The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat
... Moreions against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. Hide
This campaign was from 1 December 1971 to 29 March 1972.. The U.S. continued to reduce its ground presence in South Vietnam during late 1971 and early 1972, but American air attacks increased while bo
... Moreth sides exchanged peace proposals.
In early January 1972 President Nixon confirmed that U.S. troop withdrawals would continue but promised that a force of 25,000-30,000 would remain in Vietnam until all American prisoners of war were released. Secretary of Defense Laird reported that Vietnamization was progressing well and that U.S. troops would not be reintroduced into Vietnam even in a military emergency. U.S. troop strength in Vietnam dropped to 136,500 by 31 January 1972, to 119,600 by 29 February, and then to 95,500 by the end of March.
During the last week of December 1971 U.S. Air Force and Navy planes carried out 1,000 strikes on North Vietnam, the heaviest U.S. air attacks since November 1968. Allied commanders insisted that it was necessary because of a huge buildup of military supplies in North Vietnam for possible offensive operations against South Vietnam and Cambodia. Stepped up North Vietnamese anti-aircraft and missile attacks on U.S. aircraft that bombed the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos also contributed to the decision. During January 1972 American planes maintained their intermittent bombardment of missile sites in North Vietnam and on he Laotian border and also struck North Vietnamese troop concentrations in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam.
On 25 January President Nixon announced an eight part program to end the war which included agreement to remove all U.S. and foreign allied troops from Vietnam no later than six months after a peace agreement was reached. The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong delegates rejected the proposal and insisted upon complete withdrawal of all foreign troops from Indochina and cessation of all forms of U.S. aid to South Vietnam. Hide
The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout
... Moreh Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. Hide
Description
01MAR71-08OCT71
DAGO 6.74
Awarded to the 7th Platoon ONLY
The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout
... Moreh Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. Hide
Description
18APR71-31AUG71
DAGO 6.74
Awarded to the 7th Platoon ONLY
This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most signifi
... Morecant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action. Hide
This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the
... Morewithdrawal of U.S. troops, but also continuing, U.S. air strikes on enemy targets.
South Vietnam assumed full control of defense for the area immediately below the demilitarized zone on 11 July, a process begun in 1969. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced completion of Phase I of Vietnamization on 11 August which meant that the U.S. relinquished all ground combat responsibilities to the Republic of Vietnam. The participation of U.S. forces in ground combat operations had not ceased, however, U.S. maneuver battalions were still conducting missions, and the 101st Airborne Division joined the 1st Army of Vietnam 1st Infantry Division in Operation JEFFERSON GLEN that took place in Thua Thien Province in October. This was the last major combat operation in Vietnam which involved U.S. ground forces. Following the close of Operation JEFFERSON GLEN on 8 October, the 101st began stand-down procedures and was the last U.S. division to leave Vietnam.
U.S. troop strengths decreased during Consolidation I. American battle deaths for July 1971 were 66, the lowest monthly figure since May 1967. By early November, U.S. troop totals dropped to 191,000, the lowest level since December 1965. In early November, President Nixon announced that American troops had reverted to a defensive role in Vietnam. Hide
29th Civil Affairs Company was attached to the U.S. Army's XXIV Corps whent the XXIV Corps assumed OPCON of all U.S. units in I-CTZ.
As a result of these changes in the command and control structure
... Morethe 29th Civil Affairs Company is now able to accomplish administrative, logistical and operational tasks with minimum delay and increased efficiency. Hide
The Public Administration Team was deactivated after completing their study with the CORDS Governmental Division on the effectiveness of 1969 governance programs and developing the guidelines for the
... Moreimplementation of the 1970 Village Self Development Program. Hide
The 29th Civil Affairs Company received orders from USARPAC Headquarters deactivating the 52nd CA Platoon. The Commanding Officer, LTC David W. Lacy noted the negative impact of the loss of required C
... Moreivil Affairs personnel in his monthly report. Hide
This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter
... Morecampaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency. Hide
This campaign was from 1 May to 30 June 1970. This campaign was mainly concerned with the Allied incursion into Cambodia, codenamed Operation ROCK CRUSHER. As American withdrawal from South Vietnam pr
... Moreoceeded, increasing concern arose over the enemy's strength in the sanctuaries inside Cambodia. With the emergence in Cambodia of an antiCommunist government under Lon Nol, President Nixon relaxed the restrictions on moving against the bases inside Cambodia. Meanwhile, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong began to move on the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. At this juncture Lon Nol appealed to the United States for help. American and allied Vietnamese forces began large-scale offensives in Cambodia on 1 May. Eight major US Army and South Vietnamese operations took place in Cambodia in May and June with the object of cutting enemy communication lines, seizing the sanctuary areas and capturing the shadowy Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) described as the control center for enemy military operations against III CTZ. Hide
I Corps - At least 18 attacks by fire occurred in this corps. Major targets were DaNang Air Base, Marble Mountain and the DaNang deep water pier area. Several large fires were started in POL storage a
... Morereas and ammunition supply points in DaNang and the DaNang Air Base. Additionally, Hoi An and Chu Lai have been attacked with Hoi An coming heavy fire and a substantial ground attack, which was still in progress as of our last report. Numerous military outposts were also hit by enemy standoff attacks.
Shared by SP5 Terry J. Rumph, 2nd Platoon at Hoi An.
I arrived at Hoi An about February 13, 1969 and was assigned to the 2nd CA Platoon of the 29th Civil Affairs Company. We lived on the MACV Compound. On February 22 Hoi An was attacked. Hoi An got cut off for almost a week. All bridges between Hoi An and DaNang were blown and we were told that we could be going to be overrun. The Republic of Korea 2nd Marine Brigade, stationed near Hoi An came in and eliminated the problem.
