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From the 1/14th Daily Journal Summaries for the month of
February 1968  


    After Action Report:
   
Engagements around Hardcore, 3-28 Feb 1968
     
    Remarks about the use of aircraft, mortars and artillery
   
in the area of Hardcore
     
    Thanks to Ed Helrigel, Delta Co., 67-68 for contributing these documents found in the archives of the University of Texas.
1 FEB 1968

0920

Intell Report: TOR: 0900: Enemy BAttalion CP vic BT125358, 1000 meter radius

1217

2/C/1/14 vic 987360 engaged 1 indiv trying to evade resulting in 1 VC KIA with neg ID card wearing black PJ's.

1400

Intell Report: TOR: 1400: Posible enemy Battalion CP vic BT053411, radius 1700 meters. Arty put in at that location.

1605

1/C/1/14 vic 991365 had 1 VC KIA wearing green uniform and carrying a pack.

2 FEB 1968

1115

D/1/14 had US WIA from a friendly 105mm rd. Evac to LZ BALDY by resupply ship.

1812

1/A/1/14 vic 081389 had 1 male detainee with neg ID card. Evac to Bde.

3 FEB 1968

1440

A/1/14 vic 967501 sustained 2 US WIA. Dust-Off requested and completed at 1530.

1550

A/1/14 airborne from PZ vic 081389 at 1345. Touchdown at LZ vic 977501 at 1550. 1 UH-1B Hellicopter was shot down.

1745

Mort/1/14 requested a Dust-Off for 2 US WIA while airborne in a CH-47. Dust-Off complete at 1810 vic 977501.

4 FEB 1968

0440

LP/D/1/14 rec'd hand grenades and SA fire. 2 US WIA. Dust-Off requested and complete at 0620. Sub el of D/1/14 escorted LP to CP.

0510

LP/D/1/14 vic 979504 had 1 Enemy KIA, 2 LMG's, 1 B-40 rocket launcher, 3 B-40 rockets CIA. KIA was wearing black shorts.

0715

2/D/1/14 loc 971505 had 1 NVA KIA, 1 AK-47 w/3 clips w/ammo CIA. (SN10089680). KIA was of military age wearing black PJ's and carrying 4 Chicom grenades.

1340

B/1/14 had contact with 4-5 AW vic 987517. Gunships requested.

1650:3/B/1/14 sustained 1 US WIA vic 987517. Dust-Off requested and complete at 1712.

1720: 3/B/1/14 sustained 2 US WIA vic 987517. Dust-Off requested and complete at 1815.

1805: Summary of Contact: Large enemy force; AW's and M79's heavily dug in. 3 NVA KIA; 2 AK-47's CIA; 7 packs, web gear, and documents CIA. Enemy wearing green uniforms.

5 FEB 1968

0805

D/1/14 vic 992514 requested a Dust-Off for 9 US WIA from friendly Arty. Complete at 0825.

1045

D/1/14 detained 37 women and children. Requests interpreter.

1128

2/D/1/14 vic 987500 found 34 men, women, and children in 10 bunkers. Requests interpreter.

1300

3/A/1/14 vic of contact found bunkers dug in. Destroyed. 1/A/1/14 sub el found a blood trail and detained 1 NV female w/baby.

1307

Intell Report 1115H: 30 VC wearing mixed uniforms w/packs and wpns moving east to northeast vic 928374.

1434

Intell Report: Unknown size enemy located vic 966519, 800 meter radius. Air Strike will be put in that location.

1745

A/1/14 vic 966514 requested a Dust-Off for a VN boy(aged 12). Indiv was wounded in the face by rifle fire. Dust-Off complete at 1810.

2120

Intell Report: Bn CP located vic AT988529; 750 meter radius. TOR: Early evening.

2128: Detainee from D/1/14 stated he was forced to dig trenches by NVA. 150 NVA w/ mortars vic AT987516.

6 FEB 1968

0731

B/1/14 vic 977530 had contact with 8-10 VC. Enemy had packs and weapons. B/1/14 pursued and killed 1 Enemy wearing black PJ's and camoflaged hat with neg ID Card.

