Writer : Jae-sung Chung Date : 2011-02-05 Hit : 343436
Tra Binh Dong Operation by ROKMC

 

Dear Overseas comrades,

At first, it has been my privilege to have an opportunity to translate the following war story into English on a particular operation especially conducted by the ROKMC

(Blue Dragon) during the Vietnam War.

In fact, even though it has been known to the world that the Republic of Korea had participated in the Vietnam War by dispatching second largest troops next to the United States of America for last 9 years starting from 1964 to 1973, unfortunately, there have been little number of people who have properly known of the fact that we, Korean troops had served in close collaboration with the allied nations for keeping world peace and freedom.

Consequently I, as in the capacity of a webmaster for English of this website, have decided to introduce this war story with translation to you all in the hope that our sacrificial tracks as we had proudly accomplished at war be correctly known and understood by all of you, our esteemed foreign visitors.

For more reference, it is also promised that I will do my best to provide you with more translations on other combat stories in the future.

Hoping that this translated introduction will certainly provide you with an invaluable opportunity of learning the facts on how the Koreans had genuinely devoted themselves to the world peace, I hereby cordially send my deepest sympathy and respect to the bravest soldiers of the ROK Marines who had sublimely sacrificed their lives at the bloody combat of ‘Tra BInh Dong’ operation in Vietnam for their father land, the Republic of Korea.

I am looking forward to your constant cooperation and patronage.

Respectfully,

Jae-sung Chung

 

 

Subject:

The Blue Dragon (ROKMC) heroes who won a brilliant victory at

Tra Binh Dong operation.

 

In 1967 the Blue Dragon (ROKMC) was covering approximately 460 square meters as for their tactically responsible area of which legend includes 280km to south from the truce line of 17 degree of north latitude down to 540km north of Saigon, which was considered to be the far most northern FEBA(Front Edge of the Battle Area) in the ROKFV.

Eastern part of the area was linked to the coastal area of the South China sea and the Anam mountains. Therefore, this kind of geographical advantages had not only provided the enemy with ideal infiltration lane but also been famous for so called

‘Ho Chi Minh Trail( Route).’

This area is bordered on the north and south demarcation lines that linked with

Chabong and Chak river, where Binh-son and Sohn Tin district are located within the area. In the area, from the highway#1 to the south, the hills of 197 & 183 and 147 are respectively situated. Other hills of 143 and 106 are located at the east of the highway.

These hills consist of rocks and jungles. Especially, tremendous number of natural caves scattered in the area provide the enemy with countless hideouts.

Besides, other hillocks are mostly less than 60meters from the sea level and make the area flat piled hills. In the coastal area, it is mostly composed of lakes and swamps.

Paddies and paths are scattered all over the area as well. The hills were densely covered with the scrubs, ,and the village was heavily fortified with deep trenches, caves, barbed wire, mines and booby traps, which hardly allowed the approach of the friendly force.

According to a statement made by Major Fubiluke, a Vietcong defector, former commanding officer of the Vietcong’s 5th army training camp, he confessed that the enemy force that attacked the 11th company of ROKMC brigade were the 60th battalion under the NVA 1st regiment, 40th battalion under the 21st Regiment and the local guerrillas of Congnai county. The defector added that the enemy of the 21st Regiment was deployed nearby the area of ROKMC 11th company to prepare the surprise attack.

Enemy’s deployment showed that a battalion sized force, T18th & T21st companies of the local district of Sontin & Binhson were situated at the north-east of the highway #1. At the other hand, to the south of the road, there were HQ of the NVA 2nd Division and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd battalion of the NVA 21st regiment and the artillery regiment including the local battalion of 48th battalion and the Vietcong regular army unit of 409th battalion.

The enemy’s 2nd Division was fully afford to attack ROKMC’s 3 marine company bases at the same time with the force of 2 infantry regiments, an artillery battalion and 4 Vietcong battalions deployed in the area. Furthermore, they were possible to attack our tactical base of a company under the brigade.

