STRIKE

Weekly History

th rd Est. 1941 January 17 – January 23 , 2016 Issue: 39

nd nd Brief History of the 502 and 2 Brigade

The 502nd, or “five-oh-deuce”, was activated July 1, 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia as the 502nd parachute infantry battalion, as an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of parachute assaults. The 502nd entered combat in World War II on June 6, 1944, by jumping into Normandy, with allied forces landing on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Between 1945 and 1964. A major reorganization took place on 3 February 1964, when the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne was activated at Fort Campbell, replacing the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry Regiment. The reorganization from the battle groups to brigades and battalions placed two battalions of the 502nd in different brigades of the 101st.

The 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry was in the 1st Brigade with 1-327th and 2-327th Infantry. Which deployed to Vietnam and arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 29 July 1965, they were commanded by the most notable commander LTC Hank “The Gunfighter” Emerson.

The new 2nd Brigade’s original organic battalions were the 1st and 2d Battalions, 501st Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry. December 1967 the 501st, 502nd and 2nd Brigade deployed by C-141 aircraft and arrived at Bien Hoa Airbase on 13 December 1967. Over the next five years, Soldiers of the “Ready to Go” Brigade participated in twelve campaigns, compiling of a distinguished combat record as well as an enviable reputation for success in the rehabilitation of a war-torn nation. The Brigade redeployed to Fort Campbell in April 1972.

In September 1980, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry regiment deployed to Sinai as a peacekeeping for Operation BRIGHT STAR. The unit was first U.S. forces in the region since World War II.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr In 1982, Task Force 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry deployed to Panama in support of Operation KINDLE LIBERTY to demonstrate U.S. ability and resolve to defend the Panama Canal in the light of spreading pro-Soviet/Cuban influence in Nicaragua and Central America.

1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry deployed to Egypt again in September 1982 to enforce Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel by serving on the Sinai Peninsula as part of the Multinational Force and Observers.

May 1984 through a complex “reflagging” process the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 502nd were placed under the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT). With this reorganization the Brigade adopted the regimental motto, “STRIKE!”

On 5 June 1984, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry deployed to Sinai, Egypt at part of Multinational Force and Observers from July to December 1985. On December 12, 1985 at 0645 the DC- 8-63 charter carrying 248 passengers and a crew of 8 crashed just after takeoff from Gander International Airport, Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. All on board perished as a result of the impact of the post-crash fire.

In the late summer of 1990, the “STRIKE” Brigade moved to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield to deter a possible Iraqi invasion. On February 25, 1991 the “STRIKE” Brigade participated in the largest helicopter air assault in military history to establish FOB Cobra.

During Operation Desert Storm, the 2nd Brigade and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) cut the enemy’s lines of communications, struck deep into his country, threatened a lethal strike against his capital and shut off his escape. The Brigade redeployed to Fort Campbell in March of 1991.

Between 1993 and 2001 the Brigade participated in multiple peacekeeping mission to include: Operation Safe Passage (Panama), Jungle Operations Training Center (Panama), Bosnia-Herzgovina (QRF) Stabilization Force 6 (SFOR6), Kosovo and Republic of Macedonia as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr The STRIKE Brigade deployed to Iraq in support of OIFI (2003), OIF 05-07 (2006) and OIF 07-09 (2007). The Brigade received multiple awards and decoration during these operations. During this period in 2004 the “STRIKE” Brigade went through another transformation. With the inactivation of 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry and reflagged as 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment and also transformed from an Infantry Brigade to a modular Brigade Combat Team with adding 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion and 526th Brigade Support Battalion.

The STRIKE Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF X-IX (2009), Security Force Advisor Team (SFAT) (2010), Security Force Advisory Team (2012), OEF XV.

STRIKE Brigade also transformed once again in 2014 with the loss of 1-320th FA which joined 2-320th FA and 3-320th FA to make the up the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) and 1-26th IN joined STRIKE Brigade.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

During this week, in the span of 72 years since the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment originated in July 1941 as the 502nd Parachute Battalion, an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of parachute assault, the following are from After Action Reports, Staff Duty Logs, and Personal Accounts.

17 January 1968 1-502 IN Battalion continued with search and destroy mission. Light contact during time period. A bunker and tunnel complex was found and destroyed. Results: Enemy: 1 VC KIA (BC); AK - 47 Captured

17 – 18 January 1968 Operation SAN ANGELO: The 2-502 IN BN TAC CP vicinity YU080138 received AW fire. Negative US casualties – enemy losses unknown. CH-47 received a few rounds but flew back to SONG BE. (HQ, 2-502 IN: Operation SAN ANGELO, Combat After Action Report; 17 February 1968)

17 January 1970 The 1-501 IN found 10 booby-traps and a bunker complex with sleeping positions and the 2-501 IN found two warheads and a 122mm rocket during a patrol. (Screaming Eagle, 1970)

17 January 1971 A/1-501 IN BN, 3rd Platoon vicinity YD502214 received 2-3 AK-47 rounds, also found a network of trails covered with footprints. ARA employed with negative results. 1/CP/D found ten booby traps on FB Kathlyn. Res destroyed.

