5750
                                                                                                                                                              20 Dec 1965


COMMAND CHRONOLOGY

1.   1st Antitank Battalion (-), 1st Marine Division  (Rein)(Rear), FMF

     a.   Location:  Camp Pendleton, California.

     b.   Period Covered by Report:   1 July 1965 - 31 December 1965.

     c.   Name/Rank of Commanding Officer, Staff & Chief Subordinates:

          (1)   During the reporting period the following officers commanded
the 1st Antitank Battalion (-):

                  Major A. J. EAGAN         -          1 July   -  30 August 1965
                  Major R. E. HARRIS       -          31 August  -  27 September 1965
                  Lt.Col. W. MOORE          -          28 September  -  to present

          (2)   The following officers presently comprise the staff and
chief subordinates:

                  Major R. E. HARRIS        -           Executive Officer
                  2ndLt. J. A. LANE             -           S-2
                  Major A. J. EAGAN          -           S-3
                  Major J. J. KEEFE            -           S-4
                  Capt.  J. E. FELKER         -           Company Commander Company B
                  Capt. J. W. SCHROEDER-           Company Commander H&S Company

2.     Commander's Narrative Summary of Significant Events

       a.   At the beginning of Fiscal Year 66, Major A. J. EAGAN was in
command of the 1st Antitank Battalion (-).   Company C, under the command
of 1st Lt. W. F. SNYDER, had deployed in late May to the Far East as
part of RLT-7.

       b.   In early July, 1st Platoon, Company B,  commanded by 2nd Lt. F. S.
ROE, deployed with BLT-1/5 to Kaneohe, there to form part of the new
1st Marine Brigade.

      c.  During the first half of August, Company A, commanded by 1st Lt.
D. S. FEENEY, deployed to West Pac in increments with seperate BLT's of
RLT-1, and with the East Pac MAB.

1

                                                                                                           ENCLOSURE (1)

C-8-1

_________________________________________________________________________
                 
                                                                                                                5750
                                                                                                                20 Dec 1965

      d.   On 17 August 1965, the 1st Antitank Battalion (-) moved from
The Horno Area, where it had been stationed since activation in 1957,
to the Del Mar Area of Camp Pendleton.

      e.   RLT-5 was activated on 27 August 1965, and Company B (-), 1st
Antitank Battalion went under it's operational Control.   Administrative
control remained with this Battalion.

      f.   Major R. E. HARRIS assumed command of the Battalion on 31
August 1965, Major EAGAN becoming the Battalion S-3 Officer.

      g.   Lt. Col. WALTER MOORE assumed command of the Battalion of 28
September 1965.  Major HARRIS assumed duties as Battalion Executive
Officer.

      h.   A Material Readiness Inspection of the 1st Marine Division
(Rein) (Rear) was conducted by a team from FMFPAC during the week of
25-29 October.  Grades assigned to this Battalion ranged from
"Satisfactory" to "Satisfactory with Minor Discrepancies".

      i.   Company B (-) returned to operational control of the 1st
Antitank Battalion (-) from RLT-5 on 6 December 1965.

3.    Detailed Discription of Significant Events.

      a.   Tactical Employment of the Ontos in RVN.

            (1)   Information received from units of this Battalion deployed
in RVN state that the Ontos is being used primarily to support the
infantry by fire.   This being the secondary mission of the Antitank
Battalion, several new methods for the tactical employment of the Ontos
have been conceived and put into practise in RVN.   The versatility and
mobility of the vehicle have been demonstrated by the successful
completion of a variety of assigned missions.   The letter in enclosure
(2) discuss these new developments in detail.

       b.   Logistics.

             (1)   Information from both RVN and Okinawa state that certain
problems regarding operating stocks for both the tracked and wheeled
vehicles organic to the Battalion have been encountered.    Letters in
enclosure  (2) also discuss these problems in detail.


