title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 21 March at 02:10, a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division in night defensive positions 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Trảng Bàng received mortar fire followed by a ground attack. The unit returned fire with organic weapons and were supported by helicopter gunships and AC-119 gunships in an action that lasted two hours. The bodies of seven PAVN/VC were found, while U.S. losses were two killed. At 02:50, a landing zone occupied by a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Tây Ninh received 150 rounds of mixed 60/82 mm mortar fire. A ground attack followed at about 03:45. The unit returned fire with organic weapons and were supported by artillery and helicopter gunships along with AC-47 gunships. The enemy broke contact at about 06:45. PAVN/VC losses were five killed while U.S. losses were ten killed, among those killed was Specialist 4 Donald R. Johnston who smothered the blasts of three enemy-thrown explosives with his body, actions for which he was posthumously awarded the medal of Honor. At 11:20, a unit of the 1st Infantry Division, under the operational control of the 11th ACR, discovered a weapons cache 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Phước Vĩnh Base Camp containing 31 AK-47s and 24 RPG-2 rounds. A UH-1 was hit by ground fire and crashed 11 miles (18 km) north of Tây Ninh killing five men on board.: 51–3


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 22 March at 03:30, a unit from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division ambushed an estimated 15 PAVN/VC 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Go Dau Ha. The action continued for about three hours with helicopter gunships supporting the unit until the PAVN/VC withdrew leaving ten dead and one individual and one crew-served weapons. At 10:45, a unit of the 11th ACR and infantry from the 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 19 miles (31 km) southwest of An Lộc. Contact was lost at about 16:30, 31 PAVN/VC were killed and 2 captured, U.S. losses were one killed. At 15:10, in the same general area, helicopter gunships from the 1/9th Cavalry engaged an enemy force 16 miles (26 km) southwest of An Lộc. Troops from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, sweeping the area, engaged an enemy force about 20 minutes later and the action continued for 30 minutes before the PAVN/VC withdrew. 12 PAVN/VC were killed and one 82 mm mortar was destroyed, U.S. casualties were one killed. At 14:00, a unit of the 1/9th Cavalry engaged an enemy force while sweeping an area 18 miles (29 km) southwest of An Lộc. The PAVN/VC withdrew leaving ten dead. At 14:10, infantry from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force while sweeping an area 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of Sông Bé. Helicopter gunships and artillery supported the infantry and another unit of the brigade reinforced. Contact continued until about 15:20, PAVN/VC losses were unknown, while the U.S. lost three killed. An OH-6 was shot down 11 miles (18 km) north of Tây Ninh killing all three on board. Another OH-6 was downed 9 miles (14 km) east of Tây Ninh killing two men on board.: 54–5


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 25 March at 07:45, helicopter gunships from the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 7 miles (11 km) south of Bến Cát. The bodies of 11 PAVN/VC and were found and two AK-47s and one 12.7mm machine gun. At 09:00, helicopter gunships from the 1/9th Cavalry, attacked several trucks in a jungle area 18 miles (29 km) northeast of Tây Ninh. Tactical air strikes were also directed onto the location and aerofifle troops assaulted into the area found five destroyed 3/4 ton trucks near a bunker complex. At 10:00, mechanized infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, engaged an enemy force while sweeping an area 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng. The action continued until about 16:40 resulting in 18 PAVN/VC killed and three individual and one crew-served weapon captured. At 10:15, a 25th Infantry Division convoy from Củ Chi Base Camp to Tây Ninh, was ambushed 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha. Within 15 minutes, troops from the Division's armored cavalry squadron arrived in tanks and armored personnel carriers to reinforce the convoy. Sporadic contact continued until 19:00 with the PAVN losing 85 killed and 19 AK-47 rifles, one 82 mm mortar, five light machine guns and 2 RPG-2 launchers captured; US losses were two killed, including First lieutenant Stephen Holden Doane who was killed while destroying an enemy bunker, an action for which he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. At 12:30, infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division supported by helicopter gunships from the air cavalry squadron of the 12th Combat Aviation Group, engaged an enemy force 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Cần Đước killing 11 in an hour-long engagement. At 13:00, troops from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered a bunker complex and graves containing 23 PAVN/VC killed in the preceding three days 18 miles (29 km) southwest of An Lộc. At about 15:30, infantry of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, discovered several bunkers while sweeping an area 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Lai Khê, the bunkers contained 16 complete 107 mm rockets.: 60–1


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 27 March two Army helicopters were destroyed in the operational area. A UH-1 was downed 19 miles (31 km) south-southwest of An Lộc killing five on board. An AH-1 Cobra was downed 16 miles (26 km) north of Tây Ninh, killing both crewmembers. On 28 March at 02:15, a fire support base 14 miles (23 km) northwest of Lai Khê occupied by elements of the armored cavalry squadron and artillery of the 1st Infantry Division, received a ground attack. The defenders returned fire supported by an AC-47 gunship and helicopter gunships. The enemy broke contact three hours later leaving eight dead and two crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were four killed. At 10:10, the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division, while escorting a convoy from Củ Chi to Tây Ninh was ambushed 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Tây Ninh. Other armored cavalry and mechanized infantry units reinforced and supporting fires from artillery, helicopter gunships and tactical air strikes were provided in a battle that continued until 15:00. PAVN/VC losses were 66 killed and 18 individual and 3 crew-served weapons captured while U.S. losses were three killed. At 12:30, units of the armored cavalry squadron and the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, engaged an estimate 30 PAVN/VC 6 miles (9.7 km) east-northeast of central Saigon. The contact continued for about 2.5 hours and PAVN/VC losses were 10 killed and two captured. About 1 hour prior to the contact, a UH-1 helicopter gunship was hit by ground fire and crashed in the same general area. At 12:40 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division sweeping an area 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Ben Soi discovered a weapons cache containing 28 complete 107 mm rockets. At 13:40, a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, sweeping an area about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Trảng Bàng engaged an enemy force until about 18:45 killing 20 PAVN/VC and capturing two crew-served weapons.: 66–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 29 March at 08:15 units of the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division operating 16 miles (26 km) east-southeast of Tây Ninh engaged an enemy force. The unit was supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and tactical airstrikes until the enemy withdrew at 10:00 leaving 19 dead and two individual and two crew-served weapons. At 09:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division was landed 15 miles (24 km) north of Tây Ninh where it was engaged by an enemy force, reinforcements were landed and artillery, helicopter gunship and tactical air support were provided in an engagement that continued until 20:00. U.S. losses were eight killed while PAVN/VC losses were unknown. At 11:10, a mechanized infantry unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division about 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Tây Ninh, received heavy fire. Contact was lost at about 19:30. In a sweep of the area the next day the bodies of 36 PAVN/VC were found. U.S. losses were two killed. At 13:40 a unit of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade located a weapons cache 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Bến Lức. At 14:40 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division located a weapons cache 4 miles east of Quần Lợi Base Camp.: 69–70


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 30 March at 07:45 a unit of the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division received fire from an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Dầu Tiếng. In the hourlong battle eight PAVN/VC were killed and two AK-47s and one light machine gun were captured; U.S. losses were three killed. At 09:30 a unit of the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division engaged a PAVN force 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Dầu Tiếng in a two hour long battle. The PAVN lost 30 killed and four AK-47s captured while U.S. losses were eight killed. At 10:00 the 1st Cavalry Division's Phước Vĩnh Base Camp received five rounds of 107 mm rocket fire, artillery was directed onto the launch site resulting in a secondary explosion. At 10:45 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) east-northeast of Phú Cường killing seven PAVN/VC and destroying 25 bunkers and a tunnel. At 11:30 1/9th Cavalry helicopter gunships engaged ten PAVN 6 miles east-northeast of Phú Cường killing all ten. At 11:40 a unit of the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division sweeping the area 5 miles (8.0 km) north-northeast of Dầu Tiếng engaged an enemy force killing seven. Another element of the squadron killed a further 38 PAVN in the same area at the same time.: 71–2


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 3 May at 08:20 an armored unit attached to the 1st Infantry Division engaged an estimated enemy platoon 10 miles (16 km) south of An Lộc. An infantry unit reinforced the armor and artillery and helicopter gunships also engaged. The enemy withdrew at 13:00 leaving 19 dead and 9 captured; U.S. losses were one killed. At 14:00 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division engaged an estimated enemy company while sweeping an area 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng, another infantry unit and mechanized infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division reinforced the brief 20 minute contact resulting in 20 PAVN/VC killed. At 14:45 an aerial forward air controller (FAC) saw the bodies of 20 PAVN/VC amongst 26 bunkers destroyed in an air strike 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha. At 15:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division sweeping an area 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Củ Chi located a weapons cache. At 17:30 an OH-6 was shot down 5 miles southeast of Lai Khê, both crewmembers were killed.: 12–13


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 4 May at 00:05 a unit of the 1st Infantry Division 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng ambushed an enemy unit killing 13 and capturing three AK-47s and an RPG launcher. At 08:00 two UH-1s collided 6 miles (9.7 km) north-northwest of Bien Hoa Air Base killing all eight personnel on board. At 11:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy unit 9 miles (14 km) south of Katum Camp killing three; U.S. losses were four killed. At 15:35 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged 15–20 PAVN 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Bình Phước killing 11 and capturing two individual weapons. At 18:30 infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles west of Bến Cát killing six and capturing four AK-47s; U.S. losses were one killed. On 5 May at 09:45 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an estimate 25 PAVN/VC in a bunker complex 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Katum. Contact was lost at 12:10, U.S. losses were three killed, enemy losses were unknown. At 11:00 an OH-6 crashed 23 miles (37 km) north-northwest of Tây Ninh. At 11:45 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division engaged an enemy unit 9 miles east of Trảng Bàng, the engagement continued until 12:50, PAVN/VC losses were 16 killed and four individual and one crew-served weapons captured. At 11:50 a supply convoy was ambushed 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng in an hourlong engagement 11 PAVN/VC were killed and one U.S. killed.: 14–16


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 6 May at 00:35 the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 19th Artillery Regiment in a night defensive position at Firebase Carolyn (11°32′49″N 106°10′01″E / 11.547°N 106.167°E / 11.547; 106.167) 7 miles (11 km) south of Katum was attacked. The contact continued until 06:00 when the enemy withdrew leaving 101 dead and 29 captured and 47 individual and 23 crew-served weapons captured; U.S. losses were nine killed. At 03:20 a unit of the 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position at Landing Zone Joe (11°27′22″N 106°29′35″E / 11.456°N 106.493°E / 11.456; 106.493) 15 miles (24 km) south-southwest of An Lộc received 150 rounds of mixed 60/82 mm mortar fire followed by an attack by fire. Helicopter gunships and artillery were called in on the direction of fire with unknown results. At 07:30 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division observed 30 PAVN 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Katum and called in airstrikes on the area and ten bodies were seen after the strike. At 20:00 infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Bến Lức killing nine and capturing four AK-47s. On 7 May at 11:30 troops from the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division found a 20 ton rice cache while searching an area 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng. At 20:30 a U.S. aerial observer from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division saw 15-20 PAVN/VC 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Ben Soi and directed artillery fire onto the area. The observer counted 15 dead in the impact area.: 16–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 8 May at 07:05 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division sweeping and area 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Tây Ninh engaged an enemy force in bunkers resulting in eight PAVN/VC killed and four U.S. killed. At 13:10 infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division accompanied by tanks engaged an entrenched PAVN force 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Phú Cường. The engagement continued until 17:30 resulting in 29 PAVN killed and one U.S. killed. At 20:10 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in a night defensive position 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of Go Dau Ha detected enemy movement and called in artillery fire, an aerial observer reported 22 dead PAVN/VC in the impact area. On 9 May at 09:35 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found a weapons cache containing eight 122 mm rockets 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Phú Cường. At 10:45 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division sweeping and area 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Phú Cường was engaged by an enemy force killing three U.S. for two PAVN/VC killed. Also at 10:45 mechanized infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged a PAVN force 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng. The battle continued until 18:45 and resulted in 102 PAVN killed and one captured and eight individual weapons and one light machinegun captured; U.S. losses were two killed. At 14:40 and OH-6 was hit by ground fire 7 miles (11 km) north-northeast of Go Dau Ha and crash-landed. At 17:45 infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an estimated platoon in fortified positions 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Bến Cát killing 15 in an hourlong engagement. At 18:15 helicopter gunships from the 1/9th Cavalry engaged 20 PAVN/VC in a bunker complex 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Katum killing eight.: 20–3


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 10 May at 08:20 helicopter gunships from the 1/9th Cavalry attacked an entrenched enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Phú Cường and 20 bodies were observed in the area after the attack. At 10:40 armored cavalry from the 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Trảng Bàng, the engagement continued until 15:30 resulting in 20 PAVN/VC killed and two AK-47s and one RPG launcher captured. At 14:00 helicopter gunships from the 1/9th Cavalry engaged an enemy force 14 miles (23 km) southeast of Katum, the bodies of 10 PAVN/VC were observed in the strike area. Also at 14:00 troops from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of Katum, one U.S. was killed while enemy losses were unknown. At 14:05 an OH-6 was hit by ground fire 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Tây Ninh. At 17:00 a UH-1 was hit by ground fire and crashed 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Trảng Bàng killing four on board. At 21:40 mechanized infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in a night defensive position 6 miles northeast of Trảng Bàng received a ground attack by a PAVN platoon. 35 PAVN were killed and 11 individual and one crew-served weapons were captured. On 11 May at 02:40 a patrol from the 11th ACR ambushed an enemy unit 7 miles (11 km) south-southwest of Xuân Lộc, helicopter gunships and AC-47s provided support until the enemy broke contact at 04:40 leaving four dead and six individual weapons. The enemy were pursued and contact reestablished at 06:30 and an element of the 1st Australian Task Force reinforced with tanks and armored personnel carriers, killing a further 14 and capturing four more individual weapons. At 13:00 troops from the 9th Infantry Division engaged an estimated enemy platoon 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Bến Lức killing 15 and capturing two and one individual weapon. At 14:15 helicopters from 1/9th Cavalry engaged a bunker complex supported by tactical airstrikes, killing 13 and destroying four huts and a .50 cal machine gun. An OH-6 was shot down 12 miles (19 km) east of Biên Hòa killing one crewman.: 23–7


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 12 May at 00:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 13 miles (21 km) east-southeast of Katum received 300 rounds of mortar fire followed by recoilless rifle fire and then a ground probe. The action continued until 05:20 when the enemy withdrew leaving one dead and one SKS rifle; U.S. losses were two killed. At 01:35 a unit from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Katum detected an enemy force approaching their position and engaged with fire. At 03:00 the base received 200 rounds of 82 mm mortar and 107 mm rocket fire followed by a ground assault. The attackers penetrated part of the base and engaged U.S. helicopter gunships with 12.7 machineguns. The battle continued until 06:15 when the enemy withdrew leaving 73 dead; U.S. losses were seven killed. At 01:45 an 11th ACR fire support base 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Bến Cát received mortar fire and an enemy force was detected near the perimeter. Helicopter gunships and AC-47 gunship fire was directed onto the enemy location and they responded with 12.7mm machinegun fire. A sweep of the area found 28 PAVN killed and eight individual and one crew-served weapon. At 03:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Phú Cường was hit by mixed 82 mm mortar and 107 mm rocket fire followed by a ground attack. Artillery, helicopter and fixed wing gunship support was provided and the enemy withdrew at 04:45 leaving 45 dead and eight RPG launchers and six individual weapons; U.S. losses were seven killed. At 03:30 a landing zone 1 mile (1.6 km) west of Sông Bé occupied by a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division was attacked. The battle continued until 07:00 when the enemy withdrew leaving 33 dead and two flamethrowers. At 08:50 a helicopter from the 12th Combat Aviation Group received ground fire 5 miles (8.0 km) west-southwest of Xuân Lộc and returned fire and observed 10 dead in the strike area. At 09:20 another helicopter from the same unit engaged enemy 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Xuân Lộc killing eight. At 10:30 mechanized infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an estimated enemy battalion 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Tân An. The unit was supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and tactical air strikes and the ARVN 50th Regiment, 25th Division. The battle continued until morning when the enemy withdrew leaving 83 dead, seven light machineguns, six AK-47s and five RPG launchers; U.S. losses were two killed. In the Rung Sat Special Zone VC attacked five ships on the Long Tau channel causing superficial damage. An AH-1 was shot down 13 miles (21 km) west of An Lộc.: 28–31


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 13 May at 10:00 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division sweeping an area 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng engaged an entrenched enemy force. The enemy withdrew at 14:15 leaving 50 dead and 18 individual and eight crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were three killed. On 14 May at 04:45 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in a night defensive position 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Dầu Tiếng received mortar fire followed by a ground attack. The battle continued until 06:00 when the PAVN withdrew leaving 51 dead and four captured and 17 individual and six crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were two killed. At 12:10 an infantry unit from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division sweeping an area 10 miles (16 km) west of Bến Cát was attacked by PAVN. The unit received support from mechanized infantry, artillery and helicopter gunships killing 34 PAVN and capturing 13 AK-47s and three RPG launchers. At 13:10 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged four PAVN 11 miles (18 km) north of Ben Soi, contact was lost then regained at 15:00 before the PAVN broke contact at 15:25 leaving 23 dead and five individual weapons; U.S. losses were two killed. At 13:45 helicopters from the air cavalry unit of the 25th Infantry Division engaged 15 enemy 5 miles (8.0 km) west-southwest of Bến Cát, the bodies of 12 PAVN/VC were found and four captured. At 16:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division sweeping an area 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Bến Lức engaged an enemy force. Contact was lost at 17:35 with 13 PAVN/VC killed.: 32–4


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 17 May at 21:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy unit 12 miles (19 km) north of Tây Ninh killing seven and capturing two and three 107 mm rockets. On 18 May at 01:00 a unit of the 54th Artillery Group at Xuân Lộc Base Camp was attacked. The unit was supported by helicopter and fixed wing gunships and a unit of the 11th ACR. Fighting continued until 06:00 resulting in 24 PAVN killed and 14 U.S. killed. At 11:20 infantry from the 199th Light Infantry Brigade (199th LIB) located a weapons cache 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Bình Chánh District. At 12:35 armored cavalry from the 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) north-northeast of Trảng Bàng, supporting arms were called in and the action continued until 17:15 when the enemy withdrew leaving 14 dead and one AK-47 and one RPG launcher. At 12:45 in the same general area infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force in a battle that continued until 17:50 resulting in 14 PAVN/VC killed and four AK-47s captured. At 13:15 Dầu Tiếng Base Camp received 10 rounds of 82 mm mortar fire and artillery fire was directed onto the firing position, a later search found two dead PAVN/VC. A UH-1 was hit by ground fire and crashed 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Tây Ninh.: 39–41


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 19 May at 10:45 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Phú Cường losing three killed while killing two PAVN/VC. At midday the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division patrolling 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Trảng Bàng found the bodies of 12 PAVN/VC killed by airstrikes in the previous two days. At 16:40 armor from the 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Bến Cát killing 15 PAVN/VC and capturing six AK-47s and two RPG launchers. On 20 May at 11:10 mechanized infantry of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Tân An killing 14 PAVN/VC and capturing four individual weapons. AT 11:30 a UH-1 was shot down 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Phú Cường. At 14:20 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division sweeping and area 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng engaged an enemy force. The contact continued until 18:00 and resulted in 16 PAVN/VC killed and seven individual weapons captured. At 16:00 infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles southwest of Rach Kien killing 12 PAVN/VC and capturing two individual weapons.: 42–3


