The Third Marine Battalion
Raised the National Flag on the Quang Tri
Old Citadel on the 15th of September 1972
Captain Giang Van Nhan
* 24th of August 1972
My injuries from Quang Tri have resulted in my staying hospitalised at Le Huu Sanh for one and a half months. During this time, I came across many sad and joyful memories - those which I will cherish forever.
Wounded marines lay in surgical wards as every one of them had suffered injuries - each of varying levels of severity. Some victims became amputees - sacrificing for their own country.
One of the casualties unfortunately lost his vision. Upon hearing that his girlfriend was on her way to visit him during one weekend, he asked another patient, who was in a wheel chair, to guide him to the toilets in order for him to hide.
Another victim lay there completely motionless, paralysed. The only thing he had was his sight, and the pride and bitterness he held for his nation. His had to be soaked in ointment in an attempt to heal the bruises that covered his body. Lying on nylon sheeting, he never once moved.
These accounts yield similar cases for many of the injured ARVN fighters. With their lives willingly on the line, they were fought nobly for their right of freedom. At a very young age, these soldiers left their home and their loved ones - a sacrifice done in order for them to perform various operations both day and night in the jungles of the U Minh where they trekked strenuously through mud and swamps, or in Truong Son range.
Soldiers fought with their lives to protect the country's peaceful existence. Pity is emerged as you think about their sacrifice. The urgent demands in the battlefields were constantly requiring fighters up front. As a result, as soon as soldiers recovered from their injuries would be immediately sent by aircraft to their battalion to serve.
Captain Anh (Class 21 of Dalat Military Academy) and I were transported in a jeep pass the gate of Marine Division head quarters after the streetlights of Saigon were switched on. A roll call was taken in the flag square , which had recently ended. I carried my backpack and followed them to the hall. Lying on the floor, I grew contemplative. There were approximately seventy 3rd Lieutenant of the two consecutive classes from Thu Duc Military School. They had been assigned to different Battalions of the Marine Division. Here they were now gathered again, waiting for an airlift the next day.
It was only that night that they were brought together. Everyone knew that they were unlikely to ever reunite. From the next day onward, they would face their enemies, supported by the communist countries, in the humid battlefield. Rounds of NVA 130mm would rain continuously in Quang Tri city. Death would become a common occurrence, something that could happen at any given time. Who would survive? Who would be sacrificed? Many questions were left unanswered.
Young officers eagerly engaged in conversation with one other, disregarding sleep, and reminiscing of their days in Military school. They spoke with detached and innocent laughter, with smiles on their faces. I tossed and turned, struggling to sleep.
I recalled during my stay in hospital, my Company suffered from a heavy loss in the Quang Tri old citadel. Second Lieutenant Le Van Mon sacrificed himself on the battlefield. Second Lieutenant Nguyen Van Nhai was wounded, waiting to be categorised. Second Lieutenant Nguyen Van San had been treated in a military hospital. Approximately 40% of the lower officers and ranks were lost after one week after having replaced the 5th Airborne Battalion.
I missed my unit - I missed the faces of my troops, those that were frequently in close skirmish with NVA.
I went to a corridor outside and lit a cigarette. Staring wistfully at the dark blue star-filled sky, I thought about my partner, Uyen. She was my lover and could have been my wife. I thought about Miss Chinh, a class mate of Uyen in Gia Long High School. Chinh had a lover who was mobilized in Nha Trang under officer training centre. After graduating he fought courageously on the battlefield. In an ambush at La Nga, NVA was defeated, leaving more than ten soldiers dead. A number of his friends sacrificed their lives. His left lower limb was severely injured, broken into pieces. Consequently, doctors had to amputate it. After his recovery, his wedding was arranged and celebrated. It was the most beautiful love shared between two people during the perpetual fighting.
- “If I was Chinh, I would have never done so, simply because I only would accept the marriage if I had already been in a wedlock”.
Uyen spoke with a smile, which provided hints. All I was able to do was to stay silent. I was grateful that she spoke her innermost thoughts, despite the distance between us was like ripples from a rock thrown into tranquil water. Being in a general reserve force, we had always been present in fierce fights. None of us knew what was to become of us the next day. I was neither pessimistic nor optimistic about it. My goal was only to fulfil the responsibility of a company commander. The safety of roughly 200 lives was much more important than that of my own humble self.
