1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines

Chu Lai, Viet Nam

250830H June 1965

 

Frag Order #52  (260001H to 262400H)

 

1.            Situation.

A.                Enemy Forces.  Enemy has dug in positions vicinity 418083 and 423090.  Barbed wire, punji stakes and man traps have been reported in both areas by ARVN units.  Last reports indicate occupation by two (2) VC platoons.  One (1) VC Company reported 447070 at 240600H.  Believed to have 60mm mortar and 56mm RR capability.  VC have defended Hill 22 (423090 during the month of May.

B.                Friendly Forces.  No change.

2..            Mission.  No change.

3.            Execution.

A.                Company A (rein).

1.                  Continue improvement of defensive positions.

2.                  Conduct patrols as assigned.

B.                Company B (rein).

1.                  Company B (-) conduct combat patrol to conduct search, clear and destroy VC and supporting installations vicinity Hill 22 (GC 423090) in conjunction with Company D (-), (See Operation Overlay)

2.                  On order lift from LZ Thunderbird.

3.                  Land LZ Sandpiper.

4.                  Maintain minimal security of assigned defensive sector.

C.                Company C (rein).

1.                  Continue improvement of defensive positions.

2.                  Provide security for N end of airfield.

3.                  Maintain combat outpost vicinity GC 468068.

4.                  Maintain roadblock/checkpoint vicinity GC 499067.

5.                  Be prepared to provide security for Battery H, 3/12 vicinity GS 5006 night of 25 June 1965.

D.                Company D (rein).

1.                  Company D (-) lift from LZ Buzzard 260630H.

2.                  Land in LZ Sandpiper.  Clear and provide security for land zone.

3.                  On order, establish blocking position vicinity GC 426081.

4.                  Be prepared, on order, to establish blocking position vicinity GC 418088 and/or reinforce Company B (-).

5.                  Maintain minimal security in assigned defensive sector.

E.                H&S Company.  Flame section on call commencing 260630H for helo lift to area designated.

F.                 Attached/Supporting Units.

1.                  1st Plat, Co B, 3d Recon Bn.  No change.

2.                  1st Plat, Co B, 3d AT Bn.  No change.

3.                  1st Plat, Co C, 3d TK Bn.  No change.

4.                  1st Plat, Co B, 3d Engr Bn.  Helo lift on order to site designated with demolition to destroy caves, traps and emplacements.

5.                  Howtar  Btry, 3/12.  Establish firing position vicinity GC 468068 to support Operation Monsoon commencing 260630H.

6.                  Popular Forces.  Establish blocking positions assigned by 260630H.

G.                Coordinating Instructions.

1.                  Code name for search and clear operation: MONSOON.           

a.      CMR. Begin operating 260600H.

b.      Xxx

1.                  12 helos available for lift: 8 man loads

2.                  Landing zone prep: 0615-0630.  Alternate: Arty.

3.                  2 CAS on station. 0630-0730.

4.                  2 CAS five minute strip alert (napalm), 0630-1500.

5.                  2 CAS five minute strip alert (mixed ordnance), 0630-1500.

6.                  4 HU1E’s helo escort.

7.                  1 free helo (Command Group).

8.                  1 helo for TAC (A) (requested).

9.                  Initial helo lift: 260630H.

10.             Return helo lift:  approximately 261500H.

c.      Alternate LZ:

1.                  Bobwhite GC 438085.

2.                  Whippoorwill GC 419088.

2.                  Report patrol locations hourly and detailed after patrol reports ASAP.

3.                  Authenticate all orders or messages received which change or modify any mission.

4.                  Inspect e weapons and optical equipment daily.

5.                  Burn frag orders within 24 hours after use.

6.                  Submit patrol plans/overlays for the period 300001H to 052400H by 291600H.

7.                  All Marines will carry individual weapons and at least one full magazine of ammunition at all times.

8.                  Submit summary of night operations report not later than 0645 daily.

9.                  Submit detailed after action reports within ten (10) hours after engagements.

4.                  Administration and Logistics.  No change.

5.            Command and Communications/Electronics.  No Change.

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

 

R. J. PERRICH

Lt/Col, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding