time line

~ 720th Military Police Battalion Vietnam History Project ~

December 1967 ~ Battalion Timeline

This Page Last Updated 22 March 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.

1 December

615th MP Company 0015 hours, the 615th MP Company Alert Force arrived at the Battalion area as per instructions from COL Lewis, 2355 hours 30 November.

0025 hours, the C Company Alert Force arrived at the Battalion area as per instructions from COL Lewis 2355 hours 30 November.

615th MP Company 0040 hours, the 615th MP Company and C Company Alert Forces, consisting of 1LT Ralph A. Thomas, A Company, OIC, 6 gun jeeps and one V100 Commando Armored Car, arrived at the PA&E area 208. They reported some confusion in the area and no one seemed to be in charge.

0105 hours, the Alert Forces were deployed and in order.

0125 hours, the Alert Forces stood down and returned to the Battalion area at 0145 hours, all seemed to be secure at PA&E area 208.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0145 hours, Delayed Log Entree, The Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy After Action report for 30 November was turned into this office reporting the following.

(1) At approximately 0745 hours, 29 November PFC Bard, US52939798, 572nd Transportation Company, 48th Transportation Group, APO 96491, struck a Lambretta carrying 7 passengers at Checkpoint #1. The passengers were taken to a civilian hospital before the arrival of 25th Infantry Division MP's. According to SP/4 Solomen, of the 25th MP Company, SP/4 Bard did not possess an Army operators license or ID card.

0207 hours, this office was notified that the Long Binh Post Stockade was out of water. The SDNCO was informed to notify the 95th MP Battalion for a water truck.

0420 hours, this office was notified by SSG Charles D. Dennisten of C Company, NCOIC of the Tay Ninh Convoy Escort, that they were departing the Battalion area with 6 gun jeeps and one V100.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0430 hours, this office was notified that the Xuan Loc Convoy from 30 November had returned to Long Binh Post.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0500 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort from 30 November returned to Long Binh Post. One incident to be reported by SGT Roche, 615th MP Company NCOIC.

(1) at 2015 hours 30 November, PFC Allen J. Harrell of the 615th MP Company, while loading his M-60 machine gun in preparation to depart accidentally fired one round. No injuries or damage reported. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., MAJ Fred J. Villella, and SGT Hefflinger, 89th MP Group notified.

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

Operation RIFLE 0835 hours, this office was notified by SP/4 Hoffman, 584th Bus Company, that they required an Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base at 1330 hours.

1630 hours, SSG Marion K. Lord [615th MP Company] reported on duty as the new Battalion SDNCO.

POW Hospital Guards 1700 hours, the POW and MP Hospital Guard Report was furnished to SP/4 Denkers, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital, 26 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company, 45 POW's and 15 MP Guards.

1720 hours, SGT Wills, HHD, NCOIC of the Battalion Pass truck reported that he was departing Long Binh Post for Bien Hoa with no passengers.

1900 hours, 2LT Face [C Company], Battalion Staff Duty Officer, reported that he conducted the interior guard mount and found no deficiencies.

POW Hospital Guards SGT Reinier [A Company], NCOIC, POW Hospital Guards, reported that at 1715 hours [5:15 PM], a POW, Khong An, bed #25, Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital was observed kicking his sheets off. A corpsman, PFC Stevens, replaced the sheets four times. Upon kicking them off a fifth time, LT Hoffet, medical nurse on duty, attempted to tie POW Khongs right foot to the bed at which time he kicked her on the right hip. LT Hoffet, using force necessary, held POW Khongs right leg down and tied it to the bed. Notified Operations NCOIC, SFC Roger F. Ruggles.

1905 hours, SP/4 Ahrens, Traffic Control Center, reported that he had received notification by the 716th MP Battalion [Saigon] at 1840 hours that elements of the 716th will be maintaining traffic control points. Notified Operations NCOIC, SFC Roger F. Ruggles.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2105 hours, SGT Roche [615th MP Company], NCOIC of the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort reported that the convoy was departing the assembly area with one OIC, 21 MP's, 5 gun jeeps, and two V100's.

2140 hours, SGT Wills, HHD, NCOIC of the Battalion Pass truck reported that he has returned to the Battalion area to pick up the KP's [Vietnamese civilian mess hall workers] at 1900 hours (7:00 PM), and return to Bien Hoa. Then returned to the Battalion area at 2130 hours with no passengers because the truck was nor running properly.

2141 hours, At 9:41 PM, SGT Reiner [A Company], NCOIC, POW Hospital Guards notified this office that 1 POW was admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital, condition unknown. The POW was, Nguyen Van Dan, rank of PVT, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, C-20 Battalion, K-7 Infantry, born 1937. He was captured at 0800 hours [8:00 AM], 30 Nov 67, in Bo Duc Subsector by RF/PF's of Bo Duc Subsector. Notified Operations NCOIC, SFC Roger F. Ruggles.

POW Hospital Guards 2142 hours, SGT Reiner [A Company], NCOIC, POW Hospital Guards, reported that SP/4 Miller found a syringe and needle on POW, Doung Van De. SGT Reiner conducted a shakedown of Ward #2 and found one 7” piece of steel wire and 2 safety pins in the pillow case of POW Ho Van Son. A small plastic bag of salt was found in the drinking cup of POW, Phan Van Nghia. A search of the area revealed a razor blade in the rafters, staples in the fire exit and cigarettes in the bunker. Notified Operations NCOIC, SFC Roger F. Ruggles.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 2330 hours, MAJ Fred J. Villella, Battalion executive officer requested that the SDNCO, SSG Marion K. Lord, investigate the information concerning a broken down C Company vehicle in the Tay Ninh escort. The following information was obtained.

The radio operator at Long Binh Post PMO, SP/4 Barber stated that he had been notified at approximately 1900 hours by SP/4 Long, 716th MP Battalion that a jeep, C-20 assigned to C Company was broken down approximately 2 miles south of the Newport Bridge.

SP/4 Barber notified SP/4 Robert G. Padley, Operations, C Company. SSG Lord contacted SP/4 Padley who stated that he had first been notified of the vehicle at 2200 hours by Tactical Operations Command, and that a wrecker had been dispatched at 2300 hours without an escort.

At approximately 2320 hours SP/4 Padley informed SSG Lord that he had been mistaken as to the time he was notified by TOC.

At 2347 hours SSG Lord again contacted C Company to verify the time of notification. SP/4 Padley stated that he was not sure, but that he had been notified prior to the reactionary force being notified to report to the TOC. A check with TOC, SFC Roger F. Ruggles confirmed that notification for NCO’s was approximately 2100 hours.

2400 hours, SSG Marion K. Lord [615th MP Company], was relieved as SDNCO and replaced by SGT Donald R. Dellecese [615th MP Company].

Daily Log Closed.

4 December

TAOR: Local Viet Cong ambushed a B Company day reconnaissance patrol in the Tactical Area Of Responsibility and directed sniper fire at B Company River Patrol when they unknowingly surprised a planned ambush of several ammunition barges traveling north on the Dong Nai River.

5 December

C Company Under USARV General Orders 5619 dated 5 December 1968, the following members of C Company were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during the period of January 1968-January 1969; SP/4 Robert J. Lutz, SP/4 Henry M. Stafford, SP/4 Johnnie L. Cottrell and PFC Larry R. Bates.

The presentation of the medals was performed by CPT Donald P. Kirchoffner and 1LT Earl “Duke” Walling during a formation in the C Company compound on Long Binh Post. The exact date of the ceremony is unknown.

6 December

TAOR The B Company ambush squad returned to the site of the 4 December ammunition barge ambush and recovered a Viet Cong Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube during their search of the area. The B Company team was assigned as a security detail augmented by members of the 615th MP Company, and occupied the river bank area during the barge ammunition cargo recovery operation.

9 December

VC Bodies and Cache Discovered

TAOR A Viet Cong cache of bodies, ammunition and explosives was uncovered by a four boat force of the Battalion River Patrol Unit involving A and B Company accompanied by U.S. and ARVN Intelligence Team, and directed by a Choi'Hoi (VC defector). The cache was found in a cove on the Buong River. During the recovery operation the patrols came under small arms fire from a nearby hidden VC force.

The cache included two pounds of C4 plastic explosives, two pounds of dynamite, an M-16 rifle, ammunition, one bayonet, four fragmentation grenades. The dynamite was wired with an electrical blasting cap and was ready to be detonated. There were also two VC bodies located in the sunken sampan sitting on the bottom of a small cove in four feet of water just off the Buong River in the Tactical Area of Responsibility.

