6thofthe31st.com's Timeline

Battalion moves to Dong Tam

“C Co has highway and local security tasks.  At 0200h, James Belthrop and Clifford Meyers (E Co) WIA from satchels.  B/D out on patrol.  Later that afternoon, A/B/D go opcon to 3/47.  C has another WIA from small-arms fire, hit in leg.”

“A/D Co’s load onto boats to be inserted.  Bunkers found throughout the day, no contact.  At 1810h, Pfc Lionel Maldonado-Torres (A Co) slipped into the water while reloading back onto the boat.  The record doesn’t show his remains being found later on the 17th, and I haven’t pulled the 18th or 19th, but his official [...]

“C Co stayed in the field from their NDP, the other Co’s coming in by boat.  At 1000h, C has a WIA (unkn – back wound) and a Navy man WIA from a stray bullet as LZ is under fire.  Arty and gunships called in.  At 1335, C has another WIA(unkn) due to a fractured [...]

“C Co locates an ammo cache and captures a POW.  The POW escapes at 1100h while they were crossing a stream.  Gilbert Riddle (D Co) is dusted off due to malaria.  At 1350h, Daniel W McCarthy (C Co) dusted off due to broken leg.  E Co assigned as FO for A/D Companies.”

“Convoy heads out from Dong Tam.  At 1810h, E Co has a 3/4 ton truck hit by landmine, 4 WIA.  Dustoff called.  Report comes in at 2000h that Pfc Christopher Minton (E Co), dies of wounds sustained from the blast.  It turned the truck over and a second truck is stuck in the mud.”

“Starting at 0825h, A reports they are under attack.  At 1025h, Sgt Ronald L Summers (A Co) is WIA from AK-47 wound to the neck.  (He would later die of this wound sustained on 8 Oct 68).  Contact continues most of the day, and at 1640h, A reports 4 more WIA.  Anticipating more attacks, Maj [...]

D Companies 3rd platoon inserted by air near My Than in a joint operation with PF’s..  Surrounded by VC.  Eight men hit in opening contact fire.  Five die that day.

Five soldiers killed in Delta Co.

A&D companies join Delta against a large enemy force.  More wounded as the day progresses.

10 VC killed and 8 Americans wounded. One died later as a result of wounds: John R. Klotz.

“Several choppers shot down including a medivac, the C&C and a gun ship.  Rangers added to the troops on the ground”

Delta Company Co’s final farewell.

Remaining enemy slip away.  In total the battalion has lost 7 dead and twentysix wounded.