[credit memory to SP5 Paul Giannone] Hide
This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This
... Moreproject was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown. Hide
This campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressi
... Moreve allied ground operations. Between 23 February and 8 June 1969, a total of 70 significant named ground operations were terminated resulting in heavy enemy loss of life and materiel. The main operations concluded during this period were:
(1). The 3d Marine Division's Operation KENTUCKY aimed at preventing enemy infiltration through the Demilitarized Zone in central Quang Tri Province. Throughout the early part of January 1969, Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army forces continued to avoid major contacts with Free World Forces. Their continual movement to avoid friendly forces or to search for food and supplies contributed to a decrease in the enemy-initiated ground attacks and attacks-by-fire in Quang Tri Province.
(2). Operation NEVADA EAGLE, initiated on 17 May 1968 in Thua Thien Province, continued in 1969 as the U.S. 101st Airborne Division continued to defeat enemy personnel, and capture rice caches, material, and installations within its large area of operations, where it undertook offensive sweeps along Route 547 and around Song Bo.
(3). Two battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment were engaged in Operation SCOTLAND II. Initiated on 15 April 1968, this multi-battalion search and clear operation was centered in and around Khe Sanh.
(4). The IV Corps Tactical Zone Dry Weather Campaign began on 1 December 1968 in support of the overall mission to prevent Viet Cong units from interfering with pacification efforts. This operation, "Speedy Express," interdicted lines of enemy communication and denied him the use of base areas. In 1969 the 1st Brigade, 9th U.S. Infantry Division continued the operation in Dinh Tuong Province, using its highly successful night ambush tactics while the 2d Brigade continued its mission with the Mobile Riverine Force. Although engagements in Operation SPEEDY EXPRESS were typically small, the 9th Infantry Division fought several sizeable engagements with impressive results.
On 23 February U.S. Navy units and installations at Da Nang, Tan An, Ben Luc, Go Dan Ha, and Tra Cu came under numerous and widespread attacks associated with a new enemy offensive, but since many units in these areas were poised to meet these attacks they caused only minimal damage. April saw the heaviest cumulative enemy activity in the barrier interdiction camapign to date. Hide
The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff
... Moreiciently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. Hide
In the early morning hours of January 31 the NVA and VC attacked Hue. Over the next month they were gradually driven out.
Within a few days after the initiation of the TET offensive the 5th Platoon w
... Moreas directed to move from An Hoa, Quang Nam Province, to Hue, Thua Thien Province. The movement was directed as a ncessity to provide civil affairs/civic action assistance to that battle torn city. When the platoon first arrived the military situation was such that the 1st and 5th Marine Regiments and various ARVN units were heavily engaged with the enemy. There was no GVN control and refugee control was non-existant. The platoon immediately became involved with the commodity distribution for refugees. Since February 1 the platoon has engaged in nearly the whole spectrum of civil affairs/civic action. They have continued to work closely with refugees and youth groups. They have been involved with public works, public safety, public health, PSYOPS, etc. and are presently involved with the recovery program for this city. Hide
[Source didn't give a day just month and year]
The 9th AA Platoon was relocated and had it's mission changed. The movement was again to provide General Support to a Province Senior Advisor. In this c
... Morease the platoon was released from its mission with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Thua Thien Province and relocated in Tam Ky, Quang Tin Province.
Hide
[Source didn't have a day just month and year]
The 2nd Platoon was relocated to Hoi An, Quang Nam Province from the field location of the Hq, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in February 1968 when
... Moreredeployment of Marine units at the end of TET Offensive gave an opportunity for the platoon to change it's mission from OPCON to the 1st Marine Division to General Support for the Province Senior Advisor, Quang Nam Province. The movement was in accordance with the employment scheme required when the company reorganizes. In it's new role the platoon became the Province Senior Advisors tool to coordinate civil affairs/civic action functions throughout the Province. The platoon took over responsibilities for evaluating, commenting upon, and processing, in conjunction with CORDS and other province officials, all non-funded civic action project requests in Quang Nam. This responsibility has developed the platoon as the Province Senior Advisors principle tool to assist him in provincial revolutionary development plans. Hide
[Source didn't give a day just month and year]
The 8th Platoon's mission was changed from OPCON, 3rd Marine Regiment in Quang Tri to General Support of the Province Senior Advisor, Quang Tri Province
... More. The change of duty was effected to provice additional support to the Province Senior Advisor in accordance again with the employment of AA Platoons under the reorganization concept. The relocation of the platoon places it in better position to provide advice and support projects within Districts around Quang Tri City. Hide
During the TET Offensive this team was halted in its activities in the field, however, around February 20 the team again actively pursued going to the field and started to work toward providing inform
... Moreation for rice denial plans. The team was very active in March and April setting up agricultural self-help programs in coordination with CORDS Agriculture Advisors and interested military personnel. Hide
Effective February 25, 1968 the 29th was attached to the 80th Support Group, Da Nang, for Army peculiar administration and administration of military justice to include all other matters incident to t
... Morehe exercise of general court-martial authority. Hide
Member of the 29th Civil Affairs Company died in Quang Nam Province. Non-hostile ground casualty from vehicle loss or crash.
Body recovered.
On the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Panel 46E, Line 41.
[Source didn't have a day just later part of April] CORDS Officials encouraged, and military sources approved, the sending of two agricultural officers to the Rice Institute, Los Banos, Philippines to
... More attend a two week intensified rice training course in the latter part of April. The course was tailored for Agricultural Advisors in Vietnam and provided much advice that can be forwarded to Vietnamese farmers. Hide
The 7th AA Platoon is in General Support of 1st Marine Division Task Force X-Ray.
With the Tet refugee situation under complete control by May 1 the platoon turned to other areas to serve the people.
... More During May plans were laid by MAG 36, under the direction of Father Harris, to build a large hospital in Phu Luong Hamlet [YD 863159]. The immense complications of building, staffing and equipping a modern hospital has kept the project from actual contraction as yet. But when the project is eventually completed, it will be a landmark in Thua Thien Province. An acre sized stagnant pond in the above hamlet was filled with dirt to eliminate the unsanitary conditions it was causing. Hide
During the period May 1 through July 31, the Civilian Supply Team in coordination with III MAF G-5 contined to supply and transport large amounts of civic action material to military units in I Corps.