We happened to note the following facts discovered from a memo written on a notebook seized from a shot enemy officer ( He was assumed to be a company commander or more higher ranking official).

(Synopsis):

Combat is the mission of each regiment. Be ready to continuously counterattack upon sweeping out all the enemy soldiers here. And then, move to the point ‘B’. All battalions must concentrate at point ‘A’ of the regiment and carry out 2nd mission given.

(Purpose of the operation):

It is to sweep out the enemy. The Korean Marine Corps stationed within our responsible area must be repelled to liberate local villagers by any means. And counterattack should be continuously made too. Our liberation front and the leaders will be highly encouraged should we could get triumphs. Our fame will surely make us possible to reconstruct.

(Things to be emphasized)

As a controller within the operational area, you should completely sweep out enemies, and capture POWs and seize as many as weapons. Mobilize every possible fire power to cut off enemy’s communication means when an attack operation is conducted. Keep the highest secret when operate just outside of the enemy’s positions. According to information, enemy possesses 3 pieces of106mm recoilless guns, 71mm mortars, 28 submachine guns and BAR automatic rifles.

Enemy defense positions consist of the barbed wire fence reinforced with the round barbed wire. With an interval of 5-10m at the perimeter of the positions, there are individual positions fortified. The field of observation is relatively fine. It must be noted that enemies are well organized and coordinated having best weapon of mortar fire power.

(Our Advantages):

The operation scheme was carefully planed with the attendance from all unit leaders including the upper commanders responsible. We are particularly familiar to the operational region, which will lead us to the advantageous situation. However, it is our vulnerability though that our troops haven’t been sufficiently trained in advance and there is a lack of swift cooperation between the units. Furthermore, we are positioned far from the targets.

If so, what had made the NVA conduct a surprise attack against the 11th company of the ROKMC ?

In the tactical area, Trai where the Dragon brigade was stationing, the ROK marine’s artillery positions and the Trai airfields had been the major target for the North Vietnamese Army. Therefore, in order to approach to the artillery positions closer, it was unavoidable for the enemy to attack the 11th company positioned at TRa BInh Dong village first before they further advance to the Tri airfield.

Though it was a fact confirmed later, a regiment of the NVA was suppose to destroy the ROK marine 11th company as quickly as in an hour and then further attack the TRI airfield.

In the long run, because of Dragon Company’s bloody counterattack continued for more than 4 hours, the NVA was defeated and completely retreated. In any case, if the ROK marine 11th company were fallen down by the NVA’s surprise attack, ROK.US and RVN would have experienced considerable damage caused by enemy’s such all out offensives as schemed.

Let us take a look on how the ROK Dragon’s 11th Company had led such a incredible victory. As a matter of fact, the 11th Company was defending the present positions after undertaking mission from the 9th Company just 2 months ago. The defense position of the 11th Company was situated at a flat base of the hill 30. To the north of the positions, There were a dense forest on the 10-20 hills and shrubberies of at least 1m high.

Up to about 300 yards to the North West of the positions, it was covered with a compact forest, and the rest was covered with a lot of coconut trees and the bamboos, which linked to a hill of 90-100 yds. The southern part of the area was a vastly opened rice paddy and about 200 yds off to the south east, approximately 100 villagers’ shelters were surrounded with the coconut trees and other tropical trees.

From the edge of the positions to the outer ring of 40meters, which were surrounded with the traffic positions, was completely fortified with 7-layer-barbed wire net. That was a stronghold where 140 mines and 63 claymores were buried. From the point of the Company’s OP, the Stone hill rock located 1km off to the South and highway #1 about 1 km off to the East were respectively viewed.

In the heart of the ranged mountains link from the Stone Hill Rock to the Cambodian border where an infantry Division of the NVA was deployed and eagerly seeking for an opportunity of recapturing of the Tra Binh Dong stronghold which was occupied a while ago. In the other hand, an intelligence report hinted that the enemy who lost the base tempted to retake the high way #1 that bridged between Kwang Gai and Trai despite the difficult situation under a blockade being effective over the east coastal infiltration lane.

