6thofthe31st.com's Timeline

C Company engaged an entrenched enemy force southwest of Tan An. The ensuing battle resulted in losses to all three of C Company’s rifle platoons.

“On July 8, a mortar attack wounded 14 members of the battalion near the Binh Dien Bridge”"”

“July 9, four rounds of 75mm recoilless rifle fire hit the fuel tank complex, setting one of the huge oil tanks ablaze, but there were no casualties and no other damage.”

0200 hrs. Shell Oil in Nha Be gets hit by rocket attack during the night while I was pulling watch in tower above the Co. Hdqtrs

On July 11th Private Roberts drowns while crossing a stream during operations in the Mekong Delta.

July 13th – Delta Co. on military operations with MRF – going on offensive with the Navy in Mekong Delta waterways.

“On July 18, four 122mm rockets hit the base, but again there were no casualties.”

To assist Charlie A Company was inserted into a blocking position to the east and three companies of the 3-39^th Infantry were brought in to complete the cordon.

Dong Tam now official headquarters of the 9^th Division in Vietnam.

Turned over to Royal Thai Panter Division.

Charlie Company with a new commander walks into a VC battalion perimeter NE of Can giouc

August 8th – Charlie Co. captures an 82 mm mortar.

“Finally, when CS gas was used, the enemy came out of their position, about 50 were cut down. For the next day and a half, the battle continued. By the time the fight was over, US casualties, including those of the 3-39^th Infantry, totaled 13 dead and 27 wounded. The majority were members of the Bearcats’ C Company.5″

“Specialist John A. Jablonski in the 2nd Platoon Charlie Company, earned the Distinguished Service Cross.”

Charlie to Nha Be and Alpha to Rach Kein

Delta Co. receives ‘Recondo’ badges.

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 date is the 17th.  It’s possible that another Unit found him and 6/31 wasn’t alerted until the next day.”

“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 arm.”

“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 Thurmond moves two Companies to FSB.”

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.