A Troop, 3/17th Air Cav
Troop History
1 Jan - 31 Dec 1969

Updated: 22 Feb '02

Transcript of Troop History - 1 January 1969 to 31 December 1969

Provided by John Connor - Silver Spur 17 to The Northwest Veterans Newsletter

PLEASE NOTE: Sections which are in doubt due to the poor quality of this document are enclosed by [brackets] and subject to error.

Document transcribed by Roger & Pam Young.

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HISTORY OF
A TROOP 3RD SQUADRON 17TH AIR CAVALRY
12TH AVIATION GROUP
1ST AVIATION BRIGADE

1 January 1969 - 31 December 1969

Prepared by
CPT DONALD W. DUNCAN
UNIT HISTORICAL OFFICER
APPROVED BY:

ARTHUR S. DERVARS III
MAJOR, ARMOR
Commanding

Di An, Republic of Vietnam
APO 96289

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Forward: Introductory Note

Chapter I: HERALDRY

Chapter II: UNIT BACKGROUND

Chapter III: COMMAND AND CONTROL

Chapter IV: UNIT OPERATIONS

Chapter V: REFLECTIONS

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CHAPTER I: HERALDRY

The 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry was constituted 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Troop C, 17th Cavalry, and organized 9 July 1916 at Fort Bliss, Texas. The unit was inactivated 26 September 1921 at the Presidio of Monterey, California, and disbanded 9 March 1951.

The unit was reconstituted 1 March 1957 in the Regular Army, assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, and activated in Europe. Concurrently, 11th Airborne Reconnaissance Company consolidated with Troop C, 17th Cavalry, and the consolidated unit designated Troop C, (Reconnaissance Airborne), 17th Cavalry. The unit was relieved from assignment to the 11th Airborne Division 1 July 1958, and activated 15 November 1958 in Europe.

The unit was activated 15 March 1962 at Fort Knox, Kentucky as Troop C (Airborne), 17th Cavalry, and inactivated 16 January 1963 at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

On 1 February 1963 the unit was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, and assigned to the 11th Air Assault Division (organic elements concurrently constituted in the Regular Army).

Troop B (Airborne), 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, was activated 7 February 1963 at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

The 3d Squadron (less B Troop), 17th Cavalry, was activated 19 March 1964 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The unit was relieved from assignment to the 11th Air Assault Division on 30 January 1965.

The 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry was inactivated 1 July 1965 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

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CHAPTER II: UNIT BACKGROUND

With the large build up of the United States Forces in South Vietnam, there was a dire need for rapid and accurate gathering of intelligence for the field commander. To help meet this need the 3d Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment was activated on 25 November 1966, at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

During the next two months before sufficient personnel were available to organize the Squadron into troops, the assigned personnel were kept busy ferrying aircraft from the Bell Helicopter Plant in Fort Worth, Texas, to Godman Army Airfield at Ft. Knox. It was not until late January 1967 that Squadron began assigning personnel to their respective troops.

On 26 February, 1967, the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) phase of training began. Each troop was given the responsibility for conducting a portion of AIT. A Troop was responsible for the Scout Observer Training. Additional committee type training was given by the troop on the use of the 106mm recoilless rifle.

On 8 May, 1967, the Troop began Basic Unit Training (BUT). The exercises were conducted at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and at the Mountain Ranger Camp at Dahlonoga, Georgia. This afforded the Troop its first opportunity to set up the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and iron out some of its minor problems. This phase of training also gave the Troop's young aviators a chance to operate in mountainous terrain.

On 3 July, 1967, the Troop entered Advance Unit Training and moved to Camp Dawson, West Virginia. The West Virginia National Guard and the staff at Camp Dawson combined elements to act as aggressor forces during part of the training period. During this phase, the Troop underwent its Advanced Tactical Training to include displacement of the Command Post (CP) and Tactical Operations Center (TOC).

