EMANUEL E. PHILLIPS
At approximately 1800 hours 6 February 1968, the camp received 40-50
rounds of estimated 155mm artillery from Vicinity Co Roc MTN in Laos.
Fire missions were supplied by Marines on two suspected positions. A
secondary explosion was reported VIC XD 733324. We were unable to get
a FAC.
MSF platoon was manning the OP to the West of camp reported several
times during evening the presence of large numbers of NVA to the northwest
and south of their position. The USASF with the platoon (SFC Linderwald
and Hanna) reported by radio that they personally had seen no enemy.
As A-101 radio supervisor, my alert position and sleeping quarters
were located in the TOC. I was awakened at approximately midnight and
told that there were tanks advancing on the camp's southern perimeter.
I first made sure That [sic] all the USASF were alerted. Then contacted
Marine artillery and requested fire on our southern perimeter, reference
the camps night defensive fire plan. Simultaneously, SFC Hanna reported
the OP as being under heavy mortar and automatic weapons attack. Two
artillery missions were called in defense of the OP before radio contact
was lost. At last radio contact was regained with the OP. SFC Hanna
reported that SFC lindewald [sic] was gravely wounded, and that the
OP was still under heavy attack.
After losing radio contact with the OP, under CPT Willoughby's direction,
all efforts were directed toward stopping the tanks and coordinating
air support. By the time, five or six artillery missions had been delivered
by the Marines on the southern approaches to the camp and had been adusted
[sic] up to the outer wire. Tanks had been reported to be controlling
the 104 Co Area (S.E. Corner) and NVA were reported in the bunkers.
A large troop concentration was reported on the northern perimeter and
VT as [sic] called.
Two tanks were reported knocked out at the camp's southern entrance.
All USASF personnel were attempting to engage the tanks with the weapons
available except for Command and Commo pers inside the TOC. 106 RR,
LAWs, and 50 cal AP were used by the SUASF personnel. CIDG used grenades,
30 cal MG and 57mm RR.
During the battle, six tanks were reported to the TOC as being disabled.
Eight USASF personnel became trapped in the TOC when a tank pulled on
top of it. Under its cover, sappers used grenades, satchel charges,
tear gas and incendiary grenades against the personnel inside. Numerous
charges and grenades were put down the air shafts before tear gas was
introduced. Incendiary grenades were put in on top of the gas. At this
time, all VNSF who were in the bunker, went outside and surrendered.
Their fate is unknown.
During the night, six of the eight USASF personnel inside the bunker
were wounded.
The last attempt to destroy the bunker was made at dawn. Two large
charges were put down the vent shaft on the North side of the bunker,
partially blowing the wall away. After day light commo was reestablished
with USASF personnel at the old camp site, and also with FAC.
The USASF personnel on the old site made several attempts (using Laotians)
to reach the TOC, but were driven back. When it became evident that
no relief was coming, CPT Willoughby called all available air on the
hill. When the air strike was lefted [sic], the trapped personnel made
it off the hill while the aircraft made dummy runs to keeps [sic] enemy
heads down.
It was necessary to leave SP4 Moreland behind, due to his being in
a complete stupor and becoming violent when disturbed. This was due
to head wounds received during the sapper attack on the TOC.
/s/ Emanuel E. Phillips
/t/ EMANUEL E. PHILLIPS
SSG, [Service Number]