8th Campaign
Revision Date: 03/24/02
During this time period the 2/94th took part in
Summer-Fall 1969
(06-09-69 to 10-31-69)
Description of Summer-Fall 1969
During the summer and fall of 1969, conduct of operations was increasingly turned over to the Vietnamese; US troops withdrew in greater numbers amid reaffirmations of support for the Republic of South Vietnam government. President Nixon announced the reduction of the U.S. military presence in South Vietnam, which would be demonstrated initially by the withdrawal of 25,000 troops by 31 August 1969.
American troop strength had peaked at 543,400 in April 1969 but dropped to 505,500 by mid-October. More scattered than before, enemy attacks were concentrated on South Vietnamese positions. U.S. combat deaths were down in the early fall as American units switched to small unit actions. The trend was not constant however, because U.S. troops deaths, which had fallen well below l00 a week in the fall, rose above 100 later in the year. (End of description)
During the summer and fall of 1969, the Battalion position
received rocket and mortar rounds once or twice a week. Only a few rounds were received each time,
and damage was negative or minor, with no casualties.
In July, the Battery re-sandbagged all
bunkers and gun berms in the area due to deterioration from the elements. The perimeter guard bunkers were also
completely re-constructed to give more effective coverage as well as
protection. A Satisfactory rating was
received on the AGI in late July. The
Corps Firing Battery Inspection soon followed and was successfully passed in
early August. The Battery re-surfaced
all the gun pads in preparation for this monsoon season. The Corps CMMI Team inspected in early Sep
and a satisfactory rating was obtained.
The perimeter was re-enforced with more emphasis placed on channalizing
any hostile personnel.
Signed by Commanding, Capt, FA Gordon F.
Kelley
On 11 June 1969 at 1100 hours, C Battery had the extreme pleasure to host a visit from General Alan G. Pixton, XXIV Corps Artillery Commander.
On 17 June 1969, A Battery participated in a TOT on a suspected enemy
battalion with 50 enemies KIA.
On 22 June 1969 at 0400 hours, LZ Nancy received four rounds of
incoming – no damage or injuries in Battery area.
On 23 June 1969 at 0015 hours, A Battery received incoming – no rounds landed in Battery area.
C Battery Status
Report
Battery Commander
1 Apr to 30 June 1969 was Captain Patrick W. Clark
XO
1 Apr
to 16 June 1969 was Lieutenant Glen G. Lackey
16 June
to 30 June 1969 was Lieutenant Gordon F. Kelley.
Asst XO
1 Apr
to 30 June 1969 was
Lieutenant
Karl M. Kaprelien and
Lieutenant Elwood P. Gross.
Forward Observer
1 Apr to 11 May 1969 was Lieutenant Duane T. Butler
10 May to 15 May 1969 was Lieutenant Howard A. Riffal
10 May to 30 June 1969 was Lieutenant Daryl L. Dering
15 May to 30 June 1969 was Lieutenant Thomas L. Aman
First SGT
1 Apr to 30 June 1969
was Sergeant First Class Charles W. Weatherly.
The Battery
concentrated on the efficient maintenance program this quarter. Howitzer maintenance was outstanding with
only one howitzer down for one day and the remaining weapons available the
entire quarter. Firing Battery
Inspection was again successfully completed in May. The rating was one of the highest ---. Numerous replacements were assigned during this period and an
extensive training program was initiated within the firing battery --- the new
personnel with the various duties of cannoneers.
Signed Commanding, Capt, FA, Patrick W. Clark.
On 8 July 1969, A
Battery participated in a TOT on a
suspected enemy battalion with 60 enemies KIA.
On July 8 1969 at 0900 hours, A Battery began their move from Camp
Evans to LZ Sally. At 0945 hours, A Battery closed at LZ Sally. At 0958 hours, A
Battery laid safe and ready to fire.
On 13 July 1969 at 2045 hours, four rounds of unknown caliber
hostile rocket or mortar fire impacted in the C Battery area. There were no casualties or equipment
damages sustained during the hostile attack.
