Revision Date:  03-28-05

 

THE BEGINNING

 

"Battalion Reactivation"

 

Reactivation and Displacement to Vietnam

(06-01-66 to 10-31-66)

    

In a continuation of a long history of valorous and meritorious service the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery Regiment was reactivated as a 175mm (SP) unit at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on 1 June 1966.

 

Note by chronicler:  There were 11 new OCS graduates assigned to the New 2/94th Battalion from the graduating class of May 1966.

 

Of these 11 newly commissioned original officers, one officer that served with B Battery would be later be inducted into the OCS Hall of fame; Colonel Ed Smith.

 

In addition, another OCS Lieutenant assigned to C Battery with the Battalion in Vietnam in 1967 would also achieve this remarkable Army career achievement, and be inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame; Colonel Felix Mueller.

 

There would be at least four Generals that would evolve from this outstanding Artillery Battalion up to the rank of Four Star General.

 

The “personnel on station date” was 20 June 1966.  The Battalion commenced an 8-week Intensified Combat Training Program. 

 

Formal activation ceremonies were held at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on 9 July 1966 at the Old Post Quadrangle.  The activation was attended by Major General Harry H. Critz, the Fort Sill commander and later the 4th Army Commander.  The Battalion colors were passed to the new Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Richard G. Trefry.

 

The activation marked the beginning of what was to be a long period of combat in which the Battalion would face problems few artillery units had known in the past.  Not only was there the hot Oklahoma summer ahead, filled with the task of building and training an entire Battalion on a relative new weapon system.

 

Looming more ominously was the prospect of combat duty in a tropical climate of the expanding Vietnam conflict.

 

Field training for the Battalion commenced on 19 July 1966.

 

See CD ? , pictures ? -?  Training at Sill

 

 All the training and organizing of the summer months ahead would be in preparation for fielding a combat ready unit on the beaches of Vietnam nearly 10,000 miles away.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Trefry took command of a skeleton Battalion previously commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Eugene L. Adoue during the planning stages.  The problems of organizing and training a unit of over 600 men were many.

 

The most serious problem at the outset was the severe shortage of equipment.  The equipment was being delivered in a piecemeal fashion and half of the training period passed with only one gun per Battery.  Most of the equipment arrived prior to completion of the ATT.  However, some items arrived barely in time to be shipped to the port for loading.

 

Some of the personnel issues/problems incurred during this training period were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 9 August 1966, after an eight-week intensified Combat Training Program, the Battalion satisfactorily passed the Army Training Test.

 

Account by Sergeant James (Jim) Lary, one of the first gun chiefs with C Battery: “I was with B Battery 2/36th (8" SP) at Sill that trained the Core Battery for the 2/94th.  I then moved to Battalion Headquarters as the STR NCO (Battalion Training).  A request came for staff NCO's with 175/8" experience to join the 2/94.  Since I helped organize an 8" SP Battalion in Germany they asked if I would go with them to RVN, I said yes, and the rest is as they say HISTORY!"

 

The Battalion began preparation for the overseas movement immediately upon completion of ATT.

 

The equipment readiness date of 29 August 1966 was meet in preparation for deployment.

 

By 2 September 1966, all wheeled vehicles and equipment less that which was to accompany the unit were shipped from Fort Sill to the Beaumont, Texas Port of Embarkation and loaded aboard the USNS Drake Victory.

 

On 6 September 1966, the USNS Drake Victory sailed from Beaumont, Texas bound for Vietnam with all the Battalion’s vehicles, guns, trailers, and 45 conex containers.

 

One CWO and three enlisted were detailed to accompany the Battalion’s equipment on the USNS Drake Victory.  It is thought the CWO detailed was CWO Clyde Fleming JR. who was the Battalion Maintenance Officer.  The three enlisted are not known at this time. 

 

On 14 September 1966, seven weeks after the completion of the ATT, all red TAT equipment that would accompany the Battalion (not accessible during the voyage) was shipped from Fort Sill to the Oakland Army Terminal at Oakland, California.

 

Upon arrival, the bulk of the equipment was loaded aboard the USNS General Leroy Eltinge.  The USNS General Leroy Eltinge last combat assignment had been in the Korean War and had participated in the Inchon Invasion.

 

On 18 September 1966, the Battalion was notified that due to some cargo restrictions, some red TAT equipment could not been loaded aboard Eltinge.  This equipment was then loaded on the USNS Purdue Victory instead.  The USNS Purdue Victory also had participated in the Korean War.

 

Lieutenant Douglas R. Beard was singly detailed to accompany that equipment aboard the Purdue Victory.

 

On 22 and 23 September 1966, the Battalion, less a 25-man advance party, departed Fort Sill by rail movement, commercial air, and chartered air flights.  All personnel arrived at Port of Embarkation by 1000 hours 24 September 1966, and loaded on the USNS Eltinge.

 

The main body of the Battalion that embarked on the USNS Eltinge consisted of 21 Officers, one CWO, and 474 enlisted men.

 

Account by Lieutenant Greg Smith, one of the first Officers with C Battery: “The Battalion left Fort Sill on busses from the area just east of Key Gate and went to the airport at Oklahoma City.  We flew a TWA flight to Los Angeles and then on to San Francisco, and boarded the Eltinge and slept there that night.  We then sailed out past Alcatraz under the golden gate bridge.  I never knew there was any other plan than to go to Da Nang.  We sailed to Okinawa and stayed there one night.  Most everyone went into Naha that day. 

