1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines

Chu Lai, Viet Nam

131600H June 1965

 

Fm:     CO, 1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines

To:       1st Bn, (rein), 4th Marines

Info:     CO, 4th Marines

            CO, 2nd Bn (rein), 4th Marines

            CO, 3rd Bn (rein), 3rd Marines

CONFIDENTIAL

Frag Order #42  (Operation Mr. Kleen)

Ref:     (a)            MAP: Viet Nam 1:50,000 AMS L701 Sheet 6757 III

(b)              4th Mar Verbal Warning Order of 122100H June 1965

Time Zone:            H

 

1.            Situation.

a.         Enemy Forces.  Current intelligence reports indicate a VC company on the island of Ky Xuan with a command post at GC 488109.  Squads located at GC 485118, 478089.  Unconfirmed report of one 81mm mortar and 5 or 6 machine guns.

b.                 Friendly Forces.

1.                  4th Marines (-) (rein).  Provides 3 VN interpreters and one USMC interpreter/translator.

2.                  3d Bn, 12 Marines (rein).  Provides fire support on call.  Provides one AO as artillery spotter.

3.                  MAG-12.

a.            HMM-365.  Provides 12 UH34D aircraft to conduct troop lift and medical evac as required.

b.            VMO.  2HU1E for helo escort, air observation and close air support.

c.            VMA.  2 A-4 aircraft on station commencing 140800H for one hour followed by strip alert.

4.                  Junk Force.  Provides screen along northern and western coasts of Ky Xuan.

5.                  Popular Forces, ARVN provides 2 platoons plus 2 squads.

2.            Mission.  1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines conducts a search and clear operation on Ky Xuan Island to locate, identify and seize/destroy VC personnel and supplies.

3.            Execution.

a.                 Concept of Operations.  Land 2 companies by helicopter in LZ’s Condor, Dove, Quail and Kiwi on the southern coast of Ky Xuan Island and commence search and clear operations in zone to the north coast of the island.

b.                 Company A (rein).

1.                  Land in LZ Condor and Dove at L-Hour.

2.                  Conduct search and clear operations towards the Northern blocking force.

3.                  Platoon of Popular Forces one interpreter and Marine interpreter/translator attached.

4.                  Engineer squad attached.

c.                  Company B (rein).

1.                  Land in LZ Quail and Kiwi at L-hour.

2.                  Conduct search and clear operations toward the north is assigned zone.

3.                  Platoon of Popular Forces and one interpreter attached.

4.                  Engineer squad attached.

d.                 Company C (rein).

1.                  With one squad from bridge outpost establish blocking position in conjunction with 2 Popular Forces squads to be in position vicinity GC 483076 by 140700H.

e.                 81mm Mortar Plat.  General Support.  Be prepared to displace one section to vicinity 503104 on order.

f.                    Engineers.  One squad each with companies A and B. Be prepared to destroy caves and conduct mine detection and clearance as required.

g.                 Reserve.  2d Plat, Company C. Be prepared for heloborne deployment as reaction reserve force from position to be designated.

h.                  Coordinating Instructions.

1.                  L-hour 140800H.

2.                  Companies A and B assemble for helo pick-up vicinity GC 531109 at L-1 hour.

3.                  Heli teams – 6 men/Team.

4.                  Units will land in the following priorities by HLZ’s:  Condor, Dove, Quail and Kiwi.

5.                  Deliver captured VC and VCS to battalion collection point.  (Location to be announced).

6.                  Rules of engagement per standard instructions.  Be sure target is hostile prior to opening fire.

7.                  Be prepared for return helo lift upon completion of operations from LZ Parrot.

8.                  Submit sit reports upon landing and every 30 minutes thereafter.

9.                  Search all docked boats for false bottoms, arms, etc.

10.             Wounded civilians requiring evacuation must have family member accompany them and permission must be obtained from Lt Bonge or Capt Tich prior to evacuation to Ly Tin.

4.            Administration and Logistics.

a.                 Normal arms and equipment to include:

1.                   one unit of fire/wpn

2.                   two frag hand grenades per Marine

3.                  one WP hand grenade per Marine.

4.                  helmet

5.                  two full canteens

5.            Command and Communications/Electronics.

a.                 1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines CP initially heloborne, followed by landing at LZ Dove.

b.                 Subordinate units report CP locations as changes occur.

 

R. J. PERRICH

Lt/Col, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding

 

ANNEX:

A.            Operations overlay

DISTRIBUTION:            Special