... More In their location in Da Nang the team receives and acts as custodian for III MAF G-5, Operation Handclash, CARE, Catholic Relief Service, CORDS, and other civic action materials. The Civilian Supply Officer also acts as purchasing agent for the USMCR/CARE Fund, III MAF AIK Fund and various other funds. Hide
The 41-16 AA Platoon is in General Support of the PSA, Quang Nam Province. During the reporting period the platoon assisted Wuang Nam provinces Ministry of Health, Social Welfare and relief in the mon
... Moreitoring and distribution of Tet relief payments. Those payments are to all those people affected by the VC attacks during the Tet Offensive. The payments started on 1 May and the following districts have had the Tet relief payments completed; Hieu Nhon District [BT011728], Que Son District [BT038348], Duc Duc District [BT862478], Dai Loc District [AT915576], Dien Ban District [BT067582], and the city of Hoi An [BT145570]. The other districts, Hoa Vang [BT163576], Hieu Duc {AT929688], and Duy Xuyen [BT066515], will be completed y 15 August 1968.
A new survey of the refugee camps was initiated in Quang Nam Province, during the reporting period. The survey shows, the total refugee population, camp condition, number of wells, latrines, schools, status of refugee income from relief payments, numbers of ablebodied workers, and work available. So far all camps in Hieu Nhon District [BT011728], have been completed. The information will be compiled on IBM read-out cards for quick reference, and projects soon will be started in the camps. Hide
[Source didn't have day just month and year]
During the reporting period the platoon shifted 80% of its strength and support to Tien Phuoc and Hau Duc Districts of Quang Tin Province.
During the mon
... Moreth of May the road from Tam Ky to Tien Phuoc was opened, Operation "Durlington Trail" was a complete success. The opening of the road has allowed the platoon to ship much needed supplies thus alleviating the black market price in the villages of this area.
During the reporting period over 15,000 lbs of food commodities were distributed along with 2,000 lbs of clothing in Tien Phuoc District. Hide
4rd Platoon is in General Support of the 11th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.
Duc Pho District during the period has remained relatively secure except for mining and minor ambushing incide
... Morents. During this reporting period, platoon members were involved in four ambushes and snipings. The platoon continued to make contact with the local village chiefs to gain knowledge of their desires and needs as well ast to consolidate working relationships. During this period this platoon saw the completion of schools in Tach Tru, Duc Pho and Da Nuynh. A total of 17 additional classrooms were brought into use in Duc Pho District. Hide
The construction of a hospital for the So Huynh area was begun on May 8. It progrssed well during the month of June and was completed on July 25. The Province Medical Service will soon be sending pers
... Moreonnel to staff the hospital. This hospital will greatly enhance the ability of the government to meet the needs of its people.
The platoon also helped to develp a newspaper and establish television in Dud Pho. the VIS [Vietnamese Information Service] has been very cooperative and has established an excellent working relationship with them. The platoon in cooperation with VIS is showing Vietnamese health movies, a propaganda and American film to the people of Duc Pho once a week. Average attendance is about 600. Hide
2nd Platoon is in General Support of the PSA [Province Senior Advisor] of Quang Nam.
Effective May 10, Provincial Service Chiefs, Quang Nam Province, or their representatives, have accompanied the pl
... Moreatoon commander to districts on those evaluations trips of self-help civic action projects that pertain to their particular department. Four of the most active Provincial Departments are Public Works and Utilities, Publice Educations, Public Health and ND Current Affairs. This activity is significant in that it helps to expedite the processing type of each project sumbittal request. Both the Service Chief and the Platoon Commander are required to sign the project submittal request and include their commens and decision. Questions pro and con on the projects can be answered on the spot. Finally, the originating agency of the request will have advance knowledge on whether or not the project will receive approval of disapproval. These events will also help establish GVN presence in the country side, and will ultimately help us to work ourselves out of a job, by helping the GVN to become self-reliant. Hide
[Source didn't have day just month and year]
The 5th Platoon is assigned in General Support of the Province Senior Advisor of Thua Thien Province in Hue.
The month of May was a critical period in th
... Moree rebuilding program of Hue. This platoon was instrumental in the distribution of building commodities to the districts in Hue, and the surrounding districts in the province. During May, the 5th AA Platoon moved 680 bags of cement to Huong Tra District Headquarters and 832 bags of cement to Huong Thuy District Headquarters and 1987 bags of cement to the districts in Hue City. In keeping with the implementation of the coordinator role, close working atmospheere was established with the G-5's, S-5's and civic action teams of military units withing the Province. This helped to promote the consultation by the Unit S-5's with the Sub-Sector Advisors in every case of civic action within their districts. An example of this was the civil affairs survey conducted by this platoon for LTC Rumph, G-5, 1st Air Cavalry Division on June 23-25. This survey was of great benefit to the G-5 section of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. This visit by the members of the 5th AA Platoon resulted in the establishment of closer coordination be the 1st Air Cavalry Division G-5 and the Sub-Sector Advisor of Phong Dien and Huong Dien Districts. Hide
The Food and Agriculture Team presented a six-month Agricultural projection to the Commanding Officer of the 29th Civil Affairs Company. This 6 month program consists of three major fields: vegetable
... Moreproduction, rice training and swine production. Hide
The platoon presented LTC Hugo W. Nauschuetz, Commanding Officer, 29th Civil Affairs Company, with the 50,000th brick produced at the platoon's brick factory in Phu Huong.
