Vol 3 No. 51          TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS          December 16, 1968

Index

Regulars Destroy VC Fishery

   TAY NINH - A 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, company commander's decision to follow a hunch and cheek out a suspicious looking trail led to the discovery of a VC fishery capable of supplying two enemy battalions with one day's rations from a single day's catch.
   While on a search and seizure mission eight miles northeast of Nui Ba Den Mountain, Captain Andre F. Blackmon of Natchez, Miss., and the men of Alpha Company, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, came across what appeared to be a well-traveled trail leading straight into the heart of a thick overgrowth.
   Exercising due caution, the Regulars followed the trail until it reached a large stream.  At this point both trail and stream took a sharp turn to the right, pointing the way to an unusual sight.
   "We spotted a thatched hut on stilts with an unbelievably large bamboo fish trap complex jutting out into the stream," said Blackmon.  "The trap was at least 60 feet long and over ten feet wide.  When I waded into the water and stood beside the trap the pointed stakes at the top were about chest high on me indicating that the trap was at least five feet high."
   The stream had been especially diverted to accommodate the trap.  A dam was built at the far end allowing the fish to spill over into the giant bamboo cage but making it impossible for them to swim out.
   "We found quite a few fish still in the trap and still quite alive.  This served to keep us on guard.  It was quite possible that the caretakers were still around," said Blackmon.
   More surprises were still in store for the men of Alpha Company.  Further investigation turned up thirty-three cylindrical supplementary traps four feet high and some three feet in diameter, and over 150 fishing poles complete with shiny new hooks and bright leaders.
   While the rest of the company was wading in the stream, one squad of Regulars was busily searching out the thatched hut.  Many eating utensils and other household items were uncovered including some unusual lamps, one of which was manufactured from an empty can of insect repellent spray.
   Now came the task of disposing of all of the fishing gear.  "We tried burning and then blasting the main trap but both methods were unsuccessful.  We had to resort to manually tearing it apart piece by piece," said Blackmon.  "The smaller traps and fishing poles were easier to destroy.  We broke them apart with little trouble."
   Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hunt of Wealder, Tex., landed in his helicopter to personally inspect the discovery.  "After examining all the facilities both Captain Blackmon and myself agreed that the camp was currently being used by enemy forces in the area and had probably last been staffed as recently as three or four days ago," said Hunt.  "It is very likely that the fishery was able to supply one or possibly two battalions with rations as they moved through the area."

MECHANICAL POINTMAN - Crewmen of the 2d Battalion, 34th Armor stay watchful as their tank leads a 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, resupply convoy.    (PHOTO BY PFC H.J. TSCHIRNER)

25^th Avn Bn Awarded Two Unit Citations

   In parade ceremonies at the 25th Aviation Battalion, Major General Ellis W. Williamson decorated the colors of that unit with the Valorous Unit Award and the Meritorious Unit Award.
   The Battalion was cited as a valorous unit for action July 19 1966, south of the Saigon River in the Ho Bo Woods when two infantry platoons made contact with entrenched Viet Cong forces and called for gunship support.
   Gunship crews of the 25^th (Continued on Page 8)

Triple Deuce Finds Camp

   DAU TIENG - Working their way through thick vegetation in the Boi Loi Woods, infantrymen of Alpha Company, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry, discovered a company-sized enemy base camp.
   The complex, consisting of a dozen bunkers and numerous trench lines and tunnels, was found during the early morning, shortly after the 3d Brigade soldiers left a night position 35 miles northwest of Saigon.
   They were looking for an enemy patrol which had fired harassing shots at their position during the night.
   The Triple Deuce soldiers were conducting reconnaissance in force operations with Provincial Reconnaissance soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).
   The first bunker was discovered less than 200 meters from the company's position.  As the infantrymen followed the tunnel network, they found a substantial cache of enemy munitions.
   Included were 18 rounds of 82mm mortars, six dozen 60mm mortars, an AK-47 assault rifle and 5,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, 20 Chicom hand grenades and 60 pounds of rice.
   In a small glade arranged almost like an amphitheater, the enemy had arranged a six by eight foot sand table on which to plot operations.
   "It is obvious the Viet Cong are devoting quite a bit of attention to our presence in this area," said Major Kenneth Smith, 3d Brigade intelligence officer.

