AARAfter Action ReportABCCCAirborne Command and Control CenterA-4 SkyhawkA single-seat, lightweight, jet attack bomber in service with Navy and Marine Corps squadrons. Built by Douglas.AN/PRC-25U. S.-built, short-range, portable, frequency-modulated radio set used to provide two-way communication in the 30 megacycle to 75.95 megacycle band.AN/TPQ-10U. S.-built, ground-based radar system used to guide aircraft on bombing missions.A-1 SkyraiderU. S.-built, prop-driven, attack aircraft built by Douglas.Arc LightOperational name for B-52 strikes in South Vietnam.ARVNArmy of The Republic of Vietnam.A-6A IntruderU. S. Navy and Marine Corps twin-engine, low-altitude, jet attack bomber specifically designed to deliver ordnance on targets completely obscured by weather or darkness. Carries a heavier and more varied load than any other U. S. naval attack aircraft. Built by Grumman.ASRTAir Support Radar TeamBDABattle Damage AssessmentBdeBrigadeB-52 StratofortressUSAF eight-engine, swept-wing heavy jet bomber. Built by Boeing.BLTBattalion Landing TeamCACCombined Action CompanyCACOCombined Action Company OscarCavSqd (e.g. 1/9)1st Squadron, 9th CavalryC-4Plastic explosivesCG, 1st MarDivCommanding General, 1st Marine DivisionCG, FMFPacCommanding General, Fleet Marine Force, PacificCG, 3d MarDivCommanding General, 3d Marine DivisionCG, III MAFCommanding General, III Marine Amphibious ForceChiComChinese CommunistCH-53A Sea StallionU. S.-built, single-rotor, heavy assault transport helicopter powered by two shaft-turbine engines with an average payload of 12,800 pounds. Full-sized rear opening with built-in ramp permits loading of 105mm howitzer and carriage. External sling will accommodate a 155mm howitzer (towed). Carries crew of 3 plus 38 combat troops or 24 litters. Built by Sikorsky.CH-46D Sea KnightU. S.-built, medium transport, twin-turbine, tandem rotor helicopter with an average payload of 4,800 pounds. Has rear loading ramp and external sling mount. Carries crew of 3 plus 25 combat troops or 15 litters and 2 attendants. Built by Boeing.CIDGCivilian Irregular Defense GroupClaymoreU. S.-built, directional antipersonnel land mine employed above ground and normally in an upright position.CMCCommandant of the Marine CorpsCmdChronCommand ChronologyCOCommanding OfficerComUSMACVCommander, U. S. Military Assistance Command, VietnamCPCommand PostCSDesignation for tear gasDASCDirect Air Support CenterD-DayDay scheduled for the commencement of an operation.DIA IntBulDefense Intelligence Agency Intelligence BulletinDMZDemilitarized ZoneEC-121 Super ConstellationUSAF and USN four-engine, prop-driven, long-range, heavy transport modified with special equipment for radar early warning patrols and electronic warfare duty. Built by Lockheed.FADACField Artillery Digital Automatic ComputerFDCFire Direction CenterF-8 CrusaderU. S. Navy and Marine Corps supersonic, single-seat, single-engine, jet fighter with afterburner. Primarily used in South Vietnam in an attack role. Carries air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. Built by LTV Vought Aeronautics.F-4B Phantom IIU. S. Navy and Marine Corps twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic fighter/attack jet with afterburners; has dual role of interceptor and bomber. Of all U. S. naval attack aircraft, F-4B carries second largest payload. Built by McDonnell.F-4CU. S. Air Force model of the Phantom II.1st ACD1st Air Cavalry Division1st MarDiv1st Marine Division1st MAW1st Marine Aircraft WingFOB-3Forward Operating Base 3F-100 Super SabreSingle-engine, jet (with afterburner) sweptwing, supersonic fighter-bomber; in production since 1953, the F-100 was the first supersonic operational fighter developed for the U. S. Air Force. Carries air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. Built by North American.F-105 ThunderchiefU. S. Air Force supersonic, single-seat, single-engine, jet fighter/bomber with afterburner. Built by Republic.FMFPacFleet Marine Force, PacificFOForward ObserverFSCCFire Support Coordination CenterGCAGround Controlled ApproachGPESGround Proximity Extraction SystemGrenade Launcher, M-79U. S.-built ,single-shot, break-open, breech-loaded shoulder weapon which fires 40mm projectiles and weighs approximately 6.5 pounds when loaded; it has a sustained rate of aimed fire of 5-7 rounds per minute and an effective range of 375 meters.Gun, 100mm M1944Soviet-built, dual purpose field and antitank gun introduced toward the close of World War II; it weighs 7,628 pounds, is 30.9 feet in length and has a muzzle velocity of 900 meters per second. Maximum range is 21,000 meters and maximum rate of fire is 8-10 rounds per minute. Is recognizable by long tube, double-barrel muzzle brake, dual wheels, and sloping shield.Gun, 130mmSoviet-built fieldpiece which utilizes either a limber for transport or is self-propelled. Towed weapon weighs 19,000 pounds, is 38 feet in length, and has a muzzle velocity of 930 meters per second. Maximum range is 27,000 meters and maximum rate of fire is 6-7 rounds per minute. Tube has a multi-perforated muzzle brake.Gun, 175mmU. S.-built, self-propelled gun which weighs 62,100 pounds and fires a 147-pound projectile to a maximum range of 32,800 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 1/2 round per minute.Hand Grenade, Fragmentation M-26U. S.-manufactured, hand-thrown bomb, which weighs approximately one pound, and contains an explosive charge in a body that shatters into small fragments; it has an effective range of 40 meters.H&IHarassment and InterdictionH&S CoHeadquarters and Service CompanyHistBrHistorical BranchHMMMarine Medium Helicopter SquadronHowitzer, 105mm M2A1U. S.-built, towed, general purpose light artillery piece; the weapon is mounted on a carriage equipped with split box trails and pneumatic tires. On-carriage sighting and fire control equipment are used both for direct and indirect fire. The piece weighs 4,980 pounds, is 19.75 feet in length, has a muzzle velocity of 470 meters per second, and a maximum range of 11,155 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 4 rounds per minute.Howitzer, 155mm M1U. S.-built, towed, medium artillery piece mounted on a two-wheel, split-trail carriage with detachable spades. The howitzer is fired from a three-point suspension, with the trails spread and the carriage restingupon an integral firing jack, the wheels being clear of the ground. The piece weighs 12,700 pounds, is 24 feet long, has a muzzle velocity of 560 meters per second and a maximum range of 15,080 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 3 rounds per minute.Howitzer, 8-inch M-110U. S.