This report was modified to display only the most applicable information. Most of this operation information dealt with the details of preparing the unit for departure and redeployment back home.
Arnold Krause 8/22/2011
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HEADQUARTERS, 2ND BRIGADE 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO SAN FRANCISCO 96268
AVBMCO 28 April 1971
SUBJECT: After Action Report - OPERATION KEYSTONE ROBIN (CHARLIE)
SEE DISTRIBUTION
The attached After Action Report describes the “Warrior” Brigade's pre-planning, preparation, and execution of its redeployment from the Republic of Vietnam. The period covered by the report is from 8 November 1970, when the Brigade was formed as a separate unit, until the completion of redeployment, 28 April 1971.
.This redeployment marks the end of a combat record spanning more than five years in Vietnam. The 2nd Brigade Task Force came ashore with the “Tropic Lightning” Division on 5 January 1966. Since that time the Brigade has compiled an outstanding record in Vietnam. The “Warrior” Brigade has operated throughout MR III and was part of the 25th drive into Cambodia to disrupt the enemy's sanctuaries there. Since becoming a separate unit, the 2nd Brigade continued its counterinsurgency operations in the area east of Long Binh. For its combat role in Vietnam, the 2nd Brigade received the United States Army Valorous Unit Award and two awards of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Palm. The Brigade's contributions in the critical area of civic actions have been recognized by the award of the Vietnamese Civic Actions Award.
This After Action Report encompasses the last five and a half months that the “Warrior” Brigade remained in Vietnam. It is a detailed report of the activities necessary for the withdrawal of a tactical unit whose mission changed from combat to one of redeployment. Details are given regarding the areas of equipment turn-in and the out-processing of the Brigade's 6000 men. Most of the problems that could develop during redeployment were avoided due to the fact that many key members of this Brigade had been directly involved in the 25th Infantry Division's redeployment. Their insight greatly aided the 2nd Brigade in the planning and preparati9n for redeployment and in the redeployment operation. This report was made with the objective of aiding other units which will become involved in redeployment operations in the future.
JOSEPH R. ULATOSKI
1 Incl. Colonel, Infantry
as Commanding
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS, 2ND BRIGADE 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO SAN FRANCISCO 96268
KEYSTONE ROBIN (CHARLIE)
AFTER ACTION REPORT
1. PURPOSE: This report reflects the actions taken to accomplish the redeployment of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Hopefully it will be of assistance to any unit which has to plan and execute a similar redeployment mission.
2. MISSION: On 20 December 1970, the 2nd Brigade was notified that it was a Keystone Robin (Charlie) unit and that it would redeploy from the Republic of Vietnam not later than 28 April 1971. The 2nd Brigade immediately formed a Redeployment Planning Group and published the operation plan to commence stand-down by phasing of units starting on 1 March 1971. The brigade colors and subordinate unit colors would return to Hawaii with the exception of 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry and 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry whose colors would return to Ft. Lewis, Washington. Appropriate inactivation ceremonies would be conducted at each location in conjunction with the selected Honor Guards. The majority of the “Warrior“ Brigade personnel were to be reassigned in United States Army Vietnam (USARV) and the equipment was to be issued by USARV throughout army supply channels.
