Quarterly Report Period Ending 31 Oct 70
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
APO San Francisco 96225
AVDCMH
SUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 25th Infantry Division,
Period Ending 31 October 1970, RCS CSFOR - 65 (R2)
SEE DISTRIBUTION
Location: Cu Chi Base Camp (XT647153), Cu Chi, RVN.
Reporting Officer: Major General Edward Bautz, Jr.
Prepared by: Major Carter Morey, 18th Military History Detachment.
Map References: Vietnam, 1:50,000, Series: L7014, Sheets: 6231 I, II, III, IV; 6232 II, III; 6230 I, II, III, IV; 6329 IV, 6331 I, II, III, IV; 6330 I, II, IV; 6430 I, II, III, IV; 6431 III, 6530 III.
1. (C) OPERATIONS: Significant Activities (Previous Quarter Summary).
A. General: The quarter from 1 May to 31 July 1970 was highlighted by the Cambodian cross-border operations directed by President Nixon on 1 May 1970. The 1st and 2nd Brigades, 3rd Brigade of the 9th Infantry Division and all maneuver battalions of the 25th Infantry Division played an integral part in the attack. Although limited in time and restricted geographically, the Division was highly successful in destroying enemy supply points, training sites and base areas along the Cambodian border. The accomplishment of this mission greatly reduced enemy offensive capabilities in the Military Region III area of South Vietnam. Additionally, the enemy suffered significant personnel losses. A total of 1075 enemy soldiers were killed, 54 captured and 22 Hoi Chanh received by 25th Infantry Division forces during the nearly two-month-long operations. Consequently, the enemy was forced to move his personnel and supply bases deeper into Cambodia and considerable time and effort has been required to reconstitute them. Personnel intended by the enemy for offensive action have been diverted to supply and support service activities.
The 1st Brigade began Operation TOAN THANG 44 on 6 May with an attack into Base Area 354, which encompassed the border region called the Dog's Face. The 1st Brigade operated there until 15 May when Operation TOAN THAN 43 Phase III began in which 1st Brigade forces were sent into Base Area 353 around the Fishhook Region. Operation TOAN THANG 43 Phase III lasted until 30 June when all US units pulled out of Cambodia. The 1st Brigade, in both operations, dealt the enemy a severe blow as many tons of food, clothing, medical supplies, weapons and munitions were captured or destroyed. During the last month of the quarter, the 1st Brigade was assigned to a new area of operations in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces and continued Operation TOAN THANG IV, concentrating on interdicting enemy infiltration from Cambodia and destroying enemy bases along the border. Tay Ninh Base Camp and the surrounding area, the 1st Brigade's AO before the Cambodian Operation was turned over to the control of the 25th ARVN Division during July, another indication of the success of the Vietnamization Program.
The 2nd Brigade remained OPCON to II Field Force Vietnam until 7 May when the Brigade reverted to the control of the 25th Infantry Division for operations in Cambodia. Operation TOAN THANG 43 Phase II began on 9 May and lasted until 15 May at which time the 2nd Brigade joined the 1st Brigade in Operation TOAN THANG 43 Phase III until10 June. The 2nd Brigade (illegible) like the 1st Brigade ws successful in locating many enemy supply caches and captured or destroyed tons of enemy food and equipment. During the month of July, the 2nd Brigade assumed control of a new AO around Yuan Loc in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces and resumed Operation TOAN THANG IV, concentrating on the destruction of the enemy and his supplies. 2nd Brigade elements also continued to assist in the pacification program in their new AO.
While the 1st and 2nd Brigades operated in Cambodia during the months of May and June, the 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV, operating not only in Hau Nghia Province but assuming responsibility for the 1st Brigade's AO in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces as well. In July, the 3rd Brigade relinquished control of the 1st Brigade's former AO around Tay Ninh Base Camp to the 25th ARVN Division and concentrated its efforts in northern Hau Hghia Province and the area around Dau Tieng in Binh Duong Province. Emphasis was placed on tactically executing small unit operations, ambushes and combat patrols to locate the enemy, disrupt his movements and uncover his supplies. Also, the 3rd Brigade during the quarter was tasked with the responsibility of the defense of Cu Chi Base Camp and designated one battalion as Division Ready Reactionary Force.