“Sweep out Blue Dragon’s 11th Company”

February 14, 1967 was the day on which the 7 day seize fire claimed by the NVA was practically ended. More than 2,400 troops mobilized from the 60th infantry battalion of the 1st regiment and 40th Bn of 21st regiment under the NVA 2nd infantry Division including a battalion of Kwangnai local guerillas, were secretly advanced to the point of the deep forest just behind the Stone Hill Rock using the seize fire period.

The sly gathering was completed by noon on February 14th and slowly surrounded the primeter line of the ROK 11th Company’s position right after the sun set.

Enemy troops hiding in the individual positions about 250yds away from the 11th Company’s barbed wire fence, sent a reconnaissance scout at around 7 o’clock in the evening and tried to have minor infiltration in an effort to have it camouflaged and believed by the ROKs as they had just simply retreated after few tempted trials.

Enemy delayed their H hour to attack in order to have ROK marines confuse their usual attacks that used to be made between 1 and 3 at dawn. Trusting that we, the ROK soldiers might be fallen asleep at around 2 o’clock at dawn, they must have waited an order to go while mobilizing flame thrower,4.2” mortar and 120mm artillery pieces just in front of the ROK troop’s position.

# Following represents the status of the ROK troops and equipment mobilized for the Tra Binh Dong operation.

* Period: At 04;10 on February 15 1967 – 08;10

* Controlling Unit: ROK Marine 3rd battalion of the ROK Marine 2nd Brigade

* Unit attached & detached: 3rd platoon of the 1st Company of the 1st battalion

under ROKMC 2nd Brigade, Signal detachment of the 3rd battalion’s signal platoon.

ROKMC heavy artillery company of the 2nd Brigade. 2 Heavy mortar platoons.

A squad of the 106mm Recoilless gun.

* Major weapons participated: LMG 60mm 3 pieces, 81mm 2pcs, 4.2” 4 pcs and

106mm recoilless gun 1 pc, Heavy machine gun 1, 3.5” 4 pcs.

* Friendly Troops Status: 10 officers, servicemen 284

* Enemy forces: An augmented regiment

* Friendly troop’s Loss: KIA;15 WIA: 33

* War Result: Shot to death: 243 Enemies presumed to be shot dead; 60, POW: 2

* Fire arms seized: 3 flame throwers, 5 anti-tank grenade launchers, 2 LMGs,

11 M15 rifle,17 M56 automatic rifle, ammunitions : 6,000 rounds. 1telephone set,

100 of TNT 52 magazines, 7 SMG, 1 pistol and a rifle with round magazine.

Just a day before enemy’s surprise attack on February 14, as a beginning of a month by lunar calendar, it was pretty dark under the crescent amid very hot and humid weather continued. From around 20:10hrs it started fogging and finally drizzling around 03:00 hrs at dawn. Therefore, neither the field of observation was sound nor could we hear properly because of the heavy wind blowing at that time.

It was at 23;20hrs that the enemy had first approached. The Company commander, captain Chung, Jin-Kyung who was reported by his listening guard, PFC Park Ki-chang that there was a fishy sound of something to have moved, immediately issued an emergency alert to the entire Company. As soon as he had completed releasing the order to the Company to be ready for the imminent combat, he again received a report that a platoon sized enemy troops had approached up to 50m ahead of the company’s FEBA and were about to cut the barbed wire net. At this moment as if he were waiting this chance, he issued an order of volley.

Illumination rounds widely lighted entire ski lifting the heavy darkness. Under the illumination light, an enemy dead body was seen hang on the barbed wire and we found enemy troops were escaping through the thorny forest and bushes. It was judged that the enemy just tactically retreated after testing friendly forces’ defense capability so that they could earn more time to prepare for a large scaled attack.

As it was judged as imminent that a large scaled enemy offensive would be followed, the company commander,

Captain Chung took following actions:

- To augment listening posts as many as needed at the key points.

- To check ammunition level and distribute it equally.