17 January 2004 Operation Final Strike. The 2nd Brigade conducts six simultaneous cordon and search operations based on actionable intelligence and detained the top two targets out of six targeted individuals. All targets were former Fedayeen Saddam leaders.

18 January 1945 The 502nd PIR moves to the Alsace region to take up part of the 7th Army’s defensive line along the Moder River while other American units continue to eliminate the German Bulge. Picture is of Gen. Maxwell Taylor inspecting the 502nd PIR in Alsace.

18 January 1968 Flame throwers were used on tunnels as 1-502 IN Battalion continued its search and destroy operations.

18 January 1969 C/1-501 IN Geronimo’s sank four sampans on an unauthorized water way, killing two VC and capturing their AKs. Paratroopers of 2/501 completed air assaults into landing zones north of the Khe Lo Moi Valley.

18 January 1970 A/2-501 IN BN engaged and enemy force of unknown size about 20 miles south-southwest of Hue. ARA was called in and three NVA soldiers were killed.

18 January 1971 A/1-501 IN, 3rd Platoon vicinity YD504220 sighted one enemy and employed small arms fire. Results one blood trail.

19 January – 21 February 1966 Operation Van Buren begins in Phu Yen Province where the recently relocated 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne (1/327, 2/502), ROK 2nd Marine Brigade and ARVN 47th Regiment are to locate and destroy the NVA Regiment 95 (believed to be in the Tuy Hoa Valley) and to protect the rice harvest in the coastal region. The 1st Bde was still moving from Phan Rang. As they arrived at Tuy Hoa, they moved into operational areas. The joint operation claimed 679 known enemy casualties. The USA results were 282 enemy KIA plus 66 KBA, 33 captured and 238 suspects detained, over 100 weapons, and several caches of ammo and supplies were taken. The 1st Brigades casualties were 55 KIA and 221 WIA.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 19 January 1968 1-502 IN Battalion returned to Cu Chi and had light contact during the period. Results: 5 WIA (1-502 IN Unit History; Annual Supplement)

19 January 1969 As the 2-501st IN Battalion invaded enemy areas, B/2-501st IN killed three and captured two weapons.

19 January 1970 The 2-502 IN BN discovered 275mm recoilless rifle rounds, 4 60mm mortar rounds and 8 82mm mortar rounds, about 13 miles southwest of Hue. Near the cache site the “STRIKE Force” troopers found 75 to 100 fighting positions.

19 January 1971 A/1-501 IN BN, 2nd Platoon vicinity YD501221 found a large network of trails oriented along the ridgeline. Alpha Company vicinity YD508231 found one RPG round. 3rd Platoon vicinity YD504216 found one set of footprints orientated southeast. There were three punji pits on the trail. Alpha Company vicinity YD508213 detonated one booby trap. Results one US WIA.

20 – 26 January 1968 2nd Brigade Task Force of the 101st Airborne Division, usually consisted of:

Hq and Hq Co, 2d Bde 1-501 Abn Inf Bn 2-501 Abn Inf Bn 1-502 Abn Inf Bn 1-321 Abn FA Bn 2d Plat, A Btry 1-11 FA Bn, 2nd Plat C Co, 326 Engr Bn B Co, 326 Med Bn 2d FASC Plat, 501 Sig Bn 2d Plat, 101 MP Co Team, 101 MI Co 265 Radio Research Co 34th Photo Interpretation Team Support Units, 101 Div Spt Cmd incl 2d Plat, A Co, 801 Maint Co

…had been in its base camp near Cu Chi, west of Saigon, for about a month.

Arriving in mid-December by airlift from Fort Campbell, KY, its battalions had been conducting “in country orientation and training” operations in areas near its base camp, where there was a fair amount of enemy but not much in the way of results considering the casualties we suffered. The battalions had completed Operation Normandy, which consisted of “search and destroy” operations run by brigade from its Cu Chi command post.

Orders from division had then sent the 2d Bde TF to operate under division control in mechanized/airborne infantry operations with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Michelin rubber plantation near An Loc to the north. After four days beating the bushes with little contact, on 22 January we learned that General Westmoreland had ordered the brigade task force to move hundreds of miles north to come under the operational control of the 1st Cavalry Division.

That morning, while part of the 1/501 was helicopter-borne in a combat assault, we were told to cancel that operation and to assemble the entire 1/501 at Cu Chi, to move by C-130 aircraft the next day from its airstrip and that the rest of the brigade would follow.

The brigade journal, 23 January: “1-501 Inf and A-1-321 departed Cu Chi with all essential fighting equipment for Phu Bai, RVN, as the initial element of the 2d Brigade… A total of 21 C-130 sorties lifted 806 personnel, 51 vehicles, and 7 equipment pallets… The first chalk departed 0835 hours and the last chalk departed 1916 hours. Rear detachment of 1- 321 Arty and communications for the Bde HHC will depart Cu Chi on 24 January for Phu Bai.”