From 2 August through 4 August the Troop took part in the Squadron Advanced Tactical Training (ATT). It was administered by the U.S. Army Aviation Group (Prov) from Ft. Knox. The area used was along the Green River near Campbellsville, Kentucky. The ATT covered all aspects of the Squadrons operations with emphasis placed on the activities of the Squadron and troop command posts. Upon completion of the ATT the Squadron was declared combat ready.

The period from 5 August to 7 October saw predeployment Army Security Inspection (ASI), Command Maintenance and Material Inspection (CMMI), Preparation for Overseas Replacement/Preparation for Overseas Movement (POR/POM) qualifications and the final preparations for the movement to Vietnam.

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(CHAPTER II: UNIT BACKGROUND Continued)

On 10 October, 1967, the Troop departed CONUS by ship. [The USS WALKER] The advance party arrived at Di An, Republic of Vietnam on 14 October, 1967, and started preparations for the main body which arrived at Di An on 2 November, 1967. During the majority of the days in November the Troop was involved in in-country training, building a base camp at Di An, and basically becoming operational. During the period of activation from 25 November, 1966 to 7 October, 1967 and from 2 November, 1967 until 30 November, 1967 there were 355 days of training, 25 days of troop movement, and 31 operational days.

Arriving in the Republic of Vietnam in late November, 1967, A Troop set up operations at Di An, supporting the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. A highly successful year in 1968, which included credit for over 1100 VC and NVA KBA's and the destruction of over 1200 structures, was highlighted by the awarding of the Valorous Unit Citation on 25 September 1968. The award was presented to the Silver Spurs for the major role they played in saving Long Binh Post from being overrun during the 1968 TET offensive.

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CHAPTER III: COMMAND AND CONTROL

I. -- Unit Commanders:

II. -- Major Subordinate Units:

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CHAPTER IV: UNIT OPERATIONS

Following a highly successful campaign for 1968 highlighted by the awarding of the Valorous Unit Award for action on 26 September 1968, the Silver Spurs began the New Year in the supporting of the 3d Brigade 9th Infantry Division as well as having 2 LOH's and 2 AH-1G's DS to CMAC. On 4 January the Spur Rifles were inserted near Duc Hoa and discovered a large cache consisting of 45,000 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 300 rounds of 60 mm, 200 B40 rockets, and 300-500 pounds of C3 explosive.

On the afternoon of 6 January, while on VR south of Doc Hoa, a Spur Loh was shot down by enemy fire; the pilot receiving a wound in the leg while the observer remaining unharmed. During the ensuing engagement, the cobra was also shot down and both pilots were killed. [Webmaster's note: 1Lt. Daniel B. Cheney and WO Walter N. Koslosky].

While on a search and clear operation on [6 or 8] January in support of the 3d Infantry 9th and Brigade, the rifle platoon ran into a mined area with the platoon leader being wounded by a booby-trap. A few days later, on 15 January, a scout was wounded in the thigh as his aircraft received 9 hits from automatic weapons fire south of Tay Ninh.

On the morning of 20 January Spur 6 and Spur 3 departed in a Loh to recon a new AO prior to commencing operations. At 1040 the Loh was shot down by enemy fire and Spur 6 and Spur 3 were killed in the crash. Ground troops were inserted with no results. [Webmaster's note: Spur 6 was Maj. Richard Zimmerman and Spur 3 was 1Lt. David Taylor]

The month of January had ended tragically with the loss of the Commanding Officer and Operations Officer. In addition to these, the Silver Spurs had two officers killed and three officers wounded due to enemy action. The Troop welcomed Major Burnett R. Sanders as the new CO to replace the deceased Major Richard K. Zimmerman. The results for the month included 63 VC KBA, 18 sampans destroyed, and the captivity of 300 pounds of C-3, 45000 rounds of AK-47 ammo, 300 rounds of 60mm, 10 land mines, 7 torpedoes, 200 B40 rockets, and 5 AK-47 rifles. The troop had 2 OH-6A and 1 AH-1G destroyed and 2 OH-6A damaged by enemy fire.

