Crew Listings for PCF 30 thru 39

***All swift boat crew training was done in Coronado, CA until July 1969, when it was moved to Mare Island, CA***

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- On 18 October 1968, PCF 31 transferred from Cat Lo to An Thoi.

- On 24 November 1968, PCF 31, 38, 72, 82, and 93, entered the Bo De river in an attempt to fire on a suspected Viet Cong General's plantation near the adjoining Dam Doi river. Shortly after entering, the PCFs encountered extreme enemy fire from both banks of the river, and were forced to abort the mission. Four of the PCFs received heavy damage and several crewmen were seriously wounded during the ensuing battle. Three Viet Cong were killed during the exchange of fire.  Stars and Stripes story

- On 13 December 1968, PCF 31 transferred from An Thoi to Cat Lo

- On 11 February 1969, 10 PCFs teamed with as LSMR, an LST, an MSO, a WPB, a WHEC, an airborne spotter, Air Force jets and Mobile Strike Force (MSF) troops to carry out eight hours of operations on the southern portion of the Ca Mau Peninsula, SEALORDS 308.
   After preparatory naval gunfire by USCGC Wachuset WHEC 44, USCGC Point Cypress and USS White River LSMR 536, the river incursions began at 1223. At the mouth of the Rach Duong Keo PCFs 43, 44 and 71 proceeded approximately 2.5 miles up river while 20 MSF troops swept up the east river bank. Also starting from the same point PCFs 3, 10 and 31 proceeded about two miles up the Trum Gong River for a psyops broadcast. At the same time 10 miles to the east-northeast PCFs 28, 53, 60 and 103 entered the Rach Nang and in just four minutes came under heavy hostile fire from the south bank, about one mile up river. With PCF 103 taking two rocket rounds in the port engine and PCF 60 hit in the bow below the waterline, all four craft turned back down river and cleared the mouth about 15 minutes later. Two men were slightly wounded in this engagement, one each from PCF's 60 and 53.
   The effort to save PCF 60, which was starting to settle by the bow, continued for over an hour. PCF 60 had to beach on a sandbar outside the canal to avoid sinking. The boat's flooding was brought under control, even though the bow had already gone below the surface, after a P-250 pump, provided by the Point Cypress, and delivered by PCF 44, was received. The boat was then temporarily repaired by its own crew with more permanent repairs being made later by the White River.
   The remaining undamaged craft assembled for another venture up the Rach Nang after the enemy positions were hit by air strikes and naval gunfire, in the early afternoon. At 1625 PCFs 3, 10, 31, 43, 44 and 71, with the MSF troops embarked, headed up river. The troops were landed at the river mouth and contact was soon made as PCF 71 took a rocket hit on it's port side. By 1630 the troops had surrounded the enemy firing position. In the ensuing fight two Viet Cong were killed and another probably killed before the enemy retreated up river with the MSF unit in pursuit, until darkness forced breaking contact. Despite vigorous attempts by the OinC and crew to control flooding and to beach PCF 71, it sank in 10 feet of water, only a half mile south of the river mouth. Units stood by PCF 71 and began salvage operations the following morning. Most of the electronic gear and the majority of weapons, including the 81mm mortar, were salvaged by the OinC and crew of PCF 44, despite some very dangerous sea conditions. The next day, 13 February, PCF 71 was successfully refloated by a salvage team.
   Other minor casualties were on PCF 10 where three crewmen were wounded by flying, broken glass from a shot out pilothouse window.
   Enemy losses to the PCF and MSF forces, that day, came to 27 bunkers, 20 claymore mines, 28 grenades, one structure, and one sampan destroyed; 2 AK-47 rifles captured and numerous bunkers damaged. One MSF soldier was wounded.

- On the morning of 9 April 1969, PCFs 21, 23, 31, 93 and 103 entered the Song Ong Doc with Mobile Strike Force (MSF) troops embarked. As they proceeded up river, light small arms fire was received from the river bank. At a point seven miles up river, the force came under small arms, automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire. One recoilless rifle round hit PCF 31 but failed to detonate causing only a small hole at the waterline. After suppressing the enemy fire and clearing the area , PCF 31 was escorted back to sea by two additional Swift boats sent up river. Strikes by Army LHFT and naval gunfire from USCGC Mendota WHEC 69 were placed on the enemy position. More small arms was encountered by the PCFs still on the river and the LHFT without friendly casualties. After leaving the river to rearm, the Swift boats proceeded 5 miles up river and put the MSF ashore on the south bank in mid-afternoon. Following the departure of these units from the river at the completion of the ground sweep, PCFs 22, 67 and 94 entered the river to establish night blocking patrols. The purpose of the operation was to intercept Viet Cong which might attempt to head north across the river as they evaded the forces of SILVER MACE II operating to the south. Early on the 10th, PCFs 31, 38, 43 and 71 took over the continuing blocking patrol. At a point 6 miles up river PCF 71 received minor damage from a recoilless rifle hit and one MSF was wounded. Other than light small arms fire the patrols continued without incident until termination that evening. In addition to suppressing hostile fire, the Swift boats, MSF, LHFT and fixed wing aircraft took targets of opportunity under fire in what local authorities had declared a totally restricted zone along the river. Results included 17 structures and nine sampans destroyed, 15 structures and two sampans damaged and one Viet Cong killed in action.

- Eight PCFs, with 6th Battalion VNMC troops embarked, sailed the Duong Keo River during the late afternoon of 12 April 1969, for a sweep operations in the day's objective area. At 1734, a large scale enemy initiated firefight, by an estimated two Viet Cong companies, was unleashed as the PCFs, in column formation, reached a position four miles upstream from the river's mouth. Detonation of two claymore mines, from the northeast bank, was immediately followed by intensive B-40 rocket, recoilless rifle (R/R), .30 and .50 caliber machine gun, rifle-grenade and small arms fire. PCF 43 was hit by R/R and B-40 rounds which disabled her steering gear and fatally wounded the boat skipper, LTJG D. G. Droz. The boat beached at high speed into the center of the ambush site, as B-40 rockets continued to smash into her. Uninjured crewmen and UDT personnel aboard set up a hasty perimeter around the boat as PCFs 5 and 31 returned alongside to assist the stricken PCF 43, at the same time maintaining a heavy volume of fire. Seawolves reacted in five minutes and placed heavy machine gun fire into the area. Enemy fire was suppressed. All personnel were removed from PCF 43 and PCFs 5 and 31 cleared the area. Later, a fire in PCF 43 reached UDT ammunition stores on board and created an explosion which destroyed the craft. Final results of the disaster were three US Navy personnel killed with 33 others wounded and two Vietnamese Marines killed with another 13 wounded. One PCF (43) destroyed, two others badly damaged, and two others received moderate damage. Enemy losses were 18 Viet Cong killed (2 body count and 16 estimated).  UPI story  After Action Reports (3)

- On 9 August 1969, a SEA FLOAT mission was conducted with seven PCFs, USS Gallup PG 85, USS Asheville PG 84, EOD and UDT Detachment G, MSF troops and Seawolves participating. The operation commenced with the Swift boats inserting the troops on Rach Ba Than and Rach Buong, about five miles east of Seafloat for sweeps south. During a day of frequent contact PCF elements were ambushed on five separate occasions with rockets, small arms fire and a mine, resulting in PCFs 5, 40 and 31 receiving minor damage. One US sailor and three MSF troops were wounded. The ground troops later swept the ambush areas and captured 58 booby traps, two large charges, 60 Japanese knee mortar grenades and three hundred rounds of ammunition. Ten bunkers, three structures and one barricade were destroyed and two VC were killed.

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- During most of May 1966, three PCFs remained under operational control of CTF 116 for patrol in the Rung Sat Special Zone. On the morning of 22 May, PCF 32 detected a sampan crossing the Dong Tranh river from east to west. An occupant opened fire with a .30 caliber weapon. PCF 32 returned fire with 400 rounds of .50 caliber fire, damaging the sampan. However, the sampan managed to beach and the occupants fled. There was no assessment of casualties.
  The morning of 27 May PCF 37 sighted a sampan with two persons embarked closing the beach near the location where an attack on PCF 41 had occurred on 22 May 1966. As PCF 37 closed, the sampan was beached and abandoned after being partially camouflaged. PCF 36, on patrol in the same area, was called to assist, and both units closed the beach to investigate. In the process an explosion, possibly a small mine, occurred thirty yards astern of PCF 36. At the same time the Viet Cong took the PCFs under small arms fire. It was evident that the Viet Cong had used the sampan as a decoy to lure the PCFs into the vicinity. The PCFs returned the fire and cleared the area. There were no casualties.

- On 24 August 1967, PCFs 32 and 96 joined a search for two special services boats overdue at Vung Tau. The search was called off when it was learned that the two boats and their occupants had been captured by the Viet Cong near Mui Ky Van. Although the two American servicemen were able to escape from their captors and make their way safely back to an ARVN outpost, the two special services boats were left on the beach near Mui Ky Van. On 25 August, PCFs 25 and 35 participated in a Coastal Group operation in an attempt to recover the two boats. Unfortunately, the landing forces met with heavy Viet Cong resistance when they attempted to retrieve the two boats. All units came under fire from well fortified VC positions. Both PCF 25 and 35 were hit by automatic weapons fire but no personnel casualties were reported. The operation was later aborted when heavy enemy fire could not be suppressed. The next day PCF 35 again came under automatic fire from Mui Ky Van, but was able to successfully suppress the enemy fire.
  On 28 August, PCFs 37 and 96 again engaged the enemy forces in this area when they destroyed a Vietnamese coastal junk which had broached on the beach. Enemy losses following that engagement were unknown.

- A large operation on the Cua Lon and Bo De Rivers took place on 29 October 1968. In this operation, three PCFs entered the Bo De River as four others came up the Cua Lon river. Heavy recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire was encountered by PCFs 28, 32 and 103, about 3 miles up the Bo De River. The fire was suppressed and the three craft proceeded to rendezvous with PCFs 3, 36, 50 and 94 at a point 10 miles up the Cua Lon River. Here a wounded crewman from PCF 103 was transferred to PCF 94 for evacuation out the Cua Lon in company with PCF 50. The remaining five "Swifts" returned toward the mouth of the Bo De under cover of Vietnamese Air Force A-1s, methodically destroying craft and structures found along the waterway. The results included 17 structures, 170 sampans and one large junk destroyed plus 85 structures and 74 sampans damaged. Four other "Swift" boat crewman were slightly wounded.

- On 11 February 1969, 10 PCFs teamed with as LSMR, an LST, an MSO, a WPB, a WHEC, an airborne spotter, Air Force jets and Mobile Strike Force (MSF) troops to carry out eight hours of operations on the southern portion of the Ca Mau Peninsula, SEALORDS 308.
  After preparatory naval gunfire by USCGC Wachuset WHEC 44, USCGC Point Cypress and USS White River LSMR 536, the river incursions began at 1223. At the mouth of the Rach Duong Keo PCFs 43, 44 and 71 proceeded approximately 2.5 miles up river while 20 MSF troops swept up the east river bank. Also starting from the same point PCFs 3, 10 and 31 proceeded about two miles up the Trum Gong River for a psyops broadcast. At the same time 10 miles to the east-northeast PCFs 28, 53, 60 and 103 entered the Rach Nang and in just four minutes came under heavy hostile fire from the south bank, about one mile up river. With PCF 103 taking two rocket rounds in the port engine and PCF 60 hit in the bow below the waterline, all four craft turned back down river and cleared the mouth about 15 minutes later. Two men were slightly wounded in this engagement, one each from PCF's 60 and 53.
  The effort to save PCF 60, which was starting to settle by the bow, continued for over an hour. PCF 60 had to beach on a sandbar outside the canal to avoid sinking. The boat's flooding was brought under control, even though the bow had already gone below the surface, after a P-250 pump, provided by the Point Cypress, and delivered by PCF 44, was received. The boat was then temporarily repaired by its own crew with more permanent repairs being made later by the White River.
  The remaining undamaged craft assembled for another venture up the Rach Nang after the enemy positions were hit by air strikes and naval gunfire, in the early afternoon. At 1625 PCFs 3, 10, 31, 43, 44 and 71, with the MSF troops embarked, headed up river. The troops were landed at the river mouth and contact was soon made as PCF 71 took a rocket hit on it's port side. By 1630 the troops had surrounded the enemy firing position. In the ensuing fight two Viet Cong were killed and another probably killed before the enemy retreated up river with the MSF unit in pursuit, until darkness forced breaking contact. Despite vigorous attempts by the OinC and crew to control flooding and to beach PCF 71, it sank in 10 feet of water, only a half mile south of the river mouth. Units stood by PCF 71 and began salvage operations the following morning. Most of the electronic gear and the majority of weapons, including the 81mm mortar, were salvaged by the OinC and crew of PCF 44, despite some very dangerous sea conditions. The next day, 13 February, PCF 71 was successfully refloated by a salvage team.
  Other minor casualties were on PCF 10 where three crewmen were wounded by flying, broken glass from a shot out pilothouse window.
  Enemy losses to the PCF and MSF forces, that day, came to 27 bunkers, 20 claymore mines, 28 grenades, one structure, and one sampan destroyed; 2 AK-47 rifles captured and numerous bunkers damaged. One MSF soldier was wounded.

- PCF 33 never saw service with the US Navy in Vietnam.

- PCF 34 never saw service with the US Navy in Vietnam.

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- On the afternoon of 12 July 1966, PCFs 35 and 38, operating on the western shore of the tip of the Ca Mau Peninsula, received three rounds of recoilless rifle fire. The two boats were approximately 1100 yards from the beach when fired upon. Both PCFs cleared the area, expending 1200 rounds of .50 caliber machine gun ammunition and ten rounds of 81mm mortar suppression fire.
  Two rounds were fired at PCF 38 and one round at PCF 35. PCF 35 sustained a direct hit on her starboard quarter resulting in a one foot hole in her hull and severe damage to the starboard fuel tank. In addition, PCF 38 received minor shrapnel damage in the pilot house area with one crewman receiving minor shrapnel wounds. Viet Cong casualties were unknown.

- At 0240 on 27 January 1967, PCF 35 received small arms fire from the beach 10 miles east of Vung Tau. Fire was returned while the swift cleared the area. One US Navy man was slightly wounded. He was taken to the 6th Evacuation Hospital at Vung Tau.

- On 24 August 1967, PCFs 32 and 96 joined a search for two special services boats overdue at Vung Tau. The search was called off when it was learned that the two boats and their occupants had been captured by the Viet Cong near Mui Ky Van. Although the two American servicemen were able to escape from their captors and make their way safely back to an ARVN outpost, the two special services boats were left on the beach near Mui Ky Van. On 25 August, PCFs 25 and 35 participated in a Coastal Group operation in an attempt to recover the two boats. Unfortunately, the landing forces met with heavy Viet Cong resistance when they attempted to retrieve the two boats. All units came under fire from well fortified VC positions. Both PCF 25 and 35 were hit by automatic weapons fire but no personnel casualties were reported. The operation was later aborted when heavy enemy fire could not be suppressed. The next day PCF 35 again came under automatic fire from Mui Ky Van, but was able to successfully suppress the enemy fire.
  On 28 August, PCFs 37 and 96 again engaged the enemy forces in this area when they destroyed a Vietnamese coastal junk which had broached on the beach. Enemy losses following that engagement were unknown.

- From 1730 on 23 December 1967 until 0730 24 December, PCF 36 stood by and assisted a tug which was attempting to free three barges aground near Ilo Ilo Island. No enemy interference was encountered.
  On 31 December, PCF 25 suppressed enemy fire directed at a tug attempting to refloat a sunken barge near Ilo Ilo Island. There were no friendly casualties and enemy losses were unknown.

- In May 1969, PCF 35 transferred from Cat Lo to An Thoi.

