r' 1WWW ··".-·_- . 1

• '--..../f

DECLASSIFIED, .

''', ..

COMMAND CHRONOLOGY

MARCH1971GROUP-4

DOWNGRADED Kr 3 YEAR INTERVALS;

OECLASSIf'at -AFTER' ~c =YEARS.COPY:~O~~£.-2.3Qf L.5 ~':'COPIES

DECLASSIFIED

nrt" r . t

DECLASSIFIED

upon removal of enclosure (1) to

(lC4113/LWB/lsm

.... '!I, .. 1971

FIRST ENDORSEMENT on CG, III MAF Itr 3:12/emp over 5750Ser: 0012071 of 12 April 1971

From: Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, PacificTo: Commandant of the Marine Corps (Code HD)

Subj: Command Chronology (D)

1. Forwarded.

Copy to:CG, III MAF

T. C. BUDD IIBy direction

2

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

I'

• •,.I •

t •

HFADQUA.RrERSIII Marine .Ulphibious Force

Military Assistance COJIIII&nd, VietnaaFPO San Francisco 96602

..(Unclassified when enclosure (1) i8 rUlOved)

FrOJl. Coaunding GeneralTo. Ccnmandant of the Marine Corps (Cocle HD)Vial COJIIlII8I1ding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

31 12/eJIP_ $7$0

.... seriO 01 2071APR 1 2 1971

Subj. COIIIm&Dd Chronoloa (u)

Encll (1) III MAF COJIIDand Chronology, March 1971

1. In accordance With references (a) and (b), enclosure (1) issubmitted hereWith.

2. Downgraded at 3 year intervals; deC.La88itied after 12 years.

----~~C. H. WDDENBy' direction

Cow to.MACVCMC (A.dvance Copy)

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• •• •• • • • • •• •• ••• • • ••• ••• •••• ••••• • ••••• •••• •••• •• •• •• •

DECLASSIFIED

..... _.

DECLASSIFIED

•HF.l\IQUARTERS

III Marine AJIlphib10us ForceMilitar,r Assistance Com-and, Vietnaa

EPO San Francisco 96002

COMMAND CHRONOLOOY

1 March - 31 March 1971

INDEX

PARr I

PART II

PARr III

PART IV

ORGANIZATIONAL DATA

NARRATIVE SUMMARY

SEQ~TIAL LISTING OFSIGNIFICANT EVENTS

SuPPORTING DOCUMENTS

,

•• ••• •• •• •••• ••••• ••• ••••

•• •••• ••• • • • •• • • • ••••• ••••• ••• ·1· •• •

•••••••••

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

•PART I

OBGANIZATIONAL DATA

1. DESIGNATION

III Marine Amphibious Foroe Lieutenant General Donn J. ROBERTSON1)'. S. Marine Corps1-3JMar71

DEPUTY COMMANDER (AIR)

Major General Alan J. .ARMSTRONGn, S. Marine Corps1-3JMar71

DEPUTY COMMANDER (GROUND)

Major General Charles F. WIDDECIEu. S. Marine CorpsI-JJJ!ar71

SUBORDlNATE UNITS

,,','r.,. ':'11

let Marine Airoraft Wing Major General Alan J. ARMSTRONGu, S. Marine Corps1-3JMar71 I

1st Marine Division Major General Charles F. WIDDECKEn, S. Marine CorpsI-JlMa.r71

FOrce Logistic Command

2nd Combined Action Group

Br1gad.ier General JUles R. JON~

U. S. Marine CorpsI-JJJ1ar7l

Lieutenant Colonel John J. TOLNAYu. S. Marine Corpsl-3JHar7l

ColllllU.D1.cation Support Ccapan,y7th Communication Battalion

Major R. T. HlMMERICHu, S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Commanding OffioerHeadqua.rters TIl MarineAmphibious ForceHeadquarters CoIlllll&ndant

Colonel lVilliam J. SPIESELu. S. Marine Corpsl-JJ.Mar7l

Lieutenant Colonel Edward D. RESNIKU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• •• •• • • • • •• •• ••• • • ••• ••• •••• •••.. · ...z.. ..•• •••• •• • •• •

1st Radio Battalion

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

•2. LOCATION. 1-31 March 1971" Northwest Da Nang" Quang Nam Province"Republic of Vietnam.

3. STAFF OFFICER

Chief of Staff

Deputy Chief of Staff

Assistant Chief of Staff" a-l

Assistant Chief of Staff, a-2

Deputy a-2

Assistant Chief of staff" G-3

Deputy 0-3

Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4

Deputy G-4

Assistant Chief of Staff, a-S

Assistant Chief of Staff, G-6

Brigadier General William G. JOSLYNu, S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Eugene H. HAFFEYU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Lavem J. OL'lMERU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Forest J. HUNTV. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Robert E. GRUliNLERU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Charles H. LUDDENtr, S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Jesse L. GIBNEYU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel Warren E. MCCAINU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Colonel James E. FEGLEYU. S. Marine Corpsl-31Uar71

Major Donald E. SUDDUTHu. S. Merine Corps1-3JJ.rar71

Colonel Robert L. WILLISU. S. Marine Corps1-31Mar71

,

Force Supply Officer

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Colonel Clarence H.U. S. Marine Corps1-31Mar11.... .,...

• • • •• • • •• •••• •• • ••··3·· ·

DECLASSIFIED

SCHMID

Enclosure

Force staft Judge Advocate

Force Engineer Officer

Force Adjutant

Officer in Charge, COIIIIIandCenter

Force Chaplain

Force Surgeon

Force Dental Officer

Staff secretary

Protocol Officer

DECLASSIFIED

Colonel Daniel F'. MCCOONELI.u. S. Marine Corps1-3Jl.Iar71

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas W. JONESU. S. Marine Corps1-3lMar71

Major John F. ANGILU. S. Marines Corps1-31Mar71

Major Bernard MawlOOU. S. Marine Corps1-3lHar71

Captain JohnH. CARNESU. S. Navy1-)lMar 71

Captain Harold P. PARISERU. S. Navy.1-3JMar71

COJIIIWlder Willi.. P. ARMSTRONGU. S. Navy1-3lMar71

Lieutenant Colonel Carlo ROMANOu. S. Marine Corps1-31Mar71

Major John E. CLD4ENTSu. S. Marine Corps1-7Mar71

1st Lieutenant V. L. ANDEE.SONU. S. Marine Corps Reserve8-2OMar71

Major J. D. WATSONU. S. Marine Corps21-3Jl.lar71

,

Force Special Services Officer Major Hans S. HAUPTU. S. Marine Corps1-3lHar11

Force Publio Affairs Officer Major Phillip T• .ARMANU. S. Merine Corps1-3lMar71

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • ••• ••• ••• • • • •• • • • • • • • •••• •••• •• •• 4·· •

DECLASSIFIED

USMC Liaison Officer, HOIMC

USMC Liaison Officer, novUSMC Liaison Officer, 7th AF

DECLASSIFIED

Lieutenant Colonel Donald O. ROBISONU. S. ¥.&rine Corpsl-3lHar71

Colonel Stephen O. W.ARRmU. S. Marine Corps1-3lHar71

,

•• •• •• • ••• •• ••• -.-.• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • ••• ••• ••• • • • •• • • • • • ,s•• - •• Enclosure (1)•• •••• •• •• •

DECLASSIFIED

•DECLASSIFIED

•a.