At 0733 n the morning of 26 January, with the brigade tactical command post, I left Cu Chi. The 1st Cavalry Division had decided that the 1/502, our last battalion to depart Cu Chi, with an artillery battery would fly directly to Quang Tri where it would be opcon to the Cav’s 1st Brigade. By the evening of the 26th the bulk of the 2d Brigade task force that was scheduled for Phu Bai had arrived, and the 1/502 would close into Quang Tri on 27 January.

From the brigade situation report of 1500 January 26, to the CG, 101st Airborne Division: “2d Bde Tac CP group arrived Hue approximately 261000 Jan. CO and party moved to 1st Air Cav Div CP. CO reported to CG, 1 ACD, at 261130 Jan. 2d Bde CP opened at 1200. J H Cushman, Col. Inf, Commanding.

The adventures of the Second Brigade Task Force were about to begin.

20 January 1968 Operation SAN ANGELO: B/2-502 at 1310H vicinity YU081079 received SA fire. Fire was returned with negative results. (HQ, 2-502 IN: Operation SAN ANGELO, Combat After Action Report; 17 February 1968)

20 January – 04 February 1968 1-502 IN Battalion conducted recon in force operations in new AO with light contact. Results: 1 WIA Captured, and 1 AK- 47 captured.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 20 January 1970 Operation RANDOLPH GLEN: 2/502 IN BN came under the operational control of 2BDE. A joint US/ARVN sweep operation was conducted west of FSB Bastogne (YD620095). The Battalion CP was established in the field and moved with one of the maneuver companies through the operation. One enemy was killed by Bravo Company during the operation. (2-502 Unit History, Vietnam 1970; Approved by LTC Lloyd N. Cosby, IN Commanding)

21 January 1968 The 2nd Brigade takes part in operations within AO Attala around Minh Thanh in the Michelin rubber plantation. 12th Aviation Group provided 75 CH-47 sorties to move the brigade, combined with a four serial ground convoy.

21 – 30 January 1968 The 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, the 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, the 1st and 2d Squadrons, 11th ACR begin Operation ATTALA/CASEY, a reconnaissance in force operation against the 165th PAVN Regiment in Binh Duong Province.

21 January 1968 Operation SAN ANGELO: A/2-502 motor marched from vicinity YU117501 to vicinity YU081117 escorted by 2-17 CAV. The move was uneventful as were search and destroy operations in their new AO. Bravo Company foot marched from their AO to Song Be closing at 1500H. Twenty women and children were questioned enroute with negative results. Charlie Company at 1945H, killed 2 VC on the perimeter of the TAC CP, capturing two AK-47 assault rifles. (HQ, 2-502 IN: Operation SAN ANGELO, Combat After Action Report; 17 February 1968)

21 January 1970 In a major civil affairs project for the 2nd Bn (Ambl), 501st Inf., villagers complete a gymnasium for Huong Tra District High School in Huong Can village with material provided by the 101st. The gym was required because a large percentage of the students come to the school from great distances and needed a place to eat and get some exercise during the lunch hour.

21 January 1971 Recon/1-501 IN vicinity YD439245 found one trail orientated west to east. Estimated usage 12 days. Alpha Company vicinity YD517209 discovered a bunker complex.

22 January 1968 Operation JEB STUART: Just prior to the TET Offensive, the units of 2nd Brigade deployed north of I Corps to join the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Operation Jeb Stuart. Initially landing and setting up at the Phu Bai airfield, the 2nd Brigade troopers started search operations immediately and soon moved north to LZ Sally. At the outbreak of the TET Offensive, 2nd Brigade troopers under the operational control of the 1st CAV, shared the fighting in the battle of Quang Tri and Hue, killing 94 enemies who had tried to penetrate Screaming Eagle defenses.

During the following weeks the score of enemy killed and captured mounted as 2nd Brigade Troopers cleaned out resistance in numerous villages between Hue and Quang Tri. The 1st Battalion, 502nd ABN INF launched a road clearing operation along Highway 1 south of Quang Tri. Villagers pinpointed an NBA battalion in an ambush site for the troopers.

Calling in artillery and gunships, the “First Strike” paratroopers blocked escape routes. As the NVA fled the bombardment, the infantrymen ripped into the enemy with withering fire. When the battle ended, 72 enemy bodies lay in front of the paratroopers’ positions.

With the offensive blunted near Saigon, the 1st Brigade was airlifted to I Corps. In two weeks, the troopers had cleared the route following Highway 547 to the A Shau Valley. A firebase, Birmingham was established 16km from the NVA stronghold, to support the driving paratroopers, who continued to push westward through the mountains. Enemy supply routes were cut, troop movements were interrupted, and arms caches were uncovered by the onrushing troopers.

