The Attack on LZ Betty, May 3, 1970!

Copyright 2003, www.ichiban1.org, Ray Sarlin and Contributors as noted below. All rights reserved. (Copy permission at bottom)
(Please send all errors or omissions or new contributions to the Editor at rws@173rdAirborne.com)

Contents

Contributors
Introduction
Phan Thiet
LZ Betty
The Big Picture
Lead-up to the Attack
The Attack on LZ Betty
The Following Day
Aftermath
Other Official Record(s) Not Referenced in Text
Bibliography / Endnotes

Contributors (see also endnotes)

Introduction.

Many Vietnam Veteran Combat Infantrymen tend to see our individual wars as isolated tapestries of unrelated and unconnected combat activities and events, tied together by often boring periods of non-combat. We might see most battles in Nam as one-off here-today and gone-tomorrow; an ambush, a booby trap, a mine, a short sharp contact, a mortar or rocket attack, searching a cave or hooch, or attacking a position.

But afterwards, some battles seemed clearly different - like part of something much bigger. Tet '68 was different, but so was 3 May 1970. The attack on LZ Betty wasn't as big or significant as many other battles, but for us who were there it was every bit as desperate. At the time it seemed isolated, but then we learned that it was the largest of nine night attacks in our province. And later, when we could put it in perspective, it was clearly connected to other well-publicized events of May 1 to 4, the May Day weekend.

At 0145 hours on 3 May 1970, LZ Betty, the home base of IFFV's Task Force South and the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry came under intense mortar and rocket fire, and five companies of VC sappers attacked the wire, achieving penetration in two places. The men who fought off this assault were largely the battalion's rear echelon troops from Headquarters and Delta companies, who were no less brave (or confused) than line infantrymen were in battle, and whose blood was just as red.

This article examines this battle from official records, news headlines, media articles and the first-person accounts and photographs of some of the men who were there.

Phan Thiet, the Capital of Binh Thuan Province.

Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan Province, is a fishing town on the South China Sea that is located about 120 miles northeast of Saigon. It was located at the southeastern point of Military Region II (II Corps) which covered the Central Highlands, whose mountains rose sharply to the north and west providing good cover for the NVA.

	Phan Thiet had two main claims to fame. It is the nuoc mam capital of the world, a fact that was readily apparent when the wind came from the wrong direction and blew in the malevolent odor of fermenting rotten fish sauce. Also, a young Ho Chi Minh taught school in Phan Thiet, which imparted a significance it might otherwise not have had.
Phan Thiet looking north. 25		A Phan Thiet scene. 1

LZ Betty.

Some four miles southwest of Phan Thiet along the top of a high bluff overlooking the South China Sea lay LZ Betty, the home of Task Force South. Task Force South was responsible for military operations in the four southern provinces of II Corps, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Tuyen Duc, and Lam Dong. It controlled two American battalions paired with elements of the 23rd ARVN Division. From September 1969 to December 1970, one of those battalions was the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry. The central feature of LZ Betty was the airstrip above the bluff that paralleled the sea; the middle third of the runway actually ran uphill, making takeoff and landing interesting as attested by the wrecked aircraft accumulating along its southern end. LZ Betty Medivac Helipad and Main Apron. 25

Units were scattered on both sides of the landing strip with most valuable assets such as helicopter pads, ammunition dump and the PX east of the runway between it and and the bluff. Several French colonial buildings dotted the east edge of the runway apron and chopper pads at the top of the hill overlooking the bluff; they housed the emergency aid station and Task Force South's headquarters.

LZ Betty Main Gate, 1970. 26	Task Force South HQ. 1	Main Aid Station. 1	LZ Betty "Greenline". 26

Outside the main gate on the northwest of LZ Betty and along the western perimeter was a huge cemetery, the scene of a major battle during Tet of 1968 and a favorite location for sapper attacks, snipers and, together with the beach under the bluffs, mortar and rocket fire that harassed the base during the years that followed.

The Big Picture (Strategic and Historical Background).

Richard Nixon campaigned in 1968 on a "secret plan" to end the war in Vietnam. After taking office in January 1969 the new President introduced the "Vietnamization" policy which provided for American troop reductions while encouraging South Vietnam to assume more responsibility for fighting the war. A major television address on 3 November 1969 introduced the terms "peace with honor" and "silent majority" even as he called for unity, "Let us be united for peace. Let us also be united against defeat. Because let us understand: North Vietnam cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. Only Americans can do that." In the end, of course, he was proved correct.

On February 21, 1969, the North Vietnamese invaded Laos and Cambodia and defeated the Hmong army and captured the Plain of Jarres, and the Khmer Rouge formed. Also in February 1969, Le Duc Tho replaced Xuan Thuy in Paris for the second round of talks that lasted through April 1969. The North Vietnamese demanded nothing less than the end of the Republic of Vietnam.

In June 1969, President Nixon announced the first of the US troop withdrawals. The 540,000 US troops were to be reduced by 25,000. Another 60,000 were to leave the following December.

The Cambodian coup on March 18, 1970 resulted in the neutralist Prince Norodom Sihanouk's replacement by by his pro-Western Defense Minister, General Lon Nol. Among Lon Nol's first actions were demanding that Communist forces leave Cambodia and closing the port of Sihanoukville to supplies destined for Communist forces in the border bases and in South Vietnam. He also accepted Saigon's offer to apply pressure against those located near the border. A few weeks earlier, American B-52 bombers had begun in secret to bomb enemy bases in Cambodia. By late April, South Vietnamese military units, accompanied by American advisers, had mounted large-scale ground operations across the border.

To both support the Cambodian Government and to buy time for Vietnamization by destroying the enemy's sanctuaries, President Nixon decided to carry the U.S. ground war into Cambodia on April 26, 1970. It has been reported that he saw the film "Patton" the day before his decision was made. On 1 May 1970, 32,000 troops from the 1st Cavalry Division, the 25th Infantry Division, and the 11th Armored Cavalry attacked enemy forces, command facilities, and logistical depots in the Fishhook and Parrot's Beak in Cambodia.

The two-month long operation was militarily successful in setting back North Vietnam's plans to invade South Vietnam by two years and thus gaining valuable time for Vietnamization (and compensating for the bombing halt over North Vietnam): however, it was a political disaster in the United States due to the hostile media and violent demonstrations. In response to the public outcry, Nixon imposed a geographical and time limit on operations in Cambodia, enabling the enemy to stay beyond reach. At the end of June, one day short of the sixty days allotted to the operation, all advisers accompanying the South Vietnamese and all U.S. Army units had left Cambodia, leaving the South Vietnamese Army (backed by U.S. air and logistical support) in a race against the Communists to secure the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Northern Cambodia and southern Laos became a major part of the Indochina battlefield.

Lead-up to the Attack.