A Troop concluded January in support of II FFVN with elements DS to CMAC. February was very similar with the Spurs OPCON to II FFVN, the mission primarily consisting of day VR for the Capital Military Assistance Command (CMAC) and Bien Hoa Tactical Assistance Command (BHTAC) and night firefly for CMAC. On occasions the Spurs supported units such as 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) and the Royal Thailand Army Volunteer Force (RTAVF).

On 1 February, while supporting 2/60th Infantry and 9th Infantry Division, the Silver Spurs engaged and destroyed 1 sampan, 2 bunkers, and 1 hootch. The Silver Spurs also were credited with 7 VC KBA's.

On 7 February the Troop worked with the 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division on a regular basis for the last time, ending their day and association with the destruction of 13 sampans, 4 bunkers, 1-55 gallon drum, and 1 VC KBA. On the 9th of February the Spurs began regular daily VR missions for CMAC and BHTAC and a night firefgly fo CMAC. Three days of operations for CMAC resulted in 4 sampans and 6 bunkers destroyed and the capture of 6.

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[CHAPTER IV: UNIT OPERATIONS Continued]

On 12 February A Troop began DS to 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division for a fourteen day period. The Spurs welcomed the renewal of the association providing night firefly and VR cover. At the end of the two week period the Spurs had destroyed 30 sampans, 12 hootches, 20 bunkers, and been credited with 25 VC KBA's and 1 VC WBA. The Spurs were honored with a letter of appreciation from the Commanding Officer, 9th Infantry Division, Major General Julian J. Ewell following this, their last mission with the "Old Reliables" for the outstanding support the Spurs had provided, landing the professionalism, dedication and esprit demonstrated during the last three months operations.

Once again in support of CMAC and BHTAC was day VR and night firefly missions, the Spurs were credited with the destruction of 20 sampans, 20 hootches, 18 bunkers and 1 enemy radio while killing 7 VC KBA in an 18 day period from 27 February to 15 March. Most action was centered around the insertion of the aerial rifle platoon as ready reaction to the findings of the scout.

Unlike other Cav Troops placed in support of a single unit, the regular mission of the Spurs now consisted of 2 Hunter-Killer teams connected to BHTAC for day VR and the troop supporting CMAC. On 23 March the Spurs added further to their AO, being credited during this operation with 3 VC KBA and destroying 15 bunkers, 1 sampan, and 3 hootches. Activities in the CMAC and BHTAC AO from 28 March to 9 April included the destruction of 16 sampans, 3 bunkers, and 4 VC KBA.

On 16 april the night firefly team flying for CMAC was credited with 2 VC KBA as they found several major infiltration routes. A Troop continued its dual mission for BHTAC and CMAC and on 20 April the BHTAC team destroyed 6 bunkers and got 2 VC KBA during the days activities. On 25 April on the last night VR for CMAC the Loh received enemy fire while working southeast of Doc Hoa. Both pilot and observer were wounded in action, but flew the aircraft to medical facilities. The Spurs went back to the same area the following day, found a well used infiltration route and killed two VC. The following day the Spurs again concentrated their efforts where their comrades had been wounded, this time accounting for three VC KBA on the day VR mission. Three more VC were killed on the night firefly.

The month of April ended with the Spurs adding 1 VC KBA and 1 bunker destroyed on 30 April. A summary of the action from February to April showed that A Troop had accounted for 77 VC KBA, 2 VC WBA, and captured 16 detainers. Listed as destroyed were 136 sampans, 256 structures and 5 107m rockets. Friendly losses included 2 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 2 EM wounded in action. Combat damage incurred to 6 OH-6A's and 2 UH-1H's and the combat loss of 1 OH-6A.

