Boots on the Ground: The history of Project Delta
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Upon returning to the FOB, Team 7 gave a detailed mission report at the debriefing. Major Allen decided to seize the advantage and place an immediate reaction force on the suspected base installation discovered by Team 7. Less than four hours after completing their reconnaissance mission, Team 7 volunteered to go back in and guide a platoon of the CIDG Mike Force Company to the base camp. SFC Morales, SFC Cahall, and SGT Holland from Team 7 accompanied SFC Macintosh, SSG Sanders and 47 of their Montagnard strikers into the area. They quickly closed on the fenced area and entered it. They immediately found a large 100 x100 meter cultivated field with crops in it. Adjacent to the field were huts that had been destroyed by the earlier air attack. They continued on and soon came across two farmers tending another large cultivated area. The farmers fled in different directions. The Mike Force rear element surprised two enemy soldiers who were following them and opened fire on them. They wore khaki uniforms and fled. The platoon set up a night ambush and spent the night without further activity.
They continued their movement on the morning of the 23rd and happened on to an enemy position and took heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from two directions. Pinned down and unable to move the platoon consolidated their position and returned fire. During the engagement the enemy exercised excellent fire discipline, firing only as targets presented themselves. They shouted insults and waved their hats attempting to have the Mike Force give away their positions. During the fire fight the platoon noticed several bed rolls within a few meters of their position, indicating that they had surprised an enemy patrol in their night position. After a two hour fire fight the platoon asked for and received air support and successfully recovered the enemy bedrolls. As they began to assault the enemy positions after the air strikes the platoon was met with a heavy barrage of gunfire and hand grenades. Three Montagnards were wounded in the action and the platoon called the FOB for the remainder of the Mike Force Company to reinforce them. The enemy yelling and taunting continued.56
SSG Andy Sheppard and SGT Fred Walz from Project Delta and SFC Bruno, SSG Coy, 98 Montagnards and one interpreter from the Mike Force were inserted to support Team 7 and the CIDG platoon. Soon after insertion the company linked with the platoon and the wounded were evacuated. An assault was conducted on the enemy positions and was stalled by heavy automatic weapons fire. The force decided to call for air strikes the morning of the 24th. No air strikes were delivered due to heavy ground fog and the company assaulted the enemy positions without their benefit. The enemy had abandoned the positions during the night. After conducting a thorough search of the area, Team 7 and the Mike Force Company followed a blood trail that led to a hasty gravesite. The graves were dug up exposing two soldiers dressed in green uniforms, each wearing two pairs of pants. They had been killed by shrapnel, presumed to be from the previous day’s air strike. The force continued to follow a well worn path with blood trails and discovered a series of huts in a relatively small area which contained freshly laundered clothing, including one shirt that was still wet. Every 50 meters or so another cluster of buildings was found, each in an excellent state of repair, constructed of logs and earth and well camouflaged from aerial view. Underground bunkers with earthen covers of five feet were discovered that were strategically placed to defend the entire ridge from all directions. Beneath the houses the force discovered bunkers designed to withstand heavy bombardment. In these bunkers a total of thirty rucksacks containing the personal gear and documents of soldiers were discovered. A plotting board of the type used to plan and execute artillery, mortar, and rocket attacks was discovered, as was a remote electric firing device for multiple weapons. The area was well kept, clean, and bore all the earmarks of a well disciplined military unit. Documents and uniform insignia collected from the facility indicated that the headquarters of the 368B had been found. One document captured had mission instructions for the unit for an operation to be conducted beginning October 20th, the same time frame during which the base camp was discovered. The Mobile Strike Force Company and Team 7 were extracted without incident.56
After Team 7’s mission, a platoon of Nungs accompanied by SGM William Fuller was assigned a reconnaissance in force mission in the eastern section of the AO. On October 25th at 0500 the Nung force spotted a large circle of cooking fires several hundred meters to their east, out of Project Delta’s AO. They called for coordination of an air strike on that location and observed as it took place. The Nungs and their U.S. advisors estimated that the encampment could easily be a battalion sized force, probably elements of the NVA unit (368B) that had recently vacated the base area exploited the day before. During the air strike the Nung force heard 12.7 mm anti aircraft machine gun fire directed at the aircraft. This was the only large caliber fire detected during Samurai III.56
In his AAR for this operation Major Allen offered a critique of the performance of the Mobile Strike Force Company. He noted that in addition to being better equipped, the Mike Force soldiers were better motivated and more effective due to their command structure. The Ranger Companies were advised by their U.S. advisors whereas the Mike Force Company was commanded by the assigned Americans. When compared to the Ranger Companies of the 91st Airborne Ranger Battalion, Allen offered that the Mike Force Company, although larger than the Ranger Company, was capable of mobilizing much faster. He suggested to 5th Special Group Headquarters that two Mike Force Companies augment the Project Delta forces on future operations.56