On 14 July 1969, Lieutenant Colonel William H. Krueger assumed command from Lieutenant Colonel Courant. Fourteen days later, the new Battalion commander saw the Battalion receive their Annual General Inspection. All batteries received superior ratings in all areas.
On 14 July 1969 on this morning, C Battery
participated in the Battalion Commander’s change of command ceremony. We bid farewell to Lieutenant Colonel
Courant and extended a warm welcome to Lieutenant Colonel
Krueger.
On 14 July 1969 at
1000 hours, Lieutenant Colonel Krueger assumed command of the
battalion. At 1015 hours,
Lieutenant Colonel Courant departed for a new assignment. At 1315
hours, Sergeant First Class Ortiz promoted to First Sergeant.
On 15 July 1969 at 0830 hours, Chu Hoi taken just outside perimeter
of Headquarters Battery.
On 28
July 1969, C Battery, Lieutenant Colonel Walker, commanded the
annual Adjutant General’s Inspection Team.
The unit’s overall rating was Very Satisfactory.
Notes and discussion from 1 May 1969 to 31 July 1969,
11th Battalion Operational Report
Mission
assignment: General support to XXIV
Corps, reinforcing fire of the 12th Marine Regiment (Batteries B and
C); Reinforcing 101st Division Artillery with an 8-inch battery
(Battery A); and a quick fire channel to the 101st Division
Artillery (Battery C).
WIA – 2
(PFC Yamane)(1 unknown from Headquarters Battery)
During the reporting period the
Battalion fired 8,903 missions with 25,218 8-inch projectiles expended.
The present TOE provides for a 13A10
as Battery Recorders. An individual
with MOS 13E20 is more knowledgeable of fire direction procedures and
data. It is recommended a TOE change be
implemented. A recommendation is being
forwarded.
End of notes and discussion, 11th Battalion Operational Report
On 7 August 1969, a XXIV Corps Firing
Battery inspection was performed on C Battery.
The rating was Satisfactory.
On 21 August 1969,
C Battery, Colonel Cartright, 108th
Arty Group Commander, visited our unit.
His visit was of a complimentary nature to congratulate the Officers and
Enlisted Men for their continued successful completion -- accomplishment of all
missions.
On 21 August 1969 at 2130 hours until
0600 hours, on 22 August 1969, C Battery participated in a search conducted to locate a small
reconnaissance probe which penetrated the perimeter wires and positions of the
landing zone.
On 24 Aug 1969 at
1400 hours, Major D.I. Runey, S3, departed to
CONUS. Captain Nowels assumed the S3
duties.
On 31 August 1969
at 1500 hours, Major Bird arrived at Headquarters Battery and assumed the S3
duties from Captain Nowels.
On 5 September 1969, a XXIV Corps CMMI inspection on Headquarters
and Headquarters battery was performed. The rating was Satisfactory.
On 6 September 1969, a XXIV Corps CMMI inspection on C Battery was performed. The rating was Satisfactory.
On September 9 1969 at 1000 hours, a cease-fire was placed in effect. Comment by chronicler: Does not say for what. (End of comment)
On 10 September 1969 at 1200 hours, the Battalion promptly resumed
firing with a TOT.
On 23 September 1969,
C Battery, a three-man Forward
Observer Team was attached to the 2nd of the 7th ARVN
Armored Calvary Regiment. Lieutenant
Charles Bridges led this team. The two other members were Corporal Robert A.
Underwood and Specialist Stephen J. Heyward.
Enemy rockets continued to be
sporadic with a few rounds impacting in and around all positions every few
days.
On 25 September 1969, a ceremony was held to honor the departure of twenty three infused Kentucky National Guardsmen. These personnel returned to their original unit, 2nd Battalion 138th Artillery, for redeployment to CONUS.