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[CHAPTER IV: UNIT OPERATIONS Continued]

From the beginning of May the Silver Spurs added the commitment of one Hunter-Killer team to the Royal Thailand Army Volunteer Forces (RTAVF) to their regular day VR missions in support of BHTAC and CMAC. On 1 May the Firefly team destroyed 3 sampans, 1 bunker, and 1 AK-50 weapon and were credited with 3 VC KBA's. On the CMAC day VR of 4 May, the scouts located and directed the weapons platoon fire against 16 bunkers and 5 hootches resulting in the destruction of all the structures. While supporting the 18th ARVN forces east of Saigon on 8 May, the scouts located one 122 mm rocket, called in a strike, and credited the weapons platoon with the destruction of the rocket and getting a large secondary. Also destroyed that day were 6 bunkers and 2 VC were killed. On 9 May the Spurs continued support of the 18th ARVN forces, locating and destroying another 122 MM rocket and 4 bunkers. The days actions included the capture of 13 detainees and damage to 5 OH-6A's from enemy fire. One EM observer in one of the damaged aircraft was wounded.

On 11 May, while operating northeast of Bearcat, a Spur scout spotted and engaged an unknown size enemy force. In the ensuing battle, the Scout was shot down and both pilot and observer were killed. [Webmaster's note: WO James M. Gilbert and Sgt Paul Irving Roderigues. -- Roderiques officially listed KIA on 15 May 69]. The two dead crewmembers were extracted by a Medivac helicopter and the aircraft was destroyed in place by artillery. Air Force fighters, and seven Cobra gunships expended on the area, causing the enemy force to split up and retreat with unknown casualties.

Comment:

History as remembered by:
then 1LT Charles Stutzman, Silver Spur One-Three:

On 11 May 1969, I was riding as observer with 1LT Eacott, when the call came out that a Spur Scout had been shot down. I can not remember who the Cobra pilot was, but I don't think I will ever forget who the front seat gunner was, It was Captain Donald Duncan, who by the way is the author of this history. We arrived on location just a few minutes after our Cobra ship since we could only attain about 130 knots while the Cobra could do close to 160. As we arrived we made several circles around the downed Loach at about 75 foot altitude noticing that it had a faint trail of smoke rising up from the engine area through some of the numerous holes that had been inflicted by the VC. (The rotating red beacon on top of the air craft was turning slowly.)

I observed that Sgt. Roderigues was alive but was wounded in the upper leg and was taking cover outside the aircraft beside and rear of the mini gun sitting almost laying down on the ground. We made a few circles around the downed aircraft and looked to see if we could locate any enemy. During this time Roderigues moved his position from rear of the mini gun to in front of it and then back to the rear crawling and kneeling looking at us and back at the surrounding area, but WO Gilbert did not move at all. Eacott made a closer pass directly in front of the down Loach at about 50 foot AGL allowing me to check out if WO Gilbert was alive. What I observed through the shot up Plexiglas was that he was slumped in the seat with his head laying back and there was a visible wound in the forehead.

During the next 4 or 5 passes we did not detect any visible VC still in the area, Eacott looked at me as asked if I thought we should land and recover the downed crew. I responded affirmative and we both removed our shoulder harnesses and advised the two Cobra pilots our intentions. The Guns suggested that they make a few passes with suppressive fire to insure that if there were any VC in the area that they would keep their head down as we landed. Duncan began laying in 40 mike mike and as is the normal problem with that weapon, the gunner will not know exactly where the first round will land, then after observing where the first rounds land one would use an arbitrary spot on the sight as a reference to guess where the next rounds were going to hit. (I had previously learned this fact first hand while riding front seat Cobra) The only problem was on this occasion is that as 1LT Eacott was making a circling approach to land and had his eyes directed to the downed Loach, I was looking for any VC out my door and I saw the first round of 40 mm impacting just about 100 feet left of my door and our flight path and the 2nd round of 40 mm landed just to the right of Eacott's door exploding in his line of vision as he had started a circling approach to the Loach. I think that Eacott did not realize it was "friendly fire" and thought it was VC fire from below and he opened up with several burst with the mini gun. This is where it really got busy. All the rest happened in a span of only about 1 minute or so (although it seemed to be much longer and it happened as if it was in slow motion). I had seen that it was the 40 mm from Duncan's ship due to it exploding on the tree tops as he (Duncan) walked it on away from us and pounded the surrounding area. With the exception of an area about 300 foot in diameter with the downed Loach in the center, the entire ground started to move as hundreds of VC that had been camouflaged and started crawling, moving and running around about 150 feet away from the down aircraft. The best way I can describe it is that it reminds me of an ant pile full of mad fire ants. I opened fire with the Car 15 and found that the observer that I had bumped off the mission had short loaded all his clips with only about 5 to 10 rounds per clip. (I later asked him in a not too nice manner what in the world was his reason for not having full clips of ammo and he said that when they were all full his pack was too heavy to carry. . . go figgure!!) I expended every round he had in a matter of minutes and began to throw out grenades until all I had left out of the 40 or so that we started with was smokes, I had even threw out all the Willie Pete, Incendiary and a few CS. I used up all but 5 rounds of both mine and 1LT Eacott's .38 ammo.