The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division sent the 5th Battalion, (illegible) Infantry (illegible) into Base Area 367 in the Parrot's Beak Region of Cambodia on 7 May. This operation TOAN THANG 500 lasted until 12 May and resulted in 159 enemy killed, 18 prisoners of war captured and 18 Hoi Chanh received. Also, 126 individual weapons, 4 crew served weapons, 28 tons of ammunition and four tons of rice were captured or destroyed. Operations by 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div battalions in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces forced sub-regional units to operate in dispersed groups to avoid Allied detection, disrupted sub-regional loyal and main force plans for future attacks, and greatly expanded the pacification program in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces. With United States Naval force, 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div forces seriously disrupted the enemy's ability to operate along canals and rivers within Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces, prevented enemy reinforcement of men and supplies to local guerilla forces and reduced the effectiveness of the Viet Cong Infrastructure by continuous monitoring of the enemy's routes of movement.
Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations remained at a low level during the first week of the reporting quarter (1-7 August). Main force units generally avoided contact with Allied forces, while supporting local force units in the collection of taxes and the procurement of food and ammunition. Sub-regional forces continued to be primarily concerned with the transportation of food and supplies from bases in Cambodia. The most active enemy main force units during the week were the 101 NVA Regiment and 268 Regiment in Sub-region (SR)-1. The number of mining incidents during the week showed a marked decrease from the 29 reported during the last week of July, resulting in four US soldiers killed and 35 wounded.
The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported during the week. Eight contacts were reported in the 1st Bde's AO resulting in nine enemy killed. A convoy from Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 77th Artillery received small arms and RPG fire from both sides of a road in the Michelin Rubber Plantation 4.5 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT547492) at 1206 hours on (illegible) August. One US soldier was wounded and there was light damage to one 2-1/2 ton truck and two 105mm howitzers. Fire was returned by organic weapons, artillery, a Duster and Co D, 2nd Bn, 14th Inf reacted with unknown results. Three enemy soldiers were killed in two engagements by A/2-14 Inf on 6 August. At 1700 hours, one enemy was killed with organic weapons 5 kms south of Ben Cui (XT458404). At 1934 hours, two enemy were killed 400 meters northwest of the 1700 hours contact.
The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. There were no significant ground contacts or shelling incidents reported during the week as enemy units in the 2nd Bde's AO suffered from acute logistical shortages.
The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the first week of August with five maneuver battalions (5th Bn, 60th Inf came under OPCON of the 3rd Bde on 2 Aug 70) operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There was one significant shelling incident reported during the week. B/5-60 Inf received eight rounds of HA at its night defensive position (NDP) 6 kms north of Trung Lap (XT608271) at 2320 hours on 3 August. Five US soldiers and one Kit Carson scout were wounded while one PRC 25 radio, one PRC 77 radio and several individual weapons suffered light damage.
There were eight ground contacts reported in the 3rd Brigade's AO during the week, resulting in 10 enemy killed and two Hoi Chanh received. C/5-60 Inf engaged two enemy with claymore mines and hand grenades at 2045 hours on 4 August 8 kms northeast of Trung Lap (XT651271) resulting in two enemy killed. One AK47 rifle, one K54 pistol, two packs with assorted civilian clothing, one civilian radio, a small amount of documents, four AK47 magazines with ammunition, and 40 pounds of rice were evacuated. At 1035 hours on 5 august, C/3-22 Inf engaged 10 enemy 11 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT601477) with organic weapons and artillery resulting in one enemy killed and the evacuation of one AK47 rifle. Two Hoi Chanh were also received. They identified their unit as the 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Sapper-Intelligence Company, 101 NVA Regiment which operated in the Boi Loi Woods/Trapezoid area. The two Hoi Chanh stated that morale in the unit was low due to lack of adequate food and medical supplies. A/5-60 Inf engaged eight enemy with organic weapons 6 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT618299) at 1817 hours on 5 August. On a sweep of the area at 0800 hours on 6 August by A/5-60 Inf, three enemy bodies were located. Two enemy soldiers were killed and one AK47 rifle was evacuated by B/3-22 Inf from a contact site 6.5 kms west of Ben Suc (XT506340) at 1850 hours on 6 August. Enemy small arms fire wounded one US soldier.
