3rd/5th Cavalry Black Knights

Radio Journal And Other Reports for January 31, 1968 Action in Long Bien, Bien Hoa and Trau Bom. Starting with Bien Hoa and Long Bien receiving mortar rounds. A-Troop & 3/5 Cav is involved with a coordinated attack by the VC and NVA to attack FSB Apple, Bien Hoa and Trau Bom. A Troop receives Presidential Unit Citation for their outstanding combat action and defensive protection of the above mentioned locations which helped to repulse the 1968 Tet Offensive enemy action.  

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
 

These reports cover action with A-Troop being ambushed in four different places during the great Tet Offensive, 1968.  At about 0400 hours A-Troop was ordered to depart Fire Support Base Apple for the defense of Bien Hoa Airport, which was under attack. A-Troop was ambushed as soon as they left FSB Apple and had to fight their way to the Airport. There was heavy contact involving both VC and NVA Regulars. The coordinated attack was thwarted through guts and determination of the troopers of the 3rd/5th Armored Cavalry.

According to the records at least 40 enemy were taken down versus 6 Americans KIA and 30 WIA. A hand drawn map is included in the reports which shows the points of attack and distance they had to go to attain their mission. 

Following this mission, A Troop boarded LSTs to head north with the rest of the Squadron. However, they were based temporarily at Fire Support Base Bastogne with the 101st Airborne Division before joining-up with the Squadron at Camp Evans.

See the TimeLine for additional information about this period of time in III Corps.
Click HERE