Operation Jeb Stuart ended with the TET lunar offensive nullified. In 40 days of bitter fighting over 1000 of the infiltrating NVA and VC were killed. Battles along Highway 1 and the “Street without Joy” became mourning grounds for the 812th NVA Regiment and the 324th NVA Division.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 22 January 1968 Operation JEB STUART: This operation covered the initial move of major elements of the 1st Cavalry Division into northern I Corps following PERSHING. It was launched as a search and destroy operation aimed at enemy Base Areas 101 and 114. It had another goal of reinforcing the Marines in I Corps. The battles associated with Tet of '68 would quickly over shadow the search and destroy nature of this operation which claimed 3,268 known enemy casualties and 119 POWS versus US loses of 291 KIAs and 1,735 WIAs. As a result of JEB STUART, the 1st Bde was near Quang Tri City just in time for Tet. The 1st Cav contributed three battalions: 2/8th, 5/7th and 2/12th Cav and the 101st Abn contributed two battalions: 1/501st and 2/501st Abn. (101st Airborne 1968 Vietnam Yearbook)

22 January 1968 Operation SAN ANGELO: Alpha, Charlie, Recondo Companies and the TAC-CP extracted from assigned AO beginning at 0845H and closed SONG BE at 1545H. The 2-502 assumed BDE IAF upon closing. Bravo Company was air lifted to cold LZ vicinity TAC-CP 2-327 and became OPCON effective 1029H for a security mission. The 2-502 provided security for mini-firebase vicinity YU182238 and established a forward TAC-CP. Alpha and Charlie Companies provided security at SONG BE and conducted S&D operations in assigned AO’s on a rotating basis. (HQ, 2-502 IN: Operation SAN ANGELO, Combat After Action Report; 17 February 1968)

22-25 January 1968 2nd Brigade conducts OPERATION CASEY, a combined mechanized/ airmobile infantry operation in conjunction with 11th ACR in the Michelin rubber plantation. 2nd Brigade is supplemented with supporting units, and renamed the 2nd Brigade Task Force. At the end of the operation, 2nd Brigade is sent north to Hue.

1-501 Abn Inf. 2d FASC Platoon, 501st Signal Battalion. 2-501 Abn Inf. 2/101st MP Co. 1-502 Abn Inf. Team/101st MI Co. 1-321 Abn Arty. 2/265 Radio Research Co. A/1-11 Arty. 34th Photo Interpretation Team C/326 Eng. Support Units, 101st Div. Support Command B/326 Med. 2/A/801st Maint. Co.

22 January 2004 Operation Strike Fury. 2nd Brigade and TF 121 conducts two simultaneous cordon and search operations onto OBJ Manhattan (2-502 IN) OBJ Memphis (3-502 IN), to detain Fimi Fakri Hamid Al’Ta’I Iraqi, the facilitator for a terrorist group. The primary target was detained along with two other suspected terrorist cell members.

22 January 2011 Major supplies essential for the fight were brought to key FOBs in Kandahar by STRIKE’s 526th Brigade Support Battalion. Soldiers of Company A, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), delivered supplies to Forward Operating Base Howz-e-madad and FOB Azzizulah, Jan. 22.

The supplies were loaded at 526th BSB’s headquarters at FOB Wilson, STRIKE Brigade’s base of operations in the Kandahar Province. From there, supplies were distributed by trucks throughout STRIKE’s area of operations.

“All supplies come from [Kandahar Air Field] and arrive here first,” said Sgt. Marcus McGriff, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga., and driver with the company. “Wilson is like a central distribution hub. From here, we transport everything to battalion bases so they can send it to their smaller bases.”

Everything from ammunition, food, vehicle repair items and more were delivered throughout the region by the 526th, said McGriff.

The modern combat environment required many different supplies. While FOB Howz-e-madad received an armored vehicle and ammunition, FOB Azzizulah received metal stakes and Hesco barriers for protection. The FOBs receive different supplies regularly as their needs changed.

Being able to move large amounts of supplies requires planning, organization and proper execution. The drivers of Co. A did everything they could to get the materials where they needed to go.

“There’s a lot more to our job than just driving,” said McGriff. “We do vehicle maintenance, loading and unloading, security and paperwork; if it needs to be done, we do it.” The modern combat environment required many different supplies. While FOB Howz-e-madad received an armored vehicle and ammunition, FOB Azzizulah received metal stakes and Hesco barriers for protection. The FOBs received different supplies regularly as their needs changed. “It’s a lot of hard work to move all these things,” said Sgt. Jose Guerra, a native of Brownsville,

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr Texas, and truck commander with the company. “It takes a lot of team work and patience to get things done, but it’s worth it. We help make sure everyone gets what they need.”

25 January 1969 The 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and the 3rd ARVN Regiment begin a spoiling operation named SHERMAN PEAK and centered of FSB Veghel on Route 547, Thua Thien Province. The operation is designed to prevent any possible enemy offensive directed at Hue for Tet.

25 January 1969 Continuing a new Screaming Eagle series of offensives in enemy base areas, elements of the 2nd Brigade initiated an operation aimed at cutting off enemy movement out of the A Shau along Highway 547A. Air assaults were conducted into FB Bastogne. Elsewhere in the AO, 101st Paratroopers accounted for 18 enemies dead, one prisoner, one Hoi Chanh and four captured weapons. A/2-501st discovered a sizeable grave complex containing 16 enemy bodies in the Leech Island area. Part of Delta Company of 3/506 Currahees encountered two VC on the paymaster team. They killed one of them and captured 45,000 local piasters (local money).

26 January 1968 2nd Brigade Task Force establishes new CP at Hue-Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam.

26 January 1968 The 2-501 IN BN was airlifted to Hue in northern I CTZ, RVN. The Battalion CP was located in the vicinity of what was called Camp Eagle.

26 January 1969 The 2nd Brigade operation continued with air assaults into LZ Son. IN the area, the CO of the 101st AHB spotted several NVA and a 37mm antiaircraft gun. Delta Company gunships were called in, resulting in two NVA killed and the AA gun destroyed. IN the 3rd Brigade operation, C/2-502 discovered a cache of 24 SKS rifles, three RPDs, one RPG launcher, 30 60mm mortar rounds and 30 RPG rounds in an elaborate hut-bunker complex in the mountains west of Camp Evans. The 1st Brigade’s operation continued near FB Quick II with light contact. The 2-502nd Recondos engaged an NVA platoon, killed two, and later found a cache of four weapons. (Rendezvous with Destiny, Screaming Eagles Vietnam Diary: Spring 1969)

26 January 1970 Operation RANDOLPH GLEN: 2-502 IN Battalion returned back to FSB Rifle and established the tactical operations center. The firebase was a jointly occupied firebase with ARVN and Strike Force troopers. The area of operations was split with the US responsible for the section north of FSB Rifle and the ARVN’s responsible for the south. There was little evidence of recent enemy activity in the area surrounding FSB Rifle throughout the end of January and early February. (2-502 Unit History, Vietnam 1970; Approved by LTC Lloyd N. Cosby, IN Commanding)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

During this week, in the span of 72 years since the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment originated in July 1941 as the 502nd Parachute Battalion, an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of parachute assault, the following awards were awarded to members of 2BCT and the 502nd IN Regiment or those assigned to the Brigade during operations.

2 x Silver Star Medal 8 x Bronze Star Medal (8 x Posthumously) 8 x Army Commendation Medal with Valor 30 x Purple Heart Medal (29 x Posthumously) 26 x Combat Infantry Badge 26 x Air Medal Badge 2 x Died of Non-Hostile injury or illness

17 January 1968 SP4 Robert L. Burrell (B/1-501 IN) died from Non-hostile causes as the result of drowning which occurred during a defensive position with his unit while missing in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

17 January 1970 2LT Warren S. Hall (D/1-501 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death when killed while on a combat operation when a booby trap detonated in the vicinity of FSB Jack 10 KM SW of Camp Evans, Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

17 January 1970 SP4 David A. Sweet (D/1-501 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death when killed while on a combat operation when a booby trap detonated in the vicinity of FSB Jack 10 KM SW of Camp Evans, Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

17 January 1970 SP4 Robert H. Miller (D/1-501 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death when killed while on a combat operation when a booby trap detonated in the vicinity of FSB Jack 10 KM SW of Camp Evans, Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

17 January 1970 SGT James E. Lakins (D/1-501 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death when killed while on a combat operation when a booby trap detonated in the vicinity of FSB Jack 10 KM SW of Camp Evans, Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

18 January 1969 PFC Alan D. Ela (E/2-502 IN) died from Non-hostile causes as a ground casualty in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

18 January 2004 SPC Leopold Pedraza (A/1-320 FA) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received during an IED explosion. SPC Pedraza was conducting a route clearance mission in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank mine. SPC Pedraza lost his left arm.

19 January 1968 CPL Donald A. Coffin (A/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while he was in base camp when the area came under a hostile mortar and recoilless rifle attack in the Hau Nghia Province, South Vietnam.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

19 January 1967 SGT Joseph Gerwatowski (A/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while he was in base camp when the area came under a hostile mortar and recoilless rifle attack in the Hau Nghia Province, South Vietnam.

19 January 1968 PFC James R. Moore (A/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while he was in base camp when the area came under a hostile mortar and recoilless rifle attack in the Hau Nghia Province, South Vietnam.

19 January 2011 SPC Joshua Lancaster, 22, of Millbrook, Alabama; was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from injuries sustained when insurgents attacked Kandahar Airfield with indirect fire. He was assigned to 723rd EOD Company, 184th Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group.

19 January 2011 The following Soldiers: CPT Justin Ryberg and SSG Dennis Wells (HHC/526 BSB) earned the Purple Heart for wounds sustained when insurgents attacked Kandahar airfield with indirect fire.

19 January 2011 SGT Kevin Tucker (A/526 BSB) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received when insurgents attacked Kandahar airfield with indirect fire.

20 January 1966 PFC Anthony Skodmin (C/2-502 IN) died of Non-hostile causes from a gunshot wound in the head when he was dismounting from a truck when the weapon of an individual in the truck accidentally discharged, in the Province not reported, South Vietnam.

20 January 1969 SPC Jimmy L. Green (B/2-501 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while on combat operations when engaged by hostile force in a firefight in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

21 January 1969 SP4 Michael J. White (E/1-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on a combat operation when hit by fragments from a hostile mine 15km W-SW of Hue Citadel in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

21 January 2011 PFC Michael Barrera (C/1-75 CAV) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol with an improvised explosive device.