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 21 May at 01:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 11 miles (18 km) south of Katum observed 10-15 enemy infiltrating their perimeter wire and engaged them with organics weapons, artillery and helicopter and fixed-wing gunship fire killing 12 PAVN and capturing one and six individual and two crew-served weapons. At 11:15 mechanized infantry of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged 15–20 enemy in bunkers 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Củ Chi, artillery and air support were called in and the bodies of 17 PAVN/VC and six individual and one crew-served weapons were found. At 14:35 a UH-1 was shot down 0.6 miles (0.97 km) east of Đức Hòa District. On 22 May at 04:15 an AH-1 was shot down 11 miles (18 km) north of Xuân Lộc killing both crewmen. An OH-6 was hit by ground fire 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Trảng Bàng. On 23 May at 04:45 an RF outpost 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of An Lộc received 100 rounds of 60/82 mm mortar fire followed by a ground assault. The unit was reinforced by another RF unit and at 09:30 by mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. The PAVN withdrew at 15:00 leaving 53 dead, two individual weapons, 2 12.7mm machineguns and one 57 mm recoilless rifle; U.S. losses were two killed, there were no ARVN losses. At 13:00 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division patrolling 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Tây Ninh found the graves of 15 PAVN killed approximately two days earlier.: 44–6


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 24 May at 09:07 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) east-northeast of Bearcat Base. The contact continued until 18:00 resulting in 15 PAVN/VC killed and two 12.7mm machineguns, two 82 mm mortars and one RPG launcher captured; U.S. losses were one killed. At 12:45 the 1/9th Cavalry engaged a bunker complex 14 miles (23 km) southeast of Katum killing two PAVN and capturing a 40 ton rice cache. At 13:10 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 11 miles (18 km) north of Bến Cát. Contact was lost at 18:50 with 14 PAVN/VC killed and one AK-47 captured; U.S. losses were one killed. At 14:20 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng killing nine PAVN/VC and capturing four individual and one crew-served weapons. At 15:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy unit 5 miles (8.0 km) west-southwest of An Lộc. Mechanized infantry joined the contact which continued until 16:40. A search of the area found 96 PAVN dead and captured one and 24 AK-47s, one light machinegun, three 75 mm recoilless rifles, two 57 mm recoilless rifles and two 60 mm mortars; U.S. losses were two killed. Staff Sergeant James Leroy Bondsteel was awarded the medal of Honor for destroying ten PAVN bunkers during the battle. At 15:25 units of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division located a bunker complex 15 miles (24 km) south-southeast of Katum containing 103 107 mm rockets, 124 RPG rounds and 12.5 tons of rice. At 21:40 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at a firebase 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Ben Soi observed enemy movement on their perimeter. Artillery and helicopter and fixed-wing gunship fire was directed onto the area and the bodies of 20 PAVN/VC were found in the strike area.: 47–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 27 May at 08:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division air assaulted into a landing zone 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Sông Bé and were immediately engaged by enemy forces. Mechanized infantry later arrived and the enemy withdrew at 11:20 with unknown losses; U.S. losses were one killed. At 10:00 a unit of the U.S. Navy River Detachment 512 operating on canals 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Củ Chi found a 2 ton munitions cache hidden in 55 gallon drums. At 17:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division sweeping an area 6 miles (9.7 km) north-northwest of Tân An engaged an enemy force killing 20 PAVN/VC and capturing eight AK-47s; U.S. losses were three killed. An OH-6 was shot down in Hậu Nghĩa Province. On 28 May at 10:30 a unit of the 11th ACR sweeping an area 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Xuân Lộc engaged an entrenched enemy force. The ARVN 52nd Regiment, 18th Division reinforced and the battle continued until 16:00 resulting in 18 PAVN/VC killed and four individual weapons captured; U.S. losses were one killed, there no ARVN losses. At 12:35 a reconnaissance unit from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 8 miles (13 km) north-northeast of Tân An, the battle continued until 19:00 resulting in 23 PAVN/VC killed and five U.S. killed.: 52–3


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 29 May at 06:00 helicopter gunships from the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged 10–15 enemy soldiers 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng, division mechanized infantry then swept the area engaging more enemy until 18:00. The PAVN/VC lost 59 killed and 30 AK-47s and 13 crew-served weapons were captured; U.S. losses were one killed. At 08:30 1/9th Cavalry found a 22 ton food cache 21 miles (34 km) north-northeast of Xuân Lộc. Later that day the same unit found a munitions in the same area. At 10:10 an OH-6 from the 12th Combat Aviation Group received fire from a bunker complex 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Bến Cát and directed artillery and helicopter gunship fire onto the area killing five PAVN/VC. At 12:45 a unit of the 11th ACR patrolling 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Xuân Lộc found a weapons cache containing 27 SKS rifles, nine M3 submachine guns, eight BARs and assorted other weapons and munitions. At 14:45 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an entrenched enemy force 9 miles southeast of Xuân Lộc and killed 21 PAVN/VC and captured one. At 20:45 infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Cần Đước killing nine. On 30 May at 00:05 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division in a night defensive position 2.5 miles (4.0 km) northeast of Hóc Môn District was attacked and lost eight killed. On 31 May at 10:15 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division sweeping an area 6 miles southeast of Bến Cát engaged a PAVN force killing 14 and capturing nine individual and one crew-served weapons.: 54–6


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 4 June at 12:50 units of the 199th LIB engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Cần Giuộc District killing eight. On 5 June at 12:50 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and a unit of the ARVN 49th Regiment, 25th Division engaged a PAVN force 6 miles northeast of Trảng Bàng in an engagement that continued until the evening. PAVN losses were 72 killed and 21 individual and four crew-served weapons captured. At 15:30 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found the graves of 20 PAVN/VC 14 miles (23 km) east of Tây Ninh killed in air or artillery strikes in the preceding days. At 17:10 a reconnaissance unit of the 25th Infantry Division observed a PAVN platoon 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Go Dau Ha and directed artillery and helicopter gunship fire onto the area. An RF unit was landed by U.S. Navy riverine boats and engaged the PAVN killing 15 for no losses. An OH-6 was shot down 9 miles (14 km) south of Tây Ninh. A UH-1 was shot down 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng killing four on board.: 17–20


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: At 02:00 on 7 June a Night Hawk helicopter detected movement near Firebase Crook and artillery fire was directed against the suspected PAVN positions. At 03:00 a PAVN rocket and artillery barrage began to hit the base and then at 04:30 two battalions of the PAVN 88th Regiment attacked the northern perimeter but were forced back by gunship fire. PAVN losses in this attack were 323 killed without loss among U.S. forces.: 100–1 At 09:30 a unit of the 11th ACR and the ARVN 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry engaged an enemy company 11 miles (18 km) east-southeast of Xuân Lộc. Artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes were provided in support and the enemy withdrew at 16:45 leaving 41 dead and seven individual and seven crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were two killed. At 10:45 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and a unit of the 11th ACR engaged two PAVN companies 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of An Lộc. The units were reinforced by another 11th ACR unit and artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes were provided in support. The PAVN withdrew at 16:30 leaving 95 dead and 22 AK-47s, five RPG-2s, four RPG-7s, one 60 mm mortar and one 57 mm recoilless rifle; U.S. losses were three killed. At 14:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found 16 PAVN dead 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Phú Cường who had been killed in airstrikes the previous day. At 14:20 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of Tây Ninh killing 19 and capturing five and two individual weapons.: 28–30


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On the night of 7/8 June a third weak assault was made against Firebase Crook and quickly repulsed. On 8 June at 17:05 infantry and mechanized infantry from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng killing 17 and capturing seven individual and one crew-served weapons. At 21:15 helicopter gunships of the 164th Combat Aviation Group engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Phú Cường, forty dead PAVN/VC were counted in the strike area. On 9 June at 10:40 a mechanized unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 3 miles (4.8 km) east of An Lộc. Artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes were provided in support and the enemy withdrew at 16:15 leaving 36 dead and three individual and one crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were one killed. At 13:30 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 5 miles northwest of An Lộc. The unit was supported by helicopter gunships and joined by mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. The enemy withdrew at 16:30 leaving nine dead and five individual and one crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were four killed. At 14:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an entrenched enemy force 14 miles (23 km) east of Tây Ninh. The unit was reinforced by other brigade troopers and a unit of the 11th ACR. The enemy withdrew at 18:20 leaving 15 dead; U.S. losses were three killed. At 14:50 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 11 miles (18 km) east of Tây Ninh. Artillery and helicopter and fixed-wing gunships were provided in support and the enemy withdrew at 19:00 leaving 51 dead; U.S. losses were three killed. At 15:10 armored cavalry from the 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 3 miles north of Trảng Bàng. Another unit of the squadron joined the action and artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes were provided in support. The enemy withdrew at 19:00 leaving 26 dead and seven individual weapons.: 32–9