1245

2/A/1/14 vic 966520 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA from a booby-trap. (81mm mortar rd w/trip wire). Also found another 81 mm booby-trap in the same vicinity. Destroyed. Dust-Off complete at 1303.

1355

B/1/14 vic 969537 fec'd MG fire from an unknown sized enemy force. 1 US WIA. Gunships requested.

1430

2/A/1/14 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA. Booby Trap; 81mm rd w/trip wire. Dust-Off complete at 1440 vic 968520.

1445

B/1/14 requested a Dust-Off for 5 US WIA by SA fire. Dust-Off complete at 1500 vic 969537.

1510

1/A/1/14 vic 963523 requested a Dust-Off for 1 UA WIA from sniper fire.

1715

B/1/14 vic 969537 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA. Dust-Off complete at 1735.

1740

2/A/1/14 vic 962522 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA from a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1750.

1802

D/1/14 vic 969537 had 1 NVA KIA dressed in khaki uniform with 1 SKS SN10145665. 1 Pack and 1 pistol belt CIA.

1815

B/1/14 vic 969537 sustained 4 US KIA by SA.

1815

B/1/14 vic 969537 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA by sniper fire. Dust-Off complete at 1900.

1842

A/1/14 vic 962518 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA by sniper fire. Dust-Off completeat 1849.

2015

D/1/14 vic 968552 had 1 enemy KIA and 1 enemy seriously wounded. Enemy WIA evac.

7 FEB 1968

0927

A/1/14 requested a Dust-Off for AC of 1/14 C&C Ship. Ship was downed vic 962518 bu SA fire. (AC DOA). A/1/14 sustained 3 US WIA in same vicinity. Dust-Off complete at 1332.

0955

Dust-Off 57 downed by SA fire at A/1/14 location. Neg casualties. Fire was from approx 6 carbines and AW's around the perimeter.

1227

3/D/1/14 vic 960543 had 1 enemy KIA wearing green uniform and blue sweat shirt. 1 K-44 CIA. 1 Pack containing uniforms, 2 Chicom grenades, 1 NVA gas mask, and 50 rds K-44. (K-44 SN19834).

1630

FAC(Helix 53) vic 950524 observed 6 enemy KIA by US mortars at 1508. (1/14 4.2).

1650

C/1/14 vic 952525 engaged an enemy force resulting in 3 VC KIA. (2 dressed in green w/pistol belts and canteens and 1 dressed in black).

1745

Rcn/1/14 vic 948506 had 1 NVA KIA. Called in Arty in that vic resulting in 4 NVA KIA.

1813

C/1/14 vic 947528 requested a Dust-Off for 3 US WIA by a booby trapped hand grenade w/trip wire. Dust-Off completed at 1900.

1820

Gunships put in ordinance vic 938506 resulting in 4 enemy KIA. (Viciinity of Rcn/1/14 contact).

1945

C/1/14 vic 942528 had 2 enemy KIA dressed in black PJ's with neg ID, packs or wpns.

8 FEB 1968

1051

2/C/1/14 vic 949537 spotted 1 enemy wearing black PJ's trying to evade. Enemy ran into a bunker and was killed by a grenade. Neg ID.

1136

A/1/14 had 8 military aged Chieu Hoas wearing white uniforms with blakc PJ's underneath. Evac to Bde.

1258

1/A/1/14 vic 958534 wounded and captured 1 enemy that tried to evade when he spotted the friendly troops. Cia wearing black Pj's with neg ID card. Evac to LZ HARDCORE.

1650

B/1/14 vic 972536 rec'd sniper fire from 2 directions. Spotted 4 VC (1 w/wpn) and engaged with SA resulting in 1 enemy KIA. KIA was wearing black PJ's with neg gear.

1735

D/1/14 vic 973518 requested a Dust-Off for 2 US WIA from a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1759. (Type of booby trap unknown).

1919

1/C/1/14 vic 985527 had 3 NVA KIA, 1 AK-47 CIA (SN10066767). NVA wearing green uniform and NVA web gear.

2001

3/A/1/14 vic 985529 observed 1 indiv crawling twoard the perimeter. Engaged with SA resulting in 1 enemy KIA wearing black PJ's with neg wpn or ID.

9 FEB 1968

0918

2/B/1/14 vic 976532 had 1 NVA KIA, 1 AK-47 CIA (SN11043203). KIA wearing green and grey uniform, NVA web gear, NVA field glasses and pack, and carrying documents.

0953

1/C/1/14 vic 003542 sustained 1 US WIA from SA fire. WIA extracted by 1/14 C&C Aircraft at 1138H.

1105

3/D/1/14 vic 957511 rec'd 15-20 rds of AW fire. Called in Arty(4.2). Sustained 1 US WIA. WIA extracted by 1/14 C&C Aircraft vic 959511 at 1210H.

1106

2/D/2/35 vic 954484 sustained 2 US WIA from a booby trap. WIAs extracted by 1/14 C&C Aircraft at 1132H. Also found 2 US frag grenade booby traps in same area. Destroyed.

1205

C/1/14 vic 010540 had 9 enemy KIA wearing green uniforms, web gear, carrying packs with .50 Cal ammo inside. One KIA was an NVA Officer (Captured picture confirmed).

1240

C/1/14 in vic of contact sustained 2 US WIA from friendly Arty. WIAs extracted by 1/14 C&C Aircraft at 1320.

1300

1/C/1/14 in vic of contact had 1 enemy KIA wearing white and black clothing with neg wpn, pack, or ID card.

1445

C/1/14 vic 012547 had contact with the enemy. (See Wrap-Up).

1508

C/1/14 vic 012547 requested a Dust-Off for 5 US WIA from SA fire. Dust-Off complete at 1600H.

1555

A/1/14 vic 028544 sustained 1 US KIA.

1605

B/1/14 rec'd incoming mortar rds. (See Wrap-Up).

1630

D/1/14 vic of contact requested a Dust-Off for US WIA from SA fire. Dust-Off complete at 1700H

1735

B/1/14 vic of contact requested a Dust-Off for 10 US WIA. Dust-Off complete at 1810H.

1810

174th Avn Gunship (Shark) downed vic 985526. 1 DG WIA. Crew and WIA extracted by other Gunship.

1818

A/1/14 vic of contact had 3 enemy KIA wearing green uniforms with pistol belts and web gear.

1830

D/1/14 vic of contact rec'd incoming mortar rds. 1 US WIA vic 9753. Dust-Off complete at 100900H.

1850

B/1/14 in vic of contact sustained 2 US WIA from SA fire. Dust-Off complete at 1900H.

2025

D/1/14 sustained 3 US KIA and 11 US WIA vic 983533.

2115

3/B/1/14 vic 980522 was in contact with an enemy force. Contact broken 092203.

2030

B/1/14 sustained 5 US WIA in area of contact. Dust-Off complete at 100900H

Enemy Contacts 9 February 1968

C Company 1-14th:

Area was well fortified with bunkers and bunker type living quarters. 2/C/1/14 killed 23 NVA and captured 1 SKS and 1 AK-47. Also destroyed 1 82mm mortar tube. NIA KIA were wearing green uniforms, web gear and packs. Captured equipment could not be evacuated due to the tactical situation. Also found .50 Cal ammo but received negative fire from a .50 Cal. Area suspected to be a base camp or rest area.

Location: 015547

B Company 1-14th:

B Company was hit hard by the enemy with M-79s, small arms, and grenades. 23 NVA were killed and 3 weapons captured. (2 SKS, 1 AK-47). Enemy was wearing green uniforms, web gear and packs. Location: 985535

10 February 1968

0825

C.O./D/14 requested a Dust-Off for 22 US WIA, 4 US KIA vic 984533. Casualties were sustained 09 Feb. Dust-Off complete at 0904H with 2 sorties. Dust-Off aircraft rec'd fire and D/1/14 rec'd M-79 rds.

0830

Intell Report: ROK G2:

ROKs spotted 1,000 persons, believed to be NVA vic BT009609. Indivs were fired on and turned East.