3. SITUATION:
A. Tactical: The 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division was reorganized as a separate brigade on 8 November 1970, and placed under operational control of II Field Force, Vietnam. The 2nd Brigade's area of operations (AO) encompassed Bien Hoa, southern Long Khanh and northern Phuoc Tuy Provinces with the forward operations center located at Xuan Loc in Long Khanh Province, and the rear base camp at Camp Frenzell-Jones in the Long Binh complex. Allied units operating in the area were the 18th ARVN Division, Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force, 1st Australian Task Force, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and 3rd Brigade 1st Australian Task Force, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and 3rd Brigade 1st Cav (Airmobile). In addition to conducting combined operations, the up-grading of Territorial Forces within the AO was a primary mission of the brigade. This effort was accomplished by forming mobile training teams from the 2nd Brigade's maneuver battalions which conducted tactics classes and patrols during the day and combined ambush patrols at night. The Regional and Popular Force (RF / PF) units improved their operational capability during this program. Numerous joint RF and PF operations were conducted with emphasis placed on giving allied leaders experience in employing US support assets, including helicopter, artillery and USAF support. This ability to use US support assets was of critical importance due to the implementation of the Vietnamization Program which called for an increased combat role by the Vietnamese. In general, the RF and PF forces increased their military skills under the tutelage of 2nd Brigade units and became more effective in protecting their villages and hamlets from the VC tax collecting, proselytizing and supply gathering activities. Denial of the villages to the VC/NVA insured the continued success of the Republic of Vietnam's pacification program. The experience and confidence gained from these operations led to separate offensive operations and allowed 2nd Brigade units to concentrate operations in those areas of increased enemy activity. Enemy units opposing allied forces in the 2nd Brigade's AO were the 274th NVA Regiment, 74th NVA Artillery Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 33rd NVA Regiment, elements from SR-4 Headquarters, 84th Rear Service Group and local VC guerilla units. Operations were designed to deny enemy access to villages and hamlets in the three province areas in order to cut off food sources, prevent consolidation of enemy units and to prevent the infiltration of men and supplies from War Zone D. Continuous operations by the brigade and allied units inflicted heavy damage on the enemy by destroying base areas and caches south and west of Xuan Loc and interdicting the enemy's “shadow supply” system along Highway QL-1. An indication of the success of these operations was the enemy's inability to launch any significant offensive during the 1971 Tet Holiday period.
With the coming of the Tet Holiday period, the 2nd Brigade went on an increased alert status in preparation for any enemy offensive activity. A mechanized maneuver battalion was sent to the vicinity of Long Thanh and Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province to give added support to allied units and installations in that area. Continuous defensive patrols and monitoring of enemy activity by 2nd Brigade maneuver battalion prevented enemy offensive activity during Tet.
The month of February found the enemy shifting his supply operations north of Highway QL-1 due to the preemptive operations undertaken by 2nd Brigade forces south of QL-1. An increasing number of contacts with small groups of VC/NVA were reported along the commo-liaison routes which linked War Zone D with the Brigade's AO. In March, 2nd Brigade units began the withdrawal process, slowly moving personnel and equipment westward from Xuan Loc to Camp Frenzell-Jones. The resultant vacuum left by 2nd Brigade withdrawals was filled by RF and PF, ARVN and Free World Forces who handled their new AI responsibilities with an increasing degree of professionalism. The 2nd Brigade continued to put pressure on the enemy during the withdrawal period in order to preempt any enemy offensive activity against the Bien Hoa / Long Binh complex as well as U.S. and allied units in the three provinces.
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13 Mar 71 2-12 Inf, C/1-8 Arty commenced stand-down, Bde relieved from XUAN LOC and BLACKHORSE, BASECAMP reinforcement missions HHB/1-8 Arty commenced phased stand-down
14 Mar 71 2 - 12 Inf awards ceremony held
20 Mar 71 584th MI Det commenced stand-down Bde Jump Command Post returned to Camp Frenzell-Jones
21 Mar 71 584th MI Det awards ceremony held
23 Mar 71 1 - 27 Inf, C /1-8 Arty commenced stand-down
24 Mar 71 1 - 27 Inf awards ceremony held
