From the 1/14th Daily Journal Summaries
June 1968

Summary

GOLDEN DRAGONS A/1/10 LP's closed this location in the morning with neg activities during the night. 10C/1/10 along with engineers is conducting mine sweep. 61/A/1/10 is moving to the N. A/1/15 16 and 26 is moving to the W. 0910 LRRP Box 47 goes into effect. D/1/14 CA from ZA 004874 to LZ ZA019891 to check for enemy Rcn unit. D/1/14 check the area with neg finding. They were extracted from ZA 017890 to LZ at 000875 (LZ Bingo). A/1/14 spotted lights at ZA 057993 and called in Hvy Mort with neg resutls.

PLANS: Continue to send out LP's. A/1/10 will conduct patrols to the S and N. C/1/10 will have mine sweep along with engineers to clear the road for the 155 Battery that is moving from  LZ Bass. A/1/14 sending patrols to the S. D/1/14 is sending patrols to the S and W. Rcn/1/14 is going to move to the S.

2 June 1968

1050

Push change for Rcn/1/14: now 72.40.

Summary

Golden Dragons continued Operations West of Kontum with 2 rifle companies, 1 Reconnaissance Platoon and 2 Armored Cavalry Troops. LP's closed LZ Bass. Mine sweep found 10 mines and 2 claymores as a result of information from villagers. Rcn Plat sweep SE of their night location. A/1/14 found 3 bunkers psns along a trail at loc 038891 also found 1 man psns and 1 chicom grenade. Convoy closed from Kontum at 1550 hrs.

Plans: C/1/10 continues sweeps & Recon by fire Southwest of LZ Bass and conducts Mine sweep to the East. D/1/14 conducts Recon in force and stay behind tactics to the SW. A/1/14 will Cdt CA to Northern end of AO sweep South and extracted to NL loc.

3 June 1968

Summary

Golden Dragons continued operations from Polei Kleng Airstrip with two rifle companies, reconnaissance platoon and two Cavalry Troops. C/1-10 completed mine sweep to Pontoon Bridge finding 10 mines and two Claymores. The Combat Assault planned for A/1-14 was conducted to the north of the AO and they swept south to a PZ, a sighting was made during the extraction and gunships and Artillery were employed. RCN Platoon conducted CA to Hill 709 with CIDC squad and moved north to the road and closed LZ Bass. They were lifted back to their night location. Delta Company was instructed to conduct stay behind tactics in order to get a POW from the trail watching party reported operating in their area.

Plans: Continue sweeps northwest and south of  Polei Kleng with Cav. Troops. RCN Platoon will sweep the ridgeline to their south.

Intell rept unidentified code name "Fred" loc 999872 - early morning rept.

Summary

Golden Dragons continued operations in Mac Arthur AO with 4 rifle companies, 2 reconnaissance platoons and 2 Cavalry Troops around Polei Kleng Airstrip. C/1-10(-) provided road security for Hwy 511. B/1-35 was lifted from LZ Popcorn (LZ Dot) to LZ Bass become Opcon to 1-14. A/1-14 was extracted from night location and inserted VIC Hill 600 west of LZ Bass.  B/1-35 was lifted to A/1-14 company firebase VIC 037998 to conduct operations from that location. RCN and the mortar plt. of 1-35 became Opcon 1-14. A/1-10 received small arms fire at 930053 with negative casualties reported.

Plans: A/1-14 will construct a company firebase on Hill 600. D/1-35 will occupy A/1-14 old company firebase. RCN plt. and Hvy mortar 1-35 will be inserted at Hill 716 VIC 015888. Sweeps north and south into the Valley approaches will be conducted by A and C/1-10 Cav.

There are no Daily Journal Sheets available for 7 Jun 68

8 June 1968

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to operate in Mac Arthur AO, with three rifle companys and 2 reconnaissance plts and 2 Cav. Troops. C/1-10 and B/1-35 are moving to A/1-14 contact area. RCN 1-14 moving north ZA 045985. D/1-14 while checking out yesterdays contact area saw 6 NVA and called in Artillery. While moving to check out are where Artillery was called in. D/1-14 has movement at night location (LZ Bingo). They returned to secure night location with negative incidents.

