Operation Hue City - MUST READ urban combat white paper

[catdat]

This article written for sftt.org is a "must read" for anyone interested in urban combat. It is entirely applicable to the current Iraq conflict.

Download the pdf at this link:

http://www.sftt.org/article11082002c.html

my hat's off to Nick Warr - thank you man

catdat

[DE6]

Very interesting, thanks for posting it!

[catdat]

Thanks DE6

here's the official after action report:
(hi res)

http://www.vietnamwall.org/gallery/large_assets/hr_195.jpg

pics

http://www.usmcvta.org/contributionsothers/fox2-5hue68/image/flametankinhue(01-68).jpg

http://www.usmcvta.org/contributionsothers/fox2-5hue68/image/grunts&tank2hue(01-68).jpg

http://www.usmcvta.org/contributionsothers/fox2-5hue68/image/grunts&tankhue(01-68).jpg

http://www.usmcvta.org/contributionsothers/fox2-5hue68/image/OntosInHue(01-68).jpg

In 1995 DDG-66 was named for Alfredo Gonzalez who won the CMOH at Hue City in this commendation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Platoon Commander, Third Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, first marines, first Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.* On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sergeant Gonzalez's unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressures on the beleaguered city.* While moving by truck convoy along Route #1, near the village of Lang Van Long, the Marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire.* Sergeant Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the Marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers.* Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire.* One of the Marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position.* With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade.* He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded Marine to a covered position for treatment.* Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from fortified machine-gun bunker on the other side of the road, the company was temporarily halted.* Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sergeant Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the East side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly from the bunker.* Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades.* Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire.* Sergeant Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements.* He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded.* The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sergeant Gonzalez reflects great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.* He gallantly gave his life for his country."

more details here too:
http://www.vwam.com/vets/gonzales.html

catdat

[DE6]

Great, thanks! :)