 

We then landed at Da Nang.  This was before the deep-water piers were built.  We off-loaded on smaller flat ships that took us to shore where we actually waded ashore on Red Beach (later called China Beach).  I never heard anything about Saigon and we never went there.  In fact, until we left flying out from Cam Rahn Bay to Tokyo to Seattle.  I was never south of Da Nang.

 

I was teaching FDC procedures to new guys all day long on the way over there.  I may also have played too much poker at night as well.  My impression was that the Marines were preparing to cross the DMZ and invade the north and those plans were changed and we all sat there for the duration in fixed locations as targets.” 

 

Not all the 2/94th members were lucky enough to fly to San Francisco

 

Account by Lieutenant Barry DeVita, who was lucky enough to be assigned Mess Officer on the train to California for two days:  “The troop train left late in the afternoon, almost sunset and stopped in Amarillo in the wee hours of the morning. Then rolled thru the Southwest, arriving in Southern California (Mojave Desert) for the next sunset and Oakland the following morning.”

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -? boarding train and trip

 

Account by Lieutenant Barry DeVita, regarding embarkation:  “As we got the word to "saddle up" at HHB, I stepped into a phone booth and made a quick "coded" call (just the one word, "Now") call to Lieutenant Leo Ruth (who was [still is] a great friend from college; and was, at that time, head of the MP detachment at the Oakland Army Base...).  He looked on "the board”; and was able to determine which train we'd be on...; and was there to "meet" us, just after we backed in alongside the Eltinge...

Do any of you remember the MP car with the flashing red lights that pulled up; and asked for Lt DeVita...?  Bet COL (excuse me, sir) LTG Trefry does... 'cuz; I was "dismissed" to accompany the MPs to HQ -->> where (totally unbeknownst to me [honest!]), Leo had assembled my brother, my Dad, my Aunt Alice and Uncle Art, my Cousin Art and his wife Ginny as well as a girlfriend, for one last good-bye party...!

 

So while you guys were loading the ship, I was having one last beer with family and friends!" 

 

Comment by chronicler:  Payback, even after 36 years, is still sooooo sweeeeet!

 

Seven weeks after the completion of the ATT the entire Battalion had been crated, loaded, and transported from Fort Sill, Oklahoma to the Army Terminal at Oakland, California.

 

On 24 September 1966 at 1500 hours, less than four months after activation, the Battalion loaded on the USNS Eltinge, and departed the United Sates for the Republic of South Vietnam.

 

Account by one of the first enlisted (lost name) with C Battery:  “C Battery had a very long and tall black guy by the name of Sam P. Cothran.  Sam started puking his guts out while standing on the pier just listening to the water lapping against the pilings.  He did not stop until we reached Vietnam.  What I do remember was the ship’s paper.  Lieutenant Barry DeVita was in charge of it and named it the Albatross.  We also got lots of canned figs, large gobs of very sweet Golden Slim.  Also little pyramid shaped cartons of sterilized milk, tasted like sour milk.  It is no wonder the decks were covered with puke.”

 

Lieutenant Douglas R. Beard, detailed to accompany the equipment on the Purdue Victory above, was left on the dock waving good-by.

 

Staff Sergeant Philis E. Neaves would carry the Battalion Colors to Vietnam.

 

On 26 September 1966, with Lieutenant Doug Beard aboard, the USNS Purdue Victory departed Oakland for Vietnam with the rest of the Battalion’s equipment.

 

Account by Lieutenant Doug Beard regarding the trip over:  “I was the officer that accompanied the extra equipment on the Purdue Victory.  You guys got diverted to I Corps but my ship did not.  I landed in Saigon with 40 pallets of equipment and absolutely no one knew where my unit was located.  When I figured out where the unit was, I loaded on to a Korean Navy LST and headed up the Coast.  We hit every port along the way.  I was seasick the whole way and the food that those little fellows served was very strange.  I was out of money by the time I made Cam Rahn Bay, but the slots in the "O" Club were very generous and kept me going.” 

 

On 1 October 1966 at 0100 hours, the 25-man Advance Party departed Fort Sill by C-130 aircraft.  The Advance Party consisted of eight officers, two CWO’s, and 15 enlisted personnel.

 

Account by one of the enlisted men (lost name) with 2/94th at Sill regarding his arrival at Sill and embarkation: “Seven of us graduated AIT as 45B20`s, Small Arms Repairmen. This was at the time of the airline strike so we had to ride the train to Fort Sill.  We really stopped at Oklahoma City and then took the bus to Fort Sill.

 

When we got to Sill, we found out that we were assigned to an artillery Battalion that was forming up to go to Nam.  As soon as we got over to the 2/94th they gave us our gear, set us up with a rack, and then told us if we wanted leave we had better go now or we would not have time before we shipped out.

 

When I got back, I helped load the trucks on the rail cars for shipping.

 

After all the trucks were gone, we made sure all our gear was straight and packed, and three days later we boarded a troop train for the coast.  I spent three or four of the most boring days of my life.  The train passed through my town of Van Nuys, and I could almost see my house, I was so close.

 

The next day, the train stopped on the dock.  We got our gear, got off the train in single file, marched over to the ship, and walked up the gangplank.

 

 The Leroy E. Eltinge was a troop transport from WW1 that had been converted from a coal burner to a fuel oil burner.  It had so many leaks that there was the smell of oil all over the place, and the smell was enough to make you sick.

 

Speaking of sick there was one guy in my Battery that got sick going up the gangplank and was sick the whole time till we got to Nam.

