April 6th, 1969
All elements of the 3-12 Infantry and 1-22 Infantry remained in mutually supporting blocking positions along the Cu Kutoh and Cu Don mountain ranges. Short range and ambush patrols were sent out with limited findings. Additional airstrikes and artillery were called in, targeting suspected NVA positions within the objective area.
April 7th, 1969
The 3-12 Infantry, 1-22 Infantry and Charlie Company 3-8 Infantry continued to remain in their positions among the Cu Kutoh and Cu Don mountain ranges. No major findings or enemy contact was reported were reported, although Charlie Company, 3-12 Infantry did have a possible sighting outside of its perimeter twice, once early in the morning and once late at night.
Three Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols from Division arrived at LZ Cider. Each LRRP team consisted of six men, heavily armed and specially trained in covert insertion and reconnaissance of enemy controlled terrain. These three patrols would fan out within the objective area between LZ D-Handle to the north, LZ Cider to the south and the 1-22 Infantry positions to the west. Their goal was two-fold. Pinpoint enemy bunker complexes and report those grid coordinates for further artillery and airstrikes, and assist in locating the bodies of the missing soldiers from Alpha Company 3-12 Infantry and Delta Company 1-22 Infantry.
The LRRPs spent the day moving into positions co-located with other elements and receiving briefings on the current situation within the area of operations. They would begin their patrols on April 8th.
April 7th, 1969 Daily Journal entries
0450 hours
3-12 Infantry requests airstrike on the following grids
YA 813840, YA 824820, YA 805849, YA 829828
Sent to Brigade
0455 hours
Charlie Company reported spotting one NVA through Starlight scope about 30 meters from their perimeter between two trees. It looked like had a radio on his back. Mortars are being employed.
0510 hours
Negative situation report all elements.
0530 hours
Charlie Company commanding officer (CO) reports that one listening post (LP) had heard voices 150 meters south of his location and he is employing mortars.
0600 hours
Negative situation report all elements.
0830 hours
Three Long Range Patrol (LRP) teams arrived at our location.
0850 hours
Colonel Knight has arrived at this location (LZ Cider).
0910 hours
Charlie Company completed test fire.
0915 hours
Delta Company has completed test fire.
0916 hours
Charlie Company reports their 90mm recoilless rifle functions properly.
0920 hours
Delta Company reports all weapons function properly.
0935 hours
Alpha Company Patrol #1 at YA 828801 found 30 to 40 rockets in pods – gunship or Cider type – Demo team will destroy them as soon as possible. Type of explosive unknown. Approximately one month old.
1002 hours
General Pepke has arrived at this location (LZ Cider).
1035 hours
General Pepke has departed this location (LZ Cider).
Colonel Knight has departed this location.
1115 hours
Colonel Knight has arrived this location.
1120 hours
Air Cav area of operations (AO) for 7 April – 8078 – 8085 – 7085 – 7078.
1230 hours
The following individuals were nominated for NCO school which begins 13 April.
Alpha Company – Eldridge, James W. E-4
Charlie Company – Cowan, James A Jr. SP/4
Delta Company – Howk, Loren J. E-4
1245 hours
3-12 Infantry requests an extension of ammunition supply request (ASR) by 300 rounds of 81mm high explosive.
1250 hours
Brigade granted extension of ASR by 200 rounds 81mm HE.
1252 hours
The following message was given to all elements. Reference recon patrols.
Each patrol will consist of five men. Patrol leader will be best man available. Patrol will be thoroughly briefed by Commanding Officer. Patrol will be avoid contact but solely conduct recon mission.
1300 hours
Bravo Company reports individual with 105 degree temperature. He has had temp for three days and medics have done everything possible but can’t break fever. He will be evacuated in resupply slick.
1320 hours
Brigade requests patrol overlays for tomorrow. A LOH will be around to pick them up at 1630 hours. All elements were notified to have tomorrows missions turned in by 1500 hours so we can meet Brigade request.
1410 hours
Present locations of all elements sent to Brigade.
1500 hours
Air lift of Charlie Company 4th Platoon from C Co patrol base (PB) YA 835814 to Alpha Company 1-22 Infantry at YA 816796. Same birds will bring 3-12 Infantry Recon back to LZ Cider from A Co 1-22 Infantry location. Starting time – 1500 hours.
1505 hours
3-12 Infantry requested AO extension from 8282 to 8279. Reason for request to employ LRRPs in that area.
1510 hours
Brigade informed us that AO extension of 8282-8279 granted. 1-22 Infantry was informed.
1625 hours
LTC Larkin is airborne.
1710 hours
The air lift of C Co 4th Platoon and Recon Platoon did not go off because they didn’t have a bird. Brigade didn’t give us the extension on birds.
1830 hours
Night locations sent to Brigade and plan summary is the same as yesterday with the exception of C Co 4th Platoon will replace Recon Platoon at A Co 1-22 Infantry.
1835 hours
Status sent to Brigade
2150 hours
Charlie Company reports movement to his southwest. Sounds like one individual 20 meters from his LP. His LP will employ grenades. His perimeter sees a light approaching his perimeter. Will employ light organics on that light which is on 170 degree azimuth and 75 meters out.
2200 hours
Charlie Company reports negative situation report.
2214 hours
100% coverage 1200-1500 hours
YA 860835 – One MTI
YA 880880 – One MTI
YA 840850 – One MTI
YA 910830 – One MTI
YA 845800 – One MTI
YA 790810 – One MTI
YA 905830 – Two MTI
2300 hours
Negative situation report for all elements