The incident followed a fire fight and ambush when B Company reconnissiance and river patrols interrupted a barge ambush on on the Donh Nai River on 4 December. The location of the cache was revealed by two Choi'Hoi’s (VC defectors) accompanied by two ARVN Military Intelligence Special Agents who directed the force to the scene of a sunken sampan.

The importance of the cache was dangerously unveiled when an unknown size VC force opened fire with automatic and small arms at the search team from hidden positions in the thick jungle surrounding the cove. The MPs and their ARVN and Popular Forces soldiers engaged the hidden enemy until support arrived in the form of two Huey Cobra gunship's from Bien Hoa Air Base.

The Cobra's peppered the surrounding area with machinegun fire allowing the boats to pull back to the main river without suffering any casualties, but prevented the recovery of the sunken sampan and VC bodies.

A Company members on the recovery team were, 1LT George A. Loftin, SGT Richard Walker, SP/4 Robert E. "Twigge" Henslee, SP/4 George Gillspie, SP/4 Thomas G. Lane, SP/4 ? Anderson, and PFC Max Ross, PF Xich, and others yet to be identified.

1LT Loftin

SGT Walker

SP/4 Henslee

SP/4 Lane

PFC Ross

SP/4 Gillespie

SP/4 ? Anderson

PFC Xichs

If you participated in this operation and can provide any additional information, photographs or personal stories, please take a moment to contact the History Project Manager at the Email Link provided at the top of this page.

11 December

CPT Ronald J. Perry passed command of B Company to CPT Paul R. Guimond. CPT Perry assumed the duties as the new Battalion Operations Officer (S3) from CPT Steven Vass, Jr.

If you can provide any photographs of the change of command ceremony, please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

CPT Perry

CPT Guimond

12 December

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0035 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy escort after action report for 11 December was delivered to this office.

(1) a 5 ton truck ran into 2 Lanbretta's injuring 4 Vietnamese civilians. A medical evacuation helicopter was summoned to transport the victims. The accident took place 2 kilometers north of Check Point #1. SFC Janss, 89th MP Group notified. The accident investigation is being conducted by the 25th Infantry Division MPs.

0325 hours, "SS-26" [radio call sign] requested this office contact A Company and have their V100 brought over to C Company.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0400 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy [radio call sign SS-26] and escorts [ C Company] departed the staging area.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0430 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy returned to Long Binh Post.

0555 hours, " WC-5A" [radio call sign] notified this office they were headed to Saigon with the chaplain.

Operation SHOTGUN 0600 hours, SP/4 Harrell, B Company completed the Operation SHOTGUN escort from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base and return without incident

POW Escort Unit 0655 hours, SFC Butler, 18th MP Brigade notified this office that 12 POW's would be arriving at Bien Hoa Air Base at 0800 hours this date from Qui Nhon, escorted by an NCO and two MP's from the 504th MP Battalion. They are to be transported to the III Corps enclosure. CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company notified.

Operation RIFLE 0807 hours, SP/4 Sepe, 584th Ambulance Company contact this office and requested an Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to the Bien Hoa Air Base at 0945 hours this date. SP/4 Stanley Van Kellek, C Company notified.

Operation RIFLE 0810 hours, SGT Willard L. Leeman of C Company notified this office that the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort requested on 11 December was completed by 1600 the same date and that they were delayed 15 minutes because the convoy was not ready to move at the designated start time.

Blackhorse & Xuan Loc Detachments 0930 hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group notified this office that BG Karl C. Gustafson, Provost Marshal General, would be visiting the detachments at Long Giao [Blackhorse] and Xuan Loc sometime this morning. SP/4 Thomas D. Colwell of B Company Xuan Loc Detachment instructed to inform Long Gaio and to notify this HQ when the generals visit is completed.

SGT Leeman

POW Escort Unit 0948 hours, SP/4 Sepe, 584th Ambulance Company notified this office that the aircraft carrying the POW's had been delayed and requested the escort remain at their company until confirmation of the flight is obtained. SP/4 Pradley, C Company notified.

TAOR - Outpost-4 1000 hours, 1SG Thomas M. Amii, A Company, notified this office that PFC Ronald J. Pedrick, A Company, fell through the roof of the main building at Outpost-4 [Long Binh Tan] while working on the installation of wiring. He landed on his feet then fell over resulting in bruising and scratches to his right arm. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., S3 notified, PFC Pedrick treated and released to off duty status for the day. A Company will repair building roof.

Operation RIFLE 1050 hours, SP/4 Sepe, 584th Ambulance Company reported that an Operation RIFLE medical escort escort was needed as soon as possible. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

POW Escort Unit 1100 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified this office that the aircraft delivering the POW's from Quin Nhon had not arrived as scheduled and requested further instructions. SFC Butler, 18th MP Brigade notified and instructed the escorts to return to Long Binh Post for chow. They were to then complete the POW transfer from the 50th Medical Company to III Corps and then return to Bien Hoa Air Base.

1155 hours, SFC Butler, 18th MP Brigade notified this office that 11 POW’s from Quin Nohn were at Tan Son Nhut Air Base and 5 guards were at the Rebel Ramp.

CPL Jerry W. Denton notified and departed for Tan Son Nhut. He advised he will transport the POW's from the 50th Medical Company later this date.

Photograph of flight line Tan Son Nhut Air Base and Rebel Ramp, click on thumb nail image to enlarge>

POW Hospital Guards 1230 hours, SP/4 Hall, NCOIC of POW Hospital Guards notified this office that an unidentified POW, captured by C Company, 2/60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division had been admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital in an unconscious condition and is not expected to survive. POW count changed to 72.

Operation RIFLE 1330 hours, CPL Crean of C Company notified this office that he completed the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort request called in at 1050 hours this date, at 1215 hours without incident.

POW Escort Unit 1600 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton notified this office that he moved 9 POW's from the 50th Medical Company to the III Corps enclosure that were requested on 7 and 9 December, without incident. LT Turner and SGT Hefflinger, 89th MP Group notified, POW count changed to 63.

1630 hours, SFC Lewis [A Company] reported on duty as the new Battalion SDNCO. Briefed and posted by SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion Operations.

POW Hospital Guards 1700 hours, A this office furnished the 89th MP Group runner with the POW and MP Guard Report. 24th Evacuation Hospital- 21 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company- 42 POW's and 15 MP Guards. There are 9 MP's available for POW escort duty.

1750 hours, SGT Lawrence B. Ewers B Company NCOIC of the Battalion Pass Truck notified this office that he departed at 1700 hours with 2 passengers and returned to the Battalion area with 4 passengers without incident.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1805 hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group called this office and requested that the NCOIC of the Tay Ninh Convoy contact their office to answer some questions in regards to the convoy. CPT Bert D. Edmonson, C Company notified, and wanted to know the nature of the questions. This office contacted SSG Angel L. Rodriguez of C Company, and notified him the questions were in regards to the arrival time in Saigon and the number of vehicles. SSG Rodriguez advised the convoy returned at 1715 hours this date without incident.

POW Hospital Guards 2107 hours, SGT Lee, NCOIC of the Hospital Guards notified this office that POW, Nguyen Thi Diep was admitted to the 24th Evacuation hospital for fragmentation wounds in the leg and arm. POW Diep was captured by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Cai Khe. POW count changed to 64.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2108 hours, SGT Foster [615th MP Company], NCOIC, Xuan Loc Convoy, notified this office that that they were departing the staging area with 1 officer, 21 MP's, 6 gun jeeps and one V100.

2358 hours, SSG Brownlee [615th MP Company] reported for duty as the new Battalion SDNCO, briefed by SFC Lewis, A Company and posted.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

13 December

TAOR PFC John Edward Davis age 18 from North Platte, Nebraska, and a member of the 615th MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, was killed in an Air Boat collision on the Buong River in the 720th MP Battalion Tactical Area Of Responsibility.

History Project Managers Note: The Battalion S3 Daily Log for this date does not contain any information relative to the death of PFC John E. Davis. Little information is available. The boats were Navy and used by 9th Infantry Division. They were docked at the river for approximately one month during a period of training before the 9th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade moved to the Mekong Delta. The official connection between the air boat's and the 615th MP Company is unknown.

If anyone can provide any further information or photographs, please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

PFC Davis

Operation SHOTGUN 0255 hours, SP/4 John A. H. Harrell of B Company completed the Operation SHOTGUN escort from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base without incident.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0335 hours, "SS-26" [radio call sign] requested an interior patrol be sent to Gate #9 to unlock it for the Tay Ninh Convoy. Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office notified to send patrol.