2

                                                                                                     ENCLOSURE (1)
C-8-2

_____________________________________________________________________

                             Supporting Documents

Tab A:   1st AT Bn 1500, "Information from the field", 18 Oct 65

Tab B:   1st AT Bn 1500, "Information from the field", 25 Oct 1965

Tab C:   1st AT Bn 1500, "Information from the field", 18 Nov 1965

Tab D:   1st AT Bn 1500, "Information from the field", 14 Dec 1965

ADDED [from 3rd AT Bn Chronologies]

   Co "C", 1st AT Bn Operations Summary
         24-30 Sept 65
         1-7 Oct, 8-14 Oct;                ; 22-28 Oct 65
         29 Oct-4 Nov;  5-11 Nov;  12-18 Nov;  18-30 Nov 65
         30 Nov-10 Dec;  10-20 Dec;  20-31 Dec 65














_____________________________________________________________________
HEADQUARTERS
1st Antitank Battalion  (-)
1st Marine Division  (Rein)(Rear), FMF
Camp Pendleton, California  92055
                                                                                                             3:AJE:bey
                                                                                                             1500
                                                                                                             18 October 1965

From:    Commanding Officer
To:        Distribution List

Subj:     Information from the field

Encl:     (1)  Copy of CO, CoC, 1st ATBn ltr WFS/jvp over 1560 or 7Oct65

1.   Enclosure  (1)  is forwarded for distribution to each Marine and Corpsman
in your unit.

2.   It is desired that you incorporate into your training such items as are
applicable.


                                                                     [Signature]
                                                                    WALTER MOORE

DISTRIBUTION:  "A" plus
                                (1) copy to each individual
















                                                                                                      ENCLOSURE (1)
1

______________________________________________________________________
COMPANY "C"
1st Antitank Battalion
3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF
FPO San Francisco, California 96601
                                                                                                                   WFS/jvp
                                                                                                                   1560
                                                                                                                   7Oct65

From:   Commanding Officer
To:        Commanding Officer, 1st Antitank Battalion  (-)

Subj:     General Information

1.   It was good to hear from the Battalion.   I see many new faces have been
added since our departure.   To bring everyone up to date on our activities
since 25 May 1965.  We arrived on Okinawa 18 June 1965 and departed there-
from 9 August 1965, enroute to Chu Lai, Viet Nam.   Since our arrival we have
participated in operations "Starlight" and "Piranha".   Because of the lack
of antitank weapons by the Viet Cong the Ontos has taken a more offensive
role.  We have supported by fire, infantry attacks, on ememy implacements.
We were credited with several kills.  In the area of tactics, the Platoon
Commander and Platoon Sergeant has greater control if he is a crew member.
The wheel vehicles can not travel over the same terrain the Ontos can, so
we bump the loader and insert either the Platoon Commander or Platoon
Sergeant.   Our movement with the Ontos is restricted but not to the degree
tanks are.   Our primary missions have been manning road blocks, the MLR, and
accompanying convoys.   A light section, during the past week, has been
utilized on a patrol with a fire team riding.   (No VC killed yet).

Maintenance, preventive type is continual.   We have had two axles broken
because of the rugged terrain and sand.   We have been getting good support
from the 3d Antitank Battalion.   In the area of wheeled vehicles, brake
shoes and C.V. joints are taking a beating.   We check the brakes and wheel
cylinders each week.   The way things stand right now your have what you
bring with you and that's all.   Very little support is coming from the supply
line.  But we keep getting "it's on the way".

In the area of training the following areas should be stressed.   Driver
training over rugged terrain with the driver buttoned up.   The Ontos
Commander needs to stand up in his hatch in order to observe the location of
the V.C., they use camoflage very effectively.   The Ontos Commander also
needs to wear a flak jacket.   "B" Company, 3d Antitank Battalion had a man
killed from small arms, which might have been prevented by wearing a flak
jacket.   Quick reaction with the .30 Cal. MG should be stressed.   The
vehicle has to move also because of the limited fan of fire between the
106's.    Night security and the proper use of the counter-sign and password
should be stressed.   Many good Marines are being killed by their fellow
Marines.

These points should be of some help.   The enclosed information sheet has
been given to Company A, 1st Antitank Battalion for guidance.   Hope to
see you over here soon.


                                                               /S/W. F. Synder
                                                                   W. F. SNYDER

                                                                 1                                  ENCLOSURE (1)

______________________________________________________________________
HEADQUARTER
1st Antitank Battalion  (-)
1st Marine Division (Ren) (Rear), FMF
Camp Pendleton, California  92055
                                                                                                                                                      3:AJE:bey
                                                                                                                                                      1500
                                                                                                                                                      25 Oct 1965

From:  Commanding Officer
To:       Distribution List

Subj:    Information From The Field

Encl:    (1)  Copy of CO, CoA, 1st ATBn ltr of 12Oct65

1.    Enclosure  (1)  is forwarded for distribution to each Marine and Corpsman
in this Command.

2.    It is desired that you incorporate into your training such items as are
applicable.


                                                                                          [Signatue]
                                                                                          WALTER MOORE

DISTRIBUTION:  "A" plus
                                (1)  copy to each Individual















                                                                                                                                            ENCLOSURE (1)
                                                                                          1

______________________________________________________________________
COMPANY A
1st Antitank Battalion
1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
FPO San Francisco, California 96601
                                                                                                                                            12 October 1965

From:   Commanding Officer
To:        Commanding Officer, 1st Antitank Battalion

Dear Sir:

          Since my last letter a few things have happened which may be of
interest both to you and your staff and to the Bravo Company Commander.

          We have found that we have not had our hands tied by lack of funds.
We are given so much for specified period.   For example, we were given
$4,000.00 for the month of September and $9,000.00 for the second
quarter.   These are nt rigigd figures, however.   We asked for and
received and extra $2,000.00.   We'll be asking for more later this quarter.
We're buying as much as we feel is necessary.   The Gunner is very
concerned over the lack of operating stock.   We are trying to beef it up
through requisitions but don't know if we'll get them or not.

          Lead time on requisitions may be up to 120 days when we go to Viet
Nam and Captain REID, Tanks supply officer, is quite concerned over this.
He's most anxious that we get all we can.   The Captain is keeping our
books on both supply and fiscal matters and all requisitions go through
him.

          The training areas are not too good.   Because of the rough terrain
we are pretty much restricted to the many dirt roads.   We are, However,
getting a chance to go to the field because we were able to work out a
deal with 1stBn, 3dMar.  Company A, Tanks has not been so fortunate.  We
were lucky, too, in that the training areas that we are using are
accessable to the Ontos without the use of lowboys.

          We have been able to obtain major rounds and are scheduled to have
a shoot the 18th through the 20th.    We were very worried initially
about shooting.   First, as I wrote previously, there was not ammunition
available and later, when we submitted our range requests, we had them
denied by Division.   The infantry battalions get first priority on
ranges and training areas.   In the shuffle we managed to get a range
that is better than the one we first requested.

          Lt. Hugh CONNOLLY from Charlie Company was here las week from Chu
Lai.  Primarily, he came to complete an investigation involving one of
his men.   He also managed to get in a little R&R.   Hugh gave us a lot of
information regarding operations in his area and this was good since
most of the other people we had talked with had been in the Da Nang area.
The situations and the areas differ.   Lt. Bob DONOHUE, former Company
Commander of Company A, Third ATs, also briefed us before he left for Da
Nang.

                                                                                          1                            ENCLOSURE (1)

_____________________________________________________________________
          So far we have not had too many discipline problems.   In the main
morale is good even though liberty is quite restricted - none being over
night and oly 50% ashore at one time.   This holds true for Officers and
Staff NCOs also.   The biggest problem has been with the troops who drink
too much and come in late.   There have been only a few cases of this.

          V.D. is another problem out here and currently we have two cases.
We have counseled all of the men regarding this matter, but there is
always 10% who don't get the word.   What the future may hold is still a
question, but perhaps the limited liberty will help keep it down.

          If the newspapers are correct it would seem that Lt. NOONAN and the
Second Platoon have seen some action.  They were on Operation Spread Out
and the Ontos' were used to shoot up some bunkers.   As I understand it,
BLT 2/1 is the raid battalion so they will probably make a few more hits
before they actually go in on the line.


