1st Campaign Final from Charles

Partial Description of Counteroffensive, Phase II

North Vietnam continued to build its forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail; but then in early 1966, crossings began through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory, U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.

During 1966, there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division.

And meanwhile, the U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two Northern provinces, where in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, Operation HASTINGS was conducted against enemy infiltrators coming across the DMZ.

By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces had also increased substantially, so that for the same period, their combat strength was in excess of 282,000 plus an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in Vietnam had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.

While the war in Vietnam may have slowed down for a time, the enemy would show that he was far from beaten. The U.S. Forces and the 2/94th would not find peace that easily.

On 1 November 1966 at 0930 hours, B Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 9 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at YD215425 (~ 12 mi SE of Camp Carroll (JJC).

On 1 November 1966 at 1200 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 5 rounds expended. Recon prep fire at XD912564 (~ 9.5 mi W of JJC).

On 1 November 1966 at 1710 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 6 rounds expended. VC in area at XD882515 (~ 11 mi W of JJC).

On 2 November 1966 at 0001 hours to 0555 hours, Battalion fired intense harassing fires at GS (Grid Squares) YD1536, YD1435, YD1535, YD1434, YD1534, YD1433, YD1533, YD1634, and YD1835 (located SSE of JJC at distances from 12 to 14.5 miles). Three AO target surveillance missions cancelled due to bad weather and priority air strikes in the area.

On 2 November 1966 at 0700 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 5 rounds expended. Recon prep fire at XD882527 (~ 11 mi W of JJC).

On 2 November 1966 at 0918 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 13 rounds expended. Suspected VC area at XD875506 (~ 12 mi WSW of JJC).

On 2 November 1966 at 1030 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 4 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD904513 (~ 10 mi WSW of JJC).

On 2 November 1966 at 1037 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 11 rounds expended. Three defensive concentrations at XD919573, XD941655, XD932570 (~ 9 mi W, 10 mi NW, & 8 mi W of JJC respectively).

On 2 November 1966 at 1438 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 12 rounds expended. Suspected VC area at XD887508 (~ 11 mi WSW of JJC). Good target coverage.

On 2 November 1966 at 1920 hours, Division FSCC claims cease fire on all H&I missions from 1950 hours to 2220 hours. Emergency mission notify FSCC. At 2127 hours, cease fire lifted.

Some of the Third Marine Recon teams supported were VIPER, COBRA, SUN, SNOOPY, SURF, GALLEON, and what looks like MUSTANG.

On 3 November 1966 at 0310 hours, B Battery fired in support of ARVN. 4 rounds expended. VC activity at YD229455 (~ 12 mi ESE of JJC).

On 3 November 1966 at 0330 hours, Division FSCC claims cease fire on all H&I missions. At 0410 hours, cease fire lifted.

On 3 November 1966 at 0955 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 2 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD933582 (~ 8 mi WNW of JJC).

At 1030 hours, defensive concentrations at XD929575 (~ 8.5 mi WNW of JJC); 2 rounds.

At 1105 hours, defensive concentrations at XD935571 (~ 8 mi W of JJC); 3 rounds.

At 1138 hours, defensive concentrations at XD938576 (~ 8 mi WNW of JJC); 3 rounds.

On 3 November 1966 at 1328 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 14 rounds expended. Recon sniper fire at XD891505 (~ 11 mi WSW of JJC). Rounds on target, right in there.

On 3 November 1966 at 1900 hours, Division FSCC claims cease fire on all H&I missions. From 1955 hours until further notice. Photo plane in the area.

On 4 November 1966 at 0840 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 4 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD938568 (~ 8 mi W of JJC).

At 0910 hours, defensive concentrations at XD912582 (~ 10 mi WNW of JJC); 2 rounds.

At 0935 hours, defensive concentrations at XD915590 (~ 10 mi WNW of JJC); 4 rounds.

At 1102 hours, defensive concentrations at XD915568 (~ 9 mi W of JJC); 5 rounds.

At 1130 hours, defensive concentrations at XD927588 (~ 9 mi WNW of JJC); 3 rounds.

At 1200 hours, defensive concentrations at XD919573 (~ 9 mi W of JJC); 5 rounds.

At 1302 hours, defensive concentrations at XD921584 (~ 9 mi WNW of JJC); 2 rounds.

At 1325 hours, defensive concentrations at XD905574 (~ 10 mi W of JJC); 3 rounds.

At 1445 hours, defensive concentrations at XD928563 (~ 8 mi W of JJC); 5 rounds.

On 6 November 1966 at 1230 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 6 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD945475 (~ 9 mi WSW of JJC).

On 6 November 1966 at 2200 hours, Battalion fired grid saturation fires on anti-aircraft site and bunkers. Grid squares = XD7754, XD7755, XD7756 (all ~ 18 mi W of JJC). 165 rounds expended.

On 7 November 1966 at 1910 hours, B Battery and C Battery fired in support of Marine 1/3. 41 rounds expended. VC campsite at XD806493 (~ 16 mi W of JJC).

On 8 November 1966 at 0055 hours, Battalion fired in support of USADV with ARVN. 207 rounds expended. NVA Regiment at YD285347 (~19 mi SE of JJC - radius of 1500 meters). Target well covered.

On 8 November 1966 at 0900 hours, B Battery fired marking round for Third Marine Recon at XD928501 (~ 9 mi WSW of JJC). 1 round expended.

On 8 November 1966 at 1500 hours, B Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 3 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD938402 (~ 12 mi SW of JJC).

On 9 November 1966 at 1000 hours, B Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 2 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD934415 (~ 11.5 SW of JJC).

On 9 November 1966 at 1000 hours, B Battery fired Intel Mission (chicken) at YD180448 (~ 9.5 mi SE of JJC). 21 rounds expended.

On 9 November 1966 at 1210 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 6 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD916412 (~ 12 mi SW of JJC).

On 9 November 1966 at 1700 hours, 2/94th notified that Third Marine Recon is changing frequencies.

On 9 November 1966 at 1955 hours, 2/94th notified; Cease Fire all H&I west of grid line XD97 (N-S line just west of the Rockpile). Priority missions will have to be cleared through FSCC.

On 9 November 1966 at 2040 hours, 2/94th notified; No firing in ARVN area tonight. Priority missions will have to be cleared through FSCC.

On 9 November 1966 at 2125 hours, 2/94th notified; Cease Fire west of gird line XD97 is lifted.

On 9 November 1966 at 2350 hours, C and D Battery fired in support of Marine 1/3. Grid squares = XD7757, XD7756, XD7856, XD7857 (all ~ 18 mi W of JJC). 109 rounds expended. VC encampment.

On 10 November 1966 at 0915 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 7 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD931415 (~ 12 mi SW of JJC).

On 10 November 1966 at 1140 hours, B Battery fired marking round for Third Marine Recon at YD237470 (~ 12 mi ESE of JJC). 1 round expended.

On 10 November 1966 at 1915 hours, Battalion fired in support of ARVN. 81 rounds expended. VC Battalion from grids YD255460 to YD275450 (area 13 – 14 mi ESE of JJC). Air strike called in.

On 10 November 1966 at 1955 hours, 2/94th notified; Cease Fire from grid YD102230 to YD102300 ( area 15 – 20 mi S of JJC).

On 10 November 1966, Artillery Plateau (home to our Battalion) was officially renamed Camp J. J. Carroll (JJC). This coincided with the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Camp Carroll was built by the 3rd Battalion 4th Marine Regiment early in October of 1966 following Operation Prairie. It was named Camp J.J. Carroll in honor of Marine Captain J.J. Carroll, who was killed on Hill 484 during Operation Prairie. Captain Carroll was Company Commander of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines.

On 11 November 1966 at 1000 hours, 2/94th notified; Division FSCC - Cease Fire all 175mm gun day time H&I until further notice.

The Marines on Camp Carroll would feel the outgoing power of the 175mm Guns as described below by Marine Corporal Jim Fowler, 5th Communications Battalion, Third Marine Division.

Account by Marine Corporal Jim Fowler:

“Not too long after we set up at Artillery Plateau which would become Camp Carroll, a 175mm gun set up across the road from us. The barrel was actually over our bunker when they fired in our direction, which I think was toward Khe Sanh.

We had originally been attached to a Battery of the 12th after pulling back from the Rockpile. We were reassigned to 3rd Marines after they moved up. The 175mm gun crew fired a charge 3 over us before we had completed the bunker over the radio relay van. It shattered several tubes in our van. Two in the AN/TCC-3 telephone unit and one in one of the AN/GRC-10 radios, if I remember correctly.

The overhead light also shattered and the whole thing including the coax ripped from the ceiling of the van. We worked our butts off the rest of the day and into the wee hours of the morning getting the gear back up and completing the bunker. After the bunker was complete, we would bounce a couple of inches or so when they fired a charge 3. Better to be bounced by our own than theirs. Like so many things you got used to it and it just became another background occurrence in the daily life."

Article from USARV-IO: Camp J.J. Carroll

"U.S. Marines are fighting three North Vietnamese Army (NVA) divisions in Quang Tri Province with the aid of the Army’s 175mm guns.

This camp, just six miles from the demilitarized zone (DMZ), is the base for the big guns of the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery. Since the Battalion fired the first rounds on Oct. 23, 1966, over 70,000 projectiles have been fired.

The artillery unit is the only Army unit of its type supporting the Marines. All fire missions in the area go through the 3rd Marine Division.