Battalion Mess Hall breakfast menu for the day>

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0405 hours, "SS-26" [radio call sign] reported the Tay Ninh Convoy left the staging area at 0400 hours.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0430 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy and escort returned to Long Binh Post. SGT Foster [615th MP Company] reported the following,

(1) There were no recovery vehicles with the convoy.

(2) At 2130 hours 12 December, two rounds of small arms fire were heard off to the left side of the highway in the vicinity of Grid Coordinates [map location] YT182109, they were not fired at the convoy and no return fire was engaged.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0610 hours, "SS-8" [radio call sign] Tay Ninh Convoy reported that the Unit #9 vehicle is broken down between Saigon and Check Point #1. A wrecker was requested to tow #9 back to Long Binh Post. C Company notified.

Operation RIFLE 0810 hours, SP/4 Ape, 584th Ambulance Company called this office and requested an Operation RIFLE escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base at 1330 hours. SP/4 Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

POW Escort Unit 0815 hours, CPL Jerry W. Denton, A Company, notified this office that he escorted SGT Booth and 2 MP Guards [504th MP Battalion] with 11 POW's from Tan Son Nhut Air Base to the III Corps enclosure on 12 December without incident.

0830 hours, this office contacted SGT Hefflinger, 89th MP Group and requested air transportation for SGT Booth and 2 MP Guards [504th MP Battalion] from this location to Quin Nhon, and for LTC Francis E. “Frank” Payne and LTC Robert Reinke to Tay Ninh and Xuan Loc. CPT Steven Vass, Jr. notified.

POW Hospital Guards 1010 hours, SGT Billy Ball, A Company, NCOIC of the Hospital Guards at the 24th Evacuation Hospital notified this office that there was a US news agency in Ward #8 preparing to photograph the interview of POW's by 1st Infantry Division Military Intelligence personnel.

LTC Francis E. "Frank" Payne and LTC Robert Reinke arrived at the scene and their investigation revealed that CPT Peter Mazik, 1st MI, 1st Infantry Division, brought a CBS News photography team into the hospital without clearance from the Hospital Commander, the 18th MP Brigade, or the USARV Public Information Officer.

CPT Mazik was instructed to clear the CBS personnel from the hospital immediately. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., Operations, LTC Fred J. Villella, Executive Officer, 720th MP Battalion, LTC Lewis, 18th MP Brigade, were notified.

A letter of circumstances was forwarded to the 18th MP Brigade through the 89th MP Group. SFC William W. Wasiak, A Company, was notified to inform the MP Hospital Guards that no interrogators are to be allowed into the POW hospital wards without first checking with 720th MP Battalion Headquarters.

Note: There are strict rules under the articles of the Geneva Convention regarding the handling and exploitation of Prisoners of War governing the when, where, and why of photographing. All requests must receive a prior approval through higher headquarters that they meet these guidelines and standards before permission is granted.

1330 hours, SGT Hefflinger, 89th MP Group notified this office that SGT Booth and the two MP Guards from the 504th MP Battalion would depart Bien Hoa Air Base at 1040 hours 14 December on flight #492 for return to Quin Nhon. There were no flights available for LTC’s Payne and Reinke. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., Battalion Operations, and 1SG Thomas M. Amii, A Company notified.

POW Hospital Guards 1340 hours, SGT Billy Ball A Company NCOIC of the Hospital Guards, notified this office that POW, Nguyen Van Ly had been admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital. POW count changed to 65.

Xuan Loc Detachment 1410 hours, SSG Lawrence B. Ewers, B Company, notified this office that at 0805 hours this date, SP/4 Donald E. Brewer, B Company was the operator of jeep, USA#363090, Bumper Marking B-37, with SP/4 Richard E. Caldwell, also of B Company, both with the Xuan Loc Detachment, when they were involved in an accident.

They were traveling on Highway 1, 1/4 mile west of Check Point #1, where he had been pacing a 5 ton truck. SP/4 Brewer stopped and made a U-turn and proceeded East when their vehicle was struck in the rear by a motorcycle operated by Bui Van An, Vietnamese civilian.

Injuries: An received a laceration of the upper lip, bruises and abrasions of the face; Neither MP was injured. He was treated and released at the Ty Y Te Hospital in Xuan Loc. Damages to motorcycle, dented front fender, approximately $5.00. US property damage, none.

CPT Steven Vass, Jr. Battalion S3 notified. Serious Incident Report [SIR] completed and forwarded to the 89th MP Group and 18th MP Brigade.

1520 hours, SP/4 Winfree, 50th Medical Company, notified this office that POW, Thach Xong had been declared a returnee by US Military Intelligence.

Operation RIFLE 1525 hours, SP/4 Edward J. Coleman, C Company completed the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base without incident.

POW Escort Unit 1535 hours, SFC Hendrickson, US Advisor, III Corps POW Enclosure, contacted this office and advised that we [720th] were not to transport any more POW’s to the enclosure until after 18 Decembe. SFC Hendrickson further stated that if we couldn’t operate under these conditions the camp commander was going to close the camp for an indefinite period. CPT Steven Vass, Jr. S3, 1SG Thomas M. Amii, A Company, LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces PMO were notified there would be no POW shipments to III Corps until 19 December.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1630 hours, SSG Clifford S. Morrison, C Company, NCOIC with the Tay Ninh Convoy, returned to Long Binh Post and reported the following incidents,

(1) One gun jeep broke down on the trip up and was towed back to C Company [see Log at 0610 hours].

(2) On the return trip the 716th MP Battalion escorted the convoy on the wrong route past the 3rd Field Hospital. The SSG Morrison notified "WACO" [716th MP Battalion Headquarters radio call sign] who attempted to get the convoy back on the right route without success.

0430 hours, SFC Chester A. Baker [B Company] reported for duty as the Battalion SDNCO.

POW Hospital Guards 1700 hours, the POW and Guard Report was furnished to SFC Janss, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital- 22 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company- 43 POW's and 15 MP Guards.

1745 hours, SP/4 Robert G. Padley, C Company, called this office and stated that the V100 is out of order (deadlined) and would not be available for the Tay Ninh Convoy escort tomorrow, 14 December, but he will try to get the V100 from A Company. SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Battalion Operations and SDO, CPT Bert D. Edmonson [B Company] Notified.

POW Hospiatl Guards 1825 hours, SGT Lee, A Company, NCOIC Hospital Guards, notified this office that POW, Thach Song, 3rd Squadron, 1st Company, Group 10 RSSZ, aka Rung Sat Regiment, was released to the Bien Hoa Hospital at 1700 hours this date. Also that at 1535 hours POW Duong Van Long was admitted to the 50th Medical Company, Ward #1. Long was captured at Grid Coordinates YT088191, by the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. No change in POW count.

2045 hours, SGT Bee, B Company, NCOIC Battalion Pass Truck, reported to this office in person that on his first trip to Bien Hoa there were no passengers, but on his return trip he had 1 passenger. Also, at 1900 hours 11 KP's [Vietnamese civilian mess hall workers] were transported to Bien Hoa and on the return trip there were 15 passengers, no incidents.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2150 hours, SSG Foster, "Opaque Watcher" [call sign], 615th MP Company, notified this office they were leaving the staging area with the Xuan Loc Convoy with 1 OIC, 21 MP’s, 6 gun jeeps and one V100.

POW Hospital Guards 2230 hours, SGT Lee, A Company, NCOIC of the Hospital Guards notified this office of the following POW status at the 50th Medical Company. Ward #1, 9 POW’s, Ward #2, 11 POW’s, Ward #3, 16 POWs, Ward #5, 7 POWs for a total of 43.

2245 hours, SP/4 Denkers, Charge of Quarters, 89th MP Group called this office and reported that he received phone call from COL Lewis, 18th MP Brigade that the 2nd Field Forces was having a practice RED alert. CPT Bert D, Edmonson [C Company], Battalion SDO, and CPT Gaydos S2 notified.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

14 December

LTC Francis E. “Frank” Payne passed command of the Battalion to LTC Robert Reinke. LTC Payne moved up to command the 89th MP Group.

If you can provide photographs of the change of command ceremony, please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

LTC Payne

LTC Reinke

0001 hours, the Daily Staff Journal/Duty Officers Log was opened by SFC Brownlee, 615th MP Company.

0002 hours to 0230 hours, the following units reported (bed check) all personnel were present and accounted for: SP/4 Daniel D. Shuck, C Company; SP/4 James R. Leard, B Company; SP/4 Howard D. Walker, 615th MP Company; and SP/4 Johnson, A Company.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0355 hours, "SS-26" [radio call sign] C Company, reported the Tay Ninh Convoy was departing the staging area.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0615 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy had been completed without incident. SSG Foster, 615th MP Company to submit after action report to S3.

