2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter - November 2009, Issue 8

2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter Contact: [email protected] November 2009 / Issue 8 For the men, and their families, of the 2d Battalion, 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) ~ We Try Harder! In Honor Of Our Dak To Sky Soldiers BATTLES OF DAK TO, HILL 875 ASSAULT COMBAT AFTER ACTION REPORT: Task Organization: Companies A, C, and D, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Date of Operations: 19 November - 23 November 1967 Location: YB796134, Map Series L7014, Sheet 6538 III, DAK TO District, KONTUM Province Reporting Officer: Brigadier General Leo H. Schweiter Task Organization: A/2/503d Infantry 1 Scout Dog Team, Medical Team, Artillery Forward Observer Team, 4.2 Mortar Forward Observer, Engineer Team C/2/503d Infantry 1 Scout Dog Team, Medical Team, Artillery Forward Observer Team, 4.2 Mortar Forward Observer, Engineer Team D/2/503d Infantry 1 Scout Dog Team, Medical Team, Artillery Forward Observer Team, 4.2 Mortar Forward Observer, Engineer Team OPCON Elements: Engineer Platoon, 173d Engineer Company, 19 November - 20-1300 November. MIKE Special Forces Company #26, 19 November - 20-1300 November. MIKE Special Forces Company #23, 21-1500 November - 23-2400 November. Companies A and D/1/12th Infantry, (4th Inf Div), 21-1500 November - 22-1000 November. Supporting Forces: Artillery: 3/319th Artillery (DS) 173d Abn Bde, 105mm Howitzers(6), Towed C/6/l4th Artillery (GS) 8" 175mm Howitzer A/5/16th Artillery (GS) 155mm How (SP) B/5/16th Artillery (GS) 155mm How (SP) D/5/16th Artillery (GS) 155mm/175mm Howitzer A/3/l8th Artillery (GS) 8"/175mm Howitzer B/2/19th Artillery (GS) 105mm Howitzer, Towed C/2/19th Artillery (GS) 105mm Howitzer, Towed A/4/42nd Artillery (GS) 105mm Howitzer, Towed B/1/92nd Artillery (GS) 155mm Howitzer, Towed Air Support: Transportation: The Brigade Aviation Officer handled all of the 2/503d Infantry's requirements for troop and cargo transporta- tion with the exception of DUSTOFF's. The resupply pilots and crews were particularly valorous in their support during the battle on Hill 875. Dust Off's: All DUSTOFF's were handled through the Administration/Intelligence (S2) Net and performance was outstanding. Air Strikes/FAC's: Supporting Air Strikes including Sky Spots and ARC Lights were coordinated through Brigade S3 Air. Special Purpose Flights (Intelligence): The 2/503d Infantry received prompt and adequate support for SNOOPY, RED HAZE, VR and SLAR missions through the Brigade S2 Air. Armor: B/1/69th Armor gave excellent cooperation and support throughout the contact. Page 1 of 18