78 satchel charges, and 1 AK47 rifle captured. Friendly losses were 4 US WIA, three generators and 2 1/2 ton truck damaged. Training of PSDF continued in Phu Vang district by 1/502 mobile training team.

7 Apr.- Recon team #2 engaged 2 NVA/VC about 20 meters from themselves with S/A and M79 fire. Results 1 enemy KIA and captured, 2 ruck sacks, 1 AK47, 3 RPG charges, 2 blocks TNT, and six satchel charges. Co C 2nd plt found 1 NVA/VC killed by ARA at 823076.

8 Apr.- Province Chief initiated sweep of a village to locate draft dodgers or VC sympathizers and terrorists.

9 Apr.- Mobile training teams are attached to Nam Hoa and are continuing training of Popular Forces. The battalion continued operation Texas Star employing extensive ambushes with negative results.

10 Apr.- Recon found 10 clay pots, sizes ½ gallon to 5 gallon. Brandy 22 received small arms fire vic 732037 and sighted 1 NVC/VC in the open. ARA fired up the area with negative results. At location 834186 the 336 PF unit found an 81mm and 1 82mm round. They also located several other HE rounds, all of which were destroyed.

11 Apr.- Co B 3rd plt found a hole with box prints at bottom at 815065. They believe it was a cache site. It was freshly dug. 155 RF Company engaged 10 VC at approx. 200 meters. Results are unknown.

12 Apr.- Co D 3rd plt 2nd sqd received one incoming round 150 meters from there location. They had no casualties.

13 Apr.- Co C had a man medivaced with possible malaria. Extensive night ambushes and security patrols were employed with no results.

14 Apr.- Recon found 2 bunkers and 1 latrine. One bunker was a medical or sleeping bunker and the other was a mess hall. There was a passage way between the two bunkers.

15 Apr.- Pink team located signs of very recent activity in area 687065. They fired up the area with negative results. Co D 3rd plt at YD807034 found a hootch made of bangalore torpedo boxes. Inside were various GI newspapers. The hootch was destroyed.

16 Apr.- Co D 2nd plt 1st sqd found a Chi Com grenade of the potato masher type. They destroyed it.

17 Apr,- Hung Thuy reported the capture of one female VC/NVA while she was enroute to a new area.

18 Apr.- VR in loch reported sighting several VC/NVA suspects in two locations. The areas are 815105 and 805091. Recon conducted a combat assault from Birmingham to YD 704055.

19 Apr.- Co D 1st plt found a satchel charge and carrier belt and part of an NVA ruck sack. They also located NVA body at 781021 which had been there about 1-3 weeks. Recon found a 57mm[?] recoilless rifle. Age unknown. Co D 1st plt 3rd sqd found a hole entrance 3` x 3`. Gassed the hole with CS obtaining negative results.

20 Apr.- Popular Forces at Phu Vang captured two POW`s with their equipment including AK47 rifles. Co D found

12 Chi Com grenades, 3 medical bottles, and a variety of miscellaneous items. These were located in a bunker complex of 5 bunkers and 5 spider holes. There were no signs of recent enemy activity.

21 Apr.- Co A found a satchel charge near a bunker. They destroyed it. Co C 1st plt found numerous sandal tracks. They appeared to be 2 days old

22 Apr.- Co C found in an area of 50 to 100 meters in diameter 10 sleeping positions which would hold 3-4 persons each. It is estimated 20-30 people used area 5-20 days ago. Trails lead in and out from all directions. The location of this complex was 751021. Houng Thuy reported the KIA of Tran Van Myhia a vital leader in the communist party for our area. He was the most wanted VCI[?] on the list.

23 Apr.- MP teams continued training the PF units in our area. Snipers were withdrawn to Phu Bai to receive additional training.

24 Apr.- Unauthorized people were cutting bamboo in a danger area. They were removed. An agent report indicates we will reach a high point in enemy activity about 25 April. The brigade commander has directed additional patrols be sent out to prevent assaults on installations. Recon found 1 bunker complex approx 1 year old.

25 Apr.- There was a flame drop today at YD691119. VR went out as usual and all findings were negative.

26 Apr.- Co A found a dud 105 round and blew it in place. The battalion continued operation Texas Star with negative results.

27 Apr.- A downed helicopter was secured by elements of Co B at 745119. The bird was extracted by a UH-1H. Recon teams 1 & 2 found 19 bunkers and 1 NVA latrine. In the bunkers they found a variety of NVA equipment. All items are about 1 1/2 years old with no signs of recent activity.

28 Apr.- Pink team preformed recon by fire on grid square 7303. PF patrol found one submachine gun and other small arms. The Division Commander conferred with Brigade and Battalion Commanders on Birmingham today. Birmingham conducted a practice alert.

29 Apr.- Co A located several pair of boot prints freshly made. They were on a trail next to a campsite of about same age. Bunker #9 at Birmingham spotted two NVA/VC crossing river and other bunkers heard noise. The firebase was put on 100% alert and the reaction force will sleep at the ready position.

30 Apr.- Intensive VR by pink team around Birmingham produced negative results. Elements of 3rd plt B Co located fresh tracks going in opposite directions. Co D found 51 foxholes and variety of VC/NVA equipment which appeared to have been used in the last four days.

1 May - The battalion is continuing operation Texas Star. Nam Hoa set up an ambush based on some intelligence they had and sprung it on 8 NVA/VC. The results were one NVA/VC KIA and one NVA/VC female wounded and captured. Pink team discovered one fighting position with signs of recent use at 698114. Recon discovered six bunkers with overhead cover and destroyed the same. There were no signs of recent activity. Co D 2nd plt 1st sqd found and old NDP site with 30 foxholes. The last usage was estimated at one month ago.

2 May- A man in Co C 2nd plt was seriously hurt when he fell off 10 ft embankment. He was medivaced to 85th Evac. Co C at location 707070, found a booby trap on a trail. It was blown in place.

3 May- The Pink team found four to five sets of footprints with Ho Chi Minh sandals moving north. A Vietnamese civilian discovered a body tied up in the tree line near Tam Boa village and an investigation is under way. An RF accidentally set off a booby trap.. Co A found five rockets of varying sizes at 773046. 100 meters from the location the rockets were found, Co A found 3 bunkers. Firebase Birmingham received several incoming 82mm rounds with negative casualties.

4 May- Co D found 300 lbs of rice broken down in 7-15 lb sand bags and 1-100 lb water proof bag and 1-100 lb burlap bag. Located with this rice were several sets of clothes. There were signs of recent use around the area and the company discovered a small hootch. All the findings were located at 863030. Co D 2nd plt found one bunker with signs of very recent use by about four people. The bunker was destroyed.

5 May- Co C 1st plt located a trail at 708066. Co D 2nd plt[-] found a bunker re-enforced with timber and sand bags. Beside the bunker was a lean-to type shelter. A variety of small equipment was found in a lean to and bunker indicating they had been used in the last four days. The equipment and bunkers were found at 863079.

6 May- An NVA/VC man shot up the operations section of An Hop and fled . The PF sent out a patrol after him. Results one NVA/VC KIA. Recon team #1 found fresh set of tracks on trail. PF forces engaged four VC vic 945167 with negative results. Recon team #1 found fresh elephant tracks estimated to be two days old. In the village of Phu Thu a VN woman was assassinated by VC last night. Her husband had been killed by the VC three years ago.

7 May- Phu Thu sniper team C[?] engaged three NVA/VC with a believed result of two NVA/VC killed in action. Hue received eight 122mm rockets resulting in several casualties and one civilian house destroyed., RF forces engaged five to six VC at 777125 with negative results.

8 May- Phu Thu districts RF`s found one Chi Com machinegun. Firebase Birmingham was visited by a troop air lift Commanding General. Co A located a VC sign on a tree. The estimated age of the sigh was three months.

9 May- A man from Co B was medivaced because of a kidney stone passing blood. At location YD900229 the 160th PF plt found one M60 machinegun and one M1 carbine.

10 May- Recon found three booby traps rigged in C-ration cans on a trail. All the booby traps were blown in place. PF plt 161 while on night ambush spotted one NVA/VC at a great distance. A sweep was made with negative results.

11 May- Recon at location 761055 found one 60mm round in the ground set as a booby trap. They called in an EOD team. VC of and unknown number fired rockets at a school house and were repulsed by PF forces in the village of Thon Thong. PF plt 100 engaged one VC and thought they wounded him in the leg. A sweep under illumination produced negative results.

12 May- Three planes took ground fire from location 864159. Intelligence indicated 56 unknown persons moving in area immediately south of Arsenal. The firebase will be on 100% alert tonight.

13 May- Battalion S2 VR found and secured a ruck sack from the river containing 600 AK47 rounds, 105 9mm pistol rounds, 700 M60 rounds and one M-16 magazine full of ammo. Estimated age is less than two weeks. Phu

Thu reported VN children found and turned in one box of M-16 ammo which was hidden in some bushes. Co A at location 818187[?] found a tunnel complex.

14 May- Mobile MP[?] team with PF`s ambushed VC at 35 meters range. VC fled south leaving one VC KIA and as AK47 captured.

15 May- Co A 1st plt 1st sqd found one 500 lb bomb. The bomb will be blown in place because it is armed and the fuse is broken. The estimated age is nine months. Co A 3rd plt found one underground bunker. The bunker had not been used in the last seven months and inside was a small amount of equipment. Co A also located an underground bunker.

16 May- Co B found a spider hole in brush three to four weeks old. Fifteen meters west of first hole they found another the same age. All vehicles from now on will have sand bagged floors to prevent causalities from mines.

17 May- VR bird sighted possible rocket and mortar sight at 786962[?]. Co A 1st plt found one 60mm round buried in ground. They destroyed it in place.

18 May- Infantry OP at Birmingham reported movement was spotted 100 meters from the Rock Crusher. The area was illuminated with negative results. A cease fire is in effect from 1200 hours today until 1200 hours 19 May.

19 May- PF unit in ambush states at 967101[?] ambushed three VC moving east and [?] one VC KIA. Intelligence indicates enemy activity in our area will increase soon.

20 May- Continued operation Texas Star in sector Golf. Extensive SP and NA were employed with negative results.

21 May- Co D 3rd plt at 699070 found one dud 155 round. Third sqd found one dud 500 lb bomb at 732037. An EOD team has been requested. Co D 2nd plt at 732038 found two 4lb blocks of TNT. VN children turned in to US forces several 155mm HE rounds they found. The rounds were destroyed with C4 explosive.

22 May- Arsenal personnel spotted a light at 789062. MTT #15 and RF plt 142 observed three VC/NVA last night. They made a sweep of area and found three bunkers with signs of recent use. In the bunkers some equipment was found. They destroyed the bunker and back logged the ammo and hand grenades they found.

23 May- Co C spotted light blinking to SE of their position at YD775043. No other significant events occurred today.

24 May- Recon found a 155mm round on a trail located at 702112. An EOD team was sent in to destroy it. Look magazine corespondents visited Birmingham to get information for an article today. Co C spotted intermittent flashes at 761056.

25 May- Firebase Birmingham requested an engineer unit to clear vegetation and rocks from the area around the perimeter of the base.

26 May- MTT #15 found a 500 lb bomb at 964114. An EOD team was requested. > MTT #15 and 179th PF plt discovered a booby trap with pressure type firing device. A VN child turned in 1-60mm mortar round and one Chi Com grenade he found.

27 May- All units of the battalion are in Phu Bai for refresher training and standdown. A man from Co B was Division Soldier of the Month.

28 May- Battalion conducted classes on sapper techniques as they continued standdown.

29 May- 1/502 Inf. continued refresher training and standdown to Phu Bai.

30 May- The battalion continued standdown in Phu Bai. 31 May- The battalion continued standdown in Phu Bai while conducting refresher training.

1 Jun.- The battalion continued training and standdown operations in Phu Bai.

2 Jun.- The battalion ended standdown operations today and returned to Firebase Birmingham and Sector Golf to continue Texas Star. The 257 RF Company and flareship reported one VC/NVA KIA in ambush. MTT #13 found satchel charges and mines in sweep of an area around 803245.

3 Jun.- Co C 1st plt found a B40 rocket launcher 30 feet outside perimeter of Arsenal. It was old and rusty with negative signs of recent use. There was an attempt to sabotage the district chiefs jeep today. The bomb went off but did not injure anyone.

4 Jun.- railroad bridge at YD829178 caught fire last night. The fire was an accident and the damage was light. The bridge is operational today.

5 Jun.- 179 RF Co sighted 20 VC at YD964165. They engaged them with small arms. Results of the action is one VC KIA.

6 Jun.- Battalion continued operation Texas Star employing extensive S/P and N/A with negative results. A maximum usage of mechanical ambushes was obtained.

7 Jun.- Co A 3rd plt engaged one NVA within 25 meters. There was negative results from contact.

8 Jun.- Co C received ice with plastic bag in it. The bag was secured with a rubber band and contained some unknown substance. It was sent to the rear to be analyzed.

9 Jun.- Co C received classes today for review on communications and calling in artillery. A free lance writer visited Birmingham and a field position today. Co A 3rd plt was on patrol and smelled Marijuana. They sighted two VC 50 meter away and fired at them. There were negative results from contact and the sweep of the area afterwards. This action took place at 735053.

10 Jun.- The RF unit at Pohl Bridge thwarted an attempt by the VC to destroy the bridge with explosives on a raft. Co A 2nd plt found a man made hole in the ground while cutting a trail. It is estimated to 6-8 months old. Co A 3rd plt located three sleeping positions dug in the ground made for two men each. Last use of the positions was approximately three weeks ago.

11 Jun.- MTT #14 in conjunction with the 126 RF Company found one dead VC with equipment and a bunker. The bunker was located in the vic of YD861249. At location 702037, the VR bird found six fighting positions which showed no recent use.

12 Jun.- Second plt 221 RF Co while on patrol found one bunker 5` x 5` x 3`, two to three weeks old with overhead cover. Inside they found on AK47 and two magazines.

13 Jun.- A claymore went off and killed one man in Co D. Six others were wounded and evacuated to the 85th Evac. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of explosion. The Division Commander and a Congressman from Kentucky visited Firebase Birmingham today. Co C found two caves and one tunnel at 728058. They appeared to have been used in last three days.

14 Jun.- Someone was jamming the battalion radio net today. The jamming was thought to be deliberate by an enemy transmitter. Our net transmitted over the jamming.

15 Jun.- A VR was preformed in the area around YD697032. They discovered a bunker complex which showed no signs of recent use. The battalion employed extensive ambushes with negative results.

16 Jun.- A Sampan was fired on last night from Firebase Arsenal. The boat contained an unknown number of VC/NVA. Results of shelling are unknown.

17 Jun.- Houng Thuy initiated an operation to consolidate the rice from several villages into one secure place in each village. This will make it more difficult for the VC/NVA to obtain supplies. Co D 2nd plt 3rd sqd located a bomb. A EOD team was sent to the area at 756048.

18 Jun.- Houng Thuy district had an encounter with NVA/VC forces around their perimeter last night. They engaged the enemy, results were one NVA/VC KIA.

19 Jun.- Co D had one man evacuated to the rear at Birmingham because he had a possible case of malaria. Another man broke his nose and was evacuated to the 85th Evac.

20 Jun.- Third plt Co D preformed a recon by fire at area 762020. Firebase Birmingham had a practice alert tonight.

21 Jun.- Phu Thu reported contact vic 835217 by MTT #14 and confirmed one VC/NVA KIA and one AK47 captured.

22 Jun.- MTT units continued training PF and RF`s. Co D had practice alert at 1000 hours.

23 Jun.- There was an agent report today indicating elements of the VC would attempt to sell US forces cokes and beer which was wired with explosives and delay fuses. Birmingham was mortared from suspected location at 693113 or 717120 today. The firebase received 12 to 15 82mm rounds. There were no casualties. Co D was called to secure General Smith`s helicopter when it went down at 678178.

24 Jun.- Co A 2nd plt [-] while setting up and NDP spotted three to four VC/NVA. They engaged the enemy with S/A and artillery fire. A sweep under illumination produced negative results.

25 Jun.- Co A 2nd plt 1st sqd at location 773044 found a campsite used in the last 48 hours. It was used by approximately five persons. Within 100 meters they also located three bunkers and a trail showing signs of usage in the last 24 hours. Co A 2nd plt reported sniper fire by approximately four NVA/VC, one NVA/VC KIA. Co B located a trail and sleeping position used by NVA/VC elements in last four days. Recon found a small wooden Budda hanging from a tree limb at 690126.

26 Jun.- Camp Eagle took incoming rounds early this morning. A mechanical ambush went off accidentally wounding one US. He was medivaced to the 85th Evac. Co B 2nd plt found one warhead at 723025. It is believed to be part of a 155mm round. Co C 1st plt located a sleeping position one to two days old.

27 Jun.- Recon found tracks which appear to be about 12 hours old at YD732059. They were made by one or two persons. Co A heard movement outside their NDP. They employed artillery and will sweep the area in the morning.

28 Jun.- Co B 2nd plt found two graves at 726016. Both graves are about two weeks old and the person appear to have died of shrapnel wounds. At location 730059 recon team #1 found sleeping places for several persons and a variety of equipment. Co B 2nd plt at 721013[?] found a 122mm rocket and warhead. The signs in the area indicate recent use within the last two to three days.

29 Jun.- Co D 3rd plt located at YD849046 received incoming rounds 25 to 50 meters from their location. No casualties were sustained during the shelling.

30 Jun.- fire base Birmingham received three incoming 122mm rockets wounded one man and damaging a water truck. In Co B one man was killed by misdirected friendly fire. The location was 724025.

1 Jul.- At YD852059 an old campfire site was located showing signs of use two to three months ago. Co D 1st plt found two one-man foxholes at 803089. They appeared to have been used in the last three days.

2 Jul.- A woman VC sympathizer was caught trying to hide bunkers from a plowing operation in Phu Thu district.

3 Jul.- Three rounds of unknown origin or direction landed near FB Birmingham with negative casualties.

4 Jul.- One man from B Co was injured when burning trash exploded. He was taken to Phu Bai by ambulance. Co C sighted and fired upon four NVA at 684124 during a period of extremely limited visibility. A sweep produced no results. Co D 2nd plt found a Ho Chi Minh sandal at 745079.

5 Jul.- MTT #21 engaged two VC at 788026 and swept the area with negative results. Recon heard movement north of their position at 738058. They blew a claymore with negative results.

6 Jul.- 1/502 Inf. continued operation Texas Star employing extensive S/P and N/A`s with negative results.

7 Jul.- Huong Thuy district HQ`s took incoming rounds early this morning. One PF KIA and one US WIA were the results of that attack. Camp Eagle took incoming rounds. The launch sites were believed to be 719998 or 723018. Co A found one bunker with signs of recent use. Numerous rocket launch sites were located with recent use.

8 Jul.- Firebase Arsenal did not have search light because of theirs breaking down. A 2 ½ ton truck turned over on the road between Birmingham and Eagle.

9 Jul.- Co B 3rd plt found a shelter half about two to three days old. It was located at YD856050.

10 Jul.- A man was wounded on Birmingham during the mad minute fire. He was located at bunker #12. The 191 RF[?] Company location YD778021 came under S/A fire and satchel charges. The results were one VN KIA and nine VN WIA.

11 Jul.- Co C 2nd plt found a bunker about six months old at 691062. Huong Thu[?] had 11 people killed and 35 wounded in an accident involving a frag grenade at a training center. Co C located a cache of 36 rounds of 82mm ammo.

12 Jul.- 158 PF plt found one female VN KIA after dark. Recon team A discovered caves with old C-ration cans, complexes, and three bunkers. They showed no signs of recent use.

13 Jul.- 257 RF Co engaged an unknown number of VC/NVA with light casualties on the RF unit and unknown enemy casualties. A helicopter took ground fire at 816056 today. The area was shelled with artillery and will be swept later. Co D 3rd plt found a grave approximately two months old at 778022.

14 Jul.- MP`s found VC propaganda leaflets at the edge of Hue City. Co C 3rd plt found a 122mm rocket extension piece at 787017. It appeared to be about four to six months old.

15 Jul.- A mechanical ambush went off at 715103 and the area was checked with negative results except the discovering of two sets of foot prints heading north. Two men were medivaced from Birmingham today, one with a cut finger and one with possible malaria.

