Radio Comms From LtC Cheatham to and from General LaHue

Date 31st Jan Turn 1 - Communication to General LaHue:

All airmobile forces at Camp Evans have been placed on alert status.
Supplies have been issued to 2/12 Cav, 2/501/82 Airborne and 5/7 Cav.
These three battalions are now on watch/defend status.
3/101 AB recon helos have been ordered to execute Recon pattern Alpha: search a 40 km radius around Camp Evans for intel on enemy movements.

Standing by for additional orders.

LtC Cheatham

Date Feb 1

To: Lt Col Cheatham

2 USMC Companies at Ga Xe lura will PATROL and develop the enemy positions. 2 additional companies are moving along the Song Loi Nong River to try and outflank the NVA positions.

General LaHue

Date: Feb 1

To: General LaHue

Message received. Will forward any intel developed to you ASAP.

LtC Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Date Feb 1

To: Lt Col Cheatham

2 USMC Companies at Ga Xe lura will PATROL and develop the enemy positions.  2 additional companies are moving along the Song Loi Nong River to try and outflank the NVA positions.

General LaHue

Lt Col Cheatham,

The truck convoy (empty of troops) has gotten ambushed again closer to Phu Bai. It is headed back toward Hue. Troops near Hue are holding on place and patrolling to develop the situation. Two new companies moving by foot up Route 1 to secure it. Breaking through to MACV will take some time.

LaHue

To: Lt Col Cheatham

Request you conduct helo recon of Route one between Phu Bai and Hue. Truck convoys ambuhsed on that route.

General LeHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 1

To: General LaHue

Message received.  Will forward any intel developed to you ASAP.

LtC Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Date Feb 1

To: Lt Col Cheatham

2 USMC Companies at Ga Xe lura will PATROL and develop the enemy positions.  2 additional companies are moving along the Song Loi Nong River to try and outflank the NVA positions.

General LaHue

To: General LaHue

Orders understood. Will divert Recon helo assets to recon Hwy 1 between Phu Bai and Hue.

LtC Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:To: Lt Col Cheatham

Request you conduct helo recon of Route one between Phu Bai and Hue.  Truck convoys ambuhsed on that route.

General LeHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 1

To: General LaHue

Message received.  Will forward any intel developed to you ASAP.

LtC Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Date Feb 1

To: Lt Col Cheatham

2 USMC Companies at Ga Xe lura will PATROL and develop the enemy positions.  2 additional companies are moving along the Song Loi Nong River to try and outflank the NVA positions.

General LaHue

To: General LaHue

Acknowledge receipt of message. Helos on the way.

Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Lt Col Cheatham,

The truck convoy (empty of troops) has gotten ambushed again closer to Phu Bai.  It is headed back toward Hue.  Troops near Hue are holding on place and patrolling to develop the situation.  Two new companies moving by foot up Route 1 to secure it.  Breaking through to MACV will take some time.

LaHue

To: Lt Col Cheatham

Friendly fire incident between your helos and Marines on Route 1. Discontinue helo recon in that area. Have spotted two enemy battalions. One is very large (maybe stronger than Battalion strength) defending on Route 1 between Hue and Phu Bai. I am developing enemy positions and bringing up more troops.

LaHue

atn8396 wrote:To: General LaHue

Acknowledge receipt of message.  Helos on the way.

Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Lt Col Cheatham,

The truck convoy (empty of troops) has gotten ambushed again closer to Phu Bai.  It is headed back toward Hue.  Troops near Hue are holding on place and patrolling to develop the situation.  Two new companies moving by foot up Route 1 to secure it.  Breaking through to MACV will take some time.

LaHue

To: Lt Col Cheatham

The ARVN Black Panther Company (elite troops) is pinned down at the airfield in Hue City. They are requesting a helo lift out to the Mang Ca compound. Send recon help to see if this is possible. Ground fire may be too great.

General LaHue

Lt Col Cheatham,

Suggest that you also recon the northern approaches to the city and try to pin point any NVA supply routes into the city. We need to think about cutting them off from supply.

General La Hue

Lt Col Cheatham:

On closer reading of the US Briefing I think that 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry is available for use. Perhaps you should secure PK17.

General LaHue

Date: Feb 2
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have issued the following orders based on the communications I have received from you:

- Recon helos will PATROL highways into HUE from N and NE

- 2/12 CAV will secure PK17 and supply stored there.