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy buildup, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately, Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh. The ensuing battle of Dak To in November, 1967, sent the enemy scurrying back toward the border.59 Immediately after this battle, aerial photography identified several base areas and fortified positions. Other intelligence gathered during the Dak To battle revealed that the NVA 1st Division and its subordinate 66th, 22nd and 34th NVA Regiments were located just west of Dak To. Also present in the area was the 174th NVA Regiment which made continuing sporadic contact with conventional infantry patrols in the area. It was suspected that the 174th was acting as a blocking force for the elements of the 1st NVA Division during its retreat. It was unknown whether the 1st NVA Division would continue straight west into Cambodia, turn north into Laos, or turn south towards their original base area. To the south, threatening Pleiku, was the 95th NVA Regiment, which could turn north and act as a screening force for the 1st Division if they turned south. Project Delta was assigned the task of performing reconnaissance of the two major north-south infiltration routes that the 1st Division might use if they were indeed headed back to their original base. One of these routes was located on each of the eastern and western edges of Delta’s newly assigned AO. Recent reports and aerial photography indicated that the western route, which closely followed the Cambodian border, had been reinforced with timbers in places, and effectively resembled corduroy road.58
Project Delta received the Operations Order for Operation Sultan, 9-67, on November 27th, 1967 and mobilized to the FOB at Kontum on November 28th. An isolation and launch site was established at the nearby Special Forces camp at Polei Kleng. Fourteen Recon missions, seventeen Roadrunner missions and five Ranger operations were conducted between November 30th and December 24th, 1967. The Recon and Roadrunner teams inserted early in Operation Sultan reported finding numerous trails crisscrossing the AO, some of which were wide and hard packed showing signs of recent use. While attempting to follow one such trail Roadrunner Team 103 heard many voice
s speaking in a Montagnard dialect and called an airstrike on their location with unknown results. Nearby, Team 103 found a battalion sized bivouac area that showed signs of use within the previous three days. The area was laid out in an orderly fashion with fresh foxholes and fortified automatic weapons positions. Team 103 also found an area that had several huts in it that had trees growing through the floors and showed no signs of recent use. 2nd Company, 91st Airborne Ranger Battalion was inserted to further explore the findings. The Rangers discovered more bunkers and a company sized base area that had not been recently used. Soon after, the Rangers encountered 20 Montagnards and opened fire on them, wounding several. While in pursuit of the wounded, 2nd Company discovered a steep ravine with a narrow five foot wide bottom. Off the bottom of the ravine were eleven openings into the hillside that led to large caverns capable of accommodating 10 to 15 persons each. Soon after finding the caverns the Rangers made successive contacts with small enemy units dressed in khaki uniforms and carrying automatic weapons. The density of the jungle prevented the Rangers from inflicting casualties. Further exploration yielded discovery of another platoon sized rest area and two bridges constructed on rock foundations across small creeks. Leading to the bridges were trails deeply cut with wheel marks 2 inches wide and 18 inches apart. Roadrunner Team 104 explored their AO and discovered a regimental sized rest area that had seen use within the previous month. While examining the area they encountered two unarmed khaki clad NVA soldiers. The Roadrunners evaded the soldiers without firing and the NVA fled. The Roadrunners continued their mission until dark.
Late in the evening they heard a company sized force searching for them. They spoke in a northern Vietnamese dialect. The Roadrunners remained hidden until the NVA continued searching away from them. The team was extracted the following day and was debriefed at FOB Kontum.
The following morning, December 11th, 1967, 3rd Ranger Company, 91st Airborne Ranger Battalion (LT Ford, LT Wentz, SFC Sites, SSG Siugzda, SGT Cole, WO Turner) were inserted to exploit the findings of Roadrunner Team 104. They patrolled the area throughout the 11th and on the 12th set up a patrol base. They discovered several heavily used trails and consolidated the Company. 3rd Company moved until they found an old bivouac area previously occupied by a U.S. unit or a CIDG unit long ago. On the 13th the Company again moved some distance and set up another patrol base. This time the patrol returned and reported sighting livestock and other signs of a nearby village. The Company again consolidated and continued to march. They crossed a trail that showed signs of frequent and recent use and followed it until they observed two NVA digging foxholes. The enemy fled as the Rangers approached and the Rangers discovered several foxholes and heard voices from their right flank, the direction in which the two NVA had fled.
The Rangers said that the voices were saying “Assault, assault!”58 The Company set up hasty fire positions and fired in the direction of the voices. They immediately came under heavy automatic weapons fire from their original direction of travel and, changing direction, they assaulted 35 meters and were stopped by enemy fire. During a lull in the firing the Rangers assaulted another 50 meters and were again stopped. They could hear the enemy yelling and whistling and assaulted for a third time but were only able to move another 35 meters before being stopped. A fourth assault was attempted but thwarted after only 20 meters. The Company again consolidated and returned to the area where the first two NVA were encountered. They called for a medevac for one Ranger killed and one wounded. After the medevac departed 3rd Company again attempted to assault and was engaged in a short firefight during which SSG Herb Siugzda was wounded in the chest. Siugzda stayed with the Company and continued the assault.