16 Jul.- Birmingham reported mortar flashes from 692140 and 696132. Team 2 of recon found three sets of footprints about 12 hours old at 793037. In the area of the tracks they found a rice bowl.

17 Jul.- A VN Lientenant General, the I Military Region Commander and his US counterpart inspected Huong Thuy and Nam Hoa district HQ`s today.

18 Jul.- 1/502 Int continued operation Texas Star with negative results.

19 Jul.- co C 1st plt found fresh footprints near 700040 that appeared about one day old. The Recon plt was extracted from the field for standdown and refresher training.

20 Jul.- Co A on Birmingham reported one man in bunker #1 engaged one NVA/VC outside of wire with S/A fire. The enemy soldier fled and a check of area under illumination produced negative results.

21 Jul.- Co A at 696097 reported sighting three NVA/VC at a good distance away. They swept the area with no results. A forward TOC was set up on Firebase Bastogne today at 1900 hours.

22 Jul.- Co C 1/501 came under operational control to our battalion today.

23 Jul.- Co D reported a man walked up to their check point at 576059 and appeared to be an NVA soldier and wanted to Chu Hoi. He as taken to Firebase Birmingham for questioning.

24 Jul.- Recon team two had movement at their NDP early this morning. They utilized a recon by fire and the area is quiet now. A sweep of the area in the morning produced negative results.

25 Jul.- At 849217 MTT[?] #2[?] found 4 bunkers three to four days old. The bunkers had rice and a stove in them.

26 Jul.- An MA at 797042 had a shove[?] and went off. VR bird spotted a suspected 122mm launch site at 774045.

27 Jul.- Co A 2nd plt found a dud 155 round at 744029. Co B requested and received medivac for a litter patient with injured back and hip.

28 Jul.- Area around YD774040 was fire dropped because it was a suspected VC/NVA launching site and rest area. Co B 1st plt located YD869019 engaged two NVA/VC with negative casualties and negative results.

29 Jul.- Co B found a variety of small equipment on a trail including clothes and ruck sack which they destroyed. Co B 1st sqd 1st plt made contact with an unknown number of enemy at location YD874024.

30 Jul.- Co B located a VC NDP which was approximately one week old. They also found some VC propaganda leaflets in the area.

31 Jul.- Co B received incoming mortar rounds at their location. They were located at 866014. No casualties were sustained and a sweep of the area produced negative results.

1 Aug.- 1/502 Inf continued operation Texas Star employing extensive S/P and N/A with negative results.

2 Aug.- A pink team received a few rounds of small arms fire today at 864025. Artillery was called in on the area. Phu Bai received a total of seven 122mm incoming rounds with negative casualties or damage.

3 Aug.- Co A 2nd plt found a pick and shovel. Co B 2nd plt spotted one NVA/VC and engaged same with result one NVA/VC KIA and his equipment captured. This action occurred at location YD865012.

4 Aug.- PF`s from Houng Thuy and Nam Hoa discovered a variety of small enemy signs in a variety of locations. Co B found a trail at 866002 with signs of use in the last three days. At the same location they discovered four to five foxholes.

5 Aug.- Co B 3rd plt located at 885008 engaged one NVA with S/A fire with negative results. Later Co B 3rd plt made contact with a command detonated claymore mine resulting in two US KIA, two US WIA and one Kit Carson Scout KIA.

6 Aug.- Recon discovered a high speed trail. The pink team found three fighting positions with recent activity in the last 48 hours. They were located at 876007. The battalion returned to Phu Bai today for standdown.

7 Aug.- The battalion completed the first day of refresher training. Nam Hoa district HQ`s came under attack resulting in four US WIA, two VN KIA, two VN WIA.

8 Aug.- 1/502 Inf continued standdown training at Phu Bai.

9 Aug.- Classes for the battalion continued during standdown at Phu Bai.

10 Aug.- Classes for the battalion continued during standdown at Phu Bai.

11 Aug.- The battalion completed standdown today and is in the process of returning to the field and Firebase Birmingham.

12 Aug.- A VR bird spotted three sampans past the limit permitted on the river and turned them back. In Co D a point man spotted one NVA/VC forty meters ahead who fled south.

13 Aug.- co C 3rd plt[-] at location 774046 found three fighting positions showing no signs of recent use. Recon location at 875996 engaged one VC/NVA with negative results. Co C 2nd plt at YD727059 engaged four NVA resulting in one NVA POW, one NVA KIA, three NVA field packs, two AK47 rifles, five AK47 magazines and some documents.

14 Aug.- B Co reported hearing movement at the river vic 701097. At first light VR produced signs of recent activity.

15 Aug.- A white team discovered three to four bunkers at 685115 and a bunker 48 hours old at 762051.

16 Aug.- A white team discovered a bunker at 757053. Recon found 15-20 fighting positions and a bunker with recent use.

17 Aug.- PF forces found several bunkers and a variety of fighting positions. The battalion continued operation Texas Star with no significant events in the twenty four hour period.

18 Aug.- Sampans were on the river past the boundary again today and Nam Hoa district HQ`s sent someone to remove them to behind the bridge.

19 Aug.- A tracker team discovered a bunker about two weeks old and several fresh tracks in the area of 779106. Co C 2nd plt sighted three NVA/VC moving into a bunker YD738073 and called in artillery with negative results. Co D 2nd plt found several pieces of NVA equipment at 881024[?].

20 Aug.- A medivac was requested for a man in Co E who was cut while using a machete to cut a trail. MTT #20 located at YD791095 spotted two NVA/VC. They engaged enemy with ARA obtaining negative results.

21 Aug.- Co C reported five incoming rounds of mortars or artillery approximately 800 meters from their position.

22 Aug.- Co B 2nd plt 2nd sqd sprung a day ambush on one NVA/VC with negative results.

23 Aug.- Sampans were removed to safe area after they crossed the boundary on the river again today. Co D 1st plt 2nd sqd found one bunker and 12 fighting positions at [???????} . Co C found two hootches on a trail at 776054 built about thirty days ago.

24 Aug.- A truck had a fuel leak on highway 542]?] and burned. There was heavy damage to the truck but no injuries. Co A 2nd plt 2nd sqd found two bunkers and some small equipment at 864041.

25 Aug.- There was a brigade class A inspection of Birmingham today. B Co >heard small arms fire and detected movement 50[?] meters south of their position. They swept the area, finding nothing.

26 Aug.- Co A 1st plt 1st sqd found mortar place one year old at 865025. The area showed no recent signs of activity. Co A 1st plt 3rd sqd found a small sleeping area for one or two people about three days old.

27 Aug.- Co C swept the road to Birmingham for mines with negative results. A Co 1st plt found a lobster can hanging from a tree. There were no signs of recent activity in the area.

28 Aug.- Phu Bai took incoming mortar rounds and rockets early in this morning with miner damage and three US WIA.

29 Aug.- B Co sighted smoke at grid 709072 and an air search produced no results. Co B took one mortar round of unknown size. The launch site was probably 770960. A white team spotted a bunker at 778045 and fired on it. Co A 1st plt found fresh footprints at 774045.

30 Aug.- Co A 1st plt 2nd sqd found a tunnel entrance about two months old. Inside they found a room with nothing except a sump hole.

31 Aug.- Co B 1st plt found a lookout position with a semi-automatic weapon and a poncho inside. No signs in the area of recent use.

1 Sep.- A fixed wing Nighthawk spotted two sampans in the water at grid 804078. 81mm mortars fired 20 rounds HE. B C o 3rd plt 2nd sqd found a trail at 778079 running east to west. The trail is 1 ½ feet wide and shows signs of recent activity. Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd found two 6` x 2` very old bunkers at 835032. There was a fresh trail in the area. No signs of recent activity were observed and the bunkers were destroyed. Co B 1st plt 3rd sqd found two caved in bunkers and five caved in fighting positions about 6-8 months old at 758040. Co A 3rd plt at YD823046 observed four enemy going into the brush. ARA pink team, and flare ships were employed with negative results.

2 Sep.- Report from Phu Thuy at YD93[?] RF, Pf`s found a bunker with two VC in it. Five RF, PF`s were wounded and both VC killed. Captured were one Ck6 [?] rifle and one AK47 . Bunker was destroyed. 1/502 Inf continued Texas Star in section Golf making maximum use of S/P and N/A with negative results.

3 Sep.- Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd engaged two NVA at grid YD835035, at range of 20-28 meters with small arms fire resulting in one NVA KIA, one AK47 and bandoleer of ammo captured. There were no friendly casualties.

4 Sep.- Co A 1st plt 1st sqd at grid 744053 found a NW-SE trail, one foot wide with sandal prints two to three days old heading SE. Co A at grid YD804057 spotted two sampans. People got off and moved east.

5 Sep.- Co A 1st plt 2nd sqd found nine fighting positions three with overhead cover about 12 months old. Positions were destroyed. Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd at grid YD831032 found a bunker 4-5 months old with one fighting position and a trail leading to the east. The bunker was destroyed. There were no signs of recent activity. Co D 1st plt had movement 40-50 meters west of their location. Illumination was employed but nothing was sighted.

OPERATION JEFFERSON GLEN
[6 SEPTEMBER `70 30 MARCH `71]
Jefferson Glen was the third and final operation undertaken by the 101st Airborne Division in 1970. As indicated by its title, the plan was to cover the monsoon season of 1970 - `71.
The objectives of Jefferson Glen were very similar to Randolph Glen a year earlier. Again, because of the nature of monsoon weather, The military objectives of the plan were limited. The operation continued the concept of a complete integration of effort of all agencies within the division area of operations for the accomplishment of the inseparable tasks of improving territorial security and protecting the people from terrorism. Other missions included improving the people's Self-Defense Force; developing local self-management in administrative, economic, and financial systems; to educate and motivate the people to participate in local government; and the continuation of building a better way of life and prosperity for the South Vietnamese people.
Under the Jefferson Glen plan, the “First Strike” Battalion was assigned to the 2d Brigade. Our area of operation was somewhat smaller than in the previous campaigns but still comprised many of the former areas. The battalion Command Post was located at Arsenal. And elements of the battalion were, for a short time, stationed on Firebase Brick in the southern portion of our sector of responsibility.
It is impossible, at this time, to assess the final success of Jefferson Glen because it is still continuing. Initial reports are encouraging and it is estimated that Jefferson Glen may be even more successful than its predecessor, Randolph Glen.
Our battalion's mission in combat continues to be one of constant vigilance through the employment of numerous patrols and ambushes utilizing the airmobile concept of rapid movement when the weather permits. There is every indication at this time that Jefferson Glen will add yet another successful campaign to the long list of the “First Strike” Battalion.

