1970 Scrapbook
The scrapbooks on this page are organized by month. Scroll down and click each scrapbook for additional pictures and information.
Note: The scrapbooks are not meant to tell the entire history but simply display pieces of the overall story. 100 percent accuracy is difficult to attain: division and brigade level reports do not contain details regarding the daily operations of the battalion (nor do articles); reports may have omissions and errors; soldiers who were at the same battle/event often remember things differently due to position, perspective, line of sight, fatigue and stress; and memories have often faded. With more information we become more accurate.
January 1970
January 1970 dawned with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry continuing Operation Randolph Glen in the Coastal Plains in and around Phong Dien District - "The Street Without Joy". Operation Randolph Glen commenced on December 7, 1969 and followed Operation Republic Square. The Rakkasans continued to support pacification efforts, provide security for the region and assist in training local forces. According to the "Combat After Action Report: Operation Randolph Glen", Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, dated March 7, 1970, the mission of Operation Randolph Glen was to "Conduct offensive operations emphasizing reconnaisance and ambush in order to deny the enemy access to the populated areas and support the GVN (government) accelerated pacification program while upgrading local GVN forces through training and combined operations" (Page 3). The report states that execution proceeded as follows: “The 3/187th Inf initiated Operation Randolph Glen without interruption of tactical and training operations in progress at the termination of Operation Republic Square. Execution of the battalion’s dedicated mission during the period covered by this report comprised two general phases. During the first phase (070001 Dec 69 – 232400 Jan 70) the battalion conducted unilateral and combined training and tactical operations. Combined training and operations involved co-locating a US Company with an RF Company for approximately a three-week period to conduct an 84 hour program of formal instruction. Daily combined operations were employed extensively in order that US soldiers could demonstrate, by example, those teaching points stressed during training. Brigade Action Teams, formed by the battalion resources during Republic Square, trained with PF platoons and provided civic action assistance to local hamlets usually for periods of one month at each location. During the second phase (240001 Jan – 142400 Feb 70) execution of the battalion’s training mission was modified by the deployment of both US and RF Companies to provide increased protection for the population and key GVN installations during TET. Combined operations continued without interruption during the entire reporting period”, page 4. On January 8, 1970, the 3/187th underwent a change of command. LTC Herbert Schandler took command of the Battalion from LTC William Steinberg. In January of 1970 four Rakkasans lost their lives: Robert G Warren (Delta Company), Thomas E Littlepage (Charlie Company), Raymond Platero (Delta Company) and Larry S Rutherford (Delta Company). Additionally, on January 26, 1970, John J Kos, B Company, 326th Engineers was killed while working with the 3/187th. On January 27, 1970 a 2/319th Artillery Liaison Officer - CPT Herren - was killed due to small arms fire hitting a C&C helicopter flying in support of battalion operations.
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery.
February 1970
The 3/187th continued Operation Randolph Glen through the month of February. Operations continued to focus on pacification, training and security in the Coastal Plains region north-west of Hue. The Battalion Forward Command Post remained at Phong Dien District Headquarters and the rear at Camp Evans. The "Operational Report -Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Abn)" indicates the following: "From 1 February 70 to 31 March 70, the 3rd Battalion, 187th Inf conducted: offensive operations and assisted Government (GVN) agencies with pacification efforts in assigned AO; conducted advisory training and liaison missions with GVN forces; conducted combined operations to deny the enemy access to populations and resources in AO with emphasis on resettlement areas; coordinated the entire effort of all US and GVN forces in the AO through OPCON, integration of forces, and close coordination of independent unit operations in assigned AO", page 2. In February of 1970, two Rakkasans lost their lives. On February 7, 1970, John L. Taylor of Echo Company/Recon was killed in action. Larry T. Harrison of Bravo Company was killed in action on February 19, 1970.
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery.
March 1970
The 3/187th continued Operation Randolph Glen through March 31, 1970, when the operation officially ended. In March of 1970, one Rakkasan lost his life. Charles D. Mc Carley, Jr. of Alpha Company was killed in action due to a booby-trap on March 7, 1970.
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction.
April 1970
Operation Texas Star, a 3rd Brigade and 1st ARVN Operation, commenced on April 1, 1970. According to "Combat After Actions Report, Operation Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division", the mission was as follows: "The 3rd Brigade conducted extensive patrol, surveillance and security operations in coordination with the 1st ARVN Regiment in the area southwest of Camp Evans from the lowlands west of the populated Phong Dien District to the canopy northeast of the A Shau Valley to locate and destroy enemy units, base areas and cache sites, and interdict enemy movement into the lowlands to provide maximum protection for the population; conducted combined airmobile operations in reaction to hard intelligence; provided combat support for combined operations and ARVN operations; prepared to execute OPLAN 1-70 (S) Casey Grove (U) to reinforce/relieve Mai Loc CIDG Camp", page 3. At the beginning of April 1970, the 3/187th was placed under the Operational Control of 2nd Brigade while the 1/506th adn 2/506th conducted operations under 3rd Brigade. While OPCON to 2nd Brigade, the Rakkasans continued pacification, training and security operations similar to Operation Randolph Glen, but their area of operation expanded. According to the "Combat After Action Feeder Report: Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry", "...the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry AO was expanded to include four districts, Phong Dien, Huong Dien, Quang Dien and Huong Tra in Northern Thua Thien Province," page 2. The 3/187th Battalion Command Post remained at Phong Dien and Mobile Training Teams/Battalion Action Teams continued to operate in the area villages. The report also mentions the following: "Resettlement operations in Phong Dien District predominated as the significant activity in the battalion AO during April 1970. Phase I resettlement had been completed during the previous reporting period. Phase II resettlement began on 1 April. The 326th Engineer Battalion and the 14th Engineer Battalion continued to upgrade lines of communication to support resettlement. Enemy activity was light throughout the battalion Ao with exception of Huong Tra District," pages 2-3. The Rakkasans suffered the loss of one soldier in April of 1970. Clint Joseph Sims of Echo Company/Recon was killed in action on April 29, 1970.
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
May 1970
May 1970 opened with the 3/187th continuing under the operation control of 2nd Brigade . The "After Action Feeder Report, Operation Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (Airmobile)" for May 1970 indicates the following: "The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry continued tactical operations in Phong Dien District and combined training and tactical operations with territorial forces in Phong Dien and Huong Tra Districts. A Company and five Mobile Training Teams continued combined training and operations with territorial forces in Phong Dien, and two Mobile Training Teams were employed with territorial forces in Huong Tra District. On 11 May the concept of employing the battalion changed and the battalion deployed from along and north of Ql-1 to locations south of QL-1 along the south and western portion of the Phong Dien District boundary. The concept for deploying Mobile Training Teams changed also. The six Mobile Training Teams were organized into eight teams. One Mobile Training Team was placed at district level in Phong Dien (under operational control of the MACV Advisor), three at RF Group Headquarters level in Phong Dien and Huong Tra Districts and four teams at separate RF Company level in Quang Dien and Huong Tra Districts. Emphasis of the Mobile Training Team effort was redirected from a training role to concentration on rejuvenating the Vietnamese supply system i.e., inventory of ammunition and TOE, and follow up action on supply requisitions. On 22 May the battalion AO was expanded southward farther into Nam Hoa District with one company and the battalion CP deployed to occupy Firebase Rakkasan and an additional company deployed around the firebase for security. The battalion continued to maintain liaison teams at Phong Dien, Quang Dien and Huong Tra Districts to monitor district activities, to coordinate aviation requirements in support of territorial forces tactical operations," page 1. The Rakkasans suffered seven (7) soldiers killed in May of 1970: Larry Lance Watkins of Delta Company (May 4, 1970); Thomas Michael Moreau of HHC/Medic (May 15, 1970); Juanito Maiquez Escano of Charlie Company (May 21, 1970); Robert Lee Brock of Charlie Company (May 24, 1970); Terry William Foreman of Charlie Company (May 24, 1970); and Jerry Reed Johnson of Alpha Company (May 29, 1970).
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
June 1970
In June of 1970, the 3/187th continued operations in the lowlands of Thua Thien Province as well as on and around Fire Support Base Rakkasan. The "After Action Feeder Report, Operation Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (Airmobile)" for June 1970 indicates the following: "The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry continued tactical operations in Phong Dien District and combined training and tactical operations with territorial forces in Phong Dien and Huong Tra Districts. Eight Mobile Training Teams remained deployed and co-located with territorial forces to evaluate tactical operations and upgrade the Vietnamese Supply System. Additionally, liaison was continued in Phong Dien, Huong Dien, Huong Tra and Quang Dien Districts of Thua Thien Province. The battalion contained operations in teh canopu area of northern Nam Hoa and southern Phong Dien Districts with one company defending Firebase Rakkasan, XD490198, one company patrolling vicinity the firebase and two companies operating in the unpopulated lowlands of southern Phong Dien District. Construction on Firebase Rakkasan by the 14th Engineer Battalion included completion to the 105 Howitzer area and partial completion of the 8" Artillery area. Scheduled for completion by 31 July are the 155mm Artillery battery and infantry portions of the firebase," page 1. The Rakkasans suffered six (6) men killed in June of 1970: Patrick Bryan - Alpha Company Commander (June 5, 1970); Ronald Alex Staley of Alpha Company (June 5, 1970); James Leonard Wood of Charlie Company (June 14, 1970); Michael Stephen Bezega of Delta Company (June 22, 1970); Terrell Robert Galbreath of Bravo Company (June 28, 1970); and Lester Eugene Parker of Charlie Company (June 30, 1970).