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 12 June at 02:00 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 18 miles (29 km) northeast of Xuân Lộc was attacked by a PAVN force. The attackers withdrew at 04:55 leaving 35 dead and two captured and 22 individual weapons. Prisoner interrogation revealed that the attackers were from the VC 27th Regiment, 5th Division. At 13:00 a unit of the 1st Infantry Division sweeping 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Lai Khê captured one PAVN soldier. At 18:35 1/9th Cavalry helicopters engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Katum killing 15.: 44 On 13 June at 01:25 mechanized infantry of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in night defensive positions 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Phú Cường were attacked. The enemy withdrew at dawn but were pursued by the U.S. unit who lost contact at 08:50. Nine PAVN/VC were killed and five individual and two crew-served weapons captured. At 13:30 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of Trảng Bàng. Artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes were provided in support until the enemy withdrew at 14:40 leaving 23 dead and nine individual and three crew-served weapons. Also at 13:30 a unit from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Phú Cường killing eight. At 21:20 mechanized infantry of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division ambushed an enemy force 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Củ Chi. The enemy withdrew at 21:55 leaving 16 dead and three individual weapons. At 21:45 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged 20 enemy soldiers 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Tân An killing 13 and capturing two individual weapons. A UH-1 was shot down 3 miles northwest of Củ Chi.: 44–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 16 June at 01:30 helicopter gunships from the 1/9th Cavalry attacked an enemy campsite, 12 bodies were later seen in the area. At 14:30 armored cavalry from the 25th Infantry Division found 13 PAVN bodies 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Trảng Bàng, they appeared to have been killed two days previously. At 15:45 reconnaissance troops from the 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 20 miles (32 km) south-southeast of An Lộc killing ten. At 16:30 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a munitions cache 20 miles (32 km) south-southeast of An Lộc containing 16 107mm and five 122 mm rockets. At 17:45 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Xuân Lộc. Artillery and helicopter gunship support was provided and the enemy withdrew at 18:50 leaving 9 dead; U.S. losses were one killed and one Kit Carson Scout killed. On 17 June at 05:55 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 17 miles (27 km) north of Xuân Lộc was attacked by a PAVN force. The PAVN withdrew at 07:05 leaving nine dead and two individual and one crew-served weapons. At 10:15 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a weapons cache 20 miles (32 km) southwest of An Lộc containing five 240 mm rockets. At 16:30 helicopters carrying a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division received heavy ground fire near a landing zone 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng. Helicopter gunships and airstrikes hit the area and the troops were landed and searched the area finding 32 PAVN/VC dead and six individual and seven crew-served weapons.: 52–7


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 19 June at 01:45 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at a firebase 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Tây Ninh engaged six enemy soldiers outside the perimeter. At 02:20 a barrage of mortar and RPG fire hit the base followed by an attack by fire. The defenders fought back supported by artillery and AC-47 and AC-119 fire. The attackers withdrew at 04:00 leaving 35 dead and six captured and 13 individual and eight crew-served weapons. At 09:50 the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Tây Ninh supported by artillery and helicopter gunships and later reinforced by another armored cavalry unit. The enemy withdrew at 20:30 leaving 85 dead; U.S. losses were two killed. At 11:50 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and the South Vietnamese 6th Marine Battalion engaged an enemy company 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Tây Ninh, supported by artillery and airstrikes. The enemy withdrew at 13:20 leaving 57 dead and three individual and 12 crew-served weapons. At 17:35 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division attack an enemy force on the northeast of Tây Ninh. The enemy withdrew at 18:00 leaving 18 dead and three AK-47s and one 2mm mortar. At 22:15 helicopters from the 12th Combat Aviation Group attacked an enemy force 6 miles southwest of Tây Ninh killing 15. A UH-1 was shot down 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Xuân Lộc.: 63–4


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 20 June at 00:50 a landing zone occupied by a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 12 miles (19 km) south of Katum received 82 mm mortar and 107 mm rocket fire. At 01:30 the base was attacked by a reinforced PAVN battalion of the 1st Division. The defenders fought back supported by artillery and AC-47 fire. The PAVN withdrew at 02:45 leaving 90 dead and 33 individual and 21 crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were seven killed. At 10:45 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division patrolling 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng engaged an enemy force killing 12 and capturing three individual and one crew-served weapons. On 21 June at 09:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 8 miles (13 km) south of Katum killing 14 and capturing three individual and two crew-served weapons. At 19:25 a unit of the 25th Infantry Division in night defensive positions 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Go Dau Ha directed 81 mm mortar fire onto seven PAVN/VC killing all seven. On 22 June at 21:00 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Củ Chi. The unit was reinforced by mechanized infantry and supported by helicopter gunship and AC-47 fire. The enemy withdrew at 23:00 leaving 29 dead and two captured and 15 individual and one crew-served weapon; U.S. losses were one killed.: 65–9


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 24 June at 14:55 mechanized infantry of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found the graves of eight PAVN/VC 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha, all had been killed recently by artillery fire. At 20:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division attacked ten enemy in a sampan 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Bến Lức killing nine. An OH-6 was shot down in Hậu Nghĩa Province killing both crewmen. On 25 June at 08:30 the 1/9th Cavalry engaged 20–5 entrenched enemy soldiers 7 miles southeast of Phước Vĩnh, the aerorifle platoon was landed and found 13 dead and two individual weapons. At 16:00 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division patrolling 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Bến Cát found the bodies of ten PAVN/VC killed by airstrikes. On 26 June a USAF FAC saw nine enemy dead and seven destroyed bunkers in an area hit by airstrikes 9 miles southwest of Bến Cát. At 17:30 an observation helicopter drew fire 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of Tây Ninh, artillery fire was directed onto the area and then mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division swept the area finding 23 dead.: 73–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 27 June at 05:00 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in night defensive positions 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Tây Ninh received a ground probe by an enemy force. Artillery, helicopter gunships and an AC-47 provided supporting fire and the enemy withdrew at 06:30 leaving 32 dead and three captured and two RPG launchers; one Kit Carson Scout was killed. At 08:45 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Tây Ninh, supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes. The enemy withdrew at 14:30 leaving 62 dead and 23 AK-47s and two crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were one killed. At 10:55 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Phú Cường. The unit was reinforced by mechanized infantry and an RF unit with artillery and helicopter gunship support. The enemy withdrew at 13:35 leaving 39 dead, 15 AK-47s and two RPG-2 launchers and 100 RPG-2 grenades; U.S. losses were four killed including Staff sergeant Hammett L. Bowen Jr. who smothered the blast of a hand grenade with his body, an action for which he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. At 12:35 mechanized infantry of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged and enemy platoon in Long An Province killing 24 and capturing six individual weapons; U.S. losses were three killed. On 28 June at 10:45 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found 54 dead PAVN/VC 18 miles (29 km) south-southwest of An Lộc who had apparently been killed by artillery fire a month earlier. At 13:55 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Tây Ninh killing nine. At 19:05 an aerial observer directed artillery fire onto an enemy unit 5 miles northeast of Trảng Bàng killing 11 PAVN/VC. On 29 June at 14:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found 11 PAVN/VC dead 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Tây Ninh all were recently killed by artillery fire.: 79–82


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 5 July helicopters from the 12th Combat Aviation Group engaged an enemy force 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Bến Lức killing 12 and capturing seven individual and one crew-served weapons. On 6 July at 02:45 helicopters of the 25th Infantry Division attacked 15 PAVN/VC 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Tây Ninh killing all 15. At 10:00 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division attacked an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng killing 18. At 15:10 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng supported by artillery and helicopter gunships. The enemy withdrew at 17:00 leaving 19 dead and three individual weapons; U.S. losses were three killed. At 19:05 a firebase of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng received75mm recoilless rifle fire. Mortar, artillery and helicopter gunship fire was directed onto the firing site and 11 PAVN/VC dead were observed at the site. An OH-6 was shot down 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Tây Ninh.: 16


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 8 July at 10:45 a reconnaissance unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Lai Khê killing eight and capturing three individual weapons. At 11:55 helicopter gunships of the 12th Combat Aviation Group attacked an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Củ Chi killing 13. At 14:00 a helicopter from the 25th Infantry Division drew ground fire 11 miles (18 km) west-northwest of Tây Ninh, artillery and airstrikes were directed onto the area killing seven PAVN/VC and destroying four 12.7mm machineguns. At 16:15 a Special Forces reconnaissance unit engaged an enemy force 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Biên Hòa killing eight; U.S. losses were one killed. At 16:40 a reconnaissance unit of the 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Sông Bé killing seven. A UH-1 was shot down in Bình Dương Province killing all four on board. At 17:25 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged a PAVN unit 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng killing ten and capturing one.: 19–20


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 10 July at 10:05 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy unit 3 miles (4.8 km) north-northeast of Lộc Ninh, the enemy withdrew at 10:55 leaving six dead and two RPG-7 launchers. At 10:17 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng, a forward air controller directed artillery and helicopter gunships onto the enemy and a search of the area found ten dead and four individual and one crew-served weapons. At 10:40 an observation helicopter of the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division drew fire and directed artillery and helicopter gunship fire onto the area, ten enemy bodies were observed in the strike area. At 11:00 the 1/9th Cavalry engaged an enemy force 19 metres (62 ft) northwest of Sông Bé, artillery and airstrikes were directed onto the area and a sweep found 17 PAVN/VC dead. At 14:20 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division air assaulted into a landing zone 17 miles (27 km) west of Đức Hòa and were met by small arms fire, other units reinforced and artillery and airstrikes were called in. The enemy withdrew at 20:00 leaving nine dead; U.S. losses were one killed.: 23–4 A prisoner captured in the fighting revealed under interrogation that some PAVN/VC forces were planning to revert to guerrilla and sapper tactics due to heavy losses incurred in recent operations.: 2