Plans: Golden Dragons will continue to secure LZ Bass and conduct operations in Mac Arthur AO. C/1-10 and B/1-35 will continue to sweep to A/10-14 contact area in order to recover the 2 US KIA's. D/1-14 will again move to the west to check area of yesterdays contact.

9 June 1968

0950

D/1/14 at loc 003873 has 4 enemy NVA KIA. Also have called in gunship and arty in area of contact.

1344

D/1/14 at loc 003873 found 1 NVA KIA & 1 AK-47. There was also blood trails and flesh hanging from trees. Also they had movement to the SE.

1455

B/1/35 found 1 NVA KIA dressed in green in A/1/14 area of contact from yesterday. Also recovered 1 M-16 Rifle.

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to operate in Mac Arthur AO with 4 rifle co. and 2 reconnaissance plts and 2 Cav. Troops. C/1-10 and B/1-35 are moving to contact area. Upon arrival they have recovered the 2 US KIA's, packs and 1 M-16 rifle. Among these findings 1 enemy KIA dressed in green uniform. 1st plt of C/1-10 conducted mine sweep and escorted convoy. While moving out of night loc. to sweep yeserdays contact D/1-14 saw 4 enemy NVA. Results were 4 enemy KIA. D/1-14 moved back to night loc. (LZ Bingo) and called in air strikes. Upon completion of air strikes they again moved to the west to sweep contact and found 1 NVA KIA and 1 AK-47, blood trails and flesh hanging from trees. A/1-14 at 1720 spotted one enemy 50 meters to the west of their perimeter. Later that night they had movement and threw one grenade. They will check out the area in the morning.

Plans: Golden Dragons continue to operate in Mac Arthur AO. C/1-10 and B/1-35 will close LZ Bass with recovered materials. D/1-14 will again sweep yesterdays area.

10 June 1968

2038

D/1/14 is rec'd mortar rds at their night loc. (LZ Bingo). Believe rds are coming from loc 994874. Results 2 US KIA's & 3 US WIA's also they are rept movement on the south side of perimeter. Have requested Arty fire. Requested Dustoff and ILL for it comp at 2221 hrs. Spooky departed at 2310 hrs.

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng and operations in the Mac Arthur AO, with 4 rifle companies, 2 reconnaissance plts and 2 Cav. Troops. LP's closed LZ Bass early in the morning. Recon 1-14 moved to the north VIC grid ZA 045982. A/1-10 60 moved to the north. D/1-14 moving to contact area. Has movement to the front and rear. They are returning to night loc. Recon closed D/1-35 night loc. Recon closed D/1-35 night loc and are returniing to their night loc. C/1-10 and B/1-35 have returned to LZ Bass. At 2038 D/1-14, (LZ Bingo), received a heavy volume of mortar fire. Results are 2 US KIA's and 3 US WIA's; they also have movement around perimeter. Spooky is on station at 2115 hrs. Dust off completed at 2222 hrs.

Plans: Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Bass. D/1-14 will move to Recon and 4.2 1-35 loc and establish defensive positions. B/1-35 will conduct CA VIC of ARC Light. A/1-10 will move over land to that location.

11 June 1968

1800

An O1E aircraft went down at loc 961908 the pilot is believed dead, the observer alive. B/1/35 has been alerted to send out 10-15 personnel to recover the body & equip. 4th plat of B/1/35 was lifted to area. comp at 1832.

