Southern Cross information
for 196 BDE 23 INF
1/46 INF 23 INF
For date 700626
196 BDE 23 INF was a US Army unit
1/46 INF 23 INF was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Quang Tin Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, Dragon Valley
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "1ST/46TH KILLS SEVEN IN DRAGOON VALLEY" by SP4 Larry Grandfield 196th INF BDE IO.
LZ PROFESSIONAL - A reconnaissance team from the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry engaged an estimated NVA platoon killing seven and capturing four weapons. The action took place in the dreaded "Dragon Valley", sixteen miles northwest of Tam Ky, an area covered with tangled brush where the temperatures rise well over 100 degrees. "We know we were in for some action," recalled PFC Bobby Cunningham, Lincoln, Ala. "there were fresh signs of enemy activity everywhere - well traveled trails, newly cut branches and the distinct smell of Vietnamese cooking." It was not long before the suspicions were confirmed. Moving cautiously through the thick jungle, the small patrol broke onto an open trail and immediately detected the voices of 20 to 30 enemy approximately 80 yards away. "At this point we split into two squads," stated SGT Algia Motey, Prattville, Ala. "Half of the patrol, including our Vietnamese interpreter, SSG Trong Tran Thieu, were to approach the enemy hideout. The rest stayed behind as a reactionary force." Within minutes the eight soldiers had drawn within 25 yards of the enemy's encampment and moved on line in a flanking position. "Our interpreter told the people they were surrounded and that they should give up," said grenadier, PFC Willie Massey, Chicago. "However only one surrendered. "The NVA ran for their weapons. The squad opened fire. During the ensuing battle, the broiling air was filled with streaking bullets while grenade explosions rocked the ground. After 15 minutes of fighting seven enemy had been killed and the rest driven into the triple canopy jungle leaving many blood trails. "When the shooting subsided we withdrew to our rallying point to call in artillery and gunships on the fleeing communists," related machinegunner, PFC John Coleman, Dallas. The rallier was extracted at this time. After pounding the area with air and artillery support, the team moved back into the clearing to collect enemy weapons.
The source for this information was 7006_323_scr supplied by Les Hines 12/19/2000
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Last updated
12/24/2000
Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023