The platoon hired 250 refugee laborers to begin construction work at the Hoi An Airstrip [BT142475]. The laborers set in place metal matting [PSP] for a helicopter parking area and filled a depression
... More with 20,000 cubic meters of sand, so that a passenger loading area could be constructed. Later during the reporting period, 20 laborers placed another 40 meters of PSP for an extension of the runway, total wages paid to the laborers - 142,560 VN$. The 102 ARVN Engineers supplied the technical supervisors for the project. This greatly improves the aircraft receiving capability in the Hoi An area. Hide
[Source just gives the last week of May]
The platoon coordinated with Delta Company of the 9th Marine Engineers, to build a dam across the Song Ly River [BT146457]. This dam was comped during the las
... Moret week of May and enabled the people of Phu Huong to plant their crops three weeks earlier. This dam detours water into the irrigation ditches of Phu Huong Village. Hide
The 41-3 AA Platoon continues to support the refugees of Quang Tri Province under the supervision of and in general support of the PSA. This platoon is billeted at the MACV Compound located in Quang T
... Moreri City. The platoon at present has three officers and one enlisted man.The efforts of the platoon in May were almost exclusively devoted to transporting commodities to the refugee villages in the province. Despite lack of transportation support during May the platoon was still able to distribute a considerable amount of materials and commodities: 2,620 bags of cement, 4,245 sheets of roofing tin, 420 gals of salad oil, 2,100 lbs of rolled oats, 6,250 lbs of beans, plus a number of blackboards, shoes, toys and soap. On May 28 constructions was started on a four-room school house in Cam Lo District. Subsequent completion date was June 12, 1968. During the month of June the majority of the platoon efforts was directed at the Cam Lo Water Project. A representative of the platoon remained at Cam Lo Sub-Sector on detached duty while work progressed on the project. It was during this month that water was first pumped from the river to the reservoir for the refugees of Cam Lo. Seventy-five tons of sand moved from Ai Tu to Cam Lo District for the water project, a task which took three days. Hide
[Source didn't give day just the first week of June]
The Food and Agriculture Team during the first week of June started a Thon Nong-8 demonstration plot at Hill #63 in conjunction with the 51st CA P
... Morelatoon. The Food and Agriculture Team has closely monitored the project since the planting of the "miracle rice." Trips are made to Hill #63 appproximately every two weeks to assist the farmer in growing Thon Nong-8 rice. Seed, fertilizer and insecticide have been provided to the farmer for his project. Hide
Work on the addition [complete with sleeping quarters, latrine and kitchen] to the Hoi An Catholic Orphanage [BT144574], was completed on 11 June. The total cost of the project was 173,329 VN$. The av
... Moreerage cost per square feet was 65.08 VN$. The project took 66 work days to complete for an average of 12 refugee workman. An additional 6,830 bricks secured from the 7th Engineers USMC, 160 pieces of rebar, and 25 two-by-fours were secured for the building of a dispensary and playground. Construction of this project is going on at this time. Hide
[Source didn't have a day just month and year]
The Legal Team continued to perform as a MACV Foreign Claims Office. Plans are already in effect for this team to be tansferred from the 29th Civil Affa
... Moreirs Company in June as a coordinated part of the reorganization of the company. The reorganization plans called for the deletion of this team. Hide
[Source didn't give day just month and year]
The 3rd Platoon is in General Support of the 1st Marine Division G-5. Great strides have been made in the agricultural program during the reporting period
... More. Five pilot plots have been planted in the CA/AOR and plans are to enlarge the present area of endeaver and intorduce an even wider variety of vegetables: Chinese Cabbage, radishes, cucumbers, bush beans and watermelons. The pig project at Nom My [AT 899821] continues to be one of our outstanding projects. A farmers cooperative has been organized in Don Son [AT 963765]. The primary purpose of this cooperative is to provide and care for the Yorkshire Boar we delivered there recently. The boar will be used to crossbreed with the Vietnamese sows in that area. The hot climatic condition continues to prevent the development of a successful rabbit project. Hide
[Source didn't give day just month and year] The 9th AA Platoon is in General Support of the PSA, Quang Tin Province.
During the past reporting period, the platoon has gone through a period of reorga
... Morenization. Special emphasis has been placed on liaison with civilian organizations that perform similar type duties. CORDS and American Red Cross coordination has been established to avoid duplication of projects and/or to coordinate on supply resources that each may have. Special efforts have been made to improve relations with the Senior Province Advisor, Deputy Province Advisor and to improve avenues of communications.
Special emphasis has been placed on vehicle maintenance. This has been accomplished by pulling 1st echelon maintenance daily and using Saturday afternoons for pulling motor stable. This unit has also coordinated with the 8th Support Battalion, Chu Lai for assistance in the acquisition of parts and vehicle maintenance and repair.
The platoon continues to place emphasis on the refugee camps of Hau Duc [BT033037], Tien Phuoc [BT110130] and Ky Tra [BT405115]. Hide
The objective for vegetable production in I Corps is to develop "Green Belt" areas of vegetables around largely populated areas. The Food and Agriculture Team held a two day training session
... More on June 15-16 for Civil Affairs field personnel. The purpose of this course was to train personnel in agricultural extension work in vegetable projects. Participants have the opportunity to apply the 'learn by doing' technique in a vegetable plot in east Da Nang. Hide
The 1st AA Platoon is in General Support of the 3rd Marine Division G-5. The S-5 of the 12th Marines was given the responsibility for making solutium payments to the victims of the ammo dump explosion
... More at Dong Ha Combat Base on June 20. The 1st AA Platoon assisted the S-5 by arranging payment times and locations with the Chief of Trieu Phong District, by providing transportation for the payments and by providing a witnessing officer who also served as an armed guard. More than 500 homes were damaged by the explosion and needed assistance.