8825H: Indivs doubled back West vic 9860 and 9960.

Time of Report: 100825H.

0930

C/1/14 at night location detained 2 males, 35-40 yrs old. Evac to Bde.

1010

Gunship reported 350-400 VC moving East from vic 019500.

1645

V/4/31 vic 962505 requested a Dust-Off for 2 US WIA from SA fire. Dust-Off complete at 1720.

1720

1/B/4/31 vic 956505 sustained 1 US WIA from a booby trap.(M-26 w/trip wire). Dust-Off complete at 1800. Dust-Off Aircraft rec'd hvy ground fire.

1745

C/1/14 completed sweep of area of contact and found: 15 Enemy KIA, 8 packs. Killed by shrapnel and napalm. Center of Mass for A/C/1/14 loc 027548.

1755

1/A/1/14 completed sweep of contact area and found 11 enemy KIA wearing mixed uniforms. Found other misc items, mostly food.

1831

B/1/14 found 8 graves that would hold 3-5 bodies each freshly dug.

1905

Rcn/1/14 vic 988522 observed a Gunship that rec'd AW fire. Called in Arty. 3 enemy KIA. Dressed in black and light colored clothes. Also killed 2 enemy that were observed crawling along a bank. 1 boat sunk. All by 4.2" Mortars (1-14th).

11 FEB 1968

0930

3/D/2/35 vic 000503 had 1 enemy KIA and 1 M-14(auto) SN185927 CIA. KIA wearing black PJ's with 1 magazine of M-14 ammo.

1420

C/1/14 vic 987517 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA from a frag grenade booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1430.

1425

B/4/31 vic 953513 rec'd MG fire and sustained 2 US WIA. Dust-Off complete at 1620.

1543

B/4/31 vic 953513 sustained 2 US KIA.

1626

B/4/31 vic 953513 had 4 enemy KIA wearing black PJ's from Arty.

1830

B/4/31 Contact 11 February 1968:

5 Enemy KIA from SA. Dressed in black and brown uniforms. 4 Enemy KIA from Arty dressed in black. 4 US WIA; 2 US KIA.

Location: 953513

12 February 1968

1010

FAC observed 1 VC KIA vic 943523(AS). 3 VC KIA vic 954508(AS).

1027

2/A.1.14 vic 924518 requsted a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA from sniper fire. Dust-Off complete at 1115H.

1028

D/2/35 vic 956499 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA from a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1100H. Dust-Off Aircraft rec'd some sniper fire when he made the extraction.

1045

D/2/35 vic 956499 requested a Dust-Off for 4 US WIA from a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1100H.

1236

D/2/35 vic 956503 requested a Dust-Off for 4 US WIA from a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1300.

1312

D/2/35 vic 956503 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA from a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 1326H.

13 February 1968

0930

B/4/31 vic 949487 had 1 NVA KIA wearing green uniform, pack and web gear. 1 SKS CIA SN95549.

0940

A/1/14 vic 932524 had contact with 10 enemy in a woodline. Enemy armed with M-79s and rockets. Gunships requested. 2 US WIA. Dust-Off complete at 1240. q enemy KIA wearing khaki and a pack w/50 rds AK57 ammo and 3 green uniforms.

1053

3/C/1/14 vic 938538 had 1 enemy KIA wearing black. 1 M-1 Carbine CIA SN5438880. Was carrying a pack containing blue pants, 1 Khaki shirt and a rice roll.

1142

1/C/1/14 had 1 enemy KIA wearing black PJ's w/white scarf. Neg pack, wpn, or ID.

1450

2/C/1/14 vic 958525 had 1 enemy KIA wearing blue. Indiv was trying to evade and had neg wpn, pack or ID.

14 February 1968

0926

C/1/14 vic 943527 requested a Dust-Off for 3 US WIA from a grenade booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 0944H.

1230

C/1/14 vic 947521 detained 15 women and children. Also some VC documents. Interpreter questioned detainees with neg results.

1515

C/1/14 vic 951530 sustained 5 US WIA and 1 US KIA. Dust-Off complete at 1655. Gunships requested and Arty fired into grids 951530 and 951528.

