Crossing the Golden Gate - Battle of Srok Dong - Campaign Series Vietnam 1948-1967

Jason Petho
30 June, 1966
[Srok Dong, Bình Long Province, South Vietnam]: [SIDE A] [HIS] [CSL]:

Operating with South Vietnamese forces, the U.S. 1st Division mounted a series of operations in eastern War Zone C during June and July 1966 with the purpose of reopening Route 13 from Saigon to Loc Nigh in Binh Long Province and to destroy elements of the Viet Cong 9th Division.

Intelligence suggested that the VC 9th Division was massing in the province to seize the capital, An Loc. From the 8th of June, the 1st/4th Cavalry (also known as Quarterhorse) had been performing reconnaissance missions to the east, south and southwest. The north was limited by the destruction of the Cau Cam Le bridge between Loc Nihn and An Loc.

In coordination with ARVN forces, the banks of stream and access were prepared for an AVLB to launch a bridge to the left of the one that was destroyed.

Once the bridge was in place, B and C Troops/Quarterhorse, were to conduct reconnaissance operations north of the bridge and secure the route to Loc Ninh.

Troop B would have a platoon from C/2nd/18th Infantry, while the remainder of C/2nd/18th would ride along with C Troop. B/2nd/18th Infantry was on alert as the rapid reaction force.

Once the AVLB Bridge was installed at the crossing called Golden Gate, C Troop would cross and then begin to secure the Checkpoints in Area Baseball while B Troop would follow and secure the Checkpoints in Area Football followed by Area Tennis.

Once the areas were secured, Troop B would escort engineering units from Loc Ninh back to An Loc.

The elite Viet Cong 271st Regiment was also operating in the area and were preparing to catch the Quarterhorse in another ambush to enjoy the same successes that the VC 272nd Regiment enjoyed at the Ap Tau O bridge on June 8th.

Would crossing the Golden Gate lead to Heaven or Hell, only the Viet Cong would decide on this day.

[ALL, NO VV] [CSEE, Variable Objectives] [1.00]