 

After we were on the ship for thirty days, they knew we were going nuts, so we stopped for the afternoon in Okinawa for a picnic.  We then got back on that damn boat for another five more days.  We docked at Da Nang Harbor, got off the ship, got on buses, and were taken to the airport where we picked up the guns and trucks.  I do not remember any other artillery group on the ship.

 

We had lots of time to talk to everyone on board and I cannot remember any other units . I do remember that there were about 2500 men on the ship, but I do not know how many men are in a reinforced Battalion.  I heard that after we got off the ship it went down to Saigon, and picked up 4000 ROK Tiger troops.  I know that was tight, because 2500 artillerymen were sitting all over each other when we were on that boat.

 

As I was saying, we were bused to the airport to get the 175`s and the trucks.  The 1st of the 40th went their separate way because we never saw them again, at least I never did.  We mounted up and then we convoyed up Route One to Dong Ha.

 

When we were still at Fort Sill, we had put these large bows with canvas over them on the SP bodies.  The idea was that Charlie was not going to be able to tell that this was a 175 artillery piece, but no one seemed to think about the front half of a forty-three foot tube sticking out the front of the canvas with CONG KILLER written on the end of the tube.

 

This was of course Army thinking?

 

 When we got to Dong Ha, we made a left turn and went the 18 Kilometers to Camp JJ Carroll.  The Marines were real happy to see us, because it gave Charlie more things to shoot at.”

  

 

Account by Lieutenant Barry DeVita: “The USNS General Leroy Eltinge was 0 for 4 in previous attempts to cross the Pacific, before it was pressed into service for 2/94th (and 1/40th).  That is why, as the designated "Editor of the Ship’s Newspaper,” providing daily news to the troops, I originally chose "The Eltinge Epitaph" (liked the alliteration and thought it appropriate to both the Eltinge's record and our mission) for the name of the paper.  However, someone (forget who) higher up the 2/94th chain of command said, "NO"! Thus, I chose "The Eltinge Albatross", (for the obvious Ancient Mariner reference, which nobody in the Army hierarchy seemed to note or at least object to), although it did NOT please the ship's captain one little bit . . . ! (He had NO sense of humor; and noted his ongoing displeasure daily . . .)

 

On a more mundane matter, it was particularly galling that every day the troops had to wind their way down 4 or 5 flights of stairs to eat gruel (ox tail) and drink swill (Tang), while the officers dined on far finer cuts of meat, fresh shrimp, etc., while drinking fresh milk, concentrated OJ, etc. . . .; but the real pissing point was that the doorway to the officers' mess was open to the stairwell that the troops had to descend, so that they had to endure an unnecessary indignity daily.

 

Made me wonder how the Navy did not have mutinies with regularity . . . (?)”

  

Account by Lieutenant Greg Smith with C Battery: “Regarding the seasickness on the way over - the officers had cabins on the main deck of the Eltinge and ate in a formal dining room with civilian waiters etc.  All I could do for the first week was grab some crackers and an orange to suck on and had to pass up all the great food for fear of not being able to keep it down.

 

The enlisted men were housed "below", where there were no windows to get a fix on the horizon, slept in racks with not much vertical space between each and ate in a cafeteria style setting.  When the enlisted men went "on deck", they went to the deck above the main deck.

 

If you were on the main deck during the first week, the one thing you did NOT want to do was to go out on deck by the rail, because there was pretty much a steady rain of vomit coming down over the second deck rail.

 

It seemed like after finally going through the vomiting stage, everyone was immune to further seasickness, because we actually went through a pretty bad storm, with footlockers sliding across the rooms, etc., a few days before getting to Okinawa and I was not aware of much sickness then.

 

Specialist Jim Fisher and Specialist John Green were my main two guys in FDC, although neither one originally had a FDC MOS.  I pulled them off trucks at Sill and had them transferred to FDC because of their GI and math scores in their personnel files.  I trained them on the way over.  We'd sit up on one of the Eltinge decks with firing tables, doing met messages, day after day.”

 

The ocean voyage must have seemed a well-deserved vacation to the men, with the exception of some being seasick, who had worked hard and fast to launch their new fighting force.  The pace of work and necessity for cooperation throughout the Battalion created a pride and unity few organizations have duplicated.  Pride in their swift and sizable accomplishment over the period of just a few months, and thoughts of the larger tasks for which they were headed, accompanied them across the Pacific.

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -?  Boat trip over

  

The 2/94th was accompanied by the 1st Battalion 40th Artillery, a 105mm SP outfit, and an Army Finance outfit (not sure of the size).  All on the ship were to land in and unload in the Saigon area.  The 2/94th was the last scheduled off the ship so it’s equipment was loaded first.

 

Comment by chronicler:  It is my guess the finance unit was the 192nd Finance Center.  This unit would be in the Da Nang area to support the Army units that were now being sent to the Marine Controlled I Corps Theatre.  As I arrived in 67, they were the finance center for that area.

 

On the ship, they had to learn the new fire mission procedure as everything changed from "on the way, over" to "shot, over" along with some other refinements.

 

The voyage did have its problems, as the plan was to have the laundry done at Okinawa and resulted in an extensive loss of individual clothing.

 

On 30 September 1966, the Advance Party from the Battalion arrived in Vietnam from Fort Sill at Tan Sonh Nut AFB just north of Saigon by C-130 aircraft. 