1800: 1/C.1/14 vic 952536 had 1 enemy KIA wearing black. Pack containing black uniform and white shirt. Neg wpn or ID.

1820

1/C.1.14 vic 952530 had 1 enemy KIA wearing black with green poncho pack containing 200 rds of .30 Cal ammo. Neg wpn or ID.

1840

FAC vic 966550 observed 5 enemy KIA by AS. Vic 951530 observed 3 enemy KIA By AS.

1845

Recoiless Rifle killed 2 enemy vic 966515.

Late Entry: 1440H: 2 H-23s vic 989526 spotted 4 NVA w/wpn and took under fire resulting in 1 NVA KIA.

15 February 1968

0835

2/A/1/14 vic 954528 had 1 enemy KIA dressed in black PJ's with neg ID or wpn. Carrying an ammo can w/med supplies.

0930

2/C/1/14 vic 967526 found 2 enemy in a grave dressed in black PJ's. Killed by AS 14 Feb.

0930

2/C/1/14 vic 967526 found 3 enemy KIA in a bunker wearing black PJ's. Killed by AS 14 February 1968.

1000

2/C/1/14 vic 967526 found q enemy KIA wearing black PJ's and US web gear. Killed byAS 14 February 1968.

1010

1/C/1/14 vic 960537 found 1 enemy KIA wearing white shirt and black pants with neg wpn or pack. Killed by AS 14 February 1968.

1320

0840H: Bde H-23 vic 929508 killed 1 NVA dressed in green uniform.

1358

B/1/14 vic 982540 spotted 3 indivs dressed in black. Called in Arty resulting in 3 enemy KIA (Possible).

16 February 1968

1323

2/C/1/14 vic 960532 had 1 enemy KIA wearing black. Indiv tried to evade.

1540

4/C/1/14 vic 960532 found 4 enemy KIA by MG fire. Dead 1-2 days and dressed in black.

1545: 4/C/1/14 in same vic found 3 enemy KIA by Arty dressed in black.

1500

3/C/1/14 vic 969536 had 2 enemy KIA by SA wearing black.

17 February 1968

1151

C/1/14 vic 980535 found 3 enemy KIA in a grave. Dressed in black and killed by AS on 16 February 1968.

1202

3/C/1/14 vic 981536 had 2 enemy KIA wearing black. Both indiv were trying to evade.

1525

1/C/1-10th Cav sub el loc 991529 dug up a grave. 1 body in it was identified as a Chinese by an interpreter.

18 February 1968

0805

C/1/14 vic 995530 requested a Dust-Off for 1 US WIA froom a booby trap. Dust-Off complete at 0829.

1014

C/1/14 airborne from PZ vic 995525 at 1014H. Touchdown at LZ VIC 950454 at 1215H. 1 UH1D w/4 US personnel from C/1/14 was downed by AW fire vic 986533. 8 US KIA total (4 Crew and 4 C/1/14).

1438

C/1/14 vic 445948 found 1 VC KIA from Arty. Had 1 Homemade pack containing 2 AK-47 mags w/20 rds, 2 green shirts and 1 poplin shirt.

1600

SPAR Reports:

Grid 968392; radius 2300 meters; Reg'mt size; TOR Mid Morning.

Grid 954396; radius 1000 meters; Div'sn size; TOR Mid-Day.

19 February 1968

1031

3/D/1/14 vic 986480 detained 1 military age male, 24 yrs old wearing black shirt over a green shirt and black shorts. Neg ID card and was evac to Bde.

1400

D/1/14 vic 006481 sustained 1 US KIA from sniper fire.

1455

D/1/14 vic 007481 spotted some VCS trying to evade. Called in Arty.

1501H: D/1/14 vic 005483 had 1 enemy KIA wearing black PJ's carrying a pack. Rice and 2 books w/writing in them inside pack.

1558

D/1/14 vic 008492 observed 1 enemy KIA from 4.2. Also at vic 012489 observed 2 enemy KIA from 4.2.

1600

Intell Report; 998406 Division Size Enemy location; Radius 3700 meters. TOR Mid Afternoon.

20 FEB 1968

1120

1/A/1/14 vic 954433 had 1 enemy KIA wearing green and 1 M-1 Carbine SN2975749 CIA.

1130

3/D/1/14 vic 980470 red'd AW fire from vic 998447 and sustained 1 US WIA. Dust-Off requested and complete at 1305.

1552

A/1/14 vic 954432 confirmed 2 enemy KIA from Arty dressed in black PJ's and green uniform w/neg wpns.

21 FEB 1968

1030

B/1/14 vic 970505 requested a Dust-Off for 4 US WIA from 1/C/1-th Cav that hit a land mine. WIA extracted by 1/14 C&C Aircraft at 1050H.

22 FEB 1968

0940

3/A/1/14 sustained 1 US KIA vic 957417 from sniper fire.

1015

1/A/1/14 vic 958419 found 1 fresh grave w/1 enemy killed by SA wearing green uniform. Approx 2-3 days old.

1030

1/C/1/14 vic 957416 rec'd sniper fire and sustained 1 US WIA.

1036

Dust-Off Aircraft downed by SA fire vic 955447. Crew extracted at 1110H; Aircraft extracted at1430H.

1215

1/C/1/14 vic 954414 had 1 enemy KIA dressed in green uniform w/neg ID Card. 1 AK-47 CIA SN9471566.

1520

1,2/C/1/14 vic 957413 sustained 2 US WIA.

1647

C/1/14 vic 955420 requested a Dust-Off for 4 US WIA. Dust-Off complete at 1721H.

1915

C/1/14 vic 950417 killed 4 enemy. (Possible 1 Enemy Officer KIA). Fortified positions and bunkers in the area. Trenches around bunkers and hooches. Also found the start of a tunnel complex.

23 February 1968

1122

O-1 Aircraft downed vic 976436 due to mechanical trouble. Crew extracted by 1/14 C&C Aircraft at 1250H w/Gunship cover. Aircraft extracted by CH-47 at 1400H with Gunship escort.

1126

B/1/14 vic 968520 requested a Dust-Off for 1 NV WIA from M-79 rd. 1 VN civilian was also killed when the point man had movement to his front and fired M-79.

1320

C/1/14 vic 914416 rec'd AW fire and 4 rds of Mortars. 10 US WIA and 3 US KIA. Dust-Off complete at 1530. AS and Gunships were employed in the contact area after all friendly elements pulled out of the area.

24 February 1968

1445

C/1/14 rec'd 14 rds of Mortar fire at 954416. Sustained 2 US WIA (Arty). Dust-Off complete at 1600.

1446

A/1/14 vic 954416 sustained 7 US WIA and 1 US KIA. Also reported 4 enemy KIA. Dust-Off complete at 1600.

1858

C/1/14 had 3 enemy KIA. KIAs had AK-47s but were not able to be recovered due to the tactical situation. 954416.

25 February 1968

0956

Dust-Off w/Gunship escort requested by C/1/14 to extract 9 US WIA 24 February 1968. Dust-Off complete at 1012H. (958425). Gunships rec'd 5 rds SA fire from vic 9342.

1415

FAC(Helix 52) had engine trouble and had to set down vic 977504. AC was unhurt and was extracted at 1422H. 2/B/1/14 secured aircraft. At 1745H, the FAC was lifted out by a CH-47. At 1750, vic 015549, the Ch-47 rec'd ground fire from a .50 Cal. The spotting rockets on the O-1 Aircraft igninted and the CH-47 AC dropped the FAC vic 015549.

26 February 1968

1350

3/B/1/14 vic 977501 spotted 5-6 enemy dressed in khaki uniforms. Called in Mortar(1/14) vic 988521 resulting in 4 enemy KIA w/neg wpns.

27 February 1968

1558

D/1/14 vic 952424 requested a Dust-Off for 4 US WIA from an AS. 1 US KIA. Dust-Off complete 1650H.

 

TIMELINE 1968

VIETNAM: TIMELINE