After Action Report
Subject:
After Action Report #20 (Operation Snaggle Tooth)
Units Involved:
Company A (rein)
1st platoon (rein)
2nd platoon (rein)
3rd platoon (rein)
Company Headquarters
FO Team, Battery H, 3rd Bn, 12th Marines
FAC Team
Squad, 1st Plt, Co B, 3rd Engr Bn
Interpreter (ARVN)
Ky Ha PF Detachment
Company B (rein)
1st platoon (rein)
2nd platoon (rein)
3rd platoon (rein)
Company Headquarters
FO Team, Battery H, 3rd Bn, 12th Marines
FAC Team
Squad (rein), 1st plt, Co B, 3rd Engr Bn
Interpreter (ARVN)
Ky Ha PF platoon (-)
Company C
2nd platoon (rein)
Elements, H&S Company
Section (rein), 81mm Mortar platoon
Detachment, 106mm recoilless platoon
Detachment, company headquarters (liaison team Junk Division 15)
Command group
Heavy Section, 1st platoon, Co B, 3rd AT Bn
Detachment, 1st platoon Co B, Recon Group Alpha
Company M, 3rd Bn, 3rd Marines
2nd platoon (rein), Co A, 1st AmTrac Bn
Battery H, 3rd Bn, 12 Marines
USMC Advisor, LyTin district
Detachment, 3rd ITT
Detachment, 7th CI Team
744th Regional Force Company
Two platoons, PAT
Ky Chanh PF platoon
Junk division 15, VNN
Time: Units directly involved in Operation Snaggle Tooth from 231500H October 65, when 81mm mortars were in position, until 250030H October 65, when 1st Battalion (-)(rein), 4th Marines returned to defensive positions on Ky Ha Peninsula.
Place: Extreme western portion of 1st Battalion 4th Marines TAOR within area bounded by coordinates (BT4418), (BT 4016), (BT 4113), (BT 4410), (BT4513), and (BT 4814).
Operational Summary:
Friendly Casualties: None
Enemy Casualties: 4 VCK
Enemy Captured: 64 VCS and 1 VCW
Weapons Captured: none
Caves Destroyed: 3
Punji Man Traps Destroyed: 21
Nature of Acton: Battalion (-)(rein) search and clear operation in coordination with Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces, Peoples Action Teams and Vietnamese Navy Junk Forces.
Time Chronology:
231700H Section of 81mm mortar platoon in firing position.
240100H 2nd plt, Co C, departed company patrol base (BT 512125)
240330H 2nd plt, Co C, commenced crossing channel (BT 475144) by rubber boat.
240400H Company A, B, and Liaison Team to Junk Division 15 commence movement to splash point
(BT 521119).
240535H 2nd plt, Co C, completes crossing of channel.
240535H Companies A, B, and Command Group depart splash point (BT 521119) aboard LVTs.
240555H Four motorized junks depart Junk Base.
240630H Company M, 3rd Bn, 3rd Marines in blocking position.
240640H 2nd platoon, Co C in blocking position.
240645H Company A landed (BT 456140).
240655H Company B landed (BT 458146).
240700H 2nd platoon, Co C received S/A fire.
240710H RF, PF, and PAT units in blocking positions.
240710H Motorized junk received S/A fire.
240745H Company A and B received sniper fire.
240830H Company A and B received sniper fire.
240930H 2nd platoon, Co C received sniper fire.
240932H Province informer and intelligence agents arrived by helo on island.
241500H Company B kills and wound a VC.
241545H VCW evacuated by helicopter.
241614H Company A received S/A fire.
241757H Company M, 3/3 departed blocking position.
241800H Junk Division 15 departs for base.
241845H Company A, Company B, and Command Group commence retraction from HOA XUAN.
241855H Company D platoon secured from reserve status.
232335H Company A, Company B, and Command Group returned to splash point.
250030H Companies A, B, and Command Group in positions along MLR.
Narrative:
Intelligence had intermittently placed a VC Company on Ky Chanh Island. On 20 October information was at hand that the Province Chief had a captive who could and would point out the location of some of they many reported caves and tunnels on the island, which had been partially swept by 1 / 4 on 12 September without finding any caves or tunnels. Plans for a detailed sweep operation were formulated, involving LVTs for transportation to and from the island, positioning blocking forces, consisting of a reinforced platoon from 1/4, a company from 3 / 3, a company of Regional Forces, two Peoples Action Team Platoons, one Popular Forces Platoon, a platoon of LVTs, and four motorized junks of VNN Junk Division 15. Positioning a direct support artillery battery and one section of the 81mm mortar platoon, and delivery of the informer to the sweeping force. An attachment of the KY HA PP Platoon to the Marine rifle companies. All details were coordinated in advance with Province and District Headquarter, 3/3, and with 2/4, MACS-7, and MAG-36, which provided troops to man the 1/4 MLR in the absence of the two companies on the operation. The operation was placed ‘on call’, to be executed when intelligence indicated that the VC target company was on the island.
