13 - 19 MAY 1945
13 May 1945
132130 |
RCT minus one Bn will deploy to new area. details not available as yet.
The Battalion which remained in situ
and did not deploy to the new area was the Third Battalion. |
131545 |
G-3
advises Col Lawrie that 131200 3d Bn comes under the tactical control of
CO 185th Infantry.
I believe date should be 12 May
|
132400 |
Tactical plan: 503 RCT (-) takes up position in saddle of mountain
while 160th and 185th attack N and drive the enemy into our position for
the slaughter."
This had to be the worst joke of the campaign. The 40th Division RCT's
were not coming out of their fortresses to drive anyone anywhere.
|
142400 |
Constant rain making roads impassable. |
160900 |
"House Keepers" left for Rest Camp located at former sugar mill. Rest
Camp opened
or.
150 men per day for two days, then new batch comes in. It seems that the
men are going to be rotated for R&R. this applied to EM's only. This is
a great idea. The men sure need a little rest and recreation. |
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No. 33
121500 May 45
to
131500 May 45
Killed were:
Pfc. Daniel H. Wicks
Pfc. Pvt. Donald D. Payne
Wounded was:
Sgt. Nagy |
"3. OUR OPERATIONS:
a. Infantry:
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity night of 12-13. Bn began displacing to new area
130800I. In transit at end of period but expected to arrive and go into
position vicinity (36.5-89.6) about 151700I.
(2) 2d Bn: Bn displaced to new RCT Sector arriving and going into bivouac at
121645 in vicinity (36.1-89.2). Nil activity night of 12-13. One platoon "F"
co moved out NE to remove booby traps previously placed along trail by 40th
Recco. Troops. Two of our troops were killed and one injured when a mine
exploded along the trail. It has not been determined if the mine was
due to the enemy relocating our own traps, emplacement of his own or one of
our own not removed. "E" Co moved along the trail beyond the mine field
and began patrolling forward. Nil contact at end of period..
(3) 3d Bn: Nil activity night of 12-13. Out of communication with Regt
during remainder of period. No reports available.
4. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: First elements made advance along trail toward
RCT objective without contact. |
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0730 |
No activity during the nite, no casualties. |
0900 |
D Co patrol moved out as security for engineers removing friendly land
mines. |
0930 |
Bn received orders to move C.P. forward to (37.5-89.8). |
1300 |
D Co patrol reports 2 KIA & 1 WIA from jumping jack land mine in area
that was
cleared this morning by Engineers. |
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[Note: "Jumping
Jack" was another name for "Bouncing
Betty" mines]. |
1700 |
Patrols return, report no enemy activity. |
1800 |
E Co suffered one WIA in arming booby trap. |
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At 0830 the 2nd platoon under T/Sgt Howard advanced east to act as
security for engineers deactivating booby traps set out three weeks
previously. The 3rd platoon under Lt. Watkins followed to improve trail.
With their mission
accomplished the 2nd platoon set out security until the position was
taken over by "E" Co. As the 2nd
platoon started to return at 1230,
Pvt.Wicks activated a Bouncing Betty
that had been overlooked. The explosion killed
Pvt. Payne instantly,
mortally wounded Pvt. Wicks and wounded Sgt. Nagy in the foot.
Filipino litter bearers evacuated the
dead and wounded and the patrol returned at 1230. |
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At 0900 hr entire Co with L.M.G's and arty. observer
section moved out to the east 3500 yds to set up perimeter and to occupy
high ground along a secret trail
running north to south and believed to be used by Japs leaving Hill
3155. One man fr 3rd Plt. L.I. while setting a jumping jack, by
accidentally discharging it. No activity during night. |
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No entry |
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When the order came through that R&R would be granted the question came up
as to what kind of rest and recreation could be provided in our
surroundings. The answer was simple. To men who have had nothing, who are
tired, who are dirty, and who constantly
faced death,
little is needed. Just to get cleaned up, get some sleep on a cot, eat hot
food, and see a couple of movies would be ideality.
D Company led off. Thirty-five men received passes for two days. This was
considered a three day pass, because the better part of a day would be used
in going and coming, for as we moved on up into the rainforest more and more
time would be needed in walking in and walking out.