Joey Bishop Troupe Visits In Tay Ninh
By 1LT Mack D. Gooding

   TAY NINH — Joey Bishop, Tippi Hedren and  Mel Bishop recently visited the troops of the 1st Brigade, shaking hands and posing for photographs.
   Leaving from Tay Ninh West Base Camp, they flew to Fire Support Bases Bragg, Washington, Buell and Rawlins before returning to Tay Ninh West.
   The troupe ate lunch at FSB Washington, and at FSB Buell.  Joey Bishop was made an honorary Regular of the 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry.
   Battalion Adjutant Captain Ronald C. Owens of Baltimore, Md., presented Bishop with a plaque, and Miss Hedren and Mel Bishop with cigarette lighters bearing the Battalion crest and inscription.
   At Tay Ninh West, Bishop and Miss Hedren visited the 45th Surgical Hospital signing autographs and talking to the wounded.
   At an appearance at Holiday Inn, Bishop said, "When I get back to the states, I'm going to tell it like it is."
   Bishop is the star of a late night talk show on ABC television.  Miss Hedren is a stage and movie star with, among other roles, the starring role in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "The Birds" to her credit.

HONORARY REGULAR - (Left) Entertainer Joey Bishop is presented a plaque making him an honorary member of the Regulars.  The presentation was made at FSB Buell by Captain Ronald C. Owens of Baltimore, Md., adjutant of the 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry.  (PHOTO BY SP4 HERB BURDETT) HERE'S JOEY - (Right) Joey Bishop gives an impromptu session of joking and posing with the men of Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry, on tour of the 1st Brigade.  (PHOTO BY SP5 DON BROWN)

Page 2                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           December 16, 1968

Decorated

Tropic Lightning Tots
The Commanding General Welcomes
The Following Tropic Lightning Tots
To The 25^th Infantry Division – As
Reported By The American Red Cross.
Born To:

Arty Fields Get Distinct Insignias

   Separate insignia have been approved for the U.S. Army's two artillery branches.
   Officers in the Field Artillery Branch and enlisted personnel assigned to field artillery organizations will be authorized to wear an insignia consisting of two crossed field guns.
   This insignia was used by the Field Artillery Branch before January 2, 1957.
   Officers in the Air Defense Artillery Branch and enlisted personnel assigned to air defense artillery organizations will continue to wear the present Artillery Branch insignia, which consists of two crossed field guns and a missile.
   The names of artillery officers transferred to the new Air Defense Artillery Branch will appear on a special order scheduled for publication in November with an effective date of December 1, 1968.
   New insignia will be authorized for wear on effective date of the order.

Tropic Fatigues OK To And From RVN

WASHINGTON (ANF) - Soldiers flying to and from Vietnam on military flights soon will be able to wear their tropical combat uniforms instead of dress uniforms for both trips.
   Department of the Army Message 885941 states that the combat tropical uniform will be worn on military and Military Airlift Command (MAC) charter flights.
   After reaching the processing center in the United States, men returning from Vietnam will wear either the Army Green uniform issued at the center or the Army Khaki uniform in their possession for travel within the United States.

Malaria Cases Make Menace

   There are preliminary indications of rising incidents of malaria among 25th Division troops.  Commanders are urged to maintain strong emphasis on personal protective measures.
   These should include the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets, 'sleeves down at sundown' (especially for troops in the field), and elimination of standing water.
   The orange C-P pill is required of all personnel on a weekly basis.
   The white Dapsone pill should be taken daily by troops operating above the 60th grid line and southwest of a line from the Cambodian border through Go Dau Ha, Bau Trai and Duc Hoa.  Dapsone should continue to be taken for 28 days after the last day in either area.

Tropic Lightning
                Combat Honor Roll

   Added to this week's Combat Honor Roll is Private First Class Edward J. Chandler of Company B, 2d Battalion, 12^th Infantry.
   He distinguished himself by heroic actions on October 7, 1968 while serving as a rifleman.
   As his unit approached Tam Dinh, they came under fierce automatic weapons and RPG fire from well-concealed enemy bunkers within the village.
   Chandler's squad received a murderous barrage of fire causing many casualties and isolating the squad from the remainder of the platoon.
   With complete disregard for his own safety, Chandler ran through the hail of bullets and tossed grenades into the bunkers, killing the occupants.
   His personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

The TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS is an authorized publication of the 25^th Infantry Division. It is published weekly for all division units in the Republic of Vietnam by the Information Office, 25^th Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96225. Army News Features, Army Photo Features, Armed Forces Press Service and Armed Forces News Bureau material are used. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Printed in Tokyo, Japan, by Pacific Stars and Stripes.