- To review responsible fire range points of the crew-served weapons and the individual firearms

- To review the fire concentrating point and Increase the harassing fire.

- To launch illumination rounds every 30 minutes and observe perimeter area with super highest alert.

- To report to the Battalion Commander moment by moment regarding enemy situation.

Thereafter, no significant enemy temptation had been caught for more than 3 hours.

The enemy that was seemed to return didn’t show up, but it was drizzling in the forsaken darkness.

At 04;10 at dawn on February 15th, our front listening guards, PFC.

Do, Sung-yong and Cho, Jung-nam smelled an exceptional Vietnamese body odor and listened sounds that men were moving around at the very close distance. Then they immediately reported the situation to the platoon leader. Right in that moment, we heard big screaming

“ Vietcongs are cutting the barbed wire !”

We heard a screaming from other listening post who kept watching the barbed wire to the direction of Stone Hill Rock. At the same time, Cpl. Lee, Jung-suk began shooting up, and the enemy also responded with mortar firings. Upon ordering the listening guard to retreat, the company commander issued alert to be in immediate combat readiness and took action as follow:

* Firstly, Hold firing until the enemy reaches our effective firing range!

* Secondly, with a graceful sprit of our traditional marines, fight to the last moment!

* Thirdly, Be strongly resolved to defend our positions in the face of death!

As soon as the attack order was issued, the entire sky was being illuminated with various colors due to the illumination rounds launched. And several hundreds of enemies were discovered hanging on the front barbed wire fence.

“Suwon city(1st Platoon), Daejon city(2nd Platoon), this is your chief at Seoul(Co.HQ)”

”Concentrate all fires giving massive punches to the point in front of Chonan city(3rd platoon)”

Wearing anti-bullet jacket only on underwear, Captain Chung was patiently encouraging the soldiers. The company commander, Captain Chung ordered all soldiers quietly and patiently urging them to be desperately ready. In the heavy darkness fire exchanging noise and explosions sounds stirred whole earth and the sky was abruptly dyed with fire flames.

Despite our heavy firing and artillery shelling, enemy troops crawled on hand and knees in the face of death. The barbed wire fence fortified in front of the 3rd platoon was at last penetrated by the enemy’s Bangaro Ropedo explosion and 5-6 hundred enemies instantly stormed like a wave. At this very moment a radio report from 3rd platoon leader, 2nd Lieutenant Lee, Soo-hyun reached at the Company OP.

“ This is an enemy’s large scale attack and they stormed up to 25m just in front of our guard post!”.

The 1st squad of the 3rd platoon was already engaging in hand-in –hand combat. Company commander, captain Chung was totally occupied for judging present situation, and 1st lieutenant Kim KI-hong ,the platoon leader of the weapon platoon, was hurriedly reporting to the battalion commander, LTC Cho Hyung-nam. Realizing the sense of urgency, the battalion commander requested that the brigade should provide every possible support in no time. And he encouraged the soldiers by saying as follows:

1. Be patient!

2. Defend our positions against the enemy to the last second!

3. Remember our invincible tradition of our 3rd Battalion! and fight against the enemy to the last moment of death!

4. Be sure that support troops will soon be arriving!

Battalion commander kept releasing operational directives to the company commander while asking commitment of counter offensive units to the Brigade HQ. He requested air support including aerial illuminations.

Immediately after the request, air support aircrafts so-called Snoopy arrived, however, they were unable to close to the points due to heavy fog and rain, but circled round above us in the sky. The support aircrafts had to change their mission for refueling. The initial attack made by the enemy tried to penetrate at 04:20 at dawn through the destroyed section of the barbed wire fence with massive random shootings.

“Enemies were advancing while beating the drums and whistling”.

The first enemy attacking party of about a battalion scale advanced with drum beating and whistling and shouting ”whoo whoo” kept saying

” Daihan, Lai Lai” ( this means “Hey, Korean, come on “)

The barrels of all LMGs were so burnt that changed to red, and agonizing cries were heard from here and there. Enemy fiercely concentrated their firings onto the fronts of the 1st and 2nd Platoon in a scheme to deter our support troop’s approach.