21 January 2004 SGT Theodore Lawrence (A/1-320 FA) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received during an IED explosion. SGT Lawrence was conducting a route clearance mission in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck.

21 January 2006 1LT David Cochrane (A/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received during combat. At approximately 1430, 1/4/6 IA MiTT (1-502 IN) elements conducting TCP inspection traveling east on ASR Temple was hit by an IED disguised as a dead dog. Identified IED consisted of a 155mm round and possible LRC initiator. Shrapnel from the IED penetrated the TC door armor and shrapnel entered theTC’s left foot. Convoy returned to FOB Latafiyah where ground evacuation occurred to take the Soldier to FOB Mahmudiyah.

21 January 2006 SSG David Jenkins (HHC/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received during combat. MiTT 1 elements were conducting a TCP inspection while traveling east on ASR Temple and were hit by an IED camouflaged in a dog carcass. Identified IED consisted of a 155mm round and possible LRC initiated. Shrapnel from the IED penetrated vehicle and the blast caused ear damage to SSG Jenkins, who was serving as the gunner.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 22 January 2006 SGT Justin G. Earnest (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for action in combat.

23 January 1969 SP4 Bruce H. Rawling (C/1-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation when hit by hostile small arms fire. SP4 Rawling was admitted to a military medical facility, placed on VSI list, and later expired in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

23 January 2006 SGT Matthew D. Hunter (HHC1-502 IN), 31, of Valley Grove, West Virginia; earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while serving as a medic on 1/4/6 IA MiTT, was killed during a dismounted patrol on Route Temple in Latafiyah, Iraq. SGT Hunter identified disturbed earth just off the road and as he indicated to his comrades to push back, the IED exploded. SSG Eric Jones, the ground commander for the mission, immediately began coordination for a MEDEVAC on the radio, calling in the 9-line. SGT Jeffrey Schoonover and SGT Justin Black began setting security along with approximately 25 IA Soldiers while returning fire which was coming from the north/northwest. When security was established, SGT Schoonover and SGT Black returned to SGT Hunter and applied tourniquets to all four limbs. Shortly thereafter, a QRF team arrived with elements from C/1-502 IN and 1/4/6 IA MiTT and began searching for the triggerman, which was never found. The actions of SSG Eric Jones, SGT Jeffrey Schoonover, and SGT Justin Black earned each of them the Army Commendation with Valor.

23 January 2006 The following Soldiers: SSG Eric Jones, SGT Jeffrey Schoonover, and SGT Justin Black (HHC/1-502 IN) was awarded the Army Commendation with Valor for action during a dismounted patrol on Route Temple in Latafiyah, Iraq.

24 January 1966 PFC Richard A. Sullivan (B/2-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and wounds received which resulted in his death as a result of a gunshot wound to the head incurred when hit by hostile sniper fire while on combat operation during hostile ground action in the Phu Yen Province, South Vietnam.

25 January 1968 SSG James B. Anderson (B/2-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while on combat operation when engaged by hostile force in a firefight in the Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam.

25 January 1969 The following Soldiers: SGT David A. Edwards, SP4 George H. Keathley, SP4 Willie King, PFC Robert L. Carter, PFC Michael L. Malin, 1LT Donald C. Murnock, SP4 Ethen D. Smith, SP4 Terry L. Chinn, PFC Thomas W. Coss, PFC Earl J. Perry Jr., SSG Charles B. Payne Jr., SGT Cleodis Smith, PFC Santiago Numez, PFC Joseph C. Addision, PFC Guy E. Daugherty, SP4 John W. Mandez, SP4 David L. Pryse, SP4 Dennis H. McGill, PFC Richard M. Sam, PFC Darrell K. Johnson, SSG Clifton H. Cathcart, SP4 Robert E. McAferty, SP4 David L. Reese, SP4 Thomas D. Shobe, SGT Mark W. Dugger, SGT Thomas R. Hancock, PFC Edward L. Resavy, SP4 Francis L. Grue, SGT Willie C. Dozier, SGT Larry E. Johnson, PFC Vincent P. Fenequito, 1LT Peter A. Fekete (B/1-502 IN) earned the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st Airborne Division, General Order Number 1423; 9 February 1969)

25 January 1969 The following Soldiers: CPL Alvin R. Narcisse, SP4 Fernando L. Lozano, PFC Frank D. Smitherman and SP4 Ralph L. Glover (A/2-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in their deaths from multiple fragmentation wounds during and assault 13k south of Phu Bai Airfield, while at a defensive position when area came under hostile mortar attack in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

25 January 1969 SP4 Ralph E. Johnson (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his deaths from multiple fragmentation wounds during and assault 13k south of Phu Bai Airfield, while at a defensive position when area came under hostile mortar attack in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