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -?  Group shot of party

 

Account by Lieutenant Andy Tenis with A Battery:  “I am glad I was with the Advance Party.  We flew to RVN on a C130; with stops on every island. We played a lot of cards on the aircraft (pinochle).  I remember Wake Island because we stayed there for a while to fix something on the aircraft.  Anyway, the booze flowed at the local base club and all had a good time.  Wouldn't want to live on Wake Island; not much happening and the runway extends over the water on a coral bed.  When landing an aircraft, it’s like coming down on the water.  I think only the pilot can see the LZ.”

 

On 2 October 1966 at 1220 hours, Third Marine Division FSCC reports: B/6/27 175mm guns (D Battery) have landed in “Operation Prairie” area.

 

Comment by chronicler:  It is unclear as to whether the entry meant that B/6/27 had unloaded at Dong Ha or had taken up positions on Camp Carroll.  I suspect it meant they were unloading on 2 October at Dong Ha.  Best estimate is that B/6/27 arrived on Carroll around 6 October.

 

On 11 October 1966, the USNS Drake Victory that had left from the Texas Port with some of the vehicles and other equipment arrived at Da Nang.  It was off-loaded and the vehicles and equipment were being processed and guarded by the 25-man Advance Party Team.   

 

On 11 October 1966, after departing Okinawa, the Battalion on the Eltinge was diverted from its original destination (Qui Nhon), RG4 to Da Nang, RG3 to debark the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery as well as the 1st Battalion 40th Artillery.

 

Rational for the 2/94th reassignment to I Corps and to the Marines

 

With the changing conditions in Vietnam it seems the threat of an all out crossing of the enemy along the DMZ was being analyzed.  By the spring of 1966, the enemy was preparing for what looked like a major offensive across and through the DMZ.  (Similar to what happened in the Easter Offensive in 1972.)

 

The Marines with only two Battalions in March 1965 had been committed to the I Corps Tactile Zone but were stretched to the limit.  While the primary goal had been the defense of the Da Nang area the new threat increase required an additional 5 Battalions and was designated the Third Marine Amphibious Force under the command of Marine General Walt.

 

The Air Force had responsibility for DMZ area and Artillery counter fire against the NVA gun batteries had to be cleared through the Air Force.  Obviously, this was not a good situation for the men on the ground.  With the build up, this operating procedure was changed to the Air Force clearing through the men on the ground when they were striking positions within range of the American military counter fire capabilities.

 

During this period of 1965 to 1966 an additional five Divisions of NVA would infiltrate.  Not only did the enemy increase in personnel strengths but also the increase of quality of weapons was noted as an alarming situation.  By the end of 1966, the enemy would grow from 23 main force battalions to 52 main force battalion in I Corps.

 

With this build up, it was determined the NVA plan was to open a large second front in the I Corps area.  Not only a second front but also a possibility of an all out crossing in force.  Any all out crossing would allow the North to negotiate for control of the two large northern provinces in any peace negations that might take place.

 

General Walt’s Marines were once again stretched to the limit.  The 1st Division was already stretched in the Chu Lai area and the southern areas of I Corps.  The remaining 3rd Division was also undermanned with the large areas of responsibility assigned to them. 

 

By October of 1966, the Marines had been forced to shift more of their resources to the DMZ.  Division HQ was shifted from Da Nang to Phu Bai.  A forward command element was established at the 9th Marine Combat Base at Dong Ha.  This move was just a few weeks before the 2/94th arrived, with the 12th Marine Regimental Headquarters being moved to Dong Ha also.  Along with some of the 11th, 12th, and 13th Marine artillery units to support the Marine ground troops already deployed.

 

The Marines would be in constant contact with the enemy forces in strength in and around the DMZ area, even to the point of the enemy choosing to stand and fight it out with the Marines.  General Westmoreland decided it was time to reinforce the Marines.

 

Task Force Oregon was created with initially four Brigades of Army units to take over some of the Marine responsibility in I Corps.  This was primarily in the southern areas of the region.  This was reduced to three Brigades.  This allowed the Marines to move even more resources to the DMZ and their northern area of responsibility.  This task force would eventually become the U.S. Americal Division.

 

In addition to Task Force Oregon, General Westmoreland committed three Battalions of Army Artillery to the Marines to assist in countering this ominous threat and build-up of the enemy forces and weapons in the north along the DMZ.

 

The 2/94th, the 1/40th, and the 1/44th with G Battery 65th Artillery attached were committed and attached to the Third Marine Amphibious Group, 3rd MAG.  These units were then further attached to the 3rd Marine Division.  These units were then OPCON’d to the 12th Marine Artillery Regiment.  The 12th Marine Artillery Regiment being the Division Artillery for the Third Marine Division at that time.

 

While the value of these, attached Army artillery units in stemming the tide of the NVA advances in the north is not documented very well in the history of the Vietnam conflict.  It is safe to say the additional firepower of all the units and additional range of 2/94th contributed greatly to the 3rd Marine efforts in their task of defeating and holding the enemy in the north in check.

 

As one Marine officer commented, the 175’s alone, as the defensive lynchpin, may have forced a change in the enemy plans totally.

 

An additional requirement by General Westmoreland was that one Battery of 175’s be sent to the 1st Marines in the Chu Lai area.  A Battery 2/94th was selected.  After unloading at Da Nang, they would reload on LST’s and head south.  There they would create their own legacy with the 1st Marines until September of 67 when they would rejoin the Battalion on Carroll to support the 3rd Marines.