One of the most memorable days of my life occurred here. Captain Taylor, 2d
Battalion commanding officer, sent for the company commanders early one
morning. He told us to go to Bacolod and Silay and visit our sick and
wounded, to be back before dark, and to bring him a bottle of whiskey. In
their 7 May entry the "E" Company diarist says that their C.O. went to
Bacolod and Silay to "visit the sick". I was never aware of any such happening
at this
time and wonder if the time did not get confused with the first few days on
the right flank. We found some Filipino whiskey made with brown sugar. We spent
most of the day riding up and down Highway No. 1 drinking whiskey and not
worrying about one thing. The sky had never seemed so blue, the air so
fresh, and life so sweet. As we rode along several miles east of Victorias a
rifle bullet cracked overhead. After proceeding some ways one of us dryly
noted "A Jap
shot at us." Another replied, "Well, let's go back and get the son of bitch." The
wisest said, "Hell no! This is my day off, I'm not doing any work, I've got a holiday from fighting and nobody's
going to mess it up." Everybody declared they'd drink to that, and we rolled merrily along.
We got back to the battalion CP in time to get to our companies before
dark. I believe each of us brought Capt Taylor a bottle of whiskey. He
thanked us, and we thanked the good Captain for allowing us to
have a great day of R&R even if he did bend the rules a little bit.
General William Tecumseh Sherman may have said "War is hell", but I doubt
that he knew all of which he spoke. The rifle grunts can give you the full
meaning. This phrase has a meaning for them that the uninitiated could never
understand. |
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14 MAY 1945
No. 34
131500 May45
to
141500 May 45 |
3. OUR OPERATIONS:
a. Infantry;
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity night of 13-14. Bn displaced forward beginning
140830I to position shown on overlay. Lateral patrolling along the
adjacent draws resulted in nil contact or evidence of any previous
enemy occupation.
(2) 2d Bn: an 'E" Co recco patrol reported observing two unarmed enemy
in vicinity (39.0-89.8). The enemy disappeared into heavy undergrowth
and could not be located. Nil activity night of 13-14. An "E" Co patrol
reported the "SECRET TRAIL" to be at bearing (38.3-90.5). Patrol found
one week old enemy dead in this vicinity. Several 'banzai" sticks were
found in an old bivouac area near the body. No enemy emplacements were
observed. Faint trails leading toward hill reccoed, with nil contact. At
close of period "F" co was displacing forward with objective vicinity
(38.0-89.8).
b. Artillery: Continued survey for future fire missions and one fire
support during the period.
c. Engineers: Construction and improvement of supply route and
construction of water point.
4. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Extensive patrolling to the immediate S and SE
of Hill 4055 did not disclose any enemy emplacements in that locality. Nil
contacts were made. Faint trail leads from main trail known as the "SECRET
TRAIL" and these are being exploited systematically by recco patrols.
5. CASUALTIES: No change."
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0730 |
No activity during the nite. Casualties yesterday 2 KIA & 2 WIA, our
total 50 KIA & DOW's- 89 WIA's |
0900 |
Received 6 rounds of artillery fire in general vicinity of Bn C.P. No
casualties. Recco patrols sent out by companies |
1300 |
We have had hard rain just about every day in the early afternoon in
addition to showers thru out the day. |
1700 |
Extensive patrols along Secret Trail. F Co moved forward of E Co about
200 yards. |
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D
Company History, 14, 15, 16, 17 May: "" |
No patrols. No enemy activity. 36 men received two day passes to Bacelod
on 16th. |
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Patrols by all platoons along main trail running N to S. No recent use
by NIP's. At 1500 hr three Nips's were spotted coming south on main
trail armed and wearing Yank clothing. At same time two more were
spotted unarmed on high ground to our flank. 1 Nip killed, 1 L.M.G. man
shot thru left hand. No activity during night other than one booby trap
going off. |
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No entry. |
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Our company
was now in the dense rainforest. We were greatly reduced in strength.
Now we would come face to face again with the old enemy, disease.
Diseases such as scrub typhus, meningitis, malaria, hepatitis,
dysentery, dengue, and others. Any scratch could lead rapidly to
serious, life-threatening conditions. |
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15 MAY 1945
No. 35
141500 May45
to
151500 May 45 |
MAP: NEGROS I, PHOTO MAP #28: 1/25,000.
1. LOCATION OF TROOPS: See overlay.
2. WEATHER AND VISIBILITY: Intermittent rain, continuous overcast,
visibility limited.
3. OUR OPERATION:
A. Infantry:
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity night of 14-15. Continued lateral patrolling
along adjacent draws. One patrol to NW reported an old enemy emplacement at
vicinity (10.3-12.5). All other patrols reported nil activity.
