Vietnam War Timeline

406
15 May 1969
1/35th
Submitted by: Dave Fogg

3rd Bde 4th Inf Div Bn
(1/35) Forward Fire Base
LZ Oasis ZA117277

Unit Locations:
1/35th CP is at LZ Oasis
A Co CP YA982285
B Co CP ZA107251
C Co CP ZA039205
D Co CP ZA005233
Recon Plt ZA130251
4.2 Plt YA982285

Summary: Log opened at 0001 hours 15 May 1969. Unit locations: At LZ Oasis grid ZA117277; Battalion Headquarters (Forward), 1/35th Command Post is at LZ Oasis ZA117277; A Company at ZA982285; B Company at ZA107251; C Company at ZA039205; D Company at ZA005233; Recon platoon at ZA130251; 4.2 mortar platoon YA982285; Headquarters and Headquarters Company Support (S-4 Forward) at LZ Oasis; At Base Camp (Camp Enari); Battalion Headquarters (Rear).

At 1005 hours on 15 May 69 the readout on the enemy that B Company saw at 2112 hours said they found a trail (vicinity ZA145285) leading northwest and also to the blue line. 6 to 8 individuals went into the village located at coordinate ZA131292. The remainder continued northwest. At the blue line crossing they found barefoot tracks, Ho Chi Minh sandal tracks, did not see any weapons but heard a noise that sounded like metal. Late entry - C Company at 1050 hours found an NVA Base Camp (new) 100 meters north of grid ZA040209. There were 6 bunkers 4' x 6' capable of holding 6 to 8 persons, occupied from 2 weeks to a month (estimate), well camouflaged with overgrowth and bamboo. They also found a top GI shirt pocket with unknown stains. A trail led from the bunker area to the blue line. Bunkers were recently used (approximately 5 days ago) and had steps out into the entrance. At 1320 hours C Company 3rd platoon at coordinate ZA033233 found 15 NVA bodies, approximately 2 months old, in fighting positions, little dirt thrown over them, no skin or flesh on the bodies. They also found 3 new B-40 rockets, 2 Chinese communist grenades, 1 NVA pack with all equipment, a downed LOH which they could not identity. They destroyed the bunkers and pack with contents (Answer to question from TOC concerning destruction of equipment). At 1907 hours on 15 May 69 a list of the pack contents was sent in. At 2141 hours on 15 May 69 B Company 70Y element had movement to the north, this side of the blue line, seemed to be moving towards the 70 (-) 3d platoon. Size of enemy movement was undetermined. At 2203 hours on 15 May 69 B Company employed artillery to divert the enemy towards 70Y 3d platoon position (vicinity ZA149285). At 2237 hours on 15 May 69 B Company ended the artillery mission. Also dogs were disturbed in the village and this indicated the enemy ran northwest into the village (coordinate ZA131291).

1005 hours (C) B Co to TOC: Readout on the spotting of individuals last night: The Co found a trail at ZA145285 running northwest, running to the blue line. 6 to 8 individuals went into the village at location ZA131292. The remainder continued northwest at the crossing of the blue line. The Co seen barefoot tracks, Ho Chi Minh tracks but did not observe any small arms. Individuals were carrying something that made a metal noise.

1100 (C) DELAYED ENTRY - On 15 May 69 at 1050 hours C Co reported to TOC. They found an NVA Base Camp (new) 100 meters north of grid ZA040209. They found 6 bunkers with 2 feet overhead cover. Size was 4' x 6' and would hold 6-8 individuals. It appeared as though people stayed there 2 weeks to a month. All bunkers were well camouflaged with overgrowth bamboo and they found an upper breast GI shirt pocket with unknown stains. Estimated use of the bunkers was 5 days ago. A trail ran to the blue line from the bunkers and steps were cut in the entrance of recent use. No one saw the bunker in that area and the Co wants to check the whole area out more thoroughly.


1222 hours (C) D Co has a man whom has a medical breakdown and we request to have him brought in. Ans: We are trying to get an LOH.

1320 hours (C) C co from 18 and 16 element found at location ZA033233 15 NVA bodies approximately 2 months old (bones), 3 new B-40 rockets, 2 Chicom grenades, 1 NVA pack with all equipment. Bodies were found in fighting positions with a little dirt thrown over them. Also found was a downed LOH and it was beyond identification. Bodies were completely bones, no skin or flesh. We request someone to come her to identify the LOH.

1415 hours (C) Passed to A, B Co's: The enemy may attack by fire, or attack with ground probes, ground attacks are likely within next 24 hours.

1542 hours (C) From Bde S2 to Bn S2: There are strong intelligence indications of a planned enemy attack during the next 72 hours - Sapper ground and attack by fire can be expected in the 3d Bde AO.

1548 hours (C) 1st PZ for D Co.

1617 hours (C) Bde informed us that when the CA for D Co is complete they are to secure the LZ and not move due to a possible move again to another area.

1630 hours (C) LZ is complete for D Co.

1645 hours (C) B Co 3d plt has 3 detainees, 2 mail and 1 female.

1720 hours (C) From S3 to Bde: Blackjack 39 reported 1 round he impacted under the bird, 1 kilometer north of B Co location ZA139255. Possible B-40. B Co said they did not fire at that time.

2056 hours (C) 1/35th S3 to S3 Bde: Plan Summary for 16 May - A Co is to continue security of the village and send out daily patrols, ambushes in their AO. B Co is to continue the search and clear east and south of the Oasis. C Co is to continue to search and clear to northeast along the Ia Puch River. D Co is to search and clear vicinity of their N/L's. Recon is OPCON to B Co.

2141 hours (C) B Co to TOC: 70Y reports movement is this side of the blue line. It seems to be towards the 70 (-) location and of undetermined size.

2203 hours (C) B Co to S3: B Co reports using redleg near location of 70Y element to try to force enemy movement towards the 70 (-) element.

2247 hours (C) B Co reports redleg mission is complete and also the dogs in the village to the northwest are barking and making noise - estimated that VC/NVA ran into the village.