-built, self-propelled heavy artillery piece; 37 feet long tracked carriage is identical to that of 175mm gun. M-110 has a maximum range of 16,930 meters and a rate of fire of 1/2 round per minute.HQMCHeadquarters, United States Marine CorpsIFRInstrument Flight RulesKBAKilled By AirKIAKilled In ActionKSCBKhe Sanh Combat BaseLAPESLow Altitude Proximity Extraction SystemLSALogistics Support AreaLZLanding ZoneMACVMilitary Assistance Command, VietnamMAGMarine Aircraft GroupMachine Gun, .50 CaliberU. S.-built, belt-fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled automatic weapon, which weighs approximately 80 pounds without mount or ammunition; it has a sustained rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,450 meters.Machine Gun, M-60U. S.-built, belt-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, 7.62mm automatic weapon, which weighs approximately 23 pounds without mount or ammunition; it has a sustained rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,100 meters.____ MarinesDesignation of Marine regimentMATCUMarine Air Traffic Control UnitMedevacMedical evacuationMortar, 60mmU. S.-built, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, single-shot, high-angle of fire weapon, which weighs 45.2 pounds when assembled and fires an assortment of high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 30 rounds per minute and sustained rate of fire of 18 rounds per minute; the effective range is 2,000 meters.Mortar, 81mmU. S.-built, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, single-shot, high angle of fire weapon, which weighs approximately 115 pounds when assembled and fires an assortment of high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a sustained rate of fire of 2 rounds per minute and an effective range of 2,200-3,650 meters, depending upon the ammunition used.Mortar, 82mmSoviet-built, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, single-shot, high-angle of fire weapon which weighs approximately 123 pounds when assembled and fires high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 25 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 3,040 meters.Mortar, 120mmSoviet- or Chinese Communist-built, smooth-bore, drop or trigger fired, single-shot, high-angle of fire weapon, which weighs approximately 606 pounds when assembled and fires high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 15 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 5,700 meters.Mortar, 4.2 inch M2U. S.-built, 107mm, rifled, muzzle-loaded, drop-fired weapon consisting of tube, baseplate and standard; weapon weighs 330 pounds, is 4 feet in length, and has amaximum range of 4,020 meters. Rate of fire is 20 rounds per minute and utilizes both high explosive and pyrotechnic ammunition. (Five M2s were employed at KSCB)Mortar, 4.2-inch M98 HowtarU. S.-built, 107mm, rifled, muzzle-loaded, mortar; a towed weapon, the Howtar is mounted on a carriage with two pneumatic tires. Tube and carriage weigh 1,289 pounds; maximum range is 5,500 meters. (Two Howtars were employed at KSCB)M-16U. S.-built, magazine-fed, 5.62mm gas-operated, air-cooled shoulder weapon designed for either semiautomatic or full automatic fire; fully loaded weighs 7.6 pounds, fires a maximum rate of 150-200 rounds per minute, and has a maximum effective range of 460 meters.9th MAB9th Marine Amphibious Brigade9th MEB9th Marine Expeditionary BrigadeNVANorth Vietnamese ArmyO1-EU. S.-built, single engine, two-seat, prop-driven light observation aircraft built by Cessna.OntosU. S.-built, lightly-armored tracked vehicle armed with six coaxially mounted 106mm recoilless rifles. Originally designed as a tank killer, the Ontos is primarily used in Vietnam to support the infantry.PCVProvisional Corps, VietnamPFPopular ForcesPMDLProvisional Military Demarcation LineRC-292U. S.-built, elevated, wide-band, modified ground-plane antenna designed to operatewith and increase the distance range of various radio sets.Recoilless Rifle, 106mm, M40A1U. S.-built, single-shot, recoilless, breech-loaded weapon which weighs 438 pounds when assembled and mounted for firing; it has a sustained rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,365 meters. The weapon can be singly or Ontos mounted.RFRegional ForcesRLTRegimental Landing TeamRocket, 122mmA Soviet-built, four-piece, fin-stabilized, 9-foot long rocket weighing 125 pounds; maximum range is approximately 17,000 meters. Launcher tube and mount weigh 121 pounds and are 8.1 feet in length.RPG-2A Soviet-and Chinese Communist-built antitank grenade launcher; a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, shoulder-fired, recoilless weapon which fires a 40mm spin-stabilized round. The weapon weighs 6.3 pounds, is 3.2 feet in length, has a muzzle velocity of 84 meters per second, and an effective range of 100 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 4-6 rounds per minute utilizing High Explosive Antitank ammunition.SLFSpecial Landing ForceS-2Intelligence section or officerTA-4Two-seat trainer model of the A-4 SkyhawkTAC(A)Tactical Air Controller (Airborne)TAFDSTactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing SystemTank, PT-76Soviet-built, 15.4-ton, amphibious tank with a crew of 3; primary armament is turret mounted 76mm gun and maximum thickness of armor is 0.6 inches.Tank, M-48U. S.-built 50.7-ton tank with a crew of 4; primary armament is turret-mounted 90mm gun with one .30 caliber and one .50 caliber machine gun. Can be configured with water fording equipment. Maximum road speed of 32 miles per hour and an average range of 195 miles.TAORTactical Area Of ResponsibilityTETVietnamese Lunar New Year3d MarDiv3d Marine DivisionIII MAFIII Marine Amphibious ForceTIOTarget Intelligence/Information OfficerTOTTime On TargetUHFUltra High FrequencyUH-1E Huey GunshipA single-engine, Marine, light attack/transport helicopter noted for its maneuverability and firepower; carries a crew of three with seven combat troops or three litters, two sitting casualties and a medical attendant, or 3,000 pounds of cargo. It is armed with air to ground rocket packs and fuselage mounted, electrically fired machine guns.UH-34DSea HorseA single-engine, Marine, medium transport helicopter with a crew of three; carries 16-18 combat troops or 8 litters or a normal 5,000 pound payload.USAFUnited States Air ForceUSAUnited States ArmyUSMCUnited States Marine CorpsUSNUnited States NavyVCViet CongVFRVisual Flight RulesVHFVery High FrequencyViet MinhThe Vietnamese contraction for Viet Nam, Doc Lap Nong Minh Hoi, a Communist-led coalition of nationalist groups which actively opposed the Japanese in World War II and the French in the early years of the Indo-China War.VMAMarine Attack SquadronVMFAMarine Fighter/Attack SquadronVMGRMarine Aerial Refueler Transport SquadronVMOMarine Observation SquadronVNAFVietnamese Air ForceVTVariable Timed fuze for artillery shell which causes airburst over target area.