As was noted that our positions had been filled with excessive number of enemy troops, the company commander, Captain Chung, Kyung-jin directed the following orders for the effective usage of the supported weapons.

1) The observation officer, Lieutenant Kim should in no time suppress enemy’s mortar attacks with 105mm Howitzer fires, and to blockade the enemy troops, strike just outside of the fire concentration point!

2) Do frontal firing against the enemy with 3.5” rocket launcher to interdict infiltrating enemy troops!

3) To blockade the infiltrating adversaries, keep concentrating fire onto the planed fire concentration point!

4) Strike the follow-up elements in front of the 3rd platoon with 106mm Recoilless Gun!

5) The front air control team must request and guide immediate air illumination and air support fires!

When such orders were issued, friendly positions had been already tangled between the friendly and the foe. Therefore, IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) was no way possible.

Whenever the illumination rounds were launched, the enemies lied down flat on the ground. Enemy’s continuous whistling severely stimulated our nerves. At this moment another report was received that a battalion size enemy troops were about to blow up our wire entanglements installed at the front of the 1st platoon.

At 04:22 hrs, foe’s main body of about two battalions was continuously infiltrating through the demolished barbed wire at the front of the 1st platoon. The 3rd platoon was almost fallen into enemy’s control and uncountable hand grenades were thrown into the positions.

For the first time, at 04:40Hrs, foes infiltrated into the 1st squad’s positions like a water wave. At the moment, our gunner, PFC.Do, Sung-yong and the rifleman, PFC. Kim, Dong-jei were wounded by the enemy sniper. However, these soldiers hit, brought utmost efforts to defend the position by throwing hand grenades despite such a serious injury.

The squad leader, Sergeant Bae, Jang-choon shouted

“ Defend position desperately otherwise we all be in the hell”

Handing over the radio to the 2nd marksman, PFC. Lee, Young-bok, the Sergeant braved the violent hand in hand combat and suppressed 5 foes by brandishing the field shovel and the hoe, which desperately encouraged the soldiers for the moment. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, PFC. Do, Sung-yong crawled up to a hideout where 5-6 foes hid and threw a hand grenade. PFC. Do rushed back to the traffic trench after the hand grenade strike.

Foes kept firing in a line formation with automatic weapons. Upon discovery of such enemy’s move, the marksman, PFC Kim Myung-duk took an automatic rifle at his waist and began shoot out randomly towards enemy, and then the rest of squad members immediately followed with massive volume of fire.

At this moment, a hand grenade was thrown into our position and PFC. Kim Dong-Jei was shot to death and Kim, Myung-duk was fallen down as he was seriously wounded by the fragments. While we braved the frightened combat, foes had already reached as close as 10yds ahead of the 1st squad’s front. Hand grenade-throwing combat was deployed between the friendly and the foe.

“ In case you soldiers are unable to move, bury your rifles and defend the position to the last minute !”

shouted the squad leader, sergeant Bae, Jang-choon. Desperately screaming and cheering up soldiers, Sergeant Bae picked up PFC. Kim’s automatic rifle and fiercely fired to the crawling foes, that killed 10 foes in a second. At the same time there was another hand grenade attack and all of the squad members wounded except sergeant Bae, PFC. Lee, Ki-chang and PFC. Lee, Young-bok. Until that time, the 3rd squad swept out enemy of a platoon during its three different blockading operations. Anyway, the enemy had finally advanced into our squads’ position.

Knowing that he is no longer able to perform hand-in-hand combat due to heavy wound, Sergeant Lee, Hak-Hyun held grenades with both hands and hugged 5 foes and commited a suicide sublimely. Through this massive hand-in hand combat, most of our soldiers were either dead or wounded. PFC. Lee, Young-bok who was hiding in a foxhole, as a only survived soldier, was desperately defending position fighting against the rushed in enemies. Sergeant Bae’s right shoulder was seriously wounded. Therefore, he fell down and buried his rifle and started throwing hand grenades into the traffic trench as for the final resist. Sergeant Bae radioed to his 1st Sergeant

“ our squad is penetrated”

“we are at the crucial moment.”

In an attempt to replenish the troops, the 1st Sergean responded

“hold a second”

and tried to call 2nd squad. And asked

“What about you solders of 2nd squad?”

to this asking the 2nd squad radioman answered back

“We are O.K. over”

As soon as the 1st Sergean heard this report thru radio, he also heard a big bang. The Sergeant kept calling the 3rd squad. There was no answer.

“Answer, Bongho Dae 3, BonghoDae 3”

He again called the 2nd squad, but nothing he could hear from them either. Sergeant reported to the company commander

“communication nets of the entire platoon are completely dead”

“the 1st squad is judged to be completely annihilated.”

Although hit by an enemy bullet, the marksman of the LMG, CPL Kim, Nam-suk of the 1st squad resisted to the last moment of his death. Right after marksman’s death, the deputy marksman replaced the former marksman’s position. However, he was heavily wounded too by the fragments. Although the 1st ammunition marksman, PFC. Woo, Choon-mae jumped in as a substitute, his endeavor was no longer successful. He had to meet his last fate.

Unfortunately, the last survivor, PFC. Song Young-sup finally fell down too after fulfilling last machine gun firing. He was found that he had disguised himself as if he were dead at the final moment to have foes closely approach him even pulling off the burnt barrel away. He had finally committed a suicide by blasting the two hand grenades held by both hands.

“Destroy the pillbox”

At the 1st platoon area, enemy’s direct artillery shelling aiming at the company HQ and the key positions kept continued. The 1st platoon leader, 2nd lieutenant Shin Won-bae thought that the enemy wouldn’t have been possible to resist any longer without the pillbox located behind the huge rock, he recommended the destruction of the said pillbox to the company commander and obtained permission to do so. Company commander wished their success too.

Just before heading for an attacking point accompanying with 1st sergeant Kim, yong-gil, sergeant Lee, Jin and PFC. Cho yong-gu, the platoon leader, Shin issued an order to each squad leader saying

” I’ll expel the enemies hidden behind the rock”

“ While we are approaching the point, you guys must perform cover firings.”

And then he swiftly ran about 30meters towards the enemy foxhole under the heavy firing, but 60m still left to go further via flatly open paddies.

Radioed with an/prc-6 to the squad to perform massive firing onto the hideout located behind the rock where the foes are believed to have hidden, the platoon leader Shin advanced as close as 20m and threw two hand grenades. As the hand grenades blown up, simultaneously the 1st sergeant Kim did the same job, which ended killing 20 enemy soldiers.

Under the illumination three more foes were escaping to the direction of the bush. 1st sergeant Kim immediately went after them with aiming shot. Conforming complete dead of the foes behind the rock, they seized 3 grenade launchers and safely retreated to the position one by one. This achievement played key role in blockading enemy’s constant attacks.

Following the attack to the 1st squad of the 3rd platoon, enemy expanded their attack to the entire 3rd platoon area. Hence, Hand-in Hand combat was entirely deployed at the 3rd platoon zone. The heavily tired, PFC. Shon, Soon-tae realized that he was no longer possible to resist against the massive number of enemies. He finally disassembled his rifle and scattered it into the bush. After that he bit off coming foes and at last met his glorious fate.

Because of the desperate resist sustained by the entire platoon, such aggressive enemy’s attack seemed to be held back to some extent. In the mean time, an enemy’s projectile hit the company’s observation post and hurt deputy commander, 1st lieutenant Yang baek-su. The 4.2” mortar ammunition storage was hit by a following artillery shell. Fortunately, it wasn’t ignited due to the sand bags stacked around.

Little over 05:00 hrs, even though it looked pretty quiet, more than 500 rounds of the various artillery pieces were constantly reaching near the positions. At 05:10Hrs the enemy seemed to have been quiet for a while began to advance massively thru the first infiltrating point of the 3rd platoon zone. They in a second arrived at our traffic trench. A part of them already penetrated into the trenches and the 60mm mortar position. Again fierce hand-in –hand combat was redeployed.

Watching that enemy troops were touching the 60mm artillery piece, the 60mm marksman promptly pulled out handgun and strike in the face of foes. And replaced the artillery piece at the end of the traffic trench with camouflage. He resisted with hand grenade attacking and was able to keep it to the last minute.

At 06:00 Hrs, enemy had smoothly infiltrated into friendly traffic trenches and part of them advanced into the 4,2” mortar position deploying hand-in –hand combat. On the other hand, a frame thrower team of the enemy was fiercely throwing frames aiming at the 4.2” rocket position. In the meantime, the ammunition marksman, PFC. Kim Bo-hyun and Yoon Sang-yol, who were then protecting the mortar after giving up the position, bravely advanced under the full cover firing to demolish enemy’s frame thrower team and seized a SMG gun.

In addition, the 1st platoon leader, Shin Won-bae noted a fact that two enemy frame throwers organize a team and constantly suppressed the friendly shelters and covers one after other. Therefore, he accompanied with the 2nd squad leader, sergeant Oh Seung-hwan performed hand grenade attack on the enemy marksmen of the frame throwing team. He finally shot the frame thrower marksmen to dead and seized 2 Soviet made frame throwers.

Advancing up to the rear area of the 3rd platoon, enemy had positively suppressed our 106mm recoilless gun squad. Until that time the 106mm wasn’t mobilized because of a fear of being attacked, only participated in defending the 2nd line. Catching a sort of imminent tense of the situation, Sergeant Kim, Kwang-jung quickly disassembled the 106mm recoilless gun and extracted the most important part of it. Sergeant Kim had his gunner, PFC. Kim Eun-Tae move it to the rear area lest this gun could be safely protected.

Fortunately, the responsible area of the 2nd platoon being led by lieutenant Kim,Sung-bu had yet been penetrated. Company commander decided to have a commitment of a squad withdrwan from the 2nd platoon to the right side of the 3rd platoon.

“Take a decisive pincer operation against enemy tooth and nail”

At 06:30hrs at dawn, the observation officer of the 105mm Howitzer completely suppressed a point that had been believed to be enemy’s CP (Command Post). 105mm howitzer had finally paralyzed enemy’s commanding power.

At the same time the observation sergeant Kim, Hyun-chul stared on the foe’s position with binoculars despite uncountable rocket strikes and reported to observation officer, 1st lieutenant Kim, Se-chang that he had discovered enemy’s 81mm and 120mm mortar positions. 1LT. Kim was able to have the enemies who already jumped into the position completely isolated with the artillery concentration fire and deter enemy’s constant infiltration.

At 06:40 hrs, the company commander had finally decided to deploy a counter offensive team and pulled out each squad from the 1st and 2nd platoon respectively. This commando was to interdict enemy’s rear area approaching along the traffic trench. The platoon leader of firearms platoon, 1LT. Kim,KI-hong, volunteered to lead the commando and advanced towards the center of the enemy position. Enemy’s cover fires at the position was suppressed by our supported artillery shelling and since the enemy’s rear was cut-off, the foes were divided into two, but left totally isolated under a state of chaos.

At 06:52hrs, the commando was deployed right beneath the company’s OP and braved fierce hand-in-hand combat. In a second, the platoon leader 1Lt. Kim had knocked down 5 foes hitting with the bottom of the handgun. At last the enemy had retreated back to the point where they were before started attacking. Being encouraged by the enemy’s retreat, 1st sergeant, Kim Seon-kwan shouted standing in front of the commando while crazily shooting over the enemies.

When the totally paralyzed enemy tempted to retreat, two squad soldiers who were then enveloped the enemies in the position, had pushed the foes into our traffic trench and thrown countless hand grenades into the trench. In an effort to capture around 10 of alive enemy soldiers, our soldiers induced them by saying

“Lai Lai (come out).”

