timeline

~ 720th Military Police Battalion Vietnam History Project ~

November 1967 ~ Battalion Timeline

This Page Last Updated 12 April 2018

Regardless of MOS if you recognize or participated in any of the events listed on this Timeline page and would like to contribute any information, personal stories, documents, media articles, photographs, or, if you can provide information on any events not listed, please take a moment to contact the History Project Manager Tom Watson at the Email Link provided on this page. Your contributions are important to the recording of the Battalion history and always welcomed here.

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All major theater activities, stateside incidents, or Cold War and Vietnam War events that affected the 720th MP Battalion’s force allocations, training, operations, deployments, morale or history are shown in Italic blue American Typewriter font.

18th MP

Brigade

89th MP

Group

720th MP

Battalion

At the start of the month Battalion HQ Detachment, its organic letter companies and the 615th MP Company were headquartered subordinate to the 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade in Long Binh Post in Bien Hoa Provence of III Corps Tactical Zone, South Vietnam.

In November (exact date unknown) several POWs escaped from Long Binh Post POW Hospital or the Bien Hoa facility in Ho Nai POW Compound, and were recaptured within 24 hours by a group of volunteer MP's from A Company. If you can provide the exact date or any additional information, please use the Email Link above.

2 November

1LT Kenneth G. Orth, formerly with B Company, assumed the duties as the Battalion Intelligence and Security Officer (S2).

0001 hours, Journal Opened by SFC Reasons.

0002 to 0400 hours, Bed Check Reports, SP/4 Hardy, A Company, SP/4 Vasquez, B Company, SP/4 James E. Ohm, C Company, CPL William B. Pratt, Jr., 615th MP Company, reported all personnel were present and accounted for.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0525 hours, SGT Donald R. Dellecese of the 615th MP Company, NCOIC of the Xuan Loc Convoy, reported they had returned to Long Binh Post. SGT Dellecese further reported the following,

(1) one down vehicle was not picked up by 185th Maintenance and had to be towed to the staging area on the return trip.

(2) An alternative frequency is requested for the escorts.

(3) one 105mm artillery round was found on the roadway, Expended Ordinance Disposal (EOD) was contacted to make recovery.

SGT Dellecese

0530 hours, the POW and MP Hospital Guard report was furnished to SP/5 Patrick, SDNCO, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 21 POW’s and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Compan-, 40 POW’s and 15 MP Guards. Nine MP's available for POW escorts.

0600 hours, LT Harrigan, 266th Service and Support Company, and SGT Gillas, 32nd Artillery, requested transportation from the 8th Aerial Port, Tan Son Nhut Air Base. LT Harrigan stated they had two prisoners to deliver to Long Binh Post. SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion S3 notified. The MP Desk Sergeant at Long Binh Post to coordinate transport with 716th MP Battalion.

0605 hours, SP/4 James E. Ohm of C Company, reported to this office that the Tay Ninh Convoy Escort departed at 0530 hours with one V100, 7 gun jeeps and 25 MP's. SFC Cecil E. Terry of C Company is the unit NCOIC.

SFC Ruggles

0700 hours, SFC Roger F. Ruggles Battalion S3, relieved SFC Reasons as SDNCO.

0800 hours, SFC Sellers, Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office, notified this office to request 2 MP's in full combat gear and 1 gun jeep for purpose of blocking off Highway 1-A between Highway QL-15 and 1, from 1800 hours to 2030 hours this date. 1SG Richard A. Shields, 615th MP Company, notified.

0830 hours, SFC Sellers LBP PMO, notified this office requesting 1 gun jeep and 2 MP's from 0900 hours to 1200 hours on 3 November. Personnel will be utilized as Traffic Control Points for the 9th Infantry Division move through our area to the new base in the Mekong Delta. SGT Lawrence B. Ewers of B Company notified and will fill the commitment.

1030 hours, SGT Willard L. Leeman of C Company, NCOIC of the Tay Ninh Convoy escort notified this office that the escort had been completed by 1910 hours 1 Nov ember without incident.

1545 hours, SP/4 Winfree, 50th Medical Company notified this office that POW's, Huynh Trung Tinh, captured 23 July, Nguyen Van Hai, captured 30 August, and Nguyen Van Than, captured 2 September, all by 9th Infantry Division, were ready for release. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, Operations and SGT Krieger, IIFF, PMO notified.

1630 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified this office that he moved 4 POW's from Dong Tam to Can Tho without incident.

1825 hours, SGT Brunice Collins, A Company, reported 1 POW, Nguyen Van Ba was admitted to Ward #2, 50th Medical Company, condition listed as fair. POW count changed from 61 to 62.

1930 hours, SGT Brunice Collins reported 1 POW, Vo Nchen Tiep was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital, condition was poor. POW Count changed from 62 to 63.

2100 hours, SGT Peter A. Dedijer, A Company, Battalion Pass Truck, reported he departed with 3 and returned with 22 enlisted men. No incidents reported.

2150 hours, SGT Donald L. Dellecese of the 615th MP Company and NCOIC of the Xuan Loc convoy, reported that the convoy had been delayed and he would notify this office when it begins again.

2220 hours, SGT Brunice Collins reported one POW, Nguyen Van Chien, was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital in poor condition. POW count changed from 63 to 64.

2245 hours, SGT Brunice Collins reported two POW's, Nguyen Van Kien, condition fair, and Nguyen Van Tien, condition good, were admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital. POW count changed from 64 to 66.

2310 hours, SGT Donald L. Dellecese notified this office that the Xuan Loc Convoy was moving again.

SGT Dedijer

2400 hours, Journal Closed At 2400 hours by SFC Ingram, 615th MP Company.

3 November

TAOR 0130 hours,.SP/4 Hayes reported that a boat containing 11 personnel from A Company sank just south of the Dong Nai River Bridge, Grid Coordinates [map location] YT017046.

It was a windless night and the river was relatively calm as they proceeded out into the darkness and headed towards the north bank. As the overloaded boat slowed after coming off plane, the wake of water moved from the stern to the bow, and the forward motion of the boat caused the bow to dip beneath wake quickly swamping it.

The four-man crew and seven-member ambush team who were loaded down with full gear, went into the river. PFC Duane Elwood Carter age 20, the boat radio operator, was sitting in the stern under the heavy canvas Bimini-top when he disappeared from view.

SP/4’s Robert "Twiggie" Henslee a crewmember, and John H. Stuckey, Jr. an ambush team member, managed to keep themselves and PFC Rcalde C. "Tiny" Stewart, a big man and non-swimming crewmember, above water until they were rescued.

PFC Carter

The other boat crewmember (unidentified), and all of the other ambush team members, SSG Thomas T. Nededog, SP/4’s Steven W. Senkovich, George Gillespie, Louis Boyatt, PFC Balenger R. "Skip" Brown and the teams PF interpreter, were also able to stay afloat until another boat arrived to assist them.