AAR
After Action Report
ABCCC
Airborne Command and Control Center
A-4 Skyhawk
A single-seat, lightweight, jet attack bomber in service with Navy and Marine Corps squadrons. Built by Douglas.
AN/PRC-25
U. S.-built, short-range, portable, frequency-modulated radio set used to provide two-way communication in the 30 megacycle to 75.95 megacycle band.
AN/TPQ-10
U. S.-built, ground-based radar system used to guide aircraft on bombing missions.
A-1 Skyraider
U. S.-built, prop-driven, attack aircraft built by Douglas.
Arc Light
Operational name for B-52 strikes in South Vietnam.
ARVN
Army of The Republic of Vietnam.
A-6A Intruder
U. S. Navy and Marine Corps twin-engine, low-altitude, jet attack bomber specifically designed to deliver ordnance on targets completely obscured by weather or darkness. Carries a heavier and more varied load than any other U. S. naval attack aircraft. Built by Grumman.
ASRT
Air Support Radar Team
BDA
Battle Damage Assessment
Bde
Brigade
B-52 Stratofortress
USAF eight-engine, swept-wing heavy jet bomber. Built by Boeing.
BLT
Battalion Landing Team
CAC
Combined Action Company
CACO
Combined Action Company Oscar
CavSqd (e.g. 1/9)
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry
C-4
Plastic explosives
CG, 1st MarDiv
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division
CG, FMFPac
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific
CG, 3d MarDiv
Commanding General, 3d Marine Division
CG, III MAF
Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force
ChiCom
Chinese Communist
CH-53A Sea Stallion
U. S.-built, single-rotor, heavy assault transport helicopter powered by two shaft-turbine engines with an average payload of 12,800 pounds. Full-sized rear opening with built-in ramp permits loading of 105mm howitzer and carriage. External sling will accommodate a 155mm howitzer (towed). Carries crew of 3 plus 38 combat troops or 24 litters. Built by Sikorsky.
CH-46D Sea Knight
U. S.-built, medium transport, twin-turbine, tandem rotor helicopter with an average payload of 4,800 pounds. Has rear loading ramp and external sling mount. Carries crew of 3 plus 25 combat troops or 15 litters and 2 attendants. Built by Boeing.
CIDG
Civilian Irregular Defense Group
Claymore
U. S.-built, directional antipersonnel land mine employed above ground and normally in an upright position.
CMC
Commandant of the Marine Corps
CmdChron
Command Chronology
CO
Commanding Officer
ComUSMACV
Commander, U. S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
CP
Command Post
CS
Designation for tear gas
DASC
Direct Air Support Center
D-Day
Day scheduled for the commencement of an operation.
DIA IntBul
Defense Intelligence Agency Intelligence Bulletin
DMZ
Demilitarized Zone
EC-121 Super Constellation
USAF and USN four-engine, prop-driven, long-range, heavy transport modified with special equipment for radar early warning patrols and electronic warfare duty. Built by Lockheed.
FADAC
Field Artillery Digital Automatic Computer
FDC
Fire Direction Center
F-8 Crusader
U. S. Navy and Marine Corps supersonic, single-seat, single-engine, jet fighter with afterburner. Primarily used in South Vietnam in an attack role. Carries air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. Built by LTV Vought Aeronautics.
F-4B Phantom II
U. S. Navy and Marine Corps twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic fighter/attack jet with afterburners; has dual role of interceptor and bomber. Of all U. S. naval attack aircraft, F-4B carries second largest payload. Built by McDonnell.
F-4C
U. S. Air Force model of the Phantom II.
1st ACD
1st Air Cavalry Division
1st MarDiv
1st Marine Division
1st MAW
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
FOB-3
Forward Operating Base 3
F-100 Super Sabre
Single-engine, jet (with afterburner) sweptwing, supersonic fighter-bomber; in production since 1953, the F-100 was the first supersonic operational fighter developed for the U. S. Air Force. Carries air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. Built by North American.
F-105 Thunderchief
U. S. Air Force supersonic, single-seat, single-engine, jet fighter/bomber with afterburner. Built by Republic.
FMFPac
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific
FO
Forward Observer
FSCC
Fire Support Coordination Center
GCA
Ground Controlled Approach
GPES
Ground Proximity Extraction System
Grenade Launcher, M-79
U. S.-built ,single-shot, break-open, breech-loaded shoulder weapon which fires 40mm projectiles and weighs approximately 6.5 pounds when loaded; it has a sustained rate of aimed fire of 5-7 rounds per minute and an effective range of 375 meters.
