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05 Oi <X> CO a *S5
CONFIDENTIAL a-a'/
AVGE-ZC ^
DEPARTI^NT C? TliE ARMf
[TSOTSPT» 52D ARTILLERY C^J/j
Tl Au
-AWSaA Francisco yo353
SüaBCTi [^eratlonal feymfr.for ^arterly/eriod^Endlj^JJI Jvyj|^|66j .Böpörls Control Symbd. CSFOR»-65' ^ü)
J
THRUt
«J -i -
• o «; »^ i .
» 4» Tt
Comnanding Officer 25d Artillery Group ATTN» AVGE-C APO 96289
Cantoanding General II Field Force Vietnam Artillery ATTNi AVF3-FA-C APO 96227
Commanding General United States Army Vietnam ATTNi AVC-DH APO 96307
Commander - in - Chief United States Army Pacific ATTNJ GPOP-hH APO 96558
D D C
';■ MAY 2 ^1968
IjLblaÜainJIh B iA
Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development Department of the Army Washington, D.C. 20310
SECTION 1
(C) Significant Organization or Unit Activities»
a« Personnel
I DOWNGRADED AT J Y&Jl LNTERViiLS
DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS. DOD DIR 5200,10
^-X-0 Copy_l of
Pa/<e of
CONFIDENTIAL Oül us a
*8i .15 ff *■■ •■ ♦
_Copie3
Pages
«d^-^
C;V.i.';t ;.■■.. I |^|_ 1 itUgUSt 1966
SUBJECT 1 Operational Report for 'quarterly Period Ending Jl July I966 Reports Control Symbol CSFOR-65 (u)
(1) Gonoxalt Normal S1 Activities have been conducted
since the last Operational Report. As regards replacement prograoming
it should be pointed out that by 65 days prior to SEROS, all officers,
SGM, all but one (1) E-e, and three (3) E-T's replacements had been
named« In the grades of E-5 and £-6 about 10^ have been named.
(2) Strengths
(a) authorized and assigned strength for the period
ending July 1966 t
AUTHORIZED ASSIGNED
BATTERY OFF WO EM OFF WO m m 15 1 127 16* 1 139
A 5 0 104 4 0 115
B 5 0 104 6 0 117
C 5 0 104 6 0 112
SVC .. 2- ? 79 JL. 4. ...84
imi. 32 4 518 36 5 565
* Includes one additional pilot authorized by the 23d Arty Gp«
(b) Gains during the period included«
. OFF . WO EM j
12 1 103
(o) Losses during the period Included 1
Page 2 of • ^ Pages
(2)
-2
SUBJECT! Operational Report for c&iarterly Period Ending 31 July 1$66 Heports Control Symbol CSPOR-65 (ü)
n?Ä „OEg. wo EM
BIS 5 0 3*
KJ^. 0 0 0
DTF.D 01? WOUNDS 0 0 1
VTL. 0 0 9
KISSIIiri IN A'J'DxON 0 0 0
NC^-MTTLS DELTES 0 0 0
NON-BATTLE Ci.SUiJ.TIES 1 0 It
(3) lioraloi The morale of the ccmmand is excellent,
(4) R & R Programi The following cut of country R & R's
have been used by this battalion»
LOCATION mi
12
JUNE JULY
Bangkok 6 12
Hong Kong 6 6 4
Kuala Ismpur 0 0 3
Manila 2 0 2
Penang 0 0 1
Singapore 0 4 3
Taipei 4 8 9
Tokyo 7 8 _2-
31 32 43
(3) Decorations and Awards:
(a) One Legion of Merit has been awarded«
(b) Six Bronze Star Medal n have been awarded.
(3) Page_ of Pages
I w V* » . • • -..,., V -. 1 wigust 1966
SÜBJSCTi Operational Report for Qiiarterly Period Ending 31 July I966, Reports Control äyinbol CüSFOH-65 (ü)
(c) Eleven iär Kcdals have been awarded,
(d) Tor. Ptirple Ho&r^s have teen avardad.
(o) Fifteen Bronze Star Ifedale are pendingo
(f) Eleven Air Medals are ponding«
(g) Twenty Axoy Commendation Medals are pending*
(6) Xaili The Battalion Mail Clerk picks up mail at JJPO
9C353 and ports it by brvfctery,, Ilail for Headquarters, "C", and bürvice
Satteries is then pinked up by the respective Kail Clerkso Ivhil for
Bai-tsry ."A" (Xuan Tioc) is returned to Ü.P0 9^p5J' and delivered through
postal channels to the battery at APO 9^257. Mail for Battery "B"
(Lai Khe) is returned to !«P0 96353 and delivered through postal channels
to Unit #3» ^O 9^345 where the unit picks it up,
(7) Religious Services» Batteries "k:' and^'B" attend services
with units in their areaso Headquarters, ,:C"t and Service Batteries
attend regularly scheduled cervices in the Battalion CP Area conducted
by nhaplains from the 25th Infahtry Division. In addition, a 23d
Artillery Group Chaplain visits each battery wooklyo
(ß) MedicalJ 5 personnel have been evacuated cut of
country (Three were non-battle casualties).