Note by Chronicler: The 2nd Battalion 138th
Artillery was a Kentucky National Guard self-propelled M109 155mm howitzer
battalion. It served in Vietnam as part
of the Provisional Corps Artillery (later XXIV Corps Artillery). Unit arrived in country 30 October 1968 and
departed 10 October 1969. The unit
served at Phu Bai and Gia Le. (Must have been a real bummer to join the
National Guard thinking you have beat the Vietnam draft only to find out your
whole damn unit was going active to Vietnam, what a real bummer!)
C Battery Status
Battery Commander
1 July to 12 Sep 1969, Captain Patrick W. Clark.
13 Sep to 30
Sep 1969, Captain Gordon F. Kelley
XO
1 July to 12 Sep 1969, Captain Gordon F. Kelley
13
Sep to 30 Sep 1969, Lieutenant Elwood P. Gross
Asst XO
1 July to 30 Sep 1969, Lieutenant Karl M. Kaprelian
17 Sep to 30 Sep 1969, Lieutenant James B. Mickelson
17 Sep to 30 Sep 1969, Lieutenant Daryl L. Dearing
Forward Observer
1 July to 19 Aug 1969, Lieutenant Thomas L. Aman
21 Aug to 9 Sep 1969, Lieutenant Gene R. Glesne
8 Sep to 30 Sep 1969, Lieutenant Charles Bridges
1 July to 16
Sep 1969, Lieutenant Daryl L. Dearing.
First Sergeant
1 July to 9 July 1969, Sergeant First Class Charles W. Weatherly
10 July to 6 Aug 1969, Sergeant First Class Santos P. Pascua
7 Aug to 30 Sep 1969, Sergeant First Class Rex W. Sturgeon
In July,
C Battery re-sandbagged all
bunkers and gun berms in the area due to deterioration from the elements. The perimeter guard bunkers were also
completely re-constructed to give more effective coverage as well as
protection. A Satisfactory rating was
received on the AGI in late July. The
Corps Firing Battery Inspection soon followed and was successfully passed in
early August. The Battery re-surfaced
all the gun pads in preparation for this monsoon season. The Corps CMMI Team inspected in early Sep
and a satisfactory rating was obtained.
The perimeter was re-enforced with more emphasis placed on channalizing
any hostile personnel.
Signed by Commanding, Capt, FA Gordon F. Kelley
On 1 October 1969, a Change of Command Ceremony was held at 1300 hours at the Service Battery area on Dong Ha Combat Base. Captain Vernon B. Hanson assumed command. Captain Paul Kretzschmar was re-assigned to HQ & HQ Battery to become the Battalion Motor Officer.
Letter dated Oct the 2nd 1969:
Department of the Army
Battery C, 2nd Bn 94th
Arty
Subject: Battery News Report
Charlie Battery has had a quiet month. Captain Clark, the most respected Commander
departed for home. The whole Battery
wished his continued success in his career.
Captain Kelley returned from his 30-day leave in the States, a married man,
to take over as Battery Commander. Two
Lieutenants arrived, new in country. Lieutenant Mickelson
took over a shift in FDC, replacing Lieutenant Gross, who moved up to XO,
when Lieutenant Kaprelian left. But not
much has been seen of Lieutenant Bridges, who went out as a Forward Observer after being in
Battery only a little over two weeks.
Toward the end of the month, he was back again for two days and is now
out again. The Battery was happy when
the large number of allocations for SP4 came down, the first in many
months. Item of interest was the
Pacific Stars and Stripe reporter, who spent a night at LZ Nancy on his trip to
Saigon. We were glad for the mention in
Stars and Stripes but didn’t really appreciate the statement that the war is
over for Charlie Battery. We still pump
out rounds for those who ask and even surprised one man who had to ask twice
before he could believe that 8-inch’ers could fire 27 rounds in four
minutes. The question that everyone is
asking is “When are we going to move?”
