19-Jul-69  After Action Report

On July 19, 1969 Alpha Company was enroute to night ambush positions.  Second Platoon had moved ahead while the command group and First Platoon waited half an hour before proceeding in a slightly different direction.  At that moment a company-sized element, moving parallel to and in the opposite direction of the command group, came into close proximity and a firefight ensued.  This is a report of that action.  For a personal account of this action, see  Stamps And Silk Stockings...

SUBJECT: Combat After Action Interview Report.

1. 2nd Bn, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.

2. Operating Date: 19 July 1969.

3. Location: XT758148.

4. Control or Command Headquarters: Tactical Operations Center, S-3, 2d Bn, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.

5. Person being interviewed: Thomas A. Barbera, 149-34-6902, SP/4, age 25, RTO, A Co, 2d Bn, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.

6. Interviewing Officer: 1LT Howard W. Mitchell.

7. Task organization: A Co, 2d Bn, 14th Infantry.

8. Supporting forces: A 1/8, 105mm Arty, A Co, 25th Aviation (Night Hawk), B Co, 25th Aviation (LFT) (Flareship).

9. Intelligence: Area was known to be a VC/NVA infiltration route to Saigon.

10. Background Information: A Co 2d Bn, 14th Infantry had been conducting Night Combat operations in this general area for a period of 1 week with sightings and contact every night.

11. Mission: Mission of A Co 2d Bn, 14th Infantry on 19 July, 1969 was to conduct Night Combat Operations in a known VC/NVA infiltration corridor to harass and interdict enemy movement.

12. Concept of operation and execution: On 19 July 1969, A Co, 2d Bn, 14th Infantry, departed FSB Emory at 1815 for Night Combat Operations. The company was to set up three (3) AP's with the Command Post included in one of the AP's. At 2030 the company broke from it's holding area and started moving toward it's separate AP locations. At 2035 the company received small arms and automatic weapons fire with 3 RPG rounds, from an enemy element of 2 platoons located about 200 meters to the South southwest. A company immediately returned fire, killing 3 VC and calling for Light Fire Team, Flareship, and Artillery.

The gunship began working over the area of contact with mini gun and rockets suppressing the enemys fire. Arty was fired on suspected withdrawal routes with the Night Hawk covering these areas. After all firing was stopped A Company made a complete sweep of the contact area revealing a 3 body count and 1 AK-47.

13. Results: 1 US WIA (leg wound); 3 VC body count, 1 AK-47.

 

                            Anthony S. Baron
                            Cpt, Infantry
                            Adjutant

 

This After Action Report has been reproduced to appear like the original.  The copy was obtained by and has been generously contributed by Paul North, Echo Co., 2/14th Inf.

19-Jul-69 After Action Report
Copyright © 2008 Kirk S. Ramsey
Last modified: November 24, 2023