An immediate search of the river for PFC Carter proved fruitless, and his body wasn't recovered until two days later when it was discovered by a patrol of ARVN Marines. He was one of twenty-three American servicemen to die that day in Vietnam. It was rumored he could not swim, and, even if he could, they believed he became tangled up in the Bimini Top when the boat went under.

Reflection “We tragically lost PFC Carter when the boat sank in the Dong Nai River.

I was the ambush squad radioman, and Carter was the boat crew radioman. It took me awhile to get the PRC-25 radio off my back before I surfaced, I suspect Carter got caught in the poncho shelter half that I think the boat crew had rigged in rear of boat as a sun cover where he sat with the radio.

After surfacing we treaded water and accounted for each other. SSG Nededog quickly determined we were missing someone, and thinking it might be his PRC-25 operator, called for his radioman. I answered, and we realized that Carter was missing.

The boat that had been ahead of us returned, and joined us in the search. While looking for Carter we continued to tread-water and took care of each other. We also watched for other movement in the water. Eventually the second boat returned from its search and pulled several of us from the river. The rest of us grabbed the side of the now over loaded second boat. The crew safely delivered us to a barge on the other side of the river.

Years later I wrote a poem about Carter titled "Radio Man.” I think of Carter a lot, and I know Steve and Twiggie do too. There is something from all of us still in that river.” SP/4 Balenger R. "Skip" Brown, A Company, 720th MP Battalion.

SSG Nededog

SP/4 Senkovich

SP/4 Henslee

SP/4 Gillespie

SP/4 Brown

If you can provide a photograph of SP/4 Louis M. Boyatt, please use the Email Link at top of this page.

SP/4 Boyatt

SP/4 Stuckey

PFC Stewart

Regardless of assignment, if you participated in this operation or the recovery operation and can provide any missing names, or have any photographs, please notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

TAOR The 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division began its move from Bearcat to Tan An in IV Corps Tactical Zone leaving behind a small HQ Detachment as liaison for the Thai Army Queens Cobra Division.

0530 hours, the 89th MP Group was furnished the following POW status report. 24th Evacuation Hospital- 24 POW’s, 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company- 42 POW’s, 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MPs available for escort duties.

0515 hours, "Reborn Snow" [radio call sign] reported that there was no convoy commander or trail party. Contacted the 48th Transportation Group who stated that the 64th Quartermaster was suppose to furnish the commander and trail party. Contacted the 64th Quartermaster who informed me the 48th was suppose to furnish them. At 0555 hours [5:55 AM], this office was advised that the 556th Transportation Company would furnish the commander and trail party. The 64th called back and said they would furnish the commander and trail party.

0600 hours, SGT Lehman, NCOIC Tay Ninh Convoy Escort reported they departed at 0430 hours with 7 gun-jeeps and 20 MP’s.

0700 hours, this office was informed that the Tay Ninh Convoy has not departed the area, delay due to the lack of a convoy commander and trail party.

SGT Donald L. Dellecese, [615th MP Company] NCOIC of the Xuan Loc Convoy called and stated that the convoy had returned to Long Binh Post.

0745 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy was canceled by the Transportation Management Authority.

0755 hours, SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion S3, relieved SFC Ingram [615th MP Company] as SDNCO.

0830 hours, LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces Provost Marshals Office, instructed this office to move 3 POW's from the 50th Medical Company to the III Corps enclosure. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, Battalion Operations, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified.

0930 hours, SGT Smort, 584th Bus Company, notified this office requesting 2 MP Operation RIFLE escorts at 1015 hours 3 November for an escort from the 24th Evacuation Hospital to Bien Hoa Air Base and return, and at 1315 hours 3 November from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base and return. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

1100 hours, LT Turner, II Field Forces Provost Marshal Office notified this office that POW’s, Nguyen Van Luong, Le Van Hoa, and Nguyen Van Phuoc are ready to be transferred from the 9th Infantry Division at Bear Cat to the III Corps enclosure. CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company notified.

1130 hours, SGT Reiner, A Company, NCOIC POW Guards, notified this office that 2 POW's had been admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital, one #6683, name unknown due to physical condition, other is Do Van Don #6682.

1300 hours, SGT Hefflinger, Operations 89th MP Group, notified this office to expect a POW shipment by air from the 16th MP Group, II Corps Tactical Zone, on 7 November.

1515 hours, SGT Smort, 584th Bus Company, notified this office requesting an MP Operation RIFLE escort from the 24th Evacuation Hospital to the ARVN Hospital, Saigon at 1530 hours this date. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company, notified.

1530 hours, SP/4 Hicks [B Company], notified this office that the Operation SHOTGUN escorts from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base and return was completed without incident at 0630 hours. Debriefed by SP/4 Norton.

1600 hours, SFC Cecil E. Terry, C Company, notified this office that the convoy escort from Long Binh Post to Tay Ninh and return on 2 November was completed, and that they received small arms fire approximately 1&1/2 miles south of Checkpoint #28 at approximately 1530 hours.

SP/4 Hicks

2LT Gaglione

1605 hours, 2LT Gaglione, 615th MP Company notified this office that the convoy escort to Long Giao [Xuan Loc] and return was completed without incident.

1645 hours, 1LT Maurice T. Fitzgerald, 615th MP Company notified this office that the Xuan Loc Convoy departed the staging area.

1700 hours, the Battalion Pass truck left Long Binh Post to Bien Hoa with no passengers.

TAOR: 1845 hours, "Pecan Wonder" located at Outpost-2 [Long Hung] in the Battalion Tactical Area of Responsibility informed this office that an individual received minor burns from a flare and requested transportation to the hospital. Pecan Wonder-26 dispatched for transport.

If you can provide the first name or any other information about 2LT Gaglione, please notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

1920 hours, this office was informed the Xuan Loc Convoy was held up and finally departed Long Binh Post.

2105 hours, the Battalion Pass Truck returned to Long Binh Post with 20 passengers.

2110 hours, POW Do Van Dom, admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital at 1130 hours, was moved to Ward #8.

2115 hours, LT Dorothy G. Snow, N105520771, 24th Evacuation Hospital, notified SSG Thomas T. Nededog, A Company, SDNCO that POW, Mai Van Lien, male, had been pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency room by MAJ Charles Graff, MD. POW Mai expired from contusions of the lungs from wound received by 3/39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in the vicinity of Grid Coordinates XS856654. POW Mai arrived at the 24th via Dustoff from the 3rd Surgical Hospital, Dong Tan. 219th Military Intelligence Detachment notified.

2350 hours, SGT Crean reported that a POW, Vo Van Toi was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital.

4 November

0030 hours, PFC O’Commer, 24th Evacuation Hospital, notified this office that an unidentified POW, #6683 expired from fragmentation wound of the head at 2139 hours, 3 November. Death was pronounced by CPT Katz, MD.

