Company 2 of the Sea Wolf
3rd Marine Battalion at Dong Ha
Defensive Line - 29.3.1972 to 8.4.1972
Captain Giang Van Nhan
The convoy passed the great gate of Song Than Base. This gate was beautifully designed by 1st Lieutenant Le Chanh and built by a Marine Engineer Company. As we entered we could see to our right, the road that led to the rear bases belonging to the 7th and 8th Battalions. The main road led to the 5th Battalion Base, which was moved to this position from LO-O springs. Facing the 5th was the 3rd Marine Artillery. The base also had a Buñhist Temple and a Catholic Church being built at the time. To the left, one could find the open air training centre. Once at a T-junction, one road led to the 1st Battalion Camp, and the other to Le Huu Sanh hospital. Beyond the hospital, was Di An base and a check point of Military Police 202. In centre of the base lay Song Than Base Headquarters, the camps of Marine Battalions 2, 3, 6 and 9. Only the 4th Marine Battalion was still located at Hoang Hoa Tham barracks in Vung Tau.
Once reaching ts camp, the 3rd Battalion received order of 100% restriction, and was put under the command of the JGS and subjected to random roll calls. Di An base was previously the base of US 1st Infantry Division, whose headquarters was stationed at Phu Loi, Binh Duong Province. The base at Di An was originally named Co Mi forest, where the Marines used to train and perform operations, before it was cleared by the US Army and transformed into a base. This base would then house the 2nd Infantry Brigade and a squadron from the Quarter Horse Cavalry. During the Vietnamisation, the US army slowly withdrew and handed back Command of the base back to the Vietnamese Marine Corps in 1971. The base also had an airstrip for C123 aircraft and a helipad. The clearing of the forest for the base had left it totally treeless, and hence also shadeless, making the base incredibly hot during the warmer months. But now, as it was approaching the Tet New Year which was during the winter, the weather was quite cool during the night and mornings.
Although under 100% restriction, soldiers who had families in independent camps in Thu Duc were occasionally transported by GMC trucks to their homes in the evenings. For the rest of the soldiers who were either celibates or had family living afar, were to stay in the camps. Twice a day, they received meals from the Battalion clubs, and had to be present in the base for suñen roll calls. Whenever the alarm was sounded, the Marines would equip themselves as though on operation, which consisted of personal firearms and rucksacks. After they would gather at Company meeting points, before being led by Company Thuong Vu to the Battalion flag square. If the alarm was sounded during the night, the chief of each camp would have a roll call immediately, and then report the number to each Company.
The Marines had been subjected to many days of operations, and everyone thought that they would be allowed to visit their families in other camps, or at least visit their girl friends in Thu Duc district for the Tet New Year. Despite of this, the Marines would spend the lunar New Year listening to chirping crickets, watching the star strewn sky and the distant glow of Di An and Thu Duc Districts.
After the raising of the national flag to celebrate the coming of the Lunar New Year, Major Le Ba Binh the Commander of the 3rd Battalion, read an official paper about the promotion of Marines. To my joy, I was among that number who received a promotion that day.
We had a New Year Lunch, which was also meant to celebrate the promotion of Marines in my company. Suñen roll calls were still occurring at the base to enforce the 100% restriction in place. This restriction I though had to have some significance, and I thought of the military events at the Fire Bases in MRI, and the suñen departure to them. The life of reserve forces was always like this, moving from one place to another.
There were also general inspections at the base by Officers from Marine Division Headquarters. The one after the New Year was headed by Colonel Ton That Soan, who was previously the commander of the 3rd Marine Battalion, Task Force B and Brigade 258 successively. He had led all these units to many victories, and now in his new position was teaching his combat experiences to the younger Commanders.
The number of soldiers present was 115 of a total 160 from Company 2, was reported back to the team of inspectors. Thuong Si Vo Lach, whispered to me with much concern,
"Captain! Last night there were 135 on roll call. Now we’ve got 20 less. I thought those missing were just visiting other Battalion clubs."
Looking at his concern, I felt comforted to have someone look over me.
"Thuong Si! Thank you for having concerns for meï".
The inspection team continued to carefully examine all the weapons and communication equipment. They had with them a check list that consisted of all our equipment.
- Personal firearms.
- Signal radio PRC25.
- 90mm rocket launcher, (the rockets of which made most of the weight).