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng and conduct operations in the Mac Arthur AO. D1-14, (LZ Bingo), reports movement to northwest and had received grenades to south of his position. Spooky is en route. C/1-10 secures Engineers while they sweep the road between LZ Bass and Pontoon Bridge. CIDG sends local patrols. D1-14 swept to the northeast of night loc. and arrived at RCN and 4.2 4-35 to establish defensive positions. B/1-35 conducted a CA from LZ Bass to VIC of ARC Light VIC grid YA 981921. A/1-10 moved to B/1-35 loc over land. At 1325 B/1-35 found 2 positions with no overhead cover. They threw a grenade into the bunker with negative results. A/1-10 has found a bunker complex VIC grid YA 989906. At 1800 O1E aircraft went down at loc. YA 961908. The pilot is believed dead, and the observer alive. B1-35 4th plt. was lifted to secure area. Observer and Pilots body were recovered.

Plans: Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng. C/1-10 will provide security for mine sweep. One company will prepare to make a CA to work the valley of LZ Bass.

12 June 1968

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng and conduct operations in the Mac Arthur AO. EArly in the morning A/1-1- had a trip flare go off. 0700 all LP's closed LZ Bass. RCN is moving to the north. Mine sweep is moving from LZ Bass to Kontum. A/1-10 moving north. B/1-35 and D/1-35 have returned to their parent unit. All patrols closed in night locations.

13 June 1968

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng and continue to conduct operations in the mac Arthur AO. Engineers along with C/1-10 20 move out to conduct mine sweep from LZ Bass to Pontoon Bridge. C/1-10 20 is moving to the south from LZ Bass. RCN 2 moving to the north. A/1-10 61 is moving to the north from LZ Bass.  RCN 2/1-14 founda freshly used trail running east to west possibly used by a squad size at ZA 045975. 1057 convoy departs LZ Bass for Kontum. All patrols closed all night locations with negative finds. 1530 a helicopter that was investigating the area where O1E went down VIC grid YA 969909 went down. Results 5-6 people injured. A/1-10 Cav. suplied a reactionary force of 10 people to secure down helicopter and evacuate wounded. All injured people were evacuated.

Plans: Golden Dragons will continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng. Engineers and C/1-10 will conduct mine sweep. 4.2 will conduct a secure move from VIC grid ZA 045889 to VIC grid ZA 017889.

14 June 1968

Summary

Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Polei Kleng and conduct operations in the Mac Arthur AO, with 2 rifle companies, 2 Cav. Troops and 1 RCN plt. 0805 mine sweep is being conducted by Engineers and C/1-10. A/1-10 is moving out from LZ Bass to the northwest. A/1-14 is moving to the south. C/1-10 moved to the southwest while moving they saw 1 NVA VIC grid ZA 042920. Results 1 NVA KIA. 4.2 mortar plt conducted a secure move from VIC grid ZA 045889 to VIC grid ZA 017889. All elements closed their night location. 2121 C/1-10 took 3 lights under fire at ZA 036913. Results, lights went out.

Plans: Golden Dragons will continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng and conduct operations in the Mac jArthur AO. C/1-14 will return to our control by conducting a CA from LZ Bunker Hill to VIC grid ZA 068994.

15 June 1968

1758

At 1500 hrs. D/1-14 found 3 NVA fraves at coordinated 99875 also 3 blood trails 4 to 5 days old. 3 NVA in graves.

Summary

Golden Dragons continue to secure LZ Polei Kleng and conduct operation in the Mac Arthur AO. Engineers and C/1-10 conduct mine sweep from LZ Bass to Pontoon Bridge. A/1-10 departed control of 1-14 to become Opcon to 2nd Bde. A/1-14 moves to the north. D/1-14 moving to the north to meet C/1-10.1007 C/1-14 conducts CA from  LZ Bunker Hill o Vic grid ZA 068994. At 1345 C/1-14 found fresh trail moving southwest, followed trail and heard chickens and detected movement at VIC grid ZA 065998. They called in 4.2 Hvy mortar with negative results. Convoy departed LZ Bass at 1520. At 1500 hrs. D/1-14 found 3 NVA graves at grid ZB 997875 also 3 blood trails 4 to 5 days old.