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 12 July at 00:01 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division ambushed an enemy force 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha killing 12. At 13:05 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Tây Ninh. The unit was reinforced by other units attempted to block the enemy escape and artillery and airstrikes were directed into the area. The enemy withdrew at 17:30 leaving 32 dead; U.S. losses were four killed. At 15:40 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division was engaged by an entrenched enemy force 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Phú Cường supported by artillery and airstrikes. The enemy withdrew at 16:00 leaving five dead; U.S. losses were two killed. A UH-1 was shot down in Long Khánh Province. On 13 July at 18:55 a reconnaissance unit of the 25th Infantry Division attacked an enemy force 13 miles (21 km) west of Củ Chi killing seven. At 19:00 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Phú Cường killing five.: 26–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 14 July at 04:50 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division was attacked by 10 PAVN/VC 1.2 miles (1.9 km) northeast of Hóc Môn losing four U.S. killed. At 10:30 a unit from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division attacked a PAVN force in bunkers 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Tây Ninh, artillery and airstrikes were directed onto the bunkers and the enemy withdrew leaving six dead. At 10:50 a unit of the 11th ACR was attacked by an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng, the unit returned fire killing 11 PAVN/VC and capturing one individual and one crew-served weapon. At 12:55 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found an enemy supply cache 12 miles (19 km) east-northeast of Dầu Tiếng. At 14:20 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found a 1.5 ton munitions cache 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng including 41 individual weapons, two 60 mm mortars, two machineguns and two RPG-2 launchers. At 19:00 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found a 3 ton rice cache 9 miles northeast of Phú Cường. A UH-1 was destroyed when an ARVN soldier exiting the helicopter stepped on a landmine 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of Tây Ninh, killing two ARVN soldiers. An OH-6 and a UH-1 collided while evading ground fire 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Bến Cát killing four.: 29–31


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 17 July at 12:15 a convoy from Lai Khê to Quần Lợi on Highway 13 was ambushed by a unit of the PAVN 1st Division 8 miles (13 km) south of An Lộc. The convoy escort from the 11th ACR and the ARVN 9th Regiment, 5th Division engaged the attackers supported by artillery fire and airstrikes and another unit of the 11th ACR joined the battle. The PAVN withdrew at 12:35 leaving eight dead and one captured. At 13:05 a unit from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force in bunkers 12 miles (19 km) north-northeast of Tây Ninh, the enemy withdrew at 16:20 leaving eight dead. At 14:00 helicopters from the 12th Combat Aviation Group found a 1 ton munitions cache 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Biên Hòa. At 16:00 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a 17.5 ton riche cache 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Katum. At 18:30 a 1/9th Cavalry helicopter was fired on by an estimated 14 PAVN/VC, the helicopter responded with machinegun fire and directed airstrikes onto the area and ten dead were observed in the strike area. At 20:15 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Tân An and directed artillery fire onto the area with unknown results.: 34–5 On 18 July at 09:20 a USAF aerial observer saw six dead PAVN/VC 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Củ Chi killed in an airstrike the previous day. At 10:00 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) north-northeast of Tây Ninh, the enemy withdrew at 14:10 leaving 27 dead. At 14:00 a unit of the 199th LIB found a 9 ton food cache 22 miles (35 km) north of Xuân Lộc. At 15:30 the 1/9th Cavalry found nine PAVN/VC graves 9 miles (14 km) east of Biên Hòa killed the previous day by artillery fire.: 36


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 20 July at 09:30 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th infantry Division received ten rounds of 82 mm mortar fire 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Tây Ninh, artillery was directed onto the firing position and a sweep of the area found 11 dead PAVN/VC and one 82 mm mortar. At 11:10 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found seven dead PAVN in a bunker complex destroyed by airstrikes 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Phú Cường. Further searches of the area found another 15 PAVN killed by airstrikes. On 21 July at 00:55 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division ambushed an estimated 20 PAVN/VC 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Phú Cường supported by helicopter and fixed wing gunships killing seven nd capturing one. At 07:30 a helicopter gunship of the 1st Cavalry Division received 12.7mm machinegun fire 4 miles south-southeast of Katum, the gunship engaged the position and called in airstrikes killing 11 PAVN/VC. At 12:20 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division operating 4 miles south of Bến Lức engaged with an enemy force killing 12 and capturing one individual and two crew-served weapons.: 40–2


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 22 July at 01:30 helicopter gunships of the 1st Cavalry Division received heavy ground fire 6 miles (9.7 km) south-southeast of Sông Bé and artillery fire was directed onto the area following which 12 PAVN/VC bodies were seen in the strike area. At 01:55 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and RF troops engaged an enemy platoon 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Củ Chi, the PAVN/VC lost one killed and the U.S. one killed. At 14:55 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a 7.5 ton rice cache 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Katum. At 21:30 Rangers from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division ambushed six PAVN/VC on two sampans 6 miles northwest of Tân An killing all six. On 23 July at 08:25 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found an 8 ton rice cache 2.5 miles (4.0 km) southeast of Katum. At 09:30 helicopter gunships from the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division attacked an enemy force 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Đức Hòa killing eight. At 09:15 a unit of the 11th ACR found a 5 ton munitions cache 9 miles (14 km) east of Dầu Tiếng containing 213 RPG-2 rounds and other ammunition. At 09:45 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Tây Ninh killing five. At 10:00 helicopters of the 1st Cavalry Division attacked and killed five PAVN/VC 9 miles (14 km) northeast of An Lộc.: 42–5


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 24 July at 09:40 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division killed five PAVN/VC 8 miles (13 km) northeast of An Lộc. At 12:55 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a destroyed bunker complex 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Tây Ninh containing 19 dead PAVN, 2 tons of rice and assorted munitions. At 21:30 mechanized infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy unit 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Cần Đước killing five. A UH-1 was shot down 15 miles (24 km) east of Mộc Hóa killing seven U.S. and two ARVN on board. At 20:45 an enemy force was observed near Dầu Tiếng Base Camp, mechanized infantry and armored forces from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division deployed to the area and engaged the enemy supported by artillery and AC-47 gunship fire. The enemy withdrew at 04:30 leaving 14 dead and 11 individual weapons. A USAF F-100 was shot down 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Biên Hòa. On 25 July at 11:15 a unit from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found the graves of 14 PAVN/VC 7 miles (11 km) south of Sông Bé. At 11:40 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) east of Dầu Tiếng killing 12 and capturing three and ten individual and one crew-served weapons. At 18:40 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles west-northwest of Tân An killing eight and capturing one individual weapon.: 45–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 28 July at 03:35 the armored cavalry squadron of the 25th Infantry Division in a night defensive position 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha was attacked by a platoon size force, the attackers withdrew after 30 minutes with unknown losses. At 11:00 helicopter gunships from the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng. The fighting continued until 14:20 when the enemy withdrew leaving ten dead; U.S. losses were two killed. At 11:20 infantry and mechanized infantry of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng, supporting fires were brought in and the unit was reinforced before the enemy withdrew at 17:40 leaving 53 dead and 24 AK-47s, four RPG launchers and a 12.7mm machinegun; U.S. losses were three killed. At 15:50 a reconnaissance unit from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division found the bodies of 13 PAVN/VC 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Tân An, all were killed by artillery fire two days previously. At 17:05 a mechanized unit from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles southeast of Dầu Tiếng, the enemy withdrew after an hour leaving seven dead; U.S. losses were one killed. An OH-6 was shot down 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng.: 52–4


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 29 July at 04:00 a U.S. Navy SEAL team engaged 20 enemy soldiers 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Tân An. U.S. Navy helicopter gunships supported the SEALs and the enemy withdrew at 06:00 leaving ten dead and four captured and four individual weapons. At 09:00 a CIDG unit engaged an enemy force 15 miles (24 km) west-southwest of Đức Hòa and 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of the Cambodian border. The CIDG were supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes and then at 15:00 by a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 25th infantry Division. The enemy withdrew at 18:30 leaving 63 dead, U.S. losses were nine killed. At 12:00 helicopter gunships from the 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 19 miles (31 km) northeast of Tân An killing 20. At 13:30 helicopter gunships of the 1/9th Cavalry engaged an enemy force 12 miles (19 km) south-southeast of Đồng Xoài and also called in airstrikes on the area killing nine PAVN/VC and destroying 15 bunkers. At 20:45 a patrol from the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division directed artillery fire onto ten enemy soldiers 4 miles northeast of Trảng Bàng killing them all.: 55–6


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 30 July at 09:25 U.S. Navy helicopter gunships sank four sampans 18 miles (29 km) north of Vũng Tàu killing seven PAVN/VC. At 11:30 helicopters of the 12th Combat Aviation Group engaged an enemy squad 14 miles (23 km) east-northeast of Tân An, a sweep of the area found six PAVN/VC dead and captured one. At 13:15 an OH-6 of the 1/9th Cavalry was shot down 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Katum, air cavalry troops were landed to protect the crew while artillery. Helicopter gunships and airstrikes hit enemy positions killing seven PAVN/VC and capturing one crew-served weapon. On 31 July at 10:05 the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division found a weapons cache 2.5 miles (4.0 km) northwest of Bến Cát including three 60 mm mortars, one 81 mm mortar and one 12.7mm machinegun. At 17:45 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 15 miles (24 km) west-southwest of Trà Cú killing five. At 18:30 an AH-1 gunship of the 12th Combat Aviation Group received ground fire 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Trảng Bàng and returned fire, a later sweep of the area found seven PAVN/VC dead and captured one.: 57–9


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 3 August at 03:00 a patrol from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division directed artillery fire onto an enemy squad 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of Phú Cường killing six. At 11:55 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 15 miles (24 km) west of Đức Hòa. Artillery and helicopter gunship fire was directed onto the area and the enemy withdrew at 18:30 leaving 39 dead and seven captured and six individual and two crew-served weapons. At midday a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a weapons cache 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Phú Cường. At 12:50 a USAF FAC directed helicopter gunships and airstrikes onto an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Lộc Ninh killing 11 PAVN/VC. At 14:45 scout helicopters of the 1st Cavalry Division observed five dead PAVN/VC 30 miles (48 km) north-northwest of Xuân Lộc, they had apparently been killed earlier that in an airstrike. An OH-6 was shot down 16 miles (26 km) west of Đức Hòa. On 4 August at 08:30 a reconnaissance unit from the 1st Cavalry Division engaged a PAVN/VC force 11 miles (18 km) southeast of Phước Vĩnh supported by helicopter gunships, killing 23 in a 50 minute skirmish. At 10:00 helicopter gunships from the 12th Combat Aviation Group attacked five PAVN/VC 3 miles (4.8 km) north-northwest of Củ Chi, a sweep of the area by a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found five dead and killed a further seven and captured 11 individual weapons. At 12:25 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a complex of 75-100 bunkers 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Phú Cường, inside the complex were six dead PAVN/VC a hospital and a munitions cache.: 11–3


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 5 August at 11:25 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 10 miles (16 km) east-northeast of Tây Ninh killing five. At 14:20 a USAF FAC directed helicopter gunships of the 11th ACR onto an enemy force 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Lộc Ninh killing eight. At 16:10 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and an ARVN Airborne battalion in a sweep 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha engaged an enemy force killing 35 and capturing eight individual weapons; U.S. losses were one killed. On 6 August at 07:25 a USAF FAC observed the bodies of 12 PAVN/VC killed by airstrikes earlier that day 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng. At 09:00 infantry from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division patrolling 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Rach Kien found the bodies of six PAVN/VC killed earlier that day by artillery fire among 14 destroyed bunkers. At 09:35 units of the ARVN 25th Division and the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng. The enemy withdrew at 14:40 leaving 22 dead and ten individual and one crew-served weapons. At 13:10 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy platoon 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes. The enemy withdrew at 14:30 leaving seven dead and four individual weapons; U.S. losses were one killed. At 18:00 helicopter gunships from the 11th ACR attacked an enemy unit 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Lộc Ninh killing 13.: 15–7


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 7 August at 07:25 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a 17 ton supply cache 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Katum that included 192 RPG-2 rounds. At midday a unit of the 199th LIB found a bunker complex 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Xuân Lộc, while destroying the bunkers thy received small arms fire and engaged supported by helicopter gunships. The enemy was reengaged at 17:10 and artillery helicopter and fixed wing gunship fire was directed onto them killing 11; U.S. losses were three killed. At 13:30 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found a 3 ton supply cache 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Katum. On 8 August at 11:10 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division found a 3 ton rice cache 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Trảng Bàng. At 11:20 RF units and a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles west of Phú Cường, the skirmish continued until 15:00 when the enemy withdrew leaving nine dead. At 11:55 a light observation helicopter reconnoitring an area 4 miles southwest of Trảng Bàng drew ground fire and directed airstrikes onto the area, six PAVN/VC dead were seen in the strike area. At 16:10 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles southwest of Trảng Bàng killing nine. At 18:15 a unit of the 11th ACR operating 6 miles (9.7 km) east-northeast of Dầu Tiếng found the bodies of five PAVN/VC killed in earlier airstrikes. The 1/9th Cavalry operating in support of the 11th ACR killed a further six PAVN/VC in the same area.: 19–23


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 9 August at 09:05 helicopters from the 11th ACR attacked an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) west of An Lộc, air cavalry troops were landed in the area and found 38 PAVN dead and captured six. At 11:45 helicopter gunships from 1/9th Cavalry attacked an estimated 90 PAVN/VC 9 miles west-northwest of An Lộc and also directed artillery and airstrikes onto the area killing 25. At 11:55 units of the ARVN 25th Division and the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division patrolling 5 miles (8.0 km) south-southeast of Dầu Tiếng engaged an enemy force killing four and capturing one individual and two crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were one killed. At 14:20 the 1/9th Cavalry attacked a PAVN unit 7 miles (11 km) east-southeast of Katum supported by artillery and airstrikes. At 17:25 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division was landed to reinforce and the PAVN withdrew shortly afterwards leaving 30 dead; U.S. losses were one killed. An OH-6 was shot down in the engagement killing all three on board.: 24–5


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 10 August at 05:30 a Ranger unit from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division killed six PAVN/VC in a marsh area 9 miles (14 km) west of Bến Lức and captured one AK-47, 60 RPG rounds and five 122 mm rockets. At 10:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and a unit of the ARVN 25th Division operating 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha found the bodies of ten PAVN/VC killed the previous day. At 13:10 helicopter gunships from the 11th ACR attacked an enemy company 9 miles northwest of An Lộc. Troops from the regiment were air-assaulted into the area and joined later by the 1/9th Cavalry and mechanized infantry from the ARVN 9th Regiment, 5th Division. The enemy withdrew at 16:30 leaving 31 dead and eight captured. At 17:00 an observation helicopter from the 12th Combat Aviation Group drew fire 9 miles west of Định Quán District, artillery and helicopter gunship fire was directed onto the area killing five PAVN/VC. At 18:15 another observation helicopter from the group drew fire 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Định Quán and directed artillery and airstrikes onto the position killing six PAVN/VC. On 11 August at 03:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 7 miles southeast of Katum received 50 rounds of mixed 60/82 mm mortar fire followed by a ground attack by a PAVN company. The defenders were supported by artillery, helicopter gunship and AC-47 and AC-119 fire. The PAVN withdrew after 40 minutes leaving 17 dead and assorted munitions; U.S. losses were four killed. At 18:00 helicopter gunships of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Lai Khê. A unit of the brigade was air-assaulted into the area and engaged an estimated 50 PAVN/VC, after two hours the enemy withdrew leaving six dead; U.S. losses were two killed.: 26–30


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 14 August at 05:00 a landing zone of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of An Lộc was hit by 60/81 mm mortar fire followed by a ground attack by a PAVN battalion. Fighting continued until 10:00 when the PAVN withdrew leaving 31 dead and one captured. At 10:20 a unit of the 11th ACR and the ARVN 34th Rangers engaged a PAVN force 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of Lộc Ninh, the PAVN withdrew at 11:40 leaving 20 dead and three individual and two crew-served weapons. At 11:30 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division escorting a convoy was ambushed 14 miles (23 km) south of An Lộc, the enemy withdrew after 30 minutes leaving 20 dead and five individual weapons. At 13:10 a unit of the 11th ACR and the 34th Rangers engaged a PAVN unit 2 miles northeast of Lộc Ninh, the PAVN withdrew at 15:25 leaving 21 dead. At 15:30 a reconnaissance unit from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy platoon 22 miles (35 km) east of Tân An, killing 12. At 19:55 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 12 miles (19 km) south-southeast of Katum received mortar fire followed by a ground attack. The enemy withdrew after two hours leaving 23 dead and three individual and one crew-served weapons. At 21:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in night defensive positions 4 miles north of Hiệp Hòa received mortar fire followed by a ground attack. The unit fought back with organic weapons, artillery, helicopter gunship and AC-47 support. During the battle a UH-1 was shot down and crashed nearby killing all seven on board, PAVN/C losses were unknown. At 21:50 a patrol from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division ambushed an enemy unit 6 miles (9.7 km) south-southeast of Dầu Tiếng killing 12. An OH-6 was shot down 17 miles (27 km) north of Tây Ninh killing one on board.: 42–4


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 15 August at 00:55 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at a landing zone 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Katum was attacked by an enemy force, the enemy withdrew at 02:10 leaving seven dead; U.S. losses were one killed. At 09:50 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and a unit of the ARVN 25th Division engaged an enemy unit 15 miles (24 km) west of Tây Ninh supported by artillery and helicopter gunships. The enemy withdrew at 18:30 leaving 31 dead and two 12.7mm machineguns. At 12:30 the 1/9th Cavalry received mortar fire 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Tây Ninh killing two U.S. soldiers. At 20:25 a firebase near Lộc Ninh occupied by a unit of the 11th ACR was attacked, the attackers withdrew after 15 minutes with unknown losses. At 21:10 a patrol by a unit of the 11th ACR with RF forces was ambushed 0.6 miles (0.97 km) west-northwest of Lộc Ninh, the ambushers withdrew within ten minutes with unknown losses. At 21:35 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Katum was attacked, the enemy withdrew at 22:20 with unknown losses. At 21:45 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division ambushed a PAVN/VC unit 6 miles (9.7 km) east-southeast of Dầu Tiếng killing nine and capturing three AK-47s. On 16 August at 02:45 a landing zone of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of An Lộc was attacked by an estimated battalion. The unit fought back supported by artillery and helicopter gunships. The enemy withdrew at 04:20 leaving ten dead and three individual and two crew-served weapons and 25 RPG-2 rounds. At 08:45 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged a PAVN force 7 miles (11 km) south of Katum, the enemy withdrew at 12:30 leaving 25 dead and two individual weapons; U.S. losses were one killed.: 46–9


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 17 August at 08:20 1/9th Cavalry helicopters directed artillery fire onto an enemy unit 10 miles (16 km) north-northwest of Lộc Ninh killing eight PAVN/VC. At 14:30 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy unit 10 miles northeast of Phú Cường, the enemy withdrew after two hours leaving nine dead and three individual weapons; U.S. losses were one killed. At 16:40 helicopter gunships of the 1st Cavalry Division killed seven PAVN/VC 9 miles (14 km) north of Lộc Ninh. At 20:40 U.S. Navy PBRSs engaged 50–60 PAVN/VC 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Phú Cường supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and AC-47 and AC-119s. The enemy withdrew at 22:10 leaving eight dead, however shortly afterwards helicopter gunships engaged an enemy force numbering 50-70 a mile away killing 33. An OH-6 was shot down 3 miles northwest of Phú Cường. On 18 August at 13:55 a unit of the 199th LIB received fire from two enemy platoons 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Xuân Lộc, the enemy withdrew after 30 minutes leaving two dead and two individual and one crew-served weapon; U.S. losses were two killed. At 15:20 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Lộc Ninh killing five and capturing an AK-47. At 15:40 helicopters from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division attacked ten PAVN/VC 4 miles south of Bến Lức killing eight and capturing three individual weapons. At 17:55 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles southeast of Katum killing seven and capturing six individual weapons and two 107 mm rockets.: 51–5


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 19 August at 01:35 the Quần Lợi Base Camp occupied by the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division was attacked. During the attack a tank gun was accidentally fired onto a reaction force in the northwest of the base killing nine U.S. soldiers. The enemy withdrew at 02:00 with unknown losses. At 09:45 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha. The fighting continued until 14:30 when the enemy withdrew leaving 23 dead and three individual weapons; U.S. losses were five killed. On 20 August at 08:40 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division found 11 PAVN/VC bodies 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Cần Đước killed by airstrikes the previous day. At 09:40 an air cavalry unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged a PAVN force 3 miles (4.8 km) west-southwest of Lộc Ninh, the PAVN withdrew after two hours leaving ten dead, U.S. losses were one killed. At 11:00 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Cần Đước, the enemy withdrew at 13:00, but the unit pursued and reengaged at 15:00. The enemy withdrew again leaving 35 dead and two captured; U.S. losses were one killed.: 57–60


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 21 August at 01:50 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in a night defensive position 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Tây Ninh was attacked by an enemy company. The unit was supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and AC-47s. the enemy withdrew at 07:15 leaving 41 dead and three captured and four individual and three crew-served weapons. At 12:50 mechanized infantry of the 1st Infantry Division providing convoy security on Highway 13 was ambushed by a PAVN unit from the 7th Division 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Lộc Ninh. The PAVN withdrew at 14:00 leaving 11 dead and one captured and five AK-47s and one RPG launcher. At 13:00 mechanized infantry of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division patrolling 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Trảng Bàng killed six PAVN/VC and captured one individual weapon. At 16:55 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 3 miles east of Trảng Bàng, the enemy withdrew at 18:4 leaving six dead and one individual and one crew-served weapon. On 22 August at 00:50 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division was attacked by fire 4 miles (6.4 km) west-southwest of Phú Cường, the enemy withdrew 30 minutes later with unknown losses; U.S. losses were two killed. At 17:45 helicopter gunships of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division attacked seven PAVN/VC 7 miles (11 km) west-northwest of Phú Cường killing all seven. On 23 August at 12:50 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found the graves of 40 PAVN/VC 4 miles west-southwest of Lộc Ninh, all had been killed by small arms fire in the preceding week. At 17:15 a unit of the 199th LIB found a weapons cache 16 miles (26 km) north-northeast of Bearcat including 13 individual weapons, two RPG launchers and 67 RPG-2 rounds.: 62–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 24 August at 09:00 mechanized infantry of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged 20–30 enemy 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes. Other Brigade units joined the battle and the enemy withdrew at 15:40, but the infantry pursued and reestablished contact until the enemy withdrew at 17:35 leaving 28 dead. At 10:00 helicopter gunships from the 12th Combat Aviation Group engaged an enemy unit 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Trà Cú with unknown results. A Ranger unit from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division was then air-assaulted into the area and immediately engaged enemy forces, killing nine and capturing one, the prisoner identified one of the dead as Colonel Hai Tram, commander of PAVN/VC Sub-region 3. At midday a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th infantry Division engaged an enemy force 8 miles southwest of Bến Cát supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes. The enemy withdrew at 18:45 leaving 48 dead and one captured and 21 individual weapons; U.S. losses were two killed. At 13:45 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division received 20 rounds of 60 mm mortar fire while operating 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Katum, artillery and helicopter gunship fire was directed onto the firing position with unknown results. The same unit received more fire later that afternoon resulting in one U.S. killed. At 14:45 a reconnaissance unit of the 1st Infantry Division directed artillery and helicopter gunship fire onto a group of 17 PAVN/VC 10 miles (16 km) south-southeast of An Lộc and ten bodies were seen in the strike area.: 70–3


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 27 August at 01:35 a U.S. Navy PBR and a patrol from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division ambushed a 15-20 man PAVN/VC unit attempting to cross the Saigon River 8 miles (13 km) south-southeast of Dầu Tiếng, the area was illuminated by flares and helicopter gunships and an AC-47 also engaged, killing 15 PAVN/VC. At 08:25 the air cavalry of the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng killing 14 and capturing one together with seven AK-47s, six SKS, one light machinegun, one RPG launcher, a 60 mm mortar and two pistols. At 10:30 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found six PAVN/VC graves 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Sông Bé. At 13:30 a reconnaissance unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged 15 soldiers in a bunker complex 8 miles south-southeast of Dầu Tiếng, the enemy withdrew after three hours leaving one dead; U.S. losses were three killed. At 15:30 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Sông Bé directing artillery and helicopter gunship fire onto the enemy positions killing six for the loss of one U.S. killed. At 17:55 a unit of the 11th ACR received fire from a PAVN platoon 5 miles (8.0 km) south-southwest of An Lộc, the PAVN withdrew after 20 minutes leaving seven dead. At 18:40 an engineer unit retrieving a vehicle 7 miles (11 km) southwest of An Lộc received fire and returned fire supported by artillery killing five PAVN/VC.: 79–81


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 28 August at 12:05 the air cavalry of the armored cavalry squadron of the 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng, the enemy withdrew leaving six dead and four individual weapons. At 12:15 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division air-assaulted into an area 4 miles (6.4 km) south-southeast of Sông Bé and were immediately met by fire. The enemy broke contact at 13:35 but the unit reestablished contact again at 13:50 and the enemy finally withdrew at 14:10 leaving 17 dead; U.S. losses were one killed. At 13:55 a mechanized unit of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha killing 12. An OH-6 was shot down in Bình Dương Province. On 29 August at 14:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy platoon 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Katum, the enemy withdrew at 14:35 with unknown losses; U.S. losses were two killed. At 15:55 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division found the bodies of nine PAVN/VC 7 miles (11 km) north of Tân An, all had been killed by airstrikes three days previously. At 16:10 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division found a munitions cache 7 miles northeast of Tân An containing 24 RPG rounds among other supplies.: 82–5


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 30 August at 16:45 a reconnaissance patrol by a unit of the 1st Infantry Division and the ARVN 8th Regiment, 5th Infantry Division engaged 15 PAVN/VC 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Lai Khê. The enemy withdrew at 18:40 leaving two dead and one individual weapon; U.S. losses were one killed. At 21:45 a base 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Sông Bé received mortar fire, artillery, helicopter gunship and AC-47 fire was directed onto the firing position and a search of the area found ten PAVN/VC dead.: 85–9 On 31 August at 09:55 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division received fire from an entrenched PAVN force 6 miles south of Katum. Artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes hit the bunkers and the PAVN withdrew at 11:15 leaving three dead; U.S. losses were two killed. At 10:4 an OH-6 of the 12th Combat Aviation Group received ground fire 24 miles (39 km) north of Xuân Lộc and called in artillery and airstrikes, 14 dead PAVN/VC were later observed in the strike area. At 13:45 a U.S. Navy PBR engaged seven PAVN/VC on a riverbank 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Bến Cát, killing four and capturing three. At 15:20 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged another entrenched PAVN force 6 miles south of Katum. Artillery and airstrikes were directed against the bunkers and the PAVN withdrew at 16:10 leaving 25 dead, two light machineguns and 15 RPG rounds; U.S. losses were two killed.: 88–9


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 3 September at 13:20 armored cavalry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division observed 19 PAVN/VC 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Tây Ninh and engaged them with tank and .50 cal fire killing 18. At 14:50 an observation helicopter of the 1st Cavalry Division received fire 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Katum and directed artillery and helicopter gunship fire onto the area, seven PAVN/VC dead were seen in the strike area. At 15:25 an armored unit of the 25th Infantry Division engaged nine PAVN/VC 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Tây Ninh killing all nine and capturing one individual weapon. At 22:20 a U.S. Navy PBR engaged sampans 11 miles (18 km) east of Tân An killing four PAVN/VC. At 22:25 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division ambushed a sampan carrying five PAVN/VC 12 miles (19 km) east of Tân An killing all five and capturing two AK-47s. A UH-1 was shot down 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Quần Lợi killing all seven on board. On 4 September at 14:45 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 18 miles (29 km) southeast of Tây Ninh, the enemy withdrew at 18:30 leaving 15 dead; U.S. losses were one killed.: 12–4


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 6 September at 03:10 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at a landing zone 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Phú Cường detected movement outside their perimeter and directed artillery fire on the area. The landing zone then received mortar fire followed by ground probes. At 05:15 enemy sappers were seen in the perimeter wire and engaged by small arms, artillery, helicopter gunship and AC-119 fire. The enemy withdrew at 06:45 leaving 24 dead and one captured and one individual and two crew-served weapons; U.S. losses were three killed. At 09:50 a unit of the 11th ACR received fire from a PAVN force 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Lộc Ninh. The unit was supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes and a unit of the ARVN 9th Regiment, 5th Division joined the battle. The PAVN withdrew at 15:15 leaving 70 dead and five captured, U.S. losses were three killed. At 10:55 a unit of the 1st Infantry Division escorting a convoy on Highway 13 was ambushed by a PAVN unit from the 1st Division 12 miles (19 km) south of An Lộc. Supporting fires were called in and the PAVN withdrew leaving 55 dead and four captured and eight AK-47s, three light machineguns, one RPG-2 launcher and one RPG-7 launcher and assorted munitions; U.S. losses were one killed. At 14:15 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division were engaged received fire 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Tây Ninh, the enemy withdrew at 15:20 leaving 27 dead. At 20:50 a unit of the 11th ACR in a night defensive position 4 miles (6.4 km) south-southwest of An Lộc received a ground probe, the enemy withdrew after 30 minutes leaving 26 dead and four AK-47s and one light machinegun. At 23:00 a U.S. Navy PBR engaged a group of PAVN/VC attempting to cross the Saigon River 7 miles (11 km) south-southeast of Dầu Tiếng killing 12. An OH-6 was shot down in Bình Dương Province.: 23–5