By this time other Spur Hunter Killer teams were arriving on station and relieved us. Shortly the Lift Platoon arrived with troops ready to insert. They were orbiting off station (to the North I believe but am not sure). As we had expended all our firepower we backed off and held back towards the west of the area closer to a refuel area just in case we were needed later.

In a short span of time a large but undetermined number of VC were killed. With in about 30 minutes or so Dust Off rescued Sgt. Roderigues while almost getting annihilated themselves. As I recall the medic at great danger was able to pull him on board while one of his crew members used his "personal" unauthorized weapon to suppress the VC as they attempted to assault the Dust Off aircraft.

Sgt. Roderigues was flown to the hospital at Long Binh and was recovering with a wound to the upper leg which was not life threatening. To everyone's disbelief Sgt. Roderigues died 4 days later due to, of all things, pneumonia. I don't understand how that could happen, but it did.

Looking back at that day, I count it as the closest that I have ever been to loosing my Immortality. First by "Friendly Fire", and I am NOT pointing fingers as CPT Duncan because I have operated the same piece of equipment riding in front seat Cobra and know it's inaccurate way of guessing where the first round would hit and then walking it into the target. Then by the 100's of VC that were so well camouflaged that they were invisible until we started shooting. And even after numerous ships had expended their ammo and a Dust Off landed, the enemy was still large enough to plaster the Dust Off with numerous rounds almost resulting is further American deaths. It was the most intense fighting I had been exposed to up to that point, or would get exposed the rest of my abbreviated tour. Then to the situation of trusting the observer to have a full load of ammo as I went off into war on my 3rd day of transition into Scouts after loosing faith in Hueys when I lost my tail rotor on a night firefly mission. Then if we had landed before Duncan disturbed them with the 40 mm and Eacott hosed down the area with the mini, we would not have had enough ammo to defend ourselves as we surely would have had to do when the waves of 100's of VC would have assaulted us as we were trying to extract Sgt. Roderigues. I would guess that there were (this is not a Texas stretch) well over one thousand VC moving around on the ground. After Dust Off cleared and the Guns hosed the entire area down with "Red Smoke" ("Nails") (flechettes / darts) as it was, and the Air Force had a hey day defoliating the area with their toys, the DC-3's that had nick names such as "Spooky", "Puff", and "Smoky" could really defoliate. As best as I can recall, the size of the VC unit was reported to be in the thousands.

Just a few days later the area was swept and not a body could be found, and we all know how that works, the meat hooks and mass graves. We also know the devastation that a few loads of Nails and what "Spooky", "Puff" and "Smoky" could lay down. It puts a entirely different meaning to the term "Awesome" which is a word that it used too easily today by the younger generation.