(2) 2d Bn: "Hq's Co at 142100 (37.0-89.8) three or more enemy
attempted infiltration of Hqs Co perimeter. One enemy KIA accounted for.
Clothing, jungle boots of enemy KIA was in fair condition. At the same time
and coordinates as mentioned above one enemy attempting escape due S off the
trail was believed to have been wounded as much moaning was heard in that
direction after the firing ceased. Thorough search this morning did not
reveal any enemy. "D" Co nil activity. "E" Co at (39.0-89.8). An "E" Co
outpost received three rounds of enemy rifle fire. They also observed one
enemy about 5O yds E of where the fire was coming from. He was unarmed and
wearing USA coveralls. An artillery concentration was laid in the area.
Recco patrol revealed no enemy dead. We suffered one WIA as a result of this
action. "E" Co: An "E" Co patrol went on Recco, SE along "SECRET TRAIL" for
a distance of 3000 yds and reported nil activity. "F" Co moved forward to
vicinity (39.0-89.8) and established a Co perimeter. An "F" Co
patrol starting from vicinity (38.9-90.2) reached the top of ridge,
vicinity (39.2-90.5), Patrol observed two enemy walking NE along
ridge. unable to fire on them because of long range. Another "F" Co patrol
reccoed "SECRET TRAIL" SE reaching summit of Hill 3355. They reported ashes
of fire along the trail, believed to be left by small enemy parties."
B. Artillery: registered all batteries on base point. Fired two harassing
missions on possible troop concentrations and heavy weapons vicinity
(38.6-90.2). Fired missions in preparation of 160th RCT advance to Hill
3155.
C.
Engineers: Constructed and improvement of supply route.
4. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Continued recco. & patrolling along "SECRET TRAIL"
& Hill 3355 disclosed no enemy activity or emplacements in the locality.
5. CASUALTIES:
a. Our Casualties:
(1) For the period: 1 WIA
(2) To date; 104 KIA, 294 WIA
b. Enemy Known Casualties:
(1) For the period: 3 KIA
(2) To date: 484 KIA, 5 POW. |
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0730 |
Hq Co had an attempted infiltration last nite, 1 enemy KIA. No
casualties for Bn yesterday. |
1000 |
Bn Ex, Company C.O.'s & 1st Sergeants attended meeting at Regt'l S-1
office to receive info on demobilization plan. Details were given to all
by Capt. LeVine and companies are to be given all data by their C.O.s. |
1700 |
Patrols report no activity for today. 4.2 Chemical Mortars have not been
used recently but are still attached to Bn, 50 Cal MGs of Batt "D" are
now all attached to Hq Co instead of to the line companies. |
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1730 |
- Meeting of Bn Co's to discuss Rest Camp: 1,50 men every two days will
go to Bacolod for pass. Quota of 35 given each Bn; balance given to
separate units." This is the R&R referred to above. |
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Some
of our
innocent, young soldiers learned some new facts of life in Bacolod.
It
was not at this time though, because the 35 men from "D" Company were
the only men who were sent on R&R for reason explained later.
Speaking of young soldiers, Pfc Richard L. "Tropical" Peterson, was
suddenly yanked out of combat while we were in these hills. It had just
been discovered that "Tropical" had just celebrated his 16th birthday,
and had experienced the jump on Corregidor at 15. He had been with
the mortar platoon all this time and was still not old enough to be in
the Army. He went home unwillingly, while many would have willingly
traded places with him.
Another
young soldier whose exploits in Bacolod, late, are still talked about at
the reunion "F" Company men is Pfc. Earl Soucie. These youth had one
thing in common - along with many, many others, and they were good
soldiers.
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16 MAY 1945
No. 36
151500 May45
to
161500 May 45 |
3. OUR OPERATIONS:
a. Infantry:
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity night of 15-16. An "A" Co patrol sighted 4 enemy
vicinity (13.7-11.6). One enemy was killed during the short fire fight
before the remaining withdrew. The patrol reported locating a well and
recently used trail running genrally N & S which was followed to vicinity
(13.8-11.7). No further contact was made. A "B" Co combat patrol to the SE
made nil contact through 161130 and out of communications with the Bn at end
of period.