MG Ellis W. Williamson . . . . Commanding General
MAJ Andrew J. Sullivan . . .  Information Officer
2LT Don A. Eriksson . . . . . .  Officer-in-Charge
SP4 Bill Berger  . . . . . . . . . . .  Editor
SP5 Robert C. Imler  . . . . . . .  Assistant Editor
SP4 Tom Quinn . . . . . . . . . . . Production Supervisor

Page 3                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           December 16, 1968

Safe Bet - Dollars To Bonds Saving Programs Make Cents

   Do you plan to buy a car in the next year or two?
   If you are married, do you plan to purchase some new furniture, or maybe a new house?
   If your answer is yes, you'll be needing a real chunk of money in the not too distant future.
   Chances are quite slim that you will win your car in a raffle, or inherit a house full of furniture.  So wise up and initiate a personal savings program.
   Today's serviceman receives more money in basic pay, special pays and allowances than ever before.  In the past six years, basic pay has been increased five times.
   The trick is to save the pain less way.  Take the savings off of the top of your income.  This way you won't miss what you don't have in your hands.  Don't kid yourself by saying that you will have some money left at the end of the month to put into savings.
   When earning power is increased with a promotion, general pay raise or a longevity pay increase, a certain portion of the increase should be earmarked for savings automatically.
   The truth is that as a serviceman, your savings opportunities are actually unlimited.  Savings institutions where deposits are insured by the government are offering high interest rates.
   Special allotment programs are available to you also.
   Here are a few facts about the different savings programs.
   SAVINGS ACCOUNTS - Bank, savings and loan associations, and other insftttftutions are paying higher interest rates today than they have for several decades.  In many cases, interest on savings deposits is compounded and paid quarterly. You may allot part of your pay to a savings institution.
   U.S. SAVINGS BOND - Buying Series E Bonds is probably the most popular way to save.  In 1968 President Johnson boosted the interest rate on Bonds to 4.25 percent.  Bonds purchased since December 1, 1965 mature in seven years. Originally, bonds took 10 years to mature.
   You can save regularly through the payroll savings plan, with an allotment of a part of your monthly pay.  The minimum monthly allotment is $6.25, which pays for a twenty-five dollar bond every three months.
   FREEDOM SHARES may be purchased in conjunction with bonds.  They pay five percent and mature in four and a half years.
   THE UNIFORMED SERVICES SAVINGS DEPOSIT PROGRAM offers a terrific savings opportunity to every member of the Armed Forces serving overseas.  It pays interest at the rate of 10 percent per year, compounded quarterly on deposits up to $10,000.
   You may deposit in cash, or by allotment any part of your unalloted current pay and allowances at any time.

WASTING NO TIME getting out of the way, this Tropic Lightning soldier high tails it for cover after tossing a grenade in a VC bunker during a sweep operation with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, near Trung Lap.  (PHOTO BY PFC H.J. TSCHIRNER)

Cash For Weapons OK By Kids, Army
By 1LT Mack Gooding

   TAY NINH - Emphasis on the Voluntary Information Program (VIP) is producing excellent results in Tay Ninh Province for the 1st Brigade.
   Under VIP, Vietnamese civilians are paid for information of value to allied forces.  Information concerning the location of VC or NVA units or personnel, weapons or munitions, booby traps and similar data brings prompt payment.
   The program supplements a plan under the Chieu Hoi program, which provides rewards for VC/NVA defectors bringing in weapons.
   Monetary returns can vary from two piasters for a single round of small arms ammunition to as much as 100,000 piasters for information resulting in the capture or destruction of artillery or large rockets in firing position.
   One small boy is now 1,400 piasters richer as a result of his efforts over a three-day period.  He waved down a jeep with the 1st Brigade S-5, Major Clarence M. DeYoung of San Diego, Calif.  Said DeYoung, "He handed me a reward leaflet that I had dropped the night before. Then he showed me two 60mm mortar rounds.  I promised to return the next morning with his reward."
   Upon his return, DeYoung was greeted by the same boy and a crowd of other small children.  "This time he turned in a rocket launcher," said the Major.  "I paid him in front of the kids, and they all scurried away, searching for more ammunition."
   Later that afternoon, the young searcher pointed out the location of two claymore mines.  "He took me on a short walk through the woods," DeYoung continued, "and we found still more ammunition."
   "By the time we left, we had three 60mm mortar rounds, two claymore mines, and a rocket launcher, all of which was given to a nearby Popular Forces outpost for their defense."  Additional munitions, including a 105mm howitzer round, were uncovered and destroyed.
   DeYoung stated, "The added emphasis that the Lancer Brigade has given this program pays double dividends.  Those rounds will help strengthen a GVN outpost, and, of course, they won't be used against allied troops.  We feel that's a real bargain."

