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AUTHORITYGDS, DoD 5200.1-R; AGO D/A ltr, 29 Apr1980

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

NOTICE: When government or other drawings, specifications or otherdata are used for any purpose other than in connection with a defi-nitely related government procurement operation, the U. S. Governmentthereby incurs no responsibility, nor any obligation whatsoever; andthe fact that the Government may have formulated, furnished, or in anyway supplied the said drawings, specifications, or other data is notto be regarded by implication or otherwise as in any manner licensingthe holder or any other person or corporation, or conieying any rightsor permission to manufacture, use or sell any patented invention thatmay in any way be related thereto.

CONFIDENTIALDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

WASHINGTON. D.C. 20310

IN REPLY REFER TO

AGDA (M) (13 Jul 70) FOR OT UT 702029 22 July 1970

SUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, Ist Bat-

talion, 44th Artillery, Period Ending 30 April 1970 (U)

• . .. ....: '. . ; . .. .> ":,t.,. ional

SEE DISTRIBUTION '

1. Subject report is forwarded for review and evaluation in accordance

with paragraph 4b, AR 525-15. Information of actions initiated as aresult of subject report should be forwarded to ACSFOR OT UT within 90days of receipt of covering letter.

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

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:

L IncL ROBERT E. L W

as Colonel,

Acting The Adjutant GeneralDISTRIBUTION:Commanding Generals

US Continental Army Command

US Army Combat Developments Command

US Army Materiel Command

Commandants

US Army War College

US Army Command and General Staff College YUS Army Air Defense School . -

US Army Armor School

US Army Combat Surveillance School

US Army Electronic Warfare School

US Army Engineer School

US Army Field Artillery SchoolUS Army Infantry School

US Army Ordnance SchoolUS Army Signal School Regraded unclassified when separatedUS Army Southeastern Signal School

US Army Transportation School

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL it

D)ISTRIBUTION (Cont'd)US Army Transportation School I

Copies furnished:Office, Chief of Staff, US Army

Deputy Chiefs of StaffChief of Research and DevelopmentAssistant Chiefs of Staff

Chief of EngineersOSD(SA) Assistant for Southeast Asia ForcesDirector, Defense Research & EngineeringOffice, Joint Chiefs of StaffCotunanding General, US Army Weapons CommandCommandant of the Marine CorpsDefense Documentation Center(!SAF Project RANDConuianding Officers

US Army Limited War LaboratoryUS Army Logistics, Doctrine Systems & Readiness AgencyUS Army Mobility Equipment Prx earch & Development CenterVI. Battalion, 44th Artillery

2 1CONFIDENTIAL I

CONFIDENTIALDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS IST BATTALION (AW) (SP) 44TH ARTILLERYAPO San Francisco 96269

AVCLB-(O 12 May 1970

SibJECT: Operational Report of the 1st Battalion (AW) (SP) 4-h Artillery

tor the Period Ending 30 April 1970, RCS CSFOR-65 (12)

SEE DISTRIBUTION

I. (C) Section 1, Operations: Significant Activities:

Administration/Personnel:

(1) The following awards and decorations were made to assigned andattached personnel:

AWARDS PERSONNEL

Silver Star 3

Bronze Star for Valor 6

Bronze Star for Achievement 6

Bronze Star for Service 23

Army Commendation Medal for Valor 21

Army Commendation Medal for Achievement 25

Army Commendation Medal for Service 90

Air Medal I

Purple Heart 12

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry 4

Certificates of Achievement 89

(2) There were no administrative or tactical movements of Headquarters,Ist Battalion (AW) (SP) 44th Artillery during this reporting period.

(3) The battalion personnel statistics as of 30 April 1970 were;

(a) Current Strength:NWUN.3 AT 3 YEA EmUS;

FOR OT UT KCLW O 1312 TAR702029 so W ..OInclosure CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIALAUTHORIZED ASSIGNED

OFF WO EM OFF WO EM

1st Bn (AW) (SP) 44th Arty: 37 2 653 43 2 634

G Btry (MG) 65th Arty: 2 0 140 4 0 128

Btry (SLT) 29th Arty: 6 0 ill 6 0 93

(b) Casualties: 1 February 1970 - 30 April 1970.

TYPE NUMBER

KIA 3

W [A 20

MIA 0

Died of Wounds 0

Non-battle Deaths 1

(c) R&R Experiences:

FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL

1awa [i 7 15 5

Bangkok 7 - 7

Hong Kong 8 6 8

Sidney 8 11 16

Mani la 1 1 2

Tai pei 8 2 10

Tukyo 1 2 1

(4) Current organizational structure of the ist Bn (AW) (SP) 44th Artyis attached as Inclosure 1.

b. Intelligence:

(1) Primary sources of intelligence information for Hqs, A, B, C and 0/65 fBatteries during the reporting period were the S-2 Section, 1st Brigade, 5thInfantry Division (Mechanized); S-2 Section, 2d ARVN Regiment, 1st ARVN Divi-siun Forward. Battery D received intelligence information from the C-2 Section,101st Airborne Division (AMBL) and from the G-2 Section, XXIV Corps. BatteryC, 29th Artillery received intelligence information from the S-2 Section, Ilth

USMC Regiment, Ist USMC Division. Supplementary information was received fromXXIV Corps in the form of intelligence summaries and periodic intelligence

reports and from intelligence information and estimates from field commanders

of supported units.* INt 2 CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL(2) Temperatures during the reporting period ranged from a low of 630 F to

a high of 100 0 F. Winds were mild during the period, averaging 3 knots andgusting up to 14 knots. Frequent low ceilings affected resupply and conmmand

and control by air to Fire Support Bases Barbara and Sarge.

