April 8th, 1969 recap
The battalion remained in mutually supporting blocking positions along the Cu Kotah and Cu Don mountain range. Alpha, Charlie, HHC, B/6-29 FA near LZ Cider, and Bravo & Delta and the 4.2″ Mortar Platoon on our near LZ D-Handle. The 1-22 Infantry, inserted into the AO on April 2nd, occupied positions to the west of LZ Cider and south of LZ D-Handle.
Two LRRP teams began to move towards the Alpha Company contact site from late March, but held up short and established recon positions overlooking the contact area. The battalion Recon team, OPCON to the 1-22 Infantry, was replaced with Charlie Company’s 4th Platoon and returned to LZ Cider.
April 9th, 1969
The 3-12 Infantry and 1-22 Infantry remained in mutually supporting position along the Cu Kotah and Cu Don mountain ranges, encircling a massive NVA basecamp area. After days of preparatory airstrikes and artillery bombardment, elements of each battalion and two LRRP teams began to inch their way into the NVA controlled areas in the center of the American positions.
The two LRRP teams took the most active role in the day’s activities, reporting several sighting of NVA soldiers and bunker complexes, but remaining undiscovered by the nearby enemy. With only six soldiers on each LRRP team, avoiding direct enemy contact was critically important to their survival.
After spotting several NVA elements and calling in artillery fire, the two teams withdrew back into the thick jungle. They were unable to find the missing soldiers from Alpha Company, 3-12 Infantry, but would make another attempt on the 10th.
The only contact reported by the 3-12 Infantry was late in the evening, when an Alpha Company ambush patrol reported movement to the west side of their perimeter. Light organics (81mm and 4.2″ mortars and M-79 grenade launchers) were fired into the suspected movement area, with no casualties or findings reported in the log.
April 9th, 1969 Daily Journal entries
0310 hours
Delta Company SRP43 had to move because of the [fire] around them was getting to close to their location. New location is YA 819853.
0400 hours
Brigade S-2 informed 3-12 Infantry that intelligence reported be on alert for attack by fire within the next 48 hours.
0720 hours
FAC (Cider 13) checked in on Command A.
0815 hours
Brigade reported we have authority to draw
300 81mm high explosive
100 4.2″ high explosive
192 trip flares
0855 hours
Air Cav (Dizzy 64) checked in on Command A and will make a visual reconnaissance (VR) of draw to the north of LZ Cider.
0930 hours
Air Cav at YA 815806 has spotted a small bunker complex and believe they have an NVA soldier spotted.
0931 hours
Airlift of Recon from LZ Cider to Charlie Company location began at 930 and was complete at 0950 hours
1010 hours
Air Cav completed VR of eastern end of draw at 0950 hours. Sighting of bunker complex and one NVA at YA 815806. Used within last 24 hours. Expended on this grid drew negative ground fire during VR.
1100 hours
LTC Larkin has departed this location to visit elements.
1200 hours
LTC Larkin returned to this location (LZ Cider).
1230 hours
Present locations of all elements reported to Brigade.
1315 hours
LRRP 1-4-I hears noises similar to those of a chainsaw in vicinity of YA 824809. Charlie Company observation post (OP) heard similar sounds in vicinity of YA 823807. LRRP 1-4-M found a bunker complex in vicinity of 825809. They also spotted on NVA.
1349 hours
Colonel Knight has arrived at this location (LZ Cider).
1350 hours
LRRP 1-4-M reported that the NVA they spotted was wearing a pistol belt and weapon. They are moving back to clear area for Redleg.
1415 hours
Brigade said that 7-17th Cavalry will be coming up on 3-12 Infantry frequency to work in the valley along the ridge where the bodies are located in about 45 minutes.
1445 hours
L-1-B 14G heard heavy caliber fire from grid location 815824 at a bird [helicopter].
1500 hours
L-1-D 14 at 827813 at 1225 hours spotted one NVA with pistol belt and weapon on azimuth 108 degrees, 100 meters. Also heard voices at azimuth 230 degrees, 200 meters and 150 degrees, 100 meters. Also 45 bunkers at 827813. One month old, used in last two weeks.
L-1-H 14M moved back 300-400 meters up hill from last location (825808). Present time talking to fire control.
1610 hours
7-17th Cav checked in on Command A and is VR the valley.
1636 hours
7-17th Cav. Eight bunkers destroyed. No enemy movement or dead. Also left the AO.
1821 hours
Night locations sent to Brigade.
1941 hours
Plan Summary same as yesterday.
1950 hours
LRRP L-1-H 14M has NVA on blue line employing light organics and Redleg at YA 825808. Sighted four enemy. One stopped and smoked. Three walked on. The one that smoked then went on.
2005 hours
Status sent to Brigade
2226 hours
Alpha Company ambush patrol (AP) 4 has movement to the west. Light organics.
2250 hours
Alpha Company AP4 has negative movement at this time and all other elements.
2303 hours
Alpha Company AP4 has movement to the west. Light organics. The movement is only 50 meters.