- 4 barrel rockets (able to fire 4 rockets at a time from any position, be it standing, kneeling, or prone position).
- Special M79 antitank weapons (these could easily disable enemy tanks).
As well as the inspectors, the camp allowed in a number of relatives to visit their loved ones in the camp. These brought along with them New Year presents and were allowed to stay and share a rare moment of happiness with them. In my Company, there was a Private 1st Class by the name of Luong Hong Ngoc, whose parents had died in his childhood. He was very kind and shy, and his grandmother visited him frequently. Having loved her daughter and her son in law, she now devoted herself to her grandson. She also knew that her grandson was continually out in combat, and knew that one day, he could depart and not return. She therefore tried to enjoy every precious minute with him. She would always come to the camp in the first Lambretta Taxi of the day, and leave on the last one out of the camp. This loving grandmother love for her grandson was by no means unique, across the south, mothers watched as their sons went out to fight for freedom. She knew and understood that one day they may have to sacrifice themselves, in order to protect the Nation from being invaded by communists.
One day, all the officers were called and gathered at the Battalion Headquarters and then transported to the Rear Base of the 1st Battalion. I could feel that it was an important briefing. In the hall the atmosphere was jovial as if it were full of firecrackers, as all the young officers were engaged in talking. The face of each platoon leader shone with the gallantry of a fighter. Colonel Bui The Lan, the executive officer, and the Chief of Staff of Marine Division and a number of other officers suñenly arrived. He briefed the officers on the strengths and weaknesses that were revealed during the inspections. He concentrated on the number of people present and on the latest military situation. Everyone listened attentively and improvements were made.
The week before leaving the rear camp, each Company was trained for performing combined Tank and Infantry operations with M48 Tank squadrons which had been positioned in Long Binh. My Company practiced at Tu Tin training field of the Thu Duc Military School for Infantry. We learned tactical lessons and studied about the M48 tanks. Small groups took turns to climb up tanks. Our exercises took place along the Bien Hoa highway. The exercises focused on improving and studying varied techniques, such as, search and detection during advance, protecting the flanks of tank columns, camping at night, and deployment with tank fire-support when encountering enemy. These exercises were all instructed by Tank Commanders.
After days of training, the day all the soldiers had waited for came. The base was brilliantly lit at night as men prepared themselves to leave. Rucksacks were packed with 5 days dried rations, fire arms and ammunition collected, and then placed in columns in the Company yard. My Company of 142 men was set and ready. The voice of Corporal Loi brought vivacity to the atmosphere, which up till then was a mixture of metallic sounds and swishing water cans. When Corporal Loi swore in his characteristic northern accent, everybody laughed.
My Company was ordered to board the trucks. 3rd Lieutenant Nguyen Van Quan was temporarily assigned as Platoon leader of Platoon 21. 2nd Lieutenant Le Van Mon, leader of Platoon 22. 2nd Lieutenant Nguyen Van Nhai a new graduate from Dalat Military Academy replaced 2nd Lieutenant Ly Mong Thu as leader of Platoon 23, who was transferred to another unit. 2nd Lieutenant Nguyen Van Lam, the Executive Officer of the Company was also leader of Platoon 24. All the platoons boarded their respective trucks. Thuong Si Vo Lach, the company NCO controlled the total number of soldiers for the last time.
A number of relatives were still around the trucks. I suñenly noticed that the grandmother of Private 1st Class Luong Hong Ngoc, quickly reached and held her grandson's hand when the chief of convoy gave the order to depart.
A convoy transporting Company 2 crossed My Chanh Bridge, leaving Nancy base behind, and moved straight towards the Truong Son mountain range. Tank tracks were imprinted clearing on the road. My company deployed at a forest edge, then advanced north towards a high point where we would camp. Platoon 22 had to clear the way of dense, thorny climbing vines. Late that afternoon my Company received orders to move out. We were then transported by GMC to National Route 1 to join the convoy of the 3rd Battalion, moving towards Dong Haï After crossing Ben Da bridge, we overtook another convoy caring the 7th Battalion but was forced to stop soon after, as Dong Ha town was violently shelled by enemy artillery. It then began to rain lightly and vision became limited. Danger was waiting ahead of us in Dong Ha, but the Marines still had high spirits and were quite jovial even in the humid and stagnant air.
As soon as the enemy shelling stopped, the 7th Marine Battalion convoy moved to Dong Ha, then followed National Route 9 to reach Cua to reinforce Marine Brigade 147. The 3rd Battalion convoy turned towards Dong Ha base. Company 2 temporarily occupied rows of deserted houses facing National Route 1. Wood was collected and the soldiers boiled water for their dry cooked rice. They mixed canned tuna with the rice, ate quickly, then sank quickly to sleep even under the sporadic enemy artillery fire, being exhausted from the journey.
* 31.3.1972
My Company moved to the gate of Dong Ha base, and saw refugees fleeing along National Route 1 from the advancing communists. The image of North Vietnamese massacring civilians haunted the people of Tri Thien, causing them to take their children and belongings and seek refuge in the south. The two Regiments 56 and 2 of the 3rd Infantry divisions were exchanging positions at noon of 30.3.1972 when they were suñenly attacked by NVA, under a suñen and intense attack several units were forced into retreat. Enemy 130mm artillery rounds fell on the town, forcing my Company to move slowly to avoid the falling metal. My Company deployed and advanced to Dong Ha town. Company 1 of 1st Lieutenant Nguyen Kim Chung was in charge of the railway to the east, leaving Company 2 in charge of the western front. Looking at the map, I thought that Dong Ha was prosperous, but in reality many of the houses were abandoned by their owners who tired of the sporadic shelling from across the DMZ to the north. Returning fire back to the north, artillery from the Ai Tu Combat Base allowed the two Companies to return to the Dong Ha Base that afternoon.
After midnight I received order to accompany a squadron from the 20th Tank Regiment to Ai Tu Combat Base. I met Captain Anh, the Commander of this Squadron which was to carry Company 2 to the 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters positioned inside Ai Tu Combat Base. The transportation occurred without incident. I followed Captain Anh to enter the 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters. In the yellow dim light of TOC, Captain Anh was waiting for the Division Commander. I walked out and lit a cigarette. It was dark, but small spots of fire let me know the soldiers positions. Captain Anh paced in anticipation, waiting for the Division Commander. Each time he walked out, I asked:
"Any order to move captain?
"The Division Commander is still busy, we have to wait."
An hour later, Captain Anh told me:
"I’ll take your company back to Dong Ha"
* 1.4.1972
Company 2 was under Command of Group B. Major Tran Kim De, the Executive Officer of the 3rd Marine Battalion, whose radio code name was De Duc, ordered my Company and Company 3 of Captain Le Quy Bin to come out of Dong Ha Base gate early in the morning. My Company accompanied Tank Squadron 1.Company and Group B Headquarters went with Tank Squadron 3. I met Captain Xung, Commander of Squadron 1, 1st Lieutenant Dan, Executive Officer, 2nd Lieutenants Hung, Thuy and Quang who were Tank Company Commanders. Squadron 1 Commander raised his hands towards the sky, forming a V shape, which meant "mount tanks" (an underside down V meant "dismount and deploy") The Tank Company of 2nd Lieutenant Hung and Platoon 22 of 2nd Lieutenant Le Van Mon opened the road and turned into National Route 9.
Squadron 1 moved slowly along the highway towards the west, which was packed with refugees. Tank Company of 2nd Lieutenant Hung crossed Mu An creek, of Cam Hieu village then halted as NVA artillery concentrated 130mm rounds on Cam Loï The Tank Company deployed was unable to move forwards, whilst Company 1 deployed in into an arc. Dust and smoke smothered the area, as houses burnt. Late in the afternoon, my Company received order to mount tanks and return to Dong Haï The tanks stopped and we received an order to reposition during the night. Mojor Tran Kim De was investigating the terrain for deployment when another order arrived, requesting the column to move on. Tank Company 1 and my Company positioned on a high point, 3km West of Dong Haï A Platoon of my Company positioned at another high point named 35, to control National Route 9. Company 3 and Group B positioned at Dong Quai Vac to control the roads leading from the south to Dong Haï At around midnight a jet fighter was shot down by a SAM 2 rocket, exploding above A2 Base. A second jet flew quickly very low overhead, a red streak following close behind it. I clearly saw that it was a Phantom, the red streak suñenly exploded and then emitted another, much swifter streak towards the F4 Phantom. The talented pilot maneuvered quickly, escaping the Russian made SAM 2.
* 2.4.1972
The enemy 130mm artillery rounds continued to pound Cam Lo and Dong Ha. On National Route 9, waves of refugees were still following. Regiment 57 of the 3rd Infantry Division had left their positions in Gio Linh further to the north, since their position became untenable due to the surrender of Base Carroll, which endured continuous shelling day and night over a long period. Tank Regiment 11 had pulled back from Cam Lo, and was now heading towards Dong Ha, the M41 Tanks still having their turrets turned towards Mieu Giang River to the north. Another M41 was ready to fire to protect the rear of the column. A M48 gunner shot a White phosphorus round to destroy a high. And also fired on another combat position on the northern bank of the Mieu Giang River. The fighting morale of the 20th Tank Regiment remained strong, eager for a Tank Battle with the enemy. Through his telescope, the Tank Commander saw enemy T54 tanks rolling down National Route 1 towards Dong Ha. He immediately ordered the tanks to fire. Tank rounds fell in the area stirring huge puffs of dust and smoke, but the distance was too great and the T54 tanks were moving too fast to enable a direct hit. However with the metal raining all around them, the NVA tanks were deterred and forced to move away slightly. Company 1 of the 3rd Marine Battalion risked their lives to block NVA advances on the southern bank of the Mieu Giang. High above in the sky, a Sky-Raider swooped down on NVA positions and bombed, before returning back out to sea. I was stunned by the suñen appearance of a Vietnamese pilot.
An alliance of communist republics across the world, made sure that the North Vietnamese Communists were supplied with all the latest and most sophisticated weapons designed by Russia, such as the T54 Tank, SAM 2 and 130mm Artillery. Whilst in South Vietnam, US only had to spare good, but less up to date and sophisticated weapons for defense. This made the defense of the free South extremely tenuous at the best of times, with the Russian designed weapons often firing with a greater range than the US supplied arms. Hence, it was little wonder that I saw Russian made SAM 2 rockets chase US F4 Phantom jets from the battlefield, whilst on the ground NVA T54 tanks ploughed the town of Gio Linh into the ground, and continued to advance on Dong Ha. From the sky, that Vietnamese pilot could have a clear view of the battlefield. Pitying the fleeing civilians and retreating ARVN units, armed only with comparatively rudimentary weapons when compared to the NVA, the pilot stayed in the area even with the strong anti-aircraft fire and SAM 2 rockets. Despite the obvious danger of these weapons which fired projectiles at much higher velocities than the Sky Raider could reach, the pilot stayed, waiting for the critical moment to intervene. With the appearance of the T54 tanks, he swooped down very low, dropping the bombs right on top of the enemy tank column. I saw that he belonged to the Than Phong air unit of South Vietnam. ARVN soldiers were dismayed to see that despite the direct hits on the tanks, the pilot wasn't so lucky to escape the enemy fire, as his aircraft drew a black streak of smoke across the sky. At the last minute the pilot bailed out, his parachute opened and floated slowly down. I could see hundreds of communist infantry training and shooting their guns at the heroic pilot. Though my binoculars, I saw him hit the ground outside the abandoned C1 base, wrapped in his parachute. NVA rushed to where he lay, and continued to fire ceaselessly on the already dead pilot. Someone murmured.
“Tank Company 1 and Marine Company 2 of the 3rd Battalion witnessed your noble sacrifice. Adieu! The Vietnamese pilot whose name we do not know."
The enemy pushed harder and their shelling intensified on the town. The voice of 1st Lieutenant Nguyen Kim Chung, Commander of Company 1, sounded from the radio.
"Tanks! Tanks! Shoot them! Fire, fire, shoot them!"
Explosions reverberated in the radio handsets. Several minutes after his order for M72 to be fired, the NVA tanks were halted. A number of NVA infantry exploiting the darkness of night, forded the Mieu Giang River, but were captured by Company 1 and Company 4. I heard the voice of 1st Lieutenant Nguyen Van Duong describing the ranks of the captured North Vietnamese.
"One has a white star tailored onto a red background, another has 2 stars, above their pockets are a series of letters and numbers”.
The staccato voice of 1st Lieutenant Nguyen Van Hao, the S2 Chief of the Battalion, could be heard across the handset.
"Reporting to authorities. that was the rank of the soldiers? Please let me know whether there were any papers seized."
Across other fronts it was a different story. It was a night without sleep for Group A, as enemy artillery rounds fell ceaselessly on their positions. Whilst Sentry and Sentry Sergeants continued to follow NVA troop movements, thanks to the flares illuminating the darkness.
* 3.4.1972
Colonel Nguyen Trong Luat and his staff on a M113 APC suñenly came to visit our positions. His US advisor or Co Van, was wounded in one of the forearms. Colonel Nguyen Trong Luat discussed with Captain Xung about the situation and at the same time encouraged accompanying units. Colonel Luat clapped his hand on my shoulder and said:
"This is the opportunity for you to observe the fighting capabilities of the M48 tanks and Communist T54 tanks. The cooperation of infantrymen and especially of the Marines is absolutely necessary”. His suñen appearance boosted the morale of both units. After his briefing, Colonel Luat and his staff returned by a hilly road toward Ha Xaï
Scattering Infantrymen of Regiment 57 and Regiment 2 crossed hills and entered our positions. We gave them cigarettes, water and food so that they could reach Quang Trò. That afternoon the 2 bridges traversing the Mieu Giang at Dong Ha were destroyed, halting the NVA advance that hoped to capture the bridges and continued further south. That night, enemy vehicle headlamps were seen moving in columns in Con Thien, and from Doc Mieu, as the NVA tried to continue their advance on Dong Ha. Orders were immediately sent, requesting Naval Artillery to train their guns on the advancing enemy columns, and pound them relentlessly.
* 4.4.1972
Early in the morning 2nd Lieutenant Nhai and Platoon 23 departed on a search in the area of responsibility, exchanging positions with Platoon 21 at highpoint 35. Sergeant Nguyen Van Trong, a supply Under-Officer was on a Dodge, armed with a machine gun, running on National Route 9 to re-supply my Company. A L19 reconnaissance aircraft was observing from the sky, suñenly it slanted and fired a smoke grenade on the other side of National Route 9. Three North Vietnamese camouflaged with twigs and leaves stood up and ran away. Sergeant Trong fired the machine gun immobilizing the three. The Driver returned the Dodge to Dong Ha.
When that smoke grenade had gone off and flushed the 3 NVA out, my company knew at once that the NVA were attempting to cling onto and hide in the trenches and foothills. 3rd Lieutenant Thanh led his 21st Platoon into the area again. I ordered an attack on the area, with Platoon 22 ready to reinforce the 21st.
My troops and 2nd Lieutenant Hung's tank Company deployed in a row and advanced in a sweeping movement, in order to flush the enemy out. NVA were in the low positions, so we used machine guns and tank artillery to fire on the portion of river bank close to the railway bridge. From above I could see NVA heads popping out from trenches. Tank machine guns killed a number of them, and also hitting a Russian machine gun, which overturned with its legs pointing skyward. Another enemy machine gun barked back angrily. Private 1st class Nguyen Van Long fired a M79 grenade at that NVA, who quickly disappeared into a trench. A machine gun squad of Corporal Hai moved forward, as a communist popped up from a trench and grabbed the upturned 3-legged machine gun. Before he could release its trigger, corporal Nguyen Van Chien sprayed a clip of M60 on him. The enemy saw advancing ARVN M48 tanks and was panic stricken. Their B40 and B41 rockets fired in haste and panic all missed their targets. Platoon of 3rd Lieutenant Thanh and squad of 1st Corporal Hung advanced close to them and threw grenades. On the left side, 1st Sergeant and 1st Corporal, under effective support of Corporal Hai, used M79's to mute an enemy miñle sized machine gun, and approached the National Route 9. Two NVA sprang up and tried to escape but were shot dead by Private 1st class Nguyen Kim. The group of NVA on the right side, received heavy grenades from 1st Corporal Hung's squad. A number of survivors ran away. Encouraged by the retreating enemy, Corporal Chien stood upright and shot down 3 of the enemy with his machine gun. From a tank turret I wanted to shout to warn Chien, but it was too late. A B40 rocket exploded in front of him and pushed him flat on his back. Long avenged the death of his friend by silencing the NVA rocket launcher with an accurate shot of his M79. Seeing their friend lying unmoving, Platoon 21 was furious, simultaneously shouting,
"Charge! Charge!"
I then requested 2nd Lieutenant Hung to change direction of his tank machine guns towards the north of the National Route 9. NVA wildly ran and sprayed bullets on the advancing tanks. Bullets whizzed past my ears, as two radio operators ducked behind the tank turret. One tank soldier was wounded.
The enemy after their first days of victory in the DMZ, entered the area as if it were a no man's land. They never doubted that these M48 tanks, which were stronger than their T54 tanks would appear to flush them out, however they were unprepared for such a quick and intense response from the ARVN tanks. Although there was a well coordinated fire support between my group and 2nd Lieutenant Hung's squad, the deciding factor was the 21st Platoon of 3rd Lieutenant Thanh, which had fought like a fire storm. They had been returning to Company position along the southern slope of High point 35 when a L19 showed enemy positions with a smoke bomb. As soon I gave the order they converged on the enemy.
The fighting lasted a mere 15 minutes; the NVA unit was annihilated. A head count revealed 25 dead NVA soldiers, all dressed in regular uniform. Among the dead was the group Commander, whose rank could be identified with the 2 stars with a stripe underneath. A Chinese Radio, 2 K54 pistols, 1 3-legged machine gun, 1 anti-aircraft machine gun with foldable legs, 1 machine gun with wheels, 2 RPD, 2 B40, 1 B41, 10 AK47, 2 Chinese bayonets for cutting barbed wire, a map and documents from NVA Division 308 were captured. Corporal Chien was the only Marine casualty; his machine gun was reported damaged. A M113 APC was immediately sent there to collect this body and seized NVA equipment, and then transported back to Battalion Headquarters. It was probable that the NVA encountered was a heavy-weapon unit. It was the first time since the renewed communist offensive, begun four days earlier on 30.3.1072, that a Regular Army NVA unit had been defeated by ARVN. Documents captured from the dead North Vietnamese officer gave G2 of the 3rd Infantry Division more information on the NVA which ARVN would be encountering. 1st Lieutenant Hao, Chief of S2 visited me in the afternoon and gave me several bottles of beer and some snacks from town that afternoon, before setting off again to search the battle-site for more information. Under the cover of darkness, 1st Lieutenant Hao and Corporal Loi, searched the North Vietnamese officer to find any documents that may have been overlooked. The search revealed nothing more, but 1st Lieutenant Hao did return with the NVA rank and decoration of 1st Lieutenant from the dead officer as a trophy.
* 5.4.1972
In a further attempt to impede NVA movements on the northern bank of the Mieu Giang River, two F4 Phantoms from the 7th fleet, swooped down and dropped CBU bombs; the explosions shaking the ground and sending curtains of smoke and dust billowing just east of Cam Lo. It was revealed earlier that NVA units had been concentrating in the area for a determined assault on the railway bridge in an attempt to cross the river and push the invasion further south. However the Phantoms were called in, and the units gathered there were annihilated. Small bombs would also be dropped into the area. These acted like grenades and would continue to explode over a long period of time. This would result in a death zone, which would not allow enemy to pass through the area. In response the enemy began to shell Group B position in an attempt to strengthen and support their movements to the west of Cam Lo.
* 6.4.1972
The 3rd Battalion swept away the remaining NVA that were attempting to across the railway bridge, whilst the 23rd Platoon from high point 35 searched Thien Trang on the river bank without incident. Platoon 22 moved to occupy a small hill on which a small temple was built. On the left flank of Company 1, a Battalion from the 3rd Infantry Division moved to strengthen the railway bridge area, with the help of the 2nd Tank Battalion. A squad from Company 21 also took this opportunity to search a target area without incident. Platoon 22 deployed in a row advanced south. Suñenly M79 rockets exploded behind the platoon.
"Calling Nam Giao! This is 22. please avoid mis-recognition. Please tell them to stop firing M79"
"Hearing you loud and clear, 5 over 5"
I followed Tank Company of 2nd Lieutenant Hung to the north to observe enemy positions. Through the tank telescope, I saw NVA in their defensive positions on the opposite bank.
"Calling Nam Giao! Why are you still coughing up M79 on us?'
"Calling 22! Its not us! Its enemy. No friends there."
"Hearing you clear."