POW Escirt Unit 0830 hours, SP/4 Winfree, 50th Medical Company, notified this office that POW's, Nguyen Van Thong, captured 16 October by 3/7th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Ju Van Duc, captured 24 September by 1st Cavalry Division, Nguyen Van Thien, captured 2 November by the 1st Infantry Division, Nguyen Van Lo, captured 24 October by the 25th Infantry Division, and Nguyen Van Cien, captured 2 November by the 1/18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, are ready to be moved to the III Corps enclosure. LT Turner, 2nd Field Forces, PMO, notified.

POW Hospital Guards 1200 hours, SGT Billy Ball [A Company], NCOIC Hospital Guards, notified this office that at 1000 hours this date, POW’s, Nguyen Than Thuy was admitted to Ward #5, 50th Medical Company, and Nguyen Thi Bay (female) was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital. POW count changed to 67.

1400 hours, CPL Shotts, 32nd Medical Depot contacted this office and requested an MP escort for some critical medical supplies to Newport bridge. SSG Hall, Long Binh Post, PMO notified and will dispatch highway patrols and contact the 716th MP Battalion to take the escort from their end to Tan Son Nhut Air Base.

POW Hospital Guards 1500 hours, SGT Billy Ball [A Company], NCOIC Hospital Guards, notified this office that POW, Le Van Hung was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital at 1445 hours this date. POW count changed to 68.

Operation HOLLY 1520 hours, SFC Janss, 89th MP Group called this office and requested a commitment for the USO show scheduled for 15 December. Needs commitment for 2 MP Patrols on Highway-317 starting at 1430 hours on 15 December, and 6 MP's for traffic control posts and interior security at the amphitheater. CPT Steven Vass, Jr. Battalion Operations notified. SFC William W. Wasiak, A Company will furnish Highway Patrols and 1SG Richard A. Shields, 615th MP Company will furnish 6 MP’s for TCP’s and security.

1630 hours, SSG George R. Kanze of A Company reported as Battalion Staff Duty Noncommissioned Officer.

1705 hours, SSG Lawrence B. Ewers of B Company reported he was leaving with the Battalion Pass truck for Bien Hoa with 5 passengers.

POW Hospital Guards SFC Janss, 89th MP Group was notified of the POW and MP Hospital Guard Report: 24th Evacuation Hospital- 23 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Company- 45 POW's and 12 MP Guards.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1805 hours, CPT Bert D. Edmonson, C Company, reported to this office that the Tay Ninh Convoy had returned to Long Binh Post, without incident at 1705 hours [5:50 PM].

POW Hospital Guards 2005 hours, SGT Willie C. Lee of A Company reported to this station that POW, Nguyen Thi Be, born 1946, who was captured 30 November at Grid Coordinates [map location] YT088191 was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2012 hours, SGT Foster, 615th MP Company, reported to this station that the Xuan Loc Convoy escort was departing Long Binh Post with 2 officers, 20 MP's, 7 gun jeeps and one V100.

2100 hours, SSG Lawrence P. Ewers, B Company, reported he returned with the Battalion Pass truck from Bien Hoa with 16 passengers without incident.

2220 hours, LT Daling, 219th Military Intelligence Detachment, informed this office that he was departing for the 24 Evacuation Hospital to interrogate POW, Nguyen Thi Be, admitted this date at 2005 hours.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

15 December

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0400 hours, "SS-26" [radio call sign] C Company, reported the Tay Ninh Convoy was departing the staging area.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0505 hours, 2LT John L. Kelly [615th MP Company] and 2LT Gaglione, B Company, returned with the Xuan Loc Convoy to Long Binh Post without incident.

Operation RIFLE 0730 hours, SP/4 Hoffman, 584th Ambulance Company, called this office requesting an Operation RIFLE escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base for 1330 hours this date. SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company, notified.

POW Hospital Guards 1510 hours, SGT Ball, NCOIC Hospital Guards, notified this office that POW, Nguyen Van Rau was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital at 1400 hours [2:00 PM], this date. POW count changed to 70.

Operation RIFLE 1600 hours, SP/4 Robert C. Gee completed the Operation RIFLE medical evacuation escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base and return without incident.

1630 hours, SFC Morrison assumed duties as the new Battalion SDNCO.

1700 hours, SGT Bee, B Company, departed Long Binh Post for Bien Hoa with the Pass truck and 17 passengers.

POW Hospital Guards 1705 hours, the POW and Guard Report was furnished to SFC Janss, 89th MP Group Operations. 24th Evacuation Hospital- 22 POW's and 6 MP Guards, 50th Medical Company- 48 POW's and 15 MP Guards, with 9 MP's available for escort duty.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1800 hours, SFC Frank A. “Pappy” Condon NCOIC of the Tay Ninh Convoy reported it returned to Long Binh Post.

(1) 1 V100 disabled and towed to post, no other incidents. 1 NCOIC, 20 MP's, 6 gun jeeps, and one V100 utilized.

SGT Blaikie, B Company, reported that at approximately 1530 hours a vehicle from B Company en route to Bearcat received 1 round of sniper fire at Grid Coordinates [map location] YT071049. No return fire was made. There were no injuries to US personnel or damage to the vehicle. SGT Douda, Operations, notified.

SFC Condon

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1815 hours, SP/4 Robert G. Padley, C Company reported that the disabled V100 from C Company was towed from Saigon on the return trip of the Tay Ninh Convoy.

Xuan Loc Convoy The V100 is scheduled to go to ORD [motor pool] on 16 December. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., of battalion operations was notified and instructed the SDNCO that the V100 from A Company would be removed from the Xuan Loc Convoy and go with the 16 December Tay Ninh Convoy. 1SG, 615th MP Company, PFC Bryant, A Company, and SP/4 Stanley Van Kleeck, C Company notified.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2035 hours, SGT Arthur R. Foster of the 615th MP Company, reported that the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort, consisting of 2 officers, 20 MP's, 6 gun jeeps, and one V100 was departing Long Binh Post.

2050 hours, SSG Raymond L. Bee of B Company reported the Battalion Pass Truck returned to Long Bin Post with 1 passenger, no incidents reported.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

18 December

Meritorious Unit Commendation Application Approved

USARV Headquarters The United States Army Republic Of Vietnam Headquarters approved issuance of the Meritorious Unit Commendation to the 720th MP Battalion (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and attached 615th MP Company (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) under General Order 6492, for the period covering 19 October 1966 to 31 May 1967. Official orders confirming authorization by Headquarters, Department Of The Army were pending [042368]. This is the first MUC awarded to the 720th in Vietnam.

19 December

Brothers PFC Jeffrey B. Watt of B Company, and CPT David M. Watt of D Company, 9th Medical Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, last saw each other in 1957 when CPT Watt entered the army. CPT Watts nomad existence as an army officer kept the two brothers separated for the next two decades.

When CPT Watt returned home on leave in October 1967 he learned that brother Jeffrey had graduated MP school and was stationed in Vietnam. CPT Watt arrived in Vietnam in November 1967 and through arrangements made by his younger brother was able to set up the long awaited reunion at the B Company compound on Long Binh Post.

CPT Michael E. Lenhart, Commanding Officer of A Company sent a holiday greeting to his troops >

21 December

Operation FARGO

C Company provided one officer and twenty-eight enlisted men during their 40 day support of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment supplying convoy security escort and “Roadrunner” highway security patrols near An Loc and Loc Ninh during Operation FARGO.

Operation FARGO (OPORD 28-67 issued 16 December 1967) was primarily a reconnaissance in force operation coupled with a secondary mission of road clearing and road security.

The general area of reconnaissance in force operations included the northern sector of Binh Long Province and the northeastern sector of Tay Ninh Province. Road clearing operations were conducted along National Highway QL-13 between An Loc and Loc Ninh

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted Operation FARGO under the operational control of the Headquarters, II Field Forces.

Operation FARGO was undertaken to counter increased enemy activity in the newly formed enemy Military Region 10 (Binh Long and Phuoc Long Provinces). The operation was initiated by the 1st and 2nd Squadrons and subsequently joined by the 3rd Squadron on 30 December.

The first reconnaissance in force operation was initiated on 26 December by the 1st Squadron operating from Loc Ninh north along Highway QL-13 to the Cambodian border.