                                                                                          /S/D. S. Feeney
                                                                                              D. S. FEENEY













ENCLOSURE (1)                                         2

____________________________________________________________________
HEADQUARTERS
1st Antitank Battalion  (-)
1st Marine Division  (Rein)(Rear), FMF
Camp Pendleton, California  92055
                                                                                                                                                      3:RRT:bey
                                                                                                                                                      1500
                                                                                                                                                      18 Nov 1965

From:    Commanding Officer
To:        Distribution List

Subj:     Information From The Field

Encl:     (1)  Excerpts from 1stLt. Hugh J. CONNOLLY, 1st Platoon Commander,
                         CoC, 1st ATBn ltr of 12Oct65
                (2)  Excerpts from CWO E. A. ANASZEWICZ, Maintenance Officer, 1st
                         ATBn ltr of 3 Nov65

1.   Enclosures  (1)  and  (2)  are forwarded for distribution to each Marine
and Corpsman in your unit.

2.   It is desired that you incorporate into your training such items as
are applicable.


                                                                                          [Signature]
                                                                                          WALTER MOORE

DISTRIBUTION:  "A" plus
                                           (1) copy to each individual













                                                                                                                                  ENCLOSURE (1)
                                                                                          1

______________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from a letter received from 1stLt. Hugh J. CONNOLY, 1st
Platoon Commander, Company C, 1st Antitank Battalion, attached RLT-7
__________________________________________________________________

          At this time, My Ontos platoon has a variety of missions covering all
types of offensive and defensive combat.   I have a light section attached to
a rifle company.   This section holds a 150 meter line on the MLR during both
day and night.

          We are also part of a reaction force used to assist patrols forward of
the MLR whey they become pinned down by fire.   We have been employed in this
role several times.

          Yesterday, we leveled an island with 100 major calibre rounds because
infantry patrols were receiving sniper fire during the day.   This island
was about 800 meters off the coast.

          Many times small junks come to close to shore and immieiately the heavy
section is called for to guard the beach line and prevent an attack by the
"junk fleet".   To date, we have not fired any major calibre at these junks
but we have spent several hours "tracking" with our fire control system.

          The present mission that the Ontos is being assigned is a one vehicle
patrol with an infantry fire team--behind the lines.   We have picked up
over twenty infiltrators and Viet Cong suspects in the past two weeks.
Being highly mobile, small, and able to traverse all rice paddies, the
Ontos excells in this role.   Tank and Amtracs are too large for the job.
The patrol runs twice daily, at varying times.   We are able to cover the
entire rear area with one Ontos in about 1 1/2 hours where an infantry patrol
would take all day.   This is essentially the only way to stop snipers in the
rear.

          We have also acted as security for both armored and wheeled vehicle
convoys, often under heavy small arms fire.

          In the defense of the MLR, a light section was credited with 1 kill
when they were probed by V.C..  This was accomplished by the .30 caliber
(150 rounds).   We are probed constantly but seldom is a body found to
confirm a kill.   I believe we have made many more kills but have no
confirmation.

          We have participated in several major operations during the past three
months, notably "Starlight" and "Piranha".   Our missions in these operations
have varied with the terrain and enemy situation, but we operate continously.

          On "Starlight" we landed  and were immediately formed into an armored
column consisting of Ontos, Mites a few PC's and a dozen Mules.   We
proceeded to the CP under light fire.   The following day a heavy section of
Ontos fired 30 major caliber rounds atg enemy fortified positions, mortar
implacements and V.C. withdrawal routes.   This was prep fire for an infantry
company taking a hill.

                                                                                          1
                                                                                                                                            ENCLOSURE (1)

_____________________________________________________________________
After The objective was seized, we shifted our fire to a new objective and
fired H & I fires with major caliber.   This is a primary mission--support
of the infantry by fire.

          This mission was accomplished under fire but the direction of my
Platoon Sergeant, Sgt Z. KEHLER, and coordination with infantry security
made it possible to eliminate the small arms firee.   Several mortar rounds
were fired into our position during that night.

          On "Operation Piranha" we landed in the fourth wave in support of one
rifle company.   During the entire operation, we were in general support of
the battalion, primarily responsible for CP defense.

          It is difficult to say what I anticipate for future employment.   I have
to prepare for anything rangin from an assault wave landing to an armored
column.   I do anticipate sending a section to a company size patrol base.
They will probably assist in the destruction of caves and fortified
positions.   They will also be used as the lead element of a reaction force
used to assist patrols under fire.

          Our indirect fire capability has not been used to date but I am
continuously working onfire procedures with the M13 elevation quadrant and
the mil scale on the turret race.    My men have become extremely competent
at range cards and artillery type area fire in this manner.

          The following is a list of training recommendations based on my
experience.

1.   Drive over all types of terrain, day and night, in rain and wind.   The
Driver is probably the most important crewman 95% of the time.

2.   Fire all weapons as much as possible.   I fire once a week at least 75
major cal. rounds.   Fire in sections.   I can't over emphasize the importance
of the Section Leaders--they must be the best.   Fire all small arms as much
as possible and make sure all men know the weapons inside out.

3.   Train with the infantry, if possible in sections.

4.   Use your indirect fire capability and range cards.

5.   Be able to react to any situation under fire.   Any quick reaction drill
would be beneficial.

          A good deal of the time over here you do nothing but sit.   But you never
know.   One night I was in the rack at 2330 and a little after midnight we
were aboard an LST.   In the morning we were in a fire fight.   You just
never know.   Things happen without warning and you're off.




ENCLOSURE (1)                                                   2

_____________________________________________________________________
CWO ANASZEWICZ was a member of an Ordnance Inspection Team which recently
completed an inspection of tracked vehicle unit in South Vietnam.
_______________________________________________________________________

          The Ontos is not being used as an antitank weapon at present since there
are no such animals (tanks) in the hands of the V.C..  The Ontos is used to
support the infantry (like tanks) on sweeps to clear the area of V.C..  It
is also used in roadblocks as well as in support at night when troops are
dug in on a forward hill on the edge of a TAOR.   You'll find that they do
fire the 106's now and then but the machine guns are generally used more.  If
a cannister round were available, it would aid greatly since most of the
shooting is anti-personal.

          The Ontos wasn't originally designed for front line operations like a
tank, but that's what they use it for.   They are usually scattered about
the area by platoons and sections.   You'll even see them by themselves or
with a tank.

          One thing for sure, Ontos that have had the misfortune of running over
a landmine are normally zapped out for good and stripped of usuable parts.
I inspected one Ontos on a forward position on afternoon.   That night the
hill got hit by the V.C..   The Ontos got it the first round (57mm).   It
cracked and punched a hole right through the driver's side.   A couple of
more glancing hits in the rear (same side) caused two small holes and
blasted the three 106's on that side.   Luckily, the driver wasn't insid at
the time.

          With regard to training, I'd still continue the usual training in gunnery.
Also, more training at night with illumination flares because that goes on
quite a bit here.   I'd set in a platoon or section, then have another group
try to sneak in and pounce upon them in the dark.

          The V.C. seem to get all set up during the daytime lining up targets  (if
the vehicles always stay in the same spot).   When night comes, if no one
has changed position, all they have to do is use their daytime reference
    and pull the trigger.   They're reall good at it--they'll spend hours on
their bellies to crawl to the right spot.

          When they set up positions here, everyone digs holes and puts up
bunkers also.   There have been cases where a crew or part of a crew could
not get to their vehicle and the oly thing that saved then was a hasty
bunker or parapet.

          Here's another big thing.  You may have to be on the alert all night
and when the heat's off come daybreak on tends to slack off.   The men
tend to put off improving bunkers and P.M. on the vehicles.   This slacking
off allows a lot of rust to accumulate on the armament.   I get the impression
that a lot of strong backs are used to build tents, PX's, showers, et., but
sometimes this same amount of zeal and resourcefulness is not put forth on
improving the maintenance and crew working area.

                                                                                          1                                 ENCLOSURE  (2)

_______________________________________________________________________
          If you're on the beach at Chu Lai or Da Nang, it's rough.   You're in
deep sand, salt spray, etc..   If it's a dry, blowing sand complicates the
maintenance problem.   It's bad enough in the states, but over here you have
to stay on top of the troops to keep tools in shape and to make sure they
don't get lost.   Some areas of Da Nang have hard stand (good ground) so
long as it's dry.   Come the rain--ouch!!