El'L l~~':'ED

325 7

USHC U~:'N

FCRCi'; H:'('; , JI] ;-:l:J? 95 6

2J"D etC 18 1

1~':T R;\lPC ;~H ( .) 22 0

625

296

51

8

168li 133 1,8568

I

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DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

PART II

NARRATIVE SUMMARY

1. INTRODUCTION

a. General. On the .3rd and J.Jth of March, III Marine Amphibious Forcewas visited by Admiral Bernard A. CLAREY, Commander in Chief, Pacific Pleet.Upon his arrival at III Marine Amphibious Force Headquarters, Admiral CLAREYwas greeted by Lieutenant General Donn J. ROBERTSON, Canmanding General, IIIMarine Amphibious Force. Also, during the period 2$-27 March, III MarineAmphibious Force was visited. by Rear Admiral H. J. ROTRIOOE, Pacific FleetChaplain. During March 1911, the In Marine Amphibious Force was located. atcamp Haskins, Northwest Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam.The average Marine/Navy strength in Military Region I was 21,259, a decreaseof 3,528 personnel from the previous month.

b. Activities. III Marine Amphibious Force activities were guided. byCOMUSMACV Directive 10-11, dated. 5 April 1910, and I ARVN/l'VJMAF MIt-I CombinedFall-Winter Campaign Plan, dated 8 September 1970, in pursuit of its object­ives for March 1911.

2. OVERALL EVALUATION

a. Overall incidents of enemy initiated. activity decreased until nearthe end of the month of March when the enEll1Y' s Spring K-8SO Campaign gotunderway • Although harassing fires still continued to dominate the enemy'sstrategy, attacks by main force NIlA and VC units on rEll10te areas of QuangNam Province, on the fringes of secure areas and on lines of communicationhighlighted the enemy's efforts. Rocket and mortar attacks, especially onthe Da Nang Air Base, demonstrated the enemf's continued presence, althoughthese attacks remained. highly inaccurfate and inflicted only minor damageon the Air Base and surrounding area. Enemy strength in Quang Nam Provinceremained at about 9,500.

b. In addition to normal, small unit operations, there were three majornamed operations continued during all or part of the month of March. Operation"IMPF4UAL LAKE" continued throughout the month. Operational control of thisoperation passed from 5th Marines to 1st Marines on .3 March. During March,this operation accounted for 1.4 enemy killed and 1.3 weapons captured, whileMarine units suffered 1 KIA and 2 WIA. Operation "UPSHUR STREAM" was termi­nated on 29 March. Activities in connection with this operation during thefirst 29 days of March resulted in 9 enemy killed and 1 weapon captured.Marine casualties were 1 KIA and 6 WIA. Operation "HOANG DIEU 10.3" was ter­minated on 10 March. Results of Mari.ne participation in this joint, US/ARVN saturation operation for the month of March were 2 enemy killed and 4weapons captured. Marine casualt:ies were l.3\~IA. Results of all Marineoperations during the month were 1$ enemy killed and 51 weapons captured.Psychological operationa, civic action programs, and the training of Vietna­mese personnel continued with even greater emphasis as major phases of IIIMarine Amphibious Force redeployment were carried out•

I

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • ••• ••• ••• • • • •• • • • • -7- • •••• •••• •• •• • • •Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED

•DECLASSIFIED

• I

c. There were 21 incidents of activations of surprise firing devicescausing casualties to Marine persormel during the month of March. OneMarine was killed and 30 were wounded as a result of these incidents.Surprise firing device incidents accounted for approximate~14% of allbattle deaths and 21% of all battle wounded.

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••• •• •••••••

•••• • •• • •.. s :• •• ••• • •

• •••••• ••

Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED

•o, i i 1 i itF ell' UALT F'S

( 1) Battle

DECLASSIFIED

•

7

lWl'

o

(2) Fon-Batt1e

ust·le

107

USN

5

DOH ~

us; ;C USN USMC USN

0 0 0 0

o

ILL/IHJ

317 22

(m;; l\flY

::jECJ/,L

46

37

10

66

1\ i~cr: NED

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••••

• •• •• •••••••

136

•••• ••• • •• • •• ••· •• ·9· •••

• ••••••••

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

PART III

S~UENTIAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVE~TS DURING MARCH 1971

1. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

a. GD-rERAL. During the month of March 1971, three operations werecontinued from the previous month. Two of these operations terminatedduring the month. Operation "IMPl!:RIAL LAKE" was continued throughoutthe month and operations "UPSHUR STREAM" and "HOANG DIE:U 10.3" were termi­nated. Effective dates of these operations and their results are listedbelow~

MAT OR OP.!mATIONFND CAS

KIA WIAEN CAS

KIA We PERIOD

IMPERIAL WEUPSHUR STREAMHOAm DIEU 10.3

SMAl1, UNIT ACTIVITY

1ST MARINE DIVISION2ND COMBINED ACTION GROUPTOTAL

11o

617

26

1.3

8720

107

1492

.354075

1.314

21.3051

1-.3lMar711-29Mar111-10Mar71

1-.3lMar711-.311'1ar111-.3lMar11

b. EVENTS. !)Iring the month of March 1971, the following significantevents were reported:

At 0.318.30H, REXJON Team II ACHILLES II J while on patrol 8 Kms southwest of Hill210, initiated small arms fire on 12 enemy carrying weapons. The enemyreturned fire and then fled. A sweep of the area disclosed .3 enemy killed.Dlring the contact 1 Marine was wounded.

At 0404.30H, Da Nang Air Base received sixteen 122mm rockets, 2 of Whichwere duds. One US airman suffered fragmentation wounds. Material damagereported was 1 VN home destroyed, 6 motorcycles damaged, 1 conex boxdestroyed, several power lines wero knocked down, and 1 warehouse roof and1 building were damaged. Seventy rounds of artillery fire were employedon several suspected avenues of egress with unknown results.

At 050425H, CAP 2-4-.3,while in a night defensive position 4 Kms northeastof Hoi An, exchanged small arms fire with approximately 8 VC approachingtheir perimeter. A sweep of the contact area revealed 4 enemy killed, 4AK-41's, 20 chicom grenades, 1 LAAW, and 1 homemade rocket and launcher.

At 061.300H, RECON Team "SEXIMENTII, while on patrol 7~ Kms southwest of Hill270, observed approximately 20 VC moving in and out of a cave complex. An8lmm mortar fire mission was callod resulting in 4 VC killed•

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••• •• •••••••

•••• ••• • •• • •. "' .• ·1", ••• ••

•••••••••Enclosure (1) I

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

At 121415H, a CH-46D from HMM-262, while f~ng a low level visual recon­naissance mission 3 Kms northwest of Dien Ban, received intense automaticweapons fire. The aircraft returJled fire, resulting in 1 en~ killed.The aircraft sustained 5 hits in the cockpit, wounding the pilot, and 6hits in the aft end of the aircraft, wounding 1 ROK Marine and 2 ARVN's.The aircraft was forced to land at Dien Ban where MEDEVAC's were completed.The aircraft was later taken back to Man1e Mountain with minor damage.

At 22100SH, CAP 2-2-1, while on a combined search operation with RF and PFforces 4 Kms southwest of Hill 37, initiated small arms fire on 13 VC. Asubsequent search of the area revealed 2 VC killed and 2 individual weaponscaptured.

At 280900H, CAP 2-3-6, while on patrol ~ Kms north of Dien Ban, engagedu vc with small arms tire. A subsequent search of the area disclosed 3VC killed and 1 PCM, 2 AK-47 ts, 2 B-40 launchers, and 14 chicom grenadescaptured.

At 29Q157H, between 0157H and 0500H the Da Nang Air Base, the J.1AG-16 area(Marble Mountain), and Da Nang City received incoming 122mm rockets. TheDa Nang Air Base received 12 rookets, resulting in 1 US A:rtJry persormelwounded, 2 VN Civilians killed and 6 VN Civilians wounded. An Air Americabuilding reoeived extensive damage and 1 Air America airoraft receivedminor damage. MAG-16 received 6 rockets. Two of the rookets detonatedinside the MAG-16 area, resulting in minor damage to a hangar and 2 UH-IEaircraft. One rocket detonated south of the MAG-16 area and resulted inan ARVN building being 75% destroyed. Three of the rockets detonated inthe ocean off China Beach.Three rockets detonated in Da Na~~ City, resulting in 1 civilian auto, 1civilian electrical shop and 1 RR rail destroyed. One rocket tell shortand detonated west of the Division Ridge area, causing negative damage.

At 3109QOH, CAP's 2-3-3 and 2-3-5, operating with RF and PF units andm.oving toward a suspected enemy location, engaged approximately 50 vcl~ Km southwest of Dien Ban. Supported by artillery and helicopter gun­ships, the CAP's forced the enemy to break contact and flee at 31l630H.Results were 16 enemy killed and 5 AK-47's and 2 B-40 launohers captured.Friendly casualties were 1 PF KIA.

2. CASUALTIES INFLICTED ON THE ENENY. See page 18 •

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•••• ••• • •• • •. ...• ·l~ ••• ••

•••••••••

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

•PI:;}/.SO<JN81

[1.. ~.£, find ~;tripes: During the month of llarch, 186,291 freei'ssues of Stars and (:tripes newsp aper s "ere distributed to III 1:/.1"personnel.

b. R&R JlctivHi.cs «ut-of.Country): The to t a l number of seatsa l loted to the lIT I:AF for the month of IJ8.rch was 562. The number allotedto Gkinm"a was 140. The H/CV percentar!e of uti! i.zation is not availableat thi s ti me :ior the month of Barch.

c. In-Country R&R: The total China Beach In-Country R[Jl al l.oc r t Ionfor the month \-laS 16 off Ic er quotas and 200 enlisted quotas, all of~,n1ich perc used.

d. Special ~:ervicesT:ong rong Flight: Two round-trip Spec ial~ervjces I~ong [ong flights \·,ero made utilizing 89 seats •

I

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DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

•b. Force Chaplain

2 Mar Staff visit TIl MAr kl.d FLC.

• -5 Mar III MAF Staff Conference.

6 Mar Visited 5th ARVN Regiment and distributed clothing to dependentfamilies; MWHG-l Change of Command.

7 Mar Conducted divine services at Wing Memorial Chapel.

10 Mar 1st MAW Leadership Council; Attended dedication of ARVN I CorpsProtestant Chapel and Korean Protestant Church.

12 Mar Staff Conference with 1st MarDiv Chaplain and 3rd MAB Chaplain.

14 Mar Conducted divine services at Wing Memorial Chapel.

19 Mar III MAF Staff Conference.

20 Mar Dinner in home of Oapt. and Mrs. Khoi, the principal of Vinh MinhSchool which has received assistanoe from 1st MAW.

21 Mar Conducted divine services at Wing Memorial Chapel.

24 Mar Visited and distributed gifts to ARVN patients at RehabilitationCenter. Gifts also made available for patients at Duy Tan Hospital.

25-27 Mar Escort for Rear Admiral H. J. RCYl'RIGE, OHC, USN, CINCPACFLT StaffChaplain. Itinerary included TIl K.AF, FLO, 1st MAW, 1st Mar Div,

USS Sanctuary, 95th Evac Hospital, and Naval Support Activity.

28 Mar Conducted divine services at Wing Memorial Chapel. Service featureda special 11tany for PCW and MIA personnel. All Marine Corps Chapelsobserved this special service of rentembrance for our PCM and MIApersonnel.

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•••• ••• • •• • •: • 13 :•• ••

• ••••••••

ENCLOSURE (1)

DECLASSIFIED

soom•

DECLASSIFIED

• SECRET

5. Inte1ligencl

a. General Ih!!lll Situation. Jl'leDIiY activity during the first weeki otMarch remained at a low level. Ag~t and PW interrogation reporl.s indi­cated that the eneuor was conducting resupply and coordination activitiesin preparation for the K-850 Campaign. Reports ot the starting date forthie campaign varied from 20 March to 28 March. Through the first threeweeks ot March, the en~ maintained his preeence in the lowlands primarilyby conducting mortar attack. on RF, PF and PSDF outpoet.. The most sig­nificant attack. by tire occurred on 4 March when Da Nang Aimase received16 x 122mm rockets. Contacts increased between friendly pa~le and 8111&11en~ units. Priloners taken during som.e ot these contacts reported theywere conducting reconn&i.eance ot targets tor the K-85O campaign. SDallunit contacts and scattered morl.ar attacks continued until the moming of29 March, when the eneJD¥ initiated his 1-850 campaign. The Da Nang Airbase,Da Nang City, and Due Duc Dietrict Headquarters were hit with rockets andmortars. The mortar attack on Due Due District Headquarter. was tollowedby a ground attack against the Dietrict Headquarter. and nearby hamlets bythe 8th and 9th Battalions ot the 38th NVA RegiJunt, and the 91st sapperBattalion. Simultan6!ously, widespread activity centered in Dien BanDistrict was initiated against CAP and RF/PF units and bridge securityelements. This attack consisted ot nmeroue, emall attacks by tire andsapper attacks. On 30 March, the city lit Hoi An was hit with a hea'¥'1'mortar attack, while mortar and ground attacks against CAP, CUPP, RF andPF positions continued. The last day ot March brought a detinite decreasein en~ initiated activity, although Duo Due District Headquarl.ere wasagain attacked nth rockets, and an 8neJD¥ propaganda team attempted topenetrate Dien Ban Village atter a mortar attack.

b. Sl.&qiticant Conta.cts During The Period

(Note: Significant u. S. Marine contacts during the reportingperiod are listed under paragraph l.b., part III ot this Chronology.)

(1) At 0500 on 5 March, the 162d RF Company, located fivekilometers northwest of Combat Base Baldy (ST 095472), reoeived 15 roWldsot incoming 82mm mortar tire. El.ements of the RF Company pursued the8n8lD1' and, in two contacts, killed nine VC.

(2) On 7 Karch at 1245, the lloth RF Company made contact withan unknown size enemy torce nine kilometers southwest ot Combat Base Baldy(BT 050400). Twelve of the eneJq were killed, one B-1iO Rocket Launcher,one AK-47, one M-72 and 11 unidentitied fuses were captured.

(,3) On 12 March at 1955, the l6lst and 707th RF Companiee, lo­cated seven kilometers south ot D&1 Loo (AT 915508), received 27 roundsof incoming 82mm mortar tire. There were no caeualties and no damage.

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•••• •• • ••• • • •• • • •:••• :.t.4: :.

DECLASSIFIED

ENCLOSURE (1)

SECR'ETI

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

• SE'CRET

(4) At 1120 on 19 March, elements ot the 3d Battalion, 51st ARVNRegiment made oontact with an unknown size en~ unit six ldlometers eastof Dai Leo (AT 976572). SLx eoemy soldiers were killed, one BAR, oneAKt-47, and tour B-40 rocket launohers were captured.

(5) On 21 March at 0900, el_ents ot the 170th and the 1st ot thel34tb RF Group enga~ed an unknown sized en8lD1' torce tive kilometers southot Marble Mountain (BT 080662). F1ve of the en~ were ldlled, and twoAK-47e were oaptured.

(6) Four RF Companies and a Provincial Reconnaissance unit con­ducted a sweep operation on Football Island (AT 89052) trom lSOO on the21st to 1.300 on the 22d ot March. Seventeen enemy were killed, and eightindividual weapons were captured. One PW was captured and 158 detaineeswere taken into custody'.

(7) At 0745 on 22 March, five kilometers northeast ot An Hoa(AT 903515), the 1st ot the 23d RF Company engaged an unknown size etl81D1torce. Nine enemy were killed, 14 PWs, two individual weapons and onecrew served weapon were captured.

(8) On 25 March at 0140, five kilometers southeast ot Hoi An(BT 133526), an element from the 11th Comp8n7, 3d K>K Marine Battalion,initiated an ambush against three armed VC. All three ot the enemy wereldlled) two individual weapons and one ChicOil grenade were captured.

(9) On 26 March at 0145, the 85th ItF Platoon in its night position,400 meters west ot Dai Loc (AT 911577), was attacked by an unknown si.eerleIIl7 torce. The en8lll¥ were driven ott with unknown casualties.

(10) At 02.30 on 26 March, an enemy sapper unit blew up a sectionot the Liberty Bridge (AT 925533), probably utilizing several charges otTNT. Tratfic on Route 540 was disrupted tor a 24 hour period.

(11) At lSOO on 27 March, the 1st Platoon ot the 34th RF Companyengaged an unknown size enEY torce eight kilometers south ot the Da NangAiIbase (BT 033668). SLx ot the enEIIIT were killed, and tour individualweapons captured.

(12) On 28 March at 1600, the 6th Company, 2d Battalion, 2d B:>KMarine Brigade discovered a .eries ot bunkers and tunnels nine kilometerssoutheast ot Dai Loc (BT 009518). Nine VC were killed by grenades in thetunnels. A search of the bunkers disclosed two M-16 ritles, two carbinesand one 61mm mortar.

(13) Between 0210 and 0500 on 29 March, Duc Duc District Head­quarters was hit by OO:x82mm mortar rounds, 6OJE6Omm mortar ro\D1ds and sixB-qQ rounds. This was to1lowed by a ground attack. The enemy breached

•• •• •• • ••• gQU>SURE (1)•• •••• • • • • • • • • • SECRET• • • • • • • • ••• ••• ••• • :l?: •• • • • • • •••• • ••• •• •• • SECREr

DECLASSIFIED

I

DECLASSIFIED

Sf E'" 1f!'4;\ Q~E,"T..".."J.: r<~,\:.:'"":i.... ".l.

the perimeter and entered the compound. At 0500 the 4l2th RF Company ancl123<1 RF Platoon counterattacked. and drove the enEllQ' out. In conjunctionwith this attack the enemy conducted a sY'stematic destructive attackagainst the population area in the vicinitY' ot Duc Due District Headquarters,causing widespread destruction in civilian lives and propertY'. Total of59 VO vere killed; three PW's, 22 individual weapons, and six crev sened.weapons were captured..

(14) At 0200 on 29 March, approx:im&te17 fIJ VO attacked the VinhDian Bridge, one kilometer northwest of Dien Ban (B'l' 056588), a nearbY'~et, and Dien Ban District Headquarters. The attackers were repelledbY' Territorial Forces and CAP units. Enemy casualties were reported asunknown.

(15) Between 02.30 and 0300 on 29 March, two night positions ofthe 796th RF CompanY', seven kilometers northwest of Dien Ban (BT 057658 ­BT 053627). were attacked. One position received 2Q:x82111m mortar romds,and the other 15xB2mrn mortar rounds. Both mortar attacks were followedby ground attacks that were repelled. Four ot the 8nelD1' were killed andthree individual v_pone captured.

(16) At 0910 on 31 March, Due Due District Headquarters was hitwith tour 122mm Bockets but sutfered no damage or casualties.

c. ;pm Action statistics. The following are statistics on enfJlll1'activities in Marine Areas of Operation for the month of March:

AttacksAmbushesAssaults bY' fireHarras1ng fireMines/BoobY' trapsAA Fire/Hits

!h!D!l In!tilted Act!viUes

0000047924

101/;0

I

•••• •• •••• • • •• • • •:... ~~: :.

•• •• ••• •• •• •• •• •••• ••• ••••• • ••• •••• ••

d. &ley Order of Battle. There were no changes to the en~ Order otBattle during March. PW reports received indicates that the enemy haslI&naged to infiltrate groups of replac.ents into Quang Nam (p) in recentmonths. Further infomation will be required to substantiate these reports.III MAl Order ot Battle Section current1T carries en-v strength at 9,500,including guerrillas and administrative service personnel.

e. Counterintellience

(1) Counterintelligence Monthly Oveaiew. Ve/VCI counterintelligenceand related activities durinC the month ot March 1971 reflected a significantincrease in terrorist activity throughout the III MAF AO, with a total ot

DCLOSUBB (1)

S(F~CR·.f'E'T'.m,,,!1, .~m

DECLASSIFIED

SECBEl'

DECLASSIFIED

• 5ECRE~r

28 incidents as opposed to ten incidents during Februar,y 1971. Pa~

ticularl,. noticeable were the overt acts ot attempted sabotage duringthe last week ot March. On 25 March 1971, an attempt to sabotage aMarine 2i-ton truck was detected when the truck retumed trom an autho~ized dump run. Inspection ot the vehicle di.8closed an eJq>losive deviceattached under the truck bed approximately two inches allove the gas taDk,The devioe consisted ot a beer oan tilled with 0-4 and .a equ1pped witha t1Jlle-delq tuse. At appro:x:l.mately UOO, 26 March 1971, M:l.litar,y Policeapprehended a Vietnam.ese female between two vehicles in cloae prox1JlL1t,.to the main gate ot Danang Ab'base (BT 022761). In her possession weretwo cans containing 0-4 with tiae delq tuses, wh1ch were to be placedon the vehicles in the immediate area. ELs_heN in the Da Nang areaduring the same time trame, four VC sapper. with similar missions wereapprehended by the National Pollee. The overall increase in terroristactivity and the overt sabotage attempts can be attributed to initiationot the enemyI. K.850 Campa18J1.

(2) Terrorism and Propaganda

(a) The number of KIJ. and WIAs resulting Ira terrorietactivity increased e1.8J1itioantl,. over the previous month. At approximatel,.1915, 27 March 1971, tour members ot a local assaa.ination cell enteredXuan Thieu (H) (AT 937814), Hoa mep (V), Hoa Vang (D), during a meetingof hamlet officials. The Hamlet Chiet, Assistant Hamlet Chief and twoPSDF members were killed, and 15 Vietnamese civilians, including children,were wo\D'1ded. Four other GVN otficials were killed, and nine Wirewo\D'1ded during the month. The mllber ot v.i.ct1ms and structures damagedjdestroyed by terrorist acts during the month are as followsl

I

KilledWoundedAbductedst.ructures-Dam/Dest

18 (+ 7)

53 (- 9~14 (+ 38 (-38

(b) l!h~ propaganda aotivity was lim1ted to the dietributionot propaganda leatlets on one occasion and propaganda broadcasts vialoudspeaker on another occasion.

(3) Subversiop. No incidents ot subversion are known to haveoccurred during the month.

(4) Sabotage. There were two overt attempts to I&bota~e u. s.vehicles through use of plastic e:xplosives (0-4) placed in beer/soda cansequipped with time-delay fuses. Both attempts were trustrated.

(5) Espionage. There were no reported incidents ot espiona~eduring the month. However, it can reasonably be asslDed that the VO/VCImaintain a continuing intelligence collection eftort. within the III MAF AOtor the purpose ot identifying prospective target••

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• •• •• • • • • •• •• ••• • • ••• ••• •••• •••.......: ..·· ..·l~.· :.

DECLASSIFIED

~CLOSURE (1)

SECRETSECRET

DECLASSIFIED

SECrFrETSEeREl'

f. l!Aem..y Losses. EheJll¥ losses for the month of March were:

KIA. 75Detainees 2)2PWs VC 01PWs NVA 01Innocent Civiliane 00Civil Defendants 00lndividual Weapons 45Crew Served Weapons 06Rice Captured 17,015lbaTotal Hoi Chanhs retumed to both military and civilian authorities - 31

g. Kit Carson Scout Progm

(1) Slgnificant accomplisblnents of Kit Carson SCouts employed by1st Marine D1vision for the period 1 - 31 March were:

I

PatrolsClasses ConductedPsyops Broadcast 8Enemy Capturad/Suspects ApprehendedPh~ KilledWeapons RecoveredRetumeesCaves/Tunnels DetectedMines/Booby Traps DetectedCaches Discovered

190140003020000000501

(2) Additional statistics on Kit Carson Scouts employed by the1st Marine D1vision are:

ABSOO/TpaNATED

28

MIA

00

WIA

00

jAplo;'[ed Recruited =KI=A~~=-_.:.=::.---=====:.:.lr...::.===~::.=c.

52 00 01

No of KCSI

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•••• ••• • •• o. .: • 18 :•• ••

••••••III

liNCWSURE 11.>SECR~.T

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

6 • LOG ISTICS

DECLASSIFIED

SECRETa. General. During the month of March 1971

active participation in Redeployment Increment VI,Keystone Robin (Charlie) continued w±th the rede­ployment of elements of the First Marine Divisionand the First Marine Aircraft Wing. The logisticeffort in support of Lam Son 719 was reduced withthe return of Marine Corps rootor transport, roughterrain forklifts and engineer equipment. MarineCorps helicopters continued to provide assistance.

b. G-4

(I) Redistri.bution Program

(a) ThE~ III MAP Redistribution Pro­gram continued through the reporting period. Pres­ent statistics show that 304,585 items have beenredistributed at a value of approximately 41.8 mil­lion dollars.

(b) with the redeployment of Embarkunits IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII during March, Project805 contributed 384 items to the Vietnamization Pro­gram of 385 items offered. The dollar value of thetransfer was $398,188. The cumulative totals forequipment transferred are 9,991 items offered and9,251 items accepted which reflects a 93% acceptancerate and a dollar value of over 3.1 million.

(2) Real Estate/Facilities

(a) Transfer of the following realestate/facilities were effected during March 1971:

CANTONMENT NAME TRANSFERRED TO DATE

Combat Base Baldy ARVN 10 March 1971

ASP #2 USA 15 March 1971

FLC Bakery USA 15 March 1971

Camp Lauer/Stack Arms ARVN 23 March 1971

Camp Faulkner USA 27 March 1971

(b) During March, elements of the FirstMarine Division redeployed from Hill 381, OP 218, OP119, and OP 250 leaving no United States Marine Corpsunits at these locations.

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... .... ..• • • • •• • • • •.... 1·•• • Q... .. ,.

• ••••••••

SECRETEnclosure (11

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SE.CHEf(c) Due to redeployment of united States

Marine Corps forces from RVN, the final offering ofUnited States Marine Corps real property was made on1 March 1971. List of the excess property is as fol­lows:

CANTONMENT NAME PRESENT TENANT COORDINATES SPACES

Hill 65 1st Mar Div AT880579 695Hill 37 N 1st Mar Div AT915582 4501st Med Bn 1st Mar Div AT973755 479Camp Reasoner 1st Mar Div AT958752 816ASP #1 FLC AT988734 0III MAP/Camp 14 1st Mar Div AT938783 650Northern Arty 1st Mar Div AT921795 700Hill 34 1st Mar Div AT989709 1600MASS-3 (Hill 327) 1st MAW AT972737 35Retrograde Fac FLC AT958803 0Camp Stokes FLC BT005748 300Camp Books FJ..IC AT935805 3876Division C. P. 1st Mar Div AT956750 1970

(3 ) Airlifts

(a) Marine intra-Republic of Vietnampassenger airlifts decreased from 42,623 during Feb­ruary to 37,531 during March - a decrease of 5,092.Marine cargo lifted decreased from 8,062 short tonsto 4,363 short tons during March - a decrease of 3,699short tons. This does not include over 76 short tonsof fuel dispensed by Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft dur­ing inflight refueling missions.

(b) Personnel flown out of the Republicof Vietnam in connection with permanent change ofstation orders totalled 3,672 - an increase of 354over the previous month.

( 4 ) Ordnance

(a) On 1 March the regular meeting ofthe JARB was held in Saigon. The Force Ordnance Of­ficer offered excess class V(W) to USARV/ARVN. (To­tal money value $5,533,9J4) USARV accepted 350 SiT($2,135,342) and ARVN accepted 450.5 SiT ($3,398,592).

(b) On 13 March 1971 USARV accepted20.2 SiT of Class V (W) (.$26,429).

(c) The transfer of ASP #2 to USARVoccurred as scheduled at 1330 on 15 March 1971.

•• •• •• •••• •• • •• Enclosure (1)• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • SECRET•• ••• ••• • • • :30• • • • • • • ••• •••• •• •• •• •

DECLASSIFIED

I

DECLASSIFIED

The 30 DOA common service Class V(W) and 45 DOAUSMC peculiar Class V(W) equaled 6,821 SIT and thecost approximated $13,783,130.

(d) Excess Class V (W) (1,259 SIT)offered to ARVN on 25 March was accepted from FLC.This material was valued at $l,O~1,254.30.

(e) On 28 March 44.7 SiT of excessUSMC Class V(W) was transferred to ARVN. This wasammunition valued at approximately $609,818.

c. Embarkation Summary. During March, a totalof seven amphibious ships were loaded with IIIMAF troops and cargo for Japan, Okinawa, and theUnited States. These ships comprised Embark UnitsII through VI.

d. Engineer Summary

(1) Force Engineers continued to supportlIIMAF and XXIV Corps by maintaining 34.2 miles ofroad. Additionally, Force Engineers supportedNMCB-3 in the repair of LTL-4 East by furnishingmine sweeps. During the upgrade of HL-540 a force i

engineer demo team destroyed 110 pieces of ordnancegiven to them by civilians from Phu Son villages#1 and #2.

(2) Force Engineers continued the disman­tling and retrograde of 26 Butler buildings. Todate 16 buildings have been dismantled and 15 ship­ped.

(3) Electrical and plumbing upgrade of CampReasoner was completed.

(4) Vertical construction continues withprojects such as SEA hut, bunker and building reha­bilitation.

(5) Participated in civic action by instal­ling a water system at the China Beach Orphanage.

e. Supply Summa:rx.

(1) 981 Rati.on Supplement Sundri~s Packswere issued to the 2d Marine Brigade, ROKMC for themonth of March.

(2) Group I WIA Personal Effects and BaggageDetail Listings was provided Alcon •

I

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Enclosure (1)

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

e SECRET(3) The 3d Marine Amphibious Brigade flag

was received on 29 March 1971.

f. Dental Summa~

(1) The Force Dental Officer inspected thefollowing dental facilities during February:

(a) Force Logistic Command

(b) 1st Battalion, 5th Marines

(c) Marine Aircraft Group-16

Cd) 1st Medical Battalion

(e) 3d Battalion, 1st Marines

(f) 1st Battalion, 1st Marines

(g) Marine Aircraft Group-II

(h) Service Company, 1st Marine Divi-sion

(2) The total number of dental treatmentsprovided by III MAF dental detachments during Marchwas 16,166, a decrease of 398 from the previousmonth's total.

(3) The following areas are visited on adaily/weekly basis in connection with the 11th Den­tal Company Dental Civic Action Program:

Cal Thang-Binh Catholic School

(b) 5th ARVN RegIment

(c) Tho Nham (Chinese School)

Cd) MWHG-l Civic Action Center, PhuocFuong Hamlet

(e) MAG-18 Civic Action Center

(f) Hoa Kahn Children's Hospital, FLC

(g) Co Man Village

(h) Crescent Beach Leprosarium

I

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(i)•• • •••• • •• • ••••••• ••• ••

German Hospital•• • ••• • •• • •• • •

•••• ::!2

DECLASSIFIED

Ship Helgoland

SECRETEnclosure (1)

e 'SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

g. MedicaT Summ"ary

(1) During the reporting period, medicalfacilities of the following units were inspected:

(a) 3d Battalion, 1st Marines

(b) lsi: Battalion, 11th Marines

(2) The USS Sanctuary operated in Vietnamwaters throughout the month of March.

(3) The total average patient load forthe 1st Medical Battalion during March was 61,with a total of 360 admitted and 134 evacuatedout of country.

(4) As of 30 March 1971 the authorized num­ber of beds was reduced from 180 to 60 at the 1stMedical Battalion.

