Under the terrible heat wave of more than 40 degree of centigrade, the bloody battle field where a tragic combat between the friendly and the foe had just ended, was entirely covered with unbearable odors stemming from the dead bodies in the midst of the gun smoke and bullets. The soldiers' fatigues still wet with blood and the bullet traces on the helmets were vividly explaining what the tragic situation was like.
To a correspondent who visited the battle spot, a soldier was telling the ever tragic story as follow:
"Just passing around 22:00 hrs, an alert was signaled that the NVA foes were to soon attack us ,and the friendly batteries started launching the support fires. In strict conformity with the operational order, we, the soldiers, however, waited in the trench at the tactical base with no firing until the enemies advance closer and closer to us.
Leaving the gunners of the LMG only at the front towards the foes, we, the combatants were dispersed in three different directions and did our best to annihilate the damn enemies by enveloping them. We showered the foes with our massive firings and the hand grenade attacks.
However, we were once driven to the fatal corner owing to the enemy's outnumbered troops who were desperately approaching in waves. But, whatever the situations were, we destroyed the enemy. When even the ammo and hand grenades were run out, we defeated them by hand to hand combat stabbing with bayonet. In the worst, we knocked them out by Taekwon Do. We just couldn't remember how the time elapsed. The minute we realized that the enemy's attack was completely seized, nothing could we see in front of us, but the entangled enemy bodies only."
"While annihilating the outnumbering enemy force of 2 NVA battalions, lives of our soldiers were sublimely sacrificed too. I could see a fierce animosity towards the enemy was burning in the engorged pupils of a survived combatant who was out-crying while hugging the dead comrade."
- Park, Ahn-song, a former Saigon correspondent of the Dong Yang Communication -
Duc Co Operation-A Valor of the Thunder Unit
Duc Co is located near the border area connected to the central Vietnam and the Cambodian border, and has been a point of strategic supply route so called Ho Chi Minh Trail for the Vietmins to infiltrate into South Vietnam. That is the point situated between the High way #1 off to the East of the border line which is adjacent to the county of Pleiku and Ratanakiri, and the La Drang river. The average height of this area forms between 190m and 300m and covered with conventional forest. Moreover, countless number of small streams are complicatedly crossing.
A tribe of Montagnard is living in this area, and a waste land of the rubber trees planted under the French colony era and the banana fields are left uncultivated. The La Drang river originates from the eastern height and flows to the south of Cambodia as an international one. It is 30-40m in width and 1.5m deep, which hardly allows people just to cross on foot.
Since this area is so densely covered with the weeds of 2m high tall and shrubs that the communists who have been skillfully accustomed to the rugged terrain ,receives relatively less threatening from the coalition forces who have to bear vulnerability in observation and the field of fire.
Particularly, the coalition forces used to face difficulties in dealing with the enemies because they, if thought inferior, could easily fall back to their sanctuary within the Cambodian territory. Of course, this area does not belong to the tactically responsible area of the ROK Tiger Division and the ROK Forces Command in RVN. Furthermore, it has no linkage with ROK troop¡¯s operation.
Nevertheless, the ROK Tiger Division¡¯s armored cavalry regiment and the 3rd battalion happened to station in this area due to the following strategic reasons:
From March 25, 1966, the US 1st field Army deployed its subordinate units of the 1st air-armored Division and the 25th infantry Division near the Cambodian border and conducted pacification operation against the Vietmins. It was called ¡® Lincoln Operation¡¯ that attempted to interdict the supply route to Vietcongs whilst attacking the Vietmins.
In a series of a plan to liquidate the enemy¡¯s origin, from May 10th, the US 3rd Brigade under the 25th infantry Division was deployed between Pleime and the Chupong mountain, and carrying out an operation namely ¡®Paul Revere¡¯. However, the US Brigade was facing with serious difficulties owing to the insufficient availability of troops comparing to its broad combat area.
Consequently, it was the reason why on June 24th,the US 1st Field Army had requested an augmented battalion support to the Commanding General of ROKFV, Major General Chae, Myung Shin.
The request was declined due to the following obvious reasons:
Firstly, all fire arms and equipment the Tiger Division has are old fashioned compare to that of US troops. While US troops are equipped with M-16 automatic rifle, Koreans are equipped with such worn out old weapons as M-1 rifle and the Carbine rifle only. Especially, operations in the densely grown shrubs will be scarcely possible thanks to short range of communication of the old radio equipment.
Secondly, since it is located far away from the Division¡¯s tactically responsible area, Koreans will face with severe difficulties in supporting the needed supplies.
Thirdly, controlling of the operation will be hardly possible. Though these were the ostensible excuses to decline, General Chae had in fact experienced further mental obligations, which was that he had to think of the fellow citizens in the home country. General Chae had felt a sort of possible danger that might be involved in a continuously expanded operations in the primitive shrubs if the Koreans are once committed.
This has been clearly indicated in General Chae¡¯s operational concept. General Chae had to be placed under a situation to exchange controversial issues regarding the Tiger Division¡¯s deployment with US counterparts upon the landing of the Tiger Division troops at Quinon for the first time. Frankly speaking, US General wanted ROKFV to operate troops as the unit of either Division or Regiment, to which General Chae, Myung Shin clearly opposed, but firmly insisted to operate the units tactically by means of company scaled tactical bases dispersing them into a company size.
At the beginning of adapting this concept, needless to mention, the US Army authorities who have extensive combat experiences and even the battalion and regiment commanders of the ROK Tiger Division, had shown quite a bit skeptical response over General Chae¡¯s combat operational concept. In the long run, as time goes by, General Chae¡¯s concept became to meet approval as one of the most effective ways to minimize our loss in terms of operation and deployment for defense. The following conclusion was made in accordance with the result of an analysis done on the operations Tiger Division had conducted for the first 6 months.
Firstly, the tactical base of a company is the core of the combat force as the most invincible unit if its T/O, T/E and the relevant systems are adequately balanced.
Secondly, Units like ROK units that have no swift mobility even without choppers and vehicles will not only cause problems to cope with the sudden contingent situations but also increase vulnerabilities to be exposed as a target in favor of the enemy.
Thirdly, a wide pacification operation will be successfully made if the company level tactical base is effectively utilized while closely contacting local villagers in terms of appropriate civil affairs and psychological warfare.
Fourth, it is not easy to find concrete targets in Vietnam. Therefore, it is possible to discover them after getting right information to be obtained thorough the reconnaissance operations and frequent contacts with the local civilians and folks.
In addition to the above four reasons, far more important strategic value will be the one that should keep ROK units in one particular zone not scattered here and there so that it would be possible to prevent Korean units from any of the unnecessary losses. No questionably, the US side had always felt uncomfortable over ROK¡¯s such attitude. Consequently, whenever a contingent situation happened, they were always seeking a chance to have the ROK units be involved in.
Since General Chae had noted well regarding US counterpart¡¯s intentions, it was possible for him to wisely avoid the request of the US side while keeping ROK forces safely in an area. Having known a fact that the Tiger Division has a sort of troop availability due to the 26th regiment¡¯s augmentation, the US side came back again to obstinately request ROK¡¯s participation in the operation.
US side had submitted a compromise t on condition that they like to solve at least three items out of the conditions resisted and claimed by the General Chae, Myung-shin.
As a condition one suggested by the US, they would supply new radio set of an/prc-25 to the ROK units. They responded to supply al l quantity of 27 radio sets being required for the battalion.
As a condition two, the US 25th infantry Division will take full responsibility for supplying all supplies to be demanded.
Being offered as above, General Chae had in fact no other choice, but agreed with the US counterpart.
On July 6,1966,
The Tiger armored regiment that received marshalling order from the Division, designated the 3rd Battalion as a task force and was supported with supporting units to be attached to the battalion. The attached units are the 3rd battery (with 6 tubes of 155mm howitzer) of the 628 Artillery Battalion and a 4.2¡¯ mortar platoon and an engineer platoon from the 1st Eng Company of the Division Engineer Battalion.
Particularly in the operation order it was stubbornly said, ¡°all tactical bases should be prepared to hold out for at least 72 hours without replenishment supply.¡± This is a clear directive ordered from General Chae that the company operational concept must be observed even under the US control.
Before departure, the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, LTC Choi, Byung-su was again verbally given the following order from Major General Chae.
First, Deploy 2 companies within the artillery support range while putting a company in reserve.
Second, the company tactical base must be ready for the all round security and expand the searching area gradually after being accustomed to the local environment.
Third, In case attacked by the enemy, perform decisive battle in the face of death. For this, secure ammunitions and supplies enough to sustain for 72 hours.
3 days later, on July 9th, the 3rd Battalion organized a march column in 4 echelonments ,and departed mounting on 187 trucks and arrived at the destination of Duc Co airfield at 14;00 hrs. Total marching distance was 187km, and the marching axis reached about 50km. After readjusting the file and leaving the 3rd Artillery battery of the 628th Artillery Battalion at the present position, the battalion advanced 7km further to the south. And then the 9th Company that was designated as the battalion tactical commanding post and the battalion reserve unit, the 3rd Artillery Battery of the 61st Artillery Battalion and the 4.2¡± heavy mortar platoon assembled at the planned point. The 10th and 11th companies occupied the point 3.5km off to the south respectively as for their tactical bases.
The allocated responsible area for the 3rd Battalion included 13km in width between Cambodian boarder and Duc Co and the jungle zone which is 11km long in depth covering la Pnon stream, a tributary to the la Drang River. To the north, the battalion was bordered with a company of the non- regular North Vietnamese militia. At the far end of the boundary, the US 35th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Brigade was situated. In addition, at the Duc Co airfield, the US artillery of 8¡± howitzer, 2 tubes of 175mm gun, the 1st Company of the US 69th Armored Battalion and the non-regular civil force company, were respectively deployed.
The commander of the 3rd Battalion was ordered to fortify each company¡¯s tactical base in accordance with following directives as soon as they advanced at the area.
Firstly, In accordance with the principle of all round security, company tactical base must fortify double individual fighting position at the perimeter and the inner of the position, but the positions for the company OP, crew served weapons and slumber must be the bunker type.
Secondly, Use early warning system as much as possible, and set up man-made obstacles including night illumination.
Thirdly, set up 4-5 artillery firing concentration in advance at the points of enemy approach at the distance of 150-400m from the perimeter of the positions.
When the companies were busy building up tactical bases in conformity with the company commander¡¯s order, it happened to mutually face with a sort of controversy over the operation concept from the first day between ROK and US.
As each company started setting up the company unit tactical base, the operation controller, BG Walker, CG of the 3rd Brigade directed ROK troops to participate in the operation in accordance with his operational instruction as long as the ROK units are attached to him. And the mission given to the 3rd Battalion was to annihilate the infiltrating enemies upon acquisition by conducting search, reconnaissance and ambush operations within the responsible area.
To perform, it was brigade commander¡¯s directive that we ROK unit should annihilate or hold out until the reserve troops are committed while utilizing artillery fire and task force. To enhance this operation ROK unit should detect enemy¡¯s approach by forming sort of linear ground lookouts of 4-5 guards to be set at enemy¡¯s infiltration lane.
However, it was hardly possible for the ROK Battalion to implement so due to insufficient firing and unfamiliarity to such inexperienced new situations. Though, the Commanding General of the ROK Tiger Division wasn¡¯t directly involved in the operation, ROK troops could hardly ignore their own commanding channel. While requesting some time to prepare to the US Brigade CG, the ROK battalion commander asked for the supplies for initial three days.
However, to this request, the commanding general of the US Brigade was not only urging us to carry out mission in strict pursuance with his directives but also assuring of the sufficient supply as same as the US troops are getting thru the air mobilization system. For instance, to our supply request of 2,700 rounds of 105mm howitzer and 1,500 rounds of the 155mm howitzer, they flatly declined our demand by saying it was too much. They kept saying replenishment would be immediately made within 2 hours under the condition of emergency.
Upon reporting this fact to the Division HQ by the battalion commander, the Division instructed the battalion to provide the US Brigade with full cooperation for the operation being conducted while abiding by performing duties in accordance with the Division¡¯s conceptual tactics.
