Since the beginning of Phase II of the operation we have found ourselves working more in the YA A/O then the southern part of the valley. There are fewer bases in this part of the valley but the units are farther spread out and harder to find. Units from Task Force Alpha continue to crater and destroy sections of the Plei-Trap road.They also encounter the enemy as they move along its route.

Some of the ships are being held because D/3/12 is again assaulting the bunker complex on Hill 800. The others work the valley. Small arms fire is reported from several ships as the morning nears noon. A fast moving rain storm slows the resupply just before noon. Once the storm passes the valley becomes very hot and humidy.

D/3/12 has pulled back from Hill 800. The enemy is still there and willing to fight. They were able to recover two of the missing from yesterday's action. They have pulled back to LZ D-Handle and again artillery and air strikes are called in.

A/1/8 were moving to a new section of road when they engaged the enemy again. They were able to recover their one KIA from yesterday but have taken wounded and are moving back to their landing zone. The enemy has again used machine guns and B-40s against the company. C/1/8 is sent to reinforce A/1/8 and help get their wounded back to Task Force Alpha's location. This action has cost 1 US KIA and 11 WIA.

Late in the afternoon while Gator 606 was resuppling LZ Cider the NVA had set up a large caliber machine gun in the valley below the base. As Gator 606 was departing the upper pad the enemy gunners opened fire hitting the ship several times in the engine compartment. Mr. Hudkins as cool as cool could be just reguested permission to crash on their lower pad, did a pedal turn and dropped right on the pad. The engine was shot and the bird would have to be lifted out. A crew from the 57th AHC was brought in to rig the ship. By the time this task was completed it was to late to bring in a CH-47 so Gator 606 would spend the night at LZ Cider.

With the extra activities today we are very late returning to Holloway tonight. By the time post flights and other duties are completed most of the crews won't see their bunks until midnight.