Vietnam Memoriam Observance

Each of the six companies within the 2/14th Infantry Regiment sent a response, such as the one below, to the Battalion commander to show compliance with a 25th Division order (and maybe this was country-wide) to be sure all personnel within the units were kept BUSY all day on 15 October 1969.  Perhaps this was to insure Americans were not visible during a Vietnamese holiday?  I don't know.  But its a fact of life in the Army, just when you get out of the field for a little free time back at Cu Chi base camp . . .

 

SUBJECT: Vietnam Memoriam 15 October 1969

TO:      Executive Officer 2nd Bn 14th Inf

FROM:    Executive Officer Co A 2nd Bn 14th Inf

     1. On 15 October the personnel of Co A 2nd Bn 14th Inf that are normally in base camp will be kept busy at their respective jobs.  There is much work to be done so they will be busy the whole day.

     2. The personnel of Co A 2nd Bn 14th Inf who are in the rear for special reasons: clearing, appointments, and etc. will be kept busy cleaning out the supply room, inventorying items in the supply room, and beautifying the company area, cutting grass, repairing walks, and etc.

     3. All activities and personnel will be kept under strict supervision by the company Executive Officer and company supply clerk.

 

                            JAMES W SYLVESTER
                            1LT, Infantry
                            Executive Officer

 

Charlie Company got even more specific:

The personnel here at Cu Chi will be kept under strict observation and control.  Each will have definite duties or details to keep him fully occupied during 15 October 1969.  The minimum number of people will be in our company rear area on this date.  Every effort will be made to return marginal cases as well as "to field" personnel to the field.

Time schedule:

SGT Stevens	Supervise the Supply Room functions and personnel - 0700 to 1900 hrs.
SGT Richards	0700 to 1130 Resupply 1130 to 1230 chow 1230 to 1800 Commo work
SGT Harris	0700 to 1130 Arms Room 1130 to 1230 chow 1230 to 1800 Arms Room
SP4 Ellis	0700 to 1130 Resupply 1130 to 1230 chow 1230 to 1800 Resupply to Patton II 1800 to 1900 Motor Stables
SP4 Lee	0700 to 1130 Ammo detail 1130 to 1230 chow 1230 to 1800 Ammo detail
SP4 Thomas	0700 to 1130 S-1 detail 1130 to 1230 chow 1230 to 1800 S-1 detail
Co Clerks	Office work all day 1130 to 1230 chow
Mis. App.	0700 to 1130 Painting detail 1130 to 1230 chow 1230 to 1800 Painting detail

 

This Battalion Report has been reproduced to appear like the original.  The copy was obtained by and has been generously contributed by Matt Vuolo, HHC,  2/14th Inf., 66-67.

Vietnam Memoriam 15 October 1969
Copyright © 2008 Kirk S. Ramsey
Last modified: January 20, 2020