11th Campaign
Revision Date: 03/24/02
During this time period the 2/94th
took part in Counteroffensive, Phase VII
(07-01-70 to 06-30-71)
Description of Counteroffensive, Phase VII
Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February, before and after South Vietnam began its US-aided drive into Laos, Lam Son 719; the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and destroy enemy bases at Tchepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phase I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971.
During Phase II, US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase ran from 8 February to 6 March 1971.
Phase III ran from 6 March to 16 March 1971.
Phase IV was the withdrawal phase running from 16 March to 10 April 1971. Note by chronicler: Phase III started with the occupation of Tchepone and ended when the withdrawal from Tchepone was begun. (End of note)
Faced with mounting losses, Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided
to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it
was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring
of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene
of the action. (End of Description)
On 4 July 1970, the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Brantley left the
Battalion. He left the Battalion in
command of Major James Laslie, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel
Brantley assumed the duties of senior artillery advisor for the I Corps
Artillery (ARVN).
On 7 July 1970 at 1550 hours, ammo truck explosion.
On 7 July 1970 at 1135 hours, gun #C3 arrived in position at C2.
On 24 July 1970, C Battery transferred two 8-inch guns to A Battery and received two 175mm guns in exchange.
On 24 July 1970 at 0900 hours, C Battery leaves C2 for FSB Nancy with two
8-inch and two 175mm guns. At 1231
hours, C Battery closes in FSB Nancy.
On 26 July 1970, Lieutenant Colonel John T. Oates assumed command from Major Laslie. Lieutenant Colonel Oates had just arrived in Vietnam after having graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. Major Laslie resumed his duties as Executive Officer.
Letter, Dated 28 July 1970.
From: Headquarters, 108th Artillery Group
To: Commanding Officer, 2nd Bn 94th Artillery
(Letter) from Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division, AIR MOBILE is quoted for your information:
"On 23 July 1970, elements of the XXIV Corps Arty provided outstanding support to the extraction of 101st Airborne Division, AIR MOBILE, units from FSB Ripcord. Because of the extreme enemy pressure on the firebase, the extraction could not have been successfully accomplished without your assistance. The attack against hostile positions in the Ripcord area by your artillery before, during, and after the operation assured that friendly losses were held to a minimum. No one appreciated your support more than the infantrymen and artillerymen who were on the ground. Please convey my sincere thanks to the officers and men of your command for a truly professional performance."
Signed by Adjutant, Capt, FA, Kipd Cassino.
On 29 July 1970 at 1625 hours, B Battery at Carroll reports incoming.
Notes and discussion from 1 May 1970 to 31 July 1970, 15th Battalion Operational Report
Mission of the Battalion has changed to general support XXIV Corps, reinforcing the fires of the 1st ARVN Division Artillery.
KIA- 0
WIA-1 (Unknown at this time)
Non Battle injuries - 4 (Unknown at this time)
Severe rocket and mortar attacks were launched against 2/94th positions during 1-8 May and 19-27 May 1970. Camp Carroll, C-1, and Dong Ha received enemy fire.
Total rounds expended during this period: 8-inch 33,393 175mm 4,193
Still having problems with fuzes. Especially the VT Fuzes. Observation of chronicler: Just mind-boggling. (End of observation)
End of notes and discussion, 15th Battalion Operational Report
SERVICE BATTERY AWARDS
During the month of August 1970, the following Service Battery individuals were awarded the following:
Army Commendation Medal
Specialist Williams, Specialist Mackiewizc, and Specialist Wooten.
Plaque
Private First Class Peyton and Specialist Williams
On 1 Aug 1970 at 0955 hours, S3 attended
memorial service for Lieutenant Hollifield.
On 11 Aug 1970 at 0910 hours, two 8-inch howitzers displaced from C
Battery at FSB Nancy to FSB Barbara. At
1115 hours, two 8-inch howitzers closed at Barbara.
On 16 Aug 1970 at 1600 hours, 108th Group committed the Battalion for one FO team for an indefinite period to work with MACV personnel at FSB Anne. Lieutenant Bridges, Sergeant Paulk, and Private First Class Gil were selected.
On 16 August 1970, Dong Ha received incoming 122mm rocket fire.
During the period 16 through 27 August 1970, a forward observer team was assigned to FSB Anne to support ARVN operations.
On 17 Aug 1970 at 0830 hours, FO team from C Battery departed for Sharon and Anne.
On 18 Aug 1970 at 1400 hours,
Lieutenant White from C Battery was med-evaced due to burns suffered while burning
powder.
Account
from C Battery officer, close to the incident above: When
Lieutenant White was injured
in the powder fire (fortunately very minor burns, was back that afternoon), I
was standing about 50 yards away, explaining to the Deputy Corps Artillery
Commander (Colonel Holloway?) what we did, since we had never had an ammo
fire. That's not the best time in the
world to have your first fire. We were at Nancy at that time. Captain Bradford
(incident below) had just turned over command of B Battery. (End of account)
On 18 Aug 1970 at 1730 hours, a fragmentation hand grenade, thrown into their BOQ, injured Captain Witherspoon and Captain Bradford. Captain Bradford suffered superficial wounds. Captain Witherspoon, 2/94th Battalion Motor Officer, underwent exploratory surgery.
Captain Larry D. Witherspoon was
admitted to the 91st Evacuation Hospital in Chu Lai. Wound was a fragment, penetrating the
abdomen and right ankle. Details of the accident were: Officer was injured when
unknown assailant threw a fragmentation grenade into his hooch trying to injure his
roommate.
Account from Specialist Gary Rafferty, close to the incident:
The incident where two officers were wounded by a
grenade, happened at Dong Ha Combat Base. Before I went to A Battery, I was the
Battalion S-2 driver and Captain Bradford was the Bn S-2
Officer. I'd just dropped him off at his hooch and I was driving away when the
explosion occurred. Turned out to be a "fragging" incident.
On 20 Aug 1970 at 1400 hours, Lieutenant Hollman replaces Lieutenant Bridges at FSB
Anne. At 1455 hours, Lieutenant Skoogs reports
IOS station completely operational.
On 21 Aug 1970 at 1745 hours, Sergeant Paulk, Recon Sergeant, evacuated from FSB Anne. Possibly may have dysentery and/or food poisoning.
On 22 Aug 1970 at 1030 hours, Sergeant Hailer, Recon Sergeant, replaced
Sergeant Paulk
at LZ Anne. At 1800 hours, Lieutenant
Hollman and Private First Class Gil moved off of FSB Anne with ARVN patrol for a half click to scout
terrain.
On 23 Aug 1970 at 1300 hours, Lieutenant Huebschman assigned as IOS Officer. Departed for IOS.
