Camp Holloway Discussion Forum Archive 03 - 03/01/01 to 12/31/03

March 24, 1969

The enemy's tactics are becoming clear as this day begins. His goal right now is to limit the supplies which the field forces receive. He has first hit convoys which were headed to Polei-Kleng. Now he has directed his anger towards the firebases.

Sitting at resupply we learn that FSB 20 is receiving 105mm howitzer fire. Other bases are receiving mortar fire. These are not all out attacks. Just a few rounds and then nothing. We load only food, water and ammo and place them at the door ways. We will hit and run into the bases. Only wounded will be loaded.

Our first sortie into FSB 20 marks the type of day we will have. No sooner then we touch down a WP round from an enemy howitzer hits just inside the perimeter. We push the supplies on to the ground and pull pitch. We wait to make sure there are no casualties before returning to Polei-Kleng. This scene will repete itself all morning.

By noon, Cider and Headhunter aircraft are all over the valley. Used recon by fire with the artillery and air strikes they hope to locate the enemy gun emplacements. Because of the artillery and air strikes we are forced to make detours to steer clear of this. Our turn around times have increased and we start to fall behind with the supplies. In a way we are helping Charlie accomplish his goal.

B/1/8 encounters an unknown size enemy force about 350 meters west of Hill 467. As this happens D/1/8 also engages the enemy as they moved to their night location. Both fire fights lasts about a half hour. Mortars from TF Alpha's location support Bravo. Later Snoopy gun ships will be used. Delta has killed one enemy soldier. They have no casualties. Brave isn't as lucky. They have killed 4 of the enemy but their have suffered 4 killed and 8 wounded. They will return to TF Alpha's location to have the dead and wounded evacuated. Two of our ships are sent to accomplish this.

To the south elements of the 3/12th receive light contact around the southern A/O of LZ D-Handle. Most of the ships working that area today report ground fire but none take any hits.

By the end of the day FSB 20 has received 7 WP and 20 HE rounds of 105mm howitzer fire. They report 4 wounded. The rest of the bases receive between 10 and 20 rounds of mortar fire. No casualties were reported from any other bases. The enemy has done their job today. As darkness falls there is still supplies waiting to be delivered. We will just have to try a little harder tomorrow.