The Fighting at Cu Mong
10-05-1971
Captain Doan Van Tinh
After 1971, time and opportunities for the Marine units to retreat to their Rear Bases in the South for rest, training and reinforcements were lost.
It was on Chinese New Year that the 9th Battalion, after three weeks of operation "Search and Destroy", left the fire bases C1, C2, and A1, A2 of Gio linh and had formed a defensive line further back on 6-5-71.
A convoy transported us southwards along National Route One. We had travelled for fourteen kilometres before reaching Phu Oc in the district of Phong Dien. From there towards the Quang Tri beach, villages were placed very close to each other.
We thought that the battalion would have a few days of rest before an order to attack or to reinforce another unit would come through. After arriving, however, Companies 1 and 2 were immediately deployed on National Route One while Companies 3 and 4 were deployed along a river bank towards a rice field in the north. Guards were posted and platoons were set on the other side of the river. The river was rather large and the brilliant yellow sandy banks bordered it nicely. The water was a clear crisp blue which ran smoothly like a beautiful girl's flowing hair.
Each time our troops stopped, defensive battle preparations, such as digging trenches, were made. These procedures were almost a routine in a battle unit such as ours. At about noon, all of the Company Commanders were summoned to the Battalion headquarters for a briefing. The Battalion headquarters, a large tent, was situated in the yard of a civilian's house. Surrounding this house were rows and rows of betel nut trees belonging to an orchard.
Major Nguyen Kim De, the 9th Marine Battalion Commander was in a relaxed mood. He shook hands with all the Company Commanders before sitting down on the floor of the tent as there were neither chairs nor tables. Next to him sat Captain Pham Cang, the executive officer and 1st Lieutenant Hoang Don Tuan, the S3 Chief. They were all senior to us in the Dalat Military Academy. Cang and Tuan were always very friendly and always wore a smile.
The Company Commanders were:
- 1st Lieutenant Phan Cong Giao (Company 1)
- 1st Lieutenant Le Thang (Company 2)
- 1st Lieutenant Doan Van Tinh (Company 3)
- 1st Lieutenant Nguyen Minh Tri (Company 4)
- Captain Ngo Dinh Loi (Commanding Company)
- 1st Lieutenant Thai Minh Tri, Doctor of the Battalion
- Captain Carlson, the Battalion US advisor
Sitting on the floor created a more relaxing atmosphere. The Battalion Commander stood up and announced:
"Today, we will move towards the Bastogne area, south west of Hue. Checkpoints will be made along the way and you should command your troops with precision especially when passing populated areas of the city."
We looked at the operation map and copied down all the fine details. This operation had no significance to the others, but for me, it brought back many fond memories. In my schooling years, my classmates and I often rode our bikes on this route. Sometimes we would abandon classes to enjoy a stroll down this road. Memories of me camping during my boy scouting years also jumped back to my mind.
From Phu Oc, the convoy passed by An Hoa, crossed the Bach Ho Bridge and turned left towards the city of Hue. On our left hand side sat the large old capital area of the Nguyen dynasty. A mossy high wall bordered the Nguyen Hoang. From a distance, the old citadel walls seemed to be black. A yellow flag with three red stripes were high on the flagpole. Along the citadel, there was a lake full of lotuses and a beautiful scent of flowers could be smelt in summer. On our right sat the Phu Van Lau Park.
On both sides of the road we had travelled on, vibrant red flowers were blossoming, reminding me of my childhood days.
One of the troops who sat behind me commented, "Hue City is so beautiful isn't it?"
I was on the verge of tears when they praised my native town. I turned back and saw two very young soldiers Hoang and Huong whose origins were from the most southern parts of Vietnam. I felt great pity for them. They were just beginning to appreciate the Vietnamese land, yet now they have to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom and defend our way of life in the South.
Our convoy contained up to thousands of soldiers and naturally drew a crowd of all sorts of people. Cyclists, students, workers and even merchants stood on the kerb watching the Battalion pass by.
We hoped that the convoy could cross at the beautiful old Trang Tien Bridge but it was unable to hold the weight of the huge convoy, thus we turned towards the newly built Nguyen Hoang Bridge, about 700 metres away from the Trang Tien Bridge.
While crossing the bridge, we could see Hen Island dividing the river into two separate streams with boats sailing peacefully up the river. A large mountain stood in the background of the long steel bridge of Gia Vien. In the distance a pointy tower stood proudly and from there bells could be heard every day early in the morning and late in the evening. It was a calm sound almost soothing the painful wounds of a nation at war.
After crossing the Nam Hoa Bridge, the convoy halted at the foot of a tall mountain. Bastogne was a FSB situated on a large hill. It belonged to the district of Nam Hoa in the Thua Thien Province. Previously it was a US base but now it belonged to the ARVN 1st Infantary Division. The base was situated in the South West of Hue.
The battalion had temporarily deployed on some hills along the large River Tuan. The area was surrounded by the continuous Mountain Range of Truong Son. The executive officer, Captain Pham Cang (radio code name: Cam Ranh) directed each company into position while posting scouts and sending someone for the Battalion Headquarters. Next to the Battalion positions, were helicopter pads situated along the foot of the mountain. This brought great convenience for landing food supplies as well as ammunition for the units in that area.
Early in the morning, the next day, the Battalion Headquarters radioed Company 3 and summoned the Company Commander and the Company Executive Officer to a briefing. I quickly grabbed my helmet from the artillery rounds box and my operations map while I informed my RTO, Tran Van Ba, "Calling all platoons! Platoon leaders; prepare to see me when the order comes"
The Battalion Headquarters was situated on a small hill, next to a road. It had many defensive trenches and bunkers being left behind by previous units. New solid bunkers were built with sand bags and iron sheets for protection against shellings. A large bunker was utilised as a briefing room. As I entered, I was surprised to see everyone already present: Captain Pham Cang, 1st Lieutenants Tuan Thang, Tri, Giao and their Executive Officers and even Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Chung, the Commander of Brigade 396. There were also some US Advisors present.
I looked at the tall mountains in front of us, covered in thick fog. It was quite late in the afternoon and aircrafts continued their endless bombardments, while helicopters fired rockets into the mountain tops with great persistence.
We watched as places in the mountains were gunned down. The monstrous mountains looked like walls in flames. I calculated the coordinates of our position to confirm our location. The area was the correct target of out operation: Dong Cu Mong.
On the map, Cu Mong was a three branched mountain. Its peak was about 70 metres taller than the others. Around Dong Cu Mong were mountains running in all directions.
I pondered, "How can the VC survive after so many airstrikes?"
Dong Cu Mong and its surrounding area had been carpet bombed since this morning. A37 and F4 fighters had also napalmed and dropped daisy cutters in the area. Lastly, Cobra helicopters had also targeted specific locations in the rockets they had fired.
When we returned to the TOC, Lieutenant Colonel Chung, the Brigade 369 Commander, pointed closely to a map.
"This is Cu Mong top. More than a week ago, a US Corps of Engineers Company was supported by an ARVN Infantry Battalion of Regiment 1, to construct a Fire Base. After being attacked by an enemy regiment however, the base was overrun and we were forced to withdraw, leaving many of our dead behind. The 9th Marine Battalion would be air lifted to Dong Cu Mong tomorrow and puncture the enemyùs defences to recover Cu Mong. We will then search and retrieve our dead. There will be Artillery, US and VNAF Air support”.
We now understood our mission. It was probable that the enemy was no longer great in quantity within this area. However, it was certain that smaller units were still lurking as they knew we would return for our dead. After a few more queries, the 9th Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander and US Advisor all shook hands and left. A briefing for the 9th Battalion officers then followed. The Commander stood and añressed the officers, "You have heard the Lieutenant Colonel, Brigade Commander. Our mission is to reoccupy Cu Mong, to recover the bodies of the US Corps of Engineers as well as the corpse of all friendly forces. We will also attempt to reduce the pressure that the enemy is applying on the 1st Infantry Regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Tho, the younger brother of the Marine Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Thang's Company 2 had been positioned with the Battalion Headquarters for some days now and according to the roster it should initiate first. However, in the current situation, I believe it would be best to have a company that would react swiftly in close combat, especially with hand grenades. I will let Company 3 or Company 4 to execute the mission. Companies 1 and 2 would follow. Captain Cang and all of you, what do you think?"
1st Lieutenant Giao had been newly appointed as Company 1 Commander. Tri and I glanced at each other. We understood the situation and accepted what the future held for us.
"Yes sir, my Company will initiate first," I replied.
"Thank you. Captain Cang will initiate with Company 3 onto target AÏ If possible, Company 4 will follow and initiate on the same target. But if the enemyùs defence is too strong, then Company 4 will attack Target C. The Battalion Headquarters and Companies 1 and 2 will initiate onto Target B, and then reinforce Company 3. After landing, attempt to stick to your target. Gun ships will support us in our attack. 1st Lieutenant Tinh, check your Companyùs grenades. Anything else I forgot to mention?"
* 8:00am 10 - 05 - 1971
Companies 3 and 4 were ready at a helipad about 100 metres from the Battalion Headquarters. The helipad was paved with steel sheets along the foot of the mountain. It was spacious and relatively safe. The orders were as follows, "Platoons 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Company Headquarters," I gave orders to platoon leaders, "Platoon 2 of 2nd Lieutenant Dang Ngoc Minh initiate first. After you land, Platoon 2 is to quickly run outwards and form a defensive line in the west and south westerly direction. 1st Lieutenant Hoa, the Executive Officer of Company 3 will initiate with Platoon 2 and a US Engineering Team led by 1st Lieutenant Peter. You will call the helicopter when assistance is required. Platoon 1 of 3rd Lieutenant Sang will move eastwards, the further the better. On Cu Mong there are many old bunkers left behind by previous units. Attempt to form a defensive line, suitable for battle. You and US 1st Lieutenant Peter should find a suitable location for surveillance. Both of you should call and command gun ships. Platoons 3 and 4 will initiate at the same time with the Company Headquarters. Company 4 is to be deployed in the north and Company 3 in the south. If we are unable to land at Dong Cu Mong for whatever reason, we will land at Target C with Company 4."
It was 8.45am. In the bright blue sky of the east, helicopters were beginning to appear. The little black dots grew larger and larger until they were above us. It landed on the helipad for us to mount. A team of four US Engineers climbed up on to the 6th helicopter along with 1st Lieutenant Hoa. Platoon 1 had mounted the next five helicopters and I mounted the 13th. Captain Cang and Platoon 4 mounted the next eleven helicopters. All together, our fleet was composed of twenty-four helicopters. The rotors spun faster and faster, and the fleet took flight. After a few circles, we flew towards our targets.
The first few helicopters were now above their targets and were being continuously fired upon by the enemys anti-aircraft defences. The helicopters also machine gunned the targets causing havoc on the ground.
The helicopter pilots performed excellently as they swooped down quickly to allow the marines to disembark before quickly rising again beyond the enemyùs fire. The marines also executed their tasks well by rapidly moving outwards and occupying the trenches that were in place.
Small firearms, M79 machine guns and grenades were employed to intimidate our enemy. Seven of the twenty-four helicopters had dispatched the whole of Platoon 2, the US Engineers Team, the Company Executive Officer and one squad of the 3rd Lieutenant Sang at their specified target.
I pointed at the peak of Dong Cu Mong and gave the pilot a signal to land. He noñed. We were only about 20 metres from the ground before the co-pilot was hit in his right shoulder and his right hand. The machine gunner also suffered wounds to the thigh and the hand. "Kok...Kok...Kok..." were the sounds as my helicopter was hit by the enemyùs fire. It shook a little before it soared back up into the safety of the sky.
I did not care much for my own life, but at that moment, I had realised the consequence of our failure to land. The young soldiers down there had lost the support and instructions of the Company Headquarters. They were left to survive on their own. I, on the other hand, had no knowledge of what was to come next. The unsteady helicopter regained its equilibrium and left the target site with the remaining helicopters. The pilot signalled to me that it was impossible to land. I noñed and pointed to 'Target B' on the map. He understood and led the rest of the helicopters to Target B. We, coincidentally, landed at the same time as Company 1.
Twenty minutes later, Captain Cang landed at Target B. We discussed the matter of the division of my Company for about ten minutes before I led the remaining troops of Platoon 1 and Platoon 4 towards Target A while Captain Cang commanded Platoon 3. The platoons advanced in parallel prongs and time passed quickly as it was already 3.00pm. In the urgent situation, Captain Cang and I found a way to reach Target A as soon as possible. We decided to leave all the unnecessary equipment behind, kept by Company 1, so we could climb up the steep terrain, thick full of brambles. From in front of us, sounds of gunshots and gun ships fuelled our impatience. The 1st Lieutenant Do Phu Hoa, my Companyùs Executive Officer radioed in:
"The situation has improved. We are now maintaining our positions more solidly. 1st Sergeant Ben and some marines were killed"
"Why?" I asked
"Ben led his squad to the east for the attack, but when they had reached the top of the incline, Ben was shot in the head. The squad's standing leader took charge of the squad. I am allowing Squad 2 of Platoon 1 to fill the breach of Ben's position."
"I hear you loud and clear. Be very careful"
"Don't worry sir, 1st Lieutenant Peter is calling Log and Cobra which were smashing the VC charges. Log dropped grenades and fired the machine guns with great accuracy. He was only off the marines heads by five to ten meters."
"Tell Peter I thanked him. Be calm in retaining the positions, Captain Cang and I will arrive soon."
I reported the situation to Captain Cang. The terrain continued to become more and more difficult to tread on. A fall into the abysses would be fatal and could occur at anywhere. There were parts of the climb where we had to cling on to the cliff when ascending. Any marineùs slight mistake could cost someoneùs life. Our advance was made easier because the squad leaders had ordered the marines to secure the equipment behind rocks to expedite our climb in this critical time. The two prongs continued to move in a parallel formation. I looked at my watch. It was ten minutes to 6.00pm.
Nightfall was approaching and we began seeing flames on the trees. Signs of gunfire and napalm were also apparent. We finally reached a slope, only a hundred meters from Target AÏ In the darkness, flames were oscillating furiously before being covered in its own smoke. Captain Cang met me behind a rock.
"Cam Ranh, we have arrived"
"OK, be careful and limit your movement. Tan-An, you approach on the left and I will approach on the right. We will climb up, supporting each other. Make contact with 1st Lieutenant Hoa so he would change the direction of fire. Then at the same time, we will charge forward."
"I understand. Cam Ranh"
Cam Ranh radioed Company 1 and ordered them to continue moving and be ready for reinforcements. Captain Cang then radioed the Battalion Commander:
"Calling Dalat! This is Cam Ranh"
"Dalat here"
"Tan An and I are approaching the target in the north and north easterly direction and are ready to attack. At the top, the fighting continues. However, Tan An said that the top is being solidly held while still being supported by Logs."
We deployed, giving instructions to a spearheaded team. Captain Cang had three squads from Platoon 3 and a heavy weapon squad. The latter would stay there and provide support fire. The 3rd Lieutenant Sang and my Platoon were to attack from the left side. Platoon 4 of 3rd Lieutenant Nam was to creep to the left slope of the mountain and prevent the enemyùs retreat. With everything set up, I patted Captain Cang on the back and noñed.
We tried to crawl to the top. Rocks, of all sizes, impeded our progress to the top, but they also gave us protection. As we neared the last mound of rocks, I signalled for everyone to stop and prepare for the decisive attack. Meanwhile, the battle between Platoon 2 and the NVA continued. After having all the squads throw grenades at the enemy, I stood up and shouted "Charge!" A series of shouts followed. "Charge!" The grenades and explosions that followed reverberated through the whole area. In the west, north west and south west, Hoa had changed the direction of fire. In the darkness, the sounds of gunfire, explosions and shouts of the marines combined in the night.
Suddenly, Dong Cu Mong was illuminated as if it was day but the flares from the artillery and the aircrafts. We were no longer in fear of being hit by bullets or of succumbing. All we felt now was a boiling sensation in our minds and in our hearts. We were determined to fight and certain to win. We were to annihilate the enemy and save our brothers who had been trapped at this peak. No mercy and no delay. It was a must for us to push forward and win for our own survival. We fired every gun in the forward direction and it was only thirty minutes later that the two prongs overran all the trenches and bunkers in the north and north east of Dong Cu Mong. Suddenly, sounds exploded from the east. As expected, the surviving NVA escaped in the east and south easterly direction. They were slaughtered by Platoon 4 of 3rd Lieutenant Nam.
After almost one hour of battle, Company 3 had secured the target. Quiet returned to the forests and the mountains. Only the cracking flames would be heard from the burning trees. In the hundred meters I saw in front of me the scenery was terrible. The thick smoke brought a burning sensation to our throats and severely irritated our eyes. It did not matter however. Soon, everything will be fine, because we had just defeated the enemy. Dead bodies, killed today and yesterday, complete and incomplete, our marines or of the NVA lay on the ground everywhere. The odour of the rotting bodies combined with the gunpowder created a hellish odour that one could not describe and was specific to the battle of Dong Cu Mong. I shook the hand of the US engineer officer. In the dark, he embraced me and said "Thank you" many times. I patted him on the back and said:
"Oh no, thank you! You and I and everyone created this victory."
I embraced Hoa and Minh. We were elated as we were reunited after so many dangers.
I walked towards the poncho which had contained the body of 1st Sergeant Ben, a kind and gentle subordinate of mine. I bent down and embraced the bag. I also touched the other ponchos as if I shook their hands and bid them farewell:
"Be calm in this eternal sleep. I will take care of all your bodies and send you, my brothers, back to your families"
The next morning, the battalion headquarters and Companies 1, 2 and 4 continued to move towards Dong Cu Mong. Helicopters landed and brought more body bags for the corpses belonging to the US Corps of Engineers.
Each platoon leader carried on his shoulders the ponchos which contained the bodies of the marines belonging to his platoon. I, myself, squatted down as two marines placed the poncho containing Sergeant Ben's body on to my shoulders. Ben was the under officer who had been assigned to the 9th Marine Battalion with me the same day it was formed.
I stood up and walked towards the landing zone. The helicopters were there to carry those killed in action back to their families. They were the people who had fulfilled their duty to our nation. Ben! You as well as others, and our US friends had fought for freedom and had succumbed on the top of this mountain: Dong Cu Mong.
Captain Doan Van Tinh
No comments:
Post a Comment