25 January 1969 SGT Tracy T. Kiel (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from small arms gun fire wounds during and assault 13k south of Phu Bai Airfield, in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 25 January 1969 SP4 Anderson D. Bolton (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his deaths from multiple fragmentation wounds during and assault 13k south of Phu Bai Airfield, while at a defensive position when area came under hostile mortar attack in the Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

25 January 1970 The following Soldier: PFC Ryamond Armstrong, PFC Robert C. Banwart, PFC Murl D. Boston, SP4 Scott A. Brindley, PFC Glen A. Brown, PFC Holly E. Dickerson, PFC Hector Dominguez, PFC James F. Dowling, PFC Donald W. Garey, SP4 Lideran C. Garrett, PFC Roy D. Garrett, PFC Darwin A. Grow, PFC Embritch Harris, 1LT David A. Hockett, PFC Coy J. Hubbard, PFC Celester Jones, PFC Ronald J. King, PFC Marchall T. Morgan, SP4 Joseph Nester, PFC Samuel Niemann, PFC John R. Overton, PFC David R. Schmidli, PFC Joseph Stevens, PFC Richard A. Takos, SGT John E. Upton, PFC Alan L. Wentworth (A/2-501st IN) was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. (HQ, 101s ABN DIV; Specials Order Number 27, 27 January 1970)

26 January 1969 SP4 Joseph J. Saitta (B/2-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat in the Republic of Vietnam. (Purple Heart Citation)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr STRIKE HISTORY (Citation’s and Awards):

20 January 1969 CPL Brian S. Williams (B/2-502 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1969. Corporal Williams distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company B, 2d Battalion, and 501st Infantry. Company B was on a reconnaissance in force operation in the mountainous jungle near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, when Corporal Williams’ platoon was ambushed by and enemy force of undetermined size, employing automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire. In the initial exchange of fire, one man was killed and three were wounded. With his squad pinned down and disorganized, Corporal Williams realized that it would suffer even more serious casualties unless the enemy firepower was neutralized. With completed disregard for his own safety, Corporal Williams rallied his men and personally directed their fire toward the concealed enemy positions. Under intense enemy fire he then brought his squad on line and assaulted the North Vietnamese by fire. A sweep of the area later revealed numerous blood trails left by the fleeing North Vietnamese. Corporal Williams’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

22 January 2011 SSG Charles Allen, (ARCOM w/V, PH) SPC Michael Litterell and PFC Michael Barrera (ARCOM w/V) (1-75 CAV) distinguished themselves through valorous actions that prevented further injury.

SSG Allen’s squad left Combat Outpost Kolk and conducted a dismounted patrol to establish a SIGINT observation point in vicinity of the village of Ghariban. The patrol moved to its OP location where they picked up VHF transmissions referencing an ISAF patrol in the area. SSG Allen placed the patrol on alert in anticipation of a potential ambush from the village.

After establishing the SIGINT OP, the patrol received intermittent radio communications on the command net and PFC Barrera used his radio on the fires net to ensure the command post maintained situational awareness of the patrol. SSG Allen maintained his position and tried to troubleshoot the communications issue. After one hour of being at that location and still having radio difficulties, the patrol began its movement back to COP Kolk.

As SSG Allen gave guidance to consolidate and begin movement back west, he stepped on a pressure plate IED. In preparation for the movement back to COP Kolk, PFC Barrera was coordinating with close combat aviation to cover the element, and was less than five feet from the squad leader’s location and the site of the explosion. SPC Litterell was pulling security to the west of his squad leader when the explosion occurred approximately 7-10 meters from his position.

The explosion engulfed SPC Litterell and the headquarters personnel near the squad leader. The blast threw PFC Barrera more than ten feet from his original location and temporarily rendered him unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, he realized his squad leader stepped on a pressure plate IED and was injured. The explosion from the IED amputated both of SSG Allen’s legs and severely lacerated one arm. SPC Litterell, as the senior medic, immediately assessed the medical situation and realized his squad leader received severe injuries. With complete disregard for his own safety, SPC Litterell moved to the blast site prior to it being cleared of potential secondary devices and pulled SSG Allen to a safe area.

With complete disregard for his own safety, PFC Barrera immediately moved to the vicinity of the blast site to assess the injuries sustained by his squad leader. PFC Barrera immediately sent a situational report on the fires net, due to the Company command net still having intermittent communications with the command post. Despite sustaining life threatening injuries, SSG Allen attempted to send an update on the command net. Not realizing his radio was damaged in the explosion, he continued to try to establish communications with higher. When the platoon medic arrived at the blast site, SSG Allen was more concerned about the possibility of other Soldiers being injured than the status of his own injuries. PFC Barrera immediately developed the 9-line MEDEVAC request and transmitted it back to the command post. During this crucial time PFC Barrera requested the MIST report from SPC Litterell, and transmitted it to complete the MEDEVAC request. Once cleared of the danger zone, SPC Litterell administered first aid. The injuries sustained were life threatening and without quick and effective treatment, SSG Allen would have gone into shock.

