Our day has not even started and already things are happening. An LP west of Task Force Alpha had spotted 3 NVA soldiers just before dawn. They called for mortars and then a recon squad was sent into the area. The point man was wounded. Several times the squad tried to reach the man but was unable. They withdrew to the perimeter and a second reaction force was formed and went back for the wounded man. They came under heavy fire and suffered casualties but they were able to recover their wounded and were able to return to the perimeter. A third team formed and they were able to recover the wounded man.
As we arrive on station the guns are waiting for all of our troops to clear the area before moving in. Once the area is clear they move in and we start to pull the wounded out. In all 13 are wounded and 1 killed. With the wounded out the Air Force arrives and for the next hour A1E, Sky Raiders and F-100s pound the area. We start the day almost two hours late.
The brass feels that another enemy build up is coming so all the replacements which have not gotten to their units need to get there today. The first unit is A/1/8. Part of that unit is still at FSB 20 and the other has established a patrol base near FSB 27. The company will receive 20 new faces.
D/1/8 is returning to Task Force Alpha's location. Their replacements will go there. The company needs to regroup and refit before returning to the Plei-Trap road. This area is still hot. Sniper fire greets each ship as they enter the base.
Just before noon B/1/8 steps in it. They had moved from their night location and encountered a squad size element. After a half hour contact is broken and artillery is called in. Another hour and a half pass and again the unit comes into contact. The enemy is not been detered by the artillery. There is something they are willing to fight for. This fire fight lasts thirty minutes. Bravo is pulling back. They have wounded and four are very bad. Dust-Off 52 comes on station and is met with heavy fire. They are hit several times and are forced to abort. They were able to get 2 of the wounded out in their baskets before they left. Dust-Off 33 arrives and is able to get the other two out.
Bravo is ordered back to their night location. The NVA have something to protect in this area. Two ships load supplies for them to set up a defendable perimeter. Trip flares, claymore mines and sand bags along with ammo and water will be dropped to them. The first bird is able to drop the supplies without a problem. Gator 390 does not fare as well. As they departed the area they came under heavy fire. No one is hurt but they have to return to Holloway because of the damage.
Because of all the little side trips today there is still several sorties which go undelivered today. We work until dark before being released. Two enemy gun emplacements were destroyed today and 10 NVA killed. Our units have 3KIA, 24 WIA, and 6 MIA. Two helicopters damaged. Dust-Off 52 and Gator 390. By this account, the brass feels we came out ahead today. We don't feel like we are winning, just tired.