However, it was in vain because no one was willing to surrender. Therefore, all were shot dead except one wounded.

In the meantime, the enemy kept firing on our position while trying to evacuate weapons and rifles held by the dead foes. The OP officer 1Lt. Kim Se-chang who was keeping eye on the enemy to blockade enemy’s escaping exit, was directly hit thru the helmet. Being bandaged to stop bleeding, Lieutenant Kim was still guiding the artillery fires onto the escaping enemy. He was finally become unconsciousness due to excess bleeding.

At 07:24 hrs, as the morning breaks, it was visible to our naked eye that a company sized troops that were assumed to be of some runaway enemy soldiers and their support troops, were escaping. Upon observing enemy’s runaway and in accordance with company commander’s order, Sergeant Kim, Kwang-jung in no time reassembled the 106mm recoilless gun that was hidden, and began to crazily shoot out over the retreating foes.

The company commander, Captain Chung set a plan for a last combat and therefore, decided to pull out the 3rd platoon stayed at the 3rd line to have it wait at the company’s OP to attack enemy’s main body.

“3rd platoon should retreat to the company OP and decoy the enemy’s main force!!"

“Blow up every bunker and post!!”

“You guys of the 1st and 2nd platoon must do the pincer attack until my further order is issued!!”

In pursuance of the commander’s order, the 3rd platoon immediately moved to the OP area. Being decoyed by our camouflaging tactics, the stupid enemy troops were densely advancing filling the 80yd path through which our 3rd platoon had just retreated back. They marched forward beating the gongs as if they got a victory.

Troops waiting at the company OP showed no single sign, but waited the final order to go. At this very moment, company commander, Captain Chung proudly ordered the command to fire.

“Open fire!!!”

At that moment, heavy artillery fires from the heavy artillery company led by the commander, major Boo Du-jin, coincided with the all-out rife firing of the rifle platoon, which correctly hit the core of the enemy force.

This surprise attack drove the enemy in a trap of complete chaos. So the foes began to back off. Seeing enemy’s retreat, Captain Chung ordered,

“Go after these damn shits and do not lose even one” he shouted.

“You, all soldiers of the 3rd platoon must assault forward.”

After cheering up the soldiers, Captain Chung who had been commanding the platoon, handed over the radio to his men and promptly jumped over the 3meter high bunker to directly command the 3rd platoon. At this time it was found that communication net between 1st and 3rd platoon was disconnected. 1st Lt. Kim who had accompanied the company commander said to the commander,

“I will trace the enemies’ so you stay at the OP and keep commanding the troops so that we, the Blue Dragons be able to bravely fight to the last minute. Sir.”

"적들이 얼룩무늬로 위장하다"

“Enemy got camouflaged”

The friendly troop’s morale was getting skyrocketed while tracing the totally paralyzed enemies.1st Sergeant Kim Jun-kwan of the 3rd platoon shouted while angrily firing M16 rife,

“Soldiers! Be sure that the damn shits having camouflage with weeds on their camouflaged fatigues are all Vietcong!!!” so sweep’em all without hesitation!!

It was a really difficult situation where IFF (Identification Friendly or Foe) was no way possible. Before the surprise assault was made, enemy wore camouflaged fatigues and disguised themselves by putting weeds on the camouflaged helmet to be seen like we Blue Dragon marines did it when we fight outside of the position. This proved that they had paid much attention in preparation for this surprise attack.

However, the enemy’s vulnerabilities were clearly exposed that they could in no way smell Blue Dragon’s secret tradition that we had never used double camouflage while staying in the positions. Onto the enemies who were trying to escape in massive groups from the traffic trenches, heavy weapon company’s indiscriminate artillery firings were heavily concentrated along with the hand-grenade assaults.

Surprisingly, at the very moment, we noted that the enemy started assaulting to destroy the friendly company OP by a commando equipped with Czech made frame throwers. Another fierce combat was again deployed in front of the 3rd platoon. The enemies that infiltrated to the front of the 1st p

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