Marine Reconnaissance Patrol Near Vietnam DMZ Comes Under Enemy Fire, DMZ, Vietnam
Description
OF DEPARTMENT NEWSFILM RELEASE OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) UNITED SHIELD WASHINGTON, D.C. - 20301 STATES OF PLEASE NOTE DATE IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 1968 OXford 75111 Number 125-68 Footage: 74' 16mm Color Master Room 2E 771 Time: 2:03 Date Filmed: Late March 1968 MARINE RECONNAISSANCE PATROL NEAR VIETNAM DMZ COMES UNDER ENEMY FIRE (Official U. S. Marine Corps Film Released by the Department of Defense) In the vocabulary of modern warfare, reconnaissance is a word of crucial and unending importance. But, to Marine units deployed along Vietnam's Demilitarized Zone, it has special significance. These "Leathernecks" rely on reconnaissance to produce answers and provide alternatives in their continuing confrontation with infiltrating North Vietnamese Army (NVA) elements. They depend on it to reduce the compelling question marks of combat by uncovering and exposing enemy movements and dispositions. And nowhere is this more critical than in the fighting to control the northern frontier of South Vietnam. This heliborne patrol lifts off from Dong Ha to probe suspected NVA positions and scout probable enemy concentrations. The Marines on reconnaissance hope to avoid actual contact with the enemy, but are ready to fight a battle if one develops. Later, when pieced together with results of other "recon" missions, this combined information will indicate definite trends in enemy movement and foreshadow North Vietnamese designs. This edge in expectation has often reversed the element of surprise in the "Leatherneck's' favor. And, for this reason, the Marines pursue reconnaissance patrol missions with determination. This patrol took place east of Khe Sanh near the "Rock Pile", the jagged, jutting pinnacle of stone that commands a view of five valley infiltration routes. It seemed routine and uneventful until a young Marine falls into a crude punji pit, a bamboo stake piercing his leg. Since bamboo punji stakes, dipped in filth, can cause serious infection, a helicopter is called in for medical evacuation. Then, suddenly, the Marines come under enemy fire. A nearby ridgeline erupts with NVA rifle flashes. The patrol reacts to disrupt the enemy and moves rapidly to cut off any escape routes. While a rocket launcher lobs its projectile toward the communists, an M-60 machine gun section swings into action. The gunner places bursts across the brushy slopes to silence and scatter the NVA troops. - MORE - NOTE TO EDITORS: PLEASE CREDIT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IN TITLE OR COMMENTARY This motion film released to DOD pool member designated is for duplication and distri- bution to interested TV and newsreel pool members. It is to be forwarded within 72 hours to: Army Motion Picture Depository, Army Pictorial Center, 35-11 35th Ave., Long Island, N.Y. 11106, telephone 937-0600. This agency will deliver a duplicating master to Deluxe Laboratories, 850 Tenth Ave., New York City, telephone Circle 73220, where it will be available to non-pool members and other authorized agencies which make satisfactory financial arrangements with Deluxe Laboratories. The original release film must not be cut in any manner.
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Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer