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~~~~~ 720th MP Battalion Reunion Association ~ Vietnam History Project ~~~~~

Quan Loi Convoy Ambush

14 August 1969, Thursday

STATEMENT

At approximately 1030 hours [10:30 AM] 14 August 1969, the Quan Loi Convoy, [escorted by members of C Company], was returning to Long Binh on Highway QL-13 [nicknamed Thunder Road]. The first march unit had entered Chan Than as the second march unit was nearing Fire-Support Base Thunder III. Suddenly the second march unit was struck in the center with rocket propelled grenades (RPG), mortars and intensive small arms fire from an enemy force of approximately two-hundred (200) position on both sides of the road.

As an immediate result two (2) POL tankers were destroyed in the center of the road. Two (2) other tankers attempted to pass but were stopped with flat tires caused by small arms and shrapnel. One convoy control jeep was also struck with small arms fire. Total casualties were 1 KIA and 3 WIA.

Military policemen Mitchell, Keel and Johnson advanced forward to help the remaining trucks around the wreckage. All of there individuals returned intensive fire to the enemy and rendered aid to the wounded. SP/4 Mitchell also established radio contact with the north bound Quan Loi Convoy MP personnel. He tried numerous times to get a Dust-off but was unable to do so. He and his fellow MP’s continued to fire their weapons to the flanks. Soon afterwards SP/4 Mitchell informed SSG Medley that they were out of ammunition and still receiving intensive small arms fire. SSG Medley, SP/4's Jacob Brocato, King and I immediately drove three (3) kilometers north in a jeep to assist them. As we approached and entered the Kill Zone SSG Medley was firing the machine gun to the flanks. SP/4 King was firing the M79 as SP/4 Brocato drove at high speed to the north. Seventy-five meters from the burning tankers we dismounted and continued to fire to the flanks to hold thy enemy down. SSG Medley carried resupply ammunition to SP/4 Mitchell and his MP’s. SSG Medley also threw smoke to lead in the Dust-off.

After the wounded had been evacuated, SP/4’s Mitchell, Keel and Eugene L. Johnson drove out of the Kill Zone to return to their southbound convoy. By this time two (2) V-100’s manned by SP/4's Garza, Moss, Authement, Don L. Morris, Roger W. Olsen and Bryan R. Stoner arrived and began placing continuous and accurate fire to the flanks. SP/4 Archie E. Moss made a confirmed kill 100 meters to the left.

Soon afterwards artillery, tactical air support and armored vehicles arrived at the ambush site to secure the area. Only then did the Military Policemen involved leave the Kill Zone. All personnel involved continually exposed themselves to enemy fire to perform their duties.

Their heroic actions reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit and the United States Army. Appropriate action should be taken to recognize their valor.

		Lynn B. Starkey, Jr. CPT, TC Movement Officer
*Statement copy courtesy of SP/4 Harry G. Lambert, C Company, Sep 1968 to Nov 1969.*

"The Hero Of The Day" SSG (CW3 Ret.) Archie E. Moss, C Company, 720th MP Battalion, May 1969 to April 1970.

It has been reported that all the C Company members of the convoy escort received the Bronze Star for Valor (V). If you can verify this information or provide any other photographs, information or personal stories pertaining to this ambush, please notify the History Project Manager via the Email Link on the 14 August Time Line Page.