At 231200H responding to new intelligence and confirmation provided by an inconclusive fire fight between some 9 VC and a reconnaissance platoon of A/1/4 at about 231000H in GS (BT4414 and 4415) CO, 4th Marines ordered the operation executed.
At 240300H the blocking platoon from Company C departed its harbor site at (BT 476145) and commenced its covert move to assigned blocking positions. The move across the water at (BT 475145) was conducted in two rubber boats provided and propelled by men from Recon Group Alpha. The platoon moved in total silence and successfully manned its positions at (BT 430173) and (BT 437170) by 240640H.
At 240400H A and B Companies commenced movement to the embarkation point, A by foot, B by truck, liaison party was sent to the junk force to assure radio contact and mutually supporting and coordinated operations. At 240525H the Popular Forces had been received and assimilated and the companies and the command Group (including 10 men for use in handling captives) embarked. The striking force launched at 240530H from (BT 521121).
Despite the extremely dark night, the LVTs made planned
progress. While the striking force
was enroute, the artillery battery reported it was in firing positions vicinity
(BT 4310) and ready to fire, Company M/3/3 reported it was in assigned blocking
locations along the coast from (BT 432117) to (BT 416132), and the Junk force
took patrol/block positions in the Song Cho from (BT 423165) to (BT 416130). <![endif]>
Company A landed at (BT 423165) at 0645 and Company B at (BT 458146) at 0655. At the same time the block force at (BT 430173) reported receiving fire from across the river to the south and was returning fire.
This exchange lasted only 2 or 3 minutes, but reoccurred intermittently during the morning. The striking force proceeded NE without contact to vicinity (BT 430146) where it received some inaccurate sniper fire from hamlet Phu Vinh to its direct front. Firing stopped before Marines could close. Detailed search of hamlet disclosed no caves or weapons, several VCS were apprehended. Company B located 21 punji man traps on and around the topographic crest of Hill 10 (BT 438156). While searching for more such traps it was taken under long range fire from vicinity Hill 12 (BT 426158). Fire was returned and a platoon was sent to envelope the VC, however they broke contact before the Marines could close. As Company B commenced to search and clear from East to West generally along E-W grid line 16, it discovered a trail with 3 mines/booby traps. After clearing these, the company was joined by the informer/agent who located a total of 3 well concealed tunnel/caves varying length from 40 meters to 150 meters.
These caves were located above and parallel to stream lines or canals, entrances were extremely well concealed, they were securely riveted (constructed in sand) and covered with stringers, bamboo mats, thick sand, and growing crepe. Their average depth was 4 feet and height 2 ˝ - 3 ˝ feet, width 2 ˝ -4 feet. They were obviously used as hideouts, no firing ports or defensive works were connected with the caves.
As the attached engineers commenced destruction of these installations, Company B proceeded with a slow and thorough search and clear operation. It subsequently located 4 more booby trapped grenades along the East-West trail. Both companies found and destroyed many foot-punji traps, some placed as barriers and others as traps.
As the companies proceeded they received intermittent sniper fire. Each company succeeded in killing one VC and wounding one. The Junk Division also killed one VC.
At about 1615, M/3/3 reported a VCS captive, brought to them by a PF unit, who offered to show the location of some hidden weapons on the island. An LVT picked up the captive and a PF squad and delivered them to (BT 425122). By the time a Marine element could arrive at the site, time was running short (241730H) and the captive indicated that the weapons cache was some 3000 meters away. The captive was returned with the request that he be retained at District so that he will be available for planned operations on the island in the next few days.
Totals for the highly successful operation, which concluded with retraction at dark from (BT 4251-2) no Marine or friendly force casualties, 3 VC killed (one by Junk Division 15), 2 VC wounded (one of whom has since died of wounds), 75 VCS (7 by Junk Division 15), 14 of whom were returned after interrogation in the field by ITT and CI interrogators. Approximately 300 meters of caves destroyed, 7 mines and booby traps destroyed or disarmed, and numerous punji traps of various description destroyed.
Two AN/PRC-25 radios were used on a test basis during the operation and are considered a definite improvement over existing battalion equipment. The two radios were used on the Battalion Tactical Net and the Regimental Tactical Net. Reliable communications were maintained with the AN/PRC-25 at a range of better than 12,000 meters. Previous operations in the same area proved the AN/PRC-10 totally unreliable for such distance even when used in open, sandy areas.
Summary of enemy activity, 24 October 1965, submission of
October 1965.
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Operation Snaggle Tooth) of 24 October 1965
Comprehensive Summary Alpha Company 1/4
Received incoming fire from estimated four carbines vic (BT 436150) at 240745H. Checked area, found footprints leading in westerly direction. Found several fight holes along ------- (BT 435150). Also found bared wire fence and some unused barbed wire in the same area.
While at (BT 426153) at 241200H received sniper fire from (BT 432152). Fire believed to be from carbine.
People in area appeared to be afraid of the Marines.
Four junji traps vic (BT 429140). Traps approximately 4’ x 6’. Found three more punji traps approximately 2’ x 2’. Also found leather pack beside trench vic (BT 428-35), 1 photograph inside the pack with some fishing line.
Mar----- traps on trail with usual type signs with the word ‘MIN’ written in white letters. Booby traps were set with wire chest high, leader line and trip were line used. Instantaneous detonating type grenades used as explosive.
One VC wounded vic (BT 427131) at 241545H. Later died of wounds at B-Med.
Received incoming small arms fire from vic (BT 421129) at 241614H.
Captured one VCS at 24----H vic coord (BT 426139). Man was hiding in a hole at waters edge.
Comprehensive Summary Bravo Company 1/4
Found burned house still smoldering vic (BT 455151) at 240630H.
Found M-2 fragmentation grenade vic (BT 458149) at 240700H.
Received approximately 15-20 rounds of small arms fire while on Hill 10 (BT 437158) at 240830H. Fire came from (BT 432157). Weapons sounded like automatics. Two people observed vic (BT 432157). Checked area later and found bipod prints in the dirt and found four Mauser expended cartridge cases.
Found 21 punji traps at (BT 4-8157) at 240830H. Traps were approximately –5 feet square and 5-6 feet apart. Traps were well constructed with heavy woven bamboo mating on all areas with corner and center -------. From ----- to --- punji stakes approximated 4 ˝ feet in length were emplaced in bottom of -------. The punji traps had been recently constructed. Some of the stakes -------- green. Some of the junji stakes had some substance appearing to be creosote. The covers to the traps were constructed of light interwoven strips of bamboo and laid across flexible ---pieces that would collapse under added weight. This was then covered over with a thin layer of sand. Punji traps were destroyed by the security platoon provided by 106 Platoon, H&S Co.
Several foxholes found vic (BT 438156) at 240830H.
Foxholes and one trap approximately 20 feet long east to west found
240830H at (BT 437158) and approx 30-Anti-Helo poles (BT 437158)<![endif]>
Found standard marker on tree (arrow pointing south) vic (BT 436161) at 240855H.
Punji stakes on both sides of trail from (BT 435158) to (BT 432158) at 240835H.
Found steel foot trap vic (BT 435160) at 240835H. Trap was set in covered hole well camouflaged.
Found 105mm dud vic (BT 447152) at 240915H. Dud was blown.
Found 3 anti-personnel mines vic (BT 431181) at approx 240930H. Mines were destroyed.
Found foot trap at (BT 428158) at 240930H. This foot trap was also booby trapped with use of a French grenade. Approx 25 meters away an M16 mine was tripped but did not explode.
Found spider trap under trail vic (BT 436160) at approx 240950H. This position was ‘L’ shaped, allowing sniper to enter from below and come up to firing position on trail. This position was destroyed.
Found gate (removable obstacle constructed of thorny bushes, cactus and bamboo interlaced) was found vic coord (BT 432161). Destroyed at 241150H. Found tunnel vic (BT 432161) at 241-55H. Opening at (BT 431160). Tunnel was approx 200 meters in length, 4 ---- deep and 3 ˝ feet wide. Tunnel was well constructed with top and sides of tunnel lined with matting made of interwoven bamboo strips. Vertical side braces and cross poles along the top were approx 3” diameter and evenly spaced every 2 ˝ feet apart. Tunnel was covered over with approx 12 inches of dirt and camouflaged with transplanted vegetation. Tunnel was destroyed.
Found tunnel vic (BT 430160) at 241210H. Tunnel was approx 200 meters in length, 4 feet deep and 3 ˝ -4 feet wide. Tunnel constructed and camouflaged in the same manner as described in first tunnel. Tunnel was destroyed.
Found tunnel vic (BT 425159) at 241230H. Tunnel was approximately 50-60 meters in length, 5 feet deep, 3 ˝-4 feet wide. Tunnel constructed and camouflaged in the same manner as described in first tunnel. Tunnel was destroyed.
Ly Tin intelligence personnel furnished information on the location of these tunnels. A province agent and civilians actually point out the exact locations.
Observed armed VN (BT 410150) at 241500H. Junk fleet wounded and captured him later as he ran onto the beach while being fired at by B Company. Received small arms fire at approximately 241500H from vic coord (BT 409153). Moved into area where fire was coming from. Observed men moving through the mud flats. Took them under fire killing one and wounding one. Took seven captures from this area. No weapons are found in the mud.
Comprehensive Summary Charlie Company 1/4
Departed C Co, CP at 240100H with rubber boats. The unit crossed water vic (BT 474145) at 240330H. Crossing completed at 240535H. Established blocking positions (BT 432174) and (BT 439169) at 240640H. Observed seven fishing boats (approx 14 men at vic (BT 430172). Shortly thereafter the seven boats put back into shore (BT 430170). Four fishing boats put back into the channel, the occupants reported as women and boys. Later, two boats were put into mid-stream. 1st Sqd fired warning shots across their bows ---- boats then put back into shore and a few minutes later, 1st Sqd received incoming sniper fire. A Junk fleet vessel came around the bend and fired automatic fire in the direction of the sniper fire. (sniper fire was estimated as two carbines).
At --------, 2nd Sqd observed two VC at (BT 437161) with rifles. 2nd Sqd was located at (BT 439169). The VC fired across the channel into 2nd Sqd positions. Fire was not returned because Company B positions were not known at the time. No further sightings.
At 240730H, a HUEY flew overhead and fired automatic fire which impacted 100 yrds behind 2nd squad position.
One VCS captured vic (BT 4-0175) at 240750H. VCS had attempted to run away when Marines approached.
Heard sporadic carbine fire vic (BT 432178) at 240840H. This firing was heard periodically throughout the morning. The exact source could not be determined.
Received sniper fire from (BT 430170) at 240930H. Fire was returned with undetermined effect. His location was spotted when he fired at a Junk Fleet Vessel. Two rocket heat rounds impacted where he was determined to be firing from. Results undetermined.
Note: The cigar shaped peninsula appeared sparsely populated. The patrol was not detached until after we occupied firing positions in the objective area. The only people we found on the peninsula where we established blocking positions were the VCS who was turned in and one family (BT 439170). Two children, a man and his wife with proper I.D.
Bui Thi Can Huynh Kiem
DOB: 16-4-38 DOB: 1931
Card No. –19932 Card No. 096771
DOI: 7- -- -- (wife) DOI: 6-7-62 (husband)
Most of the houses checked were empty and did not seem lived in.
Conclusion.
It is estimated that 20-30 local guerrillas operate on the island and cigar shape peninsula with occasional organized squad or possibly platoon sized regular VC
Forces moving through the area to avoid the controlled area and check points from (BT 4311) to Tam Ky along central highway ----- controlling Hoa Xuan Island, VC Units could easily move from (BT 4312) to (BT 4---) to Northwest to the upper Trung Phan east of Tam Ky by foot, boat or both.
The island has obviously been under VC control for several years, however, defenses have only recently been constructed to any extent. This recent construction of defenses could be attributed to the fact that this island is the VC’s only open access route leading through southern Quang Tin Province.
It appears that the VC have tight control over the people. Very little information has been furnished by the population of this area.
Most of the defenses were oriented to the north along the line from (BT 437155) to (BT 436161) to (BT 41-158). Other defenses were vic (BT 435149) and (BT 415155).
The Hamlet Hoa Xuan (1) (BT 426159) was possibly in the early stage of a Combat Hamlet, with its concentrated defenses in and on access routes entering this hamlet and extensive tunneling throughout.
The island remains a valuable area for the VC and the VC cannot afford to lose this access to the inland waterways. They could continue to attempt to maintain control. However, the probability that the VC would risk large Regular Force Units and equipment --------- area is not considered great.
A total of 79 captives were taken, 17 were interrogated by Counterintelligence and Interrogator Translator Team (ITT) immediately. Fifteen (15) of those were released. 64 were sent to Chu Lai Collection Point for further processing.
Four (4) VC were killed, one (1) VC wounded.
Three (3) large caves destroyed.
21 mine traps plus several types of foot traps and/or booby traps, which employed frag grenades of the M-26, M-2 and French type hand grenades, were destroyed.