April 4th, 1969 recap
All 3-12 Infantry elements remained in the same positions as April 3rd. Additional short range and ambush patrols were sent out. Several elements responded to sightings of movement or trip flares outside of their positions by employing light organic weapons on the suspected enemy locations. No enemy casualties were reported. The 1-22 Infantry, which had occupied positions west of LZ Cider and south of LZ D-Handle, continued to prepare for their eventual attack on Objective Red, located in the center of the 3-12 and 1-22 positions.
April 5th, 1969
The morning of April 5th started with a Delta Company listening post reporting movement north of LZ D-Handle. The listening posts were pulled in to the main perimeter, and light organics (mortars and M-79) employed against the area of the suspected movement. No enemy casualties were reported.
In order to free up the newly arrived 1-22 Infantry elements to press the attack against objectives north of LZ Cider and south of LZ D-Handle, Charlie Company, 3-8 Infantry was brought in to establish a blocking position on Hill 871. At 0715 hours, Bravo, 1-22 Infantry spotted and killed two NVA soldiers at YA 805819. The 3-12 Infantry Recon Platoon was then sent OPCON (operational control) to Alpha Company, 1-22 Infantry south of LZ Cider.
The main engagement of the day involved Delta Company, 1-22 Infantry. A platoon on a recon mission discovered a series of NVA bunkers at YA 813823. After withdrawing to allow for airstrikes and artillery to soften the target area, additional patrols were sent in the afternoon to continue the recon mission. The NVA, well entrenched and unphased by the American artillery and airstrikes, launched a vicious ambush from elevated and flanking positions. Using small arms, automatic weapons and B-40 rockets, the NVA pinned the lead platoon down. An additional platoon was sent in, which also made contact with a flanking enemy force. By the time the Delta, 1-22 Infantry platoons could break contact and withdraw to a night defensive position, eight soldiers were either killed in action or missing and presumed dead. An additional 17 were wounded. NVA casualties were higher, with 23 confirmed KIA and at least 20 probable, with an unknown amount wounded.
Later in the evening elements from Alpha and Bravo Company, 3-12 reacted to voices or movement outside of their positions by calling in light organics or artillery support. No casualties from either side were recorded.
April 5th, 1969 Daily Journal entries
0540 hours
Delta Company reports movement from the north of his location. He is pulling in listening posts to employ light organics. For safety measures.
0600 hours
Negative situation report from all elements.
0610 hours
Delta Company reports movement has ceased.
0715 hours
Bravo Company 3rd Platoon 1-22 Infantry killed two NVA at YA 805819.
0904 hours
Message from Brigade. Need info on ARC 33 hand grenade and ARC 386 40mm cartridges by 1200 hours.
1. Number of rounds expended
2. Number of duds
This is info from the last quarter.
1015 hours
Recon has moved to Alpha Company 3rd Platoon of 1-22 Infantry location YA 825795. They are moving south to link up with another platoon of A Co 1-22 Infantry.
1145 hours
Air Cav area of operations for 5 April
YA 7982-8382 extension north to 8382 west to 7986
Air Cav area of operations for 4-5 April
YA 7986 – YA 7982 – YA 8083 – YA 8078.
West boundary is 70 North-South line.
1200 hours
Intel reports
YA 798808 1000 EM
YA 865848 1000 EM
YA 766763 2000 EM
YA 865895 1500 EM
YB 770705 1500 EM
YA 715655 1500 EM
1330 hours
Bravo Company Patrol 3 at YA 820839 found 15 sleeping positions in a round formation. One week old. A few urns and pottery. Some pieces of clothing. One pair of pants – blood stained.
1340 hours
General Irzyk arrived at this location (LZ Cider).
1350 hours
Colonel Knight arrived at this location (LZ Cider).
1356 hours
General Irzyk has departed this location (LZ Cider).
1540 hours
Bravo Company SRP22 hears pops at YA 810830. Redleg being employed.
1550 hours
Bravo Company SRP22 is directing Redleg into the pops at YA 810830.
1800 hours
Night locations sent to Brigade
1805 hours
Colonel Knight departed this location.
1830 hours
Plans summary is the same as yesterday.
1905 hours
Status sent to Brigade
1914 hours
S-4 report that our S-3 must request to exceed the Additional Supply Request (ASR) on light and heavy organics tonight so they can get the Class 5 tonight.
1959 hours
Bravo Company SRP22 hears voices 100 meters out at 2300 mills. Bravo Company perimeter report voices from the east. Both location of voices are being employed with light organics and Redleg is being employed.
2019 hours
SRP22 hears voices coming from a speaker coming from LZ Cider.
2100 hours
Negative situation report all elements.
2120 hours
Alpha Company reports movement from his LP on northwest. It was two people about 15 yards from them and they threw grenades. The LP pulled back to the wire.
2131 hours
Alpha Company LP on northwest side of perimeter now has negative situation at this time.
2200 hours
Negative situation report for all elements.
2254 hours
2nd Platoon of Alpha Company has movement to the south and they will throw a grenade.
2259 hours
Negative movement at 2nd Platoon Alpha Company.