New Tomahawks Prove Their Skill

   TAY NINH - It was a wet and windy November night as first platoon, Bravo Company, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23d Infantry, moved out to set up their night ambush three and a half miles northeast of Tay Ninh City.
   The men of Bravo didn't anticipate heavy action because during the past sixty days little contact had been made.  The majority of the men were new in Bravo Company.  War was almost as foreign to them as it had been in A.I.T.
   The leaders of Bravo were anxious to see how their new men would react under fire.  It was on that November night that the veterans got to see their new comrades work under fire.
   Around eight o'clock a listening post reported a rustling noise to their immediate front.  Fifteen minutes later the Tomahawks of the first platoon opened fire on an estimated company-sized element of Viet Cong.
   The new Tomahawks directed their fire in such a way that you would never know that it was their first time in battle.  "I was very pleased with the performance of my men," said platoon leader, First Lieutenant Paul J. Belzyk, of Beaver Falls, Pa.
   After contact broke, Bravo Company pulled back to a nearby Regional Forces Compound.  First Brigade artillerymen then pumped in 355 rounds in and about the contact area.
   A sweep the next morning found one dead VC, one M-2 carbine, and three blood trails.  The Tomahawks suffered no casualties.

Sen. Yarborough's RVN Trip Includes FSB Persing Stop TEXAN ON TOUR - At right, Democratic Senator Ralph Yarborough of Texas meets Captain Richard S. Humphreys of Whitesboro, N.Y., and shakes hands with First Sergeant James J. Powell of Columbus, Ga.  The senator visited FSB Pershing 10 miles northwest of Cu Chi.  Above, Senator Yarborough peers over a maze of bunkers and views the firepower of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 8th Artillery.  (PHOTOS BY SP4 CHARLES HAUGHEY)

Page 4-5                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           December 16, 1968