16 June 1968

0230

One round fell in perimeter about 25 meters from western side of perimeter. Preliminary investigation indicates 155's on lower level of fire base (team 43) were firing at the time that the round impacted. Crater analysis shows negative findings. 1 WIA hand injury, man from 8in. battery. Evac

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass and conducted operations in the Mac Arthur AO. Engineers and C/1-10 Cav conducted mine sweep Vic 035935, LZ Bass to the pontoon bridge Vic 100913. C Co continued to sweep the high ground in the northern sector of the Bn AO. w/negative findings. A Co completed their move from their company patrol base to LZ Bass and took responsibility for fire base security.

Plans: Continue to work Mac Arthur AO with A C D and Recon 1/14.

17 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass and conduct operations in assigned AO. One CIDG soldier was shot by a sniper in the vic of the water point. Location of the sniper unknown. Recon element of the 1/14 spotted 2 NVA vic 043987. NVA were engaged by SA fire and artillery fire. Unknown results. Approximately 1720 hrs. A1/14 repeorted on incoming SA round on the firebase w/negative casualties.

18 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure Polei Kleng and to the conduct operations in the Mac Arthur AO. One platoon engineers and one platoon C/1-10 Cav conducted minesweep from LZ Bass to the platoon bridge Vic ZA 100913. A Co conducted a recon en force from LZ Bass to Vic YA 015936 w/negative results. Co B was OPCON to 1/12 Inf on LZ Bunker Hill. Co C conducted a recon en force to Vic ZA 094988 searching for enemy signs around the trail complex. No contact was established. Co D conducted a recon en force to the southeast w/no enemy contact and returned to their night location at ZA 016888. Recon platoon located six new 82mm rounds at ZA 042986 and continued to search the area for additional signs. A 50 Cal machinegun and crew from Co A was positioned at ZA 062909 with the searchlight and Co C CIDG for the purpose of placing H&I firs on the Polei Kleng road.

19 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass at Polei Kleng and conduct operations in the Mac Arthur AO. A Co conducted a recon en force from LZ Bass to Vic ZA 015935 w/negative results and returned to LZ Bass. Co B returned OPCON 1/14 at 1200 hrs and conducted ambush operations w/no contact. Co C continued to conduct a recon en force employing stay behind ambushes Vic ZA 095015 resulting in no contact. D Co conducted a recon en force to Vic ZA 018883 and returned to their night location at ZA 015888. Recon platoon conducted a recon en force to ZA 037001 and found one 60mm round at that location.

20 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secur4e LZ Bass at Polei Kleng, conduct recons en force from the Co firebases, and provide convoy security from Polei Kleng to the river at ZA 100914. A change of command ceremony was conducted at LZ Bass at 1000 hrs. Command of the battalion passed from LTC George Ball to Maj. Donald Shebat who will temporarily command the battalion until the new commander arrives. A Co continued the defense of LZ Bass and conducted a recon en force to ZA 055935 w/negative results. B Co conducted a recon en force Vic YA 990820 employing ambushes along the route of advance w/negative results. C Co saturated the area Vic ZA 096005 with ambushes. At 1836 an ambush spotted 2 NVA w/weapons at ZA 104996. The NVA were taken under fire and a noise was heard resembling someone being dragged south of the contact area. Due to darkness no further assessment was made. Recon platoon continued a recon en force to Vic ZA 037993. At this location they spotted two unidentified personnel. Further observation produced no additional sightings.

21 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass at Polei Kleng, conduct recons en force throughout the AO, and provide minesweep and convoy security from LZ Bass to ZA 100914. A Co conducted classes on scout and tracker dog employment and provided security for LZ Bass. B Co conducted a recon en force to Vic YA 993831 and YA 998835 w/ negative results. C Co swept the ambush cntact area of 20 Jun and found 1 pistol belt w/canteen, rifle cleaning equipment, and one knife, 2 AK47 magazines and a blood trail. The remainder of the day was spent conducting a recon en force and locating a place to cross the river on 22 Jun. D Co conducted a recon en force to ZA 014895 and ZA 022895 w/ negative results. Rcn Platoon conducted a recon en force to ZA 057995 and found a buffalo trail.

22 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to defend LZ Bass, secure the minesweep team from LZ Bass to ZA 101914, and conduct recons en force throughout the AO. Co A condutcted practical work with the scout and tracker dog teams and conducted a recon en force to the nortwest of LZ Bass with negative results. Co B conducted a recon en force depolying stay behind ambushes to Vic ZA 024820 w/ negative results. Co C conducted a recon en force Vic 117987 establishing 5 night ambushes along the trail complex in the area. Co D condcuted a combat assault from ZA 017889 to ZA 140012, continued a recon en force in the area and established three night ambushes along the trail complex. Recon conducted a patrol to Vic 067988 with negative results.

23 June 1968

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons en force throughout the AO and provide security, both mine sweep and road, from LZ Bass to ZA 102914. Co A conducted a recon en force to Vic ZA 030925 and Vic ZA 019933 and found four spider holes that were 2-3 days old. Co B conducted a recon en force to ZA 003823 and found fifteen one man bunkers that were 3-5 days old. C Co conducted a recon en force to Vic ZA 119997, ZA 122996, ZB 116002, and ZB 108002 where night ambushes were established resulting in negative contact. Co D conducted a recon en force to Vic ZB 117031, ZB 116037,and ZB 119019 where night ambushes were established w/negative contact. Recon platoon conducted a patrol to ZA 047992 w/ negative findings.

Plans: A Co will sweep to the S of LZ Bass to Vic ZB 034115 and ZB 028908. Co B will conduct a recon en force to Vic YA 98825 and YA 995825. Co's C and D will conduct ambushes and a recon en force in the same areas as today. Recon platoon will patrol to Vic ZA 047992 using a scout dog team and a tracker dog team.

24 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons en force in the AO, and provide convoy security from LZ Bass to ZA 102924. Co A conducted a recon en force to Vic ZA 025916 w/ negative results. Co B conducted a recon en force employing stay behind ambushes w/ negative results. Co C conducted area ambushes along the trail complex Vic ZA 125001. At 2106 movement was observed. When artillery was fired movement ceased. Co D conducted area ambushes Vic ZA 117028 along the river and along trails w/negative results. Recon platoon conducted a patrol to Vic ZA 047992 w/negative results.

Plans: Co A(-) will be employed in LZ Bass destruction with 2 sqds conducting a recon to Vic ZA 151925 to propose an overland route to that area. Co C will be heli-lifted to LZ Mile High at Loc YA 937930 to relieve the element at that location and defend the LZ. Co D will continue to conduct ambushes in the same area as today. Recon platoon w/ an attatchment of 3 engineers will destroy bunker positions with demolitions and CS powder Vic ZA 047992.

25 June 1968

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons in force throughout the AO, and provide convoy security from LZ Bass to ZA 100914. Co A began destroying LZ Bass with one platoon conducting local patrols Vic LZ Bass. Co B conducted a recon in force to jZA 004835 employing stay behind ambushes with negative contact. Co C conducted a secure move LZ Milehigh YA 937930 with the mission of securing the LZ. Co D conducted a recon in force from their night location to ZA 149038 with negative results. Recon Platoon w/ an attachment of eng destroyed 1 enemy bunkers at ZA 048987.

Plans: Co A will continue LZ Bass destruction with one platoon sweeping Vic ZA 003903. Co B will conduct a recon in force to Vic YA 985840. Co C will conduct patrols to Vic 935938 and YA 937924. Co D will sweep to ZA 157040 and become OPCON to 3d Bde. Recon will patrol to ZA 058954.