30 Jan 68	1968 Tet Communist Offensive On January 30, 1968 the Tet Communist Offensive began.  The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong launched a countrywide surprise attack against the US and South Vietnamese forces.  They begin with over 100 major attacks that included 36 of the 44 provincial capitals.
31 Jan 68	Phan Thiet was a strategic provincial capitol and a cultural center located on the South China Sea.  In the early morning hours of January 31, the Viet Cong 482nd Local Force and the Viet Cong 840th Main Force Battalions attacked the city of Phan Thiet, LZ Betty and outlying Fire Support Bases and ARVN posts.  The Tet offensive continued until February 23.  Over that 24-day period, the region saw some of the heaviest fighting in South Vietnam
18 Feb 68	At approximately 03:00 on February 18, the Viet Cong 482nd launched an attack against an ARVN compound just north of Phan Thiet.  At the same time the companies from the Viet Cong 480th, 430th and 899th launched attacks from the southwest.  The 840 Main Force Viet Cong Battalion overran an ARVN outpost and took over the prison, freeing 500 prisoners.  This was approximately 200 meters from the Province Chiefs Headquarters.  The enemy's objective was the Province Chief's compound and they attacked aggressively.  The 3-506 Airborne Infantry's Shock Force (101st Airborne Division) was able to hold the Province Headquarters and kill or repel the enemy.
23 Feb 68	At the end of the Tet Offensive in the Phan Thiet area, the enemy losses were put at 1,256 KIA and 48 POWs.  Friendly losses were 91 KIA and 569 WIA.  Civilian causalities were reported at 36 KIA and 664 WIA.   Additionally some 13,500 civilians were made homeless.
22 Feb 69	Enemy Launches All Out Attack on LZ Betty. A year later, during Tet 1969, at 0200 hours (2:00 a.m.), the enemy launched an all-out mortar, rocket and sapper attack on the TF 3-506 Base Camp at LZ Betty.  Enemy sappers breached the defensive perimeter at Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company E (Combat Support) locations.  Enemy B-40 rockets detonated a 4.2" ammunition bunker inside the 4.2" mortar section, which resulted in a detonation and caused several Currahee casualties.  The attack on LZ Betty resulted in three Currahees KIA and 29 WIA.   One 4.2" mortar and 1,200 rounds of 4.2" ammo were destroyed, and several buildings were also destroyed and/or damaged. Enemy losses were 21 KIA, one POW, eight AK-47 Assault Rifles, one US caliber .45 pistol, 45 Chicom grenades, six satchel charges, seven Bangolore torpedoes, one B-40 rocket launcher and seven B-40 rockets captured.  Three Currahees, SGT. William John Allen, 22, of Greenville, Michigan, PFC Kevin Edward Tweedle, 22, from Wharton, Texas, and CPT Gerald Wrazen, 27, from Buffalo, New York were killed during the attack.
18 Mar 70	Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia was deposed by General Lon Nol while out of the country.  In exile in China, Sihanouk aligns with Cambodian Communists led by Pol Pot, known as the Khmer Rouge, in an effort to oust Lon Nol's regime.  Pol Pot capitalizes on Prince Sihanouk's prestige and popularity to increase support for the Khmer Rouge.  Pol Pot will later oust Lon Nol and begin radical "reforms" that result in the deaths of 2,000,000 people (25 percent of the Cambodia's population) from starvation, overwork and systematic executions. 14
19 Mar 70	Cambodians Call For Viet's Help in Border Clash 14
19 Mar 70	Many Marines Due Early Out 14
19 Mar 70	Americans Evacuate Laos Base 14
20 Mar 70	Plans Exile Regime - Cambodia Ends Sihanouk Rule 14
20 Mar 70	Denies Aid to Cambodia 14
30 Mar 70	Reds Advance on Capital - Cambodia Mobilizes 14
1 Apr 70	Battle of Song Mao. Three battalions of NVA sappers launched an attack on the MACV compound and the base of the Blackhawks (2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry) at Song Mao, with over 100 81mm mortar rounds destroying the ammo dump and 50% of the fuel depot. 2-1 Cav and 44 ARVN Regt (-) engaged the enemy in a day long contact, killing 151 enemy and capturing 14 at a cost of 8 KIA (2 US, 2 ARVN and 4 civilians) and 39 WIA (14 US, 5 ARVN).  At the time of the attack Company C, 1st Bn (Mech), 50th Inf was patrolling some 40 kilometers away with an OPCON company of the 44th ARVN Regiment and saw the night sky over Song Mao light up and heard a rumble like distant thunder.  As the closest U.S. combat unit, C/1/50 executed a night movement to contact to relieve Song Mao and establish a blocking force in the Le Hong Fong Forest to wipe up enemy survivors. 24
3 Apr 70	Reds Step Up War; U.S. General Slain 14  (Note: BG William Ross Bond, 199th Infantry Brigade, Panel 12W - Row 065)