Holiday Inn A Welcome To Weary Field Troops
1LT Mack D. Gooding

   TAY NINH - Would you believe coming out of the field after 30 days and staying in a motel?
   It may be Army built and Army run, but for tired 1st Brigade line troopers, the Tay Ninh West Holiday Inn is the real thing.
   A Holiday Inn to cater to an infantryman's every need was the idea of the 1st Brigade Commander, Colonel Robert L. Fair.  "The combat soldier deserves the best we can give him and the Holiday Inn will give him just that.  The Inn serves two purposes: it will provide him facilities not available in the field and at the same time enable him to get his equipment combat ready."
   Eleven buildings, designed like modern motels for weary travelers, will house one infantry company for two days of rest and equipment cheeks. The facilities are much more elaborate than those normally found in a forward base camp.
   A swimming pool, an air-conditioned TV and reading lounge, a miniature golf course, a military affiliate radio station (MARS), live entertainment (when available) and movies set this stand-down area apart from the equivalent set up at other base camps throughout Vietnam.
   The PX has been specially stocked with the items that the line troopers want and need the most, and they are given preferential treatment in the purchase of these items.  No effort has been spared to make the men's stay enjoyable and relaxing.  A steak cookout with all the trimmings is the highlight of the first day's activities.  After the show, the men return to their new, spacious quarters and sleep in real beds, with mattresses and sheets.  The overhead fans insure that the soldier will sleep in cool comfort.
   "The purpose of the Inn," declared Fair, "is to take 48 hours off to get their equipment back in shape, get clean uniforms, and just get some rest.  They will be able to write some letters home and use our MARS facility to even get a call through to their loved ones."
   Of the first unit to stay at the Inn, Fair said, "I think Delta Company, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, is one of our better companies in the brigade.  They have behaved like gentlemen all the way and seem to appreciate what they have and what they are getting.  I think the 48 hour stay of Delta Company will be very successful."
   According to Lieutenant Colonel Robert S. McGowan, brigade executive officer, "We plan on processing two companies each week. The men will have everything they could possibly want or need.  In addition to a barber shop and miniature golf and other diversions, they will also have a representative from the Red Cross, a chaplain, a legal officer, finance specialists and administrative clerks at their disposal throughout their stay.  In this way, we can take care of any personal problem that the soldier may have."
   Command Sergeant Major Robert C. Boyette said, "This is one of the finest things I've seen in my 26 years in the service.  It shows that the Army is interested in the line trooper as something more than a statistic and more than just a machine.  I can't praise the concept enough."
   Opening the doors of the new stand-down area for the first time on November 18, 1968, the men of Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, simply couldn't believe their eyes.  "It's the first time I've been really comfortable since I arrived in Vietnam," exclaimed one trooper.  "The nurses in the swimming pool really make it seem like home," declared another.
   "Where'd all this great chow come from?"
   "I'm going to write home about this, but I'm going to wait until I have the pictures to send with the letter. They'll never believe it if they don't see those pictures.  Whoever had this brainstorm has my vote for General of the World," said one man.
   Enlisted personnel of Headquarters, 1st Brigade, volunteered their free time to work on the Holiday Inn project.  "Headquarters company just did a tremendous job," proclaimed Fair.  "The troops that actually built this place were from Headquarters Company of the 1st Brigade, and they built it after duty hours.  In other words, the day radio operators worked at night, and the night radio operators worked during the day.  The entire communications section, the administrative people and the supply personnel just did a magnificent job. I'm extremely proud of them."

NOW YOU'RE IN FOR IT - (Right) for a good time, that it.  The marquee proudly proclaims all the services offered the tired line troops at the Inn.  (PHOTO BY SP4 HERB BURDETT)

		HOLIDAY HAIRCUT - CW2 Ronnie Robiannette of Orlando, Fla., gets his hair cut at the Holiday Inn Barber Shop in Tay Ninh.  The Holiday Inn features services for relaxing line troops.  (PHOTO BY SP4 DON BROWN)
LATHER UP - Just in from the field, Sergeant John C. White of Roanoke, Va., heads for the shower of the Holiday Inn.  White is with Co. D, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, the first unit to use the new rest center.  (PHOTO BY SP4 HERB BURDETT)

SPLASHING TROOPS enjoying a stand down at the Inn find the large pool not the least of its attractions.  Cavorting in a cool pool is a good way to spend a hot afternoon.  (PHOTO BY DON BROWN)

STEAK AND POTATOES were the order of the day when the Holiday Inn, Tay Ninh, opened its doors.  Each unit that spends a few leisurely days at the Inn will find steak cooked on an outdoor grill.  (PHOTO BY SP4 DON BROWN)

CALLING HOME - SP4 Leroy Yap puts in a call to Hiku Maui, Hawaii, at the Holiday Inn MARS Station at the Tay Ninh base camp rest center.  (PHOTO BY SP4 DON BROWN)

COMPLETED COMPLEX - An aerial view of the completed Tay Ninh West Holiday Inn shows just how extensive the facilities are.  (PHOTO BY SP4 DON BROWN)

Page 6                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           December 16, 1968

CRIP Pulls A Heist, Gets Cash, Five VC

   DAU TIENG - Springing an ambush in the Ben Cui rubber plantation 45 miles northwest of Saigon, a 3d brigade patrol killed five enemy and snared more than 110,000 piasters (about $1,000).
   The Combined Reconnaissance and Intelligence patrol (CRIP) of the 1st Battalion, 27th Wolfhounds killed a Viet Cong procurer who was carrying the money.  He was armed with a pistol and bore a number of documents which were turned over to intelligence officers.
   The documents revealed that the purchasing agent, and enemy supply official was in the area to buy rice and other supplies for enemy troops.
   The ambush patrol had set out from Dau Tieng with the intention of capturing two known members of the Viet Cong infrastructure who live in a hamlet at the edge of the rubber plantation.
   When they got near the hamlet they set up a hasty ambush in heavy vegetation as Private First Class Robert J. Unser of Morrisonville, III., spotted more than a dozen enemy walking in a file toward the CRIP position.
   He and Private First Class David G. Silver of Grand Rapids, Mich., the platoon point man and machine gunner, told the Tropic Lightning soldiers to stay down.
   Two riflemen, Privates First Class Willis Davis of Detroit, Mich., and Carl Hathaway of New Canton, III., opened fire as the rest of the CRIP soldiers blasted away at the Viet Cong patrol.
   "I'm proud that my men reacted quickly to get this five body count, the money and also the documents, which may be of some value," commented First Lieutenant Jerry Pruitt of Osceola, Ark., CRIP leader.
   Not content with the results of the ambush, the CRIP leader and his men continued into the hamlet and captured the two Viet Cong infrastructure members who had been their original quarry.