 

{It is unclear at this time, as you will see later in the history, of the why of this.  It is almost like B/6/27 was sent up to the DMZ area about 20 days too soon.  Otherwise, in my opinion, they would have been assigned to the 1st Marines and the Battalion would have stayed as a unit supporting the 3rd Marines from Carroll.  It seems to me the support requirements and decisions overlapped therefore driving the requirement for a 175 mm Battery to be sent to the Chu Lai area.  Rather than having B/6/27, who had just arrived at the DMZ, to pack up and move again.  Just an opinion.}

 

At one of our reunions, it was pointed out that then Marine Major Al Gray had requested the 175mm gun support along the DMZ.  Major Gray, himself once an enlisted Marine, would rise to the rank of Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

On 14 October 1966, after twenty-one days of crossing the Pacific and South China Sea, the USNS Eltinge arrived at Da Nang Harbor.  Debarkation of personnel was satisfactory.

 

The Battalion had to wade ashore.  For some reason the men were unloaded on to the smaller craft, landed, and waded ashore.  Then the Eltinge was docked and the Battalion equipment was unloaded. 

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -? Pictures of unloading and wading ashore 

  

Comment by chronicler:  It seems that the docks were either full or damaged during these few days therefore the unloading into smaller landing craft and wading ashore of the Battalion personnel.

 

Equipment of the two battalions, however, was in the bottom of the ship’s hold, since other units had been scheduled to debark first when loading was done at Oakland.  All the equipment aboard the ship had to be off- loaded into lighters, and then much of it reloaded.

 

The process of off-loading took five days.

 

The unit had landed at Da Nang and was staged at Red Beach on the northern edge of the city.  However, because of the facilities of the port, the equipment from the Drake Victory was located 17 road miles from the troop staging area.  The equipment from the Eltinge was brought to a third location.  (Does not indicate where.)

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -? Guns staged

 

The rest of the equipment which, had been loaded on the Purdue Victory at Oakland, was still at sea; bound for Saigon (Vung Tau).  That equipment was not received on Carroll until mid-November, after being transshipped twice.

 

Comment by chronicler: It sounds as if the 2/94th equipment was not the primary mission of the Purdue Victory and that may be the reason it was heading for Vung Tau.  The additional 2/94th equipment was a very small portion of the ship’s cargo.

 

With the war in the Northern Tactical Zone increasing and the enemy threat growing at a rapid pace.  The assignment for the 2/94th, as well as the 1/40th, was changed from deployment in the Saigon area to that of reinforcing the Marine controlled I Corps area along the demilitarized zone.

 

The officers, the enlisted men, and their guns would prove

their combat readiness and worthiness to that Marine Battle Plan!

 

Account by Sergeant James (Jim) Lary, one of the first gun chiefs with C Battery: “Our original assignment was to provide security for Saigon.  Our advance party was setting up the bases for each Battery when our orders were changed at Okinawa.  We had a 4-hour pass and when we got back to the ship, we were given another 4 hours.  When we left Okinawa, we were told we were going to Da Nang in support of the Marines. We waited on our equipment to arrive from Saigon, and then loaded on "Mike" Boats to Dong Ha and then convoyed to JJ Carroll.  THEN THE RAINS CAME.  OCTOBER 1966.”

 

On 15 October 1966 at 2100 hours, D Battery (B/6/27) fired 7 rounds HE in support of Marine FSCC.  Target was lights at YD1545.  (~ 8 mi SE of Camp Carroll)

 

On 15 October 1966 at 2200 hours, D Battery (B/6/27) fired 30 rounds HE in support of Marine FSCC.  Target was suspected WVA PSN GS at XD8949.  (~ 6.5 mi W of Vandegrift)

 

Note by Chronicler:  D Battery was already operational and firing on Carroll at this time; no gun pads.

 

It is unknown at this time if a gun fired the first D Battery round or if “guns” fired the first D Battery rounds.

 

It is also unknown at this time if these rounds above were the first mission rounds fired.  They are the first the chronicler can find reference to.

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -?  Need to get D Battery slides converted to pictures.

 

Account by Lieutenant Larry Vinyard of D Battery regarding the first rounds. “A brief story...one of the very first missions we fired from JJC in support of the Marine patrols was on a small group of the enemy.  The Marine FO thought we fired the Battery in adjustment on the first round.  When we informed the FO that we had only fired one gun, his response was "!@#$^&**** expletives delete!!!" When we fired a few rounds in effect, we had made many Marine friends.  Artillerymen love happy endings.”

 

On 17 October 1966 at 2110 hours, D Battery (B/6/27) fired 12 rounds HE in support of Third Marine Recon.  Target was suspected VC Battalion at YD148652.  (~ 6.5 mi SW of Gio Linh)

 

On 18 October 1966, the Guns and all heavy equipment track vehicles were loaded on LCU’s and departed Da Nang.  LCU’s arrived at Dong Ha on 19 October 1966.

  

Account by one of the cannoneers (lost name) that made the trip above: “I was on the Eltinge and I don't remember that it stopped in Saigon, only remember it stopping in Da Nang, getting off, making pup tents in the sand - then taking an LST north.  Everyone pretty much got sick during THAT little trip.  Then, I remember motoring to where we set up camp (muddy as hell!).  I was in the FDC track.  Never heard the term 'Camp Carroll' until some years later.”

 

The Battalion (minus A Battery) was assigned to Camp Carroll ("Artillery Plateau") to provide support for the 3rd Marine Division.

 

Account by LTC Richard Trefry, first Battalion Commander, regarding the initial assignments of the Battalion:  “We were assigned, when we first arrived in Vietnam, as a major subordinate unit of U.S. Army Vietnam with A Battery, OPCON to Task Force X-ray of the 1st Marine Division further OPCON to the 11th Marine Regiment.  If I remember the spelling correctly, A Battery was OPCON to the 11th Marines at a place called, as best I can remember, Nui Vo down Route 1, south of Chu Lai.