(3) Enemy Activity:

(a) Mining incidents have increased significantly during the reporting

period in the areas of Strong Point A-4 and FSB Barbara.

(b) Stand off attacks with rockets and mortars increased significantly 4during the reporting period. The highest incident rates were at Tan Lam(Camp Carroll), Conmmanche Hill, Khe Gio Bridge, Mal Loc Special Forces Camp,La Son (Anzio), Strong Points A-l, A-2, A-4 and C-I.

(c) There is continued evidence of infiltration from the Laotian Panhandleand from the Central DMZ area. Elements of the Ist Bn 44th Arty have fired onand illuminated numerous targets acquired by sensors and AN/TPS radar.

C. Operations:

(i) General: The mission of the Ist Bn (AW) (SP) 44th Arty and Battery G,65th Arty, continues to be general support of XXIV Corps. Battery G, 29th Arty,continues the mission of providing battlefield illumination to XXIV Corps andIst USMC Division.

(2) Areas of operation during the reporting period:

Lamson 350 2d ARVN Regt Jan 70 - Mar 70 (C, G/65)

Lamson 353 7th ARVN Cay Jan 70 - Mar 70 (A, B, G/65)

Lamson 352 54th ARVN Regt Jan 70 - Mar 70 (D)

Lamson 355 Ist ARVN Regt Jan 70 - Present (B, G/65)

Lamson 356 2d ARVN Regt Apr 70 - Present (C, G/65)

Lamson 357 3d ARVN Regt Apr 70 - Present (B)

Lamson 358 54th ARVN Regt Apr 70 - Present (D)

Lamson 359 7th ARVN Cav Apr 70 - Present (A, G/65)

Randolph Glenn 101st Abn Div (Ambl) Feb 70 - Mar 70 (D, B, G/65)

Texas Star 101st Abn Div (Ambl) Apr 70 - Present (D, B, C/65)

Green River ist Bde 5th Inf Div (Mech)Jan 70 - Present (A, B, G/65)

Dakota Clint 1st Bde 5th Inf Div (Mech)Jan 70 - Apr 70 (C)

(3) Significant events:

(a) On 6 February 1970 at lqO0 hours, FSB Bastogne came under an RPG

attack. There were 30 rounds of incoming from a ridgeline SSW of the firebase at a distance of 1100 meters. D 141 began firing at the flashes immediately,INCL 3TNCLCONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIALand after the first rounds, the incoming ceased. Final enemy results

were unknown and there were no friendly casualties or damage.

(b) On 9 February 1970 at 1845 hours, FSB Birmingham received 54 122mm

rockets with negative casualties or damage. D Ill fired 30 rounds at the sus-

pected launch site prior to receiving a cease fire.

(c) At 0230 hours on 10 February 1970, the searchlight in conjunction with

a NOD at Los Banos, spotted 7 VC/NVA. Machine gun (.50 cal) fire was placed onthe enemy with I KIA confirmed.

(d) On 10 February 1970 at 0300 hours, ths searchlight at Namo Bridge wasu1ed in support of a killer team that was receiving small arms fire. Resultswere 5 NVA/VC KIA confirmed.

(e) On 11 February 1970 at 0130 hours, the searchlight at Camp Evansspotted I NVA/VC in the wire at bunker 32. The enemy was engaged with M-16iire. A check at first light revealed a pair of black pajamas with bulletholes in the legs.

(f) During the period 12 to 16 February 1970, elements of B Battery sup->urted A Battery, 2d Bn, 94th Arty on an artillery raid. The Dusters provided 1-convoy security, perimeter defense and suppressive and protective fire at FSB

(g) On 15 February 1970, A Battery supported B Company, 1st Battalion, 61stintantry with reconnaissance by fire and preparatory fires against a suspectedenemy squad.

(h)-'At FSB Bastogne on 16 February 1970, searchlight personnel spotted,:n:emv movement in front of bunker 14. The enemy was engaged with 81mm mortartire resulting in numerous blood trails.

(i) On 19 February 1970 at 0400 hours, the searchlight at FSB Bastogne"potted movement in front of bunker 10. Duster and 8hmmm mortar fire was placedon the target resulting in numerous blood trails. J

(J) At 0215 hours on 22 February 1970, searchlights at Name Bridge usedvisible light on suspected movement. The moverment was confirmed and firedupon. A survey of the area resulted in numerous documents and rice being found.

k luring the period 24 to 26 February 1970, elements of C Battery sup-:,uried the 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry on an artillery raid in the vicinity of

the Rockpile. Two Dusters provided convoy security, perimeter defense andsuppressive and protective fires.

(1) On 9 March 1970, the searchlight tn- Hill 190 r ,-:.ved smll arms firetrom an area at coordinates ZC 880829. The searchlight was used to directreturn fire by lObmm RR, which resulted in 2 enemy KIA.

() At 0200 hours on 12 March 1970, Khe Gio Bridge came under a heavybarrage of mortar and RPG fire, followed by a ground attack with an estimatedtrength of 50 sappers and 50 infantrymen. The wire was breached in many areas

and the outpost sustained heavy damage. The Dusters fired 450 40mm rounds andsmall arms fire. The enemy activity resulted in one Duster from C Batterybeing damaged, two Duster crewmen KIA and 7 WIA. There were 30 enemy KIA. Inthe same action, C Battery, 29,1h Artillery, lost a searchlight and vehicle and Thad 2 crewmen ',IA.