Suddenly, an arm was placed over my shoulder as someone spoke in a friendly voice.
“Good evening, Sergeant! You've probably served many years in the Marine Division. Would you mind telling us about your experiences?”
I turned around and looked at the young Officer. I did not resent his addressing me as an Under-Officer. I accepted it so that our conversation would not be awkward. I carefully told them about the battle in Quang Tri. The enemy had unexpectedly attacked. The whole 3rd infantry Division and the 11th Cavalry Regiment had withdrawn out of the line of fire. The 3rd Marine Battalion the 20th Tank Regiments had stopped. It then repelled NVA 308 units and 2 NVA tank regiments at the Dong Ha defensive line and on National Route 9, west of Cam Lo. Third Lieutenant Hai, newly graduates and an OJT Officer of Company 1 had used M.72's to fire directly on a T54 which was just rolling its steel tracks on the other end of the bridge across Mieu Giang River. Then other soldiers had fired M72's, too. A column of about twenty of the NVA Tank Regiment 203, accompanied by NVA infantrymen, were blocked here by the 3rd Battalion and were then destroyed by our Artillery - US Naval Guns, ARVN and US Aircrafts.
“Officers, you should keep in mind that you will be Platoon leaders. You will command forty Marines - all your decisions will be very important. Usually the ranks in squads or platoons will decide the outcome in the battlefield. If you officers want to retreat, the ranks will follow. Your company will be in danger and your battalion will be in a difficult situation.”
“How about the morales of the ranks?” the Officers asked.
- “They had solid confidence in fighting when they first confronted NVA T54 tanks, though they were initially a little disconcerted. Platoons were armed with enough M72's. Each company had a tank hunting squad armed with rocket launchers 202. We had plenty of military equipment, but the truth is, were always one step behind the communists”.
* 25th of August 1972
I woke up and left the hall very early to pick up Captain Anh at Phu Lam. I turned my head away to avoid looking at the moment of separation between him and his wife and their one month old child. I drove into darkness. Everybody was silent. Each had their own isolated frame of mind; none of us knew what would happen tomorrow.
We entered the gate of Marine Division when a convoy started rolling out. After more than an hour of flight, C-123 aircrafts brought us to the Phu Bai airport. The sun was already high, but it hid sheepishly behind clouds. It was busy in the airport; most of the activities were military. My eyes followed some ambulances that were currently driving by, to see whether any of the soldiers in company were on them. Rear groups of each Battalion received supplies in manpower and then transported them to Mang Ca where the latter would receive personal firearms, flak jackets, masks, dried nations before going to their Battalions in their operational areas. Hue city had a variety of soldiers. Sounds of bombs and firearms still reverberated. On National Route One, An Lo residents were still happily working in rice fields. The road to Sia was still safe. Crossing My Chanh River, the society was able to witness the tragic scenes from Ben Da Bridge to Mai Linh. Only atheist communist NVA had been able to sadistically massacre rows of refugees on this segment of the route. The communist believed that everybody who had lived in the South were their enemies. Civilian's corpses were scattered everywhere; on trucks, cars, even on the white sand. There was a mother lying there, still tightly embracing her two children. The three had been slaughtered. I do not know what the young officers had thought when witnessing those scenes, but I know that I was horrified. I was filled will sadness and deep hatred towards the Communists. This part of our journey made my blood run cold, and gave rise to an inner anger, which increased my determination to continue fighting to protect South Vietnam. It was absolutely necessary to exterminate the bloodthirsty Communists. ARVN soldiers always had an immense humane characteristic as they had loved their people, their compatriots. Communist knew this fact and exploited the sentiment of ARVN. Hidden in the mixture of civilians, they utilised them as shields, pushing the civilians to in front in order to protect them from ARVN bullets. With civilians in front, the NVA promulgated propaganda.
The convoy passed the hamlets of Hai Lang, and Cu Hoan, with Ruong Nhi dyke where previously Platoon 3 of 2nd Lieutenant Nguyen Van Nhai had deployed and helped Platoon 2 of 2nd Lieutenant Le Van Mon to support the advancing and occupation of the edge of the hamlet. Platoon 1 had moved along the night side of the dyke to attack the NVA flank. Recoilless rifles 106mm on M113 APC Battalion of Captain Nghiep had pounded behind NVA defensive lines. M79 grenades had destroyed bunkers; NVA defensive lines had been pierced. Platoon 3 had rushed forward to occupy the left edge of the hamlet and had annihilated groups of Communist snipers. The 8th Marine Battalion advanced on the left side. NVA had withdrawn and ran towards the villages of Thuan Nhon and Luong Chan, easily recognised on the background of expanses of white sand.
I constantly thought of the fighters that had lost their lives; their sacrifices carpeting the road to free Quang Tri.
I reported myself to Major Nguyen Van Canh - the Commander of the 3rd Marine Battalion. Outside the headquarters, Sergeant Major Vo Lanh in charge of the company daily routine and a number of others had been waiting for me. Looking in their faces, love and pity rose in my heart.
- Captain !
- Master !
Their calls were so sympathetic, so touching. From this moment on, it were as if a thread had connected us all together - a bond. My life and my military carrier lay in their hands. I was responsible for their safety. I had to calculate how to fulfil every mission with minimum casualty. I gave them pep talks for the coming battle.
* 26th of August 1972
At a friendly briefing of Platoon leaders, I gave them instructions about the replacement of the 8th Battalion at the Old Citadel battle the next morning.
* 27th of August 1972
Company two completed rotation with Captain Bui Phu Loc's unit position (of the 8th Battalion). NVA artillery still regularly pounded on the Old Citadel wall and their 130mm rounds exploded in salvos around the city. The company was unscathed. At night the enemy sounded Platoon 1 but was repelled by grenades.
* 28th of August 1972
Platoons reported occurrences during previous night.
- Nam Giao ! This is 21, unscathed”.
Leaning my back against an A-shaped bunker wall, I inhaled deeply the smell of a Capstan cigarette and treated myself to drinking hot coffee.
Last night our men faced the enemy, meeting such a strong resistance. I reported this to Major Tran Kim De (radio code name De Duc), the Execution Officer of the 3rd Marine Battalion.
“I felt relieved to have you in my Group B. those new 3rd Lieutenant seemed very tough.”
Major De had just finished his sentence when Platoon 2 reported:
“Calling Nam Giao, this is 22, a third lieutenant was killed.”
Third Lieutenant Don had just jumped out of a trench and was immediately hit by a communist sniper's bullet. His sudden death warned others to be more cautious when leaping into the fray.
* 29th of August 1972
As a routine, at night fall, fighting started. Both sides were prepared for such things. A crescent moon hung mournfully over scenes of death, saturated with the odour of decay and house ruins, distorted and fallen electric lampposts. Disintegrated corpses became unidentified bones lying there, waiting for a foggy night. NVA artillery poured down our position familiar sounds.
“Nam Giao, this is 21. The enemy is crawling in towards us.”
I mediately grabbed the hand set.
“21, Nam Giao here, hear you clear. Tell your boys to be vigilant. Company was ready.”
I requested that Major De - firstly to give illuminating flares behind the enemy, so we could have enough light to observe, and secondly, to shell to predetermined coordinates to intimidate NVA. Those Artillery rounds flew above our heads and then exploded high in the sky. Flares brought warmth and confidence to fighters.
“Nam Giao. 21 here. We saw NVA very clearly.”
“21, this is Nam Giao, try to accurately fire.”
Gunfire started exploding. Flares continuously shone upon the citadel walls. Marine Artillery shelled consistently. The sounds of 155mm were adjusted from ten to fifteen metres away from our heads. NVA 130mm also pounded behind contact line. Trenches were insanely helpful, especially A-shaped bunkers. The fighting started at 2300. From that time, soldiers fired in lined calls of all kind of weapons. Death appeared came and went, quickly in front of black falling shadows. Grenades and M79 were used on a frequent basis.
Corporal Nguyen Van Loi, a squad deputy leader growled in his typical southern voice, “Let's send you NVA back to your 'uncle' and your party.”
By saying so he quickly and accurately threw two M67 grenades. 1st corporal Nguyen Van Duong, a squad leader fired and at the same time, he encouraged his boys to try to keep their defensive lines. The NVA started throwing “beta”, fired B40 into our defensive lines, then they charged. Only now Marines fired 3 M60 Machine guns. M79 grenades exploded on ruins with more devastating effect. One machine gunner and two Marines of Platoon 4 were killed. NVA rushed forward, separated Platoons one and three. A Squad Leader Corporal Nguyen Ngoc Ninh and his remaining troops withdrew toward Platoon 1. Soon the Defensive line was broken. NVA dashed forward but were stopped by 1st Sergeant Nguyen Tan Thanh - the Executive Leader of Platoon 1, and by 1st Corporal Le Van Hung's Squad. On the side of Platoon 3, Corporal Nguyen Van Phuc - a Squad Leader used grenades to kill NVA who had tried to pass through the breach of the broken Defensive line. Private 1st class Tran Van Voi, a French-Vietnamese hybrid released trigger of his machine gun, the bullets of which flew low above ground level. A number of NVA were hit, lying dead in front of our Defensive line. The enemy could not advance further.
“Nam Giao, this is 22, consolidating Defensive line for a counter attack.”
“22, Nam Giao here. Try to keep the supplementary Defensive line. I will reinforce you.”
I sent the tank hunting squad of 1st Corporal Ngo Van Dao as reinforcement for platoon 1 and the Mortar Squad of Corporal Nong Van Quang as reinforcement for Platoon 3, and ammunitions were carried to the front line. Artillery was then adjusted to a tighter “Danger Close” of 20m then 10m. I corps 155mm Artillerymen fired with exceptional precision. Rounds flew overhead and exploded right in front of our Defensive lines. Major De reported situations to Major Nguyen Van Canh - the Battalion Commander.
“27 (my radio code name), are your boys still okay in position? Chuong Thien asked. (Chuong Thien was the Battalion Commander) through the telephone. Tell me immediately when you need something.”
“909 (Battalion Commander radio code name), it's okay now, please continue flares and Artillery shelling.”
“I would shell them maximally.”
“Hear you clear; 909!”
Two Squads of Hung and Phuc sealed off their positions obstructing NVA advance. Third Lieutenant Tran Trung Ngon and Le Dinh Loi directed troops to fill the breach. Artillery shelling raked Citadel walls. The night Curtain faded slowly. Two A37 Sky Raiders gave accurate air strikes on targets. There was good coordination between air strikes and Artillery supports which helped Company 2 to advance and after a barrage of grenades, reoccupied the previously lost Defensive line.
“Nam Giao, 23 here. We've met each other.”
“Hear you clear. Consolidate positions ! Wounded would be evacuated.”
Private 1st class Nguyen Dang Thau, the Company's medic and some Marines moved to the fore-front and carried the wounded to the back of Tri Buu Chapel. I reported to the Battalions Headquarters. All wounded were immediately transferred to Ngo Xa by M113. Marines of resupplying folks were then moved to the fore-front. In their battle, Marine Division Personnel Group had always been able to resupply back up on time. Thanks to that assistance, our Defensive line was enough.
“Nam Giao, 23 here, three rats died - captures one B40, 2 AK47.”
“Nam Giao, 21 here, 5 NVA killed in trench, captured a RPD, two B40 and three AK 47.”
Company 4 had four killed and seven wounded, 1 M60 machine gun, a number of flak jackets and masks destroyed. I summoned all platoon leaders for a briefing to analyse the battle. NVA defeat showed their weakness and it was very likely that they would not launch further attacks. Thinking so, I decided step by step to destroy the enemy blocking post to approach the Citadel walls. These blocking posts were located inside ruins and were very difficult to detect. They were supported by 82mm recoilless rifles positioned on ramps of walls. After the discussion we came to the following points:
1. Sounding the enemy to pin point their blocking posts.
2. Organising groups to destroy these blocking posts.
3. Attacking all blocking posts simultaneously.
4. Using artillery to paralyse NVA 82mm recoilless rifles.
5. Using grenades
6. Attacking at night.
NVA inside the Old Citadel were isolated. The road to Trieu Phong was dealt by the 2nd Marine Battalion at Dap Da to Cho Sai. The upstream way of Thach Han river was controlled by Airborne units at Tich Tuong, Nhu Le. The only way, usable for NVA was to cross Thach Han river which had been pounded by artillery and air strikes. Thanks to all these factors, NVA resistance were weak. Slowly and slowly their blocking posts were destroyed. Our defensive lines enlarged. At night fall, marines crawled with grenades to annihilate NVA blocking posts. Crates of grenades had been transported from the 3rd Battalion Headquarters to the forefront daily. That was our most tempting offer to the Communists.