(5) Information concerning 1st Medical Bat­talion inpatient treatment facilities from 1 Marchto 30 March follows:

AUTH BEDS

180

ACT BEDS

180

AVG CENSUS

61

%OCCUPIED

33

Information concerning USS Sanctuary inpatient treat­ment is unavailable at this time.

h. Chronological Listing of Highlights for March1971

3 Mar

10 Mar

10 Mar

11 Mar

USS Pitkin cty (LST-l082) arrived TienshaRamp, loaded Embark Unit II and sailedfor CONUS via Guam

USS St Louis (LKA-116) arrived Deep WaterPier and commenced loading Embark Unit III

Combat Base Baldy transferred to ARVN

USS St Louis (LKA-116) completed load­ing and sailed for CONUS via Iwakuniand Okinawa

USS Juneau (LPD-IO) arrived Deep WaterPier and commenced loading Embark Unit IV

12 Mar

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DECLASSIFIED

SFC~ETEnclosure ell

12 Mar

15 Mar

15 Mar

21 Mar

23 Mar

24 Mar

25 Mar

27 Mar

28 Mar

31 Mar

DECLASSIFIED

e 'SECRET

G-4 representatives departed for Hawaiifor CINCPACFLT Planning Conference

ASP #2 transferred to U.S. Army

FLC Bakery transferred to U.S. Army

USS CaJ~ga (LST-1186) arrived Deep WaterPier, loaded Embark unit V and sailedfor CONUS

Camp Lauer/Stack Arms transferred to ARVN

USS Denver (LPD-9) arrived Deep WaterPier and commenced loading. Embark Unit V

USS Denver (LPD-9) completed loading andsailed for CONUS via Okinawa.

Camp Faulkner transferred to U.S. Army

USS Manitowoc (LST~1180) arrived Deep WaterPier, loaded Embark Unit VII and sailed forCONUS

USS Duluth (LPD-6) arrived Deep Water Pierto commence loading Embark unit VI.

•• •• •• •••• ..' • •• SECRET• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • Enclosure (1.)•• ••• ••• • • •~• • • • • • • ••• •••• •• •• •• I

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRETa. Significant events for March. There were no significant events for

the month of March 1911.

•• •• •• •••• •• ••• 5£CR'fT'. • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • Enclosure (1)•• ••• ••• • • • :25• • • • • • • ••• •••• •• •• •• •

DECLASSIFIED

I

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET8. CIVIL AFFAIRS

a. Objectives. The basic objectives of the III MarineAmphibious Force Civil Affairs Program remain the same.

b. Civic Action Statist:ics

(1) Cost of supplies contributed from military resourcesfor civic action projects (does not include cost of commod­ities obtained from USAID, CORDS, CRS, and like organiza-tions): $VN 3,910,699

(2) Expenditures from US/FWMAF Civic Action/PSYWAR Fund:$VN 172,180

( 3) Maj or Civic Action Programs:

Man-days(lO-hr days) $VN

a. Economic Development 4:3.6 251,970

b. Education 290 141,240

c. Social Welfare 661 2,354,999

d. Transportation 310 126,202

e. Refugee Assistance Support 707 331,710

(4) Number of separate institutions supported during thereporting period:

I

a. Schools

b. Orphanages

c. Hospitals/Dispensaries

d. Others

(5) MEDCAP-DENTAL

(a) Treatments

46

18

10

6

Number ofPatients

MedicalReSUlting from Hostile ActionNot resulting from Hostile ActionImmunizations

Dental

5824,41813,447

315

•• •• •• •••• •• • ••0 • • • • • • • • •0 • • • • • • • ••• ••• ••• • • • •<I • • • • • • • :?\S•• •••• •• •• ••

DECLASSIFIED

Total 38,238

DECLASSIFIED

• SECRET(b) Number of Vietnamese Health Workers Trained: 73

c. Civic Action Projects. The following is a high­light of significant civic action projects conducted dur­ing the month of March 1971:

Units of III MAF have completed all civic actionprojects prior to standdown with the exception of a villageoffice in Tau Luu which is a.pproximately 60% complete.

(6) Selected civic action projects having particular humaninterest appeal. None

•• •• •• •••• •• • •• SECRET• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • Fllc10sure (1)•• ••• ••• • • • •(, • • • • • • • ::n•• •••• •• •• • •

DECLASSIFIED

I

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET,9. PSYCHOLOOICAL WARFARE OPEH.ATIONS

a. Chieu Hoi Program

PROVINCE TOTAL NYA VOCrtttNti trAM 25 1 3DA M1Jtl CITY 7 0 1TOTAL 32 1 Ii

b. Campaign SupportLEAFLH:l'

(1) THEME AlIi GROUND

CHIE.'U HOI 2,342,000 0

PRO-<1VN 2,988,000 196,300

ANTI-VC/NVA 3,76'7,000 6,985

H&lAlIDS 8~~,ooo 8,525

RESOURCE DENIAL 870,000 2,150

HEALTH 0 5,100

PHUNG HOANG 0 10,000

NON4Ut WPNS21 1

'-0 027 1-

BROADCAST HOURSAIR GROUND

0:50 7:00

11:00 92:30

14:21 12:30

5:40 0

0 1:00

0 0

0 0

(2) Movie showings/attendance - 33114,450

0) Armed Propaganda Team~J - 64 team/days in the field

(4) l!arlyworda - 3 missions flown

c. Narrative SummB.!:l. PSYOP activity decreased somewhat during themonth of March. However, all PSYOP mediums were employed with emphasisplaced on PRO-GVN and ANTI-VC/NVA themes as significant phases of redep­loyment were carried out. 30th First Marine Division and 2d CombinedAction Group employed Armed Propaganda Teams during the month with sus­tained success. A sign1ficant PSYOP effort continued in support ofOperation Lam Son 719. This support was directed at those elementsattempting to interdict'QL-1 in the Hai Van Pass area and at the localpopulace that is still unsure of ARVN successes in that operation.Other face-to-face activities, such as MEDCAPS/DENTCAPS and Civic ActionPrograms, continued to play an important role at all levels within theIII Marine Amphibious Force.