The enemy withdrew and the Rangers set up a perimeter for the night. Early on the morning of the 14th a reinforced company of NVA began probing the Ranger perimeter and launched an all out attack at daylight. The attack came from all directions. The U.S. advisor called for airstrikes and gunship support. The enemy launched 82 mm mortar rounds, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), automatic weapon fire and hand grenades into the perimeter. During this barrage the 3rd Company commander, Cpt. Nguyen Nghi, was killed and LT Wentz was wounded by shrapnel from grenades. The Company was running low on ammunition and supplies and called for them as well as reinforcements. The supply helicopter flew in and dropped the ammunition outside the perimeter and was shot down 2000 meters from the Company’s position. All of the crewmen were immediately rescued.
2nd Company, 91st Airborne Ranger Battalion (LT Livingston, LT Ellis, SSG Hill, SGT Walz) was inserted 700 meters from 3rd Company and moved to reinforce them. Within a few meters of the LZ 2nd Company found numerous blood trails and bloody rags scattered throughout the area. They continued another 500 meters toward the 3rd Company position and found a company sized base area that had been evacuated minutes before their arrival. They found thirty fortified positions, a hundred rucksacks, numerous small arms and mortar rounds, explosives and many documents. They came under fire while searching the camp and engaged the enemy sporadically for an hour. Enemy fire was received from several directions resulting in three Rangers wounded.
2nd Company again attempted to link with 3rd Company which was located 100 meters away. They again came under fire and were engaged in a fire fight for another hour until the enemy broke contact and fled. They linked up with 3rd Company at 1600 hours. At 1630 hours medical evacuation of the three Rangers killed, thirty four wounded, and two U.S. advisors wounded was accomplished. Earlier in the day, 1st Company, 91st Airborne Ranger Battalion (MSG Kreilick, SSG Monroe, SSG Rittenhouse, SGT Gardiner) was inserted. They made their way toward 3rd Company’s position and linked with 2nd and 3rd Companies at 1730 hours. They encountered three NVA on the way to the rendezvous. The battalion secured for the night and headed for an LZ on the morning of the 15th. During the short move to the LZ the Rangers discovered several more enemy killed the previous day. After preparing the LZ the first group of Rangers boarded the flight of three helicopters for extraction without incident.
The second flight drew heavy enemy fire and one helicopter was forced down 1000 meters from the extraction point. More Rangers boarded the other two helicopters and departed. The remaining elements of the 1st and 2nd Companies swept the area toward the crash site and immediately found themselves in the middle of a second company sized base area fortified in a similar fashion to the first. They destroyed six 300 pound bags of rice and continued to the crash site. The downed UH1D was extracted. The four injured crewman had been rescued at the time of the crash. The 91st headed home.58
Recon and Roadrunner teams made numerous contacts with the enemy during Operation Sultan. With the exception of the protracted battle fought by the Rangers the encounters were with smaller units. These smaller units seemed to have the duties of trail watching, LZ security, tracking recon teams and rear security for the units passing through. The unusual thing noted in all cases was that these were NVA regulars and not the local VC forces that were expected.
Recon Team 9 was inserted on December 21st. On the 22nd they heard many voices through the thick undergrowth but could not distinguish what was being said. They moved to a well used trail and observed that recent trail maintenance had occurred by cutting back bamboo growth. They set up for the night nearby. On the 23rd they heard sounds of wood cutting and many voices 75 meters from their location. As they moved closer they heard voices transmitted over a radio as well as voices now only 25 meters away. Team 9 called first for 281st AHC gunships to bring rocket, machine gun and 40 mm grenade fire on the enemy location. While this attack was underway the team called for tactical air support and directed an air strike on the enemy. After the airstrike the team could still hear voices and heard one enemy say he had been wounded in the leg. Team 9 then crept away to another of the many trails in the area, this one under new construction with tools lying beside it. The trail had been cut into the side of the hill and had bamboo drainage pipes set at the inner edges. Bamboo had been place
d perpendicular to the trail to direct drainage down the hillside. While observing this new trail the team saw eight enemy dressed in khaki uniforms appear on a hidden trail 10 meters downhill from their position. Immediately after they passed, another NVA appeared from around the hill at a distance of 10 feet from the team and was killed by the U.S. senior advisor. The team evaded on the new trail in order to depart the area, and was pursued by a squad of NVA. As they ran up the trail, the U.S. assistant advisor took two NVA under fire, killing them. The team realized they were being pursued by a growing number of enemy converging on their trail from several directions. The assistant U.S. advisor threw a white phosphorous grenade and the team escaped unharmed.58