The Battalion has supported ten Marine operations, including Operations Hastings and Prairie and the recent fighting in the DMZ.

The 175’s move around the province so that their 20 mile range can support the Marines, Special Forces, or the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) as they are needed.

Batteries have gone to Gio Linh to fire deeper into North Vietnam.

The big guns have fired across the DMZ since February 22. Forward observers (FO’s), in Bird Dog spotter planes flown by Army, Marine, or Air Force pilots, give the targets.

Targets have been SAM missile sites, anti-aircraft emplacements, staging and assembly areas of troops, and convoys."

The U.S. Forces opposing the North Vietnamese Army was a composite unit. The U.S. Marines were the first to be committed. As the enemy force threat developed, the US Army deployed some of its Artillery units to reinforce the Marines and counter the growing threat. These Army Artillery units came under the operational control of the Commanding General of the III Marine Amphibious Force. The 2/94th, 1/40th, and 1/44th, with G Battery 65th Arty attached, were all part of that commitment to the Marines in October of 1966.

The enemy had grown from 23 main force Battalions to 52 Battalions in I Corps. The U.S. Forces were only seven (7) Marine Battalions along with the three (3) additional Army Artillery Battalions supplied to reinforce the Marines.

Article from Newspaper written by PFC Bob Kersey, Stars and Strips Correspondent:

CAMP J.J. CARROLL, Vietnam

"Thanks for the good nights sleep."

"That is the only reward expected and the only reward received by the men of the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery, the words of appreciation from the Marines they support.

Located at Camp J. J. Carroll, just eight miles south of the DMZ, the men of the 2/94th are the northernmost Army unit in South Vietnam.

Their mission is to support the 3rd Marine Division and to protect the Special Forces camp at Khe Sanh, near the Laotian border. The Marines sleep better when the big guns keep the enemy occupied.

Why was the Army sent up here in Marine territory?

They fire 12 of the largest field artillery pieces that the United States has in its arsenal, the self-propelled 175mm gun. The 175s are capable of firing a 147-pound projectile 20 miles. They are accurate and can kill everything inside a 250-foot radius.

When a call comes in from a unit in trouble, the Fire Direction Center calculates the direction, elevation, and powder charge to be used and relays the information to the gun crews. Working often in darkness and two feet of mud, the gun crews can be ready to fire in minutes. The guns are capable of firing across the DMZ into North Vietnam, or out to sea on the east.

The Battalion was organized at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, in June 1966. Most of the NCOs were transferred from Germany to mold an entire combat-ready Battalion from men straight out of the Artillery Training School. The job was expected to take 90 days, but the men had attained combat proficiency in less than half that time.

The units arrived in Vietnam October 15, 1966 at Da Nang.

The big guns were transported by boat up the coast to Dong Ha, while the rest of the Battalion went north by truck. From Dong Ha the guns and men were driven the 18 kilometers to their present site. The unit was operational on 20 October 1966.

The 2/94th is the largest 175mm gun unit in Vietnam due to an extra Battery being attached to it from the 6th Battalion 27th Artillery. They remain only at normal strength because one of the Batteries is stationed at Chu Lai.

They make up only a small part of the complex on the plateau; Marine 105mm howitzers, 155mm self-propelled howitzers, tank and anti-tank units, and security forces also are based at the camp.

The Marines provide the main security force and run many patrols and reconnaissance missions out of their camp, while the Army guns provide the artillery support.

Usually located in the center of a camp, the 175s are also located on the perimeter. The Army gun crews man many foxholes and defensive positions 24 hours a day outside their positions.

KP and guard duty are common. The rain and mud are constant. Temperatures drop to the 40's.

They can be called any time of the day, to fire a few rounds or to help defend a unit under attack.

Suspected enemy infiltration routes, troop concentrations and command posts are common targets of fire."

On 13 November 1966, General Walt, Commander of the Third Marine Amphibious Forces, visited C Battery.

A funny military story during the visit of General Walt to the Marine emplacements by Marine Corporal Jim Fowler:

“I was on watch while the other two members of the team were out, and it was muddy and raining. We had set up a coffee mess, a lot of guys came by for coffee, and whatever else was available. One of the First Sergeants, H&S 3rd Marines I think, would give us a health and comfort pack once a week and who ever had anything to share would put it out on the table made of ammo box boards.

I heard footsteps clomping on the entrance porch. We had covered the bunker with runway rubber (similar to inner tube rubber) and had enough left over for the floor so the bunker was dry and comfortable. We would remove our boots before entering. Thinking it was probably a returning patrol, since they would often stop by I yelled, "Take off your *!!*** boots before you come in our hooch!" I heard boots clomp as they were removed.

The poncho covering the entrance was pushed aside and there stood General Walt, CG of III MAF. He was followed by the Division Commander, the Regimental Commander, and two Sergeant Majors. General Walt asked a few questions about how we were doing, communications, etc as he walked around the bunker. Just before he left, he looked at the regimental commander and asked why the rest of the bunkers didn't look like ours? The Sergeant Majors looked on me with real disfavor.

I left Carroll in 67 and went to III MAF and later to Khe Sanh. The first of October of 67, I left Khe Sanh to return to Da Nang and assume duties as a Radio Relay Section chief where I remained until I rotated out on 24 December 1967."

On 12 November 1966 at 1412 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 2 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD943346 (~14.5 SSW of JJC).

On 12 November 1966 at 1540 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 5 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD945456 (~ 9 mi SW of JJC).

On 13 November 1966 at 0859 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 3 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD928426 (~ 11 mi SW of JJC).

On 13 November 1966 at 1029 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 4 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD943437 (~ 10 mi SW of JJC).

On 13 November 1966 at 1455 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 2 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD937451 (~ 10 mi SW of JJC).

On 13 November 1966 at 1615 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 3 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD938436 (~ 10.5 SW of JJC).

On 14 November 1966 at 1130 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 3 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD9455451 (~7 mi W of JJC).

On 14 November 1966 at 1420 hours, B Battery fired in support of Intel sources. 6 rounds expended. Target not specified at XD933629 (~ 9.5 mi WNW of JJC).

On 14 November 1966 at 1500 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 4 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD925425 (~ 11 mi SW of JJC).

On 15 November 1966 at 0100 hours, B Battery fired in support of ARVN. 8 rounds expended. Target not specified at YD177453 (~ 9 mi SE of JJC).

On 17 November 1966 at 2050 hours, Division FSCC reports cease-fire for all H&I.

On 17 November 1966 at 2145 hours, Division FSCC reports cease-fire for all H&I is now lifted.

On 20 November 1966 at 0930 hours, Division FSCC reports NFZ (No Fire Zone) for Phy warfare drop.

On 20 November 1966 at 0955 hours, Division FSCC reports NFZ for Phy warfare drop is cancelled. New one at 1000 hours to 1600 hours. No fire zones. Grids YD1159 to YD1959 (area 4 - 8.5 mi NE of JJC) and YD1951 to YD1151 (area 3.5 - 8 mi SE of JJC).

On 20 November 1966 at 1025 hours, Division FSCC Phy warfare drop is complete.

On 21 November 1966 at 1800 hours, Battalion fired 1000-meter saturation fires at center coordinates; YD134470 (~ 6.5 mi SE of JJC), YD100470 (~ 5 mi SSE of JJC), and YD102448 (~ 7 mi SSE of JJC). 313 rounds expended.

On 21 November 1966 at 1845 hours, Battalion fired grid saturation fires at center coordinates; YD030484 (~ 4 mi SSW of JJC). 155 rounds expended. VC Battalion reported by agent in area.

On 23 November 1966 at 1130 hours, B Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 5 rounds HE-Q expended. Target at XD883571 (~ 11 mi W of JJC).

On 23 November 1966 at 1345 hours, C Battery fired in support of AO. 4 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD832481 (~ 15 mi WSW of JJC; vicinity Khe Sanh).

On 23 November 1966 at 1450 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon (SUN). 6 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD887592 (~ 12 mi WNW of JJC).

On 23 November 1966 at 1750 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 1 round HE-Q expended. Defensive concentrations at XD890560 (~ 11 mi W of JJC).

On 24 November 1966, C Battery and a guest, Col Hammerbeck, Commanding Officer of Camp JJ Carroll, celebrated Thanksgiving.

On 24 November 1966 at 0733 hours, Battalion fired prep fires in support of Third Marines. Coordinates YD0945, YD0947, YD1145, and YD1147 (~ 6 mi, 5 mi, 7 mi, & 6 mi respectively SSE of JJC). Expended 282 rounds.

On 24 November 1966 at 1415 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 7 rounds expended. Cave entrance at XD926545 (~ 8.5 mi W of JJC). Good coverage on target.

On 24 November 1966 at 1827 hours, C Battery fired in support of Marine 1/3. 2 rounds expended. Defensive concentrations at XD776546 (~ 18 mi W of JJC). Reports good effect on target.

On 26 November 1966 at 1015 hours, D Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 4 rounds expended. Target at XD915468 (~ 10 mi WSW of JJC).

On 26 November 1966 at 1015 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 4 rounds expended. Target at XD890568 (~ 11 mi W of JJC).

On 26 November 1966 at 1300 hours, C Battery fired marking round for Third Marine Recon (SUN). 1 round HE-Q expended at XD896560 (~ 10 mi W of JJC).

On 26 November 1966 at 1320 hours, C Battery fired at VC site. Expended 2 rounds HE-Q at XD885574 (~ 11 mi W of JJC).