4 CONFIDENTIAL

3est Available Copy

CONFIDENTIAL(n) On 13 March 3970, FM Bastogne received 20 ro'ins of 6Orm mortar fire,

a3i 1 lnding out ide the wire. D 122 and D lia fired 400 zan 230 rouns res1,ec'b-ivelT. All incoming ceased.

(o) On 15 March 1970, B Battery deployed two Disters to FSB Barbara (YD327337) in support of ist A1IVN Division.

(p) On 1 April 1970, 0/29 redeplayei one senrchlight fro, ,Los Banos to F"DBirmingham in. support of the lOlst Abn Div (&A.bl)*

(q) 'n 2 April 370, D Dattery redeployed c:e Phster from !anco Dridu toPhu Loc (ZD 100007) in support of 102st Abn Vi,

(r) On 3 April 1970, two Dusters from D Bat.ery anet a reinfor.ed infantryse-ij from CompwrW A, 1st DattaJion, 502nd Tnfartry. p.rticipatod i", a one-d!.yopei,,xti in the vicinity of F11B Biintrom. Tie operation was di.: xtr. agairsi

... unr its of untmown strengths detect3d both iniv ii and br eonsor.,, The)iitnrs fired 1000 rounds, fluzhirg out the enemy. A short time .later, a... , uiry element was inserted into the irea. Roaults of thir, action wore unknown.

(o) On 5 April 3.970, 0 Fattery, 65' h Arti.lexy rbdeployed one Qwid 50 ftcmPo>'L ridgo tbe FSD Dirraigl'bam (YD 706102) in support o2 10i3l Abn Div ,A~Ibl).

(t.) fit 0100 hours on 7 Arril 1970, FSB Anrio received 75 to 100 13-40," '.id ro ir rine, followed by a groundx attack with an es.r' ,ted strtnrti-

of 8.; sapparc -nd 35 "infantwyien. The rustr crew preor-nted an attempt to 'h r; **e ire -.n thsir sector. Damage ns teglJ.gible. The Ihister crew fired 730 hjr',r al an sma"L 12-.s f'.ro. The a.tio:i rs-ulted in 22 encmy KI4 on the per'Lterr -c' h 21 KI!A aid 6 row:s in inantr.r co~tact. There was one Daster crewman .IA.

(n) On 12 April 1970 -.t 0225 hours. the Mai 1oc Special Forces Camp receiveda birrae of mor'7ars and R PG'z. The ritaM. off attack was folicued bly a napperatt!,.ck with a compary si-e unit. "2he Duster crews thu-.rted the e(roe-'r tI. .4-io

to ireach the ne in their sect.or hwever, other areas iuere hreacat,-d whic'h• emuil d in the D.,t(.-.r personnel receivine; RPGts and small arms fire from behin1

po•.itions. Tho enemy activity resultd in one Duster from C D-ttei' b.nr'..... -one Duster crewoan KIA ard c WUA. There were 18 eniy KIA.

(v) On 13 April 1270., 0 DatteM, 65th Artillery dspla.ed .re Qnd 50 fr,:.iDo.n% Ili- to F31- Nancy (TD) 42394), in suppo.-L of the 1st .RV11 Div.

(w) on 16 April 1970 at 1045 hn-s, B Battery moved tvwo Thisters from DorgHa to FS13 Safl.y (iD 638274), in support of the ist AlV1' DIVision. On t1. :', :

: n.12 hours., I 7attery mov'ed one' Duster from Dong Ha to Cunp Carroll Jn. u,, 1 .rt tf th-. 1st AR7I4 Division.

(x) On 18 April 1970, two Dusters from A Battery supported ARVN forcesconducting counter mortar/counter sniper operations west of A-2. The Dustersfired 110 rounds counter mortar fire after receiving incoming rounds. Theoperation resulted in negative damage or casualties.

(y) On 19 April 1970, G Battery, 65th Artillery deployed one Quad 50 intoC-2 (YD 135645) in support of the 1st Bde, 5th Inf Div (Mech).

5

CONFIDENTIAL es.t Available CopyV.

CONFIDENTIAL() 20 April 2.970, Il M D"try rcdc.,1oy(od .Lt L. er'.Gs froim EaA,,.Lc to.c~

SLattenr kLycwl, 3 DustI.--;s and1 G/'65 plcm4 i'- -t ' . ar C ircFo ?o Eloztcrts of Battories D and G/65 are in support of Base Dufense u**; .. F

(aa) On 22. April 1970, D Datterj dep (c.yrd i*wo Dure in s'ipprrt~ of apl;tco'. fr.c,,- 2/327 Infrhnt-y at a Chiciu hci. The cr'uraticn wa;3 int~m-ed to

~ v~i~' alcnemy to ratlly. Frica~1ly forcc . aZyz P, 1s' rixrc Thc Dusters fire,! 600 rounds.* Tlto aroa iao owept by 'nf.tiy ith

(1-1t) On 2.1 1, ril 1970, D Da.ttery deiD.' -c0 tilo Dusters to FS33 Naincy (YIDin Cupport of the 3st AF.VN Div-isicn.