Remaining calm and focused, SPC Litterell placed tourniquets on SSG Allen’s amputated left leg, on SSG Allen’s right arm which sustained a severe laceration, and instructed another Soldier to apply pressure to the other leg. PFC Barrera’s quick thinking and accurate initial reports resulted in the MEDEVAC aircraft landing at the HLZ seven minutes after the initial request was made. SSG Allen continued to lead his Soldiers by encouraging them and supporting their decisions. He directed his Bravo Team Leader to establish a hasty HLZ and to focus on outer security. During the transport to the HLZ, SPC Litterell administered morphine to regulate the pain and continued to provide comfort to SSG Allen.

SSG Allen’s ability to stay calm and composed helped keep his squad focused with the mission at hand and aided in the quick evacuation from the point of injury. Upon completion of the evacuation, SPC Litterell treated the other Soldiers that were in the blast radius and helped secure the site until QRF and EOD elements arrived. Despite suffering a concussion, PFC Barrera maintained his composure and continued to give guidance until the Alpha Team Leader arrived at the scene and took over the squad. After the aircraft departed, PFC Barrera refused medical aid until all reports were sent up and CCA was effectively integrated into the patrol to provide overwatch of the area.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

SSG Allen, SPC Litterell and PFC Barrera’s valorous actions after the IED strike prevented further injury of Soldiers. SPC Litterell’s urgency and professionalism during the situation are testaments of his leadership and ability to remain calm in high stress situations. The medical staff at Kandahar Airfield later stated that without SPC Litterell’s direct involvement, the patient would not have survived the short flight from the point of injury to Role III.

24 January 1966 SFC Robert R. Wightman (B/2-502 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal. SFC Wightman distinguished himself on 24 January 1966 while serving as acting platoon leader during a mission to relieve an element of an ambushed patrol near Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Platoon Sergeant Wightman’s platoon was moving to join its parent unit when his rear security squad was ambushed. He immediately led his men through flooded rice paddies back toward the beleaguered squad. As he and his men neared the pinned down element, the Viet Cong fire became more intense. After skillfully deploying his platoon to give him fire support, Platoon Sergeant Wightman, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved aggressively through heavy Viet Cong fire and directed the evacuation of the wounded to a nearby landing zone. When heavy Viet Cong fire forced away the incoming medical evacuation helicopter, Platoon Sergeant Wightman immediately called for tactical air support. As the aircraft approached the battle area, Platoon Sergeant Wightman skillfully directed effective air strikes and maneuvered his force against the insurgent troops. Promptly after the air strikes, he led his men in an aggressive attack, destroyed the insurgent positions, and routed the Viet Cong. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, fire superiority was regained over the insurgent troops and the casualties of the beleaguered squad were successfully evacuated. Platoon Sergeant Wightman’s unimpeachable valor in close combat against a superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

26 January 1969 SP4 Joseph J. Saitta (B/2-502 IN) was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for heroism in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 January 1969. Specialist Saitta distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman in Company B, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry, near the city of Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam. During a search and clear mission, Specialist Saitta’s032403 platoon came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire. In the initial burst of fire, one man was seriously wounded. Specialist Saitta, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved forward with another soldier through the intense enemy automatic weapons fire to the location of the wounded man lying in the direct line of enemy fire. Crawling through the intense enemy automatic weapons fire, he reached the second wounded man, who was in an open area. On several occasions, Specialist Saitta used his body as a shield to protect the wounded Soldier from the enemy fire. After administering first aid to him, he carried the wounded Soldier to the rear of the area and was instrumental in completing his successful evacuation. Specialist Saitta’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 3991; 30 Apr 69)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

ACRONYMS

AD: Americal Division AO: Area of Operations ARA: Aerial Rocket Artillery ARCOM: Army Commendation Medal ARVN: Army of the Republic of Viet Nam (also known as the South Vietnamese Army (SVA)) BDE: Brigade BN: Battalion BSM: Bronze Star Medal BBT: Booby Traps CA: Combat Assault CANOPY: Heavily Wooded Terrain CO: Company CP: Command Post DSC: Distinguished Service Cross DZ: Drop Zone FSB: Fire Support Base HQ: Headquarters IED: Improvised Explosive Device IFFV: I Field Force Vietnam IN: Infantry KBA: Killed by Air or Artillery KHA: Killed by Hostile Action KIA: Killed in Action KNHA: Killed by Non-hostile Action LZ: Helicopter Landing Zone MI: Military Intelligence MOH: Medal of Honor MP: Military Police NDP: Night Defensive Position NVA: North Vietnamese Army OBJ: Objective OP: Observation Post PAVN: People Army of Vietnam POW: Prisoner of War PF: Popular Forces PZ: Helicopter Pick-up Zone Recon Platoon: Reconnaissance Platoon RIF: Reconnaissance in Force ROK: Republic of Korea SA: Situational Awareness SIGINT: Signal Intelligence SSM: Silver Star Medal STRIKE Force: 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry SVA: South Vietnamese Army TF: Task Force TOC: Tactical Operations Center USAV: United States Army Vietnam WIA: Wounded in Action WHA: Wounded by Hostile Action WNHA: Wounded by Non-hostile Action “V”: Valor VC: Viet Cong

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr