History of Oscar Company - USMC Combined Action Platoon ...

NOTE: Since some of the events in this narrative occurred before or after my tour,
or while I was hospitalized, I can only vouch for the verity of those events I
actually witnessed and participated in. Even then, one's own subjective
experience and perception of events can vary greatly from another person's. Also,
some of the things were written at or near the time they occurred, others years
later - and memory can be deceitful!
Events I did not participate in directly are compiled from a number of sources -
official records where available, and oral or written accounts from participants,
both contemporary and later.
The official records are often subject to the usual errata and / or "official" point of
view, and the personal statements were, like mine, sometimes made years later,
and in any case, are colored by the individual's experience, perception, and
memory.
However, despite these caveats, this is as truthful and accurate an account as I
am able to present, and one that has rarely been presented. In truth, it is long
overdue, because except for Ray Stubbe and a few others, this chapter of history
has been almost completely ignored.
Foundation
In February 1967, the Narrative Summary of the HQ 3rd MarDiv (Rein) notes the
establishment of Sub Unit # 5 at Khe Sanh. This date corresponds to the
establishment of Oscar Company.
The company eventually consisted of the HQ unit and 3 CAPs. HQ was combined
with CAP Oscar 1 in "downtown" Khe Sanh village. HQ and O-1 formed a "double
CAP" - 2 CAP plts + 2 Plts of the 915th Regional Force Co. (RVN). There were also
4 US Army advisors for a total of approx. 178 men.
Outlying units were Oscar 2, on the north side of Hwy. 9 at the western end of the
village, and CAP Oscar 3, assigned to Ta Cong Village in Khe Sanh Valley. (This
CAP was originally located on the South side of QL-9 appx 800 meters south of
the west end of the main Khe Sahn Airfield.)
Originally, the unit seems to have been commanded by a sergeant, whose name I
have been unable to find. 1st LT (later CPT) William T. Sermeus arrived to take
command sometime in February 1967. (see In Memoriam ) He was in command
when the late Raymond Gray arrived in February 1967. 1st LT Sermeus picked
him up, along with two men whom Ray described as "CIA" at KSCB. They rode in
a Mighty Mite, (M422/A1, a field utility vehicle somewhat like a jeep). They visited
CAP O-3, en route to CAP O-1.
An Early Tragedy