(9) Discipline, Lav/, and Orders Judicial and non-judicial
antiona by batteries includeds OSKF-RAL
B/iTT3RY frRTIOLB 15 5PMI4/tRY CCORT S^^AL CCÜ.RT CüTJKT
EQ 7 0 0 0
A 2 0 0 ' 0
(4) Pafre Z. of ^ ! Page s
r
Ün^)ph"p,vfi'[Al Ji if luL; i I InL 1 iaiguet I966
SUBJECT! Operational Report for Quartorly Period Ending Jl July 1966, Reports Control Symbol CSPOR-65 (u)
GENERAL BZOTBRY iiRTICLE J£ SÜKMäRY COURT SPECIAL COURT COURT
B 21 0 0 0
0 19 0 1 0
SIQ. 7 0 0 0
56 0 1 0
(10) Safetyt Recordable aocidonts by batteries were as
followst
BifTERY VEHICLE PERSONNEL
r 1 3
A 0 2
B 0 1
C 0 0
SVC 2 1
(11) Educationt Personnel are using USAET and Army
Extension Courses* Participation by battorjAas vas äs follows) :
BATTERY PARTICIPANTS
L 0
B 2
C 1
SVC 0
TOTAL 8
'5) Page £, of .A r> Baffes
COl\FiD£NTIAL 1 Luruft 1965
GDBJEOTi Dperatioi.ifJ. Sr-c^i <.'^.:•.• ..n-rtci.-,"- "-ariocl Ending 31 July l^oSj Heporis 0::iv?l cyu'->cj. üHFC' »"I ;j)
(a- /■■'.iJ. .H.'.-.d r^atrlfetj X35 barr^ae of '.he loc&tio« of
the ba^terios, th& tias, üt- rwro BIOCLJ. and diatri'jutioxi irom ■,;b^ a&utalxoa
to ^m ^at-yoriee a^c vies v^rsp is exoousive. The non-dependability of
organic ana. other aircraft; ccheduleo .-.i.;- alao be^n a ou.nkribjiting iCaxfiQ:.-.
(b) Movement of Repl.a.^'j'ntsi The aiovement of replace-
conta between 'inits is difficuli; ur.c!. O-t -'- ■i'.nj.lts in pereonncl no1;
y-iy.-na rcovsd as prw.ipt.*.y .„o tij3y shmil''.. ins ■-". ' '.' •• ' ■■r.'^.-z
hAi3 'joün iaoat cooperativw, however the replacements-502n^- tc- L«.-; iJic t_
XUöIL i-c-.'. iia./»- pcj;''. '.'•■i.-t-'uE/
b» Ir.'talligör-co
(') Adniinir.trc.tj.on
'/; Euring the reporting period, this section hae
'änoüunter2d no ^ajor obstacles» An intsllig-ence situai.:Ofc map in wir.
tr.i.r-j'. ;.:; chß .sect,;., «n-1 i. ':-:..'. ,> JC>. .vV .;.; ••..'^■i'.uu :.- o^-'Xi^d .;;'ir.
ourr&nt Intelligoncü Reviews, IHSIIMS, Bulletins and PUKDWEBPS, In
addition babtalion observers, pilots and Lisison Officers are debriefed .
/or intelligence information upon the completion of euvh. nission«
(b) An inspt>ction of the Incol? ifpneo :>eot.i.nn vas
oonüuoted by 25d Artillei-y Group on 7 June I966. A complete inver.lcry
of the oiaasif iod material was completed along with a check of tita
sectioii's filiiig system, logging and other sedurity measurea« lie dis-
crcpancies wore found and the section received a rating of excellent.
(2) Aerial Surveillancet The battalion continues to
CONFIQ£NT!AL Page_j^ of '} §> Pagee
. CONniJuMTIAL 1 August 1966
SOBJBCTi Operational Roport for C^iorterly Period Ending 31 July 1966, Reports Control Sj-mbol CSPOR-^5 (u)
operate with one H-IJ and two O'D aircraft. On 10 July 1966, the two
01D aircraft wore ^cixsn .frca thoir operational buso at Iiuc Hba (Hq.,
25th ARVN Biv) and brcughi to Cu Chi after 25th (US) Infantry Divieion« s
Fixed Wing Strip was opened. Daily visual reconnaissance flights
continue with a goal of six hours of obsorvation per day* Daily visual
reports are submitted to 25d Artillery Group covering significant
sightings and fire missions. Total hours of visual roconnaiesanoo flown
during the reporting period»
TYPE AIRCHAPT ' hlkY JÜW3 JSEL.
