D TROOP MOVES TO DI AN

DI AN - - On the 14th of December the "Blue Tigers" of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry began their move to Di An, after nearly two years of absence. A forward element came to Di An to secure, clean up and begin the rebuilding of their new area.

The "Blue Tigers" left Di An basecamp on 5 January 1968 and became operational to many units over the span of two years, returning momentarily to the control of the 3d Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry. More recently, under the command of CPT William R. Condos, Jr., the "Blue Tigers" were stationed at Bien Hoa, and in addition to supporting Company D, 75th Infantry (Rangers) LRRP, were under the operational control of Bien Hoa Tactical Area Command. Troop D, at the time, was the only unit having active combat operations in the Long Binh-Bien Hoa area.

On 28 December the various sections began moving their equipment to their new areas. The move was culminated by a road march from Binh Hoa to the base camp at Di An. 13 flatboys with connexes, gun jeeps, 106mm jeeps, 2 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks -- all made the march.

Although the "Blue Tigers" are now in Di An, they still have their commitment to the 75th Infantry Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols in Long Binh, and maintain a platoon sized force there at all times.

And after their long absence, it's good to have 'em back.

TIGER TALK

The "Blue Tigers" have had quite a full month with moving up to Di An and still remaining operational ready. Still, there was time for awards and decorations and promotions for the deserving:

Bronze Star Medal for Service

1LT Earl Donoho II
SSG Frederick Curry

Air Medal

1LT Earl Donoho II
1LT Robert Bennett
SP4 Joseph Doesky
SP4 Jimmie Holton
SP4 Thomas Ray

Army Commendation Medal for Service

SGT Joel Bailey
SP4 William Brickhouse
SP4 Joseph Deosky
SP4 Jeffery Hiltabidel
SP4 Jimmie Holton
SP4 Harold Olson
SP4 Kermit Trout

Promoted to Present Grades

During the month of December, the "Blue Tigers" of D Troop remained completely combat operational. They were assigned three daily missions: to maintain daily daylight reconnaissance sweeps and night ambush positions in their area of operation; to maintain a ready reaction force in Long Binh for Co. D, 75th Infantry (Rangers) LRRP; and to provide a force for the Long Binh berm guard. Early in December, Troop D was released from its mission under Binh Hoa Tactical Area Command and continued to perform its same mission while OPCON to the 3d Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry.

During December, the "Blue Tigers" performed approximately a dozen insertions in support of Company D, 75th Infantry. Several of these insertions involved two platoons.

On 3 December the "Blue Tigers" [2nd platoon, ed.] took the wind out of Charlie's sails by uncovering a large cache. Aside from weapons sights and assorted parts and equipment for bicycles, D Troop cramped the enemy's firepower by capturing 4000 .51 caliber rounds.

On the 12th Troop D had its CMMI and received very satisfactory scores in all areas. CPT William R. Condos, "Blue Tiger" Commander, extends a "well done" to every man in the troop, and a special mention goes to SGT Gerald Schurkamp for his fine work in CBR (100%), and to the men in the maintenance section who worked so hard to insure success.

On the 17th of December elements of the third platoon made contact and reported one enemy killed in action, and another possible KIA. (See following story)

On the 21st, a 72 man force was inserted at the sight of a recent B-52 bombing sight, and made an overnight reconnaissance sweep of the area. The "Blue Tigers" found traces of what appeared to be a Viet Cong base camp, which included bunkers, fireplaces, and fresh trails and footprints.

On Christmas Day, Troop D completed its mission for Bien Hoa berm guard.

On 30 December the "Blue Tigers" made a final road march to Di An culminating their relocation. And a special thanks is sent to C Troop for sharing their mess hall facilities with the "Blue Tigers" until their's can be rebuilt.

A TIGER BY THE TAIL

Once you have a tiger by the tail, then what? Charlie found the answer the hard way when he tried tangling with the "Blue Tigers" of Troop D, 3d Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, leaving behind one dead comrade and evidence of other inflicted casualties.

On 17 December, elements of the "Blue Tiger" third platoon were inserted in support of Company D, 75th Infantry (Rangers). While moving deftly through the jungle, the platoon heard occasional single shots in the area. As the column halted to determine the direction of fire, two 81mm mortar rounds exploded approximately 100 meters to the rear of the platoon. The well concealed HQ section then observed an unknown sized enemy force approaching from the right.

The enemy returned small arms fire and 81mm mortars near the platoon after the "Blue Tigers" initiated action against the force. After the order was given to cease fire, the Scout section made a reconnaissance by fire both to the front and right of the column. The growl was loud enough to send the enemy scattering back into the jungle.

One enemy soldier was found dead and several blood trails were found indicating Charlie had received his scratches.

The one dead soldier left behind was found to be an NVA corporal.

HOW TO MISS A BOB HOPE SHOW . . .

On December 28th, Troop D [1st platoon, ed.] acted as a security force for the Bob Hope Show while it played before a hundred thousand G.I.'s at Long Binh. It was bad enough not getting to see the show, but one "Blue Tiger" put it this way:

"I humped an 81mm mortar up a hill through three feet of mud, and with the only consolation being that I had brought my radio and could listen to the show.

"All afternoon I had it tuned to the AM station waiting for the show to begin, only to find out that night that the program was carried on FM!"