DAWN—With the sun barely above the eastern horizon, men of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Wolfhounds are already well on the way to setting up a blocking force 35 miles northwest of Saigon.  They are aboard Hornet helicopters of the 116th Assault Helicopter Company.  The 3d Brigade troops detained three VC suspects.     (PHOTO BY SP4 HECTOR NADAL)

Tomahawks, RVN Police Check Roads, Grab VC

   CU CHI - Another example of co-operation between American soldiers and their Vietnamese counterparts is taking place in the 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23d Infantry.
   Alpha Company, commanded by Captain David D. Beach, of Chicago, has been working with a group of Vietnamese National Policemen.  The mission of this combined force is to set up road checks.  These road checks are successful in catching draft dodgers and VC suspects.
   While on a recent road check seven miles east of Tay Ninh, third platoon, Alpha Company, along with members of the National Police apprehended two draft dodgers and one suspected Viet Cong.  The one suspected VC turned out to be the real thing.
   "These road checks are very effective," said platoon leader First Lieutenant James F. Mitchell, of Theodore, Ala.
   The road checks are not only valuable for catching VC and draft dodgers, but they have a great deal of human interest too.  Just by working together the Americans and Vietnamese can learn much about each other.  "Even though there is a language barrier, we still manage to communicate," commented Private First Class Jim Watkins, of Luxora Ark.
   When asked how he felt about the two forces working together, Lieutenant Colonel Albert C. Butler, of Jackson, Miss., commanding officer of the Tomahawks said, "When two nations are  united and bound to the same cause they have little trouble in communication and expressing their admiration for each other."

Mess Award For October To 2-14 Co.

   CU CHI - During a brief ceremony in the office of Second Brigade commander, Colonel Eugene M. Lynch, the Best Mess award for the month of October was presented to the Headquarters Company Mess Hall of the 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry.
   Sergeant First Class Johnnie H. Malone, mess steward and Captain John Goodrich company commander accepted the award for the second brigade unit.
   Continuing a tradition begun in Hawaii before the division's deployment, the award was based on an inspection conducted by Fire Brigade Food Service Advisor, Chief Warrant Officer David T. Hall, Jr.

Wolfhound Checks Out Cache Club

   DAU TIENG - Wolfhounds of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, turned up a weapons cache consisting of antitank mines, claymores, and other weapons.
   The 3d Brigade soldiers were exploring an area of deep woods, 30 miles northwest of Saigon, when they discovered signs of recent enemy activity.
   A trio of Wolfhounds were checking out what looked like air vents.  They were Privates First Class Paul Keeler of Monroe, Mich., James Massoth of Rockford, III., and Jackie Underwood of Carthage, Tenn.
   Suddenly Keeler spotted the entrance to a bunker complex.  "I think we've found something," he yelled to his comrades.
   The Wolfhounds searched the bunker complex ferreting out 100 welding rods and 200 feet of trip wire.  In quick order they found 1,000 blasting caps and 100 chicom claymore mines ranging in size from 10 to 40 lbs.

Page 7                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           December 16, 1968

PREFLIGHT BRIEFING - First Lieutenant Stanton Thomas, of Lawrence, Mich., brief Army aviator First Lieutenant John Henderson prior to takeoff.

ROCKETS READY - Henderson fuses the rockets carried on the O-1 in preparation for a counter-mortar mission.  The rockets mark target areas with smoke.