25 Mar 71 54 Engr Co commenced stand-down
26 Mar 71 54 Engr Co awards ceremony held, 1 - 5 Inf (M) A /1-8 Arty commenced stand-down
28 Mar 71 1 - 5 Inf (M) awards ceremony held
31 Mar 71 Air Cav Troop released from OPCON to 2nd Brigade
1 Apr 71 MP Plt commenced stand-down
6 Apr 71 3 - 22 Inf, B/ 1-8 Arty commenced stand-down, Bde Aviation commenced stand-down Bde released from OPCON to II FFV; placed OPCON TO USARV
7 Apr 71 3 - 22 Inf awards ceremony held, 225 Spt Bn terminated Class I support
8 Apr 71 225 Spt Bn terminated Class II, III, IV, IX, Maint., Dispensary, TC, and water support; Returned all inoperable equipment to owning unit, 1 - 8 Arty awards ceremony held
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9 Apr 71 225 Spt Bn commenced stand-down, Chain of command rehearsal Bde Farewell Ceremony held
10 Apr 71 225 Spt Bn awards ceremony held, Full rehearsal for Bde Farewell Ceremony held
12 Apr 71 Bde Farewell Ceremony held
13 Apr 71 HHC, 2nd Bde (including 20th PIO), 532 Sig Co commenced stand-down
14 Apr 71 HHC, 2nd Bde (including 20th PIO, Bde Avn, and 544th MP Plt), 532 Sig Co awards ceremony held
15 Apr 71 2 - 12 Inf Color Guard departed from Tan Son Nhut for Cam Ranh Bay
16 Apr 71 2 - 12 Inf Color Guard departed Cam Ranh Bay for Fort Lewis
20 Apr 71 3 - 22 Inf Color Guard departed from Tan Son Nhut for Cam Ranh Bay
21 Apr 71 3 - 22 Inf Color Guard departed Cam Ranh Bay for Fort Lewis
28 Apr 71 2nd Bde completed stand-down
30 Apr 71 Bde Color Guard and 225 Spt Bn departs Tan Son Nhut for Hawaii
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TAB C (Brigade Farewell Ceremony After Action Report) to Appendix 2 (Ceremonies) t Annex D (Operations) to 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division's After Action Report, Keystone Robin (Charlie)/
1. General:
A. The 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division conducted its Farewell Ceremony at Camp Frenzell-Jones at 1000 hours, 12 April 1971.
B. The ceremony and rehearsals were held on the Old Guard Parade Ground, Camp Frenzell-Jones.
C. Participating personnel included:
(1) The Battalion CO and an 18-man ceremony platoon from each color-bearing unit and the 225th Support Battalion..
(2) COT and staff.
(3) A six gun salute battery from the 1 -8 Arty.
(4) Color Guard
(5) Band
2. Responsibilities:
A. COT: Conducted rehearsals and the ceremony as prescribed.
B. S-1
(1) Invited guests and distinguished visitors. Maintained current lists of the guests attending the ceremony.
(2) Provided VN National Color, US National Color, Brigade Colors, and general officer's flags.
(3) Arranged for reception following ceremony.
C. S-3
(1) Had the primary staff responsibility for the conduct of the ceremony and rehearsals.
(2) Scheduled the Band.
(3) Coordinated with PMO for traffic control during the ceremony.
D. AG: Published and read all orders announced in the ceremony.
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E. CO, 1 -8 Arty:
(1) Provided one 6-gun salute battery for rehearsal and the ceremony.
(2) Obtained sufficient blank rounds to fire salutes in the rehearsals and in the ceremony.
F. Unit Commanders:
(1) Insured that required personnel were present at rehearsals and at the ceremony.
(2) Insured that participants' uniforms were cleaned, pressed, and starched.
(3) Provided color bearer for unit colors in massed color formation.
(4) Provided guidon bearer from each unit authorized to bear a guidon for participation in the ceremony. Additional personnel for guidon bearers of departed units were provided by HHC, 2nd Bde.
G. Bde Sig. O:
(1) Provided public address system (with back-up) for rehearsals and ceremony.
(2) Provided for photographic coverage of the ceremony.
H. PMO:
(1) Controlled traffic throughout CFJ during the period of the ceremony, including cessation of all traffic in the area of the ceremony while it was in progress.
(2) Provided security for VIP guests as directed by DCO.
(3) Controlled spectators during the ceremony.
I. Avn. O:
(1) Controlled air traffic and parking of VIP helicopters at Menehune Pad for the ceremony.
(2) Arranged to eliminate all air traffic over the ceremony while the ceremony was in progress.
(3) Coordinated with the HQ Commandant to provide VIP's with transportation from Menehune Pad to the ceremonial area.
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J. HQ Commandant:
(1) Arranged and prepared the ceremonial area.
(2) Provided transportation from Menehune Pad to the ceremonial area for VIP's and VIP vehicle parking.
(3) Provided seating at the ceremony for VIP's.
(4) Provided refreshments.
K. PIO: Provided for the coverage in all available news media.
3. Uniform and Equipment:
A. Uniform was as follows:
(1) Jungle fatigues, jungle boots, steel helmet with green camouflage cover, stripped pistol belts.
(2) Jungle fatigues with colored Divisional patch on both shoulders.
(3) Officers only wore subdued pin-on insignia on camouflage covers.