          You're in rough country around Chu Lai,--rocks, streams, etc..   Pract-
ically have to keep the Deep Water Fording kits on at all times, and these
items take a beating.

          In many areas tracked vehicles are restricted to roads and trails.
Consquently, mine are always a threat.   One can use the same trail or
road for days on end and then--zap!!   I've traveled one road here several
times and one night a jeep and a truck got it over the same route I had
been travelling.   You almost have to travel in the same tracks you've
followed before.   Mines have proven very valuable to both sides.

          Ontos appear to be able to traverse a lot of ground a tank would bog
down in.   Lots of deep sand and rice paddies here.   When some of the so-
called roads get slopped up, you're in trouble--especially the wheeled
vehicles.

          The employment of the Ontos depends on the area tactical commander and
the advice he receives.

          We'll be leaving here in a few days for Okinawa and perhaps a nice chance
to get a good night's sleep.   Being a transient is for the birds.   Ran into
Lt. WAGGONER from our Company C.   He's out of the hospital and looks good.

          One thing more--get all the gunnery training you can back there.   The
ranges in Okinawa are hard to come by and leave something to be desired.

          Hope I gave you some infor to go on and not too much garbage with it.











2

ENCLOSURE (2)

______________________________________________________________________
COMPANY A
1st Antitank Battalion
1st Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
FPO San Francisco, California  96601
                                                                                                                                            7 December 1965

From:   Commanding Officer
To:        Commanding Officer, 1st Antitank Battalion

Dear Sir:

          Our current status is somewhat difficult to pinpoint at this time.
It would appear that, for the present at least, the company will be
employed as a retraining command.   Platoons will come up from RVN.
Those rotating to CONUS will go and the remainder of the platoon along
with the replacements will be reformed into an effective unti.   From
what has been indicated the retraining cycle is to be approximately
thirty days.

          Several problems have arisen in dealing with the retraining of
theses platoons with the area of logisitics support.   The first is the
perennial one of repair parts, they haven't become available even on priorit
two requisitions.   Should one of the vehicles have to be replaced
there are no Ontos available other than the mount-out vehicle.   Finally
there is a matter of personnel replacement.   Supposedly this mus be
done from our own assets, which of course are non-existent.

          The first platoon has left us and is now part of A Company Third
AT's.   They took the place of A Company's second platoon.   The platoon
from Third AT's has come back to us for the retraining cycle that I
have previously described.   We sent the first platoon out with as much
gear as we could.   We based our predictions of what they would need
from our own experience and that of some of the officers and me who
have come through on R&R and for rotation.

          The second platoon is still afloat with BLT 2/1 and from what we
have been able to learn second-hand they are doing a fine job.   So far
they have made two "dagger thrust" raids with the BLT.   From the last
work that we had the SLF was in Subic Bay.   The BLT should soon be
returning here.    How long the duration of the stay will be is yet
another question.

          Right now we are concentrating on getting the third platoon ready
to go on the SLF with BLT 3/1.   This is made difficult by the fact that
we need a starter assembly, an alternator, and a track section to have
all five vehicles running.   All of these parts have been on order for
some time, but have not yet arrived.   Trying to give the platoon an
operating stock is also difficult for the same reason.

          We have had to do some juggling of personnel because of the new
rule on 17 year olds and because of injuries and profiles to some
Marines.   This is a minor factor at the present, but should the current
trend continue the company could be put into a bad situation unless
the division sends us some more.


                                                                                          1                                        ENCLOSURE  (1)

_______________________________________________________________________
          All of the gear that the platoon brought back from RVN is in
surprisingly good condition.   It reflects the time and effort that has
been spent by the crews in up keep.   The men are proud of this and have
every right to be so.   The only piece of gear that could be considered
to be in poor condition is the Mighty Mite and this really isn't in
too bad shape.