Division AO's Task Designed To Bring Smoke
By 1LT Samuel Tata

   The 25th Division's artillery air observers perform five basic missions, whose objectives vary from adjusting artillery fire to reconnaissance of specific areas.
   The U.S. Army O-1 Bird Dog is the aircraft primarily used for these missions.  Other aircraft, including the Army's OH-23, LOH-6 and UH-1 helicopters, are also available and used in lieu of the fixed-wing Bird Dog.
   Visual reconnaissance missions are flown for the Division Artillery S-2.  They generally consist of checking areas where reports indicate possible enemy troop locations or recent enemy activity.  The air observer looks for indications such as new trails in grassy areas or possible enemy use of existing trails and roads.
   An air observer checks the same area on a daily basis and furnishes reports of any significant changes in the terrain, which the S-2 shop evaluates in determining enemy troop concentrations and movements.
   Division Artillery air observers are on a 24-hour standby for contact missions.  Any allied unit in contact with the enemy can request an air observer by calling the Division Artillery S-3 duty officer.
   Once on station over the area of enemy contact, the air observer will coordinate with the engaged unit's artillery liaison officer or one of his forward observers on the ground or with the ground commander.  The location of friendly units and their movement and the placement of the desired artillery support will be determined.
   The air observer circling at 1,500 feet has the optimum vantage point of the entire friendly and enemy situation.  He can adjust fire on stationary enemy positions or direct blocking fires to prevent enemy escape and evasion from the pressing allied forces.
   Because the air observer is not limited by terrain features or vegetation, he is able to bring much more timely and accurate artillery fires on the enemy than would be possible by a ground observer.
   The excellent aerial vantage point is used again when the air observer conducts destruction missions.  These missions differ from the contact mission in that no friendly forces are engaged with the enemy in the area at the time the air observer adjusts fire.
   Targets for destruction missions may be enemy bunkers; tunnel complexes; trench lines; or suspected enemy troop or supply locations along wood lines, stream lines, or any other camouflaged positions.  An air observer's effective and accurately directed artillery fire on such targets greatly deters the enemy from any objective he may have.
   Finally, the air observers are called upon to fly counter-mortar and counter-rocket watches.  Flying in the vicinity of a night location, fire support base, base camp, or Vietnamese city, the air observer can readily locate enemy mortar or rocket firing positions by observing the outgoing tube flashes.
   The air observer can perform all these missions with minimum limitation.  Although the aircraft has a fuel limitation, there is always another aircraft and air observer standing by ready to come on station to be briefed and continue the mission.
   Problems of night observation are overcome by the availability of artillery illumination or flare ships that provide necessary light to continue missions during the hours of darkness.
   Thus the air observers (AOs, or Alpha Oscars) are able to perform their direct combat support missions by giving timely, effective, and accurate direction and adjustment of artillery fire power whenever and wherever needed, whatever the situation.

GRIDS PLOTTED - Sergeant First Class John C. Davis, of Cincinnati, Ohio plots grids prior to takeoff on a registration mission.  Precision registration of all division artillery firing batteries is just one of the tasks of the AO.

CHECKING COMMUNICATIONS - Army Bird Dog aviator adjusts his radio as he communicates with an aerial observer seated to his rear.

Page 8                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           December 16, 1968

Letter Brings Clothing Tribute To SGT's Vietnamese Friends

   CU CHI - Sometimes a letter can get a lot of action.  One letter to the people in his hometown, Parsippany Township. N.J., got Sergeant Sam Stafford two tons of clothing for orphanages and a hospital in Vietnam.
   Stafford, like many Americans in Vietnam, made a number of friends among the local population during his tour.  While stationed in Dau Tieng with the 125th Signal Battalion during operation Yellowstone, he and a young Vietnamese civilian developed a close friendship.
   When Charlie, the name the sergeant had given to his buddy fell victim to a Viet Cong terror attack near Dau Tieng, Stafford thought there should be something he could do.  He wrote a letter to Mayor Henry Luther explaining about the death of his friend and asked whether any of his hometown friends would like to send the people in the Dau Tieng area gifts of clothing in memory of Charlie.
   At home, the response was tremendous. Mayor Luther read Sam's letter at a council meeting, and the local papers carried the full story.
   Over forty local organizations rallied behind the project.  Two tons of clothing were bought or collected, and shipped to Vietnam for distribution.
   What originated as a thoughtful gesture to the memory of a good friend had snowballed into a major civic action undertaking.  The people at home had done their job and more, now Stafford had to sort the clothing and get it to the people who could use it.
   On November 1 at a Children's Day Festival in Bao Tri, Stafford turned over about one ton of clothing to the province chief.

