Summarize
Undated after-action report on the ambush set on 21 Feb 66 on the inter-provincial road # 8 (Phan Thiet-Di Linh) by Binh Thuan, reproduced by L, C921, with the following information: 1. SITUATION: RVNAF situation: The southern section of the road # 8 ran across the Triangular Area which was liberated since May 1965. Thien Giao District was manned by 1 Regional Forces Co and 6 Popular Forces platoons. Another element secured the southern section of the road. The objective was within RVNAF artillery fire (14km from Phan Thiet City). The RVNAF reserve was 2d Bn, 44th Regt. VC situation: Operating in the Triangular Area were 482d Bn, and 4 guerrilla squads. In this action the units were reinforced with 1-81 mortar, 2 IMGs, 2 - 57mm RRs and 1 Sapper squad. 2. MISSION: 482d Bn, reinforced, was to destroy the Regional Forces Co manning Thien Giao District, Thien Giao District scat, attach Tam Duong Halet, Van Giao, and 2 IMGs and 1 PRC 10 was to attack the RVNAF units securing the southern section of the road # 8 (8 to 10km from Phan Thiet City). 3. CONCEPT OF OPERATION: The objective area was a densely populated one which was frequently patrolled by RVNAF recon elements. The VC units were to depart from Ca Na mountain, encircle the objective and attack it when the Thien Giao District Chief returned from Phan Thiet City. The observation tower was placed on the Ca Na Mountain. The surgical unit accompanied the Bn CP. 4. DEVELOPMENT: On the morning of 21 Feb 66, RVNAF troops (Regional and Popular Forces) secured the road. At 1200 hours of the same date, the VC Bn departed from the assembly point (Ca Na Mountain) and at 1300 hours arrived at its ambush position, and laid the telephone lines. At 1400 hours, and I-19 aircraft observed the road. At 1425 hours, the Thien Giao District 8 vehicle convoy moved back from Phan Thiet City. The lead element of the convoy was attacked. At 1500 hours, the entire convoy was encircled and attacked. At 1530 hours, the L19 aircraft was shot at and damaged. At 1540 hours, 100 RVNAF troops were taken prisoner at Muong Cri. 1st plat, 1st Co and 1st plat 3d Co, 482d Bn also killed many RVNAF troops including the district chief in another contact. At 1750 hours, 2d Co, 482d En attacked Tan Hung Hamlet, and 3d and 1st Co, 482d Bn moved into Van Giao and Xom Go hamlet. At 2400 hours, the Bn attacked the road. 5. RESULTS: RVNAF losses: Personnel - 67 KIA, 24 WIA, 123 POW. Weapons - 85 weapons including 1 mortar, 5 BARS, 1-23 ton truck, 1 truck load of ammunition, 5 PRC10 radios, 3 receiver radios were captured. Bridges, 5 vehicles and 2,500 rounds of ammo were burned. VC losses: 14 KIA including 12 killed by airstrike, 3 WIA. 6. LESSONS LEARNED: The action was well planned and executed with the exception of a few mistakes such as the move of prisoners before dark. The VC units were deployed rather far from the RVNAF positions (4km) and therefore they were not detected. RVNAF personnel were not alert when their convoy returned from Phan Thiet City.