Rome Plow clearing operations along Highway QL-13 from An Loc to Loc Ninh also began on 26 December and continued until 12 January 1968 when the mission was completed. The regiment continued to conduct reconnaissance in force operations until the termination of Operation FARGO on 21 January 1968.

Casualties resulting from the operation were, US- 13 KIA, 79 WIA, 2 Non Hostile deaths and 19 Injured.

II Field

Forces

11th AC

Regiment

18th MP

Brigade

89th MP

Group

720th MP

Battalion

Enemy- 49 KIA, ? WIA, 3 POWs, and 3 Hoi'Chans.

If you can provide any information, personal stories and photographs of this mission regardless of unit and MOS, please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.

22 December

MAJ Gordon N. Moody assumed the duties as the Battalion executive officer from MAJ Fred J. Villella. MAJ Villella was reassigned to the 89th MP Group.

23 December

2LT Carl Chase, Jr. assumed the duties as the Battalion Logistics Officer (S4).

Xuan Loc Convoy 2304 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy found a dirt and brush road block in the vicinity of Grid Coordinates [map location] YT433101. There was Vietnamese writing on the roadway and Viet Cong flags in trees on the side of the roadway. The obstruction was removed by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment personnel.

24 December ~ Christmas Eve

0120 hours, LT Colucci, Security Officer, 71st Transportation Battalion notified this office that 3 road graders are parked on Highway 317 at Grid Coordinates [map location] 043047 and the personnel with them are sleeping on top of the vehicles. This is the same area where hostile fire was coming from earlier. "SS-54" [radio call sign] dispatched to check complaint. If the vehicles are working, move them onto post, if not working stop sleeping and set up security.

0245 hours, "SJ-"7 [radio call sign] notified this office that he heard 2 explosions and could see smoke coming from the 173rd area. Bien Hoa Detachment MP Desk contacted and asked to check out the report. Negative results reported.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0250 hours, Xuan Loc Convoy Commander notified this office that a big tire and a shipping crate fell from one of the vehicles in his convoy. A wrecker and 5 ton truck was requested to retrieve same. No security was posted with the items, they were to heavy to move. Instructed to wait until daylight to send recovery vehicles. SP/4 Jahn, 48th Transportation Group notified.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0310 hours, SFC Richard L. DeHart, B Company, notified this office that the C Company personnel failed to show for the convoy and he contacted SP/4 Shook their headquarters, who stated he had been informed that C Company personnel had been canceled. This office contacted SP/4 Shook and he said he would get the personnel to B Company, ASAP.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0340 hours, SP/4 Jahn, 48th Transportation Group notified this office that none of their vehicles had transported these items and they would not send any recovery vehicles out. "Opaque Watcher-36" [radio call sign] 615th MP Company, Xuan Loc Escort, notified 185th Maintenance Battalion, SDNCO Peterson to send the recovery vehicles.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0400 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy departed Long Binh Post.

Xuan Loc Convoy the convoy returned to Long Binh Post.

0405 hours, the Long Binh Post Fire Department contacted this office and requested the 720th water trucks for a fire at the 79th Maintenance Battalion area. B Company notified to get water truck operator to respond. Long Binh Post PMO notified to contact water trucks, SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Operations, and 89th MP Group notified.

0605 hours, SGT Coras, Desk Sergeant, Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office notified this office that the fire at the 79th was under control and the 720th water truck would not be needed.

0700 hours, SFC Reasons assumed duties as the new SDNCO.

TAOR 0800 hours, CPT Michael E. Lenhart, Commanding Officer, A Company, notified this office that all the Regional Forces/Popular Forces [RF/PF] soldiers had departed his company area. A check with the other units revealed the following: B Company, all present, C Company 5 of 8 present, 615th MP Company, all present. Notified SFC Roger F. Ruggels and CPT Steve Vass, Jr., Operations.

1340 hours, SP/4 Lawson, B Company, NCOIC of special escort detail departed the Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office, with convoy escort to Tu Duc intersection to link up with the 716th MP Battalion escort.

1500 hours, SGT Reiner, [A Company] NCOIC, POW Guards, reported POW, Nguyen Van Quanh was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital. POW count changed to 62.

1515 hours, SP/4 Lawson, B Company, NCOIC of special escort detail returned to Long Binh Post, convoy escort to Tu Duc intersection released to the 716th MP Battalion escort at 1405 hours. Memo for record to be prepared by CPT Ronald J. Perry.

POW Hospital Guards 1700 hours, the POW and Guard Report was furnished to SP/4 Denkers, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital- 25 POW's and 6 MP Guards. 50th Medical Compan-, 37 POW's and 15 MP Guards.

POW Hospital Guards 1900 hours, SGT Bass, NCOIC of the POW Guards, reported a change in the POW count. Nguyen Thi Dam, female, age 19 was classified as a detainee by CPT Wilson, Military Intelligence, and is present on the Intensive Care Ward at the 24th Evacuation Hospital. CPT Wilson stated a further check would be conducted on POW Dam on 25 Dec. POW count changed to 61.

2055 hours, SGT Fink, Desk Sergeant, Long Binh Post PMO notified SFC Reasons, SDNCO that he needed a 2&1/2 ton truck to transport 12 Army of The Republic of Vietnam [ARVN] soldiers to the Bien Hoa Cahn Sat Station.

The 12 ARVN's were apprehended in an unauthorized area at the 3rd Ordnance Ammunition Depot. SGT Fink stated that 2 gun jeeps would escort the truck to Bien Hoa. CPT Steven Vass, Jr. Battalion Operations officer notified and stated that a truck would be dispatched from the 615th MP Company.

Operation HOLLY 2100 hours, SP/5 Patrick, 89th MP Group notified the SDNCO that the Bob Hope USO Show will be held at 1100 hours on 25 December at the amphitheater. All Battalion companies notified.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2103 hours, the Xuan Loc Convoy departed the staging area with 5 gun jeeps, one V100, 20 MP's and 1 officer.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 2130 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy returned to Long Binh Post. SFC Richard L. DeHart, B Company, reported the following.

(1) A 25th Infantry Division ammunition truck caught fire and burned just north of Check Point #170. The convoy was delayed for 3 hours. The burned vehicle was not part of the convoy.

(2) That vehicles on the convoy travel to close together and POL [Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant] vehicles travel one behind the other with no buffer vehicles for protection.

Operation SHOTGUN 2145 hours, SP/4 O’Neil. C Company, reported that the Operation SHOTGUN escort returned without incident.

2207 hours, SP/4 Pinillo, 615th MP Company, stated he received a call from the Long Binh Post Provost Marshals Office Desk Sergeant that a riot was in progress at the USARV Enlisted Men's Club. SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Operations, notified, Battalion Reaction Force notified to report to the scene.

2220 hours, the Long Binh Post MP Unit-5, informed this office that 2 MP patrol jeeps were turned over and 1 MP hit in the face with a rock. The injured MP was now at the 24th Evacuation Hospital for treatment. SFC Roger F. Ruggles notified.

2225 hours, CPT Zits, Long Binh Post Provost Marshal Duty Officer, reported the riot was now under control and released the 720th Reaction Force. All companies notified, SFC Roger F. Ruggles, Operations, notified, CPT Steven Vass, Jr. briefed, CPT Ronald J. Perry briefed.

Situation Report Information received from SGT Fink, Desk Sergeant at Long Binh Post PMO on the injured MP's.

(1) PFC James L. Wood, A Company, received a laceration of the face, requiring stitches.

Photograph to right >

(2) SP/4 Paul R. Carrier, 615th MP Company, received a bruise of the shoulder, treated and released at 24th Evacuation Hospital.

(3) SP/4 Paul L. O’Berentt, 615th MP Company, received a bump on the head, treated and released at 24th Evacuation Hospital.

(4) Vehicle X-11, 615th MP Company was turned over, damaged right front fender, windshield shattered.

(5) Vehicle X-17, was stolen. Vehicle found in creek near the potable water point. further damage of vehicle unknown this time.

2310 hours, CPT Stankey, 90th Replacement Battalion, requested 2 escort gun jeeps to transport one man to go on emergency leave to Ton Son Nhut Air Base. C Company notified.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

25 December ~ Christmas Day

Several days before Christmas the Village Chief and Catholic Priest of Long Binh Tan visited CPT Lenhart the Commanding Officer of A Company, and requested his assistance in providing security for the celebration of mass at the village church on Christmas Eve night.

From there CPT Lenhart and members of A Company put together the security plan and expanded their involvement to also include a Santa, presents for the children at the orphanage and ice cream for all who attended on Christmas Day.

