LTC DANIEL F. SCHUNGEL

Since we acquired the Lao Bn (BV-33) plus some 2200 dependents, it was my policy to keep one of the Company's three field grade officers at Lang Vei to coordinate the somewhat complex tactical and refugee situation. I relieved LTC [illegible; possibly Moadley?] …oadley, my XO, the afternoon of 6 February.

At about 1800 on 6 Feb Lang Vei was subjected to a rather intense mortar and artillery barrage. We asked for counterfire from Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) and delivered counterfire from the camp.

Myself, 1LT Quy (LLDB S3) and 1LT Quan, (LLDB Camp Commander) inspected all defensive positions at last light (about 2000) and then I turned in. I had some difficulty getting our northern most OP manned that night, but got SFC Lindewald's MSF platoon out there, finally.

At about 070015 I was awakened and told that the camp was being attacked by tanks. I assured myself that this was true, instructed CPT Willoughby to call for air and artillery support on Lang Troi to the point at which the high speed approach enters the camp (104 Co Area). I also instructed that he request a flare ship and ask for everything through paralled [sic] channels (KSCB and C Co). Then I went up to organize tank killer details about 070045.

By this time, the 106 RR was manned by SFT Holt and delivering effective fire on the point at which the road from Lang Troi enters the camp. I collected the following personnel to assist me in containing the tanks that penetrated 104 Co: 1LT Longgrear, 1LT Quy, SGT Fragos, SP5 McMurry, and later, 1LT Wilkins.

Initially, I sent Fragos and McMurry after all the LWs they could carry, plus hand grenades. By 0100, the 106 RR fire had knocked out two tanks at the wire, but two had penetrated and one was practically on top of us. I'am [sic] not sure how many times he was struck by LAWs, but at least five were required to immobilize him. On each impact, there would be a great shower of orange sparts. [sic] When the crew survivors (3) crawled out, 1LT Quy and I killed them with grenades and SA fire. They had AK 47's. By this time the second tank had flanked the immobilized and dead first tank. It closed to about ten meter of our position, buttoned up and firing the main armament and CO-AX. By this time 1LT Wilkins had joined us; we were taking cover by some 55 gallon drums filled with rocks. I sent 1LT Longgrear back down the TOC stars to get some more LAWs and grenades. Meanwhile, the main armament hit our barrels and caved in the entrance to the TOC. I later learned that Longgrear reported me as dead at the time, and I can see why. Of the four of us still fighting the tank at that time, only 1LT Quy was unscathed and keeping up a heavy volume of fire against the NVA ground elements who followed the tanks in the attempt to outflank us. I am sure he saved our lives. 1LT Wilkins was knocked unconscious and crushed between the barrels, SP5 McMurry was gravely wounded. He couldn't see and both of his hands had been mangled. I was knocked head over heels by the concussion, but sustained only a light would in the right hip and a cut to my left cheek and ear. As the crew attempted to escape 1LT Quy and killed them. Then in a period of comparative quiet I took McMurry around to a pile of sandbags and tried to make his comfortable. He looked to me as if he was out of it. Then I got Wilkins awake and got him situated. He was beginning to come around. I consulted with 1LT Quy and he suggested we hide in a shell crater until dawn. I said "okay" but events overtook us then, and I lost track of 1LT Quy. Another tank had approached from the rear. I threw two grenades under it and something (probably a LAW) hit it from the rear. The Hatch popped open and flame billowed out. No one made it out of that tank. It was in otherwise perfect condition and parked right by the TOC tower. By this time (about 0300) there were plenty of NVA around, in small groups on top of the hill. I had two magazines of M16 and two M26 grenades left. 1Lt Wilkins was now completely conscious and called down the TOC tower to let us in. I wasn't too keen on this because I suspected we would have a better chance if we weren't pinned down. So I took Wilkins and we crept down to the team house. I deposited him behind the half finished bar, and then stood in the middle of the building where I could observe both entrances. I cut the inner tubes on the doors so they would stand open. There were still intermittent flares going off and I had a pretty good view. At 0330, I saw a party of five NVA, three with AK-47's and two with satchel charges approaching the North door of the team house. I told Wilkins to keep quiet and I would have to shoot them. They approached all bunched up. When they were five meters away I shot them all with one magazine. That left one magazine and two grenades. Then the team house got a satchel charge and small arms fire. I was hit in the right lower leg, but not enough to immobilize me. I went back to Wilkins (who was weaponless) and briefed him, telling him I thought we had better move out. He was lucid by this time and suggested we take cover under the dispensary until daylight. I agreed, and we proceeded there without incident, arriving about 0430 7 Feb. We hid there during a period that the NVA, a platoon I would estimate, were stomping around in the dispensary, knocking over bottles and raising hell in general. I overheard snatches of conversation, one between a runner from battalion and a company commander (Dai Uy, Dai Doi Truong). Before daylight we ceased to hear anything from them and the people left the dispensary.

With dawn came some good air support (0700). I could tell by the ground fire coming from around us that it wasn't time for us to come out yet. The air kept up until about 0930 and we hobbled out from under the dispensary, using extreme caution. There were two burned out tanks just west of the dispensary that I hadn't seen before that I assume were knocked out by air. We emerged, and I tried to signal a FAC. He waggled his wings in recognition. I thought perhaps at this time we were the only two alive on the hill.

Since neither Wilkins nor myself were walking very well at this time, we took it slow, trying to start every vehicle we came to. None worked. Then we spotted some CRP and CSF. The CRP suggested we join him in his bunker. We agreed and were being assisted in this direction when we were taken under fire again. At this time I was hit it the right upper leg hard enough to put me down. Wilkins made it to the bunker. The CSF helped me on down the road to the gate, where I met SFC Craig, who practically carried me to the Lao Bn CP, where I received first aid.

From this point until evacuation I operated the radio and coordinated with the TOC and FAC in preparation for the evacuation of the remaining personnel.

/s/Daniel F. Schungel
/t/DANIEL F. SCHUNGEL
LTC, Infantry
Commanding