L~ t 1.141 hours on 29 Ar12970, C ;attoc-r depl red oi-, rpcltio1-,tr r to Rho Gio DvidCie, aa -t;~ otal of 3 Ihst~i in GouprorG of' th( .I M,:ui'Z.i~~clerieots at that loca~tion.

00~c) On 29 April '1970 at )J400 hourz, G £.attec-y-,. 65th A.,rUe~r .itt1 xo ( 50 ~13s to xi.ziIc (ni 051510) in Vu~pport ol' Ihc !nc~.rl 'Aotc(s C~Jcamp.

(ce.) L\ rin. thc, ropol-t-im pc.'-Sod, elem-at~s c.-f tllis F'r: 1ion sup~jor",A1; 2 4ccnvoy srcrlity missiono vnd 160O r~inesweep operati- ons.

Wb 1:.rn, ualt lacationqt At t~ie end of the reportiq.; pe -:od, 310 A:i ~the :;attali..n im.s t,-ct1--*cJ1,1, d.-Iloyed as follows:

EL; 714T I.0'ZATION SUPPOLTD lIJ-.-.T

(a) 7 73 Dor; T~a Comrb&t rase__________ (1- 2.35533)

(b) DztteTV A. (- ong Hi3 Cqrbat rase 1st Pde 5th Inf Div (m(YD 2335633)

(:L) 6 Dusters Dong Ha Combat Daso* 1st ?de Sth ', inf Div(Y<&(YD 233583)

('2 Dust,:rs 4-1 (YD 270734) 1st I,1011 Div

(3.) 2 Dusters A-2 (YD 21374h3) lst JLRIJ1 Div5

C:2 Dustters C.-2 (YID 213674) 1st A1VTU Div

(5) 4 Dusters A-4 (YD 118701) 1st Bde 5th Inf Div (Mech),

(c) Battery B () Dong Ha Combat Base 1st Bde 5th Inf Div (MecP(YD 233583)

(1) 2 Dusters Dong Ha Combat Base* 1st Bde 5th InE Div (Mech)

(2) 4 Dusters Quang 'fri Combat Base 1st Bde 5th inf Div (Mech)(YD 311557)

(3) 2 Dusters ' BNancy (YD 442394) 1st ARVN Div

C ONFI DENTI AL s ia l O I* 3ost~~ Avaial o'

I

CONFIDENTIAL(h) 2 )ustern FSB Darbnra (yb 3273-?) lst ARVN Div

(5) 2 Dusters Camp Evans (YD 535314) iC.st Abn Div (Am'"

(6) 2 Dusters LZ SalJy (YD 638274) Int ARV!T Div

(7) ' Tsters T-flone (YD 659 03) Imt .'R-,'T )iv

(d) flatterY C (,) Dong Ha Combat Base Ist DcV; 5'th *nr D-.'v (M'c) i(M 233583)

(2) 6 Dusters Dong Ha Combat r-so* 1st Dde 5th Inf Div (Yech)

(YJ 233563)

(2) 2 Dusters Cam Lo Bridge ()D 128671) RF/?F

(3) 3 Dustors IRe Gio Bridge (YD 026562) 1.st ARVI Div

() 1 Duster Camp Carroll (YD 063547) Ist AR17N D!,v

(5) 2 Dustor: Coimmon-he Hill (OP 25O) 1st ARVN Div(M 06' -.47)

(6) 2 usters Mai Loc (YD 09551.5) CIDG

(e) Da+,-.enr D ) P.u D.i (YD 880140) 101st Abn Div (Arabl)

(1) 5 Dasters Phu Dai (YD 880140)* 101st Abn Div (Ambl)

(2) 2 Dustors FS Bastogne (YD 620095) 101st Abn Div (Ambl)

(3) 2 Dusters FS3 Dir,-ngham (YD 706102) 101st Abn -iv (Ambl) L

(4) 3 Dusters Cimp Eagle (YD 806163) 101st Abn Div (Anbl)

(5) 1 Duster Anzio (YD 934072) 1st ARVN Div

(6) 1 Duster Phu Loc (YD 10007) 101st Abn Div (Aibl)

(7) 2 Dusters lai Van Pass (D 939918) 1st Mar Div

(f) G/65 (-) DonG Ha Combat Pase Ist Bde 5th Inf Div (Mech)(YD 233583)

(1) 4 M55's Dong Ha Combat Ease Ist Dde 5th Inf Div (Mech)

(Y 233583)

(2) 2 M55'n Camp Carroll (YD 063547) l' ARVN Div

(3) 2 M55's FSB Bastogne (YD 620095) 101st Abn Div (Amble)

(4) 2 M55's Camp Eagle (YD 806163) 101st Abn Div (Ambl)

(5) 2 M55's Phu Bai (YD 880140) 101st Abn Div (Amble)

(6) 1 M55 A-I (YD 270734) 1st ARVN Div7

CONFIDENTIAL " -

4

CONFIDENTIAL(7) 1 M55 i-2 (YD 2-13743) lot A '.N Div

(8) 1 1,55 c-.2 (r. 215645) lot Dde 54h If Di.v (Mer,)

(2) 1 M55 &argo (YD 029478) ist ARVN Div

(10) 1 MN55 FSB Nancy (YD h42394) st A,.'.I Div

(11) 1 155 Cmp Evans (Y-D 5-153J1) 101st Abi Div (Ambl)

("2) 1 M55 FSD irminhl.m (YD 706102) 10.st AIn Div (kibl)