 

The Battalion minus OPCON to the 3rd Marine Div and further OPCON to the 12th Marine Regiment with station at Dong Ha and Camp Carroll.  The 12th Marines were the Division Artillery of the 3rd Marine Division and the 11th Marines were the Division Artillery of the 1st Marine Division.

 

We stayed that way until approximately the 1st of December 1966 when General Westmoreland sent a detachment of first field force Vietnam North to Dong Ha and put us ADCON to them thus removing us as a major subordinate unit from U.S. Army Vietnam.

 

We remained in this status until the late spring, I believe sometime around the end of April 1967, when Task Force Oregon arrived and became the Americal Division at Chu Lai replacing Task Force X-ray.  At that time A Battery became OPCON to the Division Artillery of the Americal Division and the commander was a Colonel named Mason Young.  The Battalion commander who was given further OPCON of A Battery was a friend of mine named Dick Livermore.  He passed away a few years ago here in Washington.

 

During the entire period I was in Vietnam, I basically had two bosses in the Army.  The first was Brigadier General Desaussere and he was followed by Brigadier General who was visiting us at the time of the great North Vietnamese artillery attack on Gio Linh, Dong Ha, Con Thien, and Camp Carroll.

 

I recall we had visited all our Batteries as well as Khe Sanh and we had departed Gio Linh and were eating supper when the show started.  He later told me it was one of the more exciting experiences of his life!

 

Although our TOE or MTOE called for an aviation section, we had none authorized.  You may recall, I had an exciting afternoon early in our stay with General Walt and General Westmoreland concerning the lack of our air section and the fact that we had not registered around Khe Sanh!

 

This provided us some instant notoriety but in a few days, our friends in the 3rd Marine Division explained the situation satisfactorily to General Walt and then we became one of his favorite units.

 

The 12th Marine Artillery commander was Colonel Ben Read who later became the G2 of the Third Marine Amphibious Force and who was a stalwart friend to all of us while we were in Vietnam.  Unfortunately, he passed away from cancer several years ago.  He was a great soldier and a true gentleman.

 

Marine General Walt was another great soldier and a true friend and unfortunately, he too passed on several years ago.  When he came to the Pentagon on visits in his retirement, he always came to call on me and we would remember incidents along the DMZ.”

 

On 20 October 1966, after about a week on the beach, Headquarters, B, C, and Service Batteries, less 20 vehicles and 40 men, road marched from the Da Nang Red Beach staging area north of the city, through Phu Bai and Hue to Dong Ha, arriving at Dong Ha on 20 October 1966 at 1500 hours.

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -? Convoy to Dong Ha

  

On 20 October 1966, Service Battery, after arriving at the 9th Marine Combat Base at Dong Ha, left the column and took up positions there.  The 9th Marine Combat Base was a sprawling base that would be the home for Service Battery for the next two years.  Dong Ha is where the Ammo Storage Facility was located for the entire DMZ area.  Obviously, this area was a continuous and valuable target for the NVA gunners.

 

Account by Lieutenant Martin McKnight with C Battery and Service Battery:  “Captain Powell was the original Service Battery Commander.  He had been a carpenter before the service, so it really helped when we were building the hardback frames for our tents.  Captain Powell was decorated when the night re-supply to the Gio Linh outpost was ambushed.”  

 

Note by Chronicler:  See Gio Linh ambush in 1st Campaign.

 

On 20 October 1966 at 1600 hours, the remaining elements of the column, including Marine 3/12, continued west along QL9 and on to JJ Carroll, arriving at 1810 hours.  With this arrival, and B Battery 6th Battalion 27th Artillery being attached a full 12 gun Battalion was formed at Carroll.  B/6/27 was assigned as D Battery 2/94th.  D Battery was already located and operational on JJ Carroll at this time.

 

D Battery would remain attached to the 2/94th from 20 October 1966 to 13 September 1967.

 

Note by Chronicler:  D Battery, B/6/27, for its “outstanding and gallant performance” would be awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation by the Army and a Presidential Unit Citation by the Navy for the time period it served with the 2/94th and supported the Third Marines.

 

Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) 2 Oct 66- 10 Sep 67 DAGO 73, 68

Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) 15 Oct 66- 15 Sep 67 DAGO 32, 73  

 

 Account by Lieutenant Larry Vinyard, FDC, regarding D Battery:  “I was originally assigned to C/6/27 at Phoc Vinh, about 50 miles north of Saigon, when I arrived in Vietnam on 5 August 1966.  B and C/6/27 were composite units...two 8-inch and two 175's.  HHB was also on site.

 

In mid-September 1966, a decision was made to send one Battery of 175's to I Corps; B/6/27 was selected.  Captain Gary Van Der Slice was the Battery Commander, Lieutenant John Hiser was the XO, and Lieutenant Charles Lincoln and I were the FDO's.

 

 We convoyed to Saigon, shipped guns, and vehicles by ship to Dong Ha, and convoyed to Camp Carroll by 6 October 1966.  I believe that B/6/27 was the first Army unit in I Corps along the DMZ.  I do recall that the Marines were happy with the 175 range and that had something to do with 2/94th coming to the I Corps Area. 

 

We fired without pads and wallowed in the mud.  Our biggest problem was that chassis spades broke often.” 

 

See CD ?, pictures ? -? D battery pics of loading the guns to head north.

