Training Ends & Combat Operations Begin for the 3/187th.
- Theresa
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Progress! January 1968
I have made some headway on the January 1968 Scrapbook. After reviewing all the records I have access to, I compiled a daily account of the 3/187th activities. You can view it by clicking the link below.
1968 Vietnam Scrapbook
I would love to hear from the veterans who were there in January 1968! If you have any recollections, short stories, letters, etc. from early 1968, please reach out to me. Or if you want to talk about any content in the Scrapbook, don't hesitate to email me!
January 1968 Summary
After arriving in the Republic of Vietnam in November and December of 1967, the Rakkasans spent the first thirty days in county getting acclimated, reinforcing Phuoc Vinh Basecamp and in training. Training continued in early January of 1968 with companies conducting cloverleaf operations just north of Phuoc Vinh.
On January 5, 1968, all elements were pulled back to Phuoc Vinh Basecamp for a change up in operations. Operation Rakkasan Sweeper commenced January 6, 1968 and found Bravo, Charlie and Delta Companies involved in road clearing operations south from Phuoc Vinh to the village of Phu Giao. During this operation, Delta Company was assigned security of the Song Be Bridge and road clearing in the vicinity. Recon Platoon would be supporting the 3/187th operations.
While the majority of the 3/187th was involved Operation Rakkasan Sweeper, Alpha Company was moved to Phuoc Long Province under Task Force Beckton to assist the 1st Infantry Division. At that time, 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division was also in the general location and involved in Operation San Angelo. Alpha Company remained in Phuoc Long Province until January 13, 1968, when it returned to Phuoc Vinh Basecamp.
Starting around January 14, 1968, 3rd Brigade and the Rakkasans joined Operation Manchester. The mission of Operation Manchester was to destroy the VC Dong Nai Regiment and enemy basecamps, disrupt infiltration routes and protect the Bien Hoa-Long Binh Military Complex from mortar and rocket attacks. The area of operation for Manchester was north of the Song Dong Nai and south of Phuoc Vinh - an area known as the Rocket Belt.
On January 17, 1968 the Rakkasans suffered their first soldier killed in action. Larry Stephen Semeniuk of Bravo Company was killed when a small party of VC approached their night ambush position, and a short firefight ensued. Two VC were killed, and various items were confiscated. One of the men killed was a VC Battalion Commander.
On January 21, 1968, the siege of Khe Sahn began. Based on this and other indicators/factors, Westmoreland began to move the 101st Airborne Division to the I Corps Tactical Zone. 2nd Brigade, which had arrived in the Republic of Vietnam along with 3rd Brigade under Operation Eagle Thrust began the move in late January of 1968. 1st Brigade, which was in Phuoc Long Province (Operation San Angelo), eventually followed 2nd Brigade.
On January 28, 1968, Alpha Company suffered a few soldiers wounded in action. William Edmond White III was severely wounded on the 28th and was evacuated from the field. He succumbed to his wounds on January 29, 1968.
As January began to come to a close, indications increased that an NVA attack would occur, but exact locations and times remained unknown. On January 29, 1968 it was believed that the TET Truce would be violated. In the early morning hours of January 30, 1968 NVA/VC attacks commenced in II Corps and I Corps Tactical Zones, prompting MACV to declare the cease-fire over. The attacks on III Corps would not kick off until early morning January 31, 1968.
Again, I would love to hear from you! I'm gearing up to start digging into February of 1968 and would love to hear everyone's memories of the Tet '68 Offensive.
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Until next time,
Theresa Scheets
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