          Last week the battalion was inspected by the team from FMF Pac.
The battalion came out of it well.   There was on unsatisfactory and
that was mount-out.   I think that the reason for this was that the
battalion had excesses of many items.   It may hvae been too, that the
inspector was displeased by the fact that we have one platoon block
that is on order.

          Our motor transport was deemed to be unsatisfactory.   I think that
this was basically because the records were not in good order.   The
records were know to be in bad shape, but some of the errors went
back as much as two years.   These we were loathe to change for the
inspection because it was felt that it would have no lasting value.

          In the area of Comm-Elect it was noted that our company had more
gear in the repair shop than did the rest of the battalion.   We were
familiar with this problem, but again because of the parts situation
nothing can be done.   This section is giving us outstanding support
so we have nothing to worry about here.   We have been assured that
any requirement it would be filled.

          We were satisfactory with discrepancies in all other areas of
the inspection.   Oddly enough with all of the LTI's and records checks
no one looked at the Ontos.   Colonel Nelson made a pass through the
maintenance area, but he and his party were the only ones that looked.
This was somewhat of a disappointment to say the least.

          We are probably one of the most inspected units on the island.
It would seem that we have some kind of inspection every week.   There
have been at least seven LTI's of varing degrees of thoroughness.

          Some problems have arisen regarding training.   These basically
hinge on the fact that we feel that as much driving as possible
should be done in order to have them ready.   On the other hand
Battalion feels that material readiness is preferable to crew readiness.
Undoubtedly there is a happy medium that can be reached some where
along the line, but we've not found it yet.   This problem is further
spurred on by the fact that the S-4 is constantly getting blasts from
Division about our deadline being excessive.    On the other hand we
are constantly being told to drive and get as much field work as
possible.   The only solution to both problems is that we get the
necessary parts to get the vehicle off deadline and get some major
items such as alternators and starters for op. stock.   Should this
happy situation occur then most of our problems in this area would
be solved.

          Another basic training problem is that we must be lowboyed to
our ranges and some of the training areas.   The Ontos are not allowed
on the hard surfaced roads by Division.   In the past Third AT's drove
all over on the black top with no questions asked.   The Army, who
controls the roads merely request Ontos get convoy numbers, clear it
with them and don't drive on the roads at mid day during hot weather.

                                                                                2                      ENCLOSURE (1)

_____________________________________________________________________
HEADQUARTERS
1st Antitank Battalion  (-)
1st Marine Division  (Rein)  (Rear), FMF
Camp Pendleton, California  92055
                                                                                                                                                      1/REH/rdb
                                                                                                                                                      1500
                                                                                                                                                      14 Dec 1965

From:   Commanding Officer
To:        Distribution List

Subj:     Lessons Learned in Viet Nam

Encl:     (1)  CO, Co "A", 1st ATBn ltr of 7Dec65
                (2)  CO, Co "C", 1st ATBn 3300 of 30Nov65

1.   Enclosures  (1)  and  (2)  are forwarded for distribution to each Marine
and Corpsman in your unit.

2.   It is desired that you incorporate into your training such items as
are applicable.

                                                                                          [Signature]
                                                                                          WALTER MOORE

DISTRIBUTION:  "A"
Plus:    (1) copy to each Individual













____________________________________________________________________
NOTE:
TWO PAGES OF THE LETTER FROM
CAPTAIN D. S. FEENEY
CO, Co "A", 1st ATBn
of
7Dec65
ARE MISSING



_________________________________
This has been repeatedly explained to several staff officers. but to
no avail, and yet some even refuse to inquire on the basises of our
recommendations.   This is a real exception to the general rule,
however, in the main we have been getting excellent support from
everyone.

          What ever the support we get from other units still does not make
if feel like it comes from the family.   We still feel very much like
orphans in our present situation.   We hope that the battalion will soon
be coming, and that we might have some forwaring so we might make
the the proper prior arrangements.   Failing this we were wondering if you,
Sir, could come out on an inspection trip along with your S-4 and any
other appropriate staff officers.   I think that this type of trip could
go farther to show you what we are doing than any letter that Lt. SNYDER
or I might write.

                                                                                          Yours truly,

                                                                                          D. S. FEENEY













                                                                                          3                                        ENCLOSURE  (1)

___________________________________________________________________
COMPANY "C"
1st Antitank Battalion (-)
3rd Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
FPO San Francisco 96601
                                                                                                                                            WFS/fnm
                                                                                                                                            3300
                                                                                                                                            30Nov1965

From:   Commanding Officer
To:        Commanding Officer, 3d Antitank Batttalion  (Rein), 3d Marine
                 Division  (Rein), FMF

Subj:      Lessons Learned in Viet Nam

1.    Since coming to Chu Lai, Viet Nam the officers and men of "C"
Company, 1st Antitank Battalion (-), through their experiences, have
learned the following lesssons:
          
          a.    A company operating in an area separated from the ATBn needs the
following items over and above the allowance list:

                    (1)  1 Maintenance Test  [Tent?]
                    (2)  13 GP Tents
                    (3)  1 Tool Kit, common, tracked vehicle Set "B"

          b.    In its role in Viet Nam the Ontos is taking on a more offensive
role.   It can be used to support the infantry by fire with the 30 Cal.
MG or the 106's.

          c.    In its role as convoy escorts the reaction time with the 30 Cal.
MG is limited do to it being located between the 106mm gun banks.   If
the MG mount could be raised and made on a secondary turret with 360
degree traverse, the reaction time in the event of an ambush or sniper
fire would be greatly reduced.

          d.    Preventive Maintenance is a continual thing.   Particular attention
is necessary in the following areas:   the carburator and transmission
linkage needs to be oiled twice a week.   Sprocket bolts checked for tor-
que each week, track adjusting bolts oiled and turned each week.   Don't
remove fenders or mud guards.   Cover OC's hatch during rains to keep
firing panel dry.   Seal 106 firing solenoid with rubber cement or sealer.
These practices are all necessary when operating in sandy terrain and
during rainy weather.


                                                                                          W. F. SNYDER

Copy to:
CO, 1st ATBn (-)




                                                                                          1                                        ENCLOSURE (2)

____________________________________________________________________
COMPANY "C"
1st Antitank Battalion
3d Marine Division  (Rein), FMF
FPO San Francisco, California 96601

                                                                                                                                                      WFS/jvp
                                                                                                                                                      10Oct65


From:   Commanding Officer
To:       Commanding Officer, 3d Antitnk Battalion  (Attn:  S-3)

Subj:     Weekly Operations Summary;  report of

Ref:       (a)  Bno 3100.2

1.   In accordance with reference  (a), the attached report is submitted
for the week of 24Sept65 - 2400 H 30Sept65.


                                                                                          [Signature]
                                                                                          W. F. SNYDER














                                                                                                                                  [MARKED OUT]

_____________________________________________________________________
[MARKED OUT]


CLASSIFICATION- Confidential

WEEKLY OPERATIONS SUMMARY

Company "C", 1st Antitank Bn, 3dMarDiv               1stLt W. F. SNYDER  Commanding

                                                                                                    No Off          No Enl          No Navy   GridCoor

CoHdqs     1stLt W. F. SNYDER                                 1                      26                     2             560048

1stPlt         1stLt H. J. CONNOLLY                          1                     19                     0             560048

2ndPlt        2ndLt H. T. SCHMIT                                 1                19                0           018195

3dPlt          2ndLt M. M. WOOD                           1               19                0           560048

1.   Operations.

     a.   The operations remain the same with one exception.   A light section
     from the 1st Platoon is now conducting two daylight mechanized patrols
behind the MLR.   Riding on the Ontos is a fire team form A 1/7.   Their
mission is to check all person within zone, apprehend unauthorized personnel,
and bring them to the Battalion Collection Point.   Attached is the Patrol
Zone overlay.

2.   Training.

     a.   A firing range for the ontos is being made on 3/7's MLR.


                                                                                                    [Signature]
                                                                                                    W. F. SNYDER













                                                                                                                                            [MARKED OUT]

__________________________________________________________________________
NOTE:
THE HAND DRAWN
PATROL OVERLAY
REFERRED TO
DID NOT COPY WELL








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