 

 

Comment by chronicler:  From the research I have done, I believe the statement is correct that B/6/27, D Battery, had the honor of being the “very first Army combat unit” in the Marine controlled, I Corps Theater of Operations.  It is also noted that the spades breaking was a common complaint throughout the operational reports for six years, as they seemed to be under-designed for zone 3 firings.  Several recommendations were submitted to increase the strength of the spades as opposed to saving weight.  No action was ever taken by the Army. 

 

The move from Da Nang to Dong Ha and on to Camp Carroll had gone smoothly, without any enemy contact.  The move was conducted completely during the daylight hours of 20 October 1966, since the enemy usually employed night tactics.  Both Dong Ha and Highway 9 to Carroll, which paralleled the DMZ, were well within range of the NVA gunners. 

 

Arriving in the new base camp area amid torrential rains of the monsoon season, the men of the Battalion set up tents in ankle deep mud.  The position they occupied was little more than a plateau when they arrived, and ahead lay the huge task of digging in and building up.

 

On 21 October 1966, C Battery occupied firing positions on the northwest corner of Carroll along the perimeter.  B Battery would occupy the back of the hill.  D Battery, already in position and firing, occupied the front of the hill.

 

Note by a Marine FO with 3/4 “We went back to Carroll in 1994, and it's now a pepper tree farm with a NVA statue right about where the tower use to be.”

 

On 21 October 1966, A Battery was moved by LST from Da Nang; arriving at Chu Lai on 21 October 1966. The Battery occupied a temporary position at (BS535075).

 

First A battery firings 21 Oct 1966

 

Account by Lieutenant Doug Meredith of A Battery:  "I believe A Battery fired its first round on 21 Oct at 0930 hours with Gun 3 firing the registration on azimuth 4750.  Andy Tenis was pulling the lanyard, Jerry Heard on the BC scope, and Tommy Starks in the FDC bunker calmly yelling FIRE!"

 

The LST that moved A Battery from Da Nang to Chu Lai was the USS Sutter Country (LST 1150).  Described as, “With its built in roll with an equal propensity to lose either all power or an anchor.”

 

Account by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Trefry, the Battalion Commander: “I was on that expedition.  We loaded up over near the Da Nang pier and while leaving the harbor for a while we lost power.  It was interesting to watch the Navy cope with that situation.  When we got outside the harbor of Da Nang we ran into what was probably a good midsize storm, we finally arrived at Chu Lai, and of course, no one was there to meet us.  We beached and unloaded and I have never seen an LST depart as quickly as did the Sutter County.  You may or may not remember but earlier an LST had washed up on the rocks outside Chu Lai and was there for everyone to see.  It was hardly reassuring!”

 

Article from “The Typhoon”

A publication of I Field Force Vietnam regarding A Battery

 

“Alpha’s Orphans’ find a Home With The Marines”

 

“We sort of stick out like a sore thumb because we are the only Army unit in the area.  But the Marines are glad to have us,” stated Captain Jerry Heard of Gadsden, Alabama, commanding officer of Battery A, 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery.

 

Captain Heard’s Battery of 175 mm guns is located just south of Chu Lai.  The men refer to themselves as “Alpha’s Orphans” because their Battalion headquarters and the other three firing Batteries are located miles away near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

 

When the Battalion arrived in Vietnam last October, there was a requirement that one Battery go to Chu Lai, while the bulk of the Battalion would position just directly south of the DMZ.  Battery A was selected to be the “Orphans” and parted from the rest of the battalion for its present location where it came under the operational control of the 1st Marine Field Artillery Group.

 

Why was “Alpha Battery” selected to be the “lonesome end” of the Battalion?

 

“Well, we like to think it’s because we’re the best and I believe we actually are,” answered Captain Heard.  “Actually we’re fortunate to be in the is area because we can observe more than half our missions.  This is the one big advantage we have over the other Batteries,” the Captain continued.  “Their location near the DMZ prevents them from observing their missions the way they would like.  Knowing what damage your rounds have done to the enemy is one of the biggest troop morale factors in an Artillery Unit.”

 

Captain Heard’s “orphans” have done much damage to the enemy since their arrival in Vietnam.  They have accounted for more than 800 confirmed enemy casualties.  Battery A’s thundering 175’s, which can fire as far as 20 miles, have even received missions to destroy enemy sampans out in the South China Sea.  On several occasions, they have observed secondary explosions from the boats.

 

“We have worked well with the Marines,” Captain Heard remarked.  “They provide us with a security force which we have been happy to have.  They also provide a training program for our aerial observers which really gives them some valuable experience.”

 

The Commanding Officer further explained that his unit gives classes in basic artillery principles to the Marine “foot” troops in the area.  He stated the knowledge gained from this instruction could be a big asset to the Marines in calling for artillery support.

 

On 23 October 1966, the newly arrived Battalion became completely operational on Camp Carroll with Gun 3 of C Battery firing the first registration round.

 

On 23 October 1966 at 1107 hours, D Battery (B/6/27) fired 2 rounds HE in support of Third Marine Recon.  Target is unspecified at XD912529.  (~ 4.5 mi SW of Rockpile)

 

Account by Sergeant Jim Lary of C Battery.  “Sergeant Lary recalls some of the firsts for C Battery were:

 

Firing the first round for registration was Gun 3.

 

Firing north was Gun 1.

 

Firing the first direct fire mission across the valley at what appeared to be lights was Gun 4.

 

The first Battalion mass firing was on 100 meter grid squares to take the top off of the jungle.”