0440 hours, 1LT Maurice T. Fitzgerald, [615th MP Company] Officer In Charge, Xuan Loc Convoy, notified this office that his convoy was still at Xuan Loc with only 7 of 35 vehicles unloaded and the unloading of the other trucks had stopped. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, Battalion Operations, notified. 1LT Fitzgerald was instructed to inform the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment that he was returning to Long Binh Post with the empty vehicles.

0530 hours, this office furnished the POW and MP Guard count to the 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 25 POW's, 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company, 43 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MP's available for POW escorts.

0540 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy escorts departed.

0645 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy returned to Long Binh Post with out incident.

0710 hours, SSG Thomas T. Nededog, A Company, was relieved of Staff Duty NCO duties by SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion S3 NCO.

0730 hours, SGT Leeman, NCOIC, Tay Ninh Convoy Escort, notified this office that the convoy had been canceled and this office had not been notified. Further, the convoy commander and the trails party did not show up until 0645 hours.

0800 hours, SP/4 David P. Adams, C Company, notified this office that the two Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escorts from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Bien Hoa Air Base and return, and the 24th Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base and return, had been completed without incident.

0830 hours, SP/4 Lowery, C Company, notified this office that the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort to Long Binh Post to Cuong Hoi Hospital and return had been completed without incident.

0900 hours, SP/4 Hicks, B Company, notified this office that the Operation SHOTGUN escort from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base and return were completed without incident.

The Tay Ninh Convoy was canceled at the marshaling area, again.

1030 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified this office that he moved 6 POW's from Bearcat and the 50th Medical Company to the III Corps POW Cage.

1130 hours, SFC Lewis [A Company] arrived and assumed duties as the SDNCO.

TAOR 1300 hours, this office was notified by SGT House, 98th Advisory Group, MACV, that Popular Forces [PF], personnel would be changed over between 1600 hours and 1700 hours this date. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, Battalion Operations Officer and all companies notified.

1350 hours, this office was notified by SGT Reiner, NCOIC, POW Guards, that 1 POW was transferred from Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital to Ward #3, 50th Medical Company.

TAOR 1540 hours, this office was notified by “Reborn Snow-60” that the A Company boat and some of the equipment that sank in the Dong Nai River at 0130 hours on 3 November was located by divers from the 5th Special Forces Group (Long Binh Post), and they were in a recovery operation.

The Battalion commander, CPT Michael E. Lenhart A Company commander, and the SDNCO of the 89th MP Group were notified.

Regardless of unit or MOS, if you participated in this recovery operation and have a story, or have any photographs, please notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

5th Special

Forces Group

1700 hours, this office was notified by SGT Peter A. Dedijer, A Company, that the Battalion Pass Truck departed with 2 passengers.

1810 hours, 1LT Maurice T. Fitzgerald, OIC, Xuan Loc Convoy Escort, departed the 615th Company area with two V100’s, 5 gun jeeps, and 22 MP’s.

2040 hours, this office was notified by SGT Peter A. Dedijer, A Company, that the Battalion Pass Truck returned to Long Binh Post with 22 enlisted men, no incidents reported.

2045 hours, this office was notified by "Willow Escort" that "Notice Dancer" [radio call sign for Xuan Loc Convoy Escort] would be delayed for 15 minutes.

2100 hours, SFC Cecil E. Terry, C Company, and the Tay Ninh Convoy Escort returned without incident.

2115 hours, this office was notified"Native Dancer that the Xuan Loc Convoy departed the staging area.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

5 November

TAOR Exact Time Unknown, the body of PFC Carter of A Company, lost 3 November on the Dong Nai River, was located by a group of ARTVN Marines patrolling the river near the western bank of VC Island at the entrance to a small cove 2 & 12 kilometers south of the area in which the boat sunk.

Regardless of unit or MOS, if you participated in this body recovery and have a story, or have any photographs, please notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy, 0155 hours, SGT Koontz, NCOIC of Traffic Control, phoned this office and requested that SFC Ruggles be notified that only 29 vehicles were scheduled for the Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy this date. SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion S3 NCO notified.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0430 hours, SGT Leeman, C Company NCOIC of the Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy escort departed with the normal amount of escort vehicles and men minus one V100 that was deadlined.

0445 hours, this office received a call from the 89th MP Group advising that COL Page, Group Commander, requested the Duty Officer investigate a report of machine-gun fire in the Battalion area. CPT Ronald J. Perry notified by PFC Stewart, CQ runner.

POW Hospital Guards 0530 hours, the POW and MP Hospital Guard report was furnished to the 89th MP Group, Staff Duty NCO. 24th Evacuation Hospital- 24 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company- 41 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MPs available for POW escort.

0610 hours, CPT Perry, SDO, informed SFC Lewis, SDNCO that the gunfire was from a machine-gun accidentally fired by the C Company armorer, PFC Frank D. Linker, while he was showing a new man how to load the weapon. As a result of the firing, 4 holes were put in a C Company supply Conex container. There were no injuries or other property damage. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, Battalion S3 and the 89th MP Group SDNCO were notified.

1025 hours, CPT Schooley, 179th MP Detachment Long Binh Post Provost Marshal Office, 95th MP Battalion, notified this office and requested that from 1600 hours 5 November through 0700 hours 7 November, B Company provide an armored jeep with M60 machine-gun in lieu of a patrol jeep. There is no additional personnel commitment. CPT Ronald J. Perry, B Company, notified.

Exact Time Unknown, Members of A Company celebrated the Indiana victory over Purdue, sending the Hoosiers to the Rose Bowl against the USC Trojans.

1550 hours, CPT Alfred A. Alexander the Battalion motor officer reported that HQ-1, 720th MP Battalion, USA #2G0694 is missing from the motor pool. CPT Alexander was notified by the motor pool NCOIC on or about 0900 hours that the vehicle was not at the motor pool. A thorough search was made of the motor pool and complete Battalion area with negative results. Bien Hoa Provost Marshals Office and Long Binh Post PMO were notified.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1820 hours, this office received a call from SGT Orvis, 48th Transportation Group, advising that MP units #8 and #9 on the Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy escort would remain in Go Dau Ha overnight. These units are providing security for a reefer [refrigerated truck] that turned over. The units would be able to proceed tomorrow morning. SGT Orvis received this information from CPT Biller, Assistant Division Traffic Officer, 25th Infantry Division. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, Battalion S3, SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

The Deputy Provost Marshal and the Division Traffic Officer of the 25th Infantry Division, and the 48th Transportation Group were contacted to insure the 720th MPs would be reinforced, and relieved. The 3rd of the 4th Cavalry is supporting the MPs assigned to stay at Go Dau Ha, with the cavalry elements rejoining the convoy on 6 November.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 2030 hours, this office was notified by MAJ Cravett, Division Transportation Officer, 25th Infantry Division, that the 720th MPs [Log entree 1820 hours] were at Tay Ninh in care of the Tay Ninh Provost Marshal Office. C Company notified.

2050 hours, SGT Lahti, NCOIC of the Battalion Pass Truck reported departing with no enlisted men, and returning to Long Binh Post with 30, no incidents reported.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2105 hours, SGT Donald L. Dellecese 615th MP Company, NCOIC of the Xuan Loc Convoy escort, departed Long Binh Post with one (1) V100, 5 gun jeeps, and 1 OIC.

Operation SHOTGUN 2330 hours, this office received a call from the 90th Replacement Battalion that personnel at Bien Hoa Air Base were receiving small arms fire. They requested additional escort security for the Operation SHOTGUN escorts. B Company notified to send 2 gun jeeps with 6 MPs in full combat gear to the 90th. MAJ Fred J. Villella notified.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

6 November

MG J. H. Hay, Commander, Headquarters 1st Infantry Division, issued a letter of appreciation to the Commander, 18th MP Brigade for their outstanding support in general missions rendered to the 1st Infantry Division.

< The letter also specifically mentioned the Battalion for their participation, and outstanding response to enemy attacks in the Long Binh to Quan Loi Convoys escorts.

1400 hours, Memorial Services were held for PFC Duane Elwood Carter of A Company who drowned during a night ambush team transport operation on the Dong Nai River on 3 November.

If you have a Memorial Service program, please notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

13 November

TAOR The Battalion conducted the largest and most successful cordon and search operation todate under Operation STABILIZE. The operation was conducted in An Hoa Hung, the largest village in the TAOR. in the early morning hours MP units set up land and river checkpoints while other MPs conducted searches of village home and identification card checks of the inhabitants with assistance from local Popular Force and Vietnamese National Police units. It lasted throughout the night. The multi unit coordinated operation was designed to root out members of the local Viet Cong units and capture their weapons, equipment and supplies.

15 November

MAJ Fred J. Villella assumed the duties as the 720th MP Battalion Executive Officer.

16 November

2010 hours, this office was notified by 2LT Face, C Company, that the Tay Ninh Convoy returned to Long Binh Post. 2LT Face further reported that the convoy had been delayed twice.

(1) At an engineer construction site a traffic jam blocked the roadway and 1/2 hour was lost clearing the traffic.

(2) During the return trip some engineer and civilian trucks in the convoy received enemy sniper fire. One Vietnamese National Policeman and two Vietnamese civilians were wounded. The 25th Infantry Division and engineer personnel returned fire and the convoy continued. No 720th personnel were involved.

2200 hours, a 5-ton tractor trailer in the Xuan Loc Convoy detonated a land mine at Grid Coordinates [map location] YT 438025, that blew off the right rear dual tires of the truck and turned it over.

SP/5 Warren L. Berg, 519th Engineer Company, operator was not injured, SP/4 David D. Tichelarr, 185th Maintenance Battalion, passenger, received a small cut under his right eye. The truck blocked the roadway and the convoy was being delayed. The traffic could not be routed around the truck for fear of hitting other enemy land mines. Information provided by LT Gaglione, 615th MP Company, Escort OIC.

17 November

0001 hours, The Daily Battalion Operations Journal was opened by SSG Brown.

0002 hours to 0325 hours, Bed Check Reports, SP/4 Steven O. Payton, A Company, SP/4 David A. Bryson, B Company, SP/4 Clyde A. Davidson, C Company, SP/4 Steven Pinello, Jr. 615th MP Company, reported all personnel were present and accounted for.

0500 hours, this office was notified by SSG Charles D. Denniston, C Company NCOIC of the Tay Ninh Convoy Escort that it departed Long Binh Post with one V100, 1 armored gun jeep, 5 gun jeeps, and 20 MP's.

0505 hours, the 16 November 1967 Xuan Loc Convoy returned to Long Binh Post. A three hour delay was caused by the land mine incident at Long Gao at 2200 hours.

0845 hours, this office received a request from PFC Stevens, 584th Ambulance Company, for an Operation RIFLE escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base and return at 1315 hours.

0900 hours, SGT Frederick S. Bumford, B Company, notified this office that the Operation SHOTGUN escort from the 90th replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base and return had been completed by 0500 hours without incident.

0930 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton [A Company] notified this office that he moved 6 POW's by air from Dong Tam to Can Tho by 1600 hours 16 November 1967, without incident.

1100 Hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group, notified this office that 1 gun jeep would be required for VIP escort for anytime after 2000 hours 18 November 1967. The gun jeep will be utilized to escort J-5 MACV from Long Binh Post to Newport Bridge upon departure from BG Harley Moore’s party. MAJ Peter H. Sowle, 1SG Thomas M. Amii, A Company, SFC Sellers, Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office, notified. Escort will be accompanied by A Company, Highway Patrol. Patrol going on duty 1400 hours to 2200 hours shift will draw 1 gun jeep prior to reporting for duty.

1125 hours, SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion S3 contacted SFC Janss, 89th MP Group and requested air capability to move 21 MP's from C Company to Tay Ninh on 18 November 1967. Personnel will be escort relief force.

1205 hours, SGT Lee, NCOIC POW Guards, notified this office that POW, Nguyen Hong Minh had been admitted to the 50th Medical Company, transferred from 1 Medical Battalion. POW count changed to 72.

1210 hours, SP/4 Winfree, 50th Medical Company, notified this office that the following POW's were ready for release. Le Van Mac, capturing unit, C Company, 1/27 Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, 24 July 67. Nguyen Van Tung, capturing unit, A Company, 1/11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 16 October 1967. Le Van Binh, capturing unit, ARVN, 4 October 1967. LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces PMO notified.

1430 hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group, notified this office that the twenty-one C Company MP's flying to Tay Ninh are to be at Bien Hoa Air Base Passenger Terminal at 0830 hours 18 November 1967 to board flight #422, aircraft #C-7A. MAJ Peter H. Sowel, SFC Arthur J. Reese, A Company notified.

1530 hours, LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces PMO, notified this office to move POW, Le Quy Gioi from Dia An to III Corps enclosure. Delivery scheduled for 20 Nov 67. CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified.

1630 hours, SFC Ingram reported and assumed duties as SDNCO.

1700 hours, this office furnished PFC Parent, 89th MP Group with the POW and MP Hospital Guard report. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 23 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company, 49 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MP's available for escort duty.

1705 hours, this office was notified by CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, that he moved 9 POW's from Bear Cat and 7 from Binh Chan to the III Corps cage by 1530 hours without incident.

1750 Hours, SP/4 Soto, EMIC, reported he is departing for the 90th Replacement Battalion with 2 armored jeeps and 4 MP's for an Operation SHOTGUN escort detail.

1845 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy returned to Long Binh Post. SGT Charles D. Denniston, C Company, NCOIC, reported two minor incidents.

(1) A convoy vehicle left the roadway at Check Point #180 sustaining minor damage. Report #19-68 prepared by SP/4 Duding.

(2) Found a .45 caliber pistol #1494701 in the roadway, same was released to SSG Madison, 25th Infantry Division MP, report #19-31 completed.

2045 hours, SGT Richard Johannes [C Company], NCOIC of the Battalion Pass truck reported he departed Long Binh Post with 1 EM and returned with 22 EM without incident.

2050 hours, SGT Arthur R. Foster 615th MP Company, NCOIC, Xuan Loc Convoy escort, reported he was departing the 615th MP Company area with 5 gun jeeps, two V100’s, 23 MP's and 1 Officer.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

18 November

0225 hours, 2LT Eugene S. Edey [C Company], OIC, Tay Ninh Convoy notified this office that the escort was departing with 5 gun jeeps, 1 armored gun jeep, and one V100.

0625 hours, the convoy returned to Long Binh Post. LT Vince Torterella, 615th MP Company, OIC, Xuan Loc Convoy reported the following incidents.

(1) On their way to Xuan Loc at Grid Coordinates [map location] YT 440101, a male Vietnamese was seen by a patrol, when the male realized he had been seen, he ran, then stopped and fired 5 rounds at the patrol, The patrol returned fire and knocked the male down. Further results were unknown.

(2) On the return trip from Xuan Loc 20 to 30 rounds were fired over the convoy at Grid Coordinates YT 240104.

0845 hours, SGT Smart, 584th Bus Company, notified his office and requested an Operation RIFLE escort for medical evacuation patients from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Bien Hoa Air Base at 1115 hours this date. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

1005 hours, CPT Wilder, 89th MP Group, notified this office that flight #422, Tail #C74, Tri Port, West Ramp, Bien Hoa Air Base, scheduled to Tay Ninh for the C Company convoy escort had been delayed. CPT Wilder will call back later when he gets a definite time for the flight.

1050 hours, CPT Wilder notified this office that the aircraft is now at Bien Hoa Air Base. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck notified.

1200 hours, SSG Marion K. Lord [615th MP Company] assumed duties as the Battalion SDNCO.

TAOR 1215 hours, SGT Thompson, HQ’s Special Troops, USARV, reported that the bus for the civic action program would be departing the village of Long Binh Tan in the Battalion Tactical Area of Responsibility at 1430 hours for return to Long Binh Post.

1325 hours, SP/5 Dawson Clayton, Jr., C Company, completed the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort without incident.

1405 hours, SP/4 Williams, C Company, reported to this office that the Operation RIFLE escort returned at 1325 hours without incident, three MP's and 1 gun jeep utilized.

1700 hours, this office furnished SFC Janss, SDNCO, 89th MP Group, with the POW and MP Hospital Guard Report. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 23 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company, 49 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are nine MP's available for POW transport.

1800 hours, At 6:00 PM, SP/4 Soto, [B Company] EMIC, Operation Shotgun reported that he was departing for Bien Hoa Air Base utilizing four MP's and two gun jeeps.

1910 hours, SSG Brownlee, NCOIC, Xuan Loc Convoy Escort, reported that they were departing with one V100, 5 gun jeeps, 26 MP's and 1 Officer. CPT Alfred A. Alexander, SDO. notified.

2105 hours, SGT Keil, NCOIC of the Battalion Pass Truck, reported that he departed the Battalion area at 1745 hours with 6 Enlisted Men, and returned at 1900 hours to transport KP's [Vietnamese civilians who work in the mess hall] home to Bien Hoa, departed Bien Hoa at 2030 hours and returned to the Battalion area with 18, Enlisted Men.

2320 hours, SP/4 Williams, CQ, C Company, reported to this office that the Tay Ninh convoy escort returned to Long Binh Post at 1840 hours. The following incident was reported.

(1) The 25th Infantry Division MP's were not performing their duties at the Traffic Control Points and Checkpoints Echo and #31. The escort utilized one OIC, one NCOIC, 20 MP's, 6 gun jeeps, one V100.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

19 November

TAOR, River Patrol Unit SP/4 Jerry Lawhorne a B Company member of the Battalion River Patrol Unit was working at the Dong Nai River Bridge boat docks under the bridge when he heard a cry for help. He turned and observed that another member of the unit was floundering in the water and was being swept away from the shore by the swift running tidal river.

Realizing the soldier’s life was in danger SP/4 Lawhorne plunged into the river and swam through the fast moving current to him. As soon as he reached the panic stricken soldier he was grabbed and pulled under water. Remaining calm, SP/4 Lawhorne freed himself from the struggling soldiers grasp while they were submerged, then pushed his comrade to the surface for air. He then brought the soldier under control and swam toward shore .

His heroic actions saved the life of a fellow soldier and on 27 January 1968 he was awarded the Soldiers Medal.

SP/4 Lawhorne

If you can identify the rescued soldier and/or any of the other MP's involved in this incident, please notify the History Project Manager via the email link at the top of this page.

0002 hours to 0237 hours, Bed Check Reports Between 12:02 AM and 2:37 AM, SP/5 Alvin Hardy, A Company, SGT Frederick C. Schroeder, B Company, SP/4 Michael, C Company, PFC May, 615th MP Company, reported all personnel were present and accounted for.

0505 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy returned to Long Binh Post.

0510 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy departed Long Binh Post, the escort NCOIC, SSG Charles D. Denniston [C Company] reported, one V100, 6 gun jeeps.

0600 hours, the Operation SHOTGUN escort conducted by SP/4 Soto, B Company at 1800 hours on 18 November 1967, from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base and return was completed without incident.

0630 hours, SP/4 Coleman, C Company reported that the Operation RIFLE escort requested 17 November 1967, was completed without incident.

SSG Brownlee, 615th MP Company, notified this office that the Xuan Loc Convoy escort had been completed by 0505 hours, and at approximately 2150 hours, they picked up one vehicle being towed to Xuan Loc which had broken down without any security. The vehicle was attached to the convoy and escorted to Xuan Loc.

0830 hours, LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces, PMO, notified this office to move the 4 POW’s from the 50th Medical Company and to further move one POW, Bien Van Sau, from Bear Cat to the III Corps enclosure, delivery will be on 21 November 1967. A Company notified.

TAOR 1051 hours, "Solid Display-26" notified this office that he was holding several Viet Cong suspects and an estimated 1/2 ton of rice at the boat docks. MAJ Fred J. Villella, Operations Officer, notified. 1LT Kenneth G. Orth Battalion S2 dispatched.

1130 hours, "Solid Display-26" requested a 3/4 ton truck to transport the VC suspects from the boat docks to the 89th Advisory Group in Duc Tu. SP/4 Comerier, A Company Notified. At 1155 hours, Solid Display-26 and "Graves Shells-2" [radio call sign for 1LT Kenneth G. Orth Battalion S2] departed the boat docks for Duc Tu with the suspects.

1315 hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group, called this office requesting 2 MP's to be utilized as POW guards for 4 POW's. The MP's will board a helicopter at 1315 hours, 20 November 1967 at the common users field across from the 2nd Field Forces Headquarters. The information was received by MAJ Peter H. Sowle and relayed to SDNCO, SSG Kenneth McClain [B Company]. CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company notified.

1LT Orth

1510 hours, SGT Campbell, Operations, 179th MP Detachment, Bien Hoa PMO, called this office and requested a 2&1/2 ton truck with driver to report to the Bien Hoa PMO, MAJ Sexton at 0800 hours, 20 November to conduct a raid. SP/4 Vasquez, B Company, notified.

1700 hours, the POW and MP Hospital Guard report was furnished to SP/4 Denkers, SDNCO, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 23 POW's, 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company, 49 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MP's available for transport duties.

1730 hours, SP/4 Soto reported to this office with 4 MP's and 2 jeeps (1 armored and 1 gun jeep), for an Operation SHOTGUN escort.

1930 hours, SSG Brownlee, 615th MP Company reported with 1 Officer, 21 MP's, two V100s and 5 gun jeeps for the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort.

2315 hours, 1SG Thomas M. Amii, A Company, reported that CPL Rodriguez assaulted PFC Bay in the Battalion Mess Hall. This incident was witnessed by PFC John G. Abbott, II, A Company and PFC Ryan, 557th MP Company. CPL Rodriguez, origin is the 7th Comm FPO 9906, USMC & LCPL John D Glover, 5th Comm FPO 9906, TDY [temporary duty] HQ, 40th Signal Battalion, 96491.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

21 November

BG Moore

BG Gustafson

At a change of command ceremony held on Long Binh Post, BG Harley L. Moore, Jr., 18th MP Brigade Commander and U.S. Army Provost Marshal General Vietnam passed responsibilities to the newly arrived BG Karl W. "Big Gus" Gustafson.

BG Moore was being reassigned as the new USA-EUR (United States Army Europe) Provost Marshal, the command that BG Gustafson held prior to being assigned to Vietnam to replace BG Moore.

Attending the ceremony were senior military police command staff members from MACV, USARV and the ARVN Military Police (Quan Canh) and National Police (Canh Sat).

23 November, Thanksgiving Day

The Thanksgiving Day Menu, Prayer and Commanders Message that was provided in the Battalion Mess Hall from GEN William C. Westmoreland.

Cover

Prayer-Menu

Message

Operation QUICKSILVER

1st Infantry

Division

101st Airborne

Division

11th AC

Regiment

Bravo

Company

552nd MP

Company

Elements of B Company consisting of one officer and 23 enlisted personnel, were assigned to assist the 1st MP Company, 1st Infantry Division, with the convoy transport escort of the 101st Airborne Division from the Bien Hoa Airfield to their new division base camp located at Phouc Vinh where they replaced the 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division.

Elements of the 552nd MP Company, of the 2nd Field Forces were also assigned to the mission. The 1st & 2nd Squadrons of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, provided route security, cordon and search and recon-in-force missions between Ben Cat and Phuoc Vinh. The operation ran from 23 November to 21 December.

The 1st Division Provost Marshal, LTC Wittwer, later praised B Company personnel for their commendable performance.

Wanted: Information, personal stories and photographs of the Operation QUICKSILVER mission regardless of unit and MOS. Please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

26 November

CPT Steven Vass, Jr. assumed the duties as the Battalion Operations Officer (S3).

28 November

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0435 hours, SSG Charles D. Denniston of C Company NCOIC of the Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy reported the escort was departing the Battalion area with 6 gun jeeps and one V100.

0538 hours, "Smaller Skulls" [radio call sign] notified this office that a vehicle accident occurred at Thu Duc intersection on Highway 1A. Two US Army vehicles were involved. Some injuries, no further information at this time. Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office notified.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0540 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort returned to Long Binh Post without incident.

Operation RIFLE 0615 hours, SP/4 Hudgins of C Company notified this office that the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort was completed by 0615 hours without incident.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0630 hours, a review of the Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy escort After Action Report for 26 November, at 0730 hours.

PFC Higdon, C Company, operator of Vehicle #8, while traveling through Saigon, dropped an ammunition can. As he backed up to retrieve it his vehicle struck a motor bicycle operated by Tran Ban Dua. No injuries sustained. Damage to bicycle, total loss. No damage to government property.

Operation SHOTGUN 0730 hours, SP/4 Michael B. Lawson of B Company notified this office that the Operation SHOTGUN escort from the 90th Replacement Battalion and Bien Hoa Air Base and return was completed by 0600 hours without incident.

Operation RIFLE 1013 hours, SP/5 Goodrich, 584th Ambulance Company contacted this office and requested an Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Bien Hoa Air Base as soon as possible. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

POW Escort Unit 1055 hours, CPT Powers, Admissions and Discharges Officer, 24th Evacuation Hospital, contacted this office and requested the move of POW, Nguyen Thi Xuane, who can not walk, from the 24th to the ARVN Military Hospital Cong Hoa in Saigon.

Operation RIFLE 1210 hours, SP/4 Robert M. Schinzel of C Company, completed the Operation RIFLE emergency escort request called in by the 584th Ambulance Company at 1013 hours this date without incident.

SP/4 Van Kleek

1330 hours, SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck of C Company notified this office that at 0800 hours, 28 November, PFC William Houseweart, C Company, operating, jeep, USA #2G1953, B/M [bumper marking] PC-29, was proceeding to the POL Point [Petrolium-Oil-Lubricant] and was stopping to make a left turn into the POL yard when vehicle #2, a jeep from the 324th Signal Company attempted to pass him.

PFC Houseweart applied his breaks but could not stop before being struck on the left front fender. There were no injuries or damage in this accident.

POW Hospital Guards 1420 hours, SGT Lee, NCOIC of the POW Guards, notified this office that POW Truong Van Truc had been admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital. POW count changed to 77.

1630 hours, SSG Thomas T. Nededog, A Company, assumed the duties of the Battalion SDNCO.

1655 hours, the Battalion Runner furnished the POW and MP Hospital Guard report to SP/4 Denkers, Operations, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 24 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company- 53 POW's and 15 MP Guards.

1700 hours, the Battalion Pass Truck departed Long Binh post with 3 passengers.

1820 hours, MAJ O’Hara, 18th MP Brigade, notified this office that LT Brody would have a rehearsal for the change of Battalion Command ceremony [see Log for 14 December] at Brigade Headquarters at 0730 hours 29 November. Present for the rehearsal will be BG Karl W. Gustafson, COL Weber and COL Fransler.

TAOR 1915 hours, this office was advised that there will be a meeting at 1000 hours 29 November for all company officers and operations sergeants regarding Scout Dogs. The meeting will take place tentatively in the Battalion Chapel. As per CPT Steven J. Vass, all company commanders notified, PFC Koerber, A Company, SP/4 William J. Kuper, B Company, SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company, and SP/4 Stephen Pinello, Jr., 615th MP Company.

Wanted: Anyone having any information on the details of this meeting and what topics were discussed, please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link.

POW Hospital Guards 1930 hours, SGT Reiner, A Company NCOIC Hospital Guards, 24 Evacuation Hospital and 50th Medical Company notified the Battalion SDNCO in person that POW Doan Van Cuy was admitted to Ward #8, at the 24th.

2050 hours, SGT Wills, NCOIC of the Battalion pass truck, notified this office that he returned from Bien Hoa with 25 passengers, no incidents reported.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2235 hours, SGT Roche, NCOIC, Xuan Loc Convoy Escort notified this office they were departing the staging area with, one OIC, 2LT Vince Tortorella, call sign "Opaque Watcher-16," 21 MP's, 5 gun jeeps, and two V100's.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

29 November

TAOR SGT Ward Gunard "Pop" Walter age 50, C Company, Battalion Ambush Squad, died from wounds received by small arms fire in the Tactical Area Of Responsibility.

The MACV-ARVN outpost at Phuoc Cang on Highway QL-15 was coming under heavy enemy fire and the combined (A, B, and C Company) ambush team was tasked with attempting to take the pressure off by flanking the VC positions.

They were working their way along the highway about 500 yd's or so away from the outpost. For some time they had been able to see headlights lights approaching from the direction of Bearcat.

The ambush team hunkered down at the base of the Highway QL-15 berm preparing to move to their south and engage the VC who had no idea they were there. They waited for the vehicle to pass so its headlights wouldn't expose their position. The vehicle turned out to be a jeep from the 9th Infantry Division. The men in the gun jeep must have spotted movement because they opened fire as they passed by the ambush teams location, then continued down the highway.

The rounds from the jeep struck SGT Walter in the chest at least three times. They passed through the M-16 magazines that were hung on bandoleers across his chest. SGT Walter was transported to the 24th Evacuation Hospital but died from the wounds before he arrived. SGT Walter had thirty days in-country when he died.

SGT Walter

0440 hours, "Smaller Skulls-3" [radio call sign] notified this office that his siren had been set off accidentally while in the C Company area.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy SGT Rodriguez, C Company, NCOIC of the Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy Escort notified this office that they were departing for the staging area with 6 gun jeeps and one V100.

0655 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy returned to Long Binh Post. SGT Roche, 615th MP Company, NCOIC notified this office that;

(1) at 0300 hours in the vicinity of Grid Coordinates [map location] YT095388, the convoy was delayed approximately 1/2 hours because Xuan Loc was under enemy fire.

(2) Also during this time an AVLB [Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge, i.e., an armored vehicle used for launching and retrieving a 60-foot scissors-type folding bridge mounted on a tank chassis] lost a right track and went off the road into a ditch resulting in two enlisted men receiving minor injuries. No MP’s involved.

0810 hours, LT Kelly, Assistant Battalion S3 Officer, notified this office that at 0755 hours, SP/4 Hickey, driver for S3 Section, had been involved in a minor traffic accident on Kansas Street, in the rear of the Long Binh Post PMO.

SP/4 Hickey was passing a parked bus from Sup-Com TMP [Support Command, Transportation Motor Pool] and misjudged his clearance and struck a slightly protruding stop sign located on the left side of the bus, with the right windshield of his jeep. No injuries.

Damage: Vehicle #1 (SP/4 Hickey) cracked jeep windshield. Vehicle #2 None. SP/4 Hickey was operating 1/4 ton truck (jeep) USA #2G0692 Bumper Marking [BM]- 720P HQ3. Vehicle #2, Isuzu Bus, USA #0869, BM- 2SGTMP 873, operator, Nguyen Van Chan, LBP Pass #72879. CPT Steven Vass, Jr. MAJ Fred J. Villella, CPT Alfred A. Alexander, SGT Hefflinger, 89th MP Group notified. Windshield of HQ3 replaced.

0815 hours, LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces, Provost Marshals Office notified this office to move POW, Nguyen Van Mo from Cu Chi to the III Corps Cage. Delivery will be on 30 November 1967. Notified CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company.

0825 hours, SGT Mart, 584th Ambulance Company contacted this office and requested an Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air base at 1330 hours. He further requested another escort be available from the 93rd to Bien Hoa Air Base on a stand by status until an exact time is determined.

CPT Vass

0835 hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group requested a 2&1/2 or 3/4 ton truck. Motor Pool notified and will advise of availability.

0910 hours, LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces PMO, notified this office to move POW, Nguyen Van Hoa from Cu Chi to the III Corps enclosure. Delivery to be made 30 Nov. CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified.

Scout Dog Unit 1000 hours, CPT Steven J. Vass, the new Battalion S-3, chaired a meeting for all company officers and operations sergeants regarding the utilization of the new Scout Dog Teams being provided by the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog).

The meeting was to insure that all companies that had missions in the TAOR had a common understanding of how to request the teams, their capabilities and limitations, and protective measures to be taken when the dogs were tracking. The teams would prove to be a very valuable addition to the counterinsurgency mission.

Personal Reflection

“I was one of the two original scout dog handlers with the 212th at Long Binh. We received our dogs and trained with the 199th. Infantry Brigade [Camp Frenzell-Jones]. SP/4 Jim Kelly was the other handler.

My scout dogs name was Prince, and we received our training in 1967 and we were both sentry dog handles at the Long Binh [3rd Ordnance] ammo dump prior to this. We did patrols throughout the Bien Hoa area and set up nighttime ambushes on a regular basis working with different platoons of the 720th.” SP/4 Roger W. Fauver, 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog, Scout Dog Unit, 95th MP Battalion, 1967-1968.

SP/4 Fauver

1010 hours, SGT Lee, NCOIC, POW Hospital Guards, notified this office that LT Daily, 219th Military Intelligence, classified POW, Nguyen Van Dien as a draft dodger and released him to the Bien Hoa Province Hospital. POW Count changed to 77.

1510 hours, SP/4 Sepe, 584th Ambulance Company, contacted this office and requested an Operation RIFLE emergence medical evacuation escort, ASAP [as soon as possible] and that the ambulance bus would be ready in a few minutes. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

1540 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified this office that he completed the transfer of POW's from the 50th Medical Company to the III Corps enclosure without out incident as per request 24 Nov 67. POW count changed to 70.

1600 hours, SP/4 Davicson, C Company, completed the Operation RIFLE medical escort from the 90th Replacement Battalion that was requested at 0825 hours [8:25 AM], without incident.

1630 hours, SSG Clifford S. Morrison, C Company, assumed the duties as the new Battalion SDNCO.

1705 hours, the POW and Hospital Guard report was furnished to SP/4 Denkers, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 25 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company, 45 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MP's available for POW escort duties.

1710 hours, SGT Wills, HHD, departed this Headquarters with the Battalion Pass Truck and one passenger on pass.

1720 hours, the 64th Quartermaster Battalion contacted this office and requested 2 MP's for a change of Command Ceremony on 30 November 1967 at their Headquarters. The MP's are to report to the 64th HQ at 0930 hours, for a briefing. The ceremony will take place at 1000 hours. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., and CPT Michael E. Lenhart, A Company CO, notified. CPT Lenhart will provide personnel for the ceremony.

2000 hours, SGT Roche, 615th MP Company, NCOIC, Xuan Loc Convoy Escort, reported to this office that the escort was departing with 1 Officer, 1 NCOIC, 22 MP's, 5 gun jeeps and two V100's.

The Tay Ninh Convoy returned to Long Binh Post. It was delayed at Cu Chi for one hour on the return trip due to roadway obstruction at Check Point Echo.

2050 hours, SGT Wills, HQ & HQ Detachment reported back to this station with the Battalion Pass truck. On the return trip there were 25 passengers, no incidents.

2240 hours, Bed Check, HQ & HQ Detachment SP/4 Marvin G. Caudill, reported all personnel were present and accounted for.

TAOR 2250 hours, CPT Goolsby, SOD, 29th General Support Group was contacted in regards to the possibility of a vehicle from that unit being involved in the death of SGT Walter, C Company, 720th MP Battalion. CPT Goolsby stated by telephone to SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion Operations, that he was aware of the situation and was investigating.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

30 November

TAOR Through the assistance and coordination of the Battalion Civic Action Program, members of the 46th Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, 159th Engineer Group, began roadway and bridge repairs in the Battalion Tactical Area of Responsibility. The Battalion provided MP security during the construction.

0322 hours, SP/4 Michael L. Lawson, B Company, completed the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort for the 90th Replacement Battalion without incident.

TAOR 0430 hours, Criminal Investigation Division [CID] Agent Ortiz, 87th CID, Long Binh Post Field office, reported to this Headquarters that the four enlisted men who were apprehended at Check Point #8 were questioned in regards to the friendly fire shooting death of SGT Ward G. Walter. They were SP/4 Thomas T. Conely, SP/4 Charles M. Jones, PFC David L. Whitley and PFC Plomise J. Bailey from Company A, 709th Maintenance Battalion, 9th Infantry Division.

SP/4 Conley admitted to firing his weapon at approximately the time and location of SGT Walters death. SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion Operations, SGT Hanlon, 89th MP Group, were notified. LT Schmidt, Long Binh Post Tactical Operations Command, requested information on the incident and was provided same.

The Tay Ninh Convoy escort advised they were departing the Battalion area.

0635 hours, This office was notified that the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort was entering Long Binh Post.

0930 hours, SFC Janss of the 89th MP Group notified this office that he wound require 2 gun jeeps on the evening shift 1600-2400 hours on 1 December for the escort of GEN Karl W. Gustafson from Long Binh Post to Newport Bridge. Departure scheduled for 1830 hours, and the return escort from Newport will be at 2330 hours. The Long Binh PMO will furnish further information. SFC William W. Wasiak S3 NCO of A Company was notified.

POW Escort Unit 1000 hours, SP/4 Winfree of the 50th Medical Company notified this office that the following POW's were ready for transport from the 50th to the III Corps cage: Nguyen Van Chuyen, captured 5 October 1967 by 3/5 Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division; Vo Van Hai, captured 3 March 1967 by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment; Cuong Van Long, captured 19 November 1967 by C Company, 15th Marine Division; Nguyen Van Tung, captured 16 October 1967 by the A Company, 1/11th Armored Cavalry Regiment; Nguyen Van Hinh, captured 19 October 1967 by the B Company, 1/27 Infantry, 25th Infantry Division; Nguyen Hong Minh, captured 2 November 1967, by the 1/18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division; and Do Ho Chau, captured 27 October 1967 by Lai Thieu Subsector, Intelligence Platoon.

SFC Wasiak

TAOR 1020 hours, 2LT Robert S. Wilkerson, B Company, Call sign "Niner-Niner" Military Police Field Forces [MPFF] OIC, notified this office that the MPFF’s would search the area of their incident at 1300 hours this date, and he will not need any troop support today. MPFF was the acronym used by the Battalion (combined) Ambush Platoon.

POW Escort Unit 1230 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified this office that he moved 1 POW from Cu Chi to the III Corps cage without incident.

720th Ambush

Platoon

POW Hospital Guards 1345 hours, SGT Lee NCOIC Hospital Guard detail notified this office that a female POW #7359 was declared dead on arrival at the 24th Evacuation Hospital by CPT Mahler, MD. The POW was brought from the 199th Light Infantry Brigade by ambulance.

Operation RIFLE 1540 hours, SGT Smart, 584th Bus Company, notified this office that he would need an Operation RIFLE escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to the Bien Hoa Air Base at 1600 hours this date. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company, notified.

POW Hospital Guards 1630 hours, SGT Lee NCOIC of the Hospital Guard detail notified this office that POW Huynh Thanh Ut was admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital. POW count changed to 71.

TAOR This office received from MAJ Williams, Operations, 18th MP Brigade, an overlay indicating the requested Area of Operation [AO] from the 9th Infantry Division that had been approved from 0600 hours 30 November 1967 to 0600 hours 28 January 1968. This request can be extended beyond these dates if necessary. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., Battalion Operations, notified.

POW Hospital Guards 1700 hours, the POW and MP Hospital Guard report was furnished to to SGT Hefflinger, Operations 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital and 50th Medical Company, 71 POW's and 24 MP Guards.

1720 hours, SGT Wills, HHD, notified this office that the Battalion Pass truck departed the Battalion area with 5 personnel.

Operation RIFLE 1800 hours, the Operation RIFLE convoy escort from 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Bien Hoa Air Base by SP/4 Robert D. Dudney, C Company, had been completed without incident.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2015 Hours, PFC Allen J. Harrell of the 615th MP Company was loading his M-60 machine-gun in preparation to depart on The Xuan Loc Convoy escort at the 199th Light Infantry Brigade staging area on Long Binh Post, and he accidentally fired off one round with no injuries or damage resulting. The incident was reported o his company headquarters where SP/4 Stephen Pinello, Jr. the Charge of Quarters for the 615th MP Company reported it to Battalion TOC at 2100 hours. The incident was also logged into the daily activity report when reported to Battalion TOC upon return of the convoy from Xuan Loc on 1 December, as part of their after action report. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., and MAJ Fred J. Villella of Battalion, and SGT Hefflinger of the 89th MP Group were notified.

2110 hours, the Battalion Pass truck returned from Bien Hoa with 20 passengers, no incidents were reported.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2150 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort departed Long Binh Post staging area with 5 gun jeeps, two V100's, 21 MP's, NCOIC, SGT Roche and OIC, 2LT Vince Tortorella, 615th MP Company.

2325 hours, The first sergeant of the 584th Ambulance Company notified this office that 5 ambulances have been dispatched to the Pacific Architects and Engineers [PA&E] area 208, which has come under mortar attack. They requested MP escorts for the ambulances, and the Long Binh Post MP Desk was notified and dispatched patrols for escort. The Long Binh Post PMO, and SGT Tanker of the 89th MP Group were notified.

2355 hours, COL Lewis requested that 6 more MP Patrols be dispatched to the PAE area 208 to assist in traffic control. 615th MP Company Alert Force and C Company Alert Force were notified.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

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