Charles Stutzman - Spur 29 & 13

Webmaster's note: Charles is correct, according to DoD records, Roderigues is officially listed as KIA by the DoD on 15May69. Here is additional information available on Paul:

RODERIGUES, PAUL IRVING

Panel 24W, Line 020

ID No.: [deleted for privacy]
Branch: ARMY
Component: REGULAR
Grade: E5T
MOS: 11D4F
Posthumous Promotion: {n/a}
Birthdate: 07/17/47
Tour Date: 06/14/67
Casualty Date: 05/15/69
Length/Service (yrs): 02
Processing Date: 05/69
Age: 21
Home of Record: NEW BEDFORD
State: MASSACHUSETTS
Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC
Marital Status: MARRIED
Sex: M
Race: CAUCASIAN
Disposition
BODY RECOVERED
Casualty Type: HOSTILE, DIED WOUNDS, AIR LOSS, CRASH - LAND, HELICOPTER-NONCREW
Country: SOUTH VIETNAM
Province: BIEN HOA
CACCF Comment: {n/a}
CACCF Ref No.: 22023

Back to the Spur's Historical Transcript:

On 18 May the Scout flying a VR mission south of Bearcat received [intense] fire and the Spurs reacted with 4 Cobras prepping the area prior to insertion of ground troops. The ground elements credited A Troop with 12 VC KBA as they swept the area. Continuing on the daily VR mission for CMAC and BHTAC, the Spurs claimed 8 VC KBA and captured three detainees on 27 May, while having one LOH shot down and destroyed by enemy fire. The crew of the aircraft escaped uninjured.

During the day VR mission for CMAC on 1 and 2 June, A Troop Scouts located an enemy patrol, marking their position with smoke, as the Weapons platoon took them under fire, resulting in 11 VC KBA and the destruction of 1 bunker, 1 hootch, and 1 sampan. Two of the Cobras received minor damage from enemy ground fire. On 5 June the gunner of a Cobra was wounded in the forearm by enemy fire as his gunship attacked an enemy position west of Saigon. The gunship crew was credited with 6 VC KBA before their departure to medivac the gunner.

Still supporting CMAC and BHTAC with VR missions through the rocket belt and covering major infiltration routes from the west towards Saigon, A Troop accounted for 2 VC KBA and 4 structures destroyed on 23 June. On 26 June the Scout sighted numerous VC evading northwest of Saigon, engaged and killed one, marked the area of sighting for gunships, who accounted for one more KBA and destroyed 5 bunkers and 2 hootches. On an Aerial Checkpoint (ACP) mission the following day, the rifle platoon questioned 16 personnel and detained 5 while the Hunter-Killer team supporting the ACP spotted and killed 3 VC fleeing the area.

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[CHAPTER IV: UNIT OPERATIONS Continued]

The Rifle Platoon, while acting as security for a BHTAC Sensor Team on 17 July, discovered 2 separate caches consisting of 216 rounds of 6 mm mortar, 43 rounds of 82 mm mortar, 29 rounds of 57mm recoiless rifle, 19 boobytraps, and 2 anti-personnel mine.

For the period from May to June the Silver Spurs accounted for 65 VC KBA, 3 VC WIA, and 127 detainees from ACP missions. Destroyed during this period were 31 sampans, 194 structures, and 1275 pounds of rice. The period also included the capture of two caches. Friendly losses to enemy fire were 2 OH-6A's destroyed, 5 OH-6A's damaged, and 3 AH-1G's damaged. One Warrant Officer and 1 EM were killed in action and 2 officers and 1 EM were wounded.

Continuing in support of CMAC, BHTAC, and RTAVF, the Silver Spurs added missions in support of the Rung Sat Special Zone (RSSZ) in the next month, participating in all four phases of the sweep of the Rung Sat.

Of major consequence during the month of August was the capture of two caches in BHTAC by the Aero Rifle Platoon consisting of two stoves, dishes, cooking utensils, several pounds of medicine, ninety-one fragmentation grenades, boots and ponchos. During the sweep the Silver Spurs were credited with on VC KBA as the scout found a man in a bunker and called in a strike on it.

Six days later, while on a VR for BHTAC, the Hunter-Killer team found 3 VC in a bunker and destroyed the bunker and nearby hootch, killing the 3 VC. Insertion of ground troops in the area accounted for the capture of 250 pounds of rice and assorted military equipment.

The highlite of the month of September was the visit of President Nixon to DiAn, where he spent an hour visiting and shaking hands with the officers and men of the Squadron.

During the period from 3 to 6 October, A Troop participated in several sweeps and special operations in support of CMAC. One particular action, on 4 October, the Spurs discovered fresh trail activity leading along a suspected infiltration route. After the trails were followed for a thousand meters, signs of activity increased, culminating in the discovery of four bunkers along the trail. The gunship was directed to hit the bunker complex as additional support was summoned and the Aero-Rifle Platoon was readied for insertion. After the strikes made by the Spur gunships, a sweep of the area produced the bodies of 10 VC.

Particularly heavy contact was established between A Troop and an unknown size force southwest of Bearcat on 13 October, as the scout found the enemy force moving through the nipa trying to avoid a push from friendly troops. The scout marked the enemy location and direction of movement, and by going over the area after each strike, was able to direct the Spur gunships with such accuracy that the Spurs were

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[CHAPTER IV: UNIT OPERATIONS Continued]

credited with 21 NVA KBA at the end of the days action. Not to be outdone, another Hunter-Killer team on VR for CMAC found and killed 3 VC east of Saigon.

On 31 October, one of the Spur LOH's found fresh activity west of Bearcat and notified the gunship. While the gunship was attempting to get clearance on the area, the scout found a bunker and hootch near a stream and flushed 2 VC out of it. Unable to get clearance to fire, the Hunter-Killer team maintained a vigil over the VC while the Aero-rifle Platoon was scrambled. In the ensuing contact, the Spur elements killed two VC, took one prisoner, and captured a cache consisting of an M-1 carbine and ammunition, AK-47 ammunition, five pounds of medicine, assorted grenades, three pounds of documents, and 3950 pounds of rice.

From 1 November through the end of the year, the Silver Spurs provided direct support for CMAC, BHTAC, RTAVF, and RSSZ on a daily basis. During the period from 1 through 8 November, A Troop conducted VR, [unreadable - possibly Saigon] security, and Aerial Check-point missions for CMAC and BHTAC, resulting in the destruction of 32 bunkers, 2 sampans and 5 hootches, while 13 personnel were detained for questioning. On 8 November, the Hunter-Killer teams found and engaged an enemy force near the Binh [unreadable] accounting for 15 VC KBA.

On 9 November, the Aero-rifle platoon was inserted after the Scout had found a very promising area. The [unreadable] turned up a sizeable cache of medical supplies, 1 AK-47 rifle, and 400 pounds of rice. The following day, 8 bunkers and 1 hootch were destroyed by the Hunter-Killer team est of Saigon. At the same time, while conducting an ACP for BHTAC, the Aero-rifle platoon detained twelve personnel for questioning and captured one wounded female POW. The attached Hunter-Killer team accounted for 4 VC KBA.

Conducting VR missions on a regular basis for the RSSZ, an A Troop scout found an enemy location southeast of [NHA] Be. While attempting to mark the location, the scout received heavy fire and both pilot and observer were wounded. The aircraft was landed with minor damage. A replacement team came on station, located the enemy force, destroyed 1 sampan, 4 bunkers, and 4 hootches and killed 5 VC during the battle.

From 15 through 18 November, the Spur Hunter-Killer teams found and destroyed 6 sampans, 10 hootches, 10 bunkers, and 400 pounds of rice in widespread VR coverage of the CMAC and BHTAC AO. Killed during this period were 6 VC and 3-250lb. bombs were found and removed.