On 26 November 1966 at 1325 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 5 rounds HE-Q expended. Marking rounds at XD914468 (~ 10.5 mi WSW of JJC).

On 26 November 1966 at 1458 hours, C Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 18 rounds expended. VC location at XD890565 (~ 11 mi W of JJC). Recon reports excellent target coverage.

On 27 November 1966 - The following units were assigned to IFFV by USARV, General Order 6524, 27th of Nov 1966, and were further attached to the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force for OPCON, administrative and logistical support, less Army peculiar administrative and logistical support.

2. 2nd Bn 175mm SP 94th Arty with B Battery 6th Bn 8” SP 27th Arty attached

3. 1st Bn AA SP 1st of the 44th Arty with Battery G (Machine Gun) 65th Arty attached

On 28 November 1966 at from 0803 hours to 0820 hours, C Battery and D Battery fired in support of Third Marine Recon. 60 rounds expended. VC build up area at XD8756, XD8856, and XD8955 (~ 12 mi, 11mi, & 11 mi respectively W of JJC).

On November 28 1966, C Battery has remained at Camp Carroll to this date and expended a total of 2,417 rounds.

On 29 November 1966, the Battalion experienced its first loss. Private First Class Terry P. Pierce from HHB was swept down the Cam Lo River while washing a truck. Body was recovered on 14 December 1966. PFC Pierce was from Hopewell, Virginia.

On 29 November 1966 at 1323 hours, B Battery fired defensive concentrations for Provisional Battalion at YD111174 (~ 11 mi E of JJC). 8 rounds expended.

On 29 November 1966 at 1640 hours, C Battery fired marker round for Third Marine Recon (VENUS). 1 round expended at XD904524 (~ 10 mi W of JJC).

On 29 November 1966 at 1710 hours, FSCC reports no fire zone for Recon patrol (VIPER). YD0064 to YD0066 to YD0266 to YD0264 (2000 meter square area ~ 7 mi NNW of JJC).

On 30 November 1966 at 0103 hours, FSCC reports cease-fire for 30 minutes. Photo plane in area.

On 30 November 1966 at 0124 hours, FSCC reports cease fire lifted. Photo plane has completed mission.

By December of 1966 the first “hardback billets were erected for Headquarters Battery. Most of the Battalion still occupied tents, but were beginning to get tent frames and wooden floors.

On 2 December 1966, South Vietnam’s Premier Nguyen Cae Ky and his staff paid a visit to the Battalion. The Premier was met by Colonel Hammerbeck, CO of the Third Marine Regiment and Lieutenant Colonel Trefry, CO of the Battalion.

The Premier was escorted to Bravo Battery for a mission briefing. This was followed by a Firing Demonstration conducted by Lieutenant Wilmeth, B Battery XO. The Number Four gun section, Bravo Battery, gave the demonstration.

On 3 December 1966, 1st Field Forces Artillery (Forward) was established in Dong Ha.

The mission of the forward command post is to act as an extension of HQ 1st Field Forces Artillery to monitor administrative and logistical support provided by the III MAF, HQ 1st Field Forces, and 1st Logistical Command. OPCON of the Army units is under III Marine Amphibious Force.

On 8 December 1966, A Battery, in the south, displaced from (BS636785) to support search and destroy operations being carried out by the 1st Marines. The Battery was accompanied by a reinforced platoon of Marines. A Marine Engineer squad swept all bridges for mines. It is thought the Battery returned on 12 December 1966.

Account by Captain Jerry Heard, A Battery Commander in the South.

“One Fire mission was the time a Marine Artillery battery co-located with us and was to fire support for a mission on the east of our perimeter CP. The Marines came with a Major CO and two Captain platoon leaders with 3 guns each. They were using 155 guns. Being the Fort Sill 'Red leg', and since it was my location, the CG had put my Battery in command of the mini-task force. The Marine Major was highly PO'd. We fired all 10 guns from our FDC. They march ordered quickly after the mission was finished. The A Battery guys showed them how it was supposed to be done.

The Manual talked about using some wreckers when changing tubes, A Battery had none. The chief of smoke strapped the equilibrators down, took off the old tube, and put a new one on without having to recharge. We put two 8-inch tubes on about mid-term and fired pinpoint targets with them. After we burned out all our tubes one night, shooting for the Tra Bong Special Forces Camp, we used long lanyards and shot from sandbag cover off of the gun. Stuff was stripping out of the tubes but we added some elevation and just kept firing.”

Account by Lieutenant Doug Beard, who was visiting A Battery from the north:

“I was down at Chu Lai with Captain Heard's A Battery for the Marines’ birthday party. We made them a cake, and since the Marines did not wear unit patches, we made one for them. It had the Corps Emblem on it and the slogan around it said;

"191 Years of Tradition Unhampered By Progress, USMC, One Good Deal
After Another"

Some of them TA Marine officers sure could not take a joke. Perhaps it was because the slogan touched a nerve. They went into that war so poorly equipped that it was not funny. They had out of date radios, helicopters, weapons, everything.

I lived with them most of the time. I remember writing official reports to division on stationary that we bought in the PX because they did not have paper in Regimental HQ.

At least they were not short on guts, and they could party very well. They may not have had good weapons, but of course one of them was able to produce a beautiful sword to cut that damn cake.”

On 15 December 1966, Colonel J.P. Lanigan assumed command of the Third Marine Regiment and of Camp Carroll. Colonel Lanigan replaces Colonel Hammerbeck who was assigned to the G3 Section, Third Marine Division.

On 16 December 1966 at 2130 hours, C Battery fired the Battalion’s 10,000th round in Vietnam. Battery was firing at a target near the DMZ, in support of a Marine recon element.

On 19 December 1966, a 2½-ton truck from Service Battery received moderate damage when it hit a Viet Cong mine north of Dong Ha while being used to haul sand to the Battery area. Two of the eight men aboard the truck were thrown off and suffered minor injuries.

PFC Daniel Kempton was one of the first two WIA's the 2/94th would have during its stay in Vietnam. PFC Kempton would spend two months in Okinawa with a knee operation and rehabilitation. After his return to the 2/94th, he would be wounded the second time during a rocket attack at Dong Ha sometime in May or June of 1967.

The other solder wounded in the first combat event of the 2/94th was PFC Robert C. Lopp of Service Battery.

On 19 December 1966, Private Charles Seals of C Battery received a Letter of Appreciation from General Walt, USMC, for his outstanding accomplishments in the Battery mess. The Letter of Appreciation was presented by the Battalion Commander.

On 22 December 1966, a memorial formation was held in Headquarters Battery for Private First Class Terry P. Pierce.

Over the period 22 - 25 December 1966, Dr. Bernard Fall (Author of "Street without Joy") visited the hill while filming the CBS News Special Report; Christmas in Vietnam … 1966.

On 22 December 1966, "Pro-Jo,” the Service Battery mascot, fell dead from his perch.

Articles from a copy of "The Plateau Outpost" published Christmas Day 1966; saved by Lieutenant Martin McKnight: Outpost was a bimonthly publication by the 2/94. Editor was Captain Charles A. Adamson. Reporter was Specialist George L. Pyle.

Captain Heard announced that Lieutenant Andy Tenis has a new daughter.

The 2/94th welcomes the popular Mike Battery, 4th Battalion, 12th Marine Artillery. The Battery was OPCON to the 2/94th on 18 December 1966, after repositioning of its parent Headquarters. Mike Battery, commanded by Captain Jim Way has acquired for itself a fine reputation and we of the Battalion are proud to have them as associates.

The Plateau welcomes with open arms Battery C, 1st Battalion 44th Artillery commanded by Captain R.E. Neily Jr. The Battery armed with its twin forties (Dusters) and quad fifties (Whispering Death), adds tremendous firepower to Camp J. J. Carroll.

Another new arrival to the Plateau is A Battery, 1st Battalion, 40th Artillery, commanded by Captain Lopez.

John Steinbeck, former war correspondent and contemporary novelist, honored the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery with a too brief visit on 20 December 1966.

On 25 December 1966, Colonel Dunn and LTC Trefry would fly to Chu Lai to visit with A Battery.

Christmas Message 1966 from the Battalion Commander

Lieutenant Colonel Richard G. Trefry

“It is natural at this time of year we pause to consider the future, and reflect on the past, while remembering where we are and why we are here. I am sure this has been an eventful year for every individual in this Battalion and for his family.

I need not elaborate on your present activities.

I hope next year at this time will see you safely re-united with your families and friends in the more familiar surroundings of home.

To each of you here with the Battalion, and to your families, wherever they are.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

On 25 December 1966, Christmas Dinner Menu - Roast Tom Turkey, Baked Ham/Candied Yams, Grilled Steak w/Mushrooms, Creamed Potatoes, Bread, Coffee, Beverage, Assorted Candies, Nuts, Fruit Cake.

The entire Battalion celebrated the first Christmas and New Years in Vietnam with 48 and 72-hour cease fires, respectively.

During this time, as usual, the enemy forces did not respect the cease-fire. Continual probing brought in Marine reinforcements to the hill.

Poem by 13-year-old brother of Sergeant Bland, B Battery

To all the men in Vietnam

First the torch was theirs to bear,

But now the torch is passed to you.

The feelings of your hearts we share,

the feelings of your hearts so true.

Some men have perished,

But yet they exist.

Like jewels we cherish,

But yet I insist

That you keep on fighting,

and keep on living,

and do what you can with what God is giving

So to you and the men in Vietnam

I say farewell, farewell, so long.

by Curllon Bland

Comment by Lieutenant Greg Smith regarding C Battery FDC:

“Traditionally in Artillery Batteries, the Exec post and FDC were separate. In C Battery, Lieutenant Andy Tenis and I always housed the XO post and FDC in the same bunker.

C Battery was designated as the back up to Battalion FDC. In fact, for a few days in December 1966, Battalion shut down to move into a newly constructed bunker, and C Battery took over as the Battalion FDC.

The more the Marines insisted on moving the 175mm Batteries around as though they were direct support 105mm batteries, the less Battalion FDC was involved, and FO's, Marine Recon, FAC's and 12th Marine Regiment FDC sent fire missions directly to the Battery FDC. At least that was the case in C Battery. (I can't speak for A, B, and D Batteries.)

Battalion FFE (Fire For Effect) missions were rare and most were in the first few months on Carroll. When things heated up, it was not unusual to have guns within the same Battery laid on different azimuths of fire because of the constant missions. For this reason, FO's using C Battery usually got two guns in FFE.”

Toward the end of January 1967, the Battalion began a series of Platoon and Battery displacements, which increased the firing load and consequently increased the burden of ammo re-supply.

At 2350 hours, B Battery displaced a platoon of guns to a position just southwest of the Rockpile to support an operation near the Laotian border. The movement occurred at night, the most dangerous time for movement in Vietnam, and was the first such night movement of 175mm guns to date. Protection for the displacement consisted of two Dusters and a security force of 40 Marines. The mission was to support a large patrol and Marine extraction force.

One FO party is usually kept atop the Rockpile (XD9856), located with the Marine force. This location provides excellent observation of the three major valleys south of the DMZ.

When we arrived atop the Rock, the Marines were accustomed to firing at any sound, usually with magazines full of tracers, at any time of night (which both gave away their precise positions as well as made it virtually impossible to get any sleep at all - as if trying to sleep in an arched position on the ledge of your choice was any help.

I taught them to throw rocks interspersed with occasional grenades in a random sequence instead, rather than give away their locations via muzzle flashes magnified by all those tracer rounds, particularly when they were often silhouetted against the clear (even when only star-lit) night sky.

The preferred way of dispensing with C-ration cans was to chuck them over the side, so that "Charlie" would shake, rattle, and roll on his way up - it made a foolproof early warning system...

(This is how the Rockpile got nicknamed the "Garbage Pile" by those who spent time on top; and also how the rats got so big and had a lustrous sheen to their fur - much like collies [from all the high protein that they got a hold of]...)

That most rudimentary of LZ's (landing zone) also served as the anchor point for the huge ship's scope that we used to scan the horizon for "NVA troops in the open.” It had to be dismantled whenever a re-supply chopper was on the way in.

When we were there, the NVA had a 50 caliber in a cave on the Razorback. Typically, every so often they would take a few shots at us; and we'd try to stick some 106 rounds (from the Marine Ontos Armor at the forward outpost north of the Rockpile) into the cave. I'm pretty sure we were up on the Rockpile before Christmas of 1966.

My Rockpile memories are from on top of the Rockpile not the firebase itself. . . (7-10 days / month) . . . although, one time Dave Bennett and I had to climb down and walked home (actually we hitch hiked back) to JJ Carroll. Why you ask? Because it had rained for sooo long and the ceiling was sooo low and thick that choppers couldn't get in to pick us up as we ran out of supplies (and besides we couldn't see at all. So we weren’t in a position to even "suggest" a fire mission); AND THEN IT SNOWED ON US (in jungle fatigues, with a poncho liner for "warmth" and a shelter half for "cover"

. . . THAT WAS THE LAST STRAW!), so we climbed down, with a fire team of Marines (H 2/3, if I remember correctly), who offered to provide fire support on the way down; and then they turned around and climbed back up, after a hand shake and a mutual wish of "good luck" . . . [they later took heavy causalities at Con Thien].

The COLDEST I HAVE EVER BEEN (any where at any time) was that stay on top of the Rockpile. In an alleged "jungle,” where we were told, "it will be either hot and dry or hot and wet.

My Call Sign was 'Peterson Charlie 13' officially. However, 'Bear' was used most often by C Battery personnel and by the Marine units that Dave Bennett, RTO, and I supported. (Much to the displeasure of Battalion.)

In addition, this same FO Team was assigned to the 11th Marine Engineers, who had the task of reopening Highway 9 (QL-9) to the Khe Sanh area. Task was to clear the mines, then widen the road and bypass all the bridges that had been strategically blown so that they were useless to vehicles but could still be used as footbridges, and eventually replace the bridges.

We then led the 1st convoy through to Khe Sanh in 14 years, stopping at the coffee plantation just SSW of the Marine Compound to pay our respect to the owners and apologize for the billowing clouds of red dust descending upon their coffee trees as the convoy rolled through, to which, they graciously responded to with "damn fine" cups of coffee.

That would have been in late Jan/early February of 1967. Obviously concluded a week or two before 9 April 1967.”

Account by RTO David Bennett referenced above:

“During my tenure with the outfit, we spent several week-long stints on top of the Rockpile; and much time was spent also on the road to Khe Sanh with the Marine engineers who were rebuilding bridges, etc.

Seems I remember that this Private First Class had to wait by his ¾-ton and didn't get any of the Frenchman's coffee because a certain Lieutenant (like the one referenced above) burned up the clutch. That same Private First Class did however get an ass chewing for letting that Lieutenant drive.

I remember quite vividly the LZ on top of the Rockpile. Ahh let me, see a certain unnamed Lieutenant hanging off a Helicopter wheel strut up there in the air.

Then there was a large explosive devise that fell from a fast moving low flyer one night and as near as I can calculate missed hitting the LZ by just a few inches. From the location of the crater at the base of the vertical drop off, I am guessing it was the south side of the Rockpile.

A Marine sniper who fired on a VC rock ape.

The kid in the only hooch up there had a Benjamin air pistol for shooting the well-fed Rock-pile rats that visited him during the night.

The rats were well fed as the c-rations that were not fit to eat (selected by each individual person) had to have been opened before being chucked into the jungle. In order to provide a foolproof early warning system.

Also remember while placing fire concentrations on the road to Khe Sanh, an errant 155 round that put us, as well as the Marine tourists who decided to watch what we were doing, scampering over the road and down the bank into the jungle for cover. That one was too close for comfort because we were on the gun target line.”

Account by Lieutenant Barry DeVita, C Battery FO:

“I would like to mention Marine Lieutenant Phil Sauer... He would often release an Ontos to trail along behind RTO Dave Bennett and myself on our travels along Highway 9, for which Dave and I will be eternally grateful. He was both a great guy and a great friend. Right after I got hit (within a week or so), I heard that he went up onto Hill 861 or one of the other nearby knolls, during the "hill fights" to offer support (as was his way) and got hit.

When I finally went to The Wall (which took 10 yrs) and found his name and Stillwagoner's, 6 rows apart (which covered only a 6 week time frame), it visibly shook me - something I'd never felt prior or since... I had always felt that I'd let Phil down, by not being there for him as he always was for me... I also finally visualized just how close I came to being there between them.”

The monsoon season, characterized by torrential rains of several days duration and prolonged periods of low overcast cloudy days, restricted aerial observation because aircraft couldn’t fly and limited ground observations because of poor visibility.

Initially, there was no Army logistics support in the 3^rd Marine Division area. Forward support elements of the 1st Logistical Command were subsequently set up at Dong Ha and Chu Lai, but transportation of supplies and equipment to both the Dong Ha and Chu Lai areas remained problematical. They must be shipped by air or LCU (Landing Craft Utility) from Dong Ha and from Da Nang using LST’s. Road networks from Da Nang to Dong Ha and Chu Lai were in contested areas.

A MEDCAP program was started and the Marines assigned seven villages to the 2/94th. However, only two of those were in a secure area.

The villages were dispersed within a half-mile wide by mile and a half long corridor between QL-9 and the Cam Lo River; NE of Camp Carroll:

Notes and discussion from Oct 1966 to 31 January 1967,

1st Battalion Operational Report

There has been one non-battle death during this reporting period. PFC Terry Paul Pierce, Headquarters Battery, from Hopewell, Virginia.

Two men were injured on 19 December 1966; a 2½-ton truck from Service Battery received moderate damage when it hit a Viet Cong mine north of Dong Ha.

25 Men were admitted to in-country hospital.

3 Men were evacuated out of country.

2 Men contracted Malaria.

28 Article 15’s were issued and 2 Special Courts.

Mission assignments: Provide GS for the 3rd Marine Division. In addition, supporting fires for Khe Sanh Special Forces camp can be provided as required.

A Battery provides GS for the 1st Marine Division in the vicinity of Chu Lai and can fire in support of the Special Forces Camps Tra Bong, Ha Thanh, and Minh Long.

Initially there was a shortage of tents so 16 personnel were assigned to an 8-man tent.

Mail was a problem, as the last CONUS duty station was APO 96291 and it was then changed to APO 96289. The Air Force at Dong Ha handled the Army mail at APO 96362 until the Army finally got their own Post Office, which was APO 96269.

Under existing inspection criteria, 25% of the 175mm powder was deemed unsafe to fire when it reaches the gun positions. Lot 63318-57 was suspended when the primer burned a hole through the igniter pad but failed to set off the charge, thus causing a dangerous hang fire. Two hundred forty-two containers of this lot were trucked 19 miles over marginally safe r