Plei Trap Valley - Firebases Seized

Simultaneously, two infantry-artillery engineer task forces seized the two firebases. Firebase “20” was occupied by airmobile assault by two rifle companies, a 165-millimeter howitzer battery,” and an engineer squad.

Firebase “Swinger” was seized by two rifle companies, supported by n 105millimeter howitzer battery, and a platoon of engineers. Due to the more extensive pioneer requirements at “Swinger,” the engineer platoon was reinforced by a helicopter-lifted 3finidozer. After assisting at “Swinger,” the dozer was shifted to “20” to help improve that base.

Postponed twice by severe turbulence resulting from tropical storms in the South China Sea, the assault on the road began on 25 November. Three

CSF companies were lifted to points about seven miles south of the chokepoint. This task force began moving north toward the chokepoint. The company on the left was accompanied by a half platoon of engineers who had the mission of destroying the road as the task force moved north. Over the next six days, this section of the road was repeatedly cut and numerous roadside bunkers were destroyed. The engineers were resupplied by helicopter so they moved along the road.  

Simultaneously, two companies of “Chokepoint” area near Cambodian border shows craters and felled trees CSF—known as Task Force North were lifted to a point just north of the chokepoint and accompanied by a reinforced squad of engineers. This group worked at the most vulnerable and most critical point of the operation. AI1 had volunteered, and all had rehearsed their tasks. Task Force North remained in the peas area for six days. Since there was more work than a squad could handle, the plan called for the insertion of a platoon for one day to insure the timely completion of the chokepoint obstacles.  

At mid afternoon on 27 November, a huge roar was heard throughout the area as the abatis, three road craters, and numerous fortifications were blown at once. Every bridge and ford~ was shattered, most crossing sites were cratered and water-tilled, and numerous fortifications were destroyed. Two formidable craters at the south end of the chokepoint blocked passage of the side hill cut. A 328 yard long abatis, comprised of about 30 gigantic trees, blocked the uphill portion of the road leading to the saddle and was completely visible from the air.