For a third time we are scrambled at 0430hrs. LZ swinger and FSB 20 have both taken 105mm fire from enemy positions. At day break all available forces will RIF to locate these guns. We will supply these units on the run.
Things at Polei-Kleng are a little tense this morning. The howitzers have a range of five miles. With a little effort those guns could be within range of this base.
The patrols are moving through very rough terrain and the going is tough. The high ridges and triple canopy jungle make their job almost impossible. C/1/8 working near YB 779035 has discovered a large bunker complex. There are 75 two man bunkers which are connected by commo wire. These bunkers show no recent signs of being used but to be safe three of our ships are sent to FSB 20 to bring troops in to reinforce Charlie company. Just about the same time another unit steps in it.
The third platoon of D/3/12 has also discovered a bunker complex. This one is occupied and the defenders are willing to fight for it. That company's second platoon is ordered to reinforce. One of our ships acts as a relay because of the terrain. As the second platoon moves into position a second enemy force engages them. This force is now between the two US platoons. Artillery and air support are called.
The two platoon link up as artillery covers their withdrawal. The wounded are being brought to D-Handle for us to evacuate to LZ Mary Lou. This action will cost D/3/12 4 killed, 19 wounded and 3 missing. Enemy losses are 7 confined killed.
As the afternoon begins with many of the bases again receiving sniper fire. We are ordered to fly at slower speeds and to throw smoke at anything which might be the enemy gun locations. Scout teams from the Cav. will check out any location that we might see.
We are pulled during the afternoon to move the recon platoon from FSB 20 back to Task Force Alpha's location. During one of these trips I get my first look at the Plei-Trap road. A landing zone has been cut and we hover on to the road. I am amazed at this thing. It is one and a half lanes wide. The road itself is packed dirt and clay. It is crowned in the middle so rain will run off to the sides. It reminds me of the rural country roads back home. The over hang from the jungle makes this road impossible to see from the air. A two and a half ton truck could drive up and down this thing all day.
LZ Cider receives mortar fire just as the last sorties are being delivered. It been a long day and some of the units still have not been resupplied today. They will be the first on the list tomorrow. Between the attacks last night and the contact today 9 more Americans are dead.