Southern Cross information
for 11 BDE 23 INF
1/20 INF 23 INF
For date 700626
11 BDE 23 INF was a US Army unit
1/20 INF 23 INF was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Quang Ngai Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, LZ LIZ
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "B CO PROTECTS VIETS" by SSG Tim Palmer of the Americal IO.
LZ LIZ - About halfway between LZ Liz and Duc Pho, spread out along nine kilometers of highway l, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry operates. Situated right on the busy road in enclosed strongholds, the 11th Brigade company of "Sykes Regulars", perform the two-fold mission; pacification and security of the people living in the area, and search and clear missions of enemy troops in that area. Working exclusively on combined operations with various elements of the territorial forces, both regional and popular, the commander of Bravo Company, CPT Arthur E. Parker, Cape Cod, Mass., sums up their contribution to the people's security thusly; "We depend on each other here." CPT Parker was referring to the military cooperation between his troops and the Vietnamese "blackshirts" with whom they live and work. SGT Edward Lovelace, San Bernardino, Calif., a veteran of almost nine months with Bravo Company's mission said, "One of the great things about our work here is that we are out on missions similar to any maneuver company in the daytime, and often at night, we always have a home to return to." By this SGT Lovelace refers to the quarters which Bravo Company shares with both the Vietnamese civilians and the territorial military at each of the roadside compounds. "Living right in with the people like this has been very interesting and informative for us," continued SGT Lovelace. "It also gives the villagers a strong sense of security to know we are right in there with them when darkness falls." In addition to working the area already mentioned, the company has just recently undertaken still another task, coordinating the construction of an entire new village for the relocation of previously displaced fishermen from the seaside area. Speaking of the relationship between the Vietnamese and the American soldiers living with them at the various roadside locations, CPT Parker said, "the people have accepted us very warmly. In return, my men have gone out of their way to understand their customs and generally honor the fact that it is their home that we are sharing." Still another aspect of the trooper's presence in the village is the medical attention which is always available to the civilian population. SP4 Vic Koncikowski, Buffalo, N.Y., is the company medic and stations himself with the CP group at the largest of the six compound villages. When asked about the medical assistance provided to the villagers he said, "It's much like the Peace Corps here. The people come into my aid station anytime, day or night, asking for help with colds, sores, cuts, aches, just about everything. I keep a running log of Vietnamese patients attended daily and it averages about fifteen people." Additionally, the company and platoon medics stationed along the road are prepared to treat combat-inflicted wounds as well. If the civilians are injured during night time attacks, just like any American or Vietnamese soldier, they are treated. "We ordinarily medevac the civilians by ambulance, as we are right on the road," explained Specialist Koncikowstii, "but in cases of life or limb we call in a dustoff chopper just as we would for one of our own casualties." The people of Duc Pho District have come not only to rely on Bravo Company but also to love them.
The source for this information was 7006_323_scr supplied by Les Hines 12/19/2000
Additional information is available on CD-ROM.
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Last updated
12/24/2000
Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023