To view all the photographs of the event, click on the Santa photo to the right >

Reflection "I remember it extremely well - A Company, 720th was providing security in the village of Long Binh Tan as part of the battalion Tactical Area Of Responsibility. I recall the Village Chief and the local Catholic Priest coming to me a few days prior to Christmas and stating they needed help to secure the village and in particular, the church so the village inhabitants could celebrate Midnight Mass on the eve of Christmas.

It seems they had not been able to celebrate the services for several years because of fear of attack by the Viet Cong elements. They were very persuasive to this young Company Commander so I told them to schedule the events and Alpha Company would ensure they were protected.

We designed a security plan, which included fixed post, riverboat patrols and motorized elements that were manned by mostly volunteers from Alpha Company. My driver and I even attended the Mass at the church. It was a delight to see all the lights/candles lining the roadway and inside the church. It was equally profound to see the smiles on the faces of the village people as they proceeded to the church to celebrate their Christmas as they had previously done.

On Christmas Day, itself, members of Alpha Company participated in a Christmas celebration with the children of the church orphanage. Gifts came from a variety of resources and I recall one of the sergeants dressed as Santa distributing the gifts to these youngsters.

This was truly a Christmas to be remembered. A rewarding experience that I feel comfortable in saying was treasured by all of the wonderful solders of Alpha Company, 720th MP Battalion." CPT Michael E. Lenhart (COL Ret.), Commanding Officer A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, September 1967 to September 1968.

CPT Lenhart

SGT Beaver

Reflection "I too spent Christmas day at the orphanage. I remember that one of us was dressed in a Santa costume which the kids seemed to appreciate. We passed out gifts in the school that I believe where pencils, paper and a few books. Later outside we passed out ice cream that the kids had to eat fast before it melted, but they loved it.

It was a day that almost made everything seem normal. It definitely made me feel more normal and gave me a warm feeling that one should have on a Christmas Day.

I have several pictures that I took that day and it is always warming to see all the happy faces for at least one day. I often wonder what their lives ended up being like." SGT Philip J. Beaver, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, August 1967 to August 1968.

Reflection "I read CPT Lenhart's memory with a lump in my throat. I was fortunate to be one of the MP's guarding the church. I remember how very appreciative and happy the village priest was. The little candle lit church is a memory I will never forget.

I still feel the warm night and can almost touch the jungle trees and grasses that stretched from the village to the Dong Nai. I recall a few Vietnamese men who wandered into the church yard. Several of us chatted broken GI-Vietnamese with them. They were interested in our M-16's and M-60. When they departed, one of our Popular Forces buddies, with a grin, suggested that maybe they were VC!

For three decades without any interaction, I have sometimes wondered if any of this happened at all. Thanks CPT Mike for remembering and sharing." SP/4 Balinger "Skip" Brown, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, October 1967 to September 1968.

SP/4 B. Brown

0015 hours, At 12:15 AM, SGT Hurst, Long Binh Post Provost Marshal Office notified this office that the Duc Tu subsector received 2 rounds. Long Binh Post notified.

Bed checks:

0035 hours, SP/4 Shook, C Company, reported all present and accounted for.

0040 hours, SP/5 Alvin Hardy, A Company, reported all present and accounted for.

0215 hours, SP/4 O’Neil reported that he completed the Operation SHOTGUN escort without incident.

0230 hours, SP/5 Alvin Hardy, A Company, reported that SP/4 Scott E. Anderson was missing.

0315 hours, SP/4 Williams, 615th MP Company, reported all present and accounted for.

0347 hours, SP/4 Cooper of B Company, reported one absent, SGT Joseph V. Bearger. SP/4 Cooper advised to check for SGT Bearger every 30 minutes and advise this office.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0400 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy departed Long Binh Post.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0800 hours, 2LT Gaglione of the 615th MP Company reported the Xuan Loc Convoy (photo right) returned to Long Binh Post without incident.

POW Hospital Guards 0805 hours, POW Nguyen Thi Tan Viet Cong suspect, admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital 24 December, was found to be CWCP [Civilian War Casualty Program]. POW count changed to 61.

If you can provide the first name of 2LT Gaglione, please use the Email Link at the top of the page to contact the History Project Manager.

2LT Gaglione

0940 hours, B Company Charge of Quarters was notified that 2 MP's would have to be committed to go to Tay Ninh on 26 December for the purpose of driving BG Gustafson’s jeep back from Tay Ninh to Long Binh Post. The MP's will report to USARV Pad [helicopter pad] at 1120 hours on 26 December. Personnel assigned were SP/4 Hicks and SP/4 Michael L. Lawson. Battalion Operations notified.

1015 hours, SFC Traylor, 18th MP Brigade, notified this office there would be no Brigade briefing on 26 December. CPT Steven Vass, Jr. [HHD] notified.

1030 hours, the MP patrol jeep, X-17, stolen during the riot at the Enlisted Mens Club on 24 December was recovered from the creek at the potable water site by a wrecker furnished by the 69th Engineers.

Damage to the jeep was a missing windshield, all air hoses inside vehicle were cut, radio cover removed, vehicle was operable. Jeep towed to the 615th MP Company motor pool. CPT Arnold Daxe, Jr., 1SG Richard L. Shields, 615th MP Company notified.

1115 hours, 1SG Thomas M. Ammi of A Company notified this office that SP/4 Scott E. Anderson missing during bed check [log entree 0230 hours] had returned to the A Company area. SP/4 Anderson stated that he slept in the Headquarters Detachment area and doesn’t recall going there. CPT Michael E. Lenhart of A Company, and CPT Steven Vass, Jr. at Battalion Operations were notified.

VIP Escorts 1200 hours, MAJ Fred J. Villella, 89th MP Group notified this office to provide 2 gun jeeps and 4 MP’s at the Long Binh Post Amphitheater at 1215hours to escort the vans of the Bob Hope USO Show to Bearcat. The escorts are to report to MAJ Novak. 1SG Richard A. Shields, 615th MP Company and SFC Arthur J. Reese of C Company notified, each were to provide 1 gun jeep and 2 MP's for the escort.

1215 hours, Bob Hope USO Show Members of the 720th MP Battalion, C Company and the 615th MP Company provided VIP escorts for the cast of the Bob Hope USO show being held at the Long Binh Post Amphitheater. Accompanying Bob Hope were, Raquel Welch, Barbara McNair, Elaine Dunn, Madeline Hartog-Bel, Phil Crosby, Earl Wilson, and Les Brown.

TAOR Members of the company River Patrol unit were assigned heightened security duties on the Dong Nai River during the Bob Hope USO Shown on Long Binh Post.

CPT Edmondson

A Christmas Day Tragedy

1300 hours, "Micro Tabo" [radio call sign] notified this office that there had been a traffic accident on Highway 1A near Tanker Hill involving a C Company armored gun jeep, and it is believed one of the passengers was a fatality.

1325 hours, CPT Bert D. Edmonson notified this office that the identity of the possible deceased MP is unknown and that he further requested that a C Company unit be dispatched to the accident scent to pick up ammunition and weapons. SP/4 Raymond E. Gary, C Company notified by SFC Cecil E. Terry [C Company], Battalion SDNCO. CPT Edmonson proceeding to 93rd Evacuation Hospital for identification. SP/4 Mayes, SGT Hefflinger, 89th MP Group notified.

SP/4 B. Johnson

PFC E. Johnson

1355 hours, CPT Edmonson reported to this office that the deceased was identified as SP/4 Bernard D. “Bernie” Johnson of C Company who was pronounced dead on arrival. Also that, PFC Eugene L. Johnson of C Company was injured and is under observation at the 93rd Evacuation Hospital.

It was reported to this office that the armored patrol jeep was traveling North on Highway 1A when the driver, PFC Eugene L. Johnson was apparently blinded by an unknown source. At that time he struck a road sign and lost control of the jeep and fishtailed. The vehicle overturned throwing PFC Eugene L. Johnson (driver) free of the vehicle. SP/4 Bernard O. Johnson was fatally injured in the roll over.

If you have any photographs of the jeep and/or PFC Johnson, please use the Email Link at the top of this page to contact the History Project Manager.

Tay Ninh Detachment 1455 hours, LT Adams of the Tay Ninh Provost Marshals Office Detachment notified of visit of Provost Marshal General, BG Karl W. Gustafson.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1538 hours, this office received information from SP/4 Leer of B Company that the Tay Ninh Convoy was back on Long Binh Post without incident.

1700 hours, details on the accident were obtained.

As usual the Battalion Mess went all out to provide a great Christmas meal, and every company provided something special for the days events. Every major holiday the mess would also distribute special menu's for the men that included a message from the commander and a prayer.