Gun, 100mm M1944
Soviet-built, dual purpose field and antitank gun introduced toward the close of World War II; it weighs 7,628 pounds, is 30.9 feet in length and has a muzzle velocity of 900 meters per second. Maximum range is 21,000 meters and maximum rate of fire is 8-10 rounds per minute. Is recognizable by long tube, double-barrel muzzle brake, dual wheels, and sloping shield.
Gun, 130mm
Soviet-built fieldpiece which utilizes either a limber for transport or is self-propelled. Towed weapon weighs 19,000 pounds, is 38 feet in length, and has a muzzle velocity of 930 meters per second. Maximum range is 27,000 meters and maximum rate of fire is 6-7 rounds per minute. Tube has a multi-perforated muzzle brake.
Gun, 175mm
U. S.-built, self-propelled gun which weighs 62,100 pounds and fires a 147-pound projectile to a maximum range of 32,800 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 1/2 round per minute.
Hand Grenade, Fragmentation M-26
U. S.-manufactured, hand-thrown bomb, which weighs approximately one pound, and contains an explosive charge in a body that shatters into small fragments; it has an effective range of 40 meters.
H&I
Harassment and Interdiction
H&S Co
Headquarters and Service Company
HistBr
Historical Branch
HMM
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
Howitzer, 105mm M2A1
U. S.-built, towed, general purpose light artillery piece; the weapon is mounted on a carriage equipped with split box trails and pneumatic tires. On-carriage sighting and fire control equipment are used both for direct and indirect fire. The piece weighs 4,980 pounds, is 19.75 feet in length, has a muzzle velocity of 470 meters per second, and a maximum range of 11,155 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 4 rounds per minute.
Howitzer, 155mm M1
U. S.-built, towed, medium artillery piece mounted on a two-wheel, split-trail carriage with detachable spades. The howitzer is fired from a three-point suspension, with the trails spread and the carriage restingupon an integral firing jack, the wheels being clear of the ground. The piece weighs 12,700 pounds, is 24 feet long, has a muzzle velocity of 560 meters per second and a maximum range of 15,080 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 3 rounds per minute.
Howitzer, 8-inch M-110
U. S.-built, self-propelled heavy artillery piece; 37 feet long tracked carriage is identical to that of 175mm gun. M-110 has a maximum range of 16,930 meters and a rate of fire of 1/2 round per minute.
HQMC
Headquarters, United States Marine Corps
IFR
Instrument Flight Rules
KBA
Killed By Air
KIA
Killed In Action
KSCB
Khe Sanh Combat Base
LAPES
Low Altitude Proximity Extraction System
LSA
Logistics Support Area
LZ
Landing Zone
MACV
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
MAG
Marine Aircraft Group
Machine Gun, .50 Caliber
U. S.-built, belt-fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled automatic weapon, which weighs approximately 80 pounds without mount or ammunition; it has a sustained rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,450 meters.
Machine Gun, M-60
U. S.-built, belt-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, 7.62mm automatic weapon, which weighs approximately 23 pounds without mount or ammunition; it has a sustained rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,100 meters.
____ Marines
Designation of Marine regiment
MATCU
Marine Air Traffic Control Unit
Medevac
Medical evacuation
Mortar, 60mm
U. S.-built, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, single-shot, high-angle of fire weapon, which weighs 45.2 pounds when assembled and fires an assortment of high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 30 rounds per minute and sustained rate of fire of 18 rounds per minute; the effective range is 2,000 meters.
Mortar, 81mm
U. S.-built, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, single-shot, high angle of fire weapon, which weighs approximately 115 pounds when assembled and fires an assortment of high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a sustained rate of fire of 2 rounds per minute and an effective range of 2,200-3,650 meters, depending upon the ammunition used.
Mortar, 82mm
Soviet-built, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, single-shot, high-angle of fire weapon which weighs approximately 123 pounds when assembled and fires high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 25 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 3,040 meters.
Mortar, 120mm
Soviet- or Chinese Communist-built, smooth-bore, drop or trigger fired, single-shot, high-angle of fire weapon, which weighs approximately 606 pounds when assembled and fires high explosive and pyrotechnic rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 15 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 5,700 meters.
Mortar, 4.2 inch M2
U. S.-built, 107mm, rifled, muzzle-loaded, drop-fired weapon consisting of tube, baseplate and standard; weapon weighs 330 pounds, is 4 feet in length, and has amaximum range of 4,020 meters. Rate of fire is 20 rounds per minute and utilizes both high explosive and pyrotechnic ammunition. (Five M2s were employed at KSCB)
Mortar, 4.2-inch M98 Howtar
U. S.-built, 107mm, rifled, muzzle-loaded, mortar; a towed weapon, the Howtar is mounted on a carriage with two pneumatic tires. Tube and carriage weigh 1,289 pounds; maximum range is 5,500 meters. (Two Howtars were employed at KSCB)
M-16
U. S.-built, magazine-fed, 5.62mm gas-operated, air-cooled shoulder weapon designed for either semiautomatic or full automatic fire; fully loaded weighs 7.6 pounds, fires a maximum rate of 150-200 rounds per minute, and has a maximum effective range of 460 meters.
9th MAB
9th Marine Amphibious Brigade
9th MEB
9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
NVA
North Vietnamese Army
O1-E
U. S.-built, single engine, two-seat, prop-driven light observation aircraft built by Cessna.
Ontos
U. S.-built, lightly-armored tracked vehicle armed with six coaxially mounted 106mm recoilless rifles. Originally designed as a tank killer, the Ontos is primarily used in Vietnam to support the infantry.
PCV
Provisional Corps, Vietnam
PF
Popular Forces
PMDL
Provisional Military Demarcation Line
RC-292
U. S.-built, elevated, wide-band, modified ground-plane antenna designed to operatewith and increase the distance range of various radio sets.