* 7th of September 1972
1st Lieutenant Nguyen Kim Chung was discharged from hospital, and returned to the 3rd Battalion. Thus, Marines got letters to read and then time to chat inside trenches while NVA 130mm round or 100mm Artillery shells shot point blanks from T54 were exploding. Marines' lives were so tough and tense, but in these moments the soldiers appeared to be so simple and innocent like children.
“Nha Ca, drink some more please!” Major De told me pouring from a Hennessy Cognac which his wife had just sent to him.
“Thank you, Major! It's already warming the legs. This is the last glass.”
“Captain ! If Thach Sach was here, this bottle would not be enough !” 3rd Lieutenant Ly Hong Phat, and Artillery FO and also a brother of 1st Lieutenant Nguyen Kim Chung's wife said.
* 9th of September 1972
An operation map showing counterattack plans to recover Quang Tri was laid in front of Major De. He looked at it, smoking pensively. A faint yellow light from an incandescent bulb was reduced to a red glow inside it. That lamp had exhaustingly given out light the whole night. The enemy started shelling violently. My whole Company was ready. Loud crackling sounds were heard in directions of Company 1 and Company 3. I heard Captain Pham Tuan Anh's voice calling in the artillery and adjusting coordinates. Captain Anh adjusted “Danger Close” so boldly. Suddenly there was a complete radio silence from Company 1.
About 10 minutes later there was a voice in the radio, “Chuong Thien, this is Thach Sanh - Captain Anh is wounded.”
He was rapidly evacuated to hospital. In the afternoon he passed away leaving behind his wife and his one month old infant. The image of them all together, just weeks ago, had made an impenetrable grip on my heart. That, I suppose, is the life of a general reserve soldier.
National radio and newspapers mentioned about a Marine unit that had successfully clung to a corner of the Old Citadel.
* 11th of September 1972
A Company from the Tank Regiment 20 came to reinforce the 3rd Marine Battalion. 2nd Lieutenant Quyen of class 24 Dalat Military Academy led a M48 Tank to Company 2. 3rd Lieutenant Khuc Thua The, a heavy weapon Platoon Leader directed that tank to hide in a secure place at night.
* 12th of September 1972
Over the past few days, the 3rd Battalion prongs were extremely active. Enemies that were consistently blocking posts were detected and destroyed by large. We thoroughly discussed about ways of advancing towards the old citadel. Small groups of marines had crawled forward for reconnaissance. Tonight, they would advance to destroy enemy position, enlarging approaching ways to the old citadel.
At 2:00am, blocking post - destroying groups surrounded all targets. The radio occasionally crackled quietly.
“Chuong Thien, Nha Ca here. Everybody is in position.”
“Nha Ca, this is Chuong Thien! Be careful and try your best!”
“Hear you 5 over 5.”
Marines lay there in the darkness of night with alert eyes, while holding their M67 grenades or claymore mines switch. It was cold but the marines found themselves perspiring. Some NVA sentries coughed and huskily exchanged words.
- “Comrade! Stand sentry carefully!” Our unit’s political cadre said: “The false army would attack the old citadel.”
A part of Platoon 2 inched towards the South direction to occupy a cemetery, stopping NVA reinforcement from coming.
NVA had CKC long barrel firearms with a telescope and utilised them deftly in sniping. During the day, they used to become negligent because they knew that we would not attack while the sun was out. Marine artillery battalions started shelling on the Old Citadel. Listening to requests of 3rd Lieutenants, FO Ly Hong Phat adjusted 50m closer and closer until shells exploded at the base of the walls. Batteries fired 20 salvos, smashing all NVA positions which had supported their blocking posts. When the M48 tank's large artillery gun had its first round hit the wall, it was the order to attack. Grenades were like sands throwing on the faces of the enemy. They had no time to resist. Two blocking points were destroyed.
“Nam Giao, this is 21. Mission accomplished. 8 NVA were killed. Captured 2 CKC, 2B40 and 3 AK47. We had two killed, three wounded.”
NVA from cemetery area were ordered to come to reinforce. 3 M79 fired. A number of them were killed at the cemetery; survivors ran inside the old citadel.
“Nam Giao, this is 22. 20 rats were killed, captured 12 AK, 3 B40, 2 RPD, 2 SKS. We had three killed and five wounded.”
I reported all those details to the Battalion head quarters.
“Nha Ca, this is Chuong Thien. With that eùlan, push forward and raise the national flag.”
NVA withdrew inside the old citadel and resisted. Marine occupied NVA positions and searched for documents.
“Nam Giao, 21 here. We found a NVA’s map”.
“Nam Giao, 22 here. Among NVA killed, one was a political cadre.”
The atmosphere was dripping of blood and gunpowder. It was like the catalyst for victory. We saw the day to raise our National flag was waiting in front of us.
The more violent the fighting, the more medics were required at the scene. It became dangerous and necessary. Private 1st class Nguyen Van Thau was a medic who consistently listened to the radio and immediately would rush to the incident where there had been a wounded marine. It was possible to say that Nguyen Van Thau had known all trenches, and their junctions on their branches. He had been around defensive line of Company 2 innumerable times. Looking at him, I thought, no medal or other tangible trophy would be worthy for to his achievements. What Thau had wished, was that wounded marines would safely recover. Fighters in front lines never thought of rank or medals. Those things were not important and in frontlines, emotional links between fighters were expressed in the highest and most complete form.
The NVA blocking posts now became our outposts.
At 7:00pm, the Company Commander and I were summoned to a briefing at the 3rd Battalion Headquarters with Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Phuc - the Executive Officer of Brigade 147 presided at that session. Major Nguyen Van Canh reported on what we had gained and on difficulties we had been encountering before the final assault. However, Lieutenant Colonel seemed uneasy and petulant.
With finality, he said, “Brigade 147 would use all available means to support you. And naturally you knew that we only have 6 more days before the deadline. On the other Brigade, Brigades 258, Major Tung had promised a time limit before the 16th of September 1972. And how about us ? Brigade 147 strongly trusted Company Commanders of the 3rd Battalion. The Brigade knew that you had tried very hard and had been tired, but would you promise us something?”
He stopped that speech as suddenly he looked at all the officers present in the room. Everybody was silent and I thought of marines of Company 2 who had sacrificed to widen defensive line, and to push the enemy to the last of walls.
At long last, I spoke. “Lieutenant Colonel! My Company had fought zealously. Our loss was rather heavy. What the 6th marine Battalion could do, we certainly could also achieve many things”. It would be better if this sentence were said by an officer of higher rank than me.
Regardless of how I said it, it was taken as an affirmation. In my mind, I had no sorrow or anxiety. Lieutenant Colonel smiled begrudgingly. Then, Colonel Phuc mounted his jeep to return to his head quarters. We, Company Commanders, also returned to our positions, each with a different frame of mind. 1st Lieutenant Duong growled. Captain Thach shrugged his shoulders. 1st Lieutenant Chung wore a fake smile; I quietly ran with my 2 body guards back to my position under a rain of NVA 130mm rounds. When I reached my A-shaped bunker, I received a secret telegram from Major Canh, ordering my Company to continue to attack the old Citadel tonight.
* 14th of September 1972
Two Platoons 21 and 22 were still the main force, started attacking at 1:00am. 2nd Lieutenant Lam ordered the two Platoons to advance step by step very gently to avoid causing too much noise. That column passed by our outpost had approached Duy Tan Street. Reconnaissance section of Platoons composed of Corporal Nguyen Van Loi. Privates 1st class Nguyen Van Qui and Nguyen Can were to occupy the bridge leading to the right gate of the old citadel. A section of Platoon 22 composed of Corporal Du Minh Chieu, Private 1st class Thach Rong, Private 2nd class Huynh Ngoc Lanh was to ford across the moat.
These two groups marched across Duy Tan street as NVA AK47's loudly and discordantly crackled. A red signal flared soared up to the sky - that was an alarm of the enemy. Bullets were sowed from a ramp of the citadel wall down to the surface of the street. Grenades exploded in the moat, slightly shaking the ground. Our plan was detected by the enemy. I had to order that attacking force retreat back to our positions. We were tired from early in the morning until night fall. Besides, we had to fight, destroy blocking posts and open approaching roads to the citadel - all on a fortnight's worth of sleep deprivation. I knew that my Company was torturously fatigued. The Battalion Commander knew it, too. I received an order of Major Canh to send Platoons 21 and 24 to the back.
Two Platoons of Company 3, commanded by Captain Thach replaced those Platoons. Platoons 22 and 23 still stayed in position to keep defensive lines with outposts.
In late and rain-swept afternoon, I returned to Tri Buu Chapel - now reduced to ruins. As I crawled under its floor, I felt extraordinarily calm - perhaps due to the relief that I was no longer imprisoned in the narrow of a A-shaped bunker.
* 15th of September 1972
Tonight, the 3rd Battalion used Company 3 and Company 2 in the decisive battle. Company 3 of Captain Nguyen Van Thach was leading the way, my company 2 as backup.
It was 4:00am. All radios were quiet. On the occasion, 1st lieutenant Tra reported deployment of troops along Duy Tan Street. The enemy, already shaken by the events from last night, wantonly fired rounds at random intervals.
5:00am. Artillery had been used to deceive the enemy. At that moment small groups forded quickly across the moat. The storm Elsie howled. A rain constituted as a curtain, shielding marines who had been crawling towards walls. I should not have berated my soldiers in the darkness - all the while with grenades simultaneously explode on ramps. 1st Lieutenant Tra and two Platoons of 2nd Lieutenant Van Tan Thach and Vu Duy Hien, like a tidal wave rushed in the citadel. The 3rd Marine Battalion breached NVA defensive lines at the Right Gate.
I followed throughout the night movement of company 3. I had ordered my company to be ready to advance to reinforce.
“Nguyen Thao, this is De Duc. Tell your boys to dash forward for the final game.”
“Hear you 5 over 5.”
I quickly ordered my Platoons to advance as followed.
Firstly Platoons 22, 23, then Company Headquarters followed by Platoons 21 and 24. NVA 130mm artillery rounds and 100mm shells fired at point black from Ai Tu could not deter my troops. Platfoon 22 occupied the Main Gate, at Le Van Duyet Street. NVA morale collapsed. They resisted weakly and then withdrew to the left gate at Phan Dinh Phung Street. Two Companies overrun all way and alleys in the North-East corner of the old citadel like wild waves. Gun noises, grenades explosions, our shouts intimidated the enemy.
A whole Regiment of NVA which had been defending the old citadel now had only 2 options: To surrender or to be killed. On the South-West corner, the 6th Marine Battalion had also overrun that area with shouts of “charge” reverberating. The old citadel, 500m on each side, now became insufficient in space; it was overcrowded. Companies of Captain Nguyen Quoc Dinh and Captain Nguyen Van Loan mastered the situation. Gunfire noises were still heard, a number of them in the direction of the 3rd Battalion.
Major Tran Kim De called in loud voice in radio handset, “Chuong Thien! Please tell Thai Duong's units of the 6th marine Battalion to stop firing. Marines of the 3rd Battalion have been everywhere in the old citadel”.
NVA fires became sporadic and uncoordinated. And then they stopped. The 7th Marine Battalion was moving underneath on Le Van Duyet Street. A number of NVA appeared and surrendered. The 2nd Marine Battalion was approaching close to walls. NVA Artillery shells from afar. Darkness of nights and exhaustion could not cause marines to stop fighting. They continued battling to eradicate the callous and tenacious Communists.
After more than 24 hours of uninterrupted fighting, Marines of Company 2 of the 3rd Battalion raised the National Flag on the left Gate at day break of 15th of September 1972. Sergeant Truong Van Hai, Vice-leader of Platoon 22, sacrificed his life in this heroic moment.
Our national yellow flag, with three red stripes, was officially flying on The Quang Tri old citadel at 12:45pm of 16th of September 1972, 51 days after having received the area of responsibility from Airborne Division, or 78 days after the Quang Tri recovering campaign had started.
Captain Giang Van Nhan
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