Other buildings on post also dressed up for the holiday.

< Battalion Mess Hall Christmas Day Menu, Prayer and commanders message from GEN William C. Westmoreland.

Xuan Loc Convoy 1945 hours, SGT Foster of the 615th MP Company reported that at 2000 hours the Xuan Loc Convoy escort will depart the Battalion area with 1 OIC, 1 NCO, 21 MP's, 6 gun jeeps and one V100.

Xuan Loc Convoy 2020 hours, SGT Bryant, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment called this office and reported that the Xuan Loc Convoy was canceled. 615th MP Company notified.

2155 hours, CPT Arnold Daxe, Jr. Commanding Officer of the 615th MP Company, notified this office by radio and requested the Battalion Reaction Force at Annex #15 for the purpose of quelling a riot. B, C, and 615th MP Company notified.

2210 hours, LTC Robert Reinke, Battalion CO ordered a squad of MPs from each company on alert for support. All companies notified.

2212 hours, CPT Daxe notified this office by radio to have the reaction force standing by. All units notified.

2215 hours, SGT Fink, Desk Sergeant, Long Binh PMO notified of Annex #15 situation.

2235 hours, CPT Daxe reported by radio that the reaction force will not be needed. SGT Fink, Desk Sergeant, Long Binh Post PMO notified this office that the riot was under control. C Company has one squad on standby. All companies notified.

CPT Daxe

POW Hospital Guards 2245 hours, SGT Billy Ball of A Company reported that there were no changes to the POW and MP Guard count.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

Personal Reflections of Christmas Day

"My Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 1967 was spent on the Dong Nai River. If you will look into the history books you will find that my old friend Bob Hope was due to visit the Long Binh Base Camp for a Christmas Show for the troops.

Well it appears he was mad at me so he requested that me and my unit pull security on the tributaries. So, they stuck us out there to stop anyone from sneaking in without paying. We were on the back waters stopping sampans on that sunny day. It appears some of our members from the 720th got to spend the day watching Bob and the round eyed girls, while we looked at the passing tide. It was fun, we had hot food from the base camp and a few beers we had stockpiled in our mermite can. All kidding aside our Christmas was not so bad compared to other guys who were in some parts of the country.

Our moms had sent care packages which we shared and consumed while working that Christmas. I am not sure who all worked those days but I think it was Franze, George, Max, Watts, Lane, and Larry Boren, I think. They were the 720th MP Battalion. 25 December 1967 Dong Nai River, River Patrol Unit from A Company.

After returning home I was able to see the show on a special Christmas TV show that Bob Hope put on for the American people." SP/4 Robert E. “Twiggie” Henslee, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, April 1967 to September 1968.

SP/4 Henslee

SP/4 Ahlfeld

Edited from a 26 December 1967 letter Jim sent to his parents.

"Yesterday we had a pretty good time. I got off work at 8 o'clock, yesterday morning and immediately took off for the Bob Hope Show. The show was about two miles down the road from where we are. It started at 11 and ended at 1 o'clock. The show was really great, everyone was still talking about it last night. Besides Bob Hope, there was Miss World (from Peru), Barbara McNair, Phil Crosby, Les Brown and his band, he also had another girl singer who's name I can't think of. Besides the people I mentioned above, there was also Racquel Welch, actress. She was the big star of the whole show. They also had quite a few VIP's at the show. General Westmorland was there, Vice-President Ky and his wife. Ky's wife is really beautiful and she got quite a few whistles when Bob Hope called her up to the stage.

It was pretty hot sitting out in the sun but it was worth it." SP/4 Jim B. Ahlfeld, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, September 1967 to August 1968.

"I don't really recall what I did Christmas Eve but I know on Christmas Day I was on patrol in the TAOR with the ambush team. SGT Dedijer, Rutherford, West, Durden, Martin and myself were patrolling around An Doung because we were security for Bob Hopes show at Long Binh.

I notice that Alfeld was one of the luck ones that got to see the show. We left early that morning and never got back until late that night

I would have given up my combat pay for a month just to have seen Raquel Welch. She is still gorgeous looking!" SGT Gary A. Sundt, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, October 1967 to October 1968.

SGT Sundt

SP/4 Wade

"Funny you know I can not remember what was going on except for the old Nam carol.... ”Jingle bells... mortar shells... VC in the grass... take your stinking Christmas tree and stick it up your......!

I guess we had our minds on other things. So it wasn't much of a Christmas." SP/4 Gary L. Wade, A Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Group, 18th MP Brigade, October 1967 to October 1968.

26 December

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0330 hours, SFC Richard L. Dehart, B Company, NCOIC Tay Ninh Escort departed Long Binh Post with 5 gun jeeps, 1 armored gun jeep, 1 Officer and 18 MP’s.

Opersation SHOTGUN 0650 hours, SP/4 O’Neill, C Company, completed the Operation SHOTGUN escorts from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa Air Base and return without incident.

1435 hours, SGT Heflinger, 89th MP Group notified this office that flight #90, arriving at Bien Hoa Air Base at 0200 hours 27 December, would have 16 POW's from the 16th MP Group. SGT Heflinger also stated that 1 POW would arrive at Ton Son Nhut Air Base at 0900 hours, 27 December for transfer to the III Corps enclosure. SFC William W. Wasiak, A Company and the 199th Light Infantry Brigade POW Cage contacted. The 199th advised the POW could be detained at their cage until the time came for delivery to the III Corps enclosure.

1440 hours, SGT Heflinger, 89th MP Group notified this office that Bien Hoa has been placed back “On Limits” for the normal time periods. The Gray Alert status still remains in effect.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 1630 hours, the Tay Ninh Convoy returned to Long Binh Post, one incident reported.

(1) A land mine was found on the side of the roadway. It was marked and picked up by the 25th Infantry Division EOD [Expended Ordinance Disposal] Team.

It should also be noted that BG Karl W. Guatafson was riding in the convoy and instructed that all truck drivers not having OVM would be cited. He also instructed that all Transportation unit Company Commanders will check each vehicle prior to convoy departure for OVM .

0430 hours, SFC Reasons assumed the duties as SDNCO from SFC Brownlee [615th MP Company].

POW Escortl Guards 0500 hours, the POW and MP Guard report was furnished to PFC Parent, 89th MP Group. 24th Evacuation Hospital 24 POW's and 6 MP Guards, 50th Medical Company, 37 POW's and 15 MP Guards.

1730 hours, SGT Scott, 615th MP Company, Battalion Pass Truck NCOIC reported there were no passengers outbound to Bien Hoa and 13 on the return trip from Bien Hoa. The truck will depart again to Bien Hoa after the service workers run [Vietnamese civilian workers that reside in Bien Hoa].

Xuan Loc Convoy 1915 hours, SGT Foster, NCOIC Xuan Loc Convoy Escort, departed the staging area with 6 gun jeeps, one V100, 1 officer and 21 MP’s.

2145 hours, LT Face, Long Binh Post Duty Officer requested the reaction force report to the Long Binh Post PMO. LT Face stated that Unit-2 was receiving enemy fire in the vicinity of the Tomb of The ARVN Unknown Soldier], and the unit reported they were pinned down and unable to leave the area.

The 615th MP Company reaction force was notified to report to the PMO by the Tactical Operations Center Duty officer. CPT Steven Vass, Jr., Battalion Operations, and CPT Edmondson notified. Reaction force was not dispatched but ordered to stand down by CPT Vass. CPT Edmondson, B Company and 1SG Thomas M. Ammi, A Company notified.

2205 hours, SGT Fink, Long Binh Post PMO was contacted and provided the following information,

Unit #2 was standing by a broken down vehicle when they received approximately 10 rounds of semi-automatic small arms fire at 2010 hours (8:10 PM), no damage or injuries were reported. An after action report to be filed with Operations.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

27 December

POW Escortl Guards 0115 hours, SP/5 Alvin Hardy of A Company, POW Escort Detail, informed this office they needed an M60 machine gun for the POW detail. Contacted the 615th MP Company who advised they had one that A Company could use.

POW Escortl Guards 0225 hours, SGT McDonald contacted this office from the West Ramp, Bien Hoa Air Base and stated that the MP POW Escort has not arrived at their location to take custody of the 15 POW's that arrived. Contacted SP/5 Alvin Hardy, A Company, same advised that the escort team, "SA-39" [radio call sign] had a problem getting their truck started and were now on their way.

Xuan Loc Convoy 0310 hours, SGT Foster, NCOIC of the 26 December Xuan Loc Convoy returned to Long Binh Post without incident.