Enemy activity remained at a low level in the 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div's AO during the first week of August. The 3-9 Inf Div continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with one maneuver battalion operating in Long An and Hau Nghis Provinces and one maneuver battalion operating in Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province. There were five significant contacts reported during the week resulting in five enemy killed and three captured. The three prisoners-of-war were captured by A/6-31 Inf at 1235 hours on 4 August after a contact 5 kms west of Duc Hoa (XS525968). The PW's identified their unit as the Duc Hoa Local Force and said they were engaged in ammunition supply activities when captured. The most significant incident of the week occurred at 1605 hours on 3 August when an air cushion vehicle (ACF) from the 39th Cavalry with troops of D/6-31 Inf detonated a mine 6.5 kms northeast of Ben Luc (XS662815) resulting in three US soldiers killed and 19 wounded. The ACV wa a combat loss.
Action by Division Troops was light during the week, with only one significant contact reported. A helicopter gunship from Company D, 25th Aviation Battalion, while supporting a 495th Regional Forces (RF) Company contact 2.5 kms northwest of Cu Chi (XT605138) at 2130 hours on 4 August, killed four enemy soldiers with organic weapons.
A number of notable figures visited Cu Chi Base Camp during the first week of August. The Reverend John R. Morrett, Dean of St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral of Honolulu visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 1 August to obtain firsthand information on US activities in Vietnam. On 2 August, Coloen Billy M. Vaughn, II FFV ACofS, G3 (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. General Ralph E. Haines, CINCUSPAC, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 3 August to obtain an update on 25th Infantry Division activities. Brigadier General George A. Godding, DCSINT, HQ USARPAC, visited Tan An and Cu Chi Base Camps on 3 and 4 August to obtain information on intelligence gathering, with particular emphasis on ground sensor activity. Brigadier General Harold B. Gibson, Jr., CG US Army Support Command, Saigon, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 5 August for an update on 25th Infantry Division activities. On 7 August, Lietuenant General Walter T. Kerwin, Jr., US Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, visited Cu Chi Base Camp to brief commanders and staff on the availability of trained personnel and to discuss personnel problems.
Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's AO increased slightly during the second week of August (8-14 August) as the enemy attempted to launch some kind of offensive activity. The most active units during the week were the 101 NVA and 268 Regiments in SR-1. In the other sub-regions, enemy main and local force units generally avoided contact, while engaging in supply activities and harassment of the GVN pacification program. The number of mining incidents increased to 17 from 11 the previous week, resulting in two US soldiers killed and 41 wounded.
The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and Northwest Binh Long Provinces. There were three significant shelling incidents reported in the 1st Bde's AO during the week. Dau Tieng Base Camp (XT4947) received 18X82mm mortar rounds at 1910 hours on 8 August resulting in 12 US soldiers wounded and light damage to two mess halls and one bunker. Fire was returned to the northeast by artillery and mortar with unknown results. At 0345 hours on 9 August, Dau Tieng Base Camp received 20X82mm mortar and two 122mm rocket rounds resulting in six US soldiers wounded and light damage to two ¼-ton trucks. Fire was returned to the northeast by artillery and mortar with unknown results. Dau Tieng Base Camp received 15X75mm recoilless rifle rounds at 2200 hours on 14 August resulting in three US soldiers wounded and light damage to one ¾-ton truck and several buildings. Fire was returned to the northeast by artillery, with unknown results.