Recoilless Rifle, 106mm, M40A1
U. S.-built, single-shot, recoilless, breech-loaded weapon which weighs 438 pounds when assembled and mounted for firing; it has a sustained rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,365 meters. The weapon can be singly or Ontos mounted.
RF
Regional Forces
RLT
Regimental Landing Team
Rocket, 122mm
A Soviet-built, four-piece, fin-stabilized, 9-foot long rocket weighing 125 pounds; maximum range is approximately 17,000 meters. Launcher tube and mount weigh 121 pounds and are 8.1 feet in length.
RPG-2
A Soviet-and Chinese Communist-built antitank grenade launcher; a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, shoulder-fired, recoilless weapon which fires a 40mm spin-stabilized round. The weapon weighs 6.3 pounds, is 3.2 feet in length, has a muzzle velocity of 84 meters per second, and an effective range of 100 meters. Maximum rate of fire is 4-6 rounds per minute utilizing High Explosive Antitank ammunition.
SLF
Special Landing Force
S-2
Intelligence section or officer
TA-4
Two-seat trainer model of the A-4 Skyhawk
TAC(A)
Tactical Air Controller (Airborne)
TAFDS
Tactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing System
Tank, PT-76
Soviet-built, 15.4-ton, amphibious tank with a crew of 3; primary armament is turret mounted 76mm gun and maximum thickness of armor is 0.6 inches.
Tank, M-48
U. S.-built 50.7-ton tank with a crew of 4; primary armament is turret-mounted 90mm gun with one .30 caliber and one .50 caliber machine gun. Can be configured with water fording equipment. Maximum road speed of 32 miles per hour and an average range of 195 miles.
TAOR
Tactical Area Of Responsibility
TET
Vietnamese Lunar New Year
3d MarDiv
3d Marine Division
III MAF
III Marine Amphibious Force
TIO
Target Intelligence/Information Officer
TOT
Time On Target
UHF
Ultra High Frequency
UH-1E Huey Gunship
A single-engine, Marine, light attack/transport helicopter noted for its maneuverability and firepower; carries a crew of three with seven combat troops or three litters, two sitting casualties and a medical attendant, or 3,000 pounds of cargo. It is armed with air to ground rocket packs and fuselage mounted, electrically fired machine guns.
UH-34DSea Horse
A single-engine, Marine, medium transport helicopter with a crew of three; carries 16-18 combat troops or 8 litters or a normal 5,000 pound payload.
USAF
United States Air Force
USA
United States Army
USMC
United States Marine Corps
USN
United States Navy
VC
Viet Cong
VFR
Visual Flight Rules
VHF
Very High Frequency
Viet Minh
The Vietnamese contraction for Viet Nam, Doc Lap Nong Minh Hoi, a Communist-led coalition of nationalist groups which actively opposed the Japanese in World War II and the French in the early years of the Indo-China War.
VMA
Marine Attack Squadron
VMFA
Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron
VMGR
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron
VMO
Marine Observation Squadron
VNAF
Vietnamese Air Force
VT
Variable Timed fuze for artillery shell which causes airburst over target area.
1962AugU. S. Army Special Forces establish CIDG camp at Khe Sanh.1966Apr1/1 sweeps Khe Sanh plateau during Operation VIRGINIA.Oct1/3 occupies KSCB; CIDG displaces to Lang Vei.1967Feb1/3 replaced by single company, E/2/9.15 MarCompany B, 1/9, replaces E/2/9 as resident defense company.20 AprCombat assets at KSCB pass to operational control of Col Lanigan's 3d Marines which commences Operation PRAIRIE IV.24 AprB/1/9 patrol engages large enemy force north of Hill 861 and prematurely triggers attack on Khe Sanh; "Hill Fights" begin.25 Apr2/3 and 3/3 airlifted to KSCB to counter enemy drive.28 AprAfter heavy prep fires, LtCol DeLong's 2/3 assaults and seizes first objective--Hill 861.2 MayLtCol Wilder's 3/3 seizes Hill 881S after four days of heavy fighting.3 May2/3 repulses strong enemy counterattack south of 881N.5 May2/3 secures final objective--Hill 881N.11-13 May"Hill Fights" terminate with 940 NVA and 155 Marine KIA. 3d Marines shuttled to Dong Ha as 26th Marines (FWD) and 1/26 move into Khe Sanh.13 MayCol Padley, CO 26th Marines (FWD), relieves Col Lanigan as Senior Officer Present at Khe Sanh. Elements of 1/26 occupy combat base, Hills 881S, 861, and 950. Operation CROCKETT commences.13 JunDue to increasing enemy contacts, LtCol Hoch's 3/26 airlifted to KSCB.16 JulOperation CROCKETT terminates with 204 NVA and 52 Marines KIA.17 JulOperation ARDMORE begins.12 AugCol Lownds relieves Col Padley as CO, 26th Marines.13 AugDue to lack of significant contact around Khe Sanh, Company K and L, 3/26, transferred to 9th Marines and Operation KINGFISHER.17 AugKhe Sanh airfield closed to normal traffic for repair of runway.3 SepRemainder of 3/26 withdrawn to eastern Quang Tri Province.27 OctAir strip reopened to C-123 aircraft.31 OctOperation ARDMORE terminated with 113 NVA and 10 Marines KIA.1 NovOperation SCOTLAND I begins.28 NovMajGen Tompkins assumes command of 3d MarDiv.13 DecLtCol Alderman's 3/26 returns to Khe Sanh because of increased enemy activity in Khe Sanh TAOR.21 Dec3/26 conducts five-day sweep west of base and uncovers evidence of enemy buildup around KSCB.19682 JanFive NVA officers killed near western edge of main perimeter.Intelligence reports indicate influx of two NVA divisions, and possibly a third, into Khe Sanh TAOR.16-17 JanLtCol Heath's 2/26 transferred to operational control of 26th Marines and arrive KSCB; 2/26 occupies Hill 558 north of base.ASRT-B of MASS-3 displaces from Chu Lai to Khe Sanh to handle ground controlled radar bombing missions.17 JanTeam from Company B, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion ambushed near Hill 881N.19 JanWhile searching ambush site, patrol from I/3/26 comes under fire from estimated 25 NVA troops and withdraws under cover of supporting arms. Two platoons from M/3/26 helilifted to Hill 881S as reinforcements for I/3/26 which prepares for sweep toward 881N the next day.20 JanCapt Dabney's I/3/26 attacks and, with the aid of air and artillery, badly mauls NVA battalion entrenched on southern slopes of 881N; 7 Marines and 103 