Therefore, the BN commander, had decided to follow what the brigade commander required, and ordered each company and battery to secure food& ammunition supply as enough as to sustain for 72 hours. It was not easy mission. It was in fact become an ambiguous situation for us if we had to obey to the Tiger Division Commander or to the US Brigade Commander. The battalion commander was in difficult situation in choosing proper commanding channel between the two commanding heads. The battalion had gradually expanded the searching area by each company unit level and operated small reconnaissance and ambush positions at night.
Carrying out 147 reconnaissance patrols and 385 ambushes, the battalion had brought its utmost in fulfilling given mission dealing with the instructions received from the both headquarters for 30 days until the so-called¡¯ Duc Co combat first broken out on August 9,1966.
As a new change made during the period, on July 10, the 1st Platoon of the 1st Company under the US 69th Tank Battalion was attached to the ROK battalion, and on July 27th mission given to the both companies the 9th Company and the 11th Company were mutually exchanged for relief operation. The 9th Company¡¯s tactical base was positioned 3.5km off to the south of a hillock of 200m height where the battalion¡¯s tactical CP was located.
All rounds of the tactical base were covered with jungle, and 600m off to the west, a stream called ¡®Ia Cle was flowing to the south, from which a small path originated. This point was known to be used for the US troop¡¯s bivouac for a while. And later, after rearranging of the area, the 11th Company fortified a position of 200m length from the east to the west and 100m from the south to the north, which was finally turned over to the 9th Company.
Though digging works of the earth was not easy as it was mostly composed of the clay, the positions were all strong enough instead. In the meantime, the area between 200m and 300m to the south of the tactical base was just flat with no trees. At a point off from the perimeter of the position, a tall tree was standing. It was not only mostly the rigged surface but also very close to the jungle, which formed a dead angle of the guns. It was seemed to be the first choice for enemy¡¯s approach.
Right after the 9th Company commander, Captain Lee, Choon-geun, had received an order to be ready for the relief of the mission, he immediately dispatched the 2nd Platoon on July 25 as an advance unit for the purpose of having them augment the positions and be accustomed to the area.
Upon completion of the company¡¯s deployment, a platoon of the heavy weapons company was attached to the vulnerable area where the 2nd Platoon was positioned with the mission to cover the responsible area starting from the south-western part to the west-northern part. Total of3 tanks out of 5 attached to the battalion from the US tank battalion, were assigned to augment the above mentioned positions while the rest 2 tanks were assigned to cover the 1st Platoon located at the southern part.
While issuing an order that the company OP and 3 tubes of 60mm& 81mm mortars be positioned at the inner line, 4 fire concentration points were selected at the dead angle of the guns where enemies could easily hide about 3-400m off from the outer line.
Besides, the company commander had augmented the early warning system by setting 100 illumination rounds at the point of enemy¡¯s approach and assembling.
At 22:00hrs on August 5th, upon receiving a report from the listening post guard that there was a fishy movement of several foes ,heavy firing was concentrated to the front area of the 2nd Platoon as soon as the illumination rounds set 400m away were launched. As morning broke, we found 4 dead bodies of the Vietmin, a handgun and miscellaneous personal gears were scattered around the area.
On the one hand, the brigade commander arrived to patrol, was reported on the latest situation. The commander instructed to perform search & reconnaissance patrol over the suspected zone with a company scale troops for 2 nights 3 days. The area in doubt was reported to be a zone where Vietmin¡¯s CP had emerged though its unit identification was not immediately revealed.
Consequently, the battalion commander had promptly given the mission to the 9th Company commander, and ordered the security for the 9th Company be covered by a platoon to be extracted from the battalion¡¯s reserve unit, the 11th Company during 9th company¡¯s absence. The 9th Company commander who was given the reconnaissance patrol mission, Captain Lee, Choon-geun was preparing for the marshalling. On next day, captain Kang Se-ho as the new company commander and 1st lieutenant Lim Bok-man as the platoon leader of the weapons platoon arrived respectively for the replacement, and the going/out leaders decided to stay together for a week for taking over the mission.
Aftermath, the 9th Company commander, Captain Lee had assigned defense mission to the 11th Company and the US tank platoon attached, he headed for the border area to conduct search & reconnaissance patrol.
Later, discovering various tracks and signs of the enemy movement in the small path, Captain Lee finally arrived at the destination 1km off to the east of the border at 17:00hrs. For this operation the new company commander, Captain Kang was also accompanying. Night ambush teams were deployed after completion of the reconnaissance & search patrol over the targeted area.
As the sun set, it stared raining. Staying whole night awake, the company restarted patrolling as soon as it dawned, and safely returned to the company¡¯s tactical base without incidental engagement. Ordering the wet equipment be cleaned, the company commander sent the 1st platoon of the 11th company back to its original unit.
On that night, the battalion commander had again ordered to deploy 2 platoon scaled ambush unit to the front of the base. However, the company commander, Captain Lee didn¡¯t follow battalion commander¡¯s instruction as he considered that it would create a serious result if the exhausted soldiers were given immediate mission without a rest.
At that night, soldiers could see the stars twinkling in the sky.
All company officers gathered at the OP to welcome the newly arrived officers joined 2 days ago. The officers chatted while listening to the patrolling story that was made ever first time at the border area ,and backed to each position later on.
The OP officer, 1st lieutenant Han Kwang-duk was returning towards the observation team. In the meantime, 1stLT Han was supposed to stay together with the company commander at the same position, but at that night, he yielded it to the newly arrived company commander, captain Kang.
Just before retiring, the two company commanders could note that their home towns are the same, Hamkyung province now in North Korea, and exchanged many stories with regard to the old stories each other.
At 10;40 hrs,
big ¡° BANG¡± was heard.
At the same time near the tall separate tree a ground mine exploded. Though it was not that big explosion, it was quite enough to stir a forsaken quiet night. It was quickly dawned. The company commander confirmed what happened thru the 2nd Platoon leader, but was reported there was no fishy signs and nothing in particular was reported by the US tankers staying near the area. It was ,therefore, guessed as it were exploded because of the wind.
Being relieved by such easy guess, the company commander could keep talking. However, right after about 5 minutes, the new weapons platoon leader, 1st LT. Lim Bok-man who was then patrolling the outer line of the position, rushed in to the C
And he reported saying
¡°Sir, we could hear several stepping sounds in front of the 2nd Platoon.¡±
Captain Lee still ignored platoon leaders report as he was the new comer by responding as
¡± understood¡±
At this time, the company commander captain Lee though that it might be impossible for the enemy to approach directly to the right front of the 2nd platoon in accordance with the common sense of the general tactics. Accordingly he didn¡¯t deploy for the emergency alert.
When the 1st LT.Lim rushed back again to the site, the gunner of the 57mm recoilless gun was reporting the same information that he heard a massive movement sound. And then the 1st Lt. Lim ran to the CP again and reported. The captain was reluctantly received him and asked
¡°What is it again this time about?¡±
The company commander was impressed to have thought the new guy having no combat experience, was disturbing him.
¡°Sir, that was clearly the sound of enemy movement.¡±
This was confirmed by the soldiers too.
¡± I understood. Let the US tank light the area with the searchlights.¡±
He just said like that only, but no further action he took.
A while later, when 1st Lt. Lim arrived near the place where the tanks were stood by, CPL. Choi, Byung-ki was impatiently telling that sort of ground digging sounds were being heard.
¡°Jug-jug-spat of a motorcycle¡±
A sort of engine burr was uproariously stirring the forsaken night. Right this moment, enemy opened fire.
"Ta-ta-ta-ta-!!!"
Being frightened by the surprise shooting of the machine gun, company soldiers were in a chaos. It was 12:57 hrs. Surprised two company commanders jumped up and went out. At this moment the enemy¡¯s preparation firing was concentrated into the position of the company tactical base.
"-Bang-bang-bang- bang-!!!"
An earth quaking sound and the smoky smells caught our noses, and the gun smokes and the earth dusts were completely filling the position.
A sound of bullet whistling
¡°whiz' bang-bang-bang-!!!"
Being flown by the hot blasts and fragments, the company tactical base abruptly became under state of chaos. Because, a half of the soldiers was in slumber, the confusion to look for the rifles and ammunitions was really unexplainable. Despite sudden chaos, our well trained soldiers swiftly moved into each position and started firing to the advancing enemies.
Uncountable number of the artillery rounds fell down.
¡°bang- bang-bang-bang-!!!¡°
Hit by guns, many soldiers met last fates, and tragic outcries of the soldiers hit by the fragments were heard.
At the very moment the company commander was just about to go in the OP, with a sudden flashing, he was stormed to the corner of the traffic trench.
The new company commander, captain Kang was seriously wounded by a fragment. On the other hand, the messenger, CPL Cheon,Jong-rok was also bleeding from his shoulder.
Knowing that he was still alive after a black out, Captain Lee grasped the radio in the OP and called the battalion. A report that two platoon leaders of the 1st & 2nd platoon were wounded,was received.
Artillery shelling was crazily kept continued. Just in 5 minutes, the entire base was changed into total chaos. Tragic outcries were heard here and there. The US tank crews started gun firing against the enemies coming towards ROK soldiers.
¡°Whiz¡¯ ¡°Bang¡± Bang¡±
Breathing red flashes from the back, the US tanks fiercely rained the gun fires on the enemy.
In the meantime, the observation officer, 1st lieutenant Han Kwang-duk was also awakened by the gun fires. On the way to the company commander, he was fallen down since a round exploded between him and the new company commander, captain Kang.
It was a thrilling moment. 1Lt. Han rushed into the observation post upon hearing that the company commander was calling. At this moment, the radioman, SGT. Kim, Jin-seon who followed just behind 1st Lt. Han, stopped going further as he saw the platoon observation man, CPL. Choi Sang-eui was wounded. As the artillery shelling was heavily continued, in no way he could come out of the position.
That was why the observation NCO Park,Jae-young promptly snatched the radio and notified of the firing mission be concentrated at the right front of the 2nd platoon. Nco¡¯s immediate action earned time until the OP officer 1st lieutenant Han returned back to the OP.
Immediately after 1Lt. Han requested artillery support to the FDC ( Fire Direction Center), the first artillery shelling from the friendly position was correctly exploded at the core of the enemy¡¯s attacking file. This was made exactly 3 minutes after the NCO Park requested the fire support. The wrist watch 1LT. Han wore, showed time, 23:02hrs.
As a matter of a fact, the first round of the artillery played the key role in breaking the brunt of the enemy¡¯s violent attack. In no time 1st LT. Han requested the effect firing of 60 rounds in total, he was checking each platoon¡¯s situation. Simultaneously, a round of enemy¡¯s firing hit the roof of the OP with a thunderous noise, and made a big hole through which the ROK soldiers could look out the sky through the hole. Perimeter of the positions was illuminated with continued flashings that obviously caused a huge crumbling.
Few minutes later, coming back to themselves, soldiers at the CP were placed in their positions. Being reported that the enemy was approaching to the 3rd platoon¡¯s front, the company commander, Captain Lee asked for artillery support to be concentrated to the front of the 3rd platoon while requesting the concentrated artillery showering near the fire concentration point of the 2nd platoon to interdict enemy¡¯s augmentation.
About this time, the friendly illumination rounds of the howitzers and the 4.2¡± mortars lighted entire sky, and to the dead angle of the guns, the 4.2¡± mortar in the position was firing. It was the most fierce mortar attacks by the enemy for the first 10 minute since they started shooting. At this time total 170 rounds were believed to have been exploded. 90 % of the wounded casualties occurred during this attack.
Fierce firings were heavily exchanged between the friendly force and the enemy. All guns in the positions including US tank guns breathed out flames while the enemy was also responding with their machinegun firing and the other guns.
¡°Bang-bang-bang-!!!¡±
¡°Ta-ta-ta-!!!¡¯
Sounds of the explosion were consecutively heard. The sky being embroidered with the illumination rounds seemed to be rather an artificial work if it were not at war.
The enemy started narrowing its envelopment one by one. Recognizing the fact that the enemy was narrowing its envelopment, Captain Lee, ran out from the position and shouted as follow:
¡°Every company solder must fight to the last minute in the face of death to keep our positions¡±
When the tragic screaming of the company commander was heard, biting their lips, the soldiers quietly grasped hand grenades after fixing the bayonet. All seemed to have been fatally determined. Thus, all soldiers even the wounded who were just able to move their upper trunks, dispersed to the outer line of the positions and fatally borne the brunt of the enemy attack holding the bloody rifles.
At this time, the observation team¡¯s radioman tumbled into the OP in spit of the raining of the firing so that the company commander at last grasped his own radio and reported the emergency of the situation to the battalion commander, LTC Choi, Byung-su. Additionally, he issued an order that the weapons platoon leader should replace the 1st platoon¡¯s commanding.
About 40 minutes later since the enemy first attacked, when the 155mm howitzer fires intensively concentrated at the chosen point, such unbending mortar fires seemed to be declining. At the same time the enemy that was in massive attack formation stopped moving forward, suspended actions as if they were to reassemble.
Anyway, the company was thought to have fortunately avoided the critical moment thanks to the powerful artillery support and the tank fires. During this operation, the strong spirit of fighting shown by the US tank crews was greatly impressive to all Korean soldiers.
In addition, the prompt artillery support with accuracy controlled by the observation officer, 1st lieutenant Han Kwang-duk along with his persistent demonstration of responsibility deserves the highest encouragement.
In the meantime, the battalion used a bunker as its commanding post and the FDC as well. In the evening after checking the situation, immediately after the officers except those on duty entered into the bunker for slumbering, several flashes with sound of heavy exploding were seen from the direction of the 9th company¡¯s base, gave us a sort of serious signal of the enemy¡¯s move.
As it was imminent, a request of 10 rounds of artillery to the fire concentration point of AB311 was made through the commanding radio net. However, the observation officer¡¯s voice was rather calm and patient. 2 minutes later at 23:03hrs, the first round from the 3rd battery directed by Captain Kim, Jin-kyu of the 61st artillery battalion was launched.
In order to know of the situation in further detail, the battalion commander, LTC Choi, Byung-su was listening to the reports being made between the platoons and the companies by hooking up adjusted radio frequency. Thereby, the battalion commander was able to confirm that power of the enemy attack against the 9th company was something unpredictable.
Moreover, when the news that the new company commander, captain Kang and the two platoon leaders (1st & 2nd ) were hurt, reached , great sorrow and grief were alternated in the position. It was obvious fact that the 9th company would be hardly able to resist by themselves without artillery support against the enemy¡¯s repeated attacks in waves until next day to break.
Accordingly, captain Kim Jin-kyu, who was directing the combined FDC, took an action that the supporting artillery including the 4.2¡± heavy mortar should launch illumination rounds. At the same time, he also requested an aerial illumination through the US liaison officer detached to the battalion. Artillery support of US 8¡± and 175mm launched from the US units deployed near the Duc Co airfield, played an important role in interdicting enemy¡¯s augmentation. On the other hand, ammunition stocks on hand were revealed as having 105mm 960 rounds and 155mm 600 rounds respectively.
Therefore, the battalion requested fire supports to the US 155mm howitzer B battery of the 2nd Artillery Battalion under the US 9th Artillery Command. On the other hand, the battalion commander asked for urgent ammunition supply to the brigade commander. However, the battalion was told an immediate supply was hardly possible before the dawn.
At around 01:30hrs, it was confirmed that enemy¡¯s augmentation reached a battalion scale. To cope with this developed situation, the battalion commander decided to interdict enemy¡¯s approach by mobilizing the 10th company for the southern area while having the 11th company be responsible the northeast of the combat area.
As soon as the enemy¡¯s first attack wound up, the 2nd wave of attack followed. With target firing, a barrage was formed by 2 canons of the two tanks dispersed there, 2 LMG, 4 LMG of the heavy weapons company and 2 automatic rifles. The scene that all soldiers even including the WIAs were fighting in the face of death, seemed to be rather an impressive sublime scene than tragic.
As our defense was so invincible that enemy could hardly move forward even an inch further. Enemy had to show a stupid action by digging trenches at the place they were without moving forward.
After hitting the fire concentration point of AB311 with 4-5 rounds of 105mm howitzer, the observation officer, 1Lt. Han, Kwang-duk amended his artillery support request that the 155mm howitzer firing be concentrated at the enemy¡¯s rear area for cutting off further augmentation. Shortly after, a report from the 3rd platoon arrived that the enemy started firing with automatic weapons near the separate tree. This temptation was judged as the enemy would make a double envelopment on us.
Knowing that a suppress offense is urgently required to encircle the foes by interdicting their bypassing route, artillery fire support of 2 rounds of 155mm was requested be made at the mountain area located 400m away off to the northwest and 3 rounds of 105mm at the artillery battery located 150m away to the east. Right after this, according to the information that enemy fire were being concentrated against the frontage of the 2nd platoon from the bushes of the banana trees, we ordered 3 rounds of the 105mm fires be concentrated to the fire concentration point of AB311.
Shortly after, we noted that US 155mm unit was directly participating in aiming at the enemy along with the 8¡± and 175mm gun fires in order to cut off enemy¡¯s retreat route.
This situation had ended up having 1Lt. Han bear heavy responsibility to control 3 artillery batteries at the same time. Furthermore, he had to experience difficulties in carrying out the shelling adjustment works due to the flash bangs of the 8¡± and 175mm guns exploded near the base.
To prevent confusion, he ordered 3 batteries to suspend all firings. And then he directed that the 155mm howitzer should hit the jungle located right in front of the 2nd platoon, and he firstly guided US 155mm unit¡¯s close support fire as close as 150m up to the outer line to the north. Finally he requested fires for effect be concentrated on the mentioned targets.
1Lt. Han kept ordering the fires of 1-2 rounds be aimed at the concentration point of AB311 and the close fires be poured at the front of the base¡¯s outer line.
Around this time, the voice of the 1Lt. Han who was requesting the aerial illumination, seemed to have been already hoarsened. At this moment he found that a US soldier was hastily running around the combat area where enemy¡¯s mortar attacks were still continued. The soldier was known as Wiscon, US tank platoon medic, a catholic, was holding a first-aid pouch and the cross in other hand. The medic shouted
¡°Are there any soldier wounded?¡±
After informing of the fact there were 5 dead bodies as he confirmed, he kept running to the direction to the 3rd platoon despite the continued shelling. This US brave soldier¡¯s behavior must have presented a great impression to the allied soldiers of Korean.
It was thought that the brave US medic with no arms but equipped with only the first-aid pouch and the cross, would have just screamed
¡° Oh, God, Oh Lord, please save these poor soldiers so that there will be no dead and no wounded.¡±
At this very moment, because an artillery round shot by the 2nd battery of the US 9th Artillery Command that was kept firing at the jungle in front of the 3rd platoon, fell into our position near the 81mm ammunition storage, 1Lt. Han and the weapons platoon leader were fallen down due to its storming.
Under this chaotic situation, though the enemy tried its third attack, however, it was completely defeated. Around at 00:30hrs, their mortar attacks were all suspended while some of their gun fires were only concentrated. From 2 o¡¯clock at dawn, we could smell the enemy was about to retreat. At the same time, the company commander ordered all platoons should strengthen their security since such enemy¡¯s movement was believed as a sign of an alteration of the enemy¡¯s main attacking direction.
While requesting blocking fires for enemy¡¯s retreat, the observation officer, 1Lt. Han shifted the close fire for the 9th company base to the distant firing by lowering rate and frequency of the fire.
Surprisingly at around 04:00hrs at dawn, unknown number of foes were observed approaching in front of the 2nd platoon¡¯s position throwing hand-grenades and clinging to the barbed wire. It seemed to be enemy¡¯s final temptation. With barrage fire we had completely defeated the enemies while killing five foes who tried to infiltrate under the barbed wire.
The retreating enemy was still responding back with containing fire attacks against us until its main body was completely retreated.
At this time, the 10th company commander, captain Yang Jae-il and the 11th company commander, Lee In-su were advancing in order to blockade enemy¡¯s retreat path.
In other hand, the newly replaced company commander, captain Kang who was wounded at the beginning of the combat, was reported by his messenger that they had won the victory at the bloody combat. Upon hearing the news he made a relief smile and soon fell into a serious condition. About four hours later, at the moment the combat situation was confirmed as we had completely won, the captain Kang abruptly opened his eyes and left a few words.
¡°Lt. Han, I must get going now. You ought to win. Please take my words!¡±
Leaving his last words like whispering, he breathed his last.
Captain Kang came down from his native home town, Hamheung city now in North Korea during the Korean War and served as one of the enlisted. Later he was commissioned as an OCS 2nd lieutenant on November 28, 1953. He was an example of the officers carrying out the strongest loyalty in the army. To describe this kind of tragic case, people might mumble by themselves saying
¡°the God seems to be flatly indifferent.¡±
A half of the platoon soldiers were in rest by slumbering in the positions. However, a sound of stepping and digging holes made the rest of soldiers enter into an immediate combat readiness. Soon after the tanks attached to the company started operating the search lights and enemy¡¯s mortar shells fell down into our positions. The 2nd platoon leader, 1St lieutenant Lee, Choon-sik ordered all the soldiers who were in short sleeping be immediately dispersed into each combat position.
In the platoon area there were little enemy shells as the enemy aimed at the company headquarters at the beginning. Using such vacant moment the platoon soldiers were able to quickly disperse.
Unfortunately, CPL Song Chang-suk and Neron a US tank gunner, who were in the same trench for security, were found wounded at the heads with full of bleeding because of the enemy fire fragments. The platoon leader was also found to have hit around his shoulder by the fragment. There were many screams heard here and there. The enemy seemed to have changed their attacking target to the right front of the platoon.
Right after the platoon leader was got wounded, SFC Lee Jong-se immediately controlled firing and directly commanded the unit after entrusting the 1&3rd guide with the covering the first line to the left.
Having the solders ready for the hand to hand combat in the traffic trench, SFC shouted
¡°you platoon soldiers must follow me with no confusion.¡±
¡°When the foes approach, directly hit¡¯em with hand grenade.¡±
At this moment, even though the spearhead of the enemy was getting closer and closer to the 2nd platoon¡¯s front, SFC Lee was still flatly holding the firing order. However, the minute the enemy¡¯s spearhead arrived right in front of the 2nd squad, he released fire order.
¡°Fire¡±
"Bang Bang¡¦ Ta Ta Ta¡¦ Ta.!!!"
At its maximum speed 4 tubes of the machinegun along with platoon soldiers¡¯ quick rifle fire, they had showered the enemy with the final protective fires.
Indeed it was a moment of a fate. SFC Lee bet all with his guts whether destroy the enemy or being destroyed by the enemy in a moment of a second.
The foes that approached as close as 30meter in front of the 2nd squad were annihilated one by one by our volley after the desperate resistance. When our shell exploded within their formation, foes placed under total chaos and met their final fates.
The platoon that completely destroyed the enemy¡¯s spearhead with no KIA, promptly redistributed ammunitions and shifted the crew served weapon¡¯s position. And they accelerated whole efforts in rebuilding the combat lines.
The platoon had to face such bloody combat even 5 times. From the beginning they never allowed enemy¡¯s approach into the positions defending with firing and hand grenade attacks.
Between the illumination fires by the LMG and the rifles, soldiers formed a barraget and each soldier saved ammunition by aiming shot one by one. It was a spirit of ¡®a bullet per enemy.¡¯
SFC Lee and the squad leader requested support fires by reporting to the observation officer 1LT Han Kwang-duk of the readjusted data for the point of impact.
No other word can describe our situation more importantly and accurately than the words of ¡®always be in perfect order¡¯!
If needed to add one more to the above, it would be the prudent elaborateness and the swift leadership.
While conducting combat operations, the soldiers were strongly determined to fight against the enemy in the face of death. Particularly SFC Lee, LMG 1st platoon¡¯s SFC Lee Dae-il, squad leader, Sergeant Chung, Byung-ok and the assistant gunner of the LMG CPL Park Oh-taik played a key role. For example, CPL Park Oh-taik defeated 5 foes who were hanging on the barbed entanglement by stabbing and beheading jumping out of the position as fast as a tiger. He just concluded five ?hour long bloody combat with his speedy motion as quick as a light.
However, unfortunately, two Sergeants, Suh Jae-suk, Lim Tae-young and CPL Cho Bong-hwan were sublimely killed in action.
In the meantime, SFC Lee Jong-se was awarded the decoration of Taekeuk which certainly explains his bravery.
Around this moment, when the enemy¡¯s attack preparation fire began, the part of the fire hit the 3rd platoon led by 1stLT Chung Hee-yul who was covering from the right side of the 2nd platoon to the North of the base, was creating a lot of casualties due to the enemy¡¯s reopened massive firing.
For the first time at the combat, the LMG ammo bearer, Choi Young-hwan was wounded at his waist by the fragment. Some of the soldier who were returning back to the units¡¯ positions, were also wounded. However, with no time to get first-aid treatment by the medic, the soldiers were driven to the corner by the enemy¡¯s volley.
Under such tragic situation the weapons squad leader, staff Sergeant Kim Ji-wook was distributing ammo and encouraging the soldiers in spite of heavy bleeding on his left hand. In other hand, the 1st squad leader staff sergeant Shim Sam-duk was hit by a fragment in his lower cheek and immediately wrapped it up with bandage. He even cut his own lip portion with bayonet in order to speak up to the soldiers for encouragement. It was such an unforgettable tragic scene.
However, three brave soldiers of Sergeant Lee Dol-sun, PFC Kim Gil-Iland PFC Kim Myung-su were miserably killed by enemy¡¯s close shooting. Around that time, as the 1st platoon leader.1st Lt. Ko,Jun-young was wounded, platoon¡¯s disperse was accordingly delayed.
After checking curing status of the wounded company commander, captain Kang Se-ho, the weapons platoon leader, 1LT Lim Bok-man rushed into the 60mm mortar position and confirmed that the 1st sergeant Kim Tae-jun was in complete readiness waiting for the minute the enemy would suspend firing against us. Later he was ordered by the company commander captain Lee Choon-geun to concurrently command the company on company commander¡¯s behalf. After being ordered, 1LT. Lim ran to the position and started resettling the platoon that was placed under a confusion for a while.
By doing so, while making the most of a chance under the enemy¡¯s attack in waves, 1LT. Lim additionally supported one more LMG to the 1st platoon of the weapons company. He also shifted the position of the crew served weapons and confirmed the mortar¡¯s barrage formation and illumination as well.
In the meantime, as the enemy¡¯s fire hit the No.3 mortar of the 3rd platoon under the weapons company, two gunners of CPL Lee Woon-san and Kang Gil-yang were not only severely wounded but the mortar was completely destroyed.
To counter attack, the platoon ordered to launch illumination round by No.5 mortar and the high explosive (HE) by the No.6 mortar. The gunner sergeant Kim Jung-rae and the assistant gunner sergeant Kim Chang-whan braved it out by firing in spite of their heavy injury on head and arm.
After defeating enemy¡¯s first wave attack, 1Lt. Lim ordered to substitute mortar¡¯s illumination round for the aerial illumination¡¯s interval and tried best making the barrage for the 2nd platoon. At 05;30hrs, when the 11th company led by captain Lee In-su arrived at the north of the base, captain Lee Choon-geun ordered the two US tanks attached to the company to move out of the position for covering the searching operation conducted by the 11th company.
Under this situation, as soon as the day breaks, the sky was getting cloudy and started drizzling as if it were a requiem echoing throughout the bloody combat area spotted with countless number of shell craters.
At that night around 11:01, soon after receiving a fire request of 10 rounds to the fire concentration point AB311 from the observation officer 1LT. Han Kwang-duk, Captain Kim Jin-kyu of the 3rd battery instructed firing data to the firing battery. Immediately after the firing order was issued, the 1st round was swiftly launched.
Even after the volley, the firing battery commander 1LT. Kim Kyung-ho was still holding the individual firing that could increase the ratio of fire because the fire concentration point of AB311 was only 300m distant from the outer line of the 9th company base. Worrying about the close shelling, decision was made so in order to launch accurately one by one.
Though the platoon leader was fully aware of the battery commander¡¯s situation, it was hardly acceptable under such an urgent situation. So he requested the individual firing be immediately made. Accordingly the battery commander positively responded and issued firing order of individual firing saying ¡°fire individual firing¡±
When 10 rounds were launched, 1Lt. Han again requested 10 more rounds to the point 100m off to the right. Receiving the additional request, captain Kim judged it was hardly possible to follow such fire request with one battery so that he requested fire support to the liaison officer captain Kim Kyu-sung of the 3rd battery led by captain Kim Geun-sik of the 628 Artillery Battalion. The fire request was that 3 rounds each be launched to the point of AB312, 305 and 301.
As soon as the request was made, about a minute later the 1st round reached the target from the battery positioned at the Duc Co airfield.
At this time, when the observation officer 1LT. Han kept requesting the fire support thru the infantry commanding line without a single report on the situation, the battalion S-3 captain Han geun-mo unpleasantly shouted saying
¡°Hell, use the artillery fire commanding line¡±
To this shouting, 1LT. Han responded in a word saying
¡° I can¡¯t ¡±
and kept giving next firing mission.
Watching this scene near the captain Han, the battalion commander, LTC Choi Byung-su and the two captains of Han and Kim Kyu-sung fully realized the urgency on the fire exchanging spot and decided to continue fire support as requested for a while to overcome present situation.
The 3rd battery commander captain Kim Jin-kyu requested to the liaison officer of the US artillery battery that they should launch 8¡± and 175mm gun fire since he thought the enemy appeared to mainly attack the 9th company led by captain Lee Choon-geun.
About 5 minutes later, the artillery rounds were heavily exploded while the 4.2¡± heavy mortar took care of the illumination. As soon as the 155mm howitzer firing was made, he requested the aerial illumination too.
After receiving first situation report from the captain Lee, Captain Kim felt relieved to some extent and checked the ammo on hands. And in order to prevent fire discontinuation, Captain Kim requested 155mm fire support to the US B battery of the 2nd Battalion under the 9th Artillery Command.
At last the observation officer, 1LT. Han Kwang-duk reported that the enemy¡¯s mortar attacks were seized. From this time it was possible to analyze the fire exchanging situation with patience and start launching interdiction shelling on enemy¡¯s retreat route.
When the captain Kim Geun-sik of the 3rd battery of the 628 battalion dropped by the battery commanding post after confirming the security situation of the night on 9th, he received a report that the 9th company was now under enemy¡¯s heavy firing. Therefore, as the first fire mission, he hit the fire concentration point of AB311, BA305, 312 and 302. But considering that the firing point was so closely set near the 9th Company base, captain Kim added +200 to the requested data and tried to launch the first round. After the adjustment by reducing +50, he rained the fire for effect.
A while later since such fires were made, he battery commander Captain Kim ordered that the AN/MDQ-4 of the anti-mortar radar squad be positioned towards the 9th Company and requested the 8¡± and 175mm gun fire support.
At the same time the firing battery commander was positioning its two tubes towards the 9th company that were engaged in harassing fire over the Cambodian border along the #19 road. In accordance with the firing adjustment set by the CP, 3 tubes continued firing while the one tube took in charge of the illumination.
In the other hand, The US battery¡¯s 8¡± and 175mm guns kept firing whole night long at the maximum rate of firing and hit the enemy mortar positions caught by our anti-mortar radar.
As the combat continued up to 05:50 at dawn, there were only 25 illumination rounds left. Moreover, when the illumination mission was turned over to the US B battery of the 2nd battalion of the 9th Artillery Command, just only 6 rounds were remained.
It was about 19:00 hrs on August 9 that the 1st platoon leader,1LT. Yoo Myung-jae of the 4.2¡± heavy mortar under the combat support company attached to the battalion, completed positioning of the tubes. In the mean time, while slumbering after security dispersing, he heard shooting sounds. Therefore, he ordered to be in complete readiness for firing and directed by the battalion to support fires.
Soon after the platoon started launching illumination rounds with the tube 1 & 2 and high explosives at the maximum firing ratio with the remaining two tubes.
Using the interval of the aerial illumination between 03:25 hrs and 05:10 hrs, enemy infiltrated up to the barbed wire line of the 9th company. In the long run, the advanced foes were all showered by our massive fires for effect. At 06:20hrs, we rained with the remaining 10 rounds to the fire concentration point of AB204 and wound up our firing mission.
The 10th company led by captain Yang Jae-Il was ordered at 02:30hrs to cut off the enemy¡¯s retreat route by advancing to southwest of the engaging area. Consequently, the company finally arrived at the bank of Ia Pnon river 1 hour later departing from the company at 03:00hrs at dawn. However, the river was overflowing its bank and so fast flowed that platoon couldn¡¯t cross. Hence, platoon leader reported to the battalion that they would cross the river when they arrive at an appropriate place while advancing alongside the river, and obtained permission to do so.
At last, after arrival at the place 1.5km off to southwest from the 9th Company base at around 05:00hrs, they dispersed near the source of the river. As the platoon completed its scattering, when two soldiers of CPL Kim Duk-su and Kim Young-bae were in security duty watching right side of the platoon, they captured an enemy crossing the river. At the questioning the foe was found to be a runaway of the Vietmin participated in the attacking against the 9th Company. This runaway was carrying one 60mm mortar and 2 hand grenades.
In the mean time, the 11th company commanded by Captain Lee In-su was stationing at the out side of the battalion as a reserve unit after switching mission with the 9th Company on July 27th. On the day they had engagements, the 1st platoon that was then dispatched to the 9th Company, returned back. So after having the 3rd Platoon be ambushed at the southern place of Plei Girao Kle, and as there were no signs of enemy movements, soldiers simply believed there would no engagements on that day.
Surprisingly at this very moment, big bangs with flashes were heard from the 9th company area. Immediately positioning to combat readiness, we saw a tracer was crossing making a curve.
2 hours later just after midnight, the marshalling order issued. The enemy¡¯s scale attacking the 9th company was found to be an augmented a battalion size. The company received the marshalling order at 03:30 hrs and occupied the target at 05:30hrs. In collaboration with the 9th Company the company completed pacifying the runaways, and ready to counter attack. At that moment, under the cover fire by the two US tanks sent by the 9th Company commander, captain Lee Choon-geun, they annihilated the resisting runaways and confirmed that 30 enemy dead bodies tumbling near the barbed wire blockade.
At the same time, we found unknown number of foes desperately resisting with the rifle firing and hand grenade attacks among the dead bodies lied in the hurriedly dug individual bunker, and shot 10 to death and captured 5 alive. In this engagement, sergeant Cho Hee-sun was an only WIA.
At about 07:00 hrs, when the battling outcries were all suspended at the bloody combat area in the midst of the gun smoke and bullets, the US Brigade Commanding General BG Walker, accompanied by the Battalion Commander, LTC Choi Byung-su, arrived at the spot of the combat. By seeing the tragic scenery that might have the General feel his hair stands to the end, The General highly inspired us by saying
¡° even though I have an experience of participating in the WWII, I¡¯ve never seen such an incredible scene as this with piling up enemy dead bodies in a such narrow trench.¡±
At the questioning of the POWs, the enemy that attacked the 9th Company was revealed as the 5th Battalion of the 88 Regiment of the Vietmin 308th Division at the Dung Vay. Total enemy strength mobilized for this attack was confirmed 400 soldiers belonged to 4 subordinate companies under the 5th Battalion with the weapons of 75mm recoilless gun, 82mm mortars plus 300 special engineering commandos selected from 3 engineering companies. So total troops participated was finally confirmed as an augmented unit of 700 troops.
On top of the dead bodies of 184 in total, if it were inferred the number that the enemy might have moved plus the WIAs, the enemy was certainly inferred to have lost roughly more than 500 casualties in the combat. This figure could explain for itself as a proof of a complete defeat by the ROK troops.
On the occasion of this brilliant victory, the US Army that had had a sort of uncertainty regarding the efficiency over general concept of the company tactical base, changed their attitude and started recognizing ROK¡¯s legitimate appropriateness of the conceptual tactics. Later, the US Army named this concept called ¡®File Base¡¯ and commenced to research for its tactical operation in the future.
Translated by:
Jae-sung Chung
www.vietvet.co.kr