Sergeant Nguyen Ngoc Suong, the executive platoon leader with Sergeant Trinh Van Tien's squad crawled towards the firing M79. Private 2nd Class Toan crawled inside enemy lines. The enemy jumped out, trying to catch him. He fought close combat, but was shot down. On the right flank was the squad of Sergeant Le Dat. Private Thach Rong, who was newly assigned to this unit, crawled quickly after Corporal Du Minh Chieu and threw grenades at the NVA positions. It was revealed that the enemy were using M79 captured from Regiment 57 to fire on Platoon 22. In añition to this, the NVA were occupying the small temple, using it to shoot along the trail to attack reconnaissance soldiers of Sergeant Tien's squad. The enemy began firing B40 rockets, in reply Sergeant Dat silenced them with several rounds of M79. Under heavy gunfire, 2nd Lieutenant Mon advanced with a machine gun squad. Private 1st Class Le Van Chien from this squad fired his machine gun to cover the advance of Sergeant Tien's squad. However a clip of AK47 felled Sergeant Tien. Private 1st Class Le Ngoc Dung fired an M79 towards the direction of the AK47, with Chien's machine gun in support. Tank artillery was also called in to pound positions just north of Company 1 in support.
After an hour of fighting, Platoon 22 took control of the situation. 12 NVA were killed. Sergeant Tien was severely wounded by the AK47. His squad suffered 3 killed and 2 slightly wounded in the fighting. The body of Private 2nd Class Toan was not found. Platoon 22 seized 1 K54 pistol, 1 RPD, 1 M79, 2 B40 and 7 AK47 were captured. The equipment, dead and wounded were all transported to Company Headquarters. Sergeant Trinh Van Tien with a severe chest wound passed away before a M113 APC medivac could arrive. I closed Tien's eyes.
"Tien! Quietly rest now please. We will continue to fight to fullfil your wishes and all ARVN's will"
As Company 1 and an Infantry Battalion advanced, NVA fought violently to try and hold out, but they had no way of escaping the abandoned C1. Naval Artillery firing from the gulf of Tokin pounded the captured base relentlessly. In response, NVA 130mm artillery rounds were fired, falling around a Pagoda in Dong Ha near National Route 9, and killing a number of foreign reporters. Suñenly Captain Xung called me through the radio.
"Do you know Captain Anh of the 2nd Tank Battalion?'
"Yes of course I do". How could I forget the night when Captain Anh and I were waiting to see the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.
"Captain Anh has been killed"
After a day of heavy fighting the NVA at the railway bridge were annihilated. The units then received orders to return that afternoon.
* 7.4.1972
NVA gathered under cover of darkness and attacked Company 3 and Tank Battalion 3 just after midnight. Machine gun fire, B40 and B41 rockets, M79 grenades shook the whole hilly area on the western flank. The enemy attacked in waves, but each wave was repelled. I ordered Company to be on the look out, for if Company 3 was attacked it would be very likely that other units would be too. Platoon 23 and a Tank Company on high point 35 were also warned and prepared. Through infrared tank telescopes, Tank machine gunners saw enemy appearing and fired. M79 were fired, the explosions intimidating the enemy, who put up a very weak attack before retreating silently back. Early the next morning, Platoon 23 searched and found 6 dead NVA, 1 B41 and 5 AK47. The defending force suffered no casualties. The killed NVA were the same ones which attacked Company 3 and were repelled, but on their retreat had strayed into the defensive lines of high point 35 and consequently killed.
* 8.4.1972
Following routine, my Company was preparing to send groups of half squads to patrol and form reconnaissance teams in border territories, when a column of M113 APC carrying a Ranger unit came to replace us. I met Captain Tran Van Xuan the Commander of that Company, who was also an old military school classmate. I transferred the position to him, including high point 35. I looked pityingly on his unit. Our units were of the same level and quality, yet there were differences. It was apparent that his unit had been hit hard by the enemy, as he only had 100 men left compared to my 145. This would thus mean a difference in fighting capacity.
"Calling Nam Giao! This is platoon 22. Changing accomplished."
"Hear you clearly. 5 over 5"
My Company mounted the M113 APC and left Dong Ha where we had fought. I hoped that all retreating units of the 3rd Infantry Division and Tank Regiments were able to gather and regroup at Dong Ha to keep the defensive line. I knew that NVA Tank Regiments would pass by Cam Lo and attack Dong Ha from the west. I was thinking of new battles and new defensive lines that would have to be defended, due to the forced withdrawal of units from the untenable positions at fire bases Holcomb, Sarge, Ba Ho, Mai Loc the day before.
Captain Giang Van Nhan
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