North Vietnamese KIA.On strength of testimony of captured NVA lieutenant that enemy attack is imminent, I/3/26 is withdrawn to 881S and base placed on Red Alert.DASC of MASS-3 displaces to Khe Sanh.20-21 JanEstimated NVA battalion attacks K/3/26 on Hill 861. After penetrating southwestern portion of Marines' perimeter, the enemy is repulsed leaving 47 dead; NVA reserves are hit by heavy air strikes and artillery fire.21 JanKSCB comes under heavy mortar, artillery, and rocket attack which destroys main ammunition dump. NVA battalion attacks and partially overruns Khe Sanh village before CAC and RF companies drive off enemy. After second attack, Col Lownds withdraws defenders to confines of combat base.22 JanComUSMACV initiates Operation NIAGARA to provide massive air support for Khe Sanh.LtCol Mitchell's 1/9 arrives KSCB and takes up positions which encompass rock quarry southwest of combat base.E/2/26 is relocated from Hill 558 to prominent ridgeline northeast of 861 as covering force for flank of 2/26; E/2/26 passes to operational control of 3d Battalion. New position is called 861A.23-28 JanLarge number of tribesmen and families are evacuated from Khe Sanh area to avoid hostile fire.27 Jan37th ARVN Ranger Battalion arrives KSCB and takes up positions in eastern sector of combat base.30 JanCommunists launch nation-wide TET Offensive.5 FebNVA battalion attacks E/2/26 on Hill 861A in concert with heavy shelling of KSCB. Enemy gains foothold in northern sector of Company E perimeter but is driven out by savage counterattack; 109 NVA and 7 Marines KIA.7 FebSpecial Forces camp at Lang Vei overrun by enemy battalion supported by PT-76 Soviet-built tanks; first use of NVA tanks in South Vietnam.8 FebSome 3,000 indigenous personnel, both military and civilian, from Lang Vei move overland to Khe Sanh. After being searched and processed, several hundred refugees are air evacuated.8 FebA/1/9 combat outpost 500 meters west of 1/9 perimeter hit and partially overrun by reinforced NVA battalion. During three-hour battle, reinforcements drive NVA from Marine position and with aid of supporting arms kill 150 North Vietnamese; Col Lownds decides to abandon outpost and units withdraw to 1/9 perimeter.10 FebMarine C-130 of VMGR-152, hit by enemy fire during approach, crashes after landing at Khe Sanh and six are killed.Feb-AprParadrops, low-altitude extraction systems, and helicopters are primary means of resupplying 26th Marines due to bad weather and heavy enemy fire.21 FebAfter heavy mortar and artillery barrage, NVA company probes 37th ARVN Ranger lines but withdraws after distant fire fight. It is estimated that 25-30 NVA were killed.23 FebKSCB receives record number of incoming rounds for a single day--1,307.First appearance of enemy trench system around KSCB.25 FebB/1/26 patrol ambushed south of KSCB; 23 Marines KIA.29 Feb- 1 MarEstimated NVA regiment maneuvers to attack 37th ARVN Ranger positions but fail to reach defensive wire.6 MarUSAF C-123 shot down east of runway; 43 USMC, 4 USAF, and 1 USN personnel killed.7 MarLarge groups of refugees begin to filter into the combat base and are evacuated.8 MarARVN patrols attack enemy trenchline east of runway and kill 26 North Vietnamese.15 MarAmerican intelligence notes withdrawal of major NVA units from Khe Sanh area.23 MarKSCB receives heaviest saturation of enemy rounds for the month of March--1,109.24 MarA/1/9 patrol kills 31 NVA west of 1/9 perimeter.25 Mar1/9 CavSqd, 1st ACD begins reconnaissance in force operations east of Khe Sanh in preparation for Operation PEGASUS.30 MarB/1/26 attacks enemy fortified position south of combat base and kills 115 North Vietnamese; 9 Marines are KIA.Operation SCOTLAND I terminates with 1,602 confirmed NVA and 205 Marines KIA; estimates place probable enemy dead between 10,000 and 15,000.Task Force KILO launches diversionary attack along Gio Linh coastal plain to divert attention away from Ca Lu where 1st ACD, and 1st Marines are staging for Operation PEGASUS.1 AprOperation PEGASUS begins; 2/1 and 2/3 (1st Marines) attack west from Ca Lu along Route 9. Elements of 3d Bde, 1st ACD conduct helo assaults into LZ Mike and Cates. Joint engineer task force begins repair of Route 9 from Ca Lu to Khe Sanh.3 Apr2d Bde, 1st ACD assaults LZs Tom and Wharton.4 Apr1/5 CavSqd moves northwest from LZ Wharton and attacks enemy units near old French fort; 1st Battalion, 9th Marines moves southeast from rock quarry and assaults Hill 471.5 Apr1/9 repulses enemy counterattack on Hill 471 and kills 122 North Vietnamese.1st Bde, 1st ACD departs Ca Lu and assaults LZ Snapper.6 AprOne company of 3d ARVN Airborne Task Force airlifted to KSCB for the initial link up with defenders.Elements of 2d Bde, 1st ACD relieve 1st Battalion, 9th Marines on Hill 471; 1/9 commences sweep to northwest toward Hill 689.6 Apr1st Bde, 1st ACD helilifted north of KSCB. 2/26 and 3/26 push north of combat base; Company G, 2/26 engages enemy force and kills 48 NVA.8 Apr2/7 CavSqd links up with 26th Marines and conducts official relief of combat base. 1/26 attacks to the west.3d ARVN Airborne Task Force air assaults into LZ Snake west of Khe Sanh and kills 78 North Vietnamese.10 AprLtGen Rosson arrives Khe Sanh and directs LtGen Tolson to disengage and prepare for Operation DELAWARE in A Shau Valley.11 AprEngineers complete renovation of Route 9 and road is officially opened.Elements of 1st ACD begin withdrawal to Quang Tri City in preparation for Operation DELAWARE; 37th ARVN Ranger Battalion airlifted to Da Nang.12 AprCol Meyers relieves Col Lownds as CO, 26th Marines.14 Apr3/26 attacks Hill 881N and kills 106 NVA; 6 Marines are KIA.15 AprOperation PEGASUS terminated; Operation SCOTLAND II begins.18 Apr26th Marines withdrawn to Dong Ha and Camp Carroll.23 MayPresident Johnson presents the Presidential Unit Citation to 26th Marines and supporting units during White House ceremony.23 JunAlthough forward fire support bases are maintained in Khe Sanh area, the KSCB is dismantled and abandoned. LZ Stud at Ca Lu is selected as base for air mobile operations in western DMZ area.