^13 /. 10 15 0 (down for repair parts entire monih)
01D (925) 52 55 35 . ■
' 01D (963) . 40 35 37
(3) Survey» Survey roquiromonts during the xöportin/j period
wore limited; however} position area and dirftctirAal survey was eöta/b- 1
liahed in the Xuan Loc position prior to Battery "A's" ocsupatlona
(4) Problem Areas:
(a) The lack of timely intelligence information
mcf^na few opportunities arise for artillery units to engage lucrative
targets*
(b) Target acquisition in the jungle enviroziranlS fcr
heavy artillery still remains a major problem,
c. Training and Orgfuiization
(l} Generalt Training emphasis was placed primarily on
subjects for replaoeoentsg hawever,. refresher training was conducted .for
all personnel* . ....... ._ . „ ,
V^ L/ i \i 1 L> CZ) * S 1 i /frL« 7 of JC'Pagea
■■" - ■ * I ~\i~ j August 1966 SÜBJSCT: Operational Report for Qaartorly Period i^nding 31 July 1966,
Reports Control Syabol CSFO^öJ (u)
Many conmon subjects wore discussed but perimeter defense, convoy
security, notor irair.tenanoe, now series radios and fire diroctiön
training roooivod the greatest emphasis, Thes'- Bubjccts were emphasized
because of the number of operations participated in by the battalion,
frequency and duration of the operations and the distances travelled to
reach the operational areas«
(2) To insure an adequate training program within the
battalicn, a program of required subjects, totalling 40 huirs of instruc-
tion, will be given to all personnel on a quartarly. basis- Tie^xuo-
t.lcn vail cover a diversity of subjects and will be in addition to tha
connon subject? being conducted at the present tine»
(3) Maintenance and upkeep of generators was noted as a
problem in previous Coanander's Report«. To minimize operators con-
tributing to these problems, 14 personnel from the battalion attended a
Ooncra-l-or Operator's Course at 725th Maintenance Battalion, 25th Infantry
Division during the months of fray and June I966. The 25th Infantry
xivision has expanded the list of schools available and quotas have
been requested on PM Radio Security Equipment, Small Arms Inspection,
tf'.litaiy Justice, Mess Management, Explosives- and Demolitions and Motor
Jkin-ftnance,
d, 0Pers'l'ion3S
(1) The position of the battalion at the beginning oiT the
reporting period was as follows«
(0) • Page :? of IS Pages
COr-iFi 'r r-A / I
1 /OlgUSt 1966 SDBJJSCTi Oporatioiml Report for tjinrtorly Period Ending 31 July 1966,
Reports Control Synbol CS?OR-65 (ü)
PATO-TRY. LOCiTIOW
HQ C11 Chi (XT644i40)
A Bear Cat (ys-i45984) (2 MIOT'a)
B lüi iOae (XT758371) (4-M107's)
i 0 Cu Chi (XT645U7) (4-^10«a) 1
SVC Tan Son Nhut (X.tJ797964)
(2) On 1 May 1966 an aler-i order waa rooeivod to prepare
for attachmont of H1!.Bakery, ,6th Jatt .iion, 27th artillery (8") on 4
Ifay and on 6 May attach **■•.''* battery pl\ 1' "A,: t.id 'C" Batteries Jö Sta '-r.t-
talfrr.. 6th kriillerj :'.:; vicinity of 'Ja; NirJj (r:J285l) for Operation
BIPMINSHÄMr Our "/" Battery closed int.»- >\ Chi ;■ toy fron Bear Cat without
incident* A thorcugh reoonnalasanca was aocomplished by the Battalion
Commr^der with the Pattery eöctiandora On 4 and 5 May-and on 6 May the
convoy departed« The wheeled vehicles under the control of the Battalion
Executive Officer was air oovered by S-3 (01D) along route 1 and 22 to
Tay Ninh» Tho tracked vehicles, under the cDntrol of "A" Battery''J U^ä-
fc^ndcr/ was dir öüvorod bj- the 2at-^?i^n Coür'T.nder (E-13) al ».TJ Rrv.t^l to 'ftc
Bau Ha (XT386251), north to Boa Don (XU43£?55) and west into Tay Ninu,
jkbtachment was effected OölöJOhrs May. During the operation the two
8" batteries oocupied positions at XT288654j XT340578, XT385429, :CE475465
and XT370422. The main problen area was soft ground. The M110'^ st stuck
.to an excessive depth during H & I firing (after each 3 rounds). Five
ton trucks invariably wore oired once they left the main roads. It
we- decided to u~>ve ornunition with APC's and aomnition trailers '
(9) Paffe ' of PeKes
CO ' U ' -J • ^ ' I.' •.'_. • 1 iuguBt 1966 SUBJECTi Operational Report for ^artcrly Period Ending Jl July 1966,
Reports Control Symbol CSi''(H-65 (u)
durinij' future operations in similiar terrain. The 175nm battery
occupied positions at XT355575, XTI6755O am XT370422o At the second
position, 175Dim gun tubes had to be changed after reaching the then
current restriction of 400 total rounds. In noving to the second
position, it was proven that the 12 ton bridge in Tay Ninh City would
hold the h107 (52 tons). From the position at XT370422, the batteries
were to be ^escorted back to the vicinity of Cu Chi under the control of
the 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery. The two batteries of the battalion
were air covered by the Battalion Cominan.l.er (H-13) from the time cf
their departure from Tay Ninh, Release from attachment was requested
and granted at lölöOOhrs liay 66 and the batteries closed into base camp
at l630hrs without incident. Although a command eleient from this
battalion for the three heavy batteries was strongly urged, it was not
accepted by 1st Infantry Division artillery. This reqrired the span of
control for 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery of 7 firing batiorios. Regard-
less of the lack of aoccptanco of thcconkiand element, all three attach-
ed batteries were visited daily with spare parts, mail, distribution and
occasionally ice cresm and extra sundry packets. In all duo respect to
the Cora-anding Officer, 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery it is this
comuandcr'ß'opinion that the operation woild-have been ran more
efficiently and smoothly had a command eleracnt been provided far the
batteries.
Total missions and rounds fired during the operation, wore as fol-
lows! H & I mis^iono- nrne hundred and thirty two (932)» rogistration&-
seven (7), anti-personnel missions - one hundred and thiee (IO3), anti-
installation missions - six (6), and preparatory missions - eight (8),
CO I "v.- ^L^Jv '- i/\L Pnf*e ■ of }"awi-
■x r>, r- »r'; ■■ - :\ I 'T!AL 1 August 1966
SOBJBCTi Operational Roport for ^lartorly Period Ending 31 July 1966, Report Control Synbol CSJ?OIU.65 (U)
Battery MAM oxpondcd one'thousand and thirty six (1,036) 175c© roundg,.and
Battery MC" ono thousand fonr hundrod and thirty oijit (1,436) 6" rounds»
(z) On 26 hifly 1966, one Ml07 plus 4 APC's and security forces
from Battery "A" diaplaood south of Cu Chi XT604111 for a ono day^
M!ftirkey Shoot". This addod range to tho south provided an opportunity
for battalion pilots and observers to adjust on targets close to tho
Cambodian Border that could not be attacked by air because of border
restrictions. Airing the day, 74 rounds wore expended. Tho operation
was planned to use four MO?'s and two PDC's; however, a lack of repair
parts allowed only one Ml07 to participate. Although the operation was
perfectly planned and executed, it could have been more profitable with
more weapons. Surveillance reports rendered by aerial observers indi-
cated the following damage» three (3) structuron destroyed and thirty
one (31) structures damaged.
(3) Due to crowded conditions in the Saigon area, the Service
Battery was required to move from Ton Son Nhut *,ir Base (X37979M) >>y
15 June 1966. k position area in Cu Chi was seleeted and the battery
started a phased movement on 1 June and closed on 5 June. Tho Personaol
Section moved to Long Binh (YT045075) with the 23d artillery Group Rear
in the combined Personnel Section, .although the proximity of the Ser-
vice Battery to Battalion Headquarters haa advantages, tho undersigned
feels that the proxiiiity of the Service Battery to supplies in tho
Saigon area far outweigh» ■those advantageo.
O V> I
(11) , Page. of Pages lit A 1
u^i'i i 1 AL
--' ■ ■ -1 i ,. . t
1 iiUgUSt 1966 SUBJECT! Opcration.il Report for ^-rtorly Period iündi^ig 51 July 1966,
Roports Control bynbol CSFÜR-65 (ü)
(4) On 13 Juno 1966, an 8" platoon fron "C" B?ittery was attached
to Ist Battalion, 8th urtillory and novod to tin artillery base at Bao
Trai (X'r529044) in support of 25th Infantry Division Operations S«RIL
PE and PRJSNO. Tao hcivy artillery was used mostly in support of tho
25th iiRVN Division during theso operations. On 23 Juno 1966, one h107
was added to tho artillery base to destroy VC targets far to tho south
and along tho Cambodian Border. Tho battery closod bivik into .base camp
at 281700hrs Juno 1966. u. total of six hundrod and fifty fivo (655)
8" and seventy five (75) 175mm rounds had been expended in support cf
tho operations.
(5) During th& latter part of hay 66, the battalion was alerted
to the possibility of sending a composite battery to Xuan Lac (YT466O9O).
By V? Juno ^966 tho position for the battery had not boon prepared by
iJlVN Engineers as per agroomont between higher headquarters (i.e. gun
pads and berms were not complete). Thus tho battery was held up on its
move. By 22 Juno however tho 173^ airborne Brigade was planning Opera-
tion YORKTOWU south of Xuan Loc wherein heavy artillery support was de-
sired. Honce Battery 'V (2 Kl07's and 2 hllO's) dopftrted on 22 June
1966 and closed near 3ion Hoa (YT061119) that evening less tracks, -.t
approximately 25O10Ohrs ehe tracks that had hold up at Tan bon Nhut irfl
moved and closed with the battery and at 230700hrs June tho battery
moved to XUI
JI Loc (YT4650S5). Security was provided by tho 173d air-
borne Brigade; howov^r, tho Battalion Conmandcr, an a H-13, coverod the
er.tirr closure into position. The movo was executed without incident.
1 "", i
(12) 'r P.y.e / ^ of - 'Pages
CON Fi DENT! AL 1 iJlgUSt 1966
SDBJliCTi Opoiv\tionnl Report for ^unxtcrly Poriol ilndins Jl July 1966, Roports Control Syabol Cy?OR-65 (u)
Slnco tho gun pads wore not proparorl, tho places wore positioned olso-
whero within tho battery position; thereby allowing uRVS Engineers
space to continue this work. Tho pads had not "been'completed as of this
report and Engineer assistance fron 18th Engineer Brigaie (US) continues
In tho area.
On 5 July 1966, tho battery roccivod a nisaion of General Support
reinforcing a battery of 7th Battalion, 11th irtillory which was attached
to 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division that was supporting an operation
in the Xuan Loc area. It nust be pointed out at thiß tine battalion
liaison officers were required at 10th and 25th iJlVU Division HfK^ua.i'+.ors,
1731 Airbornü Brigade and 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Itivo TO&B
authorizes one Liaison Officer.
(6) On 19 July I966, tho battalion was alerted to send tho
Motcorologioal Section to Hui Dat (YS427668) on 22 July 1966, Tho purpose
of the displacement was to participate in a II Pioli Force Vietnan ij:til-
lery Meteorological Suirvoy boing conducted within tho III .LRVN CTZ. The
study will be completed on or P.bout 4 August I966 and tho section should
return to base ennp on 5 -uugust 1966.
(7)' At approxinatoly 26l645hrs July tho battalion baeo cpjip came
under nortar attack. SovorF.l rounds, later identified as 75RR ^nd 82M'i,
fell into the area; however, there wore no injuries or naterial dnnage«
ut 270515hrs July 1966, tha base camp again come under nortar attack.
^ *' Paffe / ■ o£ '■ Pages
CGNFIOLNTW:
CO^FfnrMTfAL 1 august 1966
SÜBJIJCTI Operational Report for cjuartorly Period Ending 31 July I966, Reports Control bynbol C3FOR-65 (u)
Material damage was minor however six casualties wore sustained of
which two were serious,
(8) Total number of missions and rounds expended during this
reporting periods
a. The following missions wore fired: Uishty one (81) will
adjust, fifteen (15) destruction, sixty (60) registrations, ono hundred
and twenty (120) special, two hundred and seven (207) anti-personnel,
seventeen (17) anti-installation, three (3) TOi1,s, twenty ore (21 )
preparatory fires, two (2) SPAR, four (4) anti-equipment, one (l)
calibration and five thcuspnd four hundred and fifty five (5,455) K & I
missions.
b» Total rounds fired during this period included Battery
"A" three thousand and eighty seven (3,08?) 175nim rounds and one
thousand and eighteen (1 ,018) 8" howitzer rounds; Battery "3", two
thousand eight hundred and forty seven (2,847) 175mm rounds; and Battery
"C", five hundred and twenty throe (525) I75cim rounds and four tiiousand
and ninety eight (4,098) 8" howitzer rounds. For the battalion, .six
thousand four hundred and fifty seven (6,457) 175nim rounds and five
thousand one hundred and sixteen (5»116) 8" howitzer rounds. On 30 Juno
the Commanding Officer, 23d Artillery Group fired the 25,OOOth round of
heavy artillery fired by this battalion in Vietnam,
(9) The position of the battalion at tho end of the reporting
period was as follows»
(14) Pa.';e - of • ' Pages
r
I
■
SüBJSUTi Operational Report for C/uartorly Period Unding 31 July I966, Reports Control Symbol CSPOH-65 (U)
BATTERY LOCATION
HCi Cu Chi (XT644148)
A Xuan Loo (TfT465085) (2-11107's and 2-
B Lai Khe (XT758371) (4- 2-h110,8) hMlOT's)
C ^ Cu Chi (XT645147) (2-1^107«s and 2-M110'8)
SVC Oa Chi (XT640146)
(10) Problem Areas» Shared artillery frequoncios continue to bo
a major problem. In July the Battalion Coaroand Hot won nh»r<»d with Air-
craft Control for tho 1st Infantry Diviaionl
f. Administration/Logistics
(1) Transportation»
a. Utilization of Roads» Resupply by road incroasod
during tho reporting period, ...muunition rosupply convoys to Battery üB'-s"
location, Lai Kho, were conducted monthly« iorrangoments to placo vehicles
in these convoys wore coordinated with 23d iortillory Group and Transpor-
tation Office, 1st Infantry Division« additional vehicles are requested
from 23d .urtillery Group and if they cannot meet tho requirement, tho
request is sent to 1st Logistical Comnand« Resupply convoys to Battery
"A." aro riin in .conjunction with major units stationed in;the Xuan Loc area,
b« Utilization of Rail» Rail transportation was used by
this battalion for tho first time since arriving in country. Bulk
quantities of Class III supplies woro delivered to tho "i." Battory
position (Xuan Loo^ and arran^oiaents are being mado for the continuance
of thia moans of transport,
(15) Page / ( of \ Page a
CONFIDENTIAL
CONn^-iriAL 1 iJigUst 1966
SüBJTJCTi Oporationr.l Report for tjaartorly Period iJncling 31 July I966, Reports Control Symbol CSFOR-65 (u)
(c) Utilization of Aircraft: ^ir rcsupply of Class I 1 1
supplies to Battory "A" was established on a fixed schedule. Ration
requests are submitted to Ration Breakdown, Ist Logistical Command and
that headquarters insures delivery of Class I supplies to Battery "-A" on a
2-2-3 cycle. Organic aircraft wore used during the period to transport
small "priority" items to the firing batteries on operations as well as
in base camps.
(2) MÜBTiaUJSCE, CARD AUD RSPüIR 0/ EqiJIK-Eirr:
a. Availability of critical repair parts for the I'll07's
and WIIO's greatly improved during this reporting period, however a 5-7
uay down time for parts has been common and is considered inadequate.
Support maintenance units stock many of these critical items, thereby
reducing maintenance down time for those weapons.
b. IXxring the first week of July 1966 a new serviceability
criteria for 175mia gun breech assemblies was announced. . This• criteria
doadlincd sevon of our l,i107,sj however, new assemblies were quickly
received and all guns were functioning by 13 July 1966.
c. This unit presently receives maintenance and rcpaiy
parts support from several units. Batteries "A" and "B" receive support
from contact teams from the 185th Ordnance Battalion. However, both Units
have back up maintenance support units. Battery "3" receives.backup support
from a Forward Support Company, 701st Imintenance Battalion, 1st Infantry
Division and Battery "A" receives support free 185.th ilaintonance Battalion,
iiatfc-.liun minus receives-maintenance and repair parts support •
from the 725th Maintenance Battalion, 25th Infantry Division; however,
I , "' f r ' ' • ' ■ ' > Pa^e, ;v j of ^ Pa^es
_
uOnfiLa\iTlAL 1 august 1§66
SUBJUCi1! Operation^ .Report for 'jjartorly Period Unding 3^ July 1966, Boporta Control Symbol CaFOR-65 (U)
the 183th liaintonanco Battalion will send contact teams to this location
when requested*
d. In May 1966 a teas of Ordnance Technicians Automotive
Coonand, Detroit, Mchigaa spent approximately throe dr.ys per battery
assisting then with maintenance problems. This visit proved to bo very
. beneficial because they expedited the receipt of many needed critical
items for the KlOT's and IfllO's.
o. On 2 June I966 two now HIIO's were issued to Battery "C,,•
The "old" MHO's will become ordnance floats and will be issued to units
when a major assembly would cause a gun to be deadlinod for an unusually
long period. With the increase of repair parts and the availability of
ordnance floats, maintenance down time on the I'll07's and HUO's should
be greatly reduced»
f. On 9 Juno the HI 07 was received to replace the one that
exploded on J April. This delay of more- than two months is considered
completely unsatisfactory!
g. iiaintenanco Down Time for J-ilO?^ and KIIO's during the
reporting periods
(1) 175Em Maintenance Down Time t
(a) Possible Days: 663
(b) Ken Available Daysi 99
(c) Deadline ratoi 15^0
(2) 8" Howitzor Ilaintonance Down Time^i
(a) Possible Daysi 368 -■
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CONFIDrNTIAL 1 ^uguat I966
SUBJXTi Operational Report for wartorly Bjriod 2ndinö 51 July I966, Böports Control Symbol CSFOR-65 (u)
(b) Non available Daysi 32
(0) Deadline Rate: <$
(3) The following parts for both weapon systoiaa
have caused tho greatest amount of down tine:
(a) Loader Rammer
(b) Elevating Mechanism
(c) Lockout System
(d) Fan Belts
(e) Spade Cylinders
(f) Recoil System
(g) Breech ikssemblics (l75mra Gun)
(h) Panaoramic Sights, h115 . "- .
h. During the reporting period the Commander stated to
many visitors including the Comnanding General, Weapons Comiaa:->d. and
Commanding General, 1st Logistical Command that the Ml07 system has not
been responsive only because of a lock of repair parts. This system can
accomplish its mission but the expeditious resupply of repair parts has
been unsatisfactory!
3, ADMINISTRÜTION OF SUPPLY« The S-4 continues to provido
administrative supervision, staff planning and supervision of supply
operations within the battalion,
4. SUPPLY OPERATIONS»
a* Tho following items of equipcent, considered eombat
es8oni>ial«wero received during tho reporting period*
v-/0/v' '' 'i-H 11 AL (iQ)
Page f 5 of X fi Pages •C: ,-.,:>:
O'NVM 1 • -' -.1 ? t n \.U ! ^guat 1966
SOBJiiCTi Operational Export for fjiartorly E>,riod Ending 31 July 1966, Reports Control bymbol CSFüR-65 (u)
(1) New sorioa radio seta, AN/PRC-125, -iJl/VRC-Ae
and ij/VRC-47.
(2) Partial issue of Radio Set, Control Groups,
AN/fflA-39« (üuthorizod 22 each and received 13)*
(3) Truck, 2^ ton, K35^2* (Received 2 and 2 are due
out« paaae are replacements for those previously turned in as unservice-
able)*
(4) ijitenna Group, AN/GRC-50.
(5) Gun, 175nDf M107 (RoplacenGnt for item daae^od
by explosion).
(6) Howitzer, 8", W110, 2oa (Replaced by support
maintenance)«
b. The following items of equipment, considered combat
essential, were not received during the reporting periods
(1) Panoramic Toloscopc, MIS»
(2) Eadio Sot, Control Group, i»N/GRi^39,
(3) Truck, Wrecker, 5 ton, M543«
(4) Tank, Truck, Fuel Servicing, 2^- ton,
(5) Truck, Cargo, 5 ton, I$4^2 (one replacement for
unserviceable vehicle).
(6) Truck, Cargo, 2% K35A2 (two replacements for
unserviceable vehicles).
(7) Installation Unit, AN/VRC-46, for recovery
Vehicle, M38.
(8) Intercom Set, AN/üIC, for recovery vehicle, MB8.
OU* 'U •■<i9>. :\' , ir\L Page ! / of .' <" Pastes
Ci • ' I i / i.^, 1 august I966
SUBJECT 1 Oporational Report for quarterly Period Ending 31 July 1966, Reports Control Synbol CSPuR-65 (ü)
5. iJ'iIiüNITION
a« iunnunition for Batteries "A" and "B" is drawn from
Lo/iC Binh ASP and is delivered by road to the batteries, .^munition for
Battery "C" is^drawn from the Long Binh ASP and 25th Infantry Division ASP.
Pick up and delivery is made by organic transportationo
b» Problems Areas 1
(a) Ml07's and MIO's have bean unnGCfiaoarily dead-
lined because of the nonavailability of repair and replacement parts.
(b) löaintenance and upkeep of generators continue
to be maöor problems that c;.m boat be solved by comrir-nd emphasis.
f. Aviation
(l) During this period, the battalion had three aircraft
assigned, two 01-D observation aircraft and one 0H-13S observation-
helicopter. Plying times for the aircraft were as follows:
TYP3 AIRCRAFT &
TAIL NUMBJR
Mi.Y JUIG JULY
01D 57-2925 89 59 71
01D 57"2963 73 59 76
OH-13S 64-15398. 62 62 0(Down for repair parts)
(2) During Kay ani Jurw thn Ö-1 type aircraft were
used extensively for siirvoillauce and artillery adjustment. During
July, the 0-1 aircraft perforocd additional administrative flights
because the 0H-13S holicoptor was EDP in field maintenance (605th DSU)
from the first of July to the ond of the reporting period.
/-Vv :,■■.■;.,: i,\^
CON ^ * • '-■' ' ' ' ' " •'- 1 Jmgust 1966 SUBJECT! Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ending 31 July 1966,
Beporta Control Symbol CbFCE-65 (u)
!AL
as followst
(3) Field maintenance dcwn time for period is broken down
TYPE AIRCRAFT FIELD HüIüTEKANCS TX)\^ TPiB
TAIL NI^iBER
01D 57-2925 175 hrs»
• ' 01D 57-2963 122 hrs«
0H-13S 64-15396 744 hrs*»
* Repair of bullet damage to the 0-1 aircraft, technical inspections
and 'shoot metal work following periodic inspections accounted for the
majority of maintenance down time»
** Non-availability of repair parts kept the helicopter from being
flyable during the month of July,
g. Civie Action»
(1) The battalion supported lüD dip II Programs conducted
in the Hau Kghia Province throughout the reporting period» The Battalion
Surgeon in concert with the 25th Infantry Division Artillery"Surgeon,
oonduoted weekly sick calls for the local popilace» Average patient
load was 80 per sick call»
(2) Personnel from Headquarters and •,C" Batteries, continued
the program of construction at the Bao Ha School, Hau Nghla Province»
Personnel constructed fences and gates around the school as part of the
project of getting the school ready for the new school session. In
addition swings, slides and teeter totters have been constructed and
are being positioned at the school.
(3) Perouiaol from the battalion contributed soap and
CUIV . „ (21X . .^ -.L-/ r. . D Page - ' of ' Page s
CO (Nj; *] r Mil A i ♦' * -/!...< S * l/r\j.. 1 iAigust 1966
SUBJUCTi Operational Report for cjutrterly Period Endiiv, 31 July 1966, Reports Control Sy::ibol CS^ca-öJ (ü)
oandy to villagoB in Ifcu Kghid Proviaco QG part of tho 25th Infantry
Division Independence Day ;xtivitios. Over $200*00 was collected and
presented to tho 25th Infantry Division Chaplain to purchase those itcas»
Classes and training aids are now being prepared to instruct tho local
villager» on. personal hygiene using Battalion Interpreters*
(4) The battalion prcaontod four sowing raachinos, received
from the United btates, to tho Tan Ah'Höi Graomar School 'for-the uce öf the
local villagers* The gift also includcl nachino attachncnts. Sewing
classes will bo given to insure tho villagers obtain the naxinum benefit \
fron the nachines*
(5) In support of tho "War on Inflation", within tho
Republic of Vietmn, personnel in Xuan Loc avoid buying itcos off tho
local econony. Thoso itcas that r.re necessary are purchased only at a
price dctorrainod to bo noninflationary by the local Viotnatieso Loaders
and Advisors to 10th .JIVI: Division.
(6) Tho battalion contributed 100^ to a rand to establish
the Dong Hai Orphanntfo,
SECTION 2
1. (C) Section 2, Part I, Observatica (Lossons Learned).
a* Porsomielt None.
b* Operations
(l) Kovonont of ^ri-^unition During- the Rainy Season.