- Unable to provide airlift for ARVN troops at this time

- I will remain with HQ at Camp Evans

Message Received.

General LaHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 2
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have issued the following orders based on the communications I have received from you:

- Recon helos will PATROL highways into HUE from N and NE

- 2/12 CAV will secure PK17 and supply stored there.

- Unable to provide airlift for ARVN troops at this time

- I will remain with HQ at Camp Evans

Date: Feb 2
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have received the following intel from my forces as they were executing their orders today:

1. PK17 is occupied by ARVN forces commanded by Major Tuu Phan Nguyen.

2. Major battle appears to be occurring south of PK17 along Rt 1 around map coordinates 66/27

3. An ARVN battalion was spotted moving along Rt 1 heading toward PK17 early in the day.

4. Recon reports arty firing in support of ARVN from PK17.

My recommendation would be to have 2/12 Air Cav deploy around PK17 in support of ARVN forces. Will wait for your orders concerning this deployment.

Mfastoso wrote:Message Received.

General LaHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 2
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have issued the following orders based on the communications I have received from you:

- Recon helos will PATROL highways into HUE from N and NE

- 2/12 CAV will secure PK17 and supply stored there.

- Unable to provide airlift for ARVN troops at this time

- I will remain with HQ at Camp Evans

Date: Feb 2
To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

LtC Cheatham,

Can you secure a crossing over the river at coordinates 28/61 or 25/61? Maybe you can cross there and drive up Route 554 to hit the NVA on Route 1 in the flank. If the river crossing is secure then you should have a supply route to PK17. Alternatively you could do a helo insertion behind the NVA on Route 1 to help out the ARVN. Or you can secure PK17. Your call.

General La Hue

Date: Feb 2
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

Message received. Will consider options and get back to you with my plan.

Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Date: Feb 2
To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

LtC Cheatham,

Can you secure a crossing over the river at coordinates 28/61 or 25/61?  Maybe you can cross there and drive up Route 554 to hit the NVA on Route 1 in the flank.  If the river crossing is secure then you should have a supply route to PK17.  Alternatively you could do a helo insertion behind the NVA on Route 1 to help out the ARVN.  Or you can secure PK17. Your call.

General La Hue

To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

Be advised - USMC units are launching a major assault at the 18/82 map coordinate road junction which is defended by the 416th reinforced NVA Battalion. Also trying to punch from 20/78 (Ga Xe Lura Intersection) to the bridge at 21/78 to secure a bridge over the river. This area is defended by elements of the 804th NVA Battalion.

LaHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 2
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

Message received.  Will consider options and get back to you with my plan.

Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:Date: Feb 2
To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

LtC Cheatham,

Can you secure a crossing over the river at coordinates 28/61 or 25/61?  Maybe you can cross there and drive up Route 554 to hit the NVA on Route 1 in the flank.  If the river crossing is secure then you should have a supply route to PK17.  Alternatively you could do a helo insertion behind the NVA on Route 1 to help out the ARVN.  Or you can secure PK17. Your call.

General La Hue

Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have initiated an attack to secure HWY 1 north of Hue City. Airmobile forces will secure airfield at Van Xa (27/64) and proceed from there to attack enemy forces along the HWY 1 corridor. Recon forces will focus on the HWY 1 corridor north of Hue City to identify enemy and friendly forces located there. Will report progress as it is known.

To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

Message received. Good Hunting! Gung Ho!

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have initiated an attack to secure HWY 1 north of Hue City.  Airmobile forces will secure airfield at Van Xa (27/64) and proceed from there to attack enemy forces along the HWY 1 corridor.  Recon forces will focus on the HWY 1 corridor north of Hue City to identify enemy and friendly forces located there.  Will report progress as it is known.

Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

2/12 Cav have drawn supplies from PK17 under protest from local commander. 2/12 Cav then captured Van Xa airfield and are using it as a forward base for helos.
The follow up attack on enemy forces dug in forces blocking Rt1 and parallel rail line went well however enemy is still blocking these routes south.

Am having problems with cooperation with ARVN forces. They have 2 battalions also attacking enemy along Rt 1. I request that you intervene and encourage ARVN forces to coordinate their attacks with my forces. ARVN also has a full battalion stationed at PK17. This could be available to crush enemy and open Rt 1 to Hue City. I am prepared to move my command post to Van Xa if so ordered to coordinate forces in this attack.

in any event I will continue my attack along Rt 1 with 2/12 Cav.