Aug
U. S. Army Special Forces establish CIDG camp at Khe Sanh.
Apr
1/1 sweeps Khe Sanh plateau during Operation VIRGINIA.
Oct
1/3 occupies KSCB; CIDG displaces to Lang Vei.
Feb
1/3 replaced by single company, E/2/9.
15 Mar
Company B, 1/9, replaces E/2/9 as resident defense company.
20 Apr
Combat assets at KSCB pass to operational control of Col Lanigan's 3d Marines which commences Operation PRAIRIE IV.
24 Apr
B/1/9 patrol engages large enemy force north of Hill 861 and prematurely triggers attack on Khe Sanh; "Hill Fights" begin.
25 Apr
2/3 and 3/3 airlifted to KSCB to counter enemy drive.
28 Apr
After heavy prep fires, LtCol DeLong's 2/3 assaults and seizes first objective--Hill 861.
2 May
LtCol Wilder's 3/3 seizes Hill 881S after four days of heavy fighting.
3 May
2/3 repulses strong enemy counterattack south of 881N.
5 May
2/3 secures final objective--Hill 881N.
11-13 May
"Hill Fights" terminate with 940 NVA and 155 Marine KIA. 3d Marines shuttled to Dong Ha as 26th Marines (FWD) and 1/26 move into Khe Sanh.
13 May
Col Padley, CO 26th Marines (FWD), relieves Col Lanigan as Senior Officer Present at Khe Sanh. Elements of 1/26 occupy combat base, Hills 881S, 861, and 950. Operation CROCKETT commences.
13 Jun
Due to increasing enemy contacts, LtCol Hoch's 3/26 airlifted to KSCB.
16 Jul
Operation CROCKETT terminates with 204 NVA and 52 Marines KIA.
17 Jul
Operation ARDMORE begins.
12 Aug
Col Lownds relieves Col Padley as CO, 26th Marines.
13 Aug
Due to lack of significant contact around Khe Sanh, Company K and L, 3/26, transferred to 9th Marines and Operation KINGFISHER.
17 Aug
Khe Sanh airfield closed to normal traffic for repair of runway.
3 Sep
Remainder of 3/26 withdrawn to eastern Quang Tri Province.
27 Oct
Air strip reopened to C-123 aircraft.
31 Oct
Operation ARDMORE terminated with 113 NVA and 10 Marines KIA.
1 Nov
Operation SCOTLAND I begins.
28 Nov
MajGen Tompkins assumes command of 3d MarDiv.
13 Dec
LtCol Alderman's 3/26 returns to Khe Sanh because of increased enemy activity in Khe Sanh TAOR.
21 Dec
3/26 conducts five-day sweep west of base and uncovers evidence of enemy buildup around KSCB.
2 Jan
Five NVA officers killed near western edge of main perimeter.
Intelligence reports indicate influx of two NVA divisions, and possibly a third, into Khe Sanh TAOR.
16-17 Jan
LtCol Heath's 2/26 transferred to operational control of 26th Marines and arrive KSCB; 2/26 occupies Hill 558 north of base.
ASRT-B of MASS-3 displaces from Chu Lai to Khe Sanh to handle ground controlled radar bombing missions.
17 Jan
Team from Company B, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion ambushed near Hill 881N.
19 Jan
While searching ambush site, patrol from I/3/26 comes under fire from estimated 25 NVA troops and withdraws under cover of supporting arms. Two platoons from M/3/26 helilifted to Hill 881S as reinforcements for I/3/26 which prepares for sweep toward 881N the next day.
20 Jan
Capt Dabney's I/3/26 attacks and, with the aid of air and artillery, badly mauls NVA battalion entrenched on southern slopes of 881N; 7 Marines and 103 North Vietnamese KIA.
On strength of testimony of captured NVA lieutenant that enemy attack is imminent, I/3/26 is withdrawn to 881S and base placed on Red Alert.
DASC of MASS-3 displaces to Khe Sanh.
20-21 Jan
Estimated NVA battalion attacks K/3/26 on Hill 861. After penetrating southwestern portion of Marines' perimeter, the enemy is repulsed leaving 47 dead; NVA reserves are hit by heavy air strikes and artillery fire.
21 Jan
KSCB comes under heavy mortar, artillery, and rocket attack which destroys main ammunition dump. NVA battalion attacks and partially overruns Khe Sanh village before CAC and RF companies drive off enemy. After second attack, Col Lownds withdraws defenders to confines of combat base.
22 Jan
ComUSMACV initiates Operation NIAGARA to provide massive air support for Khe Sanh.
LtCol Mitchell's 1/9 arrives KSCB and takes up positions which encompass rock quarry southwest of combat base.
E/2/26 is relocated from Hill 558 to prominent ridgeline northeast of 861 as covering force for flank of 2/26; E/2/26 passes to operational control of 3d Battalion. New position is called 861A.
23-28 Jan
Large number of tribesmen and families are evacuated from Khe Sanh area to avoid hostile fire.
27 Jan
37th ARVN Ranger Battalion arrives KSCB and takes up positions in eastern sector of combat base.
30 Jan
Communists launch nation-wide TET Offensive.
5 Feb
NVA battalion attacks E/2/26 on Hill 861A in concert with heavy shelling of KSCB. Enemy gains foothold in northern sector of Company E perimeter but is driven out by savage counterattack; 109 NVA and 7 Marines KIA.
7 Feb
Special Forces camp at Lang Vei overrun by enemy battalion supported by PT-76 Soviet-built tanks; first use of NVA tanks in South Vietnam.
8 Feb
Some 3,000 indigenous personnel, both military and civilian, from Lang Vei move overland to Khe Sanh. After being searched and processed, several hundred refugees are air evacuated.
8 Feb
A/1/9 combat outpost 500 meters west of 1/9 perimeter hit and partially overrun by reinforced NVA battalion. During three-hour battle, reinforcements drive NVA from Marine position and with aid of supporting arms kill 150 North Vietnamese; Col Lownds decides to abandon outpost and units withdraw to 1/9 perimeter.
10 Feb
Marine C-130 of VMGR-152, hit by enemy fire during approach, crashes after landing at Khe Sanh and six are killed.
Feb-Apr
Paradrops, low-altitude extraction systems, and helicopters are primary means of resupplying 26th Marines due to bad weather and heavy enemy fire.
21 Feb
After heavy mortar and artillery barrage, NVA company probes 37th ARVN Ranger lines but withdraws after distant fire fight. It is estimated that 25-30 NVA were killed.
23 Feb
KSCB receives record number of incoming rounds for a single day--1,307.
First appearance of enemy trench system around KSCB.
25 Feb
B/1/26 patrol ambushed south of KSCB; 23 Marines KIA.
29 Feb- 1 Mar
Estimated NVA regiment maneuvers to attack 37th ARVN Ranger positions but fail to reach defensive wire.
6 Mar
USAF C-123 shot down east of runway; 43 USMC, 4 USAF, and 1 USN personnel killed.
7 Mar
Large groups of refugees begin to filter into the combat base and are evacuated.
8 Mar
ARVN patrols attack enemy trenchline east of runway and kill 26 North Vietnamese.
15 Mar
American intelligence notes withdrawal of major NVA units from Khe Sanh area.
23 Mar
KSCB receives heaviest saturation of enemy rounds for the month of March--1,109.
24 Mar
A/1/9 patrol kills 31 NVA west of 1/9 perimeter.
25 Mar
1/9 CavSqd, 1st ACD begins reconnaissance in force operations east of Khe Sanh in preparation for Operation PEGASUS.
30 Mar
B/1/26 attacks enemy fortified position south of combat base and kills 115 North Vietnamese; 9 Marines are KIA.
Operation SCOTLAND I terminates with 1,602 confirmed NVA and 205 Marines KIA; estimates place probable enemy dead between 10,000 and 15,000.
Task Force KILO launches diversionary attack along Gio Linh coastal plain to divert attention away from Ca Lu where 1st ACD, and 1st Marines are staging for Operation PEGASUS.
1 Apr
Operation PEGASUS begins; 2/1 and 2/3 (1st Marines) attack west from Ca Lu along Route 9. Elements of 3d Bde, 1st ACD conduct helo assaults into LZ Mike and Cates. Joint engineer task force begins repair of Route 9 from Ca Lu to Khe Sanh.
3 Apr
2d Bde, 1st ACD assaults LZs Tom and Wharton.
4 Apr
1/5 CavSqd moves northwest from LZ Wharton and attacks enemy units near old French fort; 1st Battalion, 9th Marines moves southeast from rock quarry and assaults Hill 471.
5 Apr
1/9 repulses enemy counterattack on Hill 471 and kills 122 North Vietnamese.
1st Bde, 1st ACD departs Ca Lu and assaults LZ Snapper.
6 Apr
One company of 3d ARVN Airborne Task Force airlifted to KSCB for the initial link up with defenders.
Elements of 2d Bde, 1st ACD relieve 1st Battalion, 9th Marines on Hill 471; 1/9 commences sweep to northwest toward Hill 689.
6 Apr
1st Bde, 1st ACD helilifted north of KSCB. 2/26 and 3/26 push north of combat base; Company G, 2/26 engages enemy force and kills 48 NVA.
8 Apr
2/7 CavSqd links up with 26th Marines and conducts official relief of combat base. 1/26 attacks to the west.
3d ARVN Airborne Task Force air assaults into LZ Snake west of Khe Sanh and kills 78 North Vietnamese.
10 Apr
LtGen Rosson arrives Khe Sanh and directs LtGen Tolson to disengage and prepare for Operation DELAWARE in A Shau Valley.
11 Apr
Engineers complete renovation of Route 9 and road is officially opened.
Elements of 1st ACD begin withdrawal to Quang Tri City in preparation for Operation DELAWARE; 37th ARVN Ranger Battalion airlifted to Da Nang.
12 Apr
Col Meyers relieves Col Lownds as CO, 26th Marines.
14 Apr
3/26 attacks Hill 881N and kills 106 NVA; 6 Marines are KIA.
15 Apr
Operation PEGASUS terminated; Operation SCOTLAND II begins.
18 Apr
26th Marines withdrawn to Dong Ha and Camp Carroll.
23 May
President Johnson presents the Presidential Unit Citation to 26th Marines and supporting units during White House ceremony.
23 Jun
Although forward fire support bases are maintained in Khe Sanh area, the KSCB is dismantled and abandoned. LZ Stud at Ca Lu is selected as base for air mobile operations in western DMZ area.