I'M - National Archives and Records Administration
I'M - National Archives and Records Administration
I'M - National Archives and Records Administration
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Monsoon Notes<br />
DECLASSIFIED<br />
Captain FARRELL<br />
Co Bi Than Tan Valley<br />
19 December-10 March<br />
SMovement restricted due to swollen streamsý audial <strong>and</strong> visual<br />
observation of area both day <strong>and</strong> night restricted due to heavy<br />
rains, high winds, <strong>and</strong> reduced visibility (ground fog). Troops<br />
constantly wet, temperature in low 40's with winds up to 35-40<br />
knots°<br />
2. Recommended Helpful Hints in the Field<br />
a. Carry 1-2 pair dry socks in plastic bago<br />
b. Carry 100' length of rope per squad for stream crossings,<br />
co Carry light see of gloves for trench digging as wet <strong>and</strong><br />
puffed h<strong>and</strong>s will get extremely raw when moving <strong>and</strong> digging<br />
almos4 9very day.<br />
do Force troops to air feet at least I hour per dayo<br />
eo Carry 2-.3 c<strong>and</strong>les to keep dryness in poncho hooch <strong>and</strong><br />
also for Company Staff to read maps, draft <strong>and</strong> send messages,<br />
<strong>and</strong> plot defensive fireso<br />
fo Do not break seals of mortar rounds until actally ready<br />
for use (wet increments <strong>and</strong> short rounds reku;t)o<br />
go Carry machine gun ammo in cans with otrapso<br />
h. Carry lch repe.lento<br />
3. Enemy Activity<br />
a. In first 4 days very heavy mortar at ,em m around<br />
0430 each morning by Company size un,tso<br />
bo During monsoon very little activity except mines <strong>and</strong><br />
booby traps <strong>and</strong> occasional ambush, Mines <strong>and</strong> booby traps<br />
to irnludeý Chicom grenadeý end mines, homemade mines,<br />
M-26, M-14,L M-16, 60 <strong>and</strong> 81mm mortars, 105 <strong>and</strong> 155 arty<br />
rounds~, punji pits <strong>and</strong> stakes, <strong>and</strong> 250 lb bombso Sniper<br />
activity was light t,o moderateo One VC tactic of note<br />
immediate action following their walking into Pn ambush<br />
would be to throw grenades, maneuver, <strong>and</strong> then return<br />
fire <strong>and</strong> withdrawo Evaluation of grenade <strong>and</strong> maneuver<br />
immediate action - EXCELLENTo<br />
40 Friendly AntivLty <strong>and</strong> Tactlis<br />
a. Squt,t size ambushwithin ýOmm mortar range of platoon<br />
headquarters gave best resultso Move into <strong>and</strong> from ambush<br />
points during hours of darknesso Split up into<br />
small, mutually supporting grouns, <strong>and</strong> move at night<br />
VC know where you are night <strong>and</strong> day if you move in company<br />
or platoon size units,<br />
DECLASSIFIED<br />
Enclosure (2)
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