0355 hours, "SA-39" [radio call sign] requested permission to leave the radio net. Permission was granted.

Cu Chi-Tay Ninh Convoy 0410 hours, "SJ-1" [radio call sign], reported the Tay Ninh Convoy Escort was departing the staging area.

Operation RIFLE SP/4 Cepe, 584th Ambulance Company, called this office requesting an Operation RIFLE escort from the 93rd Evacuation Hospital to Tan Son Nhut Air Base at 1500 hours this date. SP/4 Robert G. Padley, C Company notified.

Operation SHOTGUN 0700 hours, Willard L. Leeman of C Company, completed the Operation SHOTGUN escorts from the 90th Replacement Battalion to Bien Hoa and returned without incident.

POW Hospital Guards 1300 hours, SGT Reiner of A Companyu, the NCOIC MP Hospital Guards, notified this office that POW, Tran Van Tam was admitted to Ward #8, 24th Evacuation Hospital at 1135 hours [11:35 AM], this date. POW count changed to 62.

POW Escort Guards 1345 hours, SP/4 Gerald Schumaker of A Company, the POW Escort notified this office that all 16 POW's had been transported to the III Corps cage without incident.

1600 hours, CPT Steven Vass, Jr. Battalion Operations, notified this office to inform each company that from 1900 hours 31 December to 0200 hours 1 January 1968, they will have available 1 squad each on a 15 minute call for utilization in case of any incidents. SFC William W. Wasiak, A Company, SP/4 Rhody Otts, B Company, SP/4 Robert G. Padley, C Company, and SGT Foster, 615th MP Company notified.

1630 hours, SFC Frank A. “Pappy” Condon, C Company, assumed the duties as Staff Duty Noncommissioned Officer from SSG Brownlee [615th MP Company].

POW Hospital Guards 1635 hours, SGT Billy Ball, A Company, notified this office that 2 POW's, Le Van Dai and Tran Van Dac were received from Bearcat and put in the pre-op ward at the 24th Evacuation Hospital.

POW Hospital Guards 1650 hours, this office furnished SFC Jance, Operations, 89th MP Group the POW and Hospital Guard Report.

1655 hours, SGT Roach, 615th MP Company called and informed this office that he could not get a pass truck due to the fact his assigned 2&1/2 ton truck had two flat tires. CPT Alfred A. Alexander [615th MP Company CO] called by phone and stated he would be at the Battalion Motor Pool.

TAOR - Civic Action Patrol 1700 hours, PFC Daniel B. Chaplin, SGT William A. Sword, and PFC Calvin E. Burton of C Company were on a Civic Action Patrol in An Hoa Hung Village when PVT Vo Van Bien, an off duty member of the Vietnamese Popular Forces who knew the MP’s, came running to their jeep.

Unable to make them understand with his halting English, he indicated that one of them should follow him. PFC Chaplin got out of the jeep and with PVT Bien leading the way, they ran about 200 yards down a winding path that lead them to the edge of the village.

Pushing his way through a crowd, PFC Chaplin entered a dirt-floored shack and found a 19 year old boy laying on a wooden table. “I didn’t know what was wrong with him,” said PFC Chaplin. “I could see that he couldn’t breath but all I could understand from the villagers was that he had fallen in a rice paddy.”

PFC Chaplin sent PVT Bien to get SGT Sword. Then thinking that the boy might be choking, PFC Chaplin tried to get his mouth open; but he found that the boy’s jaws were firmly locked. PFC Chaplin then began mouth to nose artificial respiration. The boy was soon breathing faintly. In the meantime, SGT Sword arrived. Seeing what was happening, he ran back to the jeep and radioed for an ambulance, then returned to keep the crowd back.

Twice before the arrival of the ambulance, the boy stopped breathing. Each time PFC Chaplin revived him with mouth to nose respiration.

When the ambulance arrived, the MP’s helped get the patient on the ambulance, then escorted it to the 93rd Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh Post where the boy was put under the care of US Army doctors. Investigating the incident later, the MP’s learned that the boy had been having occasional epileptic seizures for the past seven years. That afternoon, shortly before the arrival of the MP’s, he suffered an attack while working in a rice paddy. The convulsions threw him into the water where he nearly drowned before his grandfather saw him. His grandfather pulled him out of the water and carried him to the table where PFC Chaplin found him later.

PFC Chaplin

SGT Sword

PFC Burton

If you have photographs of Chaplin, Sword or Burton, please use the Email Link at the top of this page to contact the History Project Manager.

1725 hours, SGT Roach, 615th MP Company, NCOIC of the Battalion Pass truck informed this office the truck was now operational and there were no passengers on the run to Bien Hoa.

Xuan Loc Convoy 1935 hours, SGT Foster, 615th MP Company, notified this office that the Xuan Loc Convoy Escort was ready to depart Long Binh Post with 6 gun jeeps, one V100, 1 Officer and 21 MP's.

2100 hours, SGT Roach, 615th MP Company, notified this office that the Battalion Pass truck returned to Long Binh Post from Bien Hoa with 26 passengers, without incident.

POW Hospital Guards 2255 hours, SGT Billy Ball of A Company the NCOIC Hospital Guard Detail, notified this office that the two POW's received this date from Bearcat had been moved from the pre-op ward to Ward #8 at the 24 Evacuation Hospital.

2400 hours, Daily Log Closed.

31 December ~ New Years Eve

Operation OVERTAKE High end cargo losses continue to plague the US Military. During the end of 1967 the thefts from resupply convoys hauling cargo from the Saigon Docks by members of Vietnamese organized crime, black marketer's and their confidants employed as contracted civilian truck drivers became staggering with thousands of dollars of high end post exchange goods being stolen every month.

The permanent and rotating joint checkpoints throughout the Saigon area were not working so the 18th Military Police Brigade formulated a plan of action to prevent future thefts. The plan was named Operation OVERTAKE and assigned to the 188th MP Company, 92nd MP Battalion.

The operational headquarters was established in a room at the 179th Provost Marshal Detachment (95th MP Battalion) MP Desk building at the Main Gate of Long Binh Post, and elements of the 720th MP Battalion were eventually assigned to assist.

92nd MP

Battalion

95th MP

Battalion

Awards The following personnel were awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for Meritorious Service, under General Orders No. 231, Headquarters, 18th MP Brigade.

1LT Clifford L. Brody, SGT Peter A. Dedijer, SGT Billy Ball, SP/4 Alan M. Jones, SP/4 Louis M. Boyatt, SP/4 Wesley J. Busman, SP/4 John M. Davis of A Company, SFC Roger F. Ruggles, SP/4 Joseph W. Blakley of HQ Detachment, and SP/4 Edward J. Coleman, C Company.

1LT Brody

SGT Dedijer

SGT Ball

SP/4 Jones

SP/4 Boyatt

SP/4 Busman

SP/4 Davis

SFC Ruggles

SP/4 Blakley

SP/4 Coleman

If you can provide any of the missing photographs, please use the Email Link at the top of this page to contact the History Project Manager.

Personal Reflection

“There was a CS tear gas grenade set off on New Year's Eve at the enemy prisoner of war compound, which was right next to the 93rd Evacuation Hospital. Apparently someone wanted to wish the VC in the compound a Happy New Year and a speedy recovery.

Only one SMALL problem...the wind shifted and blew the gas into the Officers Club instead! Myself and another patrol were dispatched and when we rolled up we saw BG Karl Gustafason, Provost Marshal of Vietnam and Commanding Officer of the18th MP Brigade staggering out of the front door of the Officers Club, crying from the CS gas. Nothing we could do, so we left...laughing all the way back to the PMO.” SGT James Ruffer, 615 MP Company, 720th MP Battalion.

SGT Ruffer

Personal Reflection

“I was the duty officer on New Years eve. Tremendous fireworks display from the bunkers on the perimeter. We had confiscated lots of pyrotechnics and had it piled in the Long Binh PMO.

When the fireworks (shooting and star clusters started), I got a call over the radio asking for guidance. I told the MP's to not try to intervene and "let the guys have their fun"- I was immediately called to task by COL Payne (who was now the 89th Group Commander, and former 720th commander, who I had worked for in the PM shop) for issuing such an order, but I was not going to hazard sending in MP’s to bunkers where the guys were going to shoot them up and besides, where would you start. Interestingly, with all that outgoing ammo no reports of casualties or damage were received from the hamlets in the TAOR.

Since we had had the mini riot (at the service club, Annex-15) on Christmas day, we had close to two full MP companies on duty that night.” 1LT (LTC Ret.) John L. Kelly, III, HQ & HQ Detachment S3 Shop.

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