1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines
Chu Lai, Viet Nam
150800H June 1965
Operation Order 203-65
Ref: (a) Map: Viet Nam 1:50,000 AMS L701 Sheet 6757 III, 6757 IV
(b) 3d MarDivOrder 31—1
(c) RLT-4 Order 301-65
(d) 4th Marines (-) (rein) Frag Order 7-65
(e) BLT 1/4 OpOrder 202-65
Time Zone: H
Task Organization. See Annex A.
1. Situation
a. Enemy Forces. See current ISUMS.
b. Friendly Forces.
1. 4th Marines (-) (rein) defends along a line running generally on the peninsula centered at GC 525100 south east along Route #1 and northeast to beach. Established COPL forward of FEBA and conduct aggressive combat patrolling in assigned TAOR and adjacent areas.
2. ARVN and Popular Forces units conduct operations in conjunction with the 4th Marines within assigned TAOR and adjacent areas.
3. MAG-12 provides CAS and helicopter support as required and assist in the defense of Chu Lai Airfield.
4. MCB-10 provides support in construction of Chu Lai
Airfield and assists in the final defense of the tactical airfield in conjunction with MAG-12.5. 2d Bn (rein), 4th Marines occupies and defends center portion of Regimental defensive sector.
6. 3d Bn (rein), 3d Marines occupies and defends eastern portion of Regimental defensive sector.
2. Mission. Occupy and defend North (right) portion of Regimental sector. Establish and maintain a combat outpost line within assigned sector. Conduct surveillance of seaward approaches to repel counter landings and prohibit entry of infiltrators. Defend bridge located at GC 498066 and establish a traffic control point to check the entry of civilians and vehicles into the Regimental area on Route #1. Provide liaison personnel to insure positive coordination with District Chief, Ly Tin District Headquarters.
3. Execution.
a. Concept. 1st Battalion (rein), 4th Marines defends on critical terrain along the FEBA within assigned sector with three rifle companies establishing positive defensive positions in depth, establishing OP’s to maintain surveillance over beach areas to prevent infiltration or counter landings. One rifle company constructs and mans combat outpost, establishes traffic/population control point, provides a fast reaction counterattack force, augments close in airfield defenses as necessary and provided Battalion Reserve.
b. Annex B (Operation Overlay).
c. Company A (rein).
1. Occupy and defend assigned sector of FEBA.
2. Establish OP’s and maintain surveillance over northern and eastern beaches to prevent infiltration and counter landings.
3. Conduct patrols, counter guerrilla operations, and ambushes as directed.
d. Company B (rein).
1. Occupy and defend assigned sector of FEBA.
2. Establish OP’s and maintain surveillance over western approaches within assigned sector.
3. Conduct patrols, ambushes and counter guerrilla operations as directed.
e. Company D (rein).
1. Occupy and defend assigned sector of FEBA.
2. Prevent ingress of Vietnamese Nationals into purchased land area.
3. Coordinate fires and positions with 2d Bn, 4th Marines on left flank as directed.
4. Conduct patrols, ambushes and counter guerrilla operations as directed.
f. 81mm Mortar Plat. General Support. Be prepared to provide support for special operations as directed.
g. 106RR Platoon. General Support.
h. 1st Plat, Co B, 3d AT Bn. Direct support. See Annex A (Task Organization).
i. 1st Plat, Co C, 3d TK Bn. Direct support. See /Annex A (Task Organization).
j. 1st Plat, Co B, 3d Recon Bn.
1. Establish OP’s and conduct recon missions as directed.
k. Det, Co A, 1st AmTrac Bn. Direct Support. Provide supply and logistic support as directed.
l. Battery H, 3d Bn, 12th Marines. Direct Support. Two (2) barrages allocated, one each to Company B and Company D.
m. Reserve. Company C (rein).
1. Establish combat outpost vicinity GC 469069.
2. Establish combat outpost to defend bridge vicinity GC 498067.
3. Establish traffic control point vicinity GC 498067 to check entry of vehicles and civilians into the Regimental area on Route #1.
4. Prepare and occupy defensive positions in assigned sector of airfield defense.
5. Be prepared to provide a fast reaction/counterattack force as directed.
6. Prepare counter attack plans to repel penetrations within battalion defensive sector.
n. Coordinating Instructions.
1. Combat outposts provide for all around security and construct overhead cover for fighting positions to provide protection from VT/artillery fires, both friendly and enemy.
2. Lay minefields as directed.
3. Combat outposts withdraw only on order from this headquarters.
4. Organize defensive positions in depth and provide for all around security.
5. Construct bunkers and erect tactical wire. Camouflage a continuing effort.
6. Maintain observation and surveillance over villages in assigned sectors.
7. Enforce civilian curfew.
8. Conduct combat patrols as directed. Coordinate patrols with combat outposts.
9. Utilize RVN liaison personnel.
10. In all search and clear operations, use Popular Forces and interpreters.
11. Do not permit VN civilians to enter the purchased land area.
4. Administration and Logistics. See Administrative Order 202-65.
5. Command and Communications/Electronics.
a. See Operation Order 202-65
b. CP Locations.
1. 4th Marines 532088.
2. 1st Bn (rein), 4th Marines 524089.
3. Report locations when established.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT.
R. J. PERRICH
Lt/Col, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding
ANNEXES:
A. Task Organization
B. Operation Overlay
C. Fire Support Plan (To be issued)
D. Counterattack Plan (To be issued)
E. Visual Signals
F. Distribution
DISTRIBUTION: Annex F (Distribution) to Operation Order 203-65