(a) Itoa: i'ioveaont of amr.'.unition*
I [,.'•' : I ' M j I A I
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pOMnry: :,iT|AI 1 .iUgUSt 1966
SUBJBCTi Oporr.tional Report for fiaartcrly Period Ending 51 July I966, Reports Control bynbol CüFOil-65 (u)
(b) Diecussiom While participating in Operation
"BlHI'UNGHuM!'! batteries had difficulty uoving aniaunition with 3 ton
vhoolqfd vehicles« iortillery bases wore frequently established in rice
paddies and the wheeled vehicles were often stuck when leaving the
prinary road network,
(c) Observation: -aaunition, during the rainy season,
should bo hauled by ^JPC's, towing trailers, rather than wheeled vehicles* .
(2) Correct Soleotion of Targets,
(a) Item Priority of Targets,
.(b) Discussion» On a recent operation, a battery fire
direction center gavo a ceaso firo on a will adjust nission to engage
a live target. Having plotted the coordinates for the target, it was
determined that it'vas out of range,
(0) Observation: The lesson roloarnod was to plot the fire
capability upon occupation of position,
(3) Need for com-inucd training on subjects peculiar to Guerilla
Warfare*
(a) Item Continued training is necessary 031 subjects
peculiar to Guerilla Warfare and not practiced each day,
(b) Discussions Subjects such as active and passive defense
nersuros, convoy control and discipline, escape and evasion are of part-
icular inportancu. When the guerilla strikes it is usually a well planned
action, thus friendly responses must bo ioncdiate and effective and
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SUBJ^CTi Qpcratioml Roport for ^artcrly Period Ending 31 July 1966, Roports Contr.a Synbol Cbi,(JlI-65 (u)
roquiroB continuod enphasis,
(0) Observation: Control of subject matorial for train-
ing will vary according to tho locality and oust bo retained at unit
level,
d. Intelligence» None.
o. Logistics a None.
f. Othen None,
2, (c)-Section 2, Part H, Recommendations,
a, L Target ijialysis Center bo f orucd to analyze intolligcnco
information fron all sources. Data gathorcd, if disseminated rapidly,
oould bo effectively utilized for the tinoly prograoning of artillery
fires,
b, Two additional 10 KW generators be issued cxpeditiously,
c, That HtJ1 helicopters bo nado available at least twice weekly for
a four hour period to fulfill the nany roquireuonts for novocont of
supplies, repair parts and to include replacements, pronotion hoards,
briefing teams, etc,
d, PLL for tho K107's and K1IO1 hould be authorized at both
battalion and battery level.
e, Since the majority of the battalion's fire missions are H& I
to take alvantage of the 175nim weapons range, it is recoonended to in-
crease the H 4 I fires during daylight hours in areas where troops are
n^% operating so a- to discourage movemont on trails and road? and also
discüurage the VC from planting and harvesting crops. By so doing,
the denial of areas to VC outside the TAOR's should be enhanced.
CONTiUtiHlIAl •t>f Pages
^> O * » i ♦ U- . . k ) i; »i-« 1 August I966 SUBJECT! Operational Report for ftaaterly Period Ending 31 July 19^»
Reports Control Symbol CSFOR-65 (u)
L. L. LECORREVOOT I/FC, Artillery Commanding
(25)
i ', Page Of ^ages
AVC3-C (10 Auc 66) lot Ird SUBJECT t Oporational Report for Quortoi'Jy Poriüd Unding 31 JuJy 1966,
Reports Control Symbol Coi:'01i-65 (ü)
IIKADQUAKCERS, 23D AHCILLERI GRCU?, UPC 962S9, US Forcos, 13 August 1966
TOt ConmaaJlng Gonoral, II FieV Force Vietnam ArtUlery, APO US Forces 96227
1# (U) Tho qvarterJy report aubnittod ly the 2nd Battalion, 32»! Artillery is adoquato,
2, (U) Itof Section 2, part J.I, para 2a, Rapid collection, analysis, and doooInination of intclli^onco io a nccccolty in counter insnr.'pncy war- faro« Rofinoncnts of existing proccduros utllizinc p^sc^t rosoui'cos should decrease rcoponso tine frcn tarcet detection to tiircot ox^aconont,
3. (U) Bof Section 2, part II, para ?.b. Concur, »'hilo tho Group has received additional gonor^cors, there is ctill a shortage of 10 KU generators,
A. (U) Rof Section 2, part II, para 2c. A JIU-lD helicopter is already being rcqueotod for tho Qroup and, if ap:.Tüvcd, will bo naao available to subordinate units on nn aa nefded and equitable lasis,
5. (U) Hof Section 2, part .II, para 2d. AR 735-35 Sootioa VI para 6-3 alloi/s tho PLL to bo located at t};^ battery level. It ia not felt that tho Fli need be located at both levols, Thia IbadquarLors vdll review tho PLL statxia of this unit in tho near futuro,
6. (U) P^f Section 2, part II, p::ra 23. H and I scheduling chould bo on a 2A hour basis and in accor'uW.o with Iha tactical siituation. If intolligonce rovcals incroacad novoxaont of VC in the dnytino thon II and I's scheduling should bo adjusted accordingly,
7. (U) This page rogradod UTiCLuioIFIil/ when oornratcd from basic docujcünt.
Colcnol, /jrtillcry Conraalinß
Tom CLAGSTFIKD Im^r ,J "^"atcl •-••:,,/ .
i., ' . . J ■/■: i
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