15 Apr 70	LZ Betty.  While standing near Tower 7, Harvey Hummell and Bryan Lagimoniere observed two papasans pacing off the bunker line, with each repeating what the other had done. They went from Tower 7 to Bunker 6, Bunker 5 and all the way to the cemetery.  Every time they went the distance of one bunker they made a note of it on a piece of paper.  This was reported it to the S2, but it appeared that nothing was done.  "Years later Mr. Wayne Earley also from my home town who was working in MI at the time and told me the info was handed to his commanding officer. He also said that he and other MI members had gathered enough information in the weeks before the attack to ascertain the actual unit supposed to attack, its size and the approximate date, but the info seemed to go nowhere." 1 Phan Thiet Cemetery as seen from LZ Betty western perimeter road. 28
20 Apr 70	In a televised speech, President Nixon announces the withdrawal of 150,000 Americans from Vietnam within a year. 14   The speech reviewed the progress of the Vietnamization policy and announced the withdrawal of 150,000 American troops, the third and largest announcement of troop withdrawals since Nixon took office.
21 Apr 70	U.S. War Role in Laos Disclosed For The First Time 14
22 Apr 70	150,000 Cutback ...‘Just Peace' in Sight : Nixon 14
22 Apr 70	Hopes for S.A.L.T. Success14; Laird: Russian Threat Too Big to Delay Nuclear Systems 14
22 Apr 70	LZ Betty.  "I remember May 3rd. I remember that about two weeks before that happened, we were ordered to put our M-16's in the arms room when we weren't in the field". 2
30 Apr 70	President Nixon announced a U.S. and South Vietnamese incursion into Cambodia in response to continuing Communist gains against Lon Nol's forces.  The incursion is also intended to weaken overall NVA military strength as a prelude to U.S. departure from Vietnam 14
30 Apr 70	LZ Betty.  "Word goes around the 1/50 that the 2/1 will be withdrawn to go into Cambodia and the 1/50 will have to cover the whole A.O". 1
1 May 70	May Day, the traditional Communist holiday. A combined force of 15,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers attack NVA supply bases inside Cambodia. However, throughout this offensive, NVA and Viet Cong try to avoid large-scale battles and instead withdraw westward, further into Cambodia, leaving behind their base camps containing huge stores of weapons and ammunition. 14
1 May 70	President Nixon calls anti-war students "bums blowing up campuses". 14
1 May 70	LZ Betty.  "I was on Tower 7 the night of May 1st and 2nd and we were getting activity in the wire.  Charlie was probing the perimeter, and I didn't get any sleep that night." 1
1 May 70	On the evening of May 1, 1970, Kent State University antiwar protests turned violent when the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) building was torched. In response, the Governor of Ohio, James Rhodes, dispatched the National Guard to Kent State23
2 May 70	Nixon Orders Sweep ...G.I.'S Attack in Cambodia 14
2 May 70	A.R.V.N. Push 3-Prong Drive 14
2 May 70	Troops Alerted For Connecticut Trial 14
2 May 70	American college campuses erupt in protest over the invasion of Cambodia. 14
2 May 70	LZ Betty.  "There was this stupid arms inspection that was about to take place the next day". 1
2 May 70	LZ Betty.  "For some unknown reason they decided to have a battalion arms inspection and locked most of the weapons up". 2
2 May 70	LZ Betty.  "Charlie Company had pulled into LZ Betty for a quick stand-down.  Before noon we had a change of command formation, and I turned over Charlie Company that day for my DEROS and was "hanging around" that evening.  I remember having to check in my M16; it seemed strange to have only my .45 pistol after being in the field, but I figured since I was leaving in a day or two and Charlie Company owned my M16 that it was okay.  I also went to the PX and bought a Teac tape deck and Sansui stereo with two humongous speakers, which I took to the S4 hooch to have packed and shipped home." 24
2 May 70 2030	A Hoi Chan rallied to Thien Giao District HW.  Claimed to be a member of 700 Unit (probably 452A) which is expected to hit An Phu or Binh Lam at 2400 tonight.  Battalion is now located 1-2 km north of FSB Sandy at present artillery is being fired and B/1-50 is in the area. 4
2 May 70 2050	AN 844160.  213RF initiated contact with estimated VC squad.  Swept area with negative findings. 4
2 May 70 2115	BP 217197 Ambush element from the 302 RF initiated contact on 3 VC with artillery support.  Contact was broken at 2120.  Friendly casualties none. 1 Enemy KIA, 1 bangalore torpedo captured. 5