(4) Participants did not wear sunglasses or exposed undershirts during the ceremony.
B. Unit commanders insured that a final inspection of all personnel was conducted on the day of the ceremony and corrections were made before personnel departed unit areas for the ceremony.
4. Rehearsals:
A. Preliminary rehearsal (for selected personnel) was held 0900 hours on 9 April 1971.
B. The final rehearsal was held for all (including band) at 0830 hours on 10 April 1971
5. Project Officer: The S-3 Plans Officer was the project officer for the ceremony.
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TAB D (Schedule of Awards Ceremonies) to Appendix 2 (Ceremonies) to Annex D (Operations) to 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division's After Action Report, Keystone Robin (Charlie).
DATE UNIT
2 Mar 71 38th Scout Dog Plt, 66th Tracker Dog Det,
9th Cml Det, Warrior Training Academy
6 Mar 71 Co F /75 Inf (RGR)
14 Mar 71 2 - 12 Inf
21 Mar 71 584th MI Det
24 Mar 71 1 - 27 Inf
26 Mar 71 54 Engr Co
28 Mar 71 1 - 5 Inf. (M)
7 Apr 71 3 - 22 Inf
8 Apr 71 1 - 8 FA
10 Apr 71 225 Spt Bn
14 Apr 71 HHC, 2nd Bde (including 20th PIO, Bde Avn, 544th MP Plt) and 532 Sig Co
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MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS:
SUBJECT: Sixth Increment of Troop Redeployment
UNIT: 2ND Battalion, 12th Infantry
PARENT COMMAND: 2ND Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
SERVICE: U.S. Army
COMMANDING OFFICER: LTC Ralph Salucci, Omaha, Neb.
SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER; CSM Richard Allen, Watertown, N.Y.
AWARDS FOR SERVICE IN VIETNAM:
Presidential Unit Citation,
Valorous Unit Award,
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry,
Vietnamese Civic Action Medal
UNIT HISTORY: The 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry arrived in the Republic of Vietnam in the fall of 1966 as a part of the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Washington. It participated in many actions throughout Military Region 2 as a part of the 4th Infantry Division. In May 1970, the unit became a part of the 25th Infantry Division and participated in U.S. and combined U.S. and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces operations against enemy sanctuaries in Cambodia during May and June 1970. Since that time the Battalion has operated in Long Khanh Province of Military Region 3.
DISPOSITION OF UNIT: The 2nd Battalion 12th Infantry commenced stand-down today. Personnel of the unit will be reassigned within the Republic of Vietnam or returned to the United States using normal returnee procedures.
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF SPACE REDUCTION: 920
END
ANNEX L (Historical Synopsis) to 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division's After Action Report
Keystone Robin (Charlie)
The Second Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, the “Warrior Brigade”, traces its history back to the 84th Infantry Division which was constituted 5 August 1917, in the National Army. The unit did not see service in World War I, but, it was credited with campaign participation in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe during World War II.
After being reorganized and re-designated four times since its conception, the present brigade came into being with its activation on 26 August 1963, in Hawaii. The brigade conducted maneuvers in Okinawa in January 1964 and Hawaii during 1964 and early 1965, before departing for Vietnam in December 1965 and January 1966. The main body of the brigade arrived at Vung Tau on 18 January 1966, and, after a week, moved to Cu Chi in Hau Nghia Province. On 30 January 1966 the brigade launched clearing operations against a well-entrenched enemy. The Second brigade Task Force successfully defeated the stubborn enemy on 5 April 1966, and secured Cu Chi as a base camp. The brigade then formed a blocking force against enemy movement toward Saigon. The Task Force was awarded the valorous Unit Citation for this action.
Throughout 1967, 1968, and 1969, the Second Brigade operated throughout the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations, stretching from War Zone C, north of Tay Ninh City, to the outskirts of Saigon during the enemy's Tet offensives of January and February 1968 and 1969. Places such as the Ho Bo Woods, Boi Loi Woods, Iron Triangle, Citadel, Trapezoid, Crescent, and Renegade Woods became well known to the men of the “Warrior Brigade” during that three year period, as was evidenced by the increased security of the population in Hau Nghia, Tay Ninh, and Binh Duong Provinces. The Republic of Vietnam's Pacification Program was greatly strengthened because of the Second Brigade's combat operations.