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • ••• ••• ••• • • • :as• • • • • • • ••• •••• •• •• •• •

SEC~ETEnclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

,

• SECRET10. Communications

a. Combat Operations Center Communications trafficduring the month of March 1971:

Teletype Fe lruary March Increase Decrease

Incoming 3991 3860 0 131

Outgoing 530 212 0 318

Total 4521 4072 0 449

Radio

Incoming 19 9 0 10

b. Headquarters, III MAF message traffic originated:

February 13

March 13

Decrease 0

c. 1 Mar - Maj HIMMERICH transfered from G-6 Section, IIIMAF to assume new duties as Commanding Officer, CommunicationSupport Company, 7th Commun:f.cation Battalion.

d. 3 Mar - MSgt LATTIN gave brief on the AN/PRC-25 radioat the monthly SgtMaj conference.

e. 7 Mar - MGySgt LATTIN promoted to present rank by LtColL. Z. SLAWTER with a date of rank 01' 1 February 1971.

t. 25 Mar - CWO 2 WATTS attended an AUTOSEVO-Comm WorkingGroup Meeting at MACV Headquarters in Saigon, RVN.

g. 29 Mar - 1st Lt J. R. ALBRIGHT departed tor CONUS onemergency leave/PCS.

~. During the Month 01' March the following items were01' significance:

(1) Shifted crypto material/equipment trom First RadioBattalion to CommSptCo account to support First RadBn detach­ment.

(2) Mr SMITH, AN/TGC-37 tech rep received orders trans­tering him to Third MarDiv on 21 April 71.

(3) ~ CQOPKi/.ANI~-~.techrep will be transfered toThird MarDit cln: 1· J'tfev. 71·. : O';d';"s forthcoming from CMC... ... .~. ~ . ~ -~

•• • ••••••• 1 (1)•• •••• •• •• •• .29 Ene Osute . I

S·lEC,RETDECLASSIFIED

•DECLASSIFIED

e SECRET(4) There was a continued redistribution ot KY-8

and KY-38 equipments.

(5) A tinal Message Review Report tor III MAF wassubmitted. The next quarterly report is due 30 June 1971.

(6) Award recommendations were submitted on Col WILLIS,LtCol SLAWTER, Maj McINTYRE, Maj DONEHOWER, 1st Lt. ALBRIGHTand MSgySgt LATTIN. Letters of continuity were submitted onMaj HIMMERICH and CWO 2 WATTS. Another recommendation tora Meritorious Mast wastsubmitted on LCpl MEIER.

(7) COMNAVFORV initiated action on the return of tenAN/PRC-77 radios which were on temp loan trom Comm8ptCo, 7thCommBn.

(8) COMUSMACV requested transter ot the AN/TTC-28 atthe First Marine Division to the incoming Army unit. Topicot reimbursement has not beon resolved.

(9) All AN/PRC-75's will be shipped to Third MarDiv.Authority was granted to transfer non RFI.

(10) The MMAF tower equipment will not be required bythe incoming Army unit. First MAW *ill request dispositioninstructions on the NAVAIDS trom NAVELEXBYSCOM Hq.

(11) During the month of March a total ot 18 newcircuits were activated, 28 changed and 60 deactivated dueto units redeploying and in preparatio n to form 3d MAB.

I

•• •• •• •••• •• • ••• •• •• • • • • •• •• ••• • • ••• ••• •••• •••.......: ....•...... :~O

DECLASSIFIED

Ehc10sure (1)

·SECRET

e11. FOF:CE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

DECLASSIFIED

• SECRETa. BACKGROUND. During the month of March the Force Public Affairs

Office in coordination with 1st Mar Div, 1st MAW and FLC PAO's providedescorts to accompany newsmen in nevs gathering assignments coveringMilitary Region 1 ground and air operations, civic action and CAP Program.

b. MOTOR TRANSPORT. Only one tactical vehicle is on hand at the PublicAffairs Office.

TYPEM-151

VEHICLE357720

STATUSPAO

Another jeep is in use at the Da Nang Air Base, Press Operations bythe Marine Liaison Officer.

c. PRESS' Press copies of the March issues of the SEA TIGER areinclosed.

d. STAFF VISITS. The following is a list of Staff Visits made by theForce Public Affairs Officer during the month of March.

1 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Da Nang Press Center,nothing significant to report.

3 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Da Nang Press Center,talked to Rick Merron &: Hugh Milligan, Associated Press, someinterest shown in doing a standdown story on 5TH Marines.Arrangments being made.

5 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Da Nang Press Center,nothing significant to report.

8 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Da. Nang Press Center,Discussed with XXIV Corps Information Officer on the arrangementsfor a Press Liaison Building at 15th Aerial Port. Da Nang PressCenter will close 15 March 1971.

10 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Da Nang Press Center,nothing significant to report.

I

22 Mar 71 -

24 Mar 71 -

Force Public Affairs Officer visited 15th Aerial Port PressLiaison Center. Work is still being done on the building andit was not yet fully operational. Phones are installed and itis being manned from 0730 to 1700 daily but no media had beenlogged in since 19 March.

Attended 3d MAB staff meeting. Went to Da Nang Press Center. Placeis vacated except for Army caretaker personnel. All media have nowmoved to the Grand HCltel. Went to the Grand Hotel and met withbureau chief of NBC and office manager of ABC who were up fromSaigon to make billeting arrangments for their personnel. At thistime they are .. not sure how their operation is going to work uphere and are waiting until Lam Son 719 winds down before they.. .. .. .... ~. ...torty:toe ~u~ ~ou't j.t. :

•• ••• •••• ••••• • ••••• •••• •••• •• •• •• • 31

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

28 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Grand Hotel to distributepress releases on units standing down.

29 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer attended Conference with CG, 3d MAEdesignate.

30 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited Grand Hotel to distributepress releases on units standing down.

31 Mar 71 - Force Public Affairs Officer visited & attended 3d MAE Conference.

•• •• •• •••• •• • ••• • 5 • • • • • • •.' • • • • • • • • Enclosure (1)•• ••• • •• • • • )~l' • • • • • • • ....•• • ••• •• •• •• •

DECLASSIFIED

I

DECLASSIFIED

12. CHRONOLOGY OF VIP VISrrS

~03-04Mar7llo-Mar7l25-27Mar7l

25-27Har7l

~CLAREY, B. A.GORWITZ, B. K.FAW, D. L.

ROTRlGE, H. J.

~SERVlCE.Adm USNBGen/USABGen/USMO

RAdrn/USN

BILlETOINCPACli'LTADO, 23d INFDIVDirector JUdge

Advocate DIV,H(J{O

ChC, PACFLTChaplain

I

•• ••• •• •• •••• •••,). .•• ••••

•• ••••• • •• • ••••••• ••• ••

••• •• •• •• •••

• ••••:33•

...Enc losure (1 )

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

• SECRETPARI' IV

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

1. March 1911 editions, III Marille Amphibious Force Newspaper, ~ Tiger.f"""

•• •• •• •••• •• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • :i~•• ••• ••• • • •• • • • • • • ••• •••• •• •• •• •

~Enclosure (1)

DECLASSIFIED