The Attack on LZ Betty, 0145 - 0600 hours, 3 May 1970.

3 May 70 0100	LZ Betty. "Due to the My Lai Massacre then hitting the States, we were told you could only shoot if you where authorized by the OD. Tower 7 reported sappers in the wire and the guys called for permission to open fire, but the OD said, 'No!'  He came out to Tower 7, and had apparently been drinking.  He looked out and couldn't see the sappers in the wire, so he wouldn't allow any firing.  After the OD got into his jeep and drove off two mortar rounds hit where his jeep had been". 1
3 May 70 0115	445 RF Company at BN 291415 reported that an estimated 4-5 VC fired two B40s and AK47 fire from outside the perimeter.  The VC withdrew in an unknown direction. 4
3 May 70 0130	PF Training Center ambush position reported 1 civilian female walking down LTL 1B through Lien Hisp triggered friendly ambush and was seriously wounded.  Female wearing black PJs.  She had IS saying she was from Tung Nghia. 4
3 May 70 0132	Phan Rang Air Base at 0132 hr received 8-10 82mm mortar rounds and at 0150 5 more 82mm mortar rounds. 4
3 May 70 0145	At 0145, LZ BETTY (vicinity AN800067) was attacked by a force thought to be the 482B Local Force Battalion.  The attack consisted of approximately 125 rounds of 60mm and 82mm mortar fire, an unknown number of B40 and B41 rockets, and sapper probes in four separate locations of the perimeter.  All five companies of the battalion appear to have participated in the attack.  Approximately seven sappers penetrated the perimeter at two separate locations.  All others were repelled.  Enemy elements were repulsed by separate ground reaction forces supported by gunships, artillery and Seahorse. 5
3 May 70 0145	"I had my radio on and just as the DJ said, 'Good morning Vietnam, it's now 1:45 am....' the first mortar hit.  It was Sunday.  As the mortar rounds fell we were pinned down in our tent.  2 sappers went by one dropped a home made grenade in my lap that failed to go off." 1
3 May 70 0145	"I remember May 3 about as well as most guys that are scared almost out of their minds.  When the first attack hit the towers and the wire areas my FO SGT Pierce and myself FO/RTO SP4 Wright were at the Arty Command Bunker.  Pierce and I grabbed our weapons and headed out for the Duster Bunker to the right of Tower 3.  We never made it.  We ran head first into a full blown fire fight just about 30 yards short of our objective.  Pierce took a round in the upper leg which made him fall over backwards into me.  I was not about to leave him there by himself.  I managed to get him and myself behind some sand bags and propped him up so that he was able to fire his weapon in one direction while I sat with my back to his and covered the other direction.  We seemed to be holding our own when everything turned to shit.  From this point I don't remember a lot. LZ Betty defenses (MP Tower). 26 I do remember that about 5 or 6 guys from the 1/50 pulled our fat out of the fire.  Which it was about the time I took two rounds, one in the back right side and the other in the right upper leg.  I must have passed out because when I woke up I was in Phan Rang and Pierce was in the bed next to me." 8
3 May 70 0145	"I was on Whiskey Mountain the night LZ Betty was hit. It was a very helpless feeling watching in total disbelief at what was going on and not being able to help. I remember seeing the choppers blowing up one after another on the tarmac, it seemed like it lasted for ever." 6
3 May 70 0145	"I was there but I wasn't there.  B Company was out in the Field and as I remember it I don't think we were to far from LZ Betty.  We heard over the radio that the LZ was under attack.  I have always wondered why we were never pulled back in for support of the LZ." 7
3 May 70 0145	LZ Betty began taking incoming. ³  LZ Betty (AN800067) was attacked by a force thought to be the 482B LF Battalion.  The attack consisted of approximately 125 rounds of 60mm and 82mm mortar fire, an unknown number of B40 and B41 rounds, and sapper probes in four separate locations of the perimeter.  All five companies of the battalion appear to have participated in the attack. 5  LZ Betty received 100-125 rounds 60mm and 82mm mortar, unknown B40 and B41, unknown satchel charges and simultaneously a sapper attack.  6 KIA, 35 WIA, Enemy 14 KIA. 4
3 May 70 0145	"When the attack occurred we were scrambling to get our weapons out of the arms room." 2
3 May 70 0145	"The mechanics ['Juicers' Hooch'] had our 16's. When we were supposed to keep them under lock we made a gun rackout of metal fence posts. One good kick and it would fall apart. We were told to stay outside the hooch and watch for sappers that were on the runway. A little later we went to the Green Line on the ocean side." 29
3 May 70 0145	"Around midnight LZ Betty was shook by incoming mortar and rocket explosions.  A siren sounded and everyone grabbed weapons and headed towards the Green-Line.  I was in a sandbagged bunker in the battalion area on the south end of the LZ.  I had my M-16 and two bandoleers of ammo and my boots were untied.  As I ran to reinforce the west side under attack. I was advised to head towards the battalion headquarters area towards the north end of the LZ.  I ran as fast as I could.  The entire LZ was exploding, fires were erupting on the west side of the LZ and helicopters were exploding and burning on the runway." 11
3 May 70 0145	"When the attack started, I threw on my clothes and gear and scrambled to the TOC to see what was happening.  I felt naked without an M16, especially since just hours before I was commanding a Mech Infantry company in the field.  Things were hectic and I didn't have a job to do and wasn't doing any good there so I grabbed an M16 and two bandoleers of ammo and ran down the road to the part of the greenline I was familiar with on the east side overlooking the bluffs." 24
3 May 70 0145 overwritten	This morning C Co, 1-50(-), 2 RF Co's, Scouts and Provisional Platoon conduct sweep, C Co .(-) still in AO. 4
3 May 70 0146	"And 1 minute later I was hit with a Chicom grenade in my flak jacket that also failed to go off.  And to make the night even more fun a mortar round went off just in front of me knocking me unconscious for a about a minute.  As I waited with the 4 of us for the opportunity to help, the shit house behind us was hit, graves registration was hit, they leveled the orderly room, our tent was riddled with small arms fire the supply hooch across from us was hit and the list goes on." 1