There were nine contacts by 1st Bde forces during the week, resulting in eight enemy killed and one captured. D/2-14 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy 8 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT572495) at 1750 hours on 8 August with claymore mines and artillery, resulting in five enemy killed and the evacuation of four AK47 rifles, one K54 pistol and a small amount of documents. The documents identified the 82mm Mortar Company, 101 NVA Regiment, which normally operated in the contact area. C/2-14 Inf had two contacts with an unknown number of enemy 5 kms south of Ben Cui (XT427408) on 10 August at 1110 hours and 1525 hours. US casualties were three killed and six wounded. In the only significant contact of the week in the 1st Bde, a convoy from 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery received seven RPG rounds and small arms fire from an unknown number of enemy on Highway 239 4 kms east of Dau Tieng (XT528478), resulting in six US soldiers wounded, moderate damage to one 2-1/2 ton truck and the destruction of one 1/4 ton truck. Fire was returned by organic weapons and LFT with unknown results. A/2-14 Inf reacted and captured one prisoner-of-war and evacuated one AK47 rifle, three magazines and documents.
The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of August with three maneuver battalions operating in Phuoc Tuy and Long Khanh Provinces. There were no significant ground contacts or shelling incidents reported as enemy units continued to suffer severe supply shortages.
The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of August with five maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were no indirect fire attacks reported. Six ground contacts were reported during the week resulting in seven enemy killed and two VCI cadre captured. R/2-27 Inf with an element of the 25th Inf Div Military Intelligence Company apprehended two female VCI cadre with a small child and medical supplies 4 kms northwest of Trung Lap (XT549242) at 0717 hours on 9 August. Snipers from R/3-22 Inf killed four enemy soldiers at 1830 and 1850 hours on 10 August in two engagements approximately 4.5 kms west of Ben Suc (XT520347). A helicopter gunship from D/3 4 Cav engaged three enemy 10 kms northwest of Ben Suc (XT486380) with organic weapons and a FAC at 1350 hours on 13 August. An aerial rifle platoon (ARP) was inserted and destroyed nine bunkers, 50 pounds of rice and one ChiCom hand grenade.
The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the second week of August with one maneuver battalion operating in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces and one maneuver battalion operating in Nhon Trach District, Bien Hoa Province. Enemy activity remained at a low level as enemy units avoided contact, though there were six engagements resulting in five enemy killed and four prisoners-of-war captured. D/6-31 Inf captured two PWs at 1625 hours on 8 August 7 kms west of Duc Hoa (XS512973) and evacuated one K54 pistol and one 9mm Browning pistol. Later, at 1710 hours, C/6-31 Inf captured two PWs 200 meters south of the D/6-31 Inf contact (XS512976). A UH1H helicopter from the 190th Assault Helicopter Company, while inserting Teams 11 and 14 from Co E (Rgr), 75th Inf received small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy force 10 kms west of Tan An (XS445646). Fire was returned by artillery, airstrike and the insertion of Teams 21 and 22, Co E (Rgr), 75th Inf with unknown results. US casualties were one killed and three wounded (from 190th AHC) and heavy damage to the UH1H helicopter.
Brigadier General Robert L. Fair, US Army Director, Management Information Systems visited Cu Chi Base camp to observe 25th Infantry Division data processing operations on 8 August. The Honorable John J. McKeithen, Governor of the State of Louisiana, visited Cu Chi Base Camp for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities and to talk with his constituents. Major General Jack J. Wagstaff, DCG, II FFV (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 14 and 16 August for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities.
Enemy activity remained at a low level throughout the 25th Infantry Division's AO during the third week of August (15-21 August) as enemy main and local force units avoided contact in order to re-establish still inadequate supply channels. SR-1 was the most active area, with the 101 NVA and 268 Regiments being identified numerous times by captured documents. Also, moderate sensor activity from the southern portion of the Fishhook Region to the Razorbacks, Michelin Plantation and Saigon River Corridor was recorded. There were no significant attacks by fire reported during the week. However, the number of mining incidents increased by four from last week to 21, resulting in one US soldier killed and 26 wounded.