6 Sep.- A VR bird spotted two bunkers on the east slope of Hill 274. Co C found a grave two to three weeks old at grid 752947. No signs of recent activity. Co C 1st plt destroyed two bunkers at their NDP sight, location 755948 on an LZ about 12 months old. There was no sign of recent activity. Operation Jefferson Glen Monsoon Plan 1970 starts.

7 Sep.- First light VR bird reports sampans at 802073. District chief from Nam Hoa says they are not supposed to be there and to fire in front of them to make them turn around. Co D 2nd plt 3rd sqd reached their objective at grid 773960 sandal tracks which they followed with negative results. Co C had four men wounded by a booby trap. First plt stopped on a trail for a break and sent its 2nd sqd out on point. Point man, Gary A Ollstrap[?] stepped on a pressure device booby trap and received multiple chest and leg wounds and a partially amputated foot. His condition is listed serious. The slack man Peter N. Mitchel was wounded in the neck. All three were medivaced to 85th Evac. A fourth man was very slightly wounded and not evacuated. The trail is hard packed and two feet wide. Co C found 16 60mm mortar rounds in a hollow tree five feet off a trail.

8 Sep.- Co D 3rd plt 1st sqd at grid 778957 spotted one NVA on the edge of an LZ about 200 meters away moving north. They did not fire because they only had a fleeting glimpse of him and hoped he might reappear or others would follow him. Co C 1st plt 2nd sqd observed a trail watcher and engaged hem. The trail watcher fled SE. A sweep of the area produced one AK47. Co B 1st plt observed lights 100 meters NW of their night location. A nighthawk was employed and sighted a raft floating vic of grid YD791098. He fired at the raft with unknown results.

9 Sep.- co C 2nd plt engaged an unknown size enemy force with small arms fire at about 75 meters. Scout dog handler and one man from 2nd plt were wounded, dog handler seriously. Requested medivac, ARA and pink team. Both men were taken to 85th Evac. Dog handler was dead on arrival. Co C had one man, SP4 Wilfred Young killed when he accidentally walked into the rotor blade of a helicopter. Co A 1st plt 3rd sqd grid 837032 found a shallow grave with one body, four to five months old. At 0800 hours insertion of OPCON elements of 2/327th Inf to Fsb Blitz began with forward TOC and other elements closing by 1200 hours.

10 Sep.- Phu Bai received incoming last night. B Co reported flashes on as azimuth of 4000 mils, six kilometers distant. Co A 1st plt 2nd sqd reported mortars being fired on an azimuth of 5800 mills at 800 meters. Employed 81mm mortars on suspected positions. Recon found a blood trail 50 meters from their NDP moving east. They were following the trail and received small arms fire. They returned fire and killed one VC, captured one AK47, 40 lbs of rice and 10 lbs salt. Co C 3rd plt point man fired at one VC, VC fled SE. KCS with 3rd plt believes there are 30 more VC vic of Hill 444. ARA employed against Hill 444 and received ground fire. Co C 3rd plt found two bunkers, each with a latrine in it plus two 82mm rounds and 20 lbs of rice. At grid 772922 they found two punji pits and seven more bunkers with one ruck sack inside. Trails run north and west.

11 Sep.- Recon sprang an ambush at 763922 on two VC heading south. PFC Blackeik was wounded by fragments from a claymore used in the ambush. Negative enemy casualties. Recon found one 120mm warhead buried near a tree at 764922.

12 Sep.- Co C 3rd plt found a grave, two to three months old [?] [?] activity at 776923.

13 Sep.- Co A [?] 2nd plt 1st sqd found a bunker, three months old with two entrances, trail ran north. There were no signs of recent activity. Co C 1st plt 1st sqd found two bunkers, a hole 10 feet deep with overhead cover and four trails in the area running N. E. all about four months old and no recent activity. Co D at grid 797939 found two RPG rounds and two RPG boosters, enemy tracer rounds and one envelope with an address.

14 Sep.- Co D 2nd plt had movement 50 meters fo their location YD797939. Reconed by fire and sighted one individual fleeing down a stream. Search of the area negative results.

15 Sep.- A Co 1st plt 3rd sqd at 7[?]8045 found seven small bunkers, one 122mm rocket launcher, one tripod for 122mm rocket, launcher in good condition and one RPG canister with medicine in it. There was recent activity within the last week. Two elements of Recon fired upon each other and Sgt Terry L Saase was shot below the knee and medivaced out. At 1905 hours FSB Blitz took incoming fire from the SE at 765955 resulting in six US WIA including the battalion commander. LTC West. At 2055 hours LTC Lang assumed command of 1/502 Inf.

16 Sep.- General Berry visited Blitz and Arsenal. Co D 2nd plt at grid 795928 they found two sets of footprints a few hours old. At grid 794927 they found one cultivated field. There were no hootches or bunkers. Co D had four men wounded by a booby trap. Men medivaced were Sgt Robert K. Haskins, Sgt Michael P. Kelley, SP4 Steven Smith, and PVT Hubert Hapron. The men were taken to 85th Evac.

17 Sep.- Co CV 2nd plt engaged four VC/NVA who fled west. Results were one found trail. ARA employed and at 1320 Co C Commanding Officer reports that one ARA bird went down in canopy 300 meters from the contact location. First plt is heading for the downed aircraft. At 1700 hours 1st plt was still 200 meters from the downed aircraft and found a base camp which they destroyed. A pink team feels they will not reach the aircraft tonight due to difficulty of the terrain.

18 Sep.- Co C 1st plt reached the downed aircraft at 0718 hours. There was no activity around the aircraft and also the aircraft is upside down and very badly torn up. The aircraft is located at 767927. An inspection team removed radios, data plate, and destroyed the aircraft. At 0835 Co C 2nd plt engaged four VC at 787323 found a blood trail and the VC seemed to be carrying one wounded. They captured 30 lbs of rice. At location 767325 Co C found base camp of four hootches, clothes and clothes line. Indications are that the VC/NVA left in a hurry. Clothes were green uniforms. At 1045 hours Co C 2nd plt saw one VC/NVA and engaged him with small arms fire. A sweep of area produced negative results. Co B medivaced one man with an accidental gunshot wound in the foot.

19 Sep.- The 1/502 Inf continued operation Jefferson Glen in sector Golf using maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

20 Sep.- General Berry visited FSB Arsenal and BSB Brick today. Operation Jefferson Glen continued making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

21 Sep.- Co B 1st plt 3rd sqd at 79024 found two fighting positions, one bunker with a four foot long tunnel and a five foot cavity, two foxholes and one satchel [?] charge. All were destroyed.

22 Sep.- Co C 1st plt 2nd sqd found fresh sandal prints at 855023, heard movement in the area and fired. Sweep of the area produced negative results. At 1812 hours Co C[-] had a medivac for a man with serious arm and leg wounds from a booby trap at YD845042. Man was taken to 85th Evac. The LZ near location is also booby trapped with US type hand grenades.

23 Sep.- The 1/502 Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Golf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

24 Sep.- Co A 1st plt 2nd sqd found a bunker with overhead cover and several large trails with fresh jungle boot tracks. The trails run north.

25 Sep.- Co B 2nd plt 3rd sqd at 756036 found a dud 8 inch round and requested 6 lbs of C4 to blow the round. One PF from 100 plt at YD941181 tripped a booby trap made of an M-26 grenade. The man was evacuated to the 85th Evac.

26 Sep.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in Sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

27 Sep.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf >making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

28 Sep.- General Berry arrived at Brick at 1220 yours and departed at 1300. The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen making maximum use S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

29 Sep.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

30 Sep.- General Berry arrived at FSB Brick at 1000 hours, Departed at 1015 hours. 82 PF plt engaged a squad sized enemy force with small arms fire at 795215, results, one VC KIA, one AK47 captured. VC wore Black PJ`s.

1 Oct.- There have been indications of increased enemy infiltration of the 101st Airborne Division's Area of Operations. These indications include: [ a] lack of enemy initiated contacts. [b] recent agent reports. [c] Low percentage of natural illumination [sun shine?] and poor flying conditions that restrict airmobile operations. [d] Nearness of US elections and possibility of securing a political victory. Accordingly, 1/502d Inf assumed and increased alert status and coordinated with District chiefs to insure similar alert status in key points in the lowlands.

2 Oct.- The security detachment at Pohl Bridge requested engineers to remove logs and other items collecting under the bridge. The 1/502 Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

3 Oct.- The 1/502 Inf has continued operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf with negative results from the use of S/P`s and N/A`s.

4 Oct.- General Berry visited Arsenal at 0945 hours and departed at 1007 hours. Operation Jefferson Glen continues, the 1/502 Inf employing extensive S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

5 Oct.- General Berry again visited FSB Arsenal. Arrived 0925, departed 0947. The 1/502 lnf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf employing extensive S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

6 Oct.- An unknown person found the body of a GI in the river between Nam Hoa and Pohl Bridge at grid YD748727[?]. There was no identification on the body. MP`s tentatively identified him as a member of 1/501 Recon plt.

7 Oct.- Received word from Nam Hoa that Vietnamese civilians are aware they are not allowed to move sampans past the 08 grid line. All past that line is a free fire zone and civilians also know this.

8 Oct.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

9 Oct.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

10 Oct.- 104th PF plt while on a search operation at grid YD937190 found one bunker with three VC inside. PF`s engaged VC, VC returned fire. Results; two VC KIA, one VC POW, and one AK47, one M-16, and three hand grenades captured.

11 Oct.- Co B found seven old 122mm canisters, one electric firing device. Site is believed to be an old rocket launch site, about six months old. No sign of recent activity.

12 Oct.- Co D 2nd plt 1st sqd at grid 838058 found a hole 1 ½ feet wide and three feet deep which KCS said was an old mortar cache site five to six weeks old. There also found the remains of what appears to be an old hootch. There were no trails in the area.

13 Oct.- Battalion security detachment at Pohl Bridge was notified to increase their alertness because of recent activities in the Nam Hoa area.

14 Oct.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

15 Oct.- General Henessay visited FSB Arsenal. He arrived 1043 hours and departed at 1113 hours. Tropical storm warning received, with 50 knot winds expected within 48 hours and expected to last through 20 Oct. All units were instructed to order necessary log to carry them through.

16 Oct.- Co B at grid 777082 found one rear casing for a 122mm rocket in a stream bed. It was old and rusty and may have been washed down the stream.

17 Oct.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf employing S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

18 Oct.- Co B 1st plt 2nd sqd at grid YD772078 found five 122mm rocket shipping boxes, seven 122mm rocket launcher caps, six shipping plugs. The site is about six months old and no recent signs of activity or trails.

19 Oct.- co C observed a sampan in the vicinity of the bridge near FSB Arsenal. Three people came ashore. Co C sent six men to check on the situation. Appears the people gathered some gravel and left. Colonel Root [2nd Bde CO ] arrived at FSB Arsenal at 1022 hours and departed at 1040 hours.

20 Oct.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

21 Oct.- Co D 3rd plt at grid 835067 found one machete one to two weeks old and in good condition. Later at grid 848970 they found one pair of binoculars in good condition, serial number 190265, 6 x30 power, about 1-2 weeks old. On the way to that location they found four M-16 magazines and one M-26 hand grenade.

22 Oct.- General Berry visited FSB Arsenal at 1020 hours and left at 1045 hours. Co B 1st plt at grid 780066 found one 81mm HE round and blew it in place. 1845 yours Camp Eagle reported incoming. 1850 FSB Birmingham reports incoming. At 1857 hours Co C 1st plt 1st sqd reports flashes at 2100 mills, range 7 kilometers. Infantry CP at Arsenal [Co C] sighted flashes between Nui Ke and Banana Mountain, direction 147[?] degrees. At 1926 1st plt Co C 2/501st Inf at grid YD838005 reported thumping that sounds like mortars leaving the tube 3-4 kilometers, direction of 350 degrees. Co B[?] at 1945[?] hours reports three rounds impacting outside wire at Arsenal., Co D at 1955 hours reported flashes at 2000 meters, direction of 2800 mills. At 2029 hours Co C reports two more rounds>impacted 500 meters, direction 150 degrees from bunker #5.

23 Oct.- General Berry and Colonel Root arrived at FSB Arsenal at 1000 hours and departed 1024 hours. Recon at 852017, found ½ bag of salt and one clear plastic bag with Chinese writing and a sleeping position for three to five men about five days old. A high speed trail 2 ½ feet wide runs N-S through the area. There were no signs of recent activity. Co C 2nd plt 3rd sqd reported chopping sound in vicinity of grid YD764037. Engaged with artillery and search produced negative results.

24 Oct.- Hurricane warning out today. Hurricane expected to hit tomorrow with wind peed up to 85 knots. 2323 hours Phu Bai received incoming. Phu Bai took 12 to 15 82mm rounds.

25 Oct.- At 0005[?] hours Pohl Bridge reported 4-5 large explosions in rapid succession. It may have been incoming but the distance was too great to determine. The rounds landed south of Pohl Bridge and south Nam Hoa. During a stream crossing vicinity of grid 839032, one man from Recon lost his M-16 rifle, serial number 838151.

26 Oct.- Engineers at Pohl Bridge estimate it will take 3-6 days to remove the debris piled up under the bridge from the storm. Debris extends 6-12 feet deep below the water line. Co D 3rd plt 3rd sqd found six bunkers and twelve foxholes about one year old. A two foot wide trail ran through the area north to south. There were no signs of recent activity. Recon recovered the weapon [M-16] they lost yesterday. 81mm mortar section saw a light at 285 degree direction, 200 meters across the river from FSB Arsenal. Light was moving south and five 81mm HE were fired on grid 797078.

27 Oct.- General Berry arrived on Arsenal at 0825 hours and departed at 0859 hours. Water level is rising at Pohl Bridge and is now only 14 inches below the bridge with debris piling up over the bridge railing. Engineers at the bridge estimate that if rate of debris accumulation continues, the bridge will be unsafe within the hour.

28 Oct.- Due to heavy rains and swelling of streams, Bridge at grid 806091 has moved 30 meters and is closed as of ooo5[?] hours. Water is rising around many villages and flood warnings exist. Vietnamese [?] will do any evacuation with their own resources, utilizing US elements only if their resources are insufficient for the task.

29 Oct.- Continued heavy rains prohibited major troop movements. Danger of flooding in lowlands continues to increase. All units were advised of the danger of emersion foot and to take corrective measures.

30 Oct.- Pohl Bridge has been closed due to water level 20-22 inches above bridge level. Both generators are in two to four feet of water. Debris clearing operations are continuing at the bridge and preparations to evacuate the area if need arises are underway.

31 Oct.- Water is receding from Pohl Bridge and is now seven feet below bridge level. Debris clearing continues. Generators and lights on bridge are still inoperable. Villages around Pohl Bridge were not evacuated as flood waters did not reach them.

1 Nov.- The 1.502d Inf moved into Phu Bai today for a battalion standdown. All units got in safely and are ready to begin their training.

2 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues to conduct standdown in Phu Bai. No major incidents in the last 24 hours.

3 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues to conduct standdown in Phu Bai. No major incidents in the last 24 hours.

4 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues to conduct standdown in Phu Bai. No major incidents to the last 24 hours.

5 Nov.- Battalion standdown at Phu Bai continues with no major incidents in the last 24 hours.

6 Nov.- Battalion completed the last day of refresher training in Phu Bai and began preparation for move to Evans and working under control of 3rd Brigade.

7 Nov.- The battalion moved from Phu Bai to combat operations in 3rd Bde area of operations. Co A secured FSB Jack and the battalion assumed responsibility for the firebase at 1345 yours. Co B,C, and D and Recon moved to field locations around FSB Jack. All units got in safely and there were no incidents.

8 Nov.- Co B found a booby trap consisting of ½ lb C4 with trip wire at grid 477341. Booby trap was destroyed in place. Co B 1st plt 1st sqd moving in vicinity of grid 482325 when one enemy opened up with five rounds of automatic fire, slightly wounding one man. They returned fire with and M-60 with negative results. They found one bunker and one hootch in the area with various pots and pans around the bunker. A trip wire was running into the bunker.

9 Nov.- Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd in and LP position 100 meters east of FSB Jack at the vicinity of meters west of their position. Ten 81mm rounds were fired with negative results. Co B 2nd plt 3rd sqd had two men wounded by a booby trap consisted of one hand grenade with trip wire at grid TD471328. Both men had fragmentation wounds of the lower body. They were medivaced to Camp Evens. Co C 2nd plt 3rd sqd found two M-16 ammo cans filled with rice at grid YD432185[?]. They destroyed the rice.

10 Nov.- PFC Wayne O`neil of 2nd plt Co B stepped on a booby trap constructed of 41/2 lbs explosive and a pressure type firing device, as he was crossing a trail. He suffered frag wounds in the left hand and amputation of his left foot. He was taken to Camp Evans. There were no signs of recent activity and the area had been already hit by artillery and a flame drop earlier in the day.

11 Nov.- Co C 2nd plt 1st sqd found a garden plot 8 feet by 16 feet with a fighting position 5 feet by 5 feet at grid YD541291. Indications are that the place was used within the last 48 hours.

12 Nov.- Co B 1st plt found three propaganda sheets made from hardboard at grid XV79312[?].

13 Nov.- Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd on LP northwest of FSB Jack sighted six VC/NVA in the vicinity of grid 489290. The enemy were engaged by snipers and 81mm mortars. Later the squad saw three VC/NVA around grid 487290, 81mm HE was fired and resulted in one secondary explosion. Sweeps of both areas were made at first light with negative results. Co A 2nd plt 3rd sqd while pulling security for engineers received small arms and RPG fire. There were no friendly casualties. Third Bde recon and security squad working in the battalion area of operations engaged one VC/NVA at grid YD395283. Enemy fled north, with recon following. This resulted in the discovery of one hootch and one bunker at grid YD393287. Both were destroyed.

14 Nov.- At grid YD602225, recon sighted six VC/NVA moving south at a distance of 1400 meters. Eighteen rounds of 105mm HE were ifred. A sweep of the area produced negative results. Bde recon and security squad around grid YD397287 detonated a booby trap which resulted in four US KIA, and two US WIA.

15 Nov.- Co A 2nd plt 1st sqd moved to grids YD544269 and YD546248 to check out radar sightings. At grid YD546248 they found sleeping positions for four or five individuals. One or two days old.

16 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continued in operation Jefferson Glen, OPCON to the 3rd Bde. N.A`s and S/P`s were employed with negative results.

17 Nov.- Co D 1st plt found a NVA/VC factory made booby trap at YD 503255. It had a pressure type firing device and was employed across a small stream. There were no markings to indicate that the booby trap was in the area. The element was combat assaulted before and EOD team could be brought to the area, and the booby trap was left in place.

18 Nov.- Co B 2nd plt had one man wounded by a booby trap at grid YD474338. Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd found two bunkers about a month old, ten feet off a trail running north and south at grid YD497249. The trail was one and one half feet wide and there are indications of four or five people in the area within the last two days. The bunkers were destroyed. Co D 2nd plt 3rd sqd found six bunkers about two weeks old at grid YD505204[?]. The bunkers were twenty meters apart and formed a circle. These bunkers were also destroyed.

19 Nov.- Co D 3rd plt 2nd sqd found a grave containing the skeleton of a small man wrapped on gray plastic at grid YD497245. At 1230 hours the 1/506th Inf took command of FSB Jack and its area of operation. Co D 3rd plt 1st sqd at the site of the bunkers they destroyed yesterday [gridYD497249], found tracks of one person that were made after they left the site one 18 Nov. The battalion moved from FSB Jack to FSB Rakkassan. Co B moved from the field to Rakkassan by air movement and foot march.

20 Nov.- Co D 1st plt 2nd sqd at grid YD501240 found bunkers three to six months old. There are no trails in the area or signs of recent activity. Recon at grid YD490228 found tracks of four individuals going south . Thetracks were about eight hours old.

21 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen and is OPCON to 3rd BDE at FSB Rakkassan.

22 Nov.- Co D 1st plt 3rd sqd found four bunkers a year or more old and caving in at grid YD497230. Bunkers were in pairs, 15 meters apart and 30 meters between pairs. They were located on a north-south trail two feet wide. There were no signs of recent activity. Bde recon and security Plt is operating in the battalion area of operations and is OPCON to the 1.502d Inf.

23 Nov.- Co C 2nd plt found 8 bunkers at grid YD453168. Seven are in poor condition and one is in good condition and has been used in the last month. They also found an NVA helmet and canteen in the area. The bunkers were destroyed. Co A 1st plt found seven bunkers and 14 fighting positions arranged around a hill top at grid YD478188. The place is about six months old and no recent activity. Artillery was used to destroy the bunkers after the Plt moved out of the area.

24 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen and is still OPCON to 3rd BDE. Use of S/P`s and N/A`s had negative results.

25 Nov.- The battalion moved [?] to FSB Arsenal today and was relieved as the division ready reaction force. The 2/506 assumed responsibility for Rakkassan and its area of operations at 1435[?] hours. The move to FSB Arsenal was completed without incident.

26 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen using S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

27 Nov.- Co B 1st plt found a dud US bomb at grid YD829078. Request EOD team.

28 Nov.- Co B 1st plt found a 155mm round at 818086. They did not blow it for lack of qualified personnel. They also found an officers type briefcase containing pay vouchers dated 1970 and other papers including a personal letter.

29 Nov.- The 1/502d Inf continues operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

30 Nov.- Co B moved by air to LZ`s secured by Co D , which then moved by air to FSB Arsenal and assumed responsibility for the firebase.

1 Dec.- Co B 1st plt found a three foot wide trail vic northeast at grid YD789054. There were no signs of recent activity. Co B 2nd plt found an eight man sleeping position at grid YD772073.

2 Dec.- Co B 2nd plt found a trail at YD772079 and a sandal. Also found a can believed to be used for cooking so it was smudged. On the same trail they found a man-made cave three feet wide and three feet deep. Nothing was found in the cave. Trail is 18-20 inches wide and runs NW into stream. There was no recent activity. Co B 1st plt found one US claymore with out wire or firing device, but explosive intact at grid YD788065. At grid YD796066 they found one US claymore without wire, firing device, or explosives, one trip flare, unopened C-ration cans, empty packages and opened envelopes with addresses. Envelopes had complete addresses and unit designation on them. The unit involved was our own Co D. Co C 1st plt found a booby trap at YD785052. It had a pressure type firing device and weighed about 10 lbs. It was on a trail with no signs of recent activity.

3 Dec.- Co B 1st plt found a 105mm round and is going to blow it is place.

4 Dec.- Co B 1st plt found a NDP site at YD782062. In the site they found a notebook with information concerning combat assaults, the unit commandeers name, names of others in the outfit. It's believed the notebook belongs to as NCO of D Co.

5 Dec.- The 1/502d Inf continues in operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

6 Dec.- Co B 1st plt found a tunnel and bunker complex at grid YD783064. The tunnel led to the five bunkers. Three bunkers are old and two are new being about a month old. At entrance to the tunnel there were bare foot prints two or three days old. Also in the area were found some carrying cases for rockets or shells. Cases are OD in color about 30 inches long and 5 inches diameter. They are closed at one end and have a snap cover at the other.

7 Dec.- Co A 3rd plt 2nd sqd found five fighting positions two to three months old at grid YD842048. They formed a V and could possibly have been used for an ambush. There was no recent activity in the area.

8 Dec.- Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd at location YD773056 found two bunkers six to eight months old and four fighting positions, all facing east. There was no recent activity. Bunkers and fighting positions were destroyed.

9 Dec.- Co B 1st plt 2nd sqd found a well used trail, two feet wide about three weeks old at grid YD791047. The trail runs west to a stream. There were no signs of recent activity.

10 Dec.- Co B 1st plt 1st sqd at grid YD782046 found one dud 155 round and don't have any explosives to blow it. It was along a trail running south to north. They also found a bandoleer of M-16 ammo in the same vicinity. Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd observed smoke rising from a densely covered ravine at grid YD786068. No friendlies were in the area and it was fired up with fifty 105mm HE rounds. Sweep of the area will be made in the morning.

11 Dec.- Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd made a sweep of the area fired up last night and found a VC/NVA campsite at the location YD786068. The camp had been occupied when the artillery was fired. All indications point to a hasty flight from the area by the enemy. They fled north and numbered six to eight men. Found in the area were eight RPG rounds, eight 60mm mortar rounds, a cooking pot with five pounds of cooked rice in it, one US map sheet number 6442 [?], a pistol belt with one M-26 grenade, two AK47 magazine with ammo, some clothes, two cans of non-electric blasting caps, and assorted other items such as bags and cans. All of the items were laying around in the open, Supporting the belief the enemy fled the artillery fire. Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd observed two men at grid YD778056 and called in artillery with unknown results. Co B 1st plt at 1915 hours saw a light at grid YD781048 and called in artillery fire which resulted in four secondary explosions. At 1955 they heard loud noises and movement at YD786046 and again called in the artillery. They will sweep the area in the morning. Co B 1st plt at 2320 hours receiving mortar fire from the west hitting NW of their NDP. They are adjusting artillery from their DT`s. Co B 3rd plt heard some rounds hit about 300 meters away, coming from the SE. In all, ten to twelve rounds were counted. Prior to the mortar rounds, 1st plt heard small arms fire from the approximate impact area of the mortar rounds.

12 Dec.- Co B 3rd plt at grid YD784065 found seven M-16 magazines all loaded. Co B 1st plt sweep of area where secondary explosions were heard had negative results. Co C returned to operational control of the 1/502d Inf today at 1530 hours.

13 Dec.- Co B 3rd plt 3rd sqd at grid YD786068 found one Russian 7.62mm pistol with eight rounds in the magazine, one AK47 with two full magazines, 27 lose pistol rounds in a plastic bag, 58 AK47 rounds in a sand bag, one NVA ruck sack, one NVA poncho, two ¼ lb explosive blocks with pull type fuse, six ¼ lb explosive blocks without fuses, three RPG boosters, two 60mm mortar rounds, and one flashlight. The cache was above ground and in good condition. Co B 1st plt 1st sqd found a trail 1 ½ feet wide running north-south at grid YD789044 about fifty feet from a stream. There were three sets of shoe prints made in the last 48 hours. Co B 3rd plt 1st sqd found one M79 HE round and a piece of a black shirt in a caved in man-made cave one to two months old at grid YD788063[?]. There were no signs of recent activity. Co D made a combat assault from FSB Arsenal to three LZ`s grids YD789005, 772018, and 798119[?]. Co C took over security of FSB Arsenal. Co D 3rd plt 1st sqd checked out cleared area around their LZ at grid YD798119 where bunkers had been reported. The open area looked like an old rice paddy and the platoons KCS said there were three men in the area up to three hours before because of sandal prints on the trail. The trail ran north-south and the prints went north.

14 Dec.- Co B 1st plt found a trail one and a half feet wide, NVA/VC type trail not [?] at YD784044. The trail runs NW-SE and leads into a ravine. There are definite signs of activity only hours old.

15 Dec.- The 81mm mortars section found six 60mm mortar round with charges and safety pins at grid YD773097. The rounds were about six months old. Co A 2nd plt found 15 to 20 fighting positions and a bunker at grid YD845035. The bunker had fields of fire out in front of it. The complex is at least a year old and there were no signs of recent activity. To the west is a north-south stream and to the east a trail that runs NE-SW.

16 Dec.- Co B 3rd plt 3rd sqd found a VC/NVA trail running N-NE at grid YD770012. They estimate about ten VC/NVA were on the trail within the last four days.

17 Dec.- Co D 3rd plt at grid YD775018 was cleaning up at a stream when one NVA came up the stream. Securing man and NVA spotted each other at the same time. NVA dropped his weapon and fled south down the stream. The security man engaged him and resulted in one NVA KIA and one AK47 captured and other items the enemy was carrying. Also at the time of contact, members of the platoon saw two other NVA who fled north. They were engaged with negative results.

18 Dec.- At 0235 hours FSB Birmingham took five incoming rounds of unknown type. Co B 3rd plt thought they heard the rounds being fired at grid YD761855[?], The same area artillery suspects as being the launch site. Co B 3rd plt 2nd sqd found human feces on a trail with no paper around it and sandal prints of about six people about three days old moving southeast at grid YD778045.

19 Dec.- Co B 1st plt and 3rd plt and Co A 2nd plt made a combat assault on top of Hill 943 in the Hai Van Pass area and are OPCON to the 2/501st Infantry.

20 Dec.- Co D 3rd plt found a booby trap consisting of a 60mm mortar round and a pressure type release at grid YD775029. The round was on the east edge of an LZ, not on a trail. A trail in the area, one foot wide, heading east had tracks of three to five people, about five days old. The booby trap was blown in place.

21 Dec.- Recon team two spotted several people at grid YD751096. They were unable to identify the individuals who seemed to be wandering around the area. Artillery was employed with negative results. Recon team one found old tunnels at grid YD795090. They checked out the area and fifty meters away they found another old caved in tunnel. They all ran north or northeast and were at least one year old.

22 Dec.- The 1/502d Inf continued in operation Jefferson Glen in sector Gulf making maximum use of S/P`s and N/A`s with negative results.

23 Dec.- Co B 2nd plt moved by air to an LZ secured by Co A 2nd plt at grid AT825954. Co A 2nd plt returned to battalion control and now the entire Co B is OPCON to 2/501st Infantry.

24 Dec.- The twenty-four hour Christmas cease fire began today at 1800 hours and will terminate at 1800 hours tomorrow. Any artillery fires during the cease fire must be approved by the battalion CO and the Brigade CO.

25 Dec.- Co A 2nd plt found two bunkers in good condition at grid YD801069. Twenty five meters from the bunker they found a hole 15 feet deep and eight feet square. Co C 2nd plt 3rd sqd had movement 100-200 meters NW of their location at YD791049. They engaged with M-79 HE and artillery. They will sweep the area in the morning.

26 Dec.- Co A 2nd plt 2nd sqd found two tunnels about eight months old but useable at grid YD802066. At a nearby creek bed were ten holes in the side of the creek bed, 2 ½ feet wide and two feet deep. The holes were large enough for one person to crawl up in. These holes were very recent. A campfire was there about a week old. A US Navy aircraft flare M6-45[?] model O was also found there. It had been carried into the area.

27 Dec.- Co D 3rd plt spotted a trail watcher at grid YD774024. The point man fired at the trail watcher who returned fire and then fled to the southeast. The enemy was wearing a green plastic raincoat and carrying an AK47. A sweep of the area found tracks of two barefoot men at an LZ. The tracks were one or two days old and headed south.

28 Dec.- Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd moved by boat to TD791090 and swept a radar sighting at YD797089 and found a sleeping position and a well used trail one and half feet wide running west. There were shoe prints on the trail going west. Activity was within the last twenty-four hours. Co C 2nd plt at YD847045 found four pressure type firing devices with mines leading into the grass. Explosives are undetermined and in a box on an LZ presumably meant for helicopters. They also found four 82mm mortar safety pins. No recent activity. A flame drop has been requested.

29 Dec.- Co C 3rd plt at grid YD724058 found tracks of three people on a two foot wide trail going south. Tracks are only a few hours old. Co D 2nd plt 1st sqd engaged a trail watcher dressed in GI type clothes and wearing sandals. He was armed but they could not identify the weapon. He fled in a southwest direction, Co A 3rd plt 3rd sqd guarding the bridge to FSB Arsenal at grid YD805092 heard splashes in the water. Illumination was fired and they observed figure in the water. They engaged with small arms fire and grenades. A sweep of the area produced negative results.

30 Dec.- Co D 1st plt and company minus at 1224 hours at grid YD792018 received four 60mm mortar rounds. Suspected launch site was Hill 229, 800 meters, 275 degrees from their location. They returned fire with M-79 HE and M-60 machinegun fire. Artillery fired five white phosphorus and 172 HE 105mm rounds. Results were seven US WIA. They were evacuated to Phu Bai.

31 Dec.- Co D 1st plt engaged two NVA wearing rain jackets and sandals, no weapons at grid YD770020. Sweep of the area produced one sandal and one stack of burnt [?] cans being collected. Co D 3rd plt engaged a trail watcher on trail going west at grid YD784021. The enemy fled to the west. He as wearing a poncho or raincoat, was barefoot and had no weapon. At 1200 hours the [?] [?] New Year`s cease fire went into effect with the same rules as the Christmas cease fire.

SYNOPSIS OF OPERATIONS
1970

Nineteen hundred and seventy was a year marked by dramatic changeovers in the war in Vietnam. Concomitant [?] with the decrease in United States combat actions, The ARVN units accepted an ever increasing role in the overall concept of operations. This greater effort was made possible by a number of significant occurrences. The Vietnamese forces showed increasing desire to defend themselves and were eager to accept new tasks. Because of the instruction afforded by advisers in the form of training teams and the weapons given them by the United States the Popular and Regional Forces were able to more effectively carry out their missions, and accept a greater role in the defense of populated areas.
During the entire year, the mission of the 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry, varied little. Even during the offensive phase of Texas Star the battalions mission was one of defending the lowlands and interdiction of supply and infiltration routes. ‘First Strike” was also responsible for training the RF/PF units within its area and conducting limited-objective, small-force operations with them.
Nineteen hundred and seventy also marked a year of decreased enemy activity in all the sectors of responsibility. This can be directly attributed to the increased South Vietnamese role and the invasion of Cambodia to destroy the communist sanctuaries. In the ‘First Strike’ sector the former reason is probably the most significant.
In terms of success or failure the year 1970 must be listed as extremely successful. In fact the full effect of the successes cannot even be measured at years end for a force as small as a battalion. Even while conducting operations through areas that have not been searched for a year, the battalions units encountered only minor signs of communist activity and very seldom in the immediate past.

SUMMARY

The year 1970 provided the “First Strike” Battalion with many challenges. Locked in mortal combat with a resourceful enemy, the 1/502d Infantry met and overcame these challenges with and aggressiveness and self determination that established a record in which every member of the original parachute battalion and all other members past present and future, may take justifiable pride. This was possible only because each member of this battalion did his job and just a little more, characteristic of the “airborne spirit”.

Roster of Key Personnel
Commanders and Staff 1 January 31 December 1970
Battalion Commander:
LTC Robert Kenner 1 Jan- 5 May
LTC Arnold E. West 5 May- 16 Sept.
LTC Richard N. Lang 16 Sept.- 31 Dec

Executive Officer: MAJ J. D. Keyes 1 Jan 7 Jan
MAJ James V. Masson 7 Jan 17 Jul
MAJ Denver E. Hackworth 17 Jul 31 Dec.

S1: 1 LT John F. Cobak 1 Jan 12 Jul
1 LT Ralph A Heinz 12 Jul 31 De

S2: 1 LT William J. Latta 1 Jan 11 Mar
CPT Alvin Hennigan 11 Mar 30 May
1 LT Keith Schneider 30 May 15 Sep 1
LT Dennis P. Reilly 15 Sep 31 Dec

S3:
MAJ Forest E. Lawton 1 Jan 6 Jan
MAJ Wood R. Delevil 7 Jan 28 Feb
1 LT Robert H. Williams 28 Feb 1 Apr
MAJ Curtis C. Hurst 1 Apr 7 Sep
CPT Jimmy S. Arrington 7 Sep 31 Dec

S4: CPT Trent L. Cowe 1 Jan 5 Mar
CPT Robert J. Viens 5 Mar 6 Jul
CPT William L. Robinson 6 Jul 30 Sep
1 LT Larry R. Ellis 30 Sep 10 Dec
1 LT John H. Axlary[?] 10 Dec 31 Dec

S5: CPT George Hollingsworth 1 Jan 4 Oct
1 LT Robert Clark 4 Oct 31 Dec

Bn Surgeon:
CPT Patrick R. Page 1 Jan 3 May
CPT Joseph Maler 3 May 22 Nov
CPT James A. Sims 22 Nov 31 Dec

Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
1 LT Donald A. Bailey 1 Jan 31 Jan
2 LT Dennis L. Stwart 31 Jan 8 Feb
1 LT Donald A. Bailey 8 Feb 20 Feb
CPT Dennis A. Erickson 20 Feb 8 Aug
CPT Ronald L. Paramore 8 Aug 13 Oct
CPT Roger R. Compton 13 Oct 8 Dec
CPT Carroll Sykes 8 Dec 31 Dec

A Company: CPT Peter E. Reilly 1 Jan 15 Mar
CPT Thomas M. Curtis 15 Mar 28 Aug
1 LT John L. Wertin 28 Aug 1 Oct
Cpt William L. Robinson 1 Oct 31 Dec

B Company:
CPT Alvin L. Hennigan Jr. 1 Jan 6 Apr
CPT Jimmy S. Arrington 6 Apr 15 Aug
CPT Bruce H. Brown 15 Aug 23 Nov
CPT Ronald L. Paramore 23 Nov 31 Dec

C Company:
CPT Peter D. Waldo 1 Jan 25 Feb
1 LT Donald A. Bailey 25 Feb 15 May
1 LT Larry R. Ellis 15 May 1 Oct
CPT Goerge J. Johnson 1 Oct 31 Dec

D Company:
CPT Peter J. Crasser 1 Jan 5 Jun
CPT Steven R. Rader 5 Jun 6 Nov
CPT Roger R. Compton 6 Nov 31 Dec

E Company:
CPT Robert L. Miritello 1 Jan 25 Apr
1 LT Paul A Danahy 25 Apr 16 May
CPT Bruce H. Brown 16 May 15 Aug
1 LT Carl M. Lookkoneon[?] 15 Aug 26 Sep
1 LT Bobby J. Thornburg 26 Sep 9 Dec
CPT Stephen R. Rader 9 Dec 31 Dec

Department of the Army Headquarters 101st Airborne Division [Airmobile]
APO San Francisco 96383
General Orders Number 20
2 January 1971
Award Of The Silver Star [Posthumous]

TC 439. The following Award is announced.
Muellenbach, Robert J 357-468105 SSG 11B40
Co B 1st Bn [Armbl] 502d Inf
[MACPBO] APO 96383

Awarded: The Silver Star [Posthumous]
Date of service: 5 August 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Authority: By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 25 July 1963.

Reason: For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 August 1970. Sergeant Muellenbach distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader in Company B, 1st Battalion [Airmobile], 502d Infantry, during a reconnaissance patrol in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While moving along a trail, the lead element of Sergeant Muellenbach`s unit came under intense fire from enemy soldiers situated in a bunker. Subjecting himself to the enemy fire, Sergeant Muellenbach maneuvered to the point of intense contact and assisted his men in gaining fire superiority and repulsing the hostile soldiers. He then led as assault and sweep of the area, during which a second enemy bunker was spotted. Sergeant Muellenbach was advancing with the machine gun team to perform a reconnaissance-by-fire when a hostile land mine was detonated mortally wounding him. His actions under fire, however, had enabled his men to overcome the enemy threat. Sergeant Muellenbach`s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

For The Commander:
Official:
S/Donald A Seibert
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
Thomas E. Minix
LTC, AGC
Adjutant General

Department of the Army
Headquarters 101st airborne Division [Airmobile]
APO San Francisco 96383
General Orders 24

September 1970 Number 11801
Award of the Silver Star
TC 439. The following Award is announced.
Riddle, Michael T 252-74-6975 11B40 Co C 1st Bn [Ambl] 502d Inf [WACPCO] APO SF 96383
Awarded: The Silver Star

Date of service: 13 August 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Authority: By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress Approved 25 July 1963.

Reason: For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 August 1970. Sergeant Riddle distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion [Airmobile], 502d Infantry, during combat operations in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While leading a reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant Riddle`s unit came under intense hostile fire from an unknown enemy position. Unable to detect the exact location of the enemy, Sergeant Riddle deliberately drew enemy fire toward himself so that his squad could spot the source. Spotting the cave from which the hostile fire was coming, Sergeant Riddle maneuvered forward, directing suppressive fire and throwing grenades at the aggressors. His actions were instrumental in silencing the enemy position and routing the enemy force. Sergeant Riddle`s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

For the Commander:
Official:
S/Hugh A Macdonald
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
Thomas E. Minix
LTC, AGC
Adjutant General

Department of the Army
Headquarters 101st Airborne Division [Airmobile]
APO San Francisco 96383
General Orders Number 11092 17 September 1970
Award of the Silver Star
TC 439 The following Award is approved. West, Arvid E Jr 369-32-1909 LIC 71542 LTC 1st Bn [Ambl] 502d Inf [WACPTO] APO SF 96383 IN

Awarded: The Silver Star
Date of service: 15 September 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Authority: By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 25 July 1963.
Reason: For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 September 1970. Lieutenant Colonel West distinguished himself while serving as commanding officer of the 1st Battalion [Airmobile], 502d Infantry, during a hostile mortar attack at Fire Support Base Blitz, Republic of Vietnam. Heedless of the heavy volume of impacting mortar rounds, Lieutenant Colonel West left the safety of the tactical operations center in an effort to reach a gun position which was not returning effective fire because of damage sustained by the initial enemy barrage. As Lieutenant Colonel West moved through an exposed area, he received painful shrapnel wounds from an impacting mortar round. Despite his wounds, he continued on to the gun position where he reorganized the crew and began directing fire which silenced the enemy mortars. With the help of his radio-telephone operator, Lieutenant Colonel West attended to the wounded and refused evacuation until the last of his men were removed to safety. Lieutenant Colonel West`s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

For the Commander:
Official:
S/Hugh A Macdonald
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
Thomas E. Minix
LTC, AGC
Adjutent General

Department of the Army
Headquarters 101st Airborne Division [Airmobile]
APO San Francisco 96383
General Orders
Number 11898 26 September 1970

Award of the Soldiers Medal [Posthumous]
Young, Wilford A 413-80-2353 SP4 11B40 Co C 1st Bn [Ambl] 502d Inf [WACPCO]APO SF 96383
Awarded: The Soldiers Medal
Date of service: 9 September 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Authority: By direction of lthe President on the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress Approved 2 July 1926.
Reason: For heroism not involving actual conflict with and armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 September 1970. Specialist Young distinguished himself while serving as a radio-telephone operator in Company C, 1st Battalion [Airmobile], 502d Infantry, during resupply operation in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. After guiding a resupply helicopter into the landing zone, Specialist Young quickly unloaded the aircraft, knowing there were hostile soldiers in the area. As the helicopter began to ascend, Specialist Young noticed supplies caught on one of the skids and realized that they might throw the aircraft off balance. He immediately rushed forward to warn the pilot of the hazard and was mortally wounded by the rotor blade. His actions averted a possible helicopter crash. Specialist Young`s Personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

For the Commander:
Official:
S/ Hugh A. Macdonald
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
Thomas E. Minix
LTC, AGC
Adjutent General

For Heroism in ground combat against a holstile force in the Republic of Vietanm on …….. The Award of Bronze Star with “V” device
Ott, Albert W. SP5 91B20 HHC 4 FEB 70
Souder, Robert D. SP4 11B20 HHC 4 FEB 70
Cox, William G. PFC 11B10 B 27 FEB 70
De Levil, Wood R. MAJ 1st OLC 71542 HHC 27 FEB 70
Hennigan, Alvin CPT 71542 B 27 FEB 70
Kufahl, Garry L. SP4 91A20 C 6 Apr 70
Jones, Lewis E. SP4 91A20 C 6 Apr 70
Larson, Randy S. SGT 11B40 C 6 Apr 70
Penrose, Lloyd G. SP4 11B20 C 6 Apr 70
Reed, Charles SGT 11B40 C 6 Apr 70
Riddle Michael W. SSG 11B40 C 6 Apr 70
Taylor, Johnnie A. SP4 11B20 C 6 Apr70
Armstrong, Lloyd N. PFC 11B10 A 25 Jun 70
Iuey, Nicholas C. SP4 11B20 A 25 Jun 70
Blondell, James L. SGT 1st OLC 11B40 B 3 Aug 70
Hyslop, William G. SGT 11B40 B 3 Aug 70
Cushing, Jimmy C. SGT 1st OLC 11B40 B 5 Aug 70
Gray, Frederick D. SP4 91A20 HHC 5 Aug 70
Hamilton, Gerald PFC[posthumos] 11B10 B 5 Aug 70
Blinston, Michael J. SP4 1st OLC 11B20 HHC 7 Aug 70
McDonnell, George E. SP4 2nd OLC 11B20 HHC 7 Aug 70
Hart, Thomas E. 1LT 71542 C 9 Sep 70
Moalister, Kennis L. SP4 91C20 HHC 15 Sep 70

For heroism in the republic of Vietnam on ……….

The Award of Army Commendation Medal with “V” device
Bailey, Donald A. 1LT 1st OLC 71542 C 6 Apr 70
Bauechett, Michael J. SGT 1st OLC 11B40 C 6 Apr 70
Clark, Robert A. 2LT 1st OLC 71542 C 6 Apr 70
George, Melein C. SP4 1st OLC 11B20 C 6 Apr 70
Janke, August A III SP4 11B20 C 6 Apr 70
Jeannotte, Stephen F. PFC 11B10 C 6 Apr 70
King Joseph W. PFC 11B10 C 6 Apr 70
Lawhorn, Neal H. PFC 11B10 C 6 Apr 70
Luker, Carrol W. PFC 11B10 C 6 Apr 70
McGee, Emmit L. Jr. SP4 11B20 C 6 Apr 70
Mills, Warren PV1 11B10 C 6 Apr 70
Reed, Carles P. Jr. SGT 11B40 C 6 Apr 70
Stuart, Dennis L. 2LT 71542 C 6 Apr 70
Hopper, Felton R. SP4 11B20 C 9 Sep 70
McGowan, Richard M. SGT 11B40 C 9 Sep 70

Wounded In Action
Greppi, Robert C. PFC B Co 23 Feb 70 FW
Lindquist, Gary 2LT B Co 23 Feb 70 FW
Phillips, Jackie O. SP4 B Co 23 Feb 70 FW
Runyan, Clyoe SGT B Co 23 FEB 70 FW
Delevil, Wood R. MAJ HHC 27 FEB 70 FW
Hennigan, Alvin CPT B Co 27 FEB 70 SW
Larsen, Garth A. SP4 HHC 27 FEB 70 CC
Shurcraft, Denzil R. SGT E Co 5 Mar 70 GSW
McCoy, Larry M. PFC A Co 7 Mar GSW
Taylor, Johnnie SP4 C Co 3 Apr 70 SW
George, Melvin C. SP4 C Co 6 Apr 70 SW
Kearns, Randall D. SP4 C Co 6 Apr 70 SW
King Joseph W. PFC c Co 6 Apr 70 SW
Mckee, Emmit L. SP4 C C o 6 Apr 70 SW
Reed, Charles P. Jr. SGT C Co 6 Apr 70 SW
Martin, Michail E. SP4 HHC 14 Apr 70 SW
Work Michael S. SP4 C Co 22 May 70 SW
Armstrong, Lloyd N. PFC A Co 25 Hun 70 GSW
Clark, Robert E. SGT A Co 6 Jul 70 GSW
Pickett, Barry H. SP4 A Co 7 Jul 70 SW
Montez, Thomas F. SGT B Co 16 Jul 70 SW
Cushing, Jimmy c. SGT B Co 3 Aug 70 SW
Lavigne, Jeffrey A. PFC A Co 3 Aug 70 SW
Brescol, James SP4 B Co 5 Aug 70 FW
Tucker, Roosevelt Jr. SP4 B Co 5 Aug 70 FW
Hyslop, William G. SGT B Co 7 Aug 70 FW
McDonnell, George E. SGT C Co 7 Aug 70 SW
Chelemengos, Peter N. PFC C Co 7 Sep 70 FW
Gilstrap, Gary A. SP4 C Co 7 Sep 70 FW
Mitchell, Gary D. SP4 C Co 7 Sep FW
Arnold, Thomas SGT c Co 9 Sep GSW
Blackelk, Nicholas P. PFC E Co 11 Sep 70 FW
West, Arvid E. LTC HHC 15 Sep 70 SW
Hopson, Herbert PVT D Co 16 Sep 70 FW
Hoskins, Robert SGT D Co 16 Sep 70 FW
Kelley, Michael P. SGT D Co 16 Sep 70 FW
Gomez, Esteban R. SP4 C Co 22 Sep 70 SW
Harrington, Raymond E. Jr. PFC B Co 8 Nov 70 FW
Buckley, Larry P. SP4 B Co 9 Nov 70 SW
Harding, Bobby E. SGT B Co 9 Nov70 FW
Lawrance, Gregory S. PFC B Co 9 Nov 70 FW
O`Neill, Layne E. PFC B Co 10 Nov 70 SW
Droesmiller [?] James PFC B Co 18 Nov 70 FW
Hartlein, Hanze G. SP4 C Co 23 Dec 70 SW
Bolt Fred R. PVT D Co 30 Dec 70 SW
Collins, Ronald PFC D Co 30 Dec 70 SW
Jesset, Thomas P. SP4 D Co 30 Dec 70 SW
Mawran [?] Thomas SP4 D Co 30 Dec 70 SW
Pry [?] Olward[?] G. SP4 D Co 30 Dec 70 SW
Simmons, Charles B.[?] 2LT[?] HHC 30 Dec 70 SW
Potts,[?] Kevin B. PFC HHC 30 Dec 70 SW
Wanning,[?] Joseph PFC D Co 30 Dec SW

Wisdom 4:-10 A blameless life is a ripe old age. The virtuous man, though he die before his time, will find rest. Length of days is not what makes age honorable, nor number of years the true treasure of life; understanding this is man's grey hairs, untarnished life, this is ripe old age.

Killed In Action [Hostile]
Baiz, Lee PFC B Co 29 Jul 70
Hamilton, Gerald L. SP4 B Co 5 Aug 70
Mullenbach, Robert J. SSG B Co 5 Aug 70
Smith, Stephen T. SP4 HHC 21 Sep 70

Killed In Action [Non-Hostile] Bartek, Donald E. SP4 C Co 2 Feb 70
Gross Michael A. SP4 D Co 13 Jun 70
Horst, Phillip M. PFC B Co 30 Jun 70
Young, Wilford A. SP4 C Co 9 Sep 7