(2) 2d Bn: Nil activity night 15-16. An "E" Co patrol progressed N & W along
SECRET TRAIL" to reconnoiter for Further Bn advance. Reported trail in fair
condition but bearing too far to the W for progress to RCT objectives. An
"F" Co patrol worked NW through dense undergrowth to reconnoiter route of
advance to RCT objective. Reported no trail, no contact, and extremely
difficult terrain. The patrol reached vicinity (14.8-11.3). Three enemy
going N walked into "F" Co outpost vicinity (14.0-10.9) at 161230. Two were
killed and the third escaped in the under-brush. |
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As the report shows we were patrolling in the dense forest. With the
company at full
strength this
would not have taxed us, but we were about half strength and still
losing men. A few patrols took all the
men. A combat patrol took the entire company. We were traveling good
distances in extremely rough terrain, so there was no rest. |
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0730 |
No activity during the nite. No casualties for Bn yesterday. Bn is
allotted quota of 35EM to visit Rest Camp in Bacolod for 2 day period.
Regt has provided the camp to relieve men on the front lines. D Co, F &
E is the order the group will visit rest camp. |
1200 |
We are receiving 10 in 1 Rations everyday & irregular issue of fresh
coffee * cream. 1600 F Co patrol was the only patrol today that reported
contact. |
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No entry. |
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Patrol by 2nd platt 1500 yd's along trail to north. No recent signs of
NIP's NJL (?) activity during the night. |
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No Entry. |
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17 MAY 1945
No. 37
161500 May45
to
171500 May 45 |
2. WEATHER AND VISIBILITY: Cool, heavy overcast, intermittent rains,
visibility limited.
3. OUR OPERATIONS:
a. Infantry;
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity night of 16-17. Co. "A" patrol through deep ravine
S of RCT sector to vicinity (11.5-11.4) reported nil activity.
(2)
2d Bn: Nil activity night 16-17. "E" Co patrol reconnoitering for route up
Hill 4955 reached river vicinity (13.3-14.4). No trail was found and no
enemy contacted. An "F" Co patrol reached vicinity (15.4-11.36) and was
making a trail for Bn advance to that area. Nil enemy contact. A second
"F" Co patrol reached summit of Hill 3355 after following "SECRET TRAIL" SW.
the trail swings ME along a ridge to the top. Nil enemy contact at end of
period; however the patrols have not returned.
4. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Nil contact by either lateral patrols or patrols
along projected RCT route of advance. A trail was cut to enable supplies to
reach the troops which will occupy the RCT objective. This trail reaches
approximately to the objective.
5. EXPECTED OPERATIONS FOR 18 MAY: "F" Co to advance to vicinity
(15.3-11.7). Continued lateral patrolling at present location." |
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0730 |
No enemy activity during the nite. We suffered no casualties yesterday.
Our Bn strength is now 21 0- 382 EM.Casualties to date- 38 KIA- 12 DOW-
88 WIA- 2 IIA |
1400 |
Recco flight made by Lt. LaVanchure of companies' positions & 503
objectives. 1800 Patrols report no activity today. |
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No entry. |
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Short patrols along north trail. No action during night. Nips cut our
comm. wire. Disarmed booby traps, fired two rifle grenades and threw one
white phospour's (sic) inside our perimeter. No casualty's (sic). |
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No entry. |
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The RCT is
continuing to push for the Patog area, and F Company is leading the way. |
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18 MAY 1945
No. 38
171500 May45
to
181500 May 45 |
"3. OUR OPERATIONS:
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity throughout Bn area night 17-18. "B"
and "C" patrol to (11.2-09.6) and (12.8-11.4) respectively reported nil
contact or activity.
(2) 2d Bn: "An "F" Co patrol returning at 171815I reported
observed and killed two enemy vicinity (15.4-10.4). Other enemy were
heard in vicinity but could not be located. One enemy was armed with a
rifle the other was unarmed. Another "F" Co patrol reported meeting an
enemy vicinity (15.5-11.2) at 171830I. Leading
scout certifies at having hit the
enemy at short range with several TSMG rounds. Body of enemy fell
into a deep ravine and approaching darkness prevented search.
"D" Co displaced forward to position vacated by "E" Co vicinity
)13.85-10.85).
"E" Co reached (16.0- 10.6) at 181230I and dispatched two patrols; one
to vicinity (15.7-11.0), the other to continue on "SECRET TRAIL". At
close of the period the patrol on "SECRET TRAIL" was reported to have
killed one of three enemy on its return to Co CP. An "F" Co patrol to
recco trail to DANAO reported having reached a trail apparently leading
to DANAO and presumbed to be 3 kilometers from DANAO and 6000 yds from
"F" Co CP. Nil contact made by this patrol.
b. Artillery: four harrassing night missions
night 17-18. Two fire missions, base point registration, and
registration of Div. Arty. during 18 May.
c. Engineers: Supply route building and
maintenance.
4. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Elements of 2d Bn reached virtual summit of
HILL 3355. A route to DANAO and possibly around HILL 3355 to PATOG area
located for immediate exploitation.
5. EXPECTED OPERATIONS FOR 19 MAY: 1st Bn to exploit trail into DANAO
area and push toward PATOG if route exists. 2d Bn to occupy HILL 3355 and
search for future positions along ridge (15.0-12.0)-(15.7-11.0) |
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0730 |
E Co reports receiving 3 rds. of believed enemy grabade (sic) fire,
booby traps unarmed and phone wires cut on Secret trail. No casualties. |
1000 |
Fox Co maintaining security outpost, also a patrol sent out to recco
Danao Trail 1300 . |
1300 |
E Co moved out to 503d objective area. D Co to take Easy Co position. |
1800 |
No reported contact today. E Co observed 1 enemy KIA |
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Co. moved forward 2000 yds. at 0930 to releive "E"
Co. Small security patrols sent out but no enemy contacted. |
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At 0830 hr. Co. with atch. personel moved out on Secret Trail to the
south. Moved approx. 1500 yds up on Hill 3055, and went into defensive
position 200 yds from the crest of the hill. A recon patrol was sent
out, and contacted a eight man patrol of Nips moving in our direction.
Patrol withdrew, and Nips moved forward toward our position, and came
under fire from our L.M.G.'s. One Nip definitely K.I.A. Nil activity
during night. |
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No entry. |
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Finding the
trail to Danao was a great achievement. "E" Co's taking Hill 3355 was
also a great achievement and a great relief. This was an enemy
stronghold, according to the 40th Division G-2, so it was a relief to
find it undefended. We had made endless patrols, sometimes making our
own trails and sometimes following following broad, well traveled
caribou trails 5-6 feet wide. Well, we were just about in position
for the 160th RCT and the 185th RCT to start their drive. Maybe this was
why their Commanding General kept our 2d Battalion. |
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19 MAY 1945
No. 39
181500 May45
to
191500 May 45 |
3. OUR operations;
a. Infantry:
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity night of 18-19. "B" and "A" Co's moved out in that
order SE along fairly well defined trail with the mission of proceeding to
ridge vicinity (16.9-09.8). "B" Co. reached vic (14.4-10.0) and was fired on
by an unknown number of enemy. A short fire fight ensued in which we
suffered three wounded. One enemy was known to have been killed. "B" Co
withdrew to vicinity (14.1-10.0) and artillery was placed on the enemy
position with unknown results. "A" and "B" Co will remain vicinity
(14.1-10.0) night 19020.
(2) 2d Bn: "E" Co observed three enemy vicinity (16.0-10.6) at 181540.
One enemy, armed with a car5ine and hand grenade. Nil activity night 18-19.
"D" Co displaced forward through "E" Co's position to vicinity (16.4-11.1).
Nil contact was encountered enroute. An "E" Co patrol received one round of
rifle from an unseen enemy in vicinity (16.6-10.5). The round passed through
the hand of one of our troops into the side of another. "F" Co replaced "D"
Co to guard trail junction vicinity (13.85-10.85).
4. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Elements of 2d Bn reached eastern end of RCT
objective against nil resistance. 1st Bn
met unexpected resistance in attempting to gain objective by a
reported route around HILL 3355. No route was located.
5. EXPECTED OPERATIONS FOR 20 MAY: Due to the ruggedness of the terrain the
1st Bn will be withdrawn from its present
position and Will proceed in force NE to ridge vicinity (14.8-12.0.
2d Bn will recco forward toward PATOG area." |
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0730 |
No activity during the nite, no casualties suffered yesterday. |
0900 |
Dog Co moved out to new position (16.4-11.1). Received 1 rd of 90mm fire
(estimated). |
1100 |
1130 Easy Co security patrol suffered 2 WIA, enemy sniper fire. |
1400 |
Easy Co received 25 rds of estimated 40mm fire, 3 rds estimated 90mm
landing about 400 yds SE of their position. |
1800 |
Easy Co only made enemy contact today. |
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At 0830 Co. moved
appr.
200 yds. along ridge E of E company. |
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Co sent patrol from 2ne plt up south trail. Contacted enemy. Two men
wounded. One SWA one LWA. Patrol withdrew. No activity during night. |
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No entry. |
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