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 7 September at 08:35 air cavalry of the armored squadron of the 1st Infantry Division air-assaulted into an area 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Bến Cát where they engaged an entrenched enemy force. The enemy withdrew at midday leaving three dead and three individual weapons. At 09:20 mechanized infantry from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division engaged an entrenched enemy position 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Go Dau Ha, the enemy withdrew at 15:50 leaving 26 dead. At 09:25 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Quần Lợi, the enemy withdrew at 12:00 leaving 12 dead and two 12.7mm machineguns. At 12:50 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division operating 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Bến Cát found 11 PAVN/VC dead in a tunnel complex, all had been killed by artillery fire in the preceding two days. At 15:15 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged a PAVN battalion 3 miles southwest of An Lộc, fighting continued until the PAVN withdrew at 19:10 leaving 42 dead and one individual weapon and two machineguns; U.S. losses were two killed. At 15:50 an AH-1 of the 11th ACR received machinegun fire 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Lộc Ninh and engaged the firing position killing 15 PAVN/VC. At 22:30 mechanized infantry of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division detected PAVN/VC outside their perimeter and directed artillery fire onto the area killing five. At 02:40 further movement was detected and artillery fire called in killing another five PAVN/VC. A UH-1 was shot down 4 miles southwest of An Lộc killing two on board.: 26–7


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 8 September at 12:35 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division received fire 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Trảng Bàng, the unit returned fire and the enemy withdrew with unknown losses. At 20:15 a unit of the 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of An Lộc received mortar fire. At 21:35 further mortar fire was followed by a ground probe, the unit returned fire and directed artillery onto the direction of attack and the enemy withdrew with unknown losses.: 29 On 9 September at 01:30 mechanized infantry of the 1st Infantry Division at a firebase 7 miles (11 km) east of Lai Khê was attacked, the enemy withdrew after twenty minutes with unknown losses; U.S. losses were one killed. At 09:15 an OH-6 and an AH-1 from the 1/9th Cavalry were hit by ground fire 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Sông Bé. The OH-6 crashed and the AH-1 engaged enemy force around the crash site until it was forced to crash-land. The aerorifle platoon was landed at the site and rescued the crews and damaged helicopters.: 32


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 10 September at 09:30 a unit of the 11th ACR operating 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of An Lộc found the bodies of 22 PAVN in a bunker complex killed three days previously, they also captured one wounded PAVN soldier. At 10:25 a helicopter gunship from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division received machinegun fire 5 miles (8.0 km) south-southeast of Katum, the gunship engaged the firing position and called in artillery and five dead PAVN/VC were seen in the strike area. At 10:45 an OH-6 from the 1/9th Cavalry received fire 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Phước Bình, the helicopter engaged the firing position and called in artillery and the bodies of ten PAVN/VC were seen in the strike area. At 14:00 a OH-6 and an AH-1 of the 1/9th Cavalry received fire 3 miles (4.8 km) north-northwest of Katum and engaged the firing position killing ten PAVN/VC. At 20:40 a patrol from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division was ambushed by an enemy squad 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Phú Cường, the enemy withdrew after 20 minutes leaving one dead and one captured and two AK-47s and one pistol; U.S. losses were three killed.: 33–4


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 11 September at 02:05 a unit of the 11th ACR in a night defensive position 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of An Lộc received mortar fire and then RPG fire, the enemy withdrew after 10 minutes with unknown losses while U.S. losses were two killed. At 04:05 Phước Vĩnh Base Camp received rocket fire and at 05:15 12 PAVN probed the perimeter, withdrawing ten minutes later leaving four dead and two individual and two crew-served weapons. At 09:50 mechanized infantry from the 25th Infantry Division and a unit of ARVN Airborne engaged an enemy unit 2 miles (3.2 km) west-southwest of Phú Cường, supporting fires were provided and the battle continued until 15:05 when the enemy withdrew leaving 46 dead; U.S. losses were two killed. At 10:25 a unit of the 11th ACR was attacked 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Lộc Ninh, the enemy withdrew at 11:50 leaving nine dead. At 13:40 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Dầu Tiếng. During the fighting a light observation helicopter was shot down killing one crewman. The enemy withdrew at 16:20 leaving one dead, U.S. losses were two dead in total. At 14:45 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry division patrolling 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Trảng Bàng found 23 PAVN/VC graves, all had died in the previous day. At 15:10 a unit of the 11th ACR engaged an enemy force 2 miles northwest of Lộc Ninh, supporting fires were provided and the enemy withdrew at 16:20 leaving 17 dead. An OH-6 was shot down 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Minh Thanh in Tây Ninh Province killing one crewman.: 35–8


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 13 September at 10:30 mechanized infantry of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and a unit of the ARVN 7th Airborne Battalion operating 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Tây Ninh engaged an enemy force. The enemy withdrew at 15:50 leaving 12 dead and two individual and one crew-served weapon. At 14:20 helicopter gunships from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division received fire 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of Phú Cường and attacked the firing site killing seven PAVN/VC and destroying three bunkers. At 15:20 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 15 miles (24 km) north-northeast of Tây Ninh killing 12 in a 25 minute firefight; U.S. losses were two killed. At 23:30 a firebase of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 16 miles (26 km) north-northeast of Tây Ninh was hit by 75-100 round of mortar, rocket and RPG fire. Artillery, helicopter gunship and AC-47 fire was directed onto the firing positions and a search of the area found 33 PAVN/VC dead and one captured together with seven individual and three crew-served weapons and five 107 mm rockets. A UH-1 was shot down 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Katum.: 41–2


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 15 September at 11:15 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an entrenched enemy force 7 miles (11 km) south-southeast of Phước Bình, the enemy withdrew at midday leaving seven dead. At 11:20 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged 8 PAVN/VC 17 miles (27 km) east of Xuân Lộc killing seven in an hourlong firefight. At 15:30 helicopter gunships of the 12th Combat Aviation Group attacked an enemy squad 7 miles north of Củ Chi and directed artillery fire onto the position. Six secondary explosions occurred; 38 dead PAVN/VC were seen in the strike area among eight destroyed structures. At 17:30 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy squad 11 miles (18 km) west of Lai Khê killing 15 in a 30 minute skirmish; U.S. losses were one killed. At 20:00 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division ambushed an enemy force 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Rach Kien, the enemy withdrew after 20 minutes leaving ten dead and two AK-47s and one light machinegun.: 45–6


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 16 September at 00:15 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 8 miles (13 km) north of Phú Cường saw three PAVN/VC in the perimeter wire and fired on them, a search of the area at dawn found seven dead. At 08:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th infantry Division and a unit of the ARVN 50th Regiment, 25th Division engaged an enemy squad 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Tân An. The enemy withdrew at 10:15 leaving 14 dead, five individual weapons, one 60 mm mortar and one RPG launcher. At 13:15 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and a unit of the ARVN 49th Regiment, 25th Division engaged an enemy force 8 miles northeast of Trảng Bàng, supported by artillery, helicopter gunships and airstrikes. The enemy withdrew at 16:00 leaving 36 dead and 15 AK-47s. At 16:30 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division found the bodies of nine PAVN killed by airstrikes the previous day 6 miles south of Phước Bình. At 21:45 a patrol of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division ambushed a PAVN platoon 8 miles southwest of Bến Cát killing one and capturing one individual weapon.: 48


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 17 September at 07:30 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Tân An supported by artillery and helicopter gunships. The enemy withdrew at 13:30 leaving 18 dead and one individual weapon. During the fighting a UH-1 Command and Control helicopter and an AH-1 collided and both crashed killing all ten personnel on the UH-1 including the 3rd Brigade commander Colonel Dale Crittenberger and the commanding officer of the 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant colonel Leo Sikorski. Both crewmen of the AH-1 were also killed. At 09:20 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy force 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Tây Ninh, the enemy withdrew leaving one dead and one individual weapon; U.S. losses were one killed. At 10:10 Army and Navy helicopter gunships attacked an enemy force 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Phú Mỹ killing 12. At 13:25 helicopters of the 1st Brigade, 1st cavalry Division received fire while approaching a landing zone 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Phú Cường, artillery fire and airstrikes were directed onto the area and troops were landed finding ten PAVN dead. At 19:50 a unit of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division engaged an enemy force 9 miles east of Lai Khê, the enemy withdrew an hour later leaving ten dead and one captured and four individual weapons.: 51


title: Operation Toan Thang III

text: On 18 September at 07:00 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division engaged an enemy unit 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Tây Ninh killing six and capturing one individual and one crew-served weapon. At 09:50 Rangers of the 1st Cavalry Division engaged three PAVN/VC 9 miles (14 km) north of Phước Vĩnh, the PAVN/VC withdrew pursued by the Rangers and the aerorifle platoon of the 1/9th Cavalry was landed to engage a bunker complex. The PAVN/VC withdrew leaving one dead and a munitions cache was found in the bunkers; U.S. losses were one killed. At 15:00 a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division found the bodies of 12 PAVN/VC 8 miles (13 km) east-northeast of Tân An, all had been killed by artillery within the preceding two days. At 19:10 a unit of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in a night defensive position 19 miles (31 km) north-northeast of Tây Ninh received mortar fire followed by a ground probe, the defenders returned fire supported by artillery, helicopter gunship and AC-119 fire and the PAVN withdrew at 20:20 leaving 25 dead.: 53–4