The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. Enemy activity was light, with only three significant contacts reported. A 5-ton truck from A/2-12 Inf with the 588th Engineer Battalion received small arms and RPG fire from both sides of Highway 13 4.5 kms northeast of Phu Khuong (XT3761607) at 0930 hours on 15 August. After the initial firing, several enemy soldiers (some dressed in ARVN uniforms and armed with M16 rifles) boarded the truck and engaged the personnel with small arms fire, killing four US soldiers and wounding five. Fire was returned by organic weapons, artillery, a LST and FAC with unknown results. In the only other significant action of the week, C/2-60 Inf received small arms fire from six to eight enemy during a sweep of a claymore mine detonation 10 kms northwest of Minh Thanh (XT541721) at 1700 hours on 18 August. In the ensuing engagement, two enemy were killed by organic weapons fire and a LFT while US casualties were three killed. One M79 grenade launcher, one AK47 rifle and a few letters were evacuated.
The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phoc Tuy Provinces. There were no significant ground contacts or shelling incidents reported but a large cache was located. D/4-27 Inf located a bunker complex consisting of seven bunkers and one classroom area 17 kms east of Black Horse (XS613967) at 1830 hours on 16 August. One SKS rifle, one M1 carbine, four M16 magazines with ammunition, two US hand grenades, 50 pounds of clothing, 100 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of medical supplies, six feet of detonating cord with blasting caps, one NVA entrenching tool, one machete, one US pistol belt with two ammo pouches, two pounds of documents, one map and a diary were evacuated.
The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the third week of August with five maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents reported during the week. There were 10 ground contacts with the enemy resulting in nine enemy killed. B/2-27 Inf, at an NDP 2 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT549327), engaged two enemy with claymore mines at 1805 hours on 17 August resulting in two enemy killed and the evacuation of two AK47 rifles and four magazines. A/5-60 Inf received hand grenades from an unknown number of enemy 8 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT646293) at 0310 hours on 19 August. The enemy force was engaged by claymore mines resulting in two enemy killed. Two AK47 rifles, two AK magazines, one pack of explosives and one book were evacuated. There were no US casualties.
The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the third week of August with one maneuver battalion operating in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces and one maneuver battalion in Nhon Trach District. Enemy activity was at an extremely low level with only two contacts reported, resulting in one enemy killed.
Major General John R. Deane, Jr., Director, Defense Communications Planning Group (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 15 August for an update on 25th Infantry Division Duffel Bag/Tight Ja(illegible) operations. Brigadier General E. M. Lynch, US Army Deputy Inspector General, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 15 August to make an appraisal of the IG system of handling complaints and discuss this matter with the IG, commanders and individual soldiers. Colonel Robert W. Leonard, Chief of Information, MACV (Designate) visited Cu Chi Base Camp, Dau Tieng and FSB Kien on 18 and 19 August for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities. Brigadier General Jack Hemingway, CG, 1st Aviation Brigade, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 21 August for an orientation on 25th Infantry Division activities.
Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division AO remained at a low level during the last week of August (22-31 August) as enemy main and local force units avoided contact. There were no significant shelling incidents reported but the number of mining incidents increased by 13 over last week's 34 resulting in one US soldier killed and 63 wounded.
The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with four maneuver battalions operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. Enemy activity was light with only three contacts reported. The most significant event of the week occurred at 1145 hours on 30 August when an APC from C/3-4 Cav detonated a 120 pound mine with pressure device 1 km northeast of Phu Khuong (XT353588) resulting in one US soldier killed and eight wounded. Two significant caches were located by B/2-12 Inf 9 kms south of Minh Thanh (XT607581) on 28 August. A bunker was located at 0900 hours and 85 pounds medical supplies and one stethoscope were evacuated. Later, at 1204 hour, another bunker was located in the same area and one sick call list, one record book, two medical books, three grams of novocaine, 100 grams of vitamin B-1, assorted bottles of medicinal alcohol and novocaine, and one set of medical scales were evacuated. The area showed signs of recent enemy activity.
The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the fourth week of August with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. Enemy activity was light and no significant caches were discovered. B/3-22 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy 11 kms southeast of Xuan Loc (XT539009) at 0930 hours on 31 August with organic weapons, an air strike, artillery, and a LFT with unknown results. Enemy small arms fire killed two US soldiers and wounded six. Three packs and four RPG rounds were evacuated from the contact site. Later, at 1700 hours, B/3-22 Inf located and evacuated (illegible) RPG rounds, two RPG boosters, a small amount of AK47 ammo, 30 pounds of flour, five pounds of rice, cooking utensils and one pound of C-4. In the only other contact of significance, A/1-5 Inf (M) received small arms and RPG fire at 1545 hours on 31 August from an unknown number of enemy 500 meters (illegible) east of the H/3-22 Inf 0930 hours contact (XT534014) resulted in one US soldier killed and six wounded and heavy damage to two APCs. Fire was returned by organic weapons and artillery with unknown results.
Enemy activity remained at a low level during the fourth week of August in the 3rd Bde's AO as the four maneuver battalions of the Brigade operated in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were nine contacts with enemy forces resulting in 21 enemy killed. An LST from D/3-4 Cav engaged six enemy 8 kms northwest of Ben Suc (XT506376) at 1120 on 22 August resulting in two enemy killed. An ARP was inserted in the area and at 1305 hours they located and destroyed one structure and one bunker. Fifty pounds of rice, 20 water bags, miscellaneous clothing and a small amount of documents were evacuated. In two engagements on 23 August, A/2-22 Inf (M) killed six enemy with claymore mines 6 kms southeast of Ben Suc in the Ho Bo Woods (XT620294) at 1836 and 1852 hours. Two of the bodies were located in the contact site while A/3-4 Cav located the other four 1 km west of it (XT611291) at 1225 hours on 24 August. At 1600 hours on 24 August, !/3-4 Cav located six more enemy bodies at the same spot. This body count was credited to an A/2-27 Inf contact on 21 August at 1930 hours 3 kms southeast of Ben Suc (XT604320).
The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the week with two maneuver battalions operating in Long An and Hau Nghia Provinces and one maneuver battalion in Nhon Trach District. There were nine contacts with enemy forces resulting in five enemy killed and one prisoner-of-war captured. The PW as captured by A/5-60 Inf at 1743 hours 23 August after an engagement with three enemy soldiers 10 kms west of Tan (XS449647). The enemy returned fire with small arms but there were no casualties. A C&C Uh1H helicopter from 3.9 Inf Div, while on visual reconnaissance 8 kms south of Long Thanh (XS58844) received small arms fire at 1255 hours on 27 August resulting in three US soldiers wounded. An ARP from D/3-4 Cav was inserted and they engaged two enemy with unknown results.
The larges contact of the week involved Company B, 25th Aviation Battalion from Division Troops. At 2115 hours on 27 August, helicopter gunship form 5/25th Avn Bn, while supporting the 872nd Regional Forces (RF) Company in a contact 7 kms southwest of Ben Cui (XT405395), engaged an estimated enemy platoon with organic weapons resulting in nine enemy killed and the evacuation of four AK47 rifles and one M16 rifle. There were no US casualties.
General Creighton W. Abrams, COMUSMACV, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 24 August for an update on 25th Infantry Division activities and to present a Presidential Unit Citation to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry. Brigadier General Frank McCarthy (USAR-Ret), producer of the motion picture “Patton”, visited Cu Chi Base Camp Dau Tieng Base Camp and three fire support bases on 24 and 25 August to gather Defense Information for making motion pictures concerning the Army's operations in Vietnam. Mr. Clyde D. Hardin (GS 18), Assistant SEA to the Secretary of the Army, R&D, visited Cu Chi Base Camp on 26 August to obtain information on current and pending actions affecting R&D policy and decisions in the Republic of Vietnam. The Honorable Egil Krogh, Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs visited Cu Chi Base Camp and two fire support bases on 30 and 31 August to gain firsthand information on the magnitude and consequences of drug abuse problems of US troops in the Republic of Vietnam.
The 25th Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division killed 103 and captured 10 of the enemy during the month of August, account for (illegible) individual weapons and 4.9 tons of rice captured or destroyed. Division soldiers destroyed 156 mines and booby traps while detonating 83, resulting in 165 US soldiers wounded and eight killed.
Enemy activity within the 25th Infantry Division's area of operations was light and scattered during the first week of September (1-7 September). The only significant activity occurred on the evening of 3 September, the anniversary of the death of Ho Chi Minh. Although six fire support bases received attacks by fire, the damage incurred was not enough to constitute a genuine highpoint. In general, main force units voided contact while engaging in resupply activities. The most active units continued to be in SR-1 with elements of the 101 NVA and 268 Regiments identified in captured documents. The number of mining incidents decreased to 16 from the 34 reported during the last week of August resulting in 20 US soldiers wounded.
The 1st Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with five maneuver battalions (2-34 Armor moved OPCON to 1st Brigade on 3 September ) operating in north central Tay Ninh and northwest Binh Long Provinces. There was one significant shelling incident reported on 3 September when Dau Tieng Base Camp (XT491473) received 25X82mm mortar rounds at 2150 hours. Only one round impacted inside, wounding one US soldier. There were three contacts reported during the week resulting in five enemy soldiers killed. A/2-60 Inf engaged an unknown number of enemy with claymore mines 11 kms north of Minh Thanh (XT587772) at 1725 hours on 1 September resulting in one enemy killed. Documents taken from the body identified the Distribution Office, 43rd Postal Transportation Group, Postal Transportation and Communications Office of COSV. An AH1G Cobra from the 187th AHC received 5 caliber machine gun fire 13 kms east of Katum (XT4690) at 1050 hours on 6 September resulting in two US soldiers wounded and heavy damage to the Cobra which crashed. D/2-60 Inf reacted to secure the aircraft until it was extracted at 1515 hours.
A few small caches were located by 1st Bde forces during the week. D/2-14 Inf located three cases of M-72 LAWs (15 weapons) along a trail 6 kms north of Dau Tieng (XT512534) at 1000 hours on 2 September. A/3-4 Cav evacuated 15 pounds of medical supplies and one US pistol belt from a bunker complex 4.5 kms southeast of Phu Khuong (XT367549) at 0800 hours on 4 September. A/2-60 Inf located a munitions cache 13.5 kms east of Katum (XT464885) at 1030 hours on 7 September. They destroyed 75 RPG rounds, 1.5 cases of powder trains, seven rifle grenades and two ChiCom hand grenades.
The 2nd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV with three maneuver battalions operating in Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy Provinces. There were no significant shelling incidents or ground contacts repeated during the week as enemy units in the 2nd Bde's AO suffered from acute logistical shortages.
The 3rd Brigade continued Operation TOAN THANG IV during the first week of September with four maneuver battalions operating in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces. There were eight significant ground contacts reported during the week resulting in seven enemy killed. At 1340 hours on 3 September,B/2-27 Inf received one Hoi Chanh 3 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT562308) with one AK47 rifle and two 150 caliber ammo cans of medical supplies. The Hoi Chanh identified his unit as the 3rd Platoon, H.5 Sapper/Engineer Company of SR-1 which normally operated in the Saigon River Corridor area. A/2-27 Inf received one Hoi Chanh at 0930 hours on 4 September 5 kms southwest of Ben Suc (XT528309). The Hoi Chanh then led A/2-27 Inf to a tunnel complex believed to be a field hospital 1.2 kms northeast of his rally point (XT552314)