 

On 24 October 1966 at 0543 hours, B Battery fired 6 rounds HE in support of Third Marine Recon.  Target was suspected VC Mortar position at XD925481.  Reports rounds on target.  (~ 6 mi SW of Rockpile)

 

On 25 October 1966, the final movement of the 20 vehicles and accompanying 40 personnel arrived at Carroll from Da Nang.

 

On 25 October 1966 at 1323 hours, B Battery fired 30 rounds HE in support of Third Marine Recon.  Target was suspected VC Mortar position at XD919470.  (~ 6.5 mi SW of Rockpile)

 

 Note by Chronicler:  The 6th Battalion of the 27th Artillery was originally an 8-inch self-propelled M110 howitzer Battalion, but was converted to the dual 8-inch self-propelled howitzer and 175mm self-propelled M107 gun configuration.  It arrived in Bien Hoa and became part of the 23d Artillery Group at Phuoc Vinh in November 1965, and was posted to Saigon in June 1966.  The Battalion went back to Phuoc Vinh and on to Quan Loi in January 1968.  While at Quan Loi it became part of the II Field Force Vietnam Artillery on 21 October 1969.  In March 1970, the Battalion was posted to Phu Loi and there in April 1971 was reattached to the 23d Artillery Group.  It primarily reinforced the 1st Infantry Division while in Vietnam.

 

Account by Lieutenant Greg Smith with C Battery: “A Lieutenant Hiser was the graduate’s OCS Artillery Instructor.  He would yell at the graduates if they started dozing off, "You guys are all going to Vietnam and you are going to need this information, so you better pay attention."  So the graduates, build the 2/94th, sail across the ocean, and head up to Camp Carroll and who was the first person they see.  Lieutenant Hiser from the OCS School, who had beaten them over to Vietnam and was XO of D Battery 2/94th (B Battery 6/27).  Lieutenant Hiser would later become Battery Commander of D Battery.”

 

From 'Letters Home' by C Battery, FDO, Lieutenant Greg Smith: “Lieutenant Hiser's brother-in-law was killed down by Saigon and Lieutenant Hiser was given a leave to accompany the body of his sister's husband back to the States.  He was gone for several weeks.  It must have been really hard on his sister, especially to see him go back.” 

 

A BATTERY REPORT and Accounts

 

General comments from Captain Jerry Heard, first A Battery Commander

 

Accounts by Captain Jerry Heard of A Battery, First A Battery Commander:  “I arrived at Fort Sill fresh out of Europe as one of the first to be levied from 4th Armored Division, 1st Bn, 22nd Arty.  I asked for a firing Battery even though I was promoted to Captain as I arrived.  Luckily, I was able to rat out a few of my fellow officers.  Roger Schultz had been an S-1, and another Captain had gone to supply school (Kelly?), and I was allowed to start as CO of "A" Battery, 2/94th. 

 

Sergeant First Class Nesbitt had some 175mm gun experience so I latched on to him and posted him at the door where others were reporting in.  He handpicked most of the NCO's for me.

 

My Officers all came from OCS --XO was Lieutenant Andy Tenis--looked like the Russian boxer from Stallone movies, but was great.  Lieutenant Tom Starks was FDO, Lieutenant Doug Meredith was FO, Lieutenant James Berry was FO--all helped train at Sill and move to 'Nam.  Lieutenant Colonel Dick Trefry (later Lieutenant General, DA IG) was our able leader. 

 

I remember that many of the enlisted were from New Jersey and when they went on leave before departure, I had a time getting them all back.  I had a Sergeant First Class Bryan as First Sergeant initially.  Sergeant Kozik was the supply Sergeant (I think) and got a full conex of stuff donated by Lawton dealers (at least I think they donated it).

 

We shipped out together and things went well until we got to Okinawa.  Some genius decided to let the officers go on pass but keep the enlisted at the ship.  RIGHT!  They were diving off the ship!!  We also pulled out with laundry being delivered and it was all dumped in the hold for us to sort through--no one ever got the right stuff back.  My favorite story was the supply guy going around the ship with a clipboard gathering "contraband.”  We had good china, silver, and linen when we got to 'Nam --all with little anchors on them.  I saw how differently the Navy treats Officers and EM on that trip.  Had to go down and eat cold reconstituted eggs, beef tongue, and soggy toast to see it with my own eyes. 

 

We were joined by the Battalion CO prior to arrival in Da Nang's Red Beach and told that Gen Westmoreland had requested a Battery of 175's to support the 1st Marine Division in Chu Lai.  Lieutenant Colonel Trefry said he selected "A" Battery for the outstanding performance in training at Sill and the experience of our NCO's.  He beefed us up with a few extra personnel and equipment and separated us at Red Beach.  We made the first amphibious landing of a 175mm unit when we reached Chu Lai.  We shipped down from DA Nang on LST's after surviving a night of pure hell in the first rainstorm. 

 

The gallant A Battery men played football in the middle of the night in waist deep water.  We also policed up huge amounts of coke, which had fallen off pallets at the dock.

 

 I reported to Lieutenant General Nickerson, 1st Marine Div CG, and was briefed as to our mission in Chu Lai.  It seemed that Charlie had ringed Chu Lai just outside the range of Marine artillery.  We were to go in, set up, and blast some intelligence targets before they realized our range.  We fired from the edge of the Chu Lai airstrip for a few days before moving south to a position shared with the 2nd ROK Marines between Chu Lai and Quang Nai. 

 

We built one of the greatest firebases you will ever see.  Navy Seabees came in, dug huge firing pits, and capped them with bridge timbers.  We could shoot in 360 degrees without getting off the pads.  The Fire