(13) 2 M55's A1ai Loc (YD 0955'J5) CIDG

(1,' !,129 (-) Da IiarZ (AT 95,757) lst Ear Div

(1) 1 SLT Phu Bai (YD 87910,) 101st Abn Div (Amhl)

(2) 1 SLT FM irmingham (YD 7063.02) IOlst Abn Div (A nbl)

(3) 1. -LT FSD Bastcgne (YD 620U95) lOst Abn Div (.Ambl)

(4) 1 SLT Camp Evans (YD 535314) 101st Abn Div (Ambl)

(5) 1 SLT Don' Ha Combat Pase Ist Dde 5th lnf Div (Mech)('--D"233583)

(6) 1'SLT rho Gio Dridge (YX7 031563) Ist AIVN Div

(7) 2 SLT' lao r.ridEge (AT 927842) 26th Mar Reg't

(6) 1 SIT Cnu o ril~p (AT 999705) 1st Mar R.g 't

(9) 1 SI' Liberty Pridge (AT 928513) Ist Dn 5th Mar Reg't

(10) 1 SLT Roving Light (AT 957757) Northern Sector DefenceCommand

(1l) 1 SLT Hill 10 (AT 924691) 26th Mar RoIg't

(:12) 1 ST Hill 41 (AT 934663) 1st Mar ,eg't

(!)) I SLT !!ilI 55 (AT 920615) lth Har Reg't

110: -0;5RtX (AT 8779577) 5th oa rt

(i5) I SLT HJll 327 (AT 971737) Souhern Sector Dcfe.- .Co~inand

(16) 1 SLT Hill 190 (AT 892823) 26th Mar Regt

(17) 1 SLT LZ Ross (BT 024342) 7th Mar Regt

(18) 1 SLT LZ Baldy (BT 132453) 7th Mar Regt*M42s and M55s reported at Dong Ha and Phu Bai are committed to Base Defense,Reaction Force, Minesweep Security, Convoy Security and Artillery Raids.

8CCONFIDENTIAL

(t fl ntioa exper4turesi CONFIDENTIALE-i'rCT 1"0 PJRTD TOTAL

Ln 208,574 xJy?,69852 cal 541,100 3. Sl,?Co

(6) Pzyu p Tent Zor training, movarent, operationg were is I'llc,3:

(a) Trainirng (CT): 90 days

(i-\ '1" -r~i irt (Feplac=_'r.): 2L dav (>-nstructi.on giiren to rew- P-i-- ndflera ,r-el f'r 3 full days 8 times during rbe cuarte-).

(A) Movement: N/A

( ; Oberations: 90 days

d. Loistics:

(1) Property Books:

(:) lroperty bcoks remain established within this orgar-'A2+io,. ' foli.r-:s:

(1) iU Bn, 44th rty f£r 1M1, A, B and C.

(2) Et-y D, It Fn, 4hth Arty.

(3) fi 'y G (%rx), 65th %:rty-

(4) rtry G (SIT), 29th fity.

(2) Significant equpment fills: The following major end items have beanreceived over the past cuarter:

(a) 1st Bn (WJ) (SP) 44th Arty:

(1) Trailer, A,.o - 11 ea

(2) Truck, Cargo, 3/4 Ton - 7 e

(3) Truck, Cargo, 2 Ton- 2 ea

(4) Track, Utility, 4 Ton - 4 ea

(5) Recovery Vehicle - I ea

(2 Etryer (MG), 65th -rty:

(3) Coner .Lor Set, 1.5 *7.W - I ea

(2) Mount, machinegun M55 - 3 ea

(3) Significant equipment shortages; The following items are now onrequisition and are considered critical for this unit's mission:

(a) 1st Bn (AW) (SP) 44th Arty:

(1) Generator Set, 1.5 KW, DC - 16 ea CONFIDENTIAL(2) Generator Set, 3 KW, AC - 1 ea

T

(. - (C"e, Serv,.d) - ea CONFIDENTIAL1. 1io z It JG :C 1(26 - 17 ca

( -IA io.!ic ,-t, A,;/V:.C 16 - 1 Ca

(M) Rar!io Set A/TC h7 - h ea j(7) ?.-,c'very Veh:ce FT 1-1578 - I ea

1W Trnilcr, Arno ,.'J2 - 26 ea

-c , w;- t, "c 1, 1'51A1 3 ea

I iL) ,:-:i.-. L;..;._,r-,t'r-i De icc - 55 ca

Dc: ftry G (Y.!), 65th Arty:

' : vt, i: 1: :;; u,*M55 - 3 ea i

M':' *'T.fl,n, Cl. .50, M2 - 13 ca

3'.' 25€ -12 ea

" .i "' ' ,:,/ P.... 6 ea

']. Coron -1ea

Tc, / Ato echf.i.-> Light 2 ca

(7) 7h'>k, Cargo, 5 Ton -5 ea

(i) 'i'n:~'.~r, Wrcer, 5 Ton - 1 ea

) ~, G (SLT), 2th Arty:

., crV. ... (' /ilnfa), AN/'155-3 4 ea

.... + .:'.. T ."'/F? - ea

t, , -J T" n - 1 oat

S' P •,' - 3 1'ivit,, I

I) LLrJn tc ou:'rt,r, tlir-'e meorial services were held. On 2.6 March

. .-- f - ' Iitcholl Str:t ond SF4 Terry l'oser, both of.. '. -'ces we)' held "or PFC Phi.llip Long, also of

oil *22 L)Y41 1970 for ,'rC Freddi; Thorpson

() DurinP the reporting period, the Battalion Chaplain conducted 94, ,rVicC as follows:

*%) Field locations - 50

d ST,'oc ial Hlto i -v

CONFIDENTIAL

Best Available Copy

CONFIDENTIAL(3) The Battalion Chepinin, in cooperation with the office of the Gro'p

Chnila .:, taught ch'tracter guidance classes for the month of February forr., s on Dons Ha Combat rase.

f. Medical:

(1) Durin the reporting period, there have been 685 out-{A.tient vj-jtoto the Aid Station.