26 June 1968

The Golden Dragons continued to defend LZ Bass, conduct recons en force, and provide road security to ZA 102914. Co A continued a patrol to the NW of LZ Bass. Co B conducted a recon en force to the NW of LZ Bunker Hill. At 2030 they reported movement to the northwest, south and east of LZ Bunker Hill. Mortars and artillery were fired on suspected locations. Co C conducted patrols around LZ Milehigh. Co D is OPCON to 3rd Bde and is depolyed at LZ Mary Lou, the Kontum Bridges, and at the ASP. Co D1/35 remained on LZ Alamo with a platoon of LZ Brillo Pad. A platoon from A/135 remained at LZ Dot. Recon platoon conducted a patrol to the SW of their basecamp. A change of command ceremony ws conducted in which LTC Monclova assumed command of the battalion.

Plans: Co A will continue to destroy LZ Bass. Co's B, C, D1/35, and recon platoon will conduct patrols and recons en force around the firebases. Co D 1/14 will remain OPCON to 3rd Bde.

27 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons en force throughout the AO, and provide road security to ZA 102914. Co A continued to conduct patrols around LZ Bass and to destroy the firebase (LZ Bass). Co B patrolled to the NW and SW of LZ Bunker Hill and found one satchel charge. At 280315 movement was noted on the NW side of the perimeter and mortar and artillery were used. Co C conducted local patrols around LZ Milehigh w/negative results. Co D is OPCON to 3rd Bn. One platoon each D1/35 and A1/35 was evacuated from LZ Brillo Pad and LZ Dot respectively to the new 1/35 AO. Recon platoon conducted a patrol to Vic ZA 038995.

Plans: Co A will continue to destroy LZ Bass. Co's B and C will conduct local patrols around LZ Bunker Hill and LZ Incoming respectively. Co D will remain OPCON to 3rd Bde. D1/35 will prepare for extraction from LZ Alamo. Recon will patrol to Vic ZA 048992.

28 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons en force throughout the AO, and provide road security to ZA 102914. Co A continued to destroy LZ Bass. Co's B & C conducted recons en force and stay behind ambushes near LZ Bunker Hill and Mile High. Co D remained opcon to 3rd Bde at LZ Mary Lou . Co D 1/35 prepared to move to the 1/35 AO. Recon platoon conducted a patrol to Vic ZA 043980.

Plans: Co A will continue to destroy LZ Bass. Co's B&C will continue to conduct recons en force and ambushes around LZ Bunker Hill and Mile High. Co D will remain opcon to 3rd Bde. Co D 1/35 will conduct patrols Vic LZ Alamo. Rcn platoon will conduct a patrol to ZA 055955.

29 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons en force throughout the AO, and secure the road to ZA 102924. Co A continued to destroy LZ Bass and secure the work party at LZ Irma Jay at ZA 151925. Co's B and C conducted local patrols around LZ Bunker Hill and LZ Milehigh respectively. Co D remains OPCON to 3rd Brigade. Co D 1/35 remained at LZ Alamo and prepared to join its parent unit. Weather prohibited evacuation of the firebase. Recon platoon condcuted a patrol to ZA 055955.

LZ Bass Plans: Co A will continue to secure LZ Bass. Co's B and C will continue to patrol around their firebases. Co D will be OPCON to 3rd Brigade. If weather permits D1/35 will rejoin the 1/35 which is operating NW of Kontum. Recon platoon will patrol to ZA 033995.

30 June 1968

Summary

The Golden Dragons continued to secure LZ Bass, conduct recons en force throughout the AO, and provide road security to ZA 102914. Co A continued to destroy LZ Bass. Co's B and C continued to patrol around their firebases. Co D remained OPCON to 3rd Bde. D1/35 was moved from LZ Alamo to LZ Bass. Recon Platoon conducted a patrol to ZA 046978. Construction continued on LZ Irma Jay. 2/35 moved to LZ Bass in preparation for departure to Camp Enari.

Plans: Co A will continue to destroy LZ Bass. Co B will prepare to move to LZ Milehigh. Co D will remain OPCON to 3rd Bde. Recon platoon will conduct a patrol to ZA 033995. D1/35 will return to parent unit control.

TIMELINE 1968