Seems maybe the war isn’t over for Charlie Battery. We never thought it was. (End of report)
Signed by 1st LT, FA, Fire
Direction Control Officer, James B. Mickelson
On 3 October 1969, on or about 2330 hours,
Dong Ha Combat Base received three incoming rocket rounds. Negative damage.
On 4 October 1969, C Battery, 4th General Pixton, XXIV Corps Arty Commander, visited our unit. His visit was to inspect for existing drainage facilities in the howitzer positions with the oncoming monsoon season. His comments were of a variable nature. Comment by chronicler: Meaning what? (End of comment)
On 7 October 1969, Specialist Rex Hanes was re-enlisted for six years. Ceremony was performed in a helicopter above the DMZ.
On 14 October 1969 on or about 0600 hours,
two incoming rockets hit about 500 meters from the Service Battery area. Minor damage reported.
On 10 October 1969 Battalion Commander of
the 63rd Maintenance visited our unit to inquire about the quality
of 3rd echelon support that we were receiving from his unit.
On 11 October 1969, US Army Calibration Team
visited our unit and calibrated all four howitzers. They condemned Gun #2 for a faulty tube and we replaced the tube
in the same day.
On 11
October 1969 – CWO Joe L. Turner was
assigned to Service Battery and assumed the duties of Supply Technician in the
Battalion Supply section.
On 14 October 1969, on or about 0600 hours,
two incoming rockets hit about 500 meters from the Service Battery area. Minor damage reported.
On 18
October 1969, Lieutenant Bridges and Private First Class Ellis were sent to the 108th Arty Group to work in
the Fire Support Coordination Center.
On 22 October 1969 on or about 0400 hours,
Dong Ha Combat Base received incoming mortar rounds. No casualties and no damage.
On
23 October 1969, on or about 0930 hours, Dong Ha Combat Base received one
incoming rocket. The rocket hit in a
Marine area about 1000 meters from Service Battery. Results, two US KIA’s,
eight US WIA’s – seven of which were evacuated in critical condition.
On 27 October 1969 at 1210 hours, C Battery fired a TOT mission against a suspected enemy company. Results were 29 KIA, four 120mm mortars captured, and miscellaneous small arms. Fire support was for the 1st ARVN Regiment - Grid 374224.
On 31
October 1969, Gun #4 of A Battery fired the battalion’s 300,000th
round in support of the free world forces in Vietnam. Present for the ceremony were Lieutenant General Melvin Zais, Commanding General XXIV Corps,
Brigadier General Allan G. Pixton, Commanding General XXIV Corps Artillery;
Colonel R.C. Cartwright, Commanding Officer 108th Artillery Group;
and Colonel Moore, Commanding Officer 101st Division Artillery.
Notes and discussion from 1 August 1969 to 31 October
1969, 12th Battalion Operational Report
Mission
assignment: General support to XXIV
Corps, reinforcing fire of the 12th Marine Regiment (Batteries B and
C); Reinforcing 101st Division Artillery with an 8-inch battery
(Battery A); and a quick fire channel to the 101st Division
Artillery (Battery C).
During the reporting period the Battalion fired 5,768 missions expending 27,655 8-inch rounds.
During the period there was a significant increase in the number of missions fired for the 1st ARVN Regiment, 1st ARVN Division.
The Battalion experienced no significant personnel shortages during the period.
During the periods of rain or high moisture content frequent premature detonations of the 8-inch round have occurred using PD M557 fuze with both charge 5&7 White Bag. Recommend that the fuze PD M557 be constructed to withstand firing in heavy rainfall. An equipment improvement report was submitted on 1 November 1969.
With the Battalion
dispersed over an 81-km front the concept of centralized maintenance operations
is impractical. Recommend the formation
of Maintenance Readiness Teams capable of moving to battery locations.
End of notes and discussion, 12th Battalion Operational Report
Previous Campaign was 7th Campaign Tet/69 Counteroffensive
(02-23-69 to 06-08-69)
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7th Campaign
Next Campaign is 9th Campaign, Winter-Spring
1970 (11-01-69 to 04-30-70)
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