FACES TELL THE STORY - (Above) Sergeant Sam Stafford of the 125th Signal Battalion stands in the midst of children with beaming eyes as he distributes clothing.  The clothing was a gift from the people of Sergeant Stafford's home town, Parsippany Township, N.J.  (PHOTO BY SP4 CHUCK WITHROW)

MUSTACHED WITH MILK - A youngster at Dau Tieng elementary school, 45 miles northwest of Saigon, brightens with a smile as other youngsters tease him about looking like an old papa-san.  The milk, provided by the 3d Brigade, was distributed as part of a continuing civic action program by the White Platoon, 587th Signal Company.  (PHOTO BY SP5 BILL SLUISI)

A Hard Day Proves Worth Of Tomahawks Young CRIP

   TAY NINH - Combined Reconnaissance and Intelligence Patrol, better known as CRIP, is geared for action.  The CRIP of the 4th Battalion, (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry, has kept pace since it was formed two weeks ago.
   CRIP was performing lead security on Highway 22, eight miles west of Tay Ninh City, when called into action.  At 5:30 p.m., CRIP received word to return to Tay Ninh West to pick up ammo to deliver to Fire Support Base Hull, sixteen miles southeast of Tay Ninh City.
   At 8 p.m. just as the men of CRIP had finished their mission, they received word that the Crusaders of the 187th Assault Helicopter Company had lost a gunship to small arms fire four miles south of Tay Ninh City.
   Without hesitation CRIP moved into action.  Braving the night and an estimated two battalions of VC and NVA troops, CRIP went to work.
   After checking out the area completely, CRIP set up security around the fallen gunship. The night vigilance passed without incident.

Citations.......
(Continued From Page l)

Aviation Battalion responded aggressively engaging the hostile force, flying fearlessly at treetop level through intense ground fire.  Despite the increasing barrage, they effectively suppressed the enemy and prevented them from inflicting heavy losses on the American forces.
   In reinforcing the troops, transport helicopter crew braved the hostile fire and landed within 150 meters of the line of contact.
   Later, when the battalion was requested to extract friendly forces from the battlefield, pilots maneuvered their craft from point to point, to pick up the still savagely engaged forces and often landed within two meters. of wounded men so door gunners could quickly lift them inside.
   The 25th Aviation Battalion earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation during the period of April, 1966, to December, 1967.  In that period the total dedication of the battalion earned it the respect and admiration of all those with whom they served.
   The men of the battalion participated in all major tactical operations conducted by the maneuver elements, and in every instance, they acquitted themselves in an outstanding manner.

BARBED WIRE - Barricades and the watchful eye of an infantryman from the Tropic Lightning 2d Brigade's 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, keep a church yard secure during regular MEDCAPs near Trang Bang.  (PHOTO BY SP4 CHARLES HAUGHEY)

Rallying Hoi Chanh Cites Bad Chow As Big Reason

   DAU TIENG - Editor's note: The following is an account of the rallying of a Hoi Chanh as it was told by Specialist 4 John F. Sherwood of Portland, Maine.  He is an infantryman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Wolfhounds of the 3rd Brigade.
   "The last time I looked at my watch it was 1:35 in the morning.  I was on guard at the bunker line of our forward location, trying to fight off sleep," he said.  "Suddenly I heard some sort of a babbling outside the wire.
   I put my M-16 off safe and tried to make out what was out there in the darkness.  I caught sight of a figure with upraised hands silhouetted against the sky."
   "I really thought I must be dreaming - until I heard the words "Chieu Hoi" among the ceaseless flow of Vietnamese words."
   "Still not sure it was real, I alerted the rest of my position and sent one of the guys after an interpreter.
   The stranger in the dark turned out to actually be a Hoi Chanh, and we managed to get him inside the wire without any incident.  He left an AK-47 assault rifle outside the wire, and we retrieved it in the morning."
   "He deserted the Viet Cong he confided later, because the food was terrible.  The following morning, though, what did we have for breakfast to assure him that he'd made the right decision?  S.O.S."

Thanks to
Ron Leonard, 25th Aviation Bn., for locating and mailing this issue,
Kirk Ramsey, 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. for creating this page.

This page last modified 8-12-2004

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