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. |