For want of a better name... This partial record seems to be a report made by an infantry group about actions in the LZ Russell area, on Feb 25, 1969, including items specific to LZ Russell.
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For want of a better name... This partial record seems to be a report made by an infantry group about actions in the LZ Russell area, on Feb 25, 1969, including items specific to LZ Russell. |
This “action report” was submitted by Ken Heins, who received it from someone else. Items 1 and 2, missing from this document, would probably include events preceding the actual attack and set the time frame, for the beginning of the attack, back from what is indicated here. This transcript was corrected and updated on 06/11/2000
Classification: Unclassified
Date: 25 Feb 69
… perimeter. Counter mortar fire was delivered at possible enemy mortar sites.
3. At 0350, Company E reported receiving incoming mortars at FSB Russell, followed by a sapper attack on the northeastern portion of the perimeter with satchel charges. The enemy breached the perimeter swiftly under the cover of mortars and hit all the main CP's at once (Company CP, 81 Mortar FDC, Artillery FDC, and the Platoon CP's). All communication with Fire Support Base Russell was lost until 0415 when it was reestablished with the company commander. When communications was reestablished at 0415, a heavy artillery cordon was called in around the perimeter and illumination was provided until daybreak. At about 0500, communication was also established with the first platoon. At 0535 the enemy was dispursed throughout half the inside the perimeter and the fighting consisted of hand-to-hand combat on an individual basis. At daybreak the few surviving enemy withdrew from the perimeter. At that time, Company E began to consolidate, redistribute ammunition, and gather wounded. Air came on station and TPQ's and artillery were placed on all possible avenues of enemy escape. Company E suffered 18 KIA, 38 WIA. 25 enemy bodies were found within the perimeter at dawn.
4. At 1000 Company D, 1/4, was chopped opcon to this unit.
5. Company G reported that a wire check at Hill 950 revealed two trip flare wires cut and numerous fresh foot prints in the vicinity of XD 929443.
6. At 1100, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1/4, 2nd Platoon, Company F, and 2nd Platoon, Company L, were chopped opcon to this unit.
7. Second Platoon, Company F, 2d Platoon, Company E and Company K (-), 3/4 were helilifted to FSB Russell to reinforce that position. Attempts to reinforce FSB Neville were aborted due to enemy mortar fire on the LZ. Third Platoon, Company D, 1/4, was lifted to FSB Alpine, and 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1/4, displaced to reinforce Hill 950.
8. At 1045, FSB Neville received three rounds of 60mm mortar fire. Counter mortar fire was directed towards suspected enemy mortar sites. At 1246, the ambushes from the previous night returned to the perimeter. At 1600, Company H took three rounds of 82mm mortar fire from the northeast. At 1650, the position took three more rounds from the same direction. The ammunition dump was hit resulting in 81mm mortar cook-offs. Personnel continued to work on positions for the night. All medevacs were completed and resupply was accomplished.
9. The ammunition dump at FSB Russell was hit during the night attacked and continued burning all day. Cook-offs resulted in two KIA and eleven WIA at 1430. Company E, reinforced and resupplied, worked on defensive positions for the night.
END