On 24 Aug 1970 at 1100 hours, Specialist Mays replaced
Sergeant White at C1. At 1400 hours, Lieutenant Howe departed for B
Battery to assume duties as FDO.
On 27 Aug 1970 at 0730 hours, Captain Meyers departed by helicopter for LZ Rawhide with
selected C Battery personnel for recon of proposed advanced
redeployment.
On 28 August 1970, two new names added: a Captain Stepto and a Lieutenant Kane.
On 29 August 1970 at 0730 hours, Sergeant First Class Hall, Survey Sergeant, and the XO’s of A and B Batteries, Lieutenant Kane and Lieutenant Ross, departed for Hill 65 and LZ Ross.
On 29
August 1970 at 1511 hours, the Battalion passed another milestone in its history when A
Battery fired the Battalion’s 400,000th round in RVN.
On 30 August 1970 at 1045 hours, JJ Carroll reports incoming rounds.
On 31 August 1970 at 0600 hours, B Battery displaced from Nancy to Camp
Vandergrift. S3 and CO departed the Battalion
area to supervise the displacement. B
Battery closed at Vandergrift at 1950 hours.
During September, the entire battalion was re-deployed south of the Hai
Van pass. Headquarters and Service
Batteries moved from Dong Ha to Camp Love, to Da Nang over period 10-13 September
1970. Battery C moved from LZ Nancy to
Hill 65 on 16 -17 September 1970, A Battery moved from C1 to LZ Ross during
25-26 September. Both batteries road
marched from their positions to Camp Love on the first day and stopped overnight
before proceeding the their new positions on the next morning. B Battery did not displace until 15-17
October 1970, moving to Northern Area Cantonment (NAC).
The Battalion, on closing their new positions, began firing in support of
the 1st Marine Division, with additional supporting fires to the
Americal Division. The Battalion also
had the mission of supporting Quang Da Special Zone
On 9 September 1970 at 1130 hours, Lieutenant Shotts attached to Mai Loc.
On 10 September 1970 at 0745 hours, HQ & HQ Battery and Service
Battery departed Dong Ha for Camp Love. At
1345 hours, both batteries closed Camp Love.
From 14-18 September 1970, the Battalion conducted the final course of the
108th Artillery Group Firing Battery Section Chief School. Twenty-two men graduated on 18 September
1970; a grand total of 124 men completed the school.
On 15 September 1970 at 1600
hours, Command Sergeant Major Lincoln, Captain Meyer (B Battery CO), and Sergeant Fielden
were injured by an incoming rocket at JJ Carroll. Personnel were Med-evaced to 18th
Army Surgical Hospital at Quang Tri.
On 16 September 1970 at 0730 hours, C Battery departed LZ
Nancy for Camp Love. At 1354 hours, C Battery
closed at Camp Love. At 1800 hours, Battalion
FDC became operational at Camp Love.
On 17 September 1970, the mission of the Battalion changed to general
support of the XXIV Corps, reinforcing the fires of the Quang Da Special Zone,
with fires planned by the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine Division.
On 17 September 1970 at 1010 hours, C Battery departed Camp Love for Hill
65. At 1030 hours, a saladiem payment of
1000 dollars Vietnamese was made to Chan Tron To Thi at Hailam village
(outside of Quang Tri), relative to accident on 13th of Sep 1970 involving a Service Battery
Vehicle. At 1200 hours, C Battery
closed at Hill 65. At 1315 hours, C
Battery laid safe ready to fire.
At 1400 hours, Captain Meyer and
Command Sergeant Major Lincoln transferred to 95th
Surgical Hospital at Da Nang. Sergeant
Fielden returned to duty, injured 15 September at JJ Carroll.
On 19 September 1970 at 1330 hours, Sergeant Paulk left from Mai Loc and
returned to B Battery.
On 24 September 1970 at 1030 hours, Private First Class Senne reported
that the Battalion FDC computer became
operational.
On 25 September 1970 at 0800, A Battery departed C1 for Camp Love. At 1515 hours, A Battery closed Camp Love.
On 25 September 1970 at 0606 hours, Bn FDC at JJ Carroll closed down.
On 26 September 1970 at 1105 hours, A Battery departed Camp Love for LZ
Ross. At 1710 hours A Battery closed
at LZ Ross. At 1830 hours A Battery
laid and safe at LZ Ross ready to fire.
On 6
October 1970 at 1500 hours, Lieutenant Press (LNO) assigned to the Quang Dau Special Zone (QDSZ).
On 11 October 1970 at 1310 hours, C Battery pieces Guns C1 and C2 retubed after the pieces had fired 1105 0.75 EFC rounds and 1039 0.75 EFC rounds, respectively.
On 12 October 1970, A Battery retubed and became a composite battery.
On 14 October 1970 at 1030 hours, Specialist Fleming, A2, A Battery accidentally wounded. Specialist Fleming Medevac'd to 95th Evac Hospital in serious condition.
On 14 October 1970, B Battery exchanged two howitzers with A Battery 1/39th and became a composite battery.
On 14 October 1970 at 1100 hours, B Battery closed at LZ Nancy.
On 15 October 1970 at 1335 hours, Specialist Fleming died from wounds received on 14th of Oct 1970.
On 17 October 1970, a liaison team was assigned to the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at LZ Baldy, BT135452.
On 19 October 1970, the Commanding Officer, 2nd Bn 94th
Arty is a Lieutenant Colonel Oates.
On 27 October 1970, C Battery conducted an artillery raid to Hill 52 to
support US and ARVN fires in the Thoung Duc area. The raid commenced at 1145 hours and terminated at 1755 the same
day. During the raid, the Battery fired
a total of 140 rounds in support of US and ARVN forces.
On 27 October 1970 at 1145 hours, elements of C Battery two 8-inch
howitzer sections departed for an artillery raid on Hill 52 to support US and ARVN
fires in the Thuong Duc area.
On 27 October 1970 at 1645, hours, the first 175mm rounds fired from Hill 65.
On 28 October 1970 at 1300 hours, IG Team inspected HQ area, could not
inspect A Battery due to flooded roads.
On 29 October 1970 at 0500 hours, Bravo Gun #4 had a premature burst of a 175mm round while firing a zone 3 with an additive jacket in the rain. The PD fuse M572 had been set on delay section action. The fuse lot MA22-11 was temporarily suspended. The burst occurred 3 to 4 seconds after firing approximately over grid.
Notes and discussion from 1 August 1970 to 31 October 1970, 16th Battalion Operational Report
Mission change on 17 September 1970 to General Support XXIV Corps, reinforcing fires of the Quang Da Special Zone, with fires planned by the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
KIA - 0
WIA- 5 (Unknown at this time)
Non battle death - 1 Specialist Willie James Fleming, A Battery, from Memphis, Tennessee.)
Non battle injured - 6 (Unknown at this time)
Rounds expended - 8-inch 9,083 175mm - 4359
Quick fire channels have been established by the liaison team at the Quang Da Special Zone between Battery C and the Special Forces located Thuong Duc and Nong Son area.
Quick fire channels have been established by the liaison team at FSB Baldy between A Battery at LZ Ross and the 5th Marines for contact fires and the Americal Division for contact and scheduled fires.
ARVN Heavy artillery training:
The ARVN Personnel have shown a reluctance to use heavy artillery and even when in use do not use it effectively. More training should be given in the use of heavy artillery.
End of notes and discussion, 16th Battalion Operational Report
From 1 November 1970 to 20 January 1970, the Battalion
positions were constant. Battalion Headquarters was at Camp Love while the
firing batteries were at LZ Ross, Hill 65, and Northern Artillery Cantonment
(NAC). A Battery was firing
for Americal Division, B fired for the Marines, and C fired for the Marines also.
On 1 November 1970 at 1100 hours, A and C Battery commanders flew in to pick up the payroll. A Battery was firing
for Americal Division, B fired for the Marines, and C fired for the Marines also.
On 3 November 1970, the 250th RADAR Detachment was attached to
the battalion to assist in support of ARVN forces in the Thoung Duc area. The detachment occupied Hill 52. The initial move was by road. However, because of enemy activity in the area,
all further re-supply was accomplished by air.
On 11 November 1970 at 0900 hours, the Liaison Officer attended meeting at
C Co 5th Special Forces on conversion of Nong Son Special Forces and
Thuong Duc Special Forces to ARVN Ranger control and to discuss fire support
coordination and DEFCONS.
On 12 November 1970, the Battalion XO is Major Lynch.
On 17 November 1970 at 1600 hours, B Battery retubed Gun #2 to a 175mm
gun.
On 18 November 1970 at 0100 hours, B Battery retubed Gun #1 to a 175mm
gun. B Battery is now a 175mm Battery.
On 24 November 1970, Captain Neubert assigned to S1.
On 27 November 1970 at 1200 hours, Command Sergeant Major Velez arrived in
Battalion.
On 11 December 1970 at 1000 hours, hand grenade exploded on a Service
Battery recovery wrecker driven by Specialist Gary Hall. No personnel injured.
On 12 December 1970, Forward Observers: Lieutenant’s Gardner, Tompkins, and
Marchand.
BDA for December
One cave destroyed
Two secondaries
One secondary, one cave partially destroyed
One bunker damaged
One KIA, one bunker destroyed
Numerous bunkers, trails, enemy structures uncovered
Four bunkers destroyed
Two bunkers destroyed, two bunkers damaged
One cave destroyed and two secondaries
Three secondaries
Two large bunkers destroyed, two probable KIA
Five secondaries
On 1 January 1971 at 1800 hours, termination of New Years Cease Fire.
On 13 January 1971 at 1410 hours, C Battery platoon artillery raid on Hill
52 started. At 1553 hours Charlie Gun
#2 laid and safe on Hill 52. At 1633
hours, Charlie Gun #3 laid and safe on Hill 52.
On 14 January 1971 at 0940 hours, A Battery Change of Command Ceremony
conducted. Captain Mixson replaced
Captain
Stepto.
On 14 January 1971 at 1232 hours, second convoy, B Battery platoon,
departed for raid on Hill 52. At 1354
hours,
they closed on Hill 52 and at 1540, Bravo Guns 1 & 2 laid and safe.
On 15 January 1971 at 1315 hours, C Battery platoon 175 guns left Hill
65. At 1322 hours, B Battery 8-inch
guns pulled out of position on Hill 52.
At 1404 hours, the C Battery 175mm guns arrived at Hill 52. At 1405 hours, the B Battery gun convoy left
Hill 52. At 1510 hours, the guns
arrived at Hill 65.
On 13 January 1971, elements of B and C batteries conducted an artillery
raid to Hill 52 in support of US and ARVN forces in the area. During the raid 918 rounds of 8 inch and
175mm were fired.
On 17 January 1971, the B and C
Battery raid above at Hill 52 ended.
The unit departed Hill 52 at 1414 hours for Hill 65. On the way out of the area to Da Nang, an
M-548 with trailer hit a mine in the road, (AT833560), killing
two and wounding six members of B Battery. Another 2 personnel, riding on
vehicle, assisted in evacuation of wounded.
The two B Battery members killed were Specialist Cecil Southerland from
Moreland, Kentucky and Specialist Daniel Erlandson from Tewksbury, Massachusetts. At 1710 hours, the convoy closed at Hill 65. The 6 WIA members of B Battery are not known
at this time.
From 21 January to 24 January 1971, the entire Battalion displaced from
positions near Da Nang to LZ Nancy, LZ Sally, and Dong Ha Combat Base to
participate in Dewey Canyon II. Headquarters, including HHB and Service from
Da Nang to LZ Nancy; A Battery from FSB Ross to LZ Sally; B Battery from Northern
Area Cantonment (NAC) to Dong Ha; C Battery from Hill 65 to LZ Nancy.
All of the Battalion’s tracked vehicles were moved by Landing Craft
Mechanized from the deep-water pier at Da Nang to either Dong Ha (B Battery
only) or Tan Mi (the rest); the Battalions wheeled vehicles displaced by convoy
using QL1.
On 21 January 1971 at 0800 hours, B Battery guns (4x175mm) departed
Northern Area Cantonment (NAC). At 0835
hours, B Battery reported broken road wheel control arm. Battalion Maintenance notified on Gun
#3. At 1100 hours, B Battery (3 guns)
and one C Battery gun (175mm), loaded at deep-water pier Da Nang, RVN. At 1740 hours, B Battery guns departed with
ammunition by LCM from Da Nang to Dong Ha.
On 21 January 1971 at 1100 hours, C Battery exchanged one 8-inch howitzer for
one 175mm gun from A Battery.
On 21 January 1971 at 0950 hours, A Battery reports all pieces out of lay
at LZ Ross.
On 22 January 1971 at 0950 hours, Battalion Headquarters and B Battery
wheeled battery vehicles departed Camp Love.
On 22 January 1971 at 1100 hours, B Battery guns unloaded off LCM at Dong
Ha. At 1200 hours, B Battery closed at
Dong Ha, guns laid safe, 4x175. B Battery is now under the operational
control of the 8th Battalion 4th Artillery until 29
January 1971. At 1515 hours, B Battery wheeled vehicle convoy closed at Dong Ha
with no mishaps.
On 22 January 1971 at 1530 hours, Battalion Headquarters arrived LZ
Nancy. Convoy closed without mishap or
breakdown.
On 22 January 1971 at 1200 hours, C Battery had two guns arrive at
deep-water pier in Da Nang, RVN.
On 23 January 1971 at 1100 hours, C Battery gave one 8” howitzer to A
Battery. A Battery is now
4x8-inch.
On 23 January 1971at 1030 hours, C Battery personnel departed Hill
65. At 1145, C Battery personnel closed
Camp Love, AT945786. At 1200 hours, C
Battery moved to docks and picked up second 175mm gun. C Battery is now 4x175mm.
On 23 January 1971 at 1500 hours, Battalion FDC fully operational at LZ
Nancy.
On 23 January 1971 at 1410 hours, A Battery closed at LZ Sally YD635274. At 1730 hours, A Battery laid and safe.
On 23 January 1971 at 2115 hours, LCM departed deep-water pier in Da Nang,
RVN with C Battery guns.
On 24 January 1971 at 0930 hours, C Battery personnel departed Camp
Love. At 1345 hours, C Battery
personnel closed at LZ Nancy. At 1415 hours, C Battery FDC operational. At 1500 hours, LCM’s landed at Tan Mi
with C Battery guns. At 1530 hours, C Battery guns closed at LZ Nancy. At 1900 hours, C Battery Guns 1, 2, and 3
were laid and safe. C Battery Gun #4 closed with a blown engine.
On 24 January 1971, the Battalion, minus B Battery, was placed under the
operational control of the 108th Artillery Group.
On 25 Jan 1971 at 1925 hours, C Battery Gun #4 is laid and safe.
On 26 January 1971 at 1800 hours, TET Cease Fire went into effect.
On 27 January 1971 at 1800 hours, TET Cease Fire ended.
On 28 January 1971 at 1400 hours, the Battalion departed LZ Nancy (C Battery, HHB, and Service Battery). At 1145 hours, Battalion FDC non-operational at LZ Nancy. At 1600 hours, A Battery departed LZ Sally. At 1700 hours, Battalion closed Dong Ha Combat Base (B Battery already at Dong Ha CB). At 1800 hours, C Battery gun #4 departed LZ Nancy. At 1830 hours, C Battery gun #4 closed Dong Ha Combat Base. At 1845 hours, C Battery gun laid and safe at Dong Ha. At 2130 hours, A Battery guns closed. At 2145 hours, A Battery guns laid and safe.
On 28 January 1971 at 2400 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 33 missions for 84 rounds; A 6/12, B 0/0, C 27/72.
“An
Elite unit, a gathering of brave soldiers, participated in most of the
operations in the area of the northern border and achieved many glorious
victories”.
On 29 January 1971, the Battalion (minus A Battery) displaced from Dong Ha CB to LZ Vandergrift and was assigned a mission of GSR 5th Battalion (155mm SP) 4th Artillery. The Battalion was escorted by six 1/44th Dusters, two Quads, and one Searchlight to FSB Flexible (XD815378, vicinity Lang Bu). Two Dusters were assigned to each firing battery, with the Quads and Searchlight going to Headquarters. 1/44th was assigned for convoy and perimeter duty.
On 29January 1971 at 2400 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 3 missions for 27 rounds; A 0/0, B 2/13, C 1/14.
On 30 January 1971 at 1830 hours, A Battery displaced to LZ Vandergrift from Dong Ha. At 2047 hours, A Battery, minus gun #4, closed at LZ Vandergrift. Guns #1, #2, and #3 laid safe at 2207 hours.
On 30 January 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 44 missions for 145 rounds; A 0/0, B 25/88, C 19/57.
On 31 January 1971 at 1019 hours, A Battery fired the first rounds from LZ Vandergrift (XD997481, vicinity Thon Khe Meo).
On 31 January 1971 at 1645 hours, A Battery departed LZ Vandergrift for LZ Shepard (XD918417; vicinity Bong Kho - 10 km southwest of Vandergrift). Arrived LZ Sheppard at 1830 hours. A Battery guns #1, #2, and #3 laid safe 1930 hours, Az 3600.
On 31 January 1971 at 2400 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 19 missions for 188 rounds; A 0/0, B 8/88, C 11/100.
Note by Chronicler: Notes and discussion from 1 November 1970 to 31 January 1971, which would have been 17th Battalion Operational Report are included in the 18th Battalion Operational Report below.
On 1 February 1971, A Battery rear departed LZ Vandergrift for LZ Shepard. Note from chronicler: XXIV Corps called this area Bong Kha (XD9242). (End of note) A Battery rear closed at LZ Shepard at 1825 hours. A Battery gun #4 closes at LZ Vandergrift at 2030 hours. A Battery fires first rounds from LZ Shepard at 2030 hours.
On 1 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 31 missions for 97 rounds; A 5/15, B 26/82, C 0/0.
Account
from Jim O'Hara with A/2/94 during operation DEWEY CANYON II. We got hit almost every day for over a month in A Battery. We called QL9 “Ambush Alley.”
On 2 February 1971 at 0547 hours, fired target SDO769, light activity moving SW at 0429 hours, clearance given for A Battery to fire into DMZ. At 0554 hours, message received from 108th that QL9 is now shut down from Vandergrift west to the 00 line.
On 2 February 1971 at 2400 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 47 missions for 146 rounds; A 16/69, B 3/8, C 28/78.
The Battalion, in conjunction with the 5/4th Artillery, conducted a raid from LZ Vandergrift into the Khe Sanh area and Route 616. While at LZ Vandergrift, the Battalion fired 184 missions for 763 rounds, which included the first artillery round fired from LZ Vandergrift.
On 3 February 1971 at 0700 hours, I Corps Operation Dewey Canyon II Phase 1 officially commenced. A, B, and C Batteries fire a total of 751 rounds in 40 missions. At 0800 hours Advance Party departs LZ Vandergrift for Khe Sanh (XD844382). Advance Party closed Khe Sanh at 1500 hours.
On 3 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 40 missions for 175 rounds; A 14/56, B 21/114, C 5/5.
Account from Bob
Talley with HQ/2/94 FDC describing the moves and firebases:
This battalion area was given
the name of Firebase Flexible. 5/4
Artillery was at the old Special Forces camp at Lang Vei. Bear in mind, those were the names on our
overlays and had the blessing of the Colonel.
As all the firing batteries went out to the Laotian border when Lam Son
719 started, that firebase was given the name of FSB Styles. (Also described
below in history) After Lam Son we
pulled out into an area near Mai Loc and established a Firebase called
Cannonball. Cannonball was about five miles
from Mai Loc.
On 4 February 1971, the entire battalion had displaced to positions in the vicinity of Lang Vei and was given a new mission of GSR ARVN I Corps Artillery, with priority fires to the 1st ARVN Airborne Division. Note by chronicler: Move detailed below. (End of note)
On 4 February 1971 at 0500 hours, Battalion FDC non-operational at LZ Vandergrift. At 0620 hours B Battery departs LZ Vandergrift; at 0637 hours, B Battery departs; at 0647 hours, HHB departs; at 0650 hours Service Battery departs. At 0935 hours, A Battery departed LZ Shepard. At 1645 hours, Battalion closed at Lang Vei (XD824386). At 1620 hours B and C Battery laid safe. At 1735 hours A Battery laid safe. At 2312 hours, A Battery fires first rounds from Lang Vei. Note from chronicler: XXIV Corps called this area Long Con (XD8238). (End of note)
On 4 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 3 missions for 12 rounds; A 3/12, B 0/0, C 0/0.
On 5 February 1971 at 0058 hours, B and C Battery fires their first rounds at Lang Vei along with A Battery's firing.
On 5 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 32 missions 200rounds; A 11/82, B 11/70, C 10/48.
On 5 February 1971 at 1800 hours, B battery Gun #2 closed at Lang Vei was laid and safe.
On 6 February 1971, for Operation Dewey Canyon II, Battalion fired 242 missions for a total of 1003 rounds.
On 6 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 26 missions for 40 rounds; A 11/16, B 9/18, C 6/6.
On 7 February 1971 at 1600 hours, A Battery, with two dusters from the 1/44th, departed (Lang Vei- see above) for new location (XD715376; vicinity of Lao Bao). At 1730 hours, A Battery laid safe at new location Az 3200. Comment by chronicler: from that position, A Battery enjoyed unobstructed coverage of QL 9 as it followed a westerly course toward Tchepone, Laos.
On 7 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 6 missions for 15 rounds; A 0/0, B 1/3, C 5/12.
On 8 February 1971 at 0818 hours, A Battery fired the first volley of US Artillery into Laos in support of Operation Lam Son 719. During the period of 8-11 February 1971, the Battalion fired LZ preps and flak suppression programs for the ARVN insertion into Laos.
On 8 February 1971 at 0700 hours, Phase 2 of Dewey Canyon II officially begins.
At 0818 hours, A Battery fired the first US artillery rounds into Laos. 12 rounds on 4 grids were fired: Tgt nr AB1024, grid 617388; Tgt nr AB1025 grid 604384; Tgt nr AB1022 Grid 616374; Tgt nr AB1019 Grid 607376. Fires were completed at 0827 hours.
On 8 February 1971 at 0845 hours, B Battery, from Lang Vei, fires an LZ prep on LZ Yellow. At 2358 hours, B Battery fires a long ARVN's southern route of advance into Laos.
On 8 February 1971 at 0900 hours; C Battery, from Lang Vei, fires an LZ prep on LZ Blue. Note by chronicler: B & C Batteries; although located approximately eleven kilometers due east of A Battery; with their 175mm guns, could shoot further into Laos by an additional five kilometers.
On 8 February 1971 at 2000 hours, A Battery receiving incoming of unknown caliber. Negative damage reported.
On 8 February 1971 at 2358 hours, B Battery fired 18 rounds on a flak suppression grids, along the southern route of advance of the ARVN's into Laos. Completed at 0014 hours, on 9 February 1971.
On 9 February 1971 at 0145 hours, received schedule of fires. LZ Dong Da, LZ Don, and LZ White are to be prepped. At 0558 hours Battalion fired prep rounds and concluded at 0700 hours.
On 9 February 1971 at 0700 hours, A battery receiving incoming. Negative Damage.
On 9 February 1971 at 0931 hours, Battalion fired second prep.
On 9 February 1971 at 1255 hours, A Battery receiving heavy incoming.
On 9 February 1971 at 2400 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 123 missions for 495rounds; A 34/78, B 57/231, C 32/86.
Battery C of 8/4 Artillery, co-located with Battery A and OPCON to the 2/94th reports, 5 US Wounded; one serious and 1 KIA. All wounded personnel were flown to HQ 2/94th Arty (XD8237; vicinity Lang Vei) for treatment by our Battalion Surgeon due to non-availability of Medevac. All wounded were Medevac'd to Quang Tri at 1516 hours. At 1625 hours, 108th notified 5 US WIA and 2 KIA. Reports coming in that incoming is a 122mm Field Gun. At 1530 hours, C/8/4 reverted to 8/4 control.
Observation by chronicler: Some controversy surfaced as to what caliber enemy guns
the 2/94th and 8/4 units were up against (below):
Account from Specialist Gary Rafferty with A Battery: During this time period Enlisted Gary Rafferty and Captain Mixon dug up fragments from the enemy rounds and found some which had enough length intact on the single fragment to include sections of both knurling marks. Captain Mixon used a classified NATO manual which had Xeroxed photographs that showed the exact distance between these knurling marks for each caliber of Warsaw Pact artillery. These knurling marks are very distinctive. They are turned by lathe around the circumference on each round. These knurled grooves are underneath the brass gliding rings and are covered by the gliding rings until the round detonates.
Captain Mixon positively identified the guns as 152mm guns. Battalion Headquarters insisted the enemy guns HAD TO BE 122mm! We repeatedly compared them to the pictures in the manual; they were not 122mm. They were definitely 152mm.
When this information was relayed via radio to Battalion Headquarters, we were told that they couldn't be 152mm, as Battalion Intelligence was absolutely sure there were no 152 mm Guns in the area! Thus, they had to be 122mm! Captain Mixon was just as adamant that he had the identification right. They insisted that they knew better, inferring that we trust them and not our lying eyes. (End of account)
Comments from Enlisted Gary Rafferty to the Chronicler: At the Laos Border A/2/94 was all 8-inch howitzers. However, your comments regarding the large number of "accidents" on 175mm guns is also very perceptive. The 175's were NOT very popular with the gun crews. I remember that sometime in 1970 (June-July), one of the 175's in A Battery had the hydraulic rammer sheered off one gun, from the normal recoil of the breech. Almost everyone knew that there was no way this could have happened accidentally. (As I also recall, this was after a "breech failure" in another 175). If the gun crew's plan was that they wouldn't have to fire the piece until it was repaired, it didn't work. They were ordered to hand-ram all the projectiles, and because the hydraulics no longer worked, they had to elevate the tube by hand crank for each round (Ouch!)
C/8/4 had the distinct misfortune to be on the forward slope of a slight hill facing in the direction of the 152mm guns. Which, I believe, made observation of the rounds fall easier and thus increased their accuracy.
I met a vet from C/8/4 (Paul Lanza) when the Moving Wall came to Concord, NH in '91. He said he figured that none of us (from 2/94) made it back alive from there. (End of comment)
Comments by chronicler: The two C Battery 8/4th men, who were lost that day (9 February), were E2 Blake D. Whitney from Chicago, Illinois and E4 Melvin J. Felton from Spokane, Washington. Four, of the five wounded in action from C Battery 8/4th, were Harold Page from West Virginia; Wyrbkowski (spelling?) from the Detroit area in Michigan; David Holtkamp from Centralia, Illinois; and a Battalion Maintenance Technician, CWO Fisher, who was working on one of the C Battery Guns. CWO Fisher's HOR is not known at this time. Holtkamp, at one time, was given up for KIA; however, someone noticed he was still moving.