3 May 70 0147	"The Scout Platoon had the airstrip and landing pads behind our bunks.  My buddy Rick Garrett and I had just come back from the club feeling no pain and had just stumbled into bed when it all started and we had to make a run for the arm's room.  We sobered up pretty fast when the choppers started blowing behind us.  I do know that they had taken the bunker on our side of the compound... well a couple of bunkers because we received fire from them.  We did take them back with only one man getting a small wound from a frag." 10
3 May 70 0150	AN 838094.  Phan Thiet City received 5 rounds 82mm mortar.  Two civilians KIA.  Counter mortar fire employed.  Contact was broken at 0200. 4
3 May 70 0150	Approx. seven sappers penetrated the perimeter at two separate locations. All others were repelled. 5
3 May 70 0150	Phan Rang Air Base at 0132 hr received 8-10 82mm mortar rounds and at 0150 5 more 82mm mortar rounds. 4
3 May 70 0150	"Yes, I was at LZ Betty on 3 May 1970 when all the weapons were locked up.  It was ordered and man was I just as mad as all the guys when we were attacked that night.  I only had about 10 days left in country then and it was only by chance that I was not driving the truck that was struck by a B-40 rocket when we were reinforcing the green line during the attack.  I don't remember any M-16's being reported missing and didn't pay attention to serial numbers when issuing the weapons that night as each person came to me for one.  It was a crazy idea and I hope that no one was killed because of it." 12
3 May 70 0151	"As I ran by the battalion headquarters building, LTC Luck stopped me and another soldier, SP4 Randy Buchanan, and told us to take a jeep loaded with M-60's to the west side of the LZ that was under assault, to reinforce the perimeter and bunkers. I jumped behind the wheel and Buchanan rode "shotgun".  As we rounded the northwest comer dirt road, I could see the entire area ahead was exploding from incoming rounds tracer rounds were going across the roadway.  Within 50 yards from that point, there were rounds coming from both sides.  We didn't know that the VC were on the right side, between the wire and the perimeter all along the bunkers and the GI's were on the left side, both areas were firing at each other and Buchanan and I were driving on the road between the gunfire.  Buchanan was firing his M-16 towards the right side of the Jeep towards the VC, who were firing back.  When a flare would pop I would notice if I was still on the small dirt road.  When this one flare went, I saw gooks everywhere and I tried to back out, but too late.  In a split-second one of them turned and fired a RPG at us.  I could see the projectile coming in slow-motion and as I leaned towards the right, the RPG exploded in the grill of the jeep.  As the vehicle went airborne, I was thrown from the jeep onto the ground.  I lay there a few seconds and everything went silent.  It seemed like minutes, but I'm sure it was only a couple of seconds." 11
3 May 70 0155	D Troop reports 5 ships burning (2 Hueys, 3 LOH) at this time. ³
3 May 70 0155	Enemy elements were repulsed by separate ground reaction forces supported by gunships, artillery and Seahorse. 5
3 May 70 0200	44th ARVN received 4 unknown type mortar rounds, vicinity BN 541426.  PF OP received 2 rounds unknown type mortar fire at Vic BN 466454 1 VC squad entered Tuy Tinh and assassinated one ex-soldier.  As the VC withdrew at 030210 the 966 RF Company initiated contact with artillery support. 4
3 May 70 0200	AN 793083.  74th PF outpost received 6 rounds 82mm mortar at Phu Khank.  The 74th swept the area and contacted an unknown number of VC who fled south.  Contact broken at 0205.  1 PF slight wound.  1 Enemy KIA, 1 B41 rocket launcher captured. 4
3 May 70 0200	FSB Sherry started taking incoming.3  FSB Sherry received 5 rounds of 82mm mortar all outside perimeter. 3, 4
3 May 70 0157	"It has been very difficult for me to read the "memories" of 3 May 1970 through my tears.  I lost a great deal of my memory after getting hit but I remember very well men lined up at the supply "hooch" drawing weapons while all hell was breaking loose all around us.  I was with HHC Maintenance Platoon, and we had refused to turn in our weapons as ordered.  I was very short by that time and getting very anxious.  When the satchel charges started going off all over we jumped into a 3/4 ton truck and headed for the perimeter.  We took what I thought was a rocket in front and bailed out onto the road.  Robert Haney was next to me when he was blown up.  There were "gooks" coming in human waves as far as you could see in every direction.  I couldn't understand why we weren't blowing the Claymores so I crawled up on a nearby bunker to blow them just as a flare lit up the top of the bunker.  There were gooks on top and they immediately opened up with AK's.  I stopped a number of rounds with my flak jacket and the impact threw me off the bunker backwards.  I hit the ground firing and within a second or maybe two, four mortar rounds landed with a few feet of me.  One severed my right leg.  I was pretty messed up but still remember the NVA standing next to me firing at our guys.  Every time he fired his expended cartridges landed on my exposed skin and burned.  I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a Black man, possibly a medic, who took out the NVA soldier next to me.  He threw me over his shoulder, handed me my leg and ran for what seemed like forever to a jeep.  He took me to the base infirmary where they took one look and tagged me for Medivac." 9
3 May 70 0158	"I remember hearing Randy scream as the jeep was hit and we went airborne and landed beside a bunker.  Buchanan was nowhere to be seen.  I had to lay still and play possum until the gooks, who were running all over me, were forced out of the LZ after a couple of hours, seemed like forever I just prayed, cried and shit.  I had lost my M-16 and rounds were landing everywhere.  When an illumination flare would "pop", I could see the VC dragging their wounded and dead through the wire towards the cemetery, I had a perfect view, just no weapon." 11
3 May 70 0200	"Larry Joiner from Davenport, Iowa was shot that night entering a bunker on the greenline, unfortunately the bunker was already occupied by a couple of VC.  He survived, but was very seriously wounded.  Anyone that may know him please have him contact me (through this website)." 2
3 May 70 0200	MAJ Albino reports Phan Ly Cham under some sort of contact. ³
3 May 70 0200	"When I regained my composure I noticed that the jeep was on fire, my M-16 was missing and the entire area around me was being riddled with gunfire.  As an overhead flare began to flicker, I saw my M-16 behind the jeep, I crawled and grabbed it.  As the flare went out, I began to crawl along the ground towards a bunker and electrical generator on the left side of the roadway.  As another flare popped, I jumped up and began to run, gunfire and explosion were still all around me.  As I jumped through the door of the bunker a RPG exploded against the right side of the bunker door.  The force sent me flying inside the bunker." 11
3 May 70 0202	"I began to fire from the doorway of the bunker as the flares revealed VC running from the perimeter line and bunkers towards hooches and tents on both sides of my location.  As a hooch exploded from a satchel -charge, I could see someone running towards my bunker from it. I aimed, but held my fire and I could see that he was a GI.  I yelled for him to run, "Come on man, RUN, RUN!!"  The guy jumped into the bunker and started to fire towards the VC as they continued to run across the dirt roadway towards the airstrip, which was located behind our bunker.  He was Charles Churchwell of Dublin, GA." 11
3 May 70 0205	"The buildings were on fire, the choppers had been satchel-charged and sappers had thrown charges into every hooch and bunker that wasn't defended." 11
3 May 70 0205	"The east side of the greenline seemed okay so I ran towards the explosions on the west and south.  I ran past the S4's hooch.  When it took a satchel charge in the first moments of the attack, the S4 Clerk's bunk with him in it was blown out over the sandbagged wall.  The bunk sitting upright about 10-15 feet outside the wall and as I recall I was told that he was battered and bruised but not badly hurt.  The day before the raid, I had given him my Teac tape deck and Sansui stereo with speakers to pack and ship home.  When I saw the mess at the S4 office, I figured that my stereo was a combat loss; I didn't find out until a crate showed up in the States after my DEROS that he had already crated and shipped them out.  I never saw him to thank him." 24
3 May 70 0210	Tuy Phong taking incoming at this time. ³
3 May 70 0211	"Heading southwest from the S4 hooch I spotted some people off to the left (south) exchanging rounds.  Two GIs in full gear were on the ground shooting around a Conex container at another Conex container a short distance away.  Against fires in the background, I saw a hazy figure rise from the second Conex and shoot back, so I fired a burst at him and he dropped.  I went and reinforced the greenline, by luck where it hadn't been overrun because I didn't have a clue about the tactical situation." 24
3 May 70 0212	SP Johnson (D) ambulance going to D Troop. ³
3 May 70 0215	"Finally we got to our ammo truck.  We made 2 passes up and down the perimeter.  After the first pass we had to make our way to the ammo dump through Charley's waiting ambush to get more supplies.  The scary part was the return, We saw them satchel charge the choppers, and then realized that we had to go back through Charley's waiting ambush.  The second resupply went off ok." 1
3 May 70 0219	SP Ingles (1/50) to send medics to Bunker 7. ³
3 May 70 0220	L.S. taking ground probe. ³
3 May 70 0224	OP says perimeter firing small arms at ARVNs. ³
3 May 70 0235	Two 192d birds relief for D Troop. ³
3 May 70 0236	Report S4 and 1/50 area had penetration in area of Bunkers 5 and 6. ³
3 May 70 0240	AN 772092. 127 PF platoon received 3 60mm mortar rounds. 4
3 May 70 0240	At 0240 in the vicinity of AP996042, SERIGNAC received 3 unknown type mortar rounds. 5
3 May 70 0245	Bunkers 13 to 16 are firing at ARVNs. ³
3 May 70 0245	FSB Sandy received 7 rounds of 82mm mortar. 4
3 May 70 0250	Give sector call when Gunships come down so PFs can sweep graveyard area. ³
3 May 70 0255	D Troop 1 KIA, 6 WIA (1 serious), 5 LOH destroyed, POL out. ³
3 May 70 0255	FSB Sherry received 8 rounds of 82mm mortar 6 inside and 2 outside perimeter. 4
3 May 70 0256	1st Chemical Detachment reports 1 WIA. ³
3 May 70 0300	SERIGNAC. At 0300 an unknown number of VC initiated contact on the 54 PF command post with small arms and an unknown number of mortars.  The VC then advanced towards SERIGNAC but were blocked by the PFs.  Contact was broken at 0330. 5
3 May 70 0304	Artillery started firing in graveyard 795075. ³
3 May 70 0327	CPT Lopez took D/2-1 aircraft damages. ³
3 May 70 0330	LZ Sandy took 8 mortar rounds (4 rounds twice). ³
3 May 70 0330	Serignac contact was broken at 0330h.  Negative friendly casualties. Enemy casualties unknown. 5
3 May 70 0335	EOD notified to report to D/2-1. ³
3 May 70 0350	1st Chemical Detachment took a direct hit, 2 WIA (1 serious); 1 mortar round. ³
3 May 70 0400	"We took turns reloading magazines with the ammo from the bunker and continue to fire for what seemed like days.  Finally the firefight began to die down as the sun began to rise.  The entire area in front of us was littered with debris.  The VC had withdrawn leaving their dead and wounded.  The VC bodies were lying all along the roadway in the bunkers and in the wire.  The dead VC inside the bunker was an old Papa-san who operated the generator, I felt really bad about that and still do." 11
3 May 70 0400	"I remember lying on that litter (in the base infirmary waiting for Medivac) with my head just below the sandbags, watching the tracers go over.  They had a lot of trouble getting a Medivac in and when they did, we were just thrown in and were airborne almost instantly.  They ‘stacked' us up after we were in the air.  Our chopper took some rounds as it lifted off but we made it to Cam Ranh Bay safely." 9
3 May 70 0400	Lift birds won't be available (entry lined out). ³
3 May 70 0415	CPT Hall said ARVNs would work area for GIS. ³
3 May 70 0430	Request 1/50 AO from sector. ³
3 May 70 0435	ARVNs believe VC will be carrying guns south through 1/50 AO following stream beds.  ARVNs will check out all coordinates given to them. ³
3 May 70 0440	Passed 5 KIA 25 WIA (10 serious) to IFFV. ³

First five damage photos by Dennis Knickerbocker. ^27, Lower right hand photo by Bryan Lagimoniere. ¹

The Following Day (3 May 1970).

Aftermath.

Other Official Record(s) Not Fully Referenced in Text.

Bibliography / Endnotes.

1     Bryan (Frenchy) Lagimoniere, Vietnam, 3/70-3/71. B/1-50 and later D/1-50, email.
2     Dave Hess, B/1-50, email.
3     Task Force South Daily Staff Journal for Period 030001 to 032400H May 70 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
4     Task Force South Spot Report, 3 May 1970 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
5     Task Force South Daily Sitrep ¹²3 for Period 030001 to 032400H May 70 (U), Confidential (Declassified), Pages 3-5.
6     Jim Scully, on Whiskey Mountain, email.
7     David Parker, B/1-50, email.
8     Bill (Little Bill) Wright, B Battery, 5th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, email.
9     Ray Lack, Maintenance Platoon, HHC Company, 1/50 (M), email.
10   Walter Gilbreath, Scout Platoon, HHC, 1/50 (M), email.
11   Gus Allbritton, HHC Company (formerly C Company), 1/50 (M), email.
12   Chuck Nelson, Vietnam, 6/69-6/70, HHC, 1/50 (M), Supply Sgt. Company Armorer, email.
13   Task Force South INTSUM ¹²3 for Period 030001 to 032400H May 70 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
14   Pacific Stars & Stripes.  As dated.
15   Operational Report-Lessons Learned Headquarters First Field Force Vietnam, Period Ending 31 July 1970,
        RCS CSFOR-65 (R2), Confidential (Declassified), Page 4.
16   Guide To The Inventory of May Day Records, 1970-1972, 1976, Yale University Library, Manuscripts
         and Archives, February 1996
17   Task Force South Daily Sitrep ¹²3 for Period 030001 to 032400H May 70 (U), Confidential (Declassified), Pages 1-2.
18   Task Force South Spot Report 5, 5 May 1970 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
19   Task Force South Spot Report 7, 5 May 1970 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
20   Task Force South Spot Report 8, 5 May 1970 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
21   Task Force South Spot Report 14, 5 May 1970 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
22   Task Force South Spot Report 15, 5 May 1970 (U), Confidential (Declassified).
23   Stephen Ambrose, Nixon: Triumph of a Politician, 1962-1972; (New York: Summit Books, 1983).
24   Ray Sarlin, Captain, Duty Unassigned (had just turned over C Company for DEROS).
25   Photographs © Copyright , 2003. Jim Magouyrk (3/506th, 101st Airborne Division). All rights reserved.
26   Photographs © Copyright , 2003. Robert F. Dash (630th MP Company). All rights reserved.
27   Photographs © Copyright , 2003. Dennis Knickerbocker. All rights reserved.
28   Photographs © Copyright , 2003. Rick Leland. All rights reserved.
29   Don Rainwater, B/1-50, email.

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