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
July 1970
In July of 1970, the 3/187th continued operations in the lowlands of Thua Thien Province as well as on and around Fire Support Base Rakkasan. On July 25, 1970, elements of the 3/187th moved from FSB Rakkasan to FSB Bastogne. The "After Action Feeder Report, Operation Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (Airmobile)" for July 1970 indicates the following: "The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry continued tactical operations in Phong Dien District and combined training and tactical operations with territorial forces in Phong Dien and Huong Tra Districts. Nine Mobile Training Teams remained deployed and co-located with territorial forces to evaluate tactical operations and upgrade the Vietnamese Supply System. Liaison was continued in Phong Dien, Huong Dien, Huong Tra and Quang Dien Districts of Thua Thien province. The battalion continued operations in the canopy area of Northern Nam Hoa and southern Phong Dien Districts with one company defensing Firebase Rakkasan, YD490198, one company patrolling vicinity the firebase and two companies operating in the unpopulated lowlands of southern Phong Dien District The battalion was relieved of control of Firebase Rakkasan on 25 July at 1508 hours and assumed control of Firebase Bastogne on 25 July at 1515 hours. The firebase was defended by one company with one company patrolling vicinity the firebase. Two companies remained in the unpopulated lowlands of southern Phong Dien District," page 1. The Rakkasans suffered eight (8) soldiers killed in July of 1970: Mark Philip Raiford of Charlie Company (July 8, 1970); Wiliam Eugene Wheeler of Delta Company (July 15, 1970); Kenneth Jerome Simmons of HCC/Medic (July 18, 1970); Samuel T. Carroll Jr of Bravo Company (July 20, 1970); Edward George Kiluk, Jr (July 24, 1970); Joseph Robert Nehl of Echo Company (July 27, 1970); Roger James Carr of HHC/Medic (July 29, 1970); and Andrew Jerome Hawthorne of Delta Company (July 31, 1970).
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
August 1970
In August of 1970, the 3/187th continued operations in the lowlands of Thua Thien province as well as on or around FSB Bastogne. On August 3, 1970, elements of the Battalion were moved from FSB Bastogne to Camp Evans. Later in August, elements of the 3/187th moved to FSB Jack. The "After Action Feeder Report, Operation Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (Airmobile)" for August 1970 indicates the following: "The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry continued tactical operations in Phong Dien District and tactical operations with territorial forces in Phong Diena and Huong Tra Districts. The battalion was relieved of control of Firebase Bastogne on 3 August 1970, moving the TOC to Camp Evans. Nine Mobile Training Teams remained deployed and co-located with territorial forces to evaluate tactical operations and upgrade Vietnamese Supply System. Liaison was continued in Phong Dien, Huong Dien, Huong Tra and Quang Dien Districts of Thia Thien province. On 23 August C Co, 3rd Battalion, 187th was moved by air to FB/OB Jack to secure the Firebase during construction. The battalion continued operations in the enemy area of northern Nam Hoa and southern Phong Dien District," page 1. The Rakkasans suffered five (5) soldiers killed in August of 1970: Kirk Leslie Rauch of Bravo Company (August 3, 1970); Profirio Romero-Perez od Bravo Company (August 3, 1970); Carroll Edward Raymer Jr of Delta Company (August 8, 1970); and Kenneth Jay Sorensen of HHC/Medic (August 10, 1970).
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
September 1970
In September of 1970, Operation Texas Star ended on September 5, 1970 and Operation Jefferson Glen commenced on September 6, 1970. The "After Action Feeder Report, Operation Texas Star, Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (Airmobile)" for September 1970 indicates the following: "The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry continued tactical operations in Phong Dien District and tactical operations with territorial forces in Phong Dien and Huong Tra Districts. Two Mobile Training Teams (MTT #4 and MTT #6) were disbanded, leaving seven teams now co-locating with territorial forces. Liaison was continued in Phong Dien, Huong Tra and Quang Dien Districts. The battalion continued operations in the canopy area of Northern Nam Hoa and Southern Phong Dien Districts," page 1. Operation Texas Star concluded on September 5, 1970. Operation Jefferson Glen began on September 6, 1970. The 3/187th Command Post moved to Fire Support Base Jack and operations continued in Northern Nam Hoa and southern Phong Dien District.
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
October 1970
October 1970 found the 3/187th
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
November 1970
In November the 3/187th continued Operation Jefferson Glen. On November 7, 1970 the 3/187th moved to Camp Evans for refresher training. Once training was completed, elements of the Battalion were combat assaulted into the mountains. The "After Action Feeder report, Operation Jefferson Glen. 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry" for November of 1970 indicates the following: "At the beginning of the reporting period the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry was continuing tactical operations in the lowlands of Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Province south of highway QL-1 with Liaison teams located at Houng Tra, Huong Dien, Quand Dien and Phong Dien District Headquarters, and the Battalion CO located at FB/OB Jack. On 7 November the battalion moved to Camp Evans along with the CP to conduct a 7 day refresher Training period. After Refresher Training the battalion combat assaulted to field locations and commences tactical operations in jungle canopy of northern Nam Hoa District with the main battalion CP remaining at Camp Evans and radio relays/OB Rakkasan and FB/OB Barbara," page 1.
Click or double click a picture to view descriptions and scroll gallery. Content under construction and currently incomplete.
December 1970
October 1970 found the 3/187th