Mfastoso wrote:To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

Message received.  Good Hunting!  Gung Ho!

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have initiated an attack to secure HWY 1 north of Hue City.  Airmobile forces will secure airfield at Van Xa (27/64) and proceed from there to attack enemy forces along the HWY 1 corridor.  Recon forces will focus on the HWY 1 corridor north of Hue City to identify enemy and friendly forces located there.  Will report progress as it is known.

To: LtC Cheatham

From: LaHue

Colonel - I am passing on a message from the ARVN commander. Here is it:

We need to coordinate an attack to break through to the Bac Hao trapped inside the city if possible, or at least clear the northern route to the city. I am placing additional units under Major Tuu's command to achieve this breakthrough. A combined AVRN / American effort to clear route 1 should succeed - please coordinate your efforts with Major Tuu.

I will ask Gen Troung to tell Major Tuu to coordinate with you. Try to push hard...I am meeting MAJOR resistance on Route 1 south of Hue.

LaHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

2/12 Cav have drawn supplies from PK17 under protest from local commander.  2/12 Cav then captured Van Xa airfield and are using it as a forward base for helos.
The follow up attack on enemy forces dug in forces blocking Rt1 and parallel rail line went well however enemy is still blocking these routes south.

Am having problems with cooperation with ARVN forces.  They have 2 battalions also attacking enemy along Rt 1.  I request that you intervene and encourage ARVN forces to coordinate their attacks with my forces.  ARVN also has a full battalion stationed at PK17.  This could be available to crush enemy and open Rt 1 to Hue City. I am prepared to move my command post to Van Xa if so ordered to coordinate forces in this attack.

in any event I will continue my attack along Rt 1 with 2/12 Cav.

Mfastoso wrote:To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

Message received.  Good Hunting!  Gung Ho!

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have initiated an attack to secure HWY 1 north of Hue City.  Airmobile forces will secure airfield at Van Xa (27/64) and proceed from there to attack enemy forces along the HWY 1 corridor.  Recon forces will focus on the HWY 1 corridor north of Hue City to identify enemy and friendly forces located there.  Will report progress as it is known.

Move your HQ to the site of Major Tuu's HQ. You will be able to coordinate that way.

LaHue

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

2/12 Cav have drawn supplies from PK17 under protest from local commander.  2/12 Cav then captured Van Xa airfield and are using it as a forward base for helos.
The follow up attack on enemy forces dug in forces blocking Rt1 and parallel rail line went well however enemy is still blocking these routes south.

Am having problems with cooperation with ARVN forces.  They have 2 battalions also attacking enemy along Rt 1.  I request that you intervene and encourage ARVN forces to coordinate their attacks with my forces.  ARVN also has a full battalion stationed at PK17.  This could be available to crush enemy and open Rt 1 to Hue City. I am prepared to move my command post to Van Xa if so ordered to coordinate forces in this attack.

in any event I will continue my attack along Rt 1 with 2/12 Cav.

Mfastoso wrote:To: LtC Cheatham
From: General LaHue

Message received.  Good Hunting!  Gung Ho!

atn8396 wrote:Date: Feb 3
To: General LaHue
From: LtC Cheatham

I have initiated an attack to secure HWY 1 north of Hue City.  Airmobile forces will secure airfield at Van Xa (27/64) and proceed from there to attack enemy forces along the HWY 1 corridor.  Recon forces will focus on the HWY 1 corridor north of Hue City to identify enemy and friendly forces located there.  Will report progress as it is known.

To: LtCol Cheatham

From: LaHue

USMC Forces have reached the MACV Compound and broke through the NVA forces blocking Route 1. I am considering next move. What is your situation?

La Hue

To: LtCol Cheatham

From: LaHue

The ARVN forces in your sector are requesting additional supplies. Do you have any to spare? If so pass them on.

LaHue

Date: Feb 5
To: General LaHue
From: LTC Cheatham

Supply situation becoming critical. I have limited supplies at Camp Evans especially now that 2/501 82AB and 5/7 Cav are online and available for use.
What is the situation at Phu Bai? Is supply available there? Maybe able to airlift supplies to units north of Hue.
When can we expect more supplies and how will we receive them?

Cheatham

Mfastoso wrote:To: LtCol Cheatham

From: LaHue

The ARVN forces in your sector are requesting additional supplies.  Do you have any to spare?  If so pass them on.

LaHue