The 1st AA Platoon contacted both PSYOPS na EOD at Dong Ha Combat Base. This contact was made because of the large number of artillery, rocket and mortar founds that were scattered about the countryside. EOD stated they had to pick up the rounds within the compound first. The platoon then contacted PSYOPS and asked that they inform the Vietnamese not to touch the rounds. PSYOPS provided a loudspeaker announcement on June 21 and leaflet drop the following day. No one was injured as a result of these efforts, and EOD had the rounds picked up by June 29. Hide
LT's Bivens and Beeler attended a meeting concerning Military Procurement of Vegetables in I Corps. Army Procurement Agency is interested in establishing a field purchasing office in I Corps for the p
... Morerocurement of vegetables for military consumption. The Food and Agriculture Team felt this was an ideal opportunity to increase vegetable production for the I Corps Region. Because of the importance of this program. Hide
The 6th AA Platoon is in General Support of the Americal Division G-5. There has been no significant change in the civic action pacification program in the Chu Lai area. The 6th AA Platoon continues t
... Moreo provide support to all units conducting civic action programs as directed by the Americal Division G-5. VC activities in the area have been centered on the harassment of refugee hamlets, culminating in the destruction of Son Tra Refugee Hamlet on June 28. In this incident a VC sapper squad, 12 men, entered the Son Tra Hamlet destroying 571 houses and killing 79 civilians, RD, Armed Youth. The enemy gained entrance into the hamlet by cutting throught the security fence in front of an unmanned bunker. The 6th AA Platoon provided immediate assistance as directed by the americal Division G-5, with the delivery of clothes, food, blankets. Civic action operations in Son Tra were later turned over to 41-5 AA Platoon from Quang Ngai Province. The Public Health, Public Welfare, Public Education and Agricultural fields continue to make up the major portion of 6th AA Platoon's civic action program. Considerable progress has been made in all these fields. Hide
The largest project ever undertaken by this platoon is now taking form. A dam at Phu Bai VI, a hamlet of Thuy Phu Village, one mile south of the Phu Bai military complex, was initiated on July 1 and a
... Morefter one month is estimated to be 20 to 25% complete. This project was approved by COL Tran, Province Chief, and COL Bowen, PSA. After the plans were drawn by Vietamese engineers the materials were delivered in part to the site, 1,000 bags of cement, 35 ton loads of select sand and 200 cubic meters of gravel. In addition, 150 bridge timbers and miscellaneous lumber have been rovided for building forms and the foundation structure. Hide
During the last week of June the platoons efforts were switched from the Cam Lo Water Project to the Montagnard Resettlement Project.
The move started on the 1st of July. During the first day half o
... Moref the 5,000 refugees were moved from Cam Lo Resettlement Village [YD 117567] to Cua Valley [YD 080511]. The second day saw the remainder of the people moved into the valley where final home-sites were choson. LT Lowe and Mr. Quang, Representative of MSWR, supervised the distribution of 10,060 sheets of aluminum roofing to be used in the construction of homes for the refugees. The 379 bags of rice donated by the German Red Cross was also distributed.
Elements of the 1st AA Platoon, 8th AA Platoon, 5th AA Platoon and 7th AA Platoon from neighboring Thun Thien Province were employed to assist in this large scale resettlement of refugees. The move was made in conjunction with military units who 1st swept the area to clear it of possible enemy presence. Half of the team remained in Cua Valley to help work with the Brou until the 14th of July. During this time the other half of the team resumed work on the Cam Lo Water Project. Hide
On July 3 CPT Marcus took bids from four Vietnamese civilian contractors for the purchase of gravel. Graval was requested throught III MAF channels but was unavailable. Therefore, the III MAF G-5, US
... MoreMarine Corps Reserve Fund was used to purchase the necessary materials. 244,000 $VN were spend for this purpose. Hide
The Food and Agriculture Team helped develop the Animal Vaccine Distribution System for the I Corps Animal Husbandry Provincial Services. For the first time good quality vaccine and storage facilities
... More were made available for vaccination of animals in Region I. Hide
Because of the importance of the Vegetable Procurement Program, LT Beeler and LT Bivens on July 9-15 traveled to Da Lat, Can Tho and Saigon to study marketing procedure of vegetables. During the month
... More of July various contacts were established to set up Vietnamese vegetable vendors for military procurement program. Food and Agriculture Team along with Chinese Agricultureal Technicals Mission and CORDS Agriculture Advisor for Region I and Hoa Vang District are working together to establish the market for vegetables in I Corps. Hide
The Food and Agriculture Team has been instrumental in the development of 4-T clubs for young farmers-to-be in I Corps. On July 15-17 4-T training sessions was given in Quang Ngai City for 4-T Vietnam
... Moreese techicans from all the I Corps Provinces. Seven members of the 29th Civil Affairs Company, including LT Beeler, attended this training session presented by National 4-T GVN officials. The Food and Agriculture Team is assisting CORDS, Region I in assembling 4-T kits for the rural youth program. Hide
On July 25 the 7th AA Platoon purchased a gas operated water pump using Task Force X-Ray, 1st Marine Division funds, 20,000 $VN. This is being used to keep the evacuation of the dam relatively dry fro
... Morem seepage and rainfall.The logistical support needed in the form of dump trucks, front loader and huge quantities of difficult to acquire materials causes the expenditure of roughly 80% of the platoons time on this one project. There is no prediction on when the dam will be finished, but the goal is to complete it before the monsoon start. This dam, when in operation, will benefit over 6,000 Vietnames people through increased irrigation and water conservation on 1,100 acres of land, as well as preventing salt water intrusion. Hide
On 22 July the Cam Lo Water Project was officially opened. General Davis, Commanding General 3rd Marine Division, and COL Am, Quang Tri Province Chief, opened the valves which allowed water to flow fr
... Moreom the reservoir to distribution points along Rt. 9. Hide
[No day just last two weeks of July] The platoon has been given the responsibility of monitoring the distributing of refugee relief commodities released thru American Civilian Supply and GVN supply ch
... Moreannel. The quantity of surplus moved to refugees during the reporting periood is too numerouse to mention. For example in the last two weeks of the reporting period, 200 pieces of rebar, 1,184 bags of bulgar, 606 bags of corn, 160 cases of salad oil, 300 bags of beans and lesser quantities of other food and materials were issued.
Released to Milphap Team # 2 at the Hoi An Hospital [BT148569], 1,050 bricks for the use in building an incinerator for disposing of medical waste. Hide
The platoon has been actively involved in securing and shipping of tents, pots, pans, blankets, beans, oats, rice and other supplies needed for emergency relief of newly generated refugees. Shipments
... Morewere sent to An Tan Camp [AT 937706], Hieu Duc District, where 41 families, left homeless, as a result of an erratic mortar round. In Hieu Nhon District shipments of commodities went to Thanh Tay Camp [BT124571], where 30 homes were destroyed by a VC attack during the night. A total of 35 tons of beans, corn and salad oil was airlifted and shipped by convoy to 1,200 newly generated refugees from the Phu Da 1 hamlet [AT867499] Duc Duc District, after a VC attack that destroyed 90% of the village on 24 July. Hide
The 8th AA Platoon is in General Support of the PSA Quang Tri Province. The platoon personnel are billeted in the MACV compound in Quang Tri City and has its office located in the Province Headquarter
... Mores. This office was established on July 4, 1968.
The La Vang Brick Factory which was constructed and has been administered by this platoon since its inception is currently producing better than 1,000 bricks per day. In keeping with the concept of developing the indigenous economy and helping the Vietnamese to become self-sufficient the project was officially turned over to the Vietnamese on July 28 so they could run it completely on their own without our assistance.
Several personnel from the platoon supervised the laying of the distribution line for the large Cam Lo water reservoir project. The line is approximately a mile an a half long and was laid by the Vietnamese under platoon supervision. Hide
The last significant even was a county fair held on 30 July in conjunction with a sector operation in Cua Viet, Gio Lihn [324695]. During this one day operation the platoon with the support of CORDS a
... Morend the Junk Fleet was able to move 46,000 lbs of rolled oats and 1,000 gals. of salad oil to the the refugees at Cua Viet. Hide
Between the period 1 May to 31 July, the platoon has coordinated the building of five wells, a latrine and shower. Orders have been placed for water pumps. These will be installed at strategic wells t
... Morehroughout the platoons O. Together with the building of latrines, wells and schools, the platoon teaches proper sanitary methods and provides the local schools with teaching materials to enhance this program. Dispensaries have been started at Que Son District Headquarters and Phu Huong Village, at the present time there are no medical facilities in either of these areas. The platoon initiated, with the help of the 29th Civil Affairs Company's Agriculture Team, an I-R8 project. To date this project is very successful. The platoon distributed 1,383 bags of cement, 3000 sheets of tin and the following lumber: 200 2X4's, 100 1X6's, 50 4X4's plus 70 3/4 ton loads of scrap lumber. 12,000 pounds of rice were distributed to Vietnamese Nationals, together with 500 pounds of other food stuffs. 450 school kits, 11 blackboards and 2,000 bars of soap were distributed to the schools in the platoons AO. 2,000 rice bags were distributed to the tactical units of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and 500 tons of laterite and 100 tons of sand were hauled to various projects within the platoons AO. Hide
At the last of October or early November the 51st Civil Affairs Platoon arrived in DaNang on the USNS Weigel.
In 1968 the U.S. Army activated the Independent 51st Civil Affairs Platoon [MTOE October
... More21, 1968] with two officers and 6 enlisted men which was initially attached to the 1st Cavalry Division [Airmobile] [DAGO 1970-39] and later attached to the 29th Civil Affairs Company. Hide
Arrived at DaNang between November 15-17, 1968.
Each consisted of just 3 Officers and 4 Enlisted men.
[In 1968 the U.S. Army activated three additional units - the 52nd, 53rd and 54th Civil Affairs
... MoreCompanies [MTOE October 25, 1968. At various times, these small units have been referred to either as "Company" or "Platoon" or as "Detachment". They were the U.S. Army's smallest tactical TO&E units deployed to Vietnam. Hide
This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions,
... More the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh. Hide
This campaign was from 30 January to 1 April 1968. On 29 January 1968 the Allies began the Tet-lunar new year expecting the usual 36-hour peaceful holiday truce. Because of the threat of a large-scale
... More attack and communist buildup around Khe Sanh, the cease fire order was issued in all areas over which the Allies were responsible with the exception of the I CTZ, south of the Demilitarized Zone.
Determined enemy assaults began in the northern and Central provinces before daylight on 30 January and in Saigon and the Mekong Delta regions that night. Some 84,000 VC and North Vietnamese attacked or fired upon 36 of 44 provincial capitals, 5 of 6 autonomous cities, 64 of 242 district capitals and 50 hamlets. In addition, the enemy raided a number of military installations including almost every airfield. The actual fighting lasted three days; however Saigon and Hue were under more intense and sustained attack.
The attack in Saigon began with a sapper assault against the U.S. Embassy. Other assaults were directed against the Presidential Palace, the compound of the Vietnamese Joint General Staff, and nearby Ton San Nhut air base.
At Hue, eight enemy battalions infiltrated the city and fought the three U.S. Marine Corps, three U.S. Army and eleven South Vietnamese battalions defending it. The fight to expel the enemy lasted a month. American and South Vietnamese units lost over 500 killed, while VC and North Vietnamese battle deaths may have been somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000.
Heavy fighting also occurred in two remote regions: around the Special Forces camp at Dak To in the central highlands and around the U.S. Marines Corps base at Khe Sanh. In both areas, the allies defeated attempts to dislodge them. Finally, with the arrival of more U.S. Army troops under the new XXIV Corps headquarters to reinforce the marines in the northern province, Khe Sanh was abandoned.
Tet proved a major military defeat for the communists. It had failed to spawn either an uprising or appreciable support among the South Vietnamese. On the other hand, the U.S. public became discouraged and support for the war was seriously eroded. U.S. strength in South Vietnam totaled more than 500,000 by early 1968. In addition, there were 61,000 other allied troops and 600,000 South Vietnamese.
The Tet Offensive also dealt a visibly severe setback to the pacification program, as a result of the intense fighting needed to root out VC elements that clung to fortified positions inside the towns. For example, in the densely populated delta there had been approximately 14,000 refugees in January; after Tet some 170,000 were homeless. The requirement to assist these persons seriously inhibited national recovery efforts. Hide
This campaign was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam
... MoreSon 207 relieved the Khe Sanh Combat Base on 5 April and thereby opened Route 9 for the first time since August 1967. This operation not only severely restricted the North Vietnamese Army's use of western Quang Tri Province but also inflicted casualties on the remnants of two North Vietnamese divisions withdrawing from the area. This success was followed by a singular allied spoiling operation in the A Shau Valley, Operation DELAWARE-Lam Son. These two operations prevented the enemy from further attacking I Corps Tactical Zone population centers and forced him to shift his pressure to the III Corps Tactical Zone.
During the period 5-12 May 1968 the Viet Cong launched an offensive with Saigon as the primary objective. Friendly forces defended the city with great determination. Consequently Saigon was never in danger of being overrun. Small Viet Cong units that did manage to get into the outskirts were fragmented and driven out with great loss of enemy life. By the end of June 1968 friendly forces had decisively blunted the enemy's attacks, inflicted very heavy casualties, and hindered his ability to attack urban areas throughout the Republic of Vietnam. The enemy was forced to withdraw to his sanctuaries.
The strength of the U.S. Army in Vietnam reach a peak of nearly 360,000 men during this period. Hide
This campaign was from 1 July to 1 November 1968. During this period a country-wide effort was begun to restore government control of territory lost to the enemy since the Tet offensive. The enemy att
... Moreempted another such offensive on 17-18 August but his efforts were comparatively feeble and were quickly overwhelmed by Allied forces.
In the fall of 1968 the South Vietnamese government, with major U.S. support, launched an accelerated pacification campaign. All friendly forces were coordinated and brought to bear on the enemy in every tactical area of operation. In these intensified operations, friendly units first secured a target area, then Vietnamese government units, regional forces/popular forces, police and civil authorities screened the inhabitants, seeking members of the Viet Cong infrastructure. This technique was so successful against the political apparatus that it became the basis for subsequent friendly operations. Government influence expanded into areas of the countryside previously dominated by the Viet Cong to such an extent that two years later at least some measure of government control was evident in all but a few remote regions. Hide
The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft
... Moreer December 7, 1941. Hide
Description
29MAR66-31MAR67
DAGO 59.69
Limited to only the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Platoons ONLY.
Note: It is also unclear why March was the initial date, when the 29th was still a Ft. Gordon. It must have been
... Morea blanket award for campaigns already underway, which the 29th later became involved in. Hide
The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military oper
... Moreations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Hide
Description
22APR67-22AUG67
DAGO 43.72
Awarded to 4th Platoon ONLY.
The most extensive relief operation took place at Long Vei in the Huong Hoa District of Quang Tri Province. On the evening of March 2, Long Vei was mistakenly bombed by two friendly aircraft which res
... Moreulted in a number of villagers being killed and wounded and the destruction of over 140 homes and buildings. A U.S. Army Special Forces camp, which adjoined the village, also sustained hits as a result of the bombs being dropped. Initial assistance was provided to the villagers by members of the Special Forces Detachment A-101. A III MAF unit, Sub Unit 5, Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, was notified of the unfortunate attack and immediately dispatched assistance into the stricken area. Approximately 20 minutes after the bombing, 4 Marine Corps helicopters were on the scene and commenced MEDEVAC operations, but bad weather and ground fog in the area halted the helicopters after their initial effort. A KC-130 aircraft was able to land near the village and evacuated 53 of the injured before the weather closed in and halted all air operations. Although aircraft were unable to provide continued immediate relief, a convoy of Marine trucks from the 12th Marines and Sub Unit 5 of the 3d Division arrived on the scene and evacuated more than 100 of the injured to the base at Khe Sanh. Further evacuation attempts were prevented on March 2 as a result of two VC mortar attacks which were launched against the base at Khe Sanh.
On March 3, KC-130 aircraft were able to land in the stricken area. By mid-morning, all of the injured who required evauation were airlifted to hospitals in Phu Bai and DaNang. On the same day, relief supplies furnished by III MAF begain to arrive in Long Vei by KC-130s. These supplies included rice, bags of salt, pots and pans, eating utensils, cooking oil, tool kits and lumber. Much of this material was furnished to the disaster area by OCO and the World Relief Commission. In further attempts to provide assistance to the stricken area, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps heavy equipment was dispatched to the scene on March 3 to aid in rescue and relief work. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Contingency Relief Force [CRF] also arrived the same day and made a significant contribution to the relief operation. The CRF provided labor and security and assisted in the distribution of food and the burial of the dead. The U.S. Army 29th Civil Affairs Company provided coordination assistance in the area from March 3 until March 21 [CPT Samuel Austin, PSG Myron C. Gaddis, SP5 Bill Skinner, PFC Angelo B. Falbo and PFC John T. Richel]. By that time the primary coordination for relief and rebuilding efforts had reverted to to the U.S. Advisors for the GVN. Even though a change had been made for coordinating the relief work, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps trucks and heavy equipment, along with their operators, remained in the area and continued the rebuilding of Long Vei village. Hide
At the council meeting on March 14, General Lam was in attendance and requested the council to continue to evaluate the refugee problem and assist him in finding a solution. The chairman of the counci
... Morel informed General Lam that an all-out effort would continue and that all avenues would be thoroughly explored which might possibly lead to a solution of the problem. By the end of March, the 29th Civil Affairs Company was using its Displaced Persons Team to revise the chart of all refugee camps and the refugee population living within the ICTZ. The project was due for completion during April and statistics had already indicated 4,992 new refugees had arrived in the ICTZ during the month. Hide
[Source didn't show day just month and year]
As April 1967 closed, III MAF received an important document on the refugee situation in I Corps which had been prepared by the Displaced Persons Team of
... Morethe 29th Civil Affairs Company. This document covered the past history of the refugee problem in I Corps and pointed to the magnitude of the problem which existed at the time the document was prepared. The following is a portion of the document--
These refugees were civilians who by reasons of real or imagined danger had left their homes to seek safety elsewhere withing their own country. The current I Corps refugee problem began in the fall of 1964 when heavy rains and floods drove thousands of the rural people to "safe-havens" near the coast and larger districts. As the combat situation and operations increased in tempo, more and more people used this opportunity to escape from VC taxation, domination, terrorism and harassing activities. The security afforded these people near U.S. military and ARVN camps prompted others, who had heard of their situation, to flow into these same areas. Temporary shelters were built for many, but others were required to seek refuge with friends, relatives and in abandoned buildings. Hide
This campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of political
... More, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew.
Hide
When the 29th Civil Affairs Company was deployed to DaNang, Vietnam it was officially attached to the U.S. Army's 1st Logistical Command [1st Log] because there were no major U.S. Army ground combat u
... Morenits in the ICTZ but was really under the Operational Control [OPCON] of the III MAF [III Marine Amphibious Force]. This company was activated, organized and trained specifically for the purpose of augmenting the III MAF civic action program. The company consisted of a headquarters element, six civil affairs platoons and a number of functional teams. The civil affairs platoons are capable of supporting regimental or division sized units and the functional teams are capable of proving technical advice at the corps level concerning their particular civil affairs specialties, including public health, agriculture, refugees, education, public safety, legal and others.The platoons were initially attached to infantry regiments and immediately began the necessary task of developing civil affairs studies for their assigned areas. The finished studies provided necessary statistics, identified problem areas and included recommendations for corrective action. The functional teams were retained at III MAF and initially assigned the task of devoloping corps-wide studies relating to their functional specialties. Concurrently all elements of the company established liaison with their logical counterparts, both U.S. and GVN. They became an active and effective addition to the existing civic action program. Addition of this company to the III MAF organization for the conduct of civic actin greatly increased the capability for both planning and conducting this program.
The 2nd Civil Affairs Company's 11th, 15th and 17th Platoons plus four more TDY platoons from the 41st Civil Affairs Company were under the Operational Control [OPCON] of III MAF. However, when the extent of the refugee situation was fully assessed, these three platoons were then fully attached on written orders [USARV GO 2086] to the U.S. Army 1st Logistical Command with a 'thru and to orders' form the U.S. Army Support Command DaNang and finally to the OPCON of the 29th Civil Affairs Company on 23 May 1969. Hide
[Source didn't give the day just by the end of July 1966]
The 29th Civil Affairs Company, which had arrived in I Corps during June 1966, had become fully operational by the end of July 1966. Teams fr
... Moreom the company were assigned by III MAF to Marine regiments throughout the ICTZ [I Corps Tactical Zone] and became immediately involved in providing professional support to these commands.Assistance was given in many areas such as refugee handling, agricultural advice to the Vietnamese farmers and surveys to discover the needs of the people. One such survey, conducted by the Food and Agriculture Team of the 29th Civil Affairs Company, found that theere was a shortage of fertilizeer for use by the farmers located inside the Marines' TAORs [Tacticcal Area Of Responsibility]. This information was made available to the I Corps JCC and the USAID Regional Agricultural Representative, resulting in immediate attention being brought to the problem.
With the establishment of the Claims Commission in I Corps, Captain V. P. Anderson, U.S. Army, the Team Leader of the Legal Team of the 29th Civil Affairs Company was named the Foreign Claims Commissioner. Captain Anderson proceeded to establish a claims office in the DaNang areas where his services would be readily available to the local Vietnamese people. The Claims Commissioner was granted the authorization from MACV to process and adjudicate claims arising throughout the ICTZ, up to and including $1,000. Claims for more than that authorized amount and combat claims were processed through previously established channels.
Personnel of the 29th Civil Affairs Company were also helping the Marines provide assistance to the 27, 239 refugees located in Dien Ban and Dai Loc Districts of Quang Nam Province. Food, clothing, shelter and medical treatment were being provided by III MAF and civilian agencies to these people and plans were developed for resettling as many of them as possible and providing for their needs until they could become self-sustaining. Hide
[Source didn't have day just Oct 1966]
Major Thomas J. Brantley, Team Leader of the Displaced Persons Team of the U.S. Army 29th Civil Affairs Company attached to III MAF, reported during October 196
... More6 that his team survey indicated that there were approximately 240,000 refugees located withing the ICTZ [ I Corps Tactical Zone]. The obstacles confronting refugee resettlement, according to Major Brantly, was a lack of security and the lack of available land suitable for resettlement. Hide
[Source didn't have exact day just December 1966]
The activities of Lieutenant Colonel William R. Corson's 3d Tank Battalion in Hoa Tho village complex, on the northern bank of the Cau Do River, prov
... Moreided an excellent example of a coordinated civic action program. In December 1966, the Battalion's civic action team sponsored a farmers' meeting in the hamlet of Phong Bac. The village chief of Hoa Tho and the hamlet chiefs participated in the event, over 80 farmers attended. They discussed raising live stock and a representative from the U.S. Army 29th Civil Affairs Company distributed seed to the farmers. After the meeting, the village chief took the occasion to tell the people of the hamlet about the Marines. He stressed that the Marines were guests of the Government and that they were only trying "to help the Vietnamese people in the struggle for freedom and fight against Communism". Hide
This campaign was from 25 December 1965 to 30 June 1966. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of pol
... Moreitical, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew. Hide
The unit, attached to the Strategic Army Force 95th Civil Affairs Group at Fort Gordon, became the second active Army civil affairs company within the continental United States.
Commanding the new un
... Moreit is MAJ Lawrence A. Stevens. He formerly commanded the 42nd Civil Affairs Company at Fort Gordon. Hide
