OPERATION SAM HOUSTON CONDUCTED BY THE 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Abstract
Operation SAM HOUSTON started on 1 January 1967, but did not really get going until the division crossed the NAM SATHAY River in mid February. Then in the next five weeks, the division had nine major contacts and a small number of contacts with NVA squad or platoon sized elements. It is significant to note that in each major contact, enemy tactics were of the same pattern. He located the battalion fire bases and kept them under constant surveillance. When the rifle companies moved out on patrol, the enemy would keep track of their movements through the use of small reconnaissance parties or trail watchers. His favorite tactic involved a procedure of reporting movements back and, at a time and location of his choosing, attempting to engage a rifle company while it was moving. He would close quickly with the elements of the company before supporting fires could be effectively employed. He would simultaneously attempt to surround the entire company and fragment it into smaller platoon sized pieces using his favorite weapons, mortars and large numbers of snipers in the trees. His mortars were countered with artillery and air and his snipers by small arms, automatic weapons and particularly the M-79 grenade launcher.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0385638
Entities
Organizations
- Adjutant General's Corps