It is unclear if there were any additional wounded in action on that date from C/8/4, a companion 175/8-inch battalion to the 2/94th.
Both men, lost that day in that combined operation, were on or near Gun #2 ("SOUNDS OF SILENCE") when an enemy 122mm artillery round hit. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. They are not forgotten by their brothers of the 8/4th. (End of comments)
On 9 February 1971 at 1625 hours, A Battery given march orders to new location (XD779368; QL9, 1 km north of QL9, vicinity of Lang Vei). At 2100 hours, A Battery departs Lao Bao (XD715376) enroute to (XD785379; 2 km north of QL9, vicinity Lang Vei). At 2340 hours, A Battery laid safe at (XD785379). Note by chronicler: Apparently, A Battery’s destination was changed between 1625 hours and 2100 hours. (End of comment)
On 9 February 1971 at 2340 hours, ARVN third prep fire postponed. Observation by chronicler: Think I would have been asking for a transfer to B or C battery. I know A comes first before B and C, but Jesus! First in all phases??? (End of observation)
On 10 February 1971 at 1115 hours, A Battery fired prep on LZ Dong Da. At 1405 hours, A Battery fired second prep on LZ Dong Da. Completed at 1420 hours. Prep for LZ Loui cancelled. At 1630 hours, Comment by chronicler: Here we go again!! (End of comment) A Battery displaced from present position to grid (XD768353; 3km west of Lang Vei on QL9) in order to shoot a prep for LZ Don. At 1830 hours A Battery returned to position (XD779358; on QL9, 1.5 km west of Lang Vei). Prep fire was postponed until 11 Feb 1971.
On 10 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 54 missions for 287 rounds; A 15/119, B 25/131, C 14/37.
On 11 February 1971 at 0600 hours, B Battery fires prep on LZ Don. Fired 66 rounds and completed at 0800 hours.
On 11 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 25 missions for 112 rounds; A 10/51, B 1/15, C 10/46.
On 11 February 1971 at 0805 hours, A Battery departs (XD779358) enroute to position (vicinity Lao Bao at XD715376). A Battery laid safe at 0855 hours. A Battery rear elements closed at 1735 hours. A Battery reports 152mm incoming at 1850 hours. Negative damage, even with one 152mm air burst.
On 12 February 1971 at 1545 hours, B Battery fired adjust mission for Charlie Horse 43 (air ops 2/17th Air Cav). BDA = 5 KIA, 3 bunkers destroyed, and 2 hootches destroyed.
On 12 February 1971 at 1645 hours, C Battery fired adjust mission for Serpent 104 (air ops 2/17th Air Cav). BDA = 1 large explosion and one 51 cal.
On 12 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 77 missions for 362 rounds; A 12/61, B 39/208, C 26/93.
On 13 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 29 missions for 226 rounds; A 2/54, B 25/157, C 2/15.
On 13 February 1971 at 0959 hours, C Battery fired adjust mission for Sundowner M (AO 108th Arty). BDA = 1 large secondary burned for thirty minutes.
On 13 February 1971 at 1300 hours, A Battery receiving incoming, 122mm artillery. Fired counter battery.
On 14 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 47 missions for 214 rounds; A 3/16, B 25/95, C 19/103.
On 15 February 1971 at 0600 hours, B and C Batteries fired prep on LZ Grass. B Battery 73 rounds and C Battery 52 rounds.
On 15 February 1971 at 1505 hours, A Battery receiving incoming. 8/4 RADAR picked up the rounds and plotted enemy gun location. A Battery fired counter battery on the grid.
On 15 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 118 missions for 530 rounds; A 24/143, B 46/199, C 48/188.
On 16 February 1971 at 0200 hours, Battalion HQ receiving incoming. 2/94th MPQ-4 RADAR picked the last round and grid plotted to the location of C Battery 5/4 Artillery 155mm. Comment by chronicler: OOPs! I had an FDC officer with a 5/4 firing battery tell me “Oh yea, I remember the 2/94th --- they were always late on TOT.” So next time I talk to him, I can say: "At least we didn’t try to take out your Headquarters". (End of comment)
On 16 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 58 missions for 262 rounds; A 30/180, B 24/60, C 4/22.
On 17 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 58 missions for 231 rounds; A 29/95, B 10/92, C 19/44.
On 17 February 1971 at 1350 hours, A Battery receiving incoming. Negative damage. Fired counter battery.
On 17 February 1971 at 1530 hours, A Battery receiving incoming. Negative Damage. Two possible RADAR grids: XD67814054 & XD68393999 (border area, 3-4 km northwest of A Btry position). Fired counter battery on the two grids.
On 18 February 1971 at 0750 hours, B Battery receiving incoming rounds.
On 18 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 60 missions for 218 rounds; A 14/103, B 22/53, C 24/62.
On 18 February 1971 at 1535 hours, A Battery receiving incoming. 8/4 Arty MPQ4 RADAR plotted rounds coming from grids XD70154007 and 71183854 (3km northwest & 1 km north of A Btry position). A Battery fired counter battery fire on both grids. One 2-1/2 ton truck took a direct hit and was destroyed. No injuries reported.
On 19 February 1971 at 0230 hours, A Battery receiving incoming rounds. Negative damage. At 1400 hours, A Battery notified by 1st ARVN Division that 25 NVA were killed from fire support on 17 February 1971. BDA was based on an ARVN sweep in that area.
On 19 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 130 missions for 523 rounds; A 58/262, B 44/177, C 28/84.
On 20 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 87 missions for 436 rounds; A 33/130, B 36/176, C 17/130.
On 20 February 1971 at 1318 hours, A Battery fired 54 rounds in support of an ARVN Ranger Battalion that was in contact with an NVA Regiment. At 1438 hours, mission was terminated.
On 20 February 1971 at 1600 hours, round obtained from A Battery identified as 122mm artillery round.
On 20 February 1971 at 1605 hours, Gun #2 and Gun #3 from C Battery departed (XD824385; vicinity Lang Bu) enroute to B Battery 8/4th. Both guns OPCON to 8/4. At 1730 hours, both guns closed at (XD715372; vicinity Lao Bao).
On 20 February 1971 at 2400 hours, Major Joseph Corder assumed duties as Battalion S-3; Major George Seckinger Jr. assumed duties as Battalion XO.
On 21 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 70 missions for 417 rounds; A 29/223, B 28/146, C 13/48.
On 21 February 1971 at 1830 hours, B Battery Gun #1 and Gun #2 were retubed. Old tubes were shot out at 1200 EFC's.
On 22 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 81 missions for 353 rounds; A 30/171, B 29/94, C 22/88.
On 22 February 1971 at 1200 hours, one gun from C Battery was returned to 2/94th control. At 1900 hours, BC and Staff Briefing.
On 22 February 1971, the Officers log changes to Lam Son 719 from Dewey Canyon II.
Comment by chronicler: It is assumed that Phase III had commenced.
During Dewey Canyon II the battalion had fired 248 missions for 11,018 rounds.
Lam Son 719 Begins
During the period 8-19 February 1971, A Battery received approximately 100 rounds of enemy artillery fire. During this period A Battery sustained no casualties, although one mess truck was destroyed by a direct hit. There was no enemy artillery activity in the Lao Bao area during the period 20 February through 11 March 1971; however, mines and small arms fire periodically interdicted QL9 west of Lang Vei.
On 23 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 97 missions for 562 rounds; A 31/224, B 59/286, C 7/52.
On 23 February 1971 at 1000 hours, Battalion visited by next Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ganahl.
On 24 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 93 missions for 462 rounds; A 41/150, B 48/302, C 4/10.
On 25 February 1971, 1/44th reports a 2-1/2 ton truck carrying 6 personnel hit by artillery with 1 KIA and 3 WIA at (XD 756352; QL9, 4 km west of Lang Vei).
On 25 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 86 missions for 371 rounds; A 42/190, B 32/139, C 12/42.
On 25 February 1971 at 0900 hours, C Battery FDC departed XD824385 for XD715375.
On 26 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 108 missions for 786 rounds; A 41/301, B 60/353, C 7/132.
On 26 February 1971 at 0830 hours, remainder of C Battery departed (XD824385; 1 km east of Lang Bu) for (XD715375). Moved near Lao Bao in order to provide maximum range support of the ARVN operation in Laos.
On 26 February 1971 at 1145 hours, C Battery, one remaining gun returned from OPCON of 8/4th.
On 26 February 1971 at 2000 hours, Chieu Hoi picked up by Battalion Maintenance truck. 25 meters from perimeter on access road.
Need
to find and add story of surrender to the truck driver.
On 27 February 1971, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Ganahl took command of the battalion at a change of command ceremony held at the Battalion Headquarters area. Lieutenant Colonel Ganahl was one of the Assistant S-3 officers at Corps Arty Headquarters before taking over the battalion. He was physically located at the Corps Forward in Quang Tri before assuming command.
On 27 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 169 missions for 839 rounds; A 37/228, B 69/334, C 63/268.
On 27 February 1971 at 1100 hours, Change of Command Ceremony as Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Ganahl assumes command of the 2/94th from Lieutenant Colonel John Oates.
On 28 Feb 1971 at 0050 hours, B
Battery Gun #4 breech exploded, causing 1 US KIA and 4 US WIA. At 0215 hours, 1 US KIA and 4 US WIA (burns)
med-evaced to Khe Sanh. Wounded conditions:
1 Serious and 3 Excellent. Killed in
the incident was CPL Albion Joe Bergantzel from Henderson, Iowa. His nickname
was ‘Farmer’.
Remarks: Investigation of the M107 SP malfunction, revealed the step threads of the bushing within the breech ring failed when the weapon was fired. Although, the breech ring incorporated the first tube change, the step threads sheared when the weapon was fired, blowing the breech block rearward about 10 yards. The step threads of the breechblock were damaged on the lower side where it hit the rear portion of the vehicle, otherwise were in good condition. The loader-rammer was blown off, as was the crew seat and the deck of the wall --- the well. The reservoir was bent and ruptured due to the rearward blast. A possibility exists that excessive chamber pressure could have caused the malfunction. Weapon was being fired with a charge three. Personnel were off the chassis. Gunner was utilizing extra long lanyard. Two previous primers had been fired with no weapon discharge. Malfunction occurred with detonation of third primer. Witnesses could not determine if malfunction occurred during recoil or counter-recoil. Gun returned to in-battery position.
Account from Specialist John Clayton, a cannoneer with B/2/94 during this operation: The cannoneer killed up by Khe Sanh in the breech failure incident was nicknamed "Farmer". I will try to find someone who remembers his real name. I believe he was from Iowa and everyone really liked him. I helped carry his body to the Medevac and as was the custom, the pilots wanted us to leave him, as he was deceased. We raised so much hell that they finally agreed to take him.
Seven wounded men were Medevac’d as I recall, but only Farmer was dead. Others were in real bad shape. What happened, as I recall, is that it was about a midnight fire mission and Farmer didn't get the breech on the 175 closed completely and he was standing about 4-6 feet behind the breech when he pulled the cord. It was a charge 3 and it all came out the back. The breech went right through Farmer and the other 5 or 6 men were burnt completely black.
I was one of the first on the scene and it was really ugly. I guess at that
moment I, realized you could get killed over there. I believe we also must have
lost some men on March 18 as we basically got wiped out. It was Medevac after
Medevac and we just kept throwing guys on. It seemed like half our unit
disappeared that day. (End of account)
In early March 1971; Lieutenant Colonel Ganahl, Commander of the 2/94th Artillery on the border, was in his C&C Bird when NVA tanks attacked an ARVN position.
His S3 got on the radio to say an airborne forward controller would direct the Battalion’s fire on the enemy armor, and that the Corps Commander was monitoring the frequency.
Extremely nervous with all the Brass listening in, the FAC reported it was a good shot and to drop two hundred meters on the gun target line and go right a hundred. The Battery Commander answered that his next round was on the way; there was a pause, then the FAC cried, “Holy Christ!” Ganahl thought his men must have dropped a short round into the ARVN’s.
The FAC caught his breath and said the opposite was true. The artillery round had exploded between two NVA tanks, bowling them BOTH over. The unit had claimed two tank kills with one shell. Comment by chronicler: Battery unknown at this time. Possibly was B Battery. (End of comment)
On 28 February 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 123 missions for 678 rounds; A 50/265, B 40/254, C 33/159.
On 1 March 1971, B Battery 1st Battalion 39th
Artillery (4x175mm), hereafter referred to as D Battery, displaced from C1
(YD2167) to Lang Con (XD8238) and was placed under the operational control of the 2/94th
Artillery.
Request was made by the 2/94th CO for two additional Dusters for D Battery. Two additional Dusters were sent making a total of eight Dusters from the 1/44th.
On 1 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 111 missions for 491 rounds; A 29/128, B 35/126, C 47/237.
On 2 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 138 missions for 610 rounds; A 47/207, B 38/154, C 46/221.
On 2 March 1971 at 1000 hours, A Battery reports ammo truck hit land mine. Negative casualties with truck destroyed.
On 2 March 1971 at 1040 hours, Sundowner Yankee Air Ops 108th reports fire mission on (XD658326; 8 km southwest of A & C Btry positions) area well covered.
On 3 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 152 missions for 687 rounds; A 43/171, B 29/99, C 48/272, D 32/145.
On 3 March 1971 at 1525 hours, Lieutenant White Medevac'd with 104 degree fever.
On 3 March 1971 at 1630 hours, A Battery fires in support of FSB Don. FAC reports excellent effect. 250 NVA retreating with many dead.
On 3 March 1971 at 2000 hours, A Battery reports incoming.
On 4 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 133 missions for 820 rounds; A 28/187, B 43/226, C 31/232, D 31/175.
On 4 March 1971 at 0830 hours, A Battery support on FSB Don. Reported 55 enemy soldiers KIA.
On 5 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 160 missions for 754 rounds; A 39/187, B 55/188, C 48/309, D 18/70.
On 5 March 1971 at 1200 hours, message received to move B and D Batteries ( four each 175mm guns) from Lang Con (XD8238) to (XD7138; vicinity Lao Bao). This was to provide maximum heavy artillery support of the ARVN drive into Laos. Both batteries laid safe at 1800 hours.
On 6 March 1971 at 0322 hours, B Battery fired first rounds from (XD715370; vicinity Lao Bao).
On 6 March 1971 at 0410 hours, D Battery fired first rounds from (XD720369; vicinity Lao Bao).
On 6 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 84 missions for 589 rounds; A 36/272, B 19/126, C 26/123, D 3/68.
On 7 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 185 missions for 1066 rounds; A 45/381, B 52/304, C 46/131, D 42/250.
On 7 March 1971 at 0930 hours, 108th reported 1 tank, 4 trucks, and many secondary explosions still going off from missions fired at 0430 hours. Target XG1974 at grid XD5344 (20 km northwest of Battalion’s gun positions).
On 7 March 1971 at 1230 hours, 108th reports truck with 175mm gun overturned.
On 8 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 115 missions for 1008 rounds; A 26/372, B 9/118, C 36/302, D 44/216.
On 8 March 1971 at 1000 hours, target destroyed at TGT XG2016 grid XB580395 (14 km west of Battalion Gun positions).
On 9 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 113 missions for 736 rounds; A 16/183, B 1/36, C 56/246, D 40/271.
On 9 March 1971 at 0830 hours, BDA from TGT XG2016 15 bunkers, 78 NVA 1 MG, and 1 SKS.
On 9 March 1971 at 0930 hours,
C Battery reported a gun blew up (in bore explosion). Requested Dust-off Medevac.
Unknown number of personnel injured.
At 0943 hours, the Dust-off completed.
One person evacuated: Sergeant
Holloway died in Medevac helicopter on way to hospital.
ACCIDENT REPORT dated 9 Mar 1971
It’s Malfunction of Ammunition.
…The premature burst --- when the weapon fired, the round traveled approximately 15
feet, and then detonated. The remainder
of the tube was severed and fell on the front deck covers. The cannon assembly immediately elevated to
maximum quadrant and personnel were unable to depress it. One individual,
located approximately 40 meters to the right front of the gun, was KIA after
being struck in the head by an unidentified fragment. Fragments caused minor damage to another gun and sheared the
barrel from a 50-caliber machine-gun.
Report of
Malfunction of a 175mm Gun and Ammunition
On 9
March 1971, …that the injuries to Sergeant Hollowell, on
adjacent Gun received a head injury from a piece of fragment. Individual was Medevac'd… died enroute to
the hospital. The soldiers on the gun
crew were Sergeant Larue Terrance; Specialist Grether, Lester M; Private First
Class Hutson, Danny;
Private First Class
Grey, Stanley D;
Private First Class Shubert, Leroy;
Private First Class Sheffield, Thomas E;
Private First Class Hanus, John
H;
Private First Class Norton, Douglas E;
and Private Turner, William E.
On 9 March 1971 at 1100 hours, BDA from C Battery on 7 March (1971), 25 KIA on TGT XJ5526 Grid 5939 (13 km west of C Battery position).
On 9 March 1971 at 1625 hours, 3 tanks destroyed by D Battery. Target XG2066 Grid XD4242 (30 km west of D Battery position).
On 9 March 1971 at 1645 hours, A Battery given Checkfire. 1/1 Cav reports elements receiving fire.
On 10 March 1971 at 0530 hours; A, C, and D Batteries report incoming rounds.
On 10 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 131 missions for 555 rounds; A 50/176, B 37/110, C 18/95, D 26/174.
On 10 March 1971 at 1020 hours, 1 tank damaged by C Battery. TGT 2079 Grid 5038 (22 km west of C Battery position).
On 11 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 90 missions for 528 rounds; A 40/156, B 4/20, C 55/259, D 31/93.
During the period 12- 21 March 1971, the Lao Bao area received attacks by fire from 82mm Mortars, 152mm guns, and 122mm rockets; averaging 100-200 rounds per day in and out of the battery area.
Enemy activity along QL9 increased daily and reached a high point during the period 18-23 March 1971, when the road was virtually impassable to thin skinned vehicles.
On 12 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 1383missions for 876 rounds; A 44/340, B 58/158, C 68/263, D 13/115.
On 12 March 1971 at 1100 hours, truck from D Battery hit by RPG and small arms. Truck was enroute forward location of BN HQ.
On 12 March 1971 at 1600 hours, all four Batteries report incoming rounds. Incoming stopped at 1720 hours. Negative damage.
On 13 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 182 missions for 1202 rounds; A 71/483, B 28/120, C 52/354, D 31/245.
On 13 March 1971 at 0930 hours, 1st Cav reports an M548 hit a land mine. No injuries.
On 13 March 1971 at 1245 hours; A, C, and D batteries report incoming rounds.
On 13 March 1971 at 1600 hours, one D Battery 175 hit by fragment in the engine.
On 13 March 1971 at 1700 hours, Battalion CO requests Sound Platoon from F/26th.
On 14 March 1971 at 0800 hours, Arty sitrep: Battalion fired 104 missions for 778 rounds; A 20/275, B 8/82, C 49/299, D 27/122.
On 14 March
1971 at 1215 hours, A Battery reports incoming rounds.
On 14 March 1971 at 1600
hours, A Battery requested a Dust-off for 5 men. The dust-off was unable to land because of incoming fire. At 1620 hours, the Dust-off was complete. 3 KIA and 4 WIA, all personnel assigned to
14th Engineer Battalion.
Note by chronicler: The three KIA’s from the 14th Engineer Battalion to whom the 2/94th personnel tried to lend assistance to, were: Harry Gordon Prince Jr., MOS 1331, 1st Lieutenant, from Salem, Alabama; Bobby Jene Fields, MOS 62E20, SP5, from Dahlonega, Georgia; and Stephen R