Early 1970 found the brigade moving to a new area of operations near Bearcat in Bien Hoa Province, east of Saigon, where it remained for a short period. On 7 May 1970, the brigade received orders to move to War Zone C for operations against enemy supply and personnel sanctuaries in Cambodia. With devastating speed, the Second Brigade's maneuver battalions slashed into enemy base camp and training sites in Base Areas 353, 707, and COSVN Headquarters, which were in and around the Fishhook Region of Cambodia. The surprised and unprepared enemy were no match for the men of brigade as they captured tons of food, clothing, and weapons. The Cambodian operation results were successful in depriving the enemy of much needed supplies and ammunition for operations against allied units in Military Region III. The Second Brigade pulled out of Cambodia on 30 June and moved back to its Bien Hoa area of operations and expanded into southern Long Khanh and northern Phuoc Tuy Provinces at the same time. Operations Base Lynch, 12 kilometers south of Xuan Loc, was the forward command post for the Second Brigade from July until early November 1970.
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The brigade's maneuver battalions were the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry; 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry; 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry; and 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry. Enemy units in the area were the 274 NVA Regiment, 74 NVA Artillery Regiment, 84th Rear Service Group, elements from SR-4 and MR-7, 3rd Battalion, 33rd NVA Regiment, D445 Battalion, and other local force units. The Second Brigade's mission was to destroy these units and provide security for the populace, thus enhancing the Republic of Vietnam's pacification program. Aggressive operations by the brigade decreased enemy forces in the three province area.
The 25th Infantry Division received word on 12 October 1970 to redeploy minus the 2nd Brigade. The “Warrior Brigade” was designated to stay in the Republic and continue operations in the vital three province area east of Saigon. The brigade was re-designated a provisional, separate unit on 8 November and was placed under the operational control of II Field Force, Vietnam. Colonel Joseph R. Ulatoski remained as the Brigade Commander until final redeployment in April 1971. The brigade's forward command post was moved to Xuan Loc with a rear area in the Long Binh complex at Camp Frenzell-Jones. With the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry replacing the 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry, the brigade continued aggressive small unit combat operations in the three province area. An extensive training program was instituted by the brigade to up-grade the territorial forces in the area so they could carry on the burden of fighting after American troops were withdrawn. The territorial forces were trained in small unit tactics, weapons employment, and the use of American air support in combat operations. As months passed, the proficiency of the territorial forces increased through the training program and combined operations wit the brigade units. The results of the program were outstanding. The territorial forces became more aggressive and provided the local populace with more security against the guerrillas than they ever had before.
Three major combat operations were undertaken by the brigade from November 1970 through February 1971 - “Yellow-jacket” I, II, and III. These were coordinated operations with the Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force and the 18th ARVN Division. They were undertaken to destroy the two major NVA main force units in the area (274 NVA Regiment and 74 NVA Artillery Regiment) as well as cripple the enemy's logistics system which stretched from War Zone D to the area south of Highway QL-1 where the heaviest concentrations of enemy forces were located. The objectives of each operation were met with a high degree of success as the enemy main force units were decimated and unable to launch any sustained offensives against allied units in the “Warrior Brigade's” area of operations. An enemy high point campaign during Tet in January 1971 never materialized because of these aggressive operations.
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The brigade received orders in early 1971 to plan its stand-down and prepare for redeployment from the Republic of Vietnam. Operations were gradually phased down as individual units withdrew from combat; support activities were concurrently reduced. The brigade continued to place emphasis on its mission of destroying the enemy until the last maneuver unit commenced its stand-down. For the professionals of the “Warrior Brigade” - the mobile, hard-striking professionals of Military Region III, has completed its mission in the Republic of Vietnam. The brigade has another proud chapter in its history and has returned the colors to Hawaii. The brigade carries with it the history of more than five years in Vietnam - history of those who served proudly and died gallantry history of famous battles and bitter skirmishes. It will always be remembered that no matter what the mission, the brigade and its men performed proudly, professionally, and never eased the pace. Those who have served with the “Warrior Brigade” know its past - they are part of it. Those who join the brigade in the future will have a glorious and heroic tradition to maintain.
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