On 19 November, while supporting Marines in a sweep of the RSSZ, the Spurs destroyed 10 bunkers, 6 hootches, 3 platforms, and were credited with 10 VC KBA. During this action, a Spur LOH found a cache and directed

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[CHAPTER IV: UNIT OPERATIONS Continued]

the Marines to it. The sweep turned up several .51 caliber weapons, a large number of [boat] mines, grenades, explosives, and various radio equipment. The caches was the largest found that close to Saigon and intelligence gathered indicated the weapons were being gathered in expectation of an attack on river traffic in and aroud Saigon. On 23 November, in the same vicinity, three Spur LOH's were damaged by enemy fire as A Troop found another large force.

Action on 1 December netted A Troop credit for 4 hootches destroyed and 1 bunker damaged. The Aero-rifle Platoon was inserted to provide security for one of the Spur Guns that crashed after an engine failure. Neither crewmember was injured.

During the period from 2 through 12 December the Spurs accounted for the destruction of 17 bunkers, 11 hootches, 2 sampans, and 2 VC KBA while DS to CMAC, BHTAC and RSSZ.

On 14 December one Spur LOH was shot down with no injury to the crew. The missions results for that day were 1 KBA and the aircraft was recovered.

A Spur Hunter-Killer team, on a VR southeast of Bear Cat, destroyed 2 bunkers, 4 structures, 2 sampans, and killed 3 VC on 15 December. On 25 December 1 OH-6A received intense automatic weapons fire resulting in the observer being wounded. The reaction force of 2 Hunter-Killer teams found 3 VC and killed them, destroying [?] bunkers and 2 structures. Again on 28 December a LOH was hit as the pilot was wounded. The ensuing action accounted for negative results.

The Silver Spurs closed out the year of 1969 by conducting a special VR with visiting dignitaries on 31 December, and destroying 6 bunkers, 3 structures, and 1 sampan.

The year of 1969 was highly successful for the Silver Spurs, with A Troop being credited with over 500 VC KBA, the destruction of over 1600 structures and sampans, and the capture of five large caches. It was a year in which a number of Spurs gave their lives for their country, but are not forgotten as we dedicate this history to them and their loved ones.

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CHAPTER V: REFLECTIONS

This chapter is dedicated to the officers and men of A Troop, 3d/17th Air Cavalry, who gave their lives for our country and beliefs. Concluding this chapter is a letter of appreciation form the Commanding General of the 9th Infantry Division. This letter depicts the feeling the Silver Spurs leave throughout the Vietnam Battlefield

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DECORATIONS AWARDED TO SILVER SPURS:

SILVER STAR:

SOLDIERS MEDALS:

DISTINGUISED FLYING CROSS:

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(DECORATIONS AWARDED TO SILVER SPURS Continued)

(DISTINGUISED FLYING CROSS Continued):

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LETTER OF APPRECIATION

SUBJECT: Letter of Appreciation

1. On the occasion of my departure from the 9th Infantry Division, I would like to express my appreciation for the outstanding support you have provided the division over the past several months. The performance of the "Silver Spur" and "Burning Stogie" has contributed greatly to the success of the "Old Reliables". In our operations in Dinh Tuong, Long An, and Kien Hoa Provinces, your troops have shown themselves to be professionals in every sense of the word. Their dedication and esprit have always been in keeping with the finest cavalry traditions.

2. Please convey my personal thanks and those of the 9th Division to all your "troopers" for the outstanding job they have done for us.

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HONOR ROLL

CHENEY, DANEL B.: 05261197; 1LT

Due to hostile action on: 6 January 1969

KOSLOSKY, WALTER N.: W3160065; WO1

TAYLOR, DAVID E.: 05244923; 1LT

ZIMMERMAN, RICHARD K: 305-74-6285; MAJOR

GILBERT, JAMES M.: W3162110; WO1

RODERIGUES, PAUL I.: RA 11920617

DALEY, ROBERT: 031-26-6077; CW2

GOODLETT, JOHN: 233-68-2425; 1LT

NAMER, MARTIN: 062-40-1739; WO1

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Please also see: "3/17th Air Cav -- Looking For Trouble" by SP/4 Wood

This marks the end of this portion of Silver Spur history

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