(2) InformatJon has been distributed to battery cormanders on the preven-tion ,f heat exhaustion.

(3) Sanitary inspections were conducted by the battalicn surgeon and othermed c I pursonnel twice monthly.

g. Civil Affairs:

(1) Twicc weekly, the Battalion Surgeon conducts a Mednap at the Dona;-Villige Hospital. Treatment is provided for an avnrage of 55 to 60 out-ptie.rtsani 20 to 25 in-patients weekly. Recent information received by this bactalionhas revealed that .. dmiistrators of the hospital have been advtsed and directedto institute the self-help method of treatment.

(2) SP4 Kell'rn, a medic attached to C Battery at Cam Lo, has in&Mint '

hir own .ap in Cam Lo and surrounding villages. This progrn has developedto the point where ho now treats 150 to 200 patients weekly.

h. Educntion:

(1) 1st dMe, 5th Inf Div (Mech) Education Center, Quang Tri Combat Base,administers all courses and tests for personnel stationed in the Dong Ha area.

(2) The 26th General Support Group, Phun Bai Combat Base, administers allcourses and tests for Battery D.

(3) The 8Oth Support Group, Da Nang, administers all courses and testsfor Pattery G (aLT), 29th Aity.

2. (c) Lessons Learned: Commanders Observations, Evaluations and Recom-

mondations.

a. Personnel: None

b. Intelligence: None

c. C:erationz:

(1) Fightinr Tr'nches:

(a) Observation: The trench lines at Mai Loc Special Forces Camp wereinvaluable during the sapper attack on that position. Initially, the trenchlines located near the two AW positions provided cover while moving from oneposition to another. As the attack progressed, the seriously wounded personnelwere placed in the trenches which provided cover for them until they weremedivaced. Also, when the 4Omm guns malfunctioned, the crews moved to thetrenches, which served as excellent fighting positions. Lives were savedbecause of the excellent protection the trenches offered from enemy small arms,mortars and RPGs.

I ICONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL(b) Dval u.tiun: Use of fif1ting tri.ciicz ccibrl iktcd signific:.ntly to

:v.' p. tcrL-:t' de:'-, in the situation described abets2. The trunch,!si Lcc are T,:.'oxmo.tnly 3 fact deep by 3 feet ,,ide ax'd the sides arcr:;t : A.d by corrgated sheet metal and short ergineer stakes. Eronion with :

thLi cnntruction is negligible.

(c) i.-coracndation: That commanders of A' units with lemerrits 3Iporr.gin pi.i ,r, 'tcr defcnse role consider constructicn of fighting trjcile3 ad .scribd above.

(2) Groand Atti c :

('l) Obscrvation: Duri g this reporti g period, eT,.rments of thin 1it-.l'.oriu;,,in.,t ground attacks at Khe Cio Brzdge, Mai Loc and F~o Anzio (ref. ptra1 c (3). m, t and u above). All three attacks were initiated by a h.avy barrageof ro,-kc-ts, mortars and R's.

(b) Evaluation: During the IGe Gio attack, all personnel imediatoly tookcover at the first indication of incaming. They were subsequently trapped inLi.-.r bunkers as the intensity of the attack increased. When the inton. ityof the incrAing dccreasod, the AW crowien moved out of the bunkers and returned ''iro. hc'€eve.jr, this delay in maemirg the gun,, allowed the enemy to gain the

-. Wdv-Antagc and inflict hi,avy casualties and damage. In the othcr two attacks,t h, cr wncn [r.-icdittcly wont to their guns at the first in'lication of

2 r'.;.f,:. irctinf a large volume of fire against the onc:my, the pcrimtern.et penetratcd in tho areas whore the Dstors were located.

(c) Recommendations:

I That all commanders reemphasize the fact that a large scale standoffattack is often followed by a ground attack.

2_ That firing positions on the perimeter must imm.-diately be manned and

prepared to dLrect a large volume of fire against the enemy.

(3) False NDP's using Sensors:

(a) Cbservatigns: On 19 April 1970 at Strong Point A-h, a mechanizedinfantry company established an IDP in the late afternoon. The position wasapproximately 1200 meters from A-4. Supplies were brought in and the companyprepa red for the night. Instead of emplacing trip flares and other warningdevices, they instal. ed sensors around the perimeter. Dusters, artillery andmortars were given the coordinates of the I.P. After darkness, the' ccnpanym(I 1-1. into A-h.

(b) Evaluation: This amployment of sensors capitalized on the following1-nown vn-my tact.* -s:

(i) The rezc -.1.jsanco of recently est-abl1vbsbd positi-ns.

(2) The search of recently abandoned positions.

Tfs c ase worked extremely well as later in the evening, the sensors wereaLtuated. Within 30 seconds of activation, the Dusters, using predetermined:1it i, directed a large volume of accurate fire on the target. Approximately

3 minutes later, the artillery and mortars were fired.12

CONFIDENTIALBest Available Copy

CONFIDENTIAL(c) Recommowations: That this and other rises be uscd to obtain short

te+- ' $ ,iCV nn CiLnifinant results from sensor strings wi+hin the r. ,cu',.nat iC weapons.

d. Organizations: None

e. Training: None

f. Logistics: None

g. Co.runications:

(1) AM Radio Communication:

(') Observation: During this reporting period, an AM radio not war os- I:hAd, ur.!.,' the AN/CRC-106.. radio. The stations oporating in this not

wuro in Done Ha and Da Nnnr, a straight-line distance of approximately 70 niles.:-._.ti:lly, the assigned frequency was near 4 megahertz, and cigrnals botween the4;. iLitioas were observed to be strong and reliable. Recently, dlie to anSol change, the not was assigned a frequency near 25 megahortz. ign:.. betweentc two aY;tions at this frequency wore observed to be weak and unreliabl,,. inan rffort tu improve the signals, the AN/GR1-50 anter.n thn b .in- u ., w.rer. p2a cod b. a more elaborate directional antenna at both sta.tions. Theresulting ci gnals wore improved but still of marginal reliability. It uesalso rc-iliz.-d that each time the assigned frequency would be chnngod signifi-cantly (nore than a few tenth3 of a megahertz), the antennMs at each staticnwould Mve to be rebuilt to correspondingly nw dimensions.

(b) Eialuation: Since SOI items are changed frequently, the possibil ty ofconstructing still mcre elaborate directional antcrnna was considered aninefficient so.u:ticn. The AN/GRA-50 antenr a can be effective.y used at fre-quencies on the order of 5 megahertz. This requires only simplo adjistmcnbf,, sub.,equent frequency changes; therefore, the use of the lower frequencicsis considered the most practical solution.

(c) Recommendation: That the battalicn be assigned an 12, froqtencybetween 3 and 5 megahertz kor communication between Dong Ha and b. Nang.

h. Materiel: None

i. Other: None

3 Incl /PCADL. K r-_M

I. P'ttalion. Orlanizational LC .1A DSt'.ucture C 0", L. .:.ng

_7 f Battalion Deployment3 *. i,.- o Ip

Be3st Avaiable Copy-,tta.c1r CONFIDENTIA

CONFIDENTIAL

.71iID-C (12 lay 1970) let Ind>uJwACT: Operational Report of the 1st Battalion (AW) (SP), 44th "rtiry

for tue Period Ending 30 A,)ril 1970, !XCS CSF0Wk-5 (P.-) (U)

DA, .,e..dquarters, 108th Artillry Group, , PO San Francisco 3626C), 1, .. ,y I.'-

TO: Comunding General, XXIV Coros Artil.ory, m'.:. i I- .C, '.J( II.'rxz.cisco 96349

1. iie UI. . of t.,Q 1st Lattalion, 44tn 'til., is forw..rdod in ac '.

--it.. &i 525-15.

-. .:cur with recommendations made ir. ,aragraph 2.2. C01jID~s :

WILLIAM A. SPINI.T , FA

Adjutant

131

nest~~o Aalbe Cop

AVIT-ATC (12 May 1970) 2d IndSUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned (lat Battalion, 44th Artil-

lery) Period ending 30 April 1970 RCS CSFOR-65 (12) (U)

DA Headquarters, XXIV Corps Arty, APO San Francisco 96349, 31 May 1970

TO: Commanding General, XXIV Corps, ATTN: AVII-GCT, APO San Francisco96349

I. The ORLL of tat Battalion, 44th Artillery is forwarded in Aecordancewith AR 525-15.

2. This headquarters concurs vith the report.

3. Action is being taken through the Corps Artillery signal section toassign an AM frequency between 3 and 5 megahertz for comnication bet-ween Dong Ma and Da Nang. as recommnded in paragraph 7g(l), coxmnica-tions.

FOR THE COMANDER:

CHARLES S. NEVERLYMAJ, PAAdjutant

LVII-=C (22 Key 1970) 3d IndWWII, T, Operatic" , eport - Leams La a.-ed ot lot Natte2on (AM) (),

4,th Artillery for Period 5bding 30 April 1970, IMS C .R-65 () ()

DA. HQ# M= Oorpe APO Sm FPlpeimeo 96349 OS

To: C lanlng onerals UMW, APO S Frft ed seo 96379

1. (U) The OILL for let f~ttaico (AM) (S) p 44th Artillery has ben r-viewed by this biesdquistrs In mcoordaoe with AR 525-11.

2. () This e4 quutere amounrs with the report except a@ noted belovs

In reference to radio ommication, paragraph 2g(l)t Coatraz7 to thestated ealuatim, the S/GM-50 antana, if oastmated properly, cln beutilized effectively a all frequancles vthin the range of the AN/GRCO-06.Howwer, at the distance speoifLed, comicattion is achieved through utili-sation of sky wro propagation rather than gan wave ad oonsquntly isaffected by changes In the inosphere. ore detailed itfornatim referencepropagation and autena o.ostructioun is available in V 11-666, Atennas andRadio Propagation. U2Like WI tactical frequencies, MT Corps does not havedirect ontrol of I1/NM frequencie.. Thems frequncie are centrall j on-trolled by t MAC'; 3-6, and therefore a formal rvuest for each indidalfrequency mit be sabitted through comnicaticns channels in accordancewith My Corps SST Item ).

FOR THE OOD=

ASl AG

AV!W-.C-DST (:'2 Kay 70) 4th IndS RJECT, Operational Report of the let Battalion (AW)(SP) 44th Artillery

for the Period ending 30 April 1970, ROS CS)'OR-65 (R2)

1:uaquarters, United States Army Vietnam, APO San Francisco 9637"

. Commander in Chief,faited States Army P&cific, AThI GPOP-OT,

APO 96558

.his headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lesson Learnedfor the quarterly period ending 30 April 1970 from Headquarters, !atBattalion (AW)(SP) 44th Artillery and concurs with comments ofindorsing headquarters.

2. Comments follow:

a. Reference item concerning "Fighting Trenches", page 11, paragraph2c(1)i concur. The value of trenches and simple foxholes is often overlookedwhen designing defenses. Depending upon terrain, thee. can be of more valuethan complex, and many times, ill designed bunkers that provide only a senseof security and do little to foster the needed offensive spirit for adequatedefense. This item will be included in the next USARV Tips for Commanders.

b. Reference item concerning "Ground Attacks", page '2, paragraph 2c(l):concur. Not all stand-off attacks are coincidential with sapper attacks.However, most sapper attacks are coincidential with heavy stand-off attacks.This rudimentary form of combined arw attack has proven successful alltoo frequently. An aggressive, offewive reaction on the part of defenderswill do much to thwart these well coordinated, short duration, violentattacks. This item will be included in the next USARV Tis for Cosmanders.

FOR THE COMMABDER

Cje'1, W Sevens Jr.

XXIV Corpsist Bn, 44th Arty

'7

GPOP-ur (12 May 70) 5th Ind (U)SUBJECT: Operational Report of 1M, let Bn (AW) (SP) 44th Artillery

for pericd ending 30 April 1970g RCS CSFOR-65 (R2) (U)

HQ, US Army, Pacific, APO San Francisco 96558 6 JUL

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

This headquarters concurs in subject report as indorsed.

FOR THE COttANDER IN CHIEF:

IT', AGO

18

CGKFIOENTIAL

1. (C) Ajoigneda

a. hieadquarters ard Headqiartsrs Elttery, let Batt-salun (A) SP'

b. Batter A.

d. *tteryC

2, (G) Attached%

B.~ tte~-y Gl (Jacbinegurn), 65th Art~eL1y.

b. Battery r, (Soarchiiht), 29th ArtillerY.

Incl 1 19

CONFIDEN71AL

CONFIDENTIAL

P S T C !0 C T--L Z o 1E

IST BU 11!

l 1 G U L 0

127

20 0D 4U I

TIM IUA 23 3-cC A

QUAIJIG IflAl k

2I 2 20

CONFIGENTIAL

Z 230

CONFIDENTIAL

1.- (YD2774)

2. A-2 (Th213743)

3. 34- Cxa-3674)4. A-4 (YIS8-ol)

5,1 ('-2 (YP135616)

6. Cam Lo Bridge (YD128671)

r, F.", BridgeM126)

8.Tn2,,(arol (Yn23-ss3)

10. %A .00(YflzJ.157)

"4 EBB Nancy ID43)

15. EBB Barbara CmD3v733)

16. Camp Evars (0 53 5314)

17. LZ Sally (YD63,3274)

.13, An Do CT-Bone) (YD659ri3)

19. B B astogne CYD620095)

2o,, EBB Birmnga (yfL7061o2)

21., Camp Fe'glo (ID8o6:.63)

22. Phu Baj(siio

Z% I La (An1zto) (17)934M7)

24 Mhu 1-oc

mci ~CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL27, HUI 190 (Ar-,823)

28. 1 a N&ng A9-57

-"o Caudo Bridge (ATi),17u3)

:31. Eil 10 (T26I

32, Bil11 41 (A'[3663)

33 U.i 55 (AT970620)

34. 114-11 65 (T757

35. Liberty Bridge (AT'9553)

36. LZ Baldy (BT132'43)

37. LZ Ross (BT024242)

22

CONFIDENTIAL

-1IFt ARC~VTFl

security ciessifkcation

(Security claealoceaion, .f liii., bd of abottveet and lnd a In# wMal.Iion m~ust bee rope,.d wh on the avoratI/ "tf -e iro~i~N~viG ACTIVITV Corpftloasto) a. REPORT SECURff, CL-IS'CA'-O-

Operational Report - Lessons Learned, HQ, 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery

4. DESCRIPTIVE NOTS MTpe ofD Spoad inclusive dives

,agfed in counterinsurgency operations, 1 Feb 70 to 30 Apr 70.las nag"e)

CO, 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery

78EOR AT P. TOTAL NO. OF PACE b O OF 0111,1

12 May 1970 2.CONTRACT Oft GRANT NO. So. ORIGIMATOM'S REPORT NUMS6ERIII

5.0~g~ NO.NA 702029 1C. M. OTHER RE9PORT NOISI (AnY cefe nmbers.? IA., May be .a9igd

13 COSTRIOUTION 9TATEMCNT

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 12. SPONSORING MILITARY ACTIVITY

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

-4k

23

DD, NO.611l 4 7 3 UNCLASS IFI EDSecurity Classificationi

So0st Avallable Cony I.