- Five PCFs, with UDT 13 Detachment G and 60 RF/PF troops aboard, entered the Song Cua Long to conduct a sweep of Xom Ong Dinh village at first light on 11 June 1969. After transiting the Rach Ong Dinh and proceeding south one B-40 rocket round exploded close aboard PCF 35 causing only minor topside damage and slightly wounding the forward M-60 gunner. It was believed the ambush was a token attempt to direct the PCFs from their main objectives since further B-40 rounds and the normal small arms fire were not received. Proceeding to their target area, the PCFs encountered two sampans and detained a 40 year old male, who under questioning, provided what proved to be accurate information on the distribution of enemy units in the area. The troops discovered an extensive complex along the canal network containing about 80 newly constructed structures, 150 sampans and a sampan factory. Anticipating the presence of a sizable enemy force the PCFs requested air coverage; however, the enemy had departed the area and no contact was made. The PCFs and supporting OV-10s took the village under fire and destroyed 40 structures, 10 bunkers, one sampan factory, 42 sampans, one diesel generator and 900 pounds of rice. In addition, the troops captured four long shaft engines, two sewing machines, 10 VC flags, 15 pounds of medical supplies and 3 bundles of PUNJI sticks. One Viet Cong was killed and one VN detained while the only friendly casualty was one US sailor, slightly wounded.

- On 16 June 1969, five PCFs with UDT 13 Detachment G and RF/PF troops from New Nam Can, conducted an operation to locate a weapons cache and a VC squad reported operating in the vicinity about 10 miles northwest of New Nam Can. The troops were inserted at first light and immediately sighted 15 Viet Cong, two of which were captured while the others escaped. The troops were extracted and reinserted five miles further south to search two structures along the bank. Five pounds of documents and two VC flags were captured. At noon, the PCFs with troops embarked, commenced the transit to New Nam Can via the Rach Mang Do. Ten minutes later PCF 35 received five B-40 rockets, all near misses, and several bursts of automatic weapons fire. The PCFs beached and the troops were inserted for a sweep while the area was taken under mortar fire. A VN woman and child were wounded by the mortar fire, and were medevaced for treatment and returned to New Nam Can. After returning the troops to New Nam Can and transiting the Song Bay Hap the PCFs were again ambushed. Seawolves 12 and 15, in the area, spotted the rocket fire and rolled in for strikes while the fire fight was still in progress. The VC fire was completely silenced and the PCFs exited the Song Bay Hap without further contact. The days work netted 10 sampans, five structures, nine bunkers, one store house and 600 pounds of rice destroyed and five hundred pounds of rice, five pounds of documents, and two Viet Cong captured. It was estimated the two VC were killed while one US sailor was wounded.

- At 0204 on 22 October 1969, PCF 35 under LTJG Zumwalt III was in WBGP five miles northeast of Ha Tien, when noises were heard on the west bank of the Rach Giang Thanh, followed by the sighting of a number of sampans in a small canal; PCF 35 opened fire. No return fire was received as the enemy personnel evaded into a nearby tree line. Right after it was light, a company of troops swept the area and found three NVA bodies, two destroyed sampans, six AK-47, one US carbine, one Chicom carbine, 7,000 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, nine AK-47 magazines,16 60mm mortar rounds, eight 57mm mortar rounds, 20 B-40 rockets and 80 boosters, two Russian ant-tank grenades and five pounds of miscellaneous canned food, clothing and papers. In addition, three sampans were captured. Sweeping troops determined that PCF 35 had intercepted five sampans that were attempting a crossing from west to east.

- On 15 May 1970, PCFs 35 and 692 were escorting the tug SKIPJACK to the mouth of the Bo De river, when they were taken under fire by two (2) B-50 rockets from the north bank of the Cua Lon river 13 miles NNE of SEAFLOAT. PCF 35 received one (1) hit, on the waterline amidships, causing a 1'x2' hole in the hull. Numerous shrapnel fragments penetrated the main cabin. All main cabin windows were blown out and the steel core of the rocket passed through the forward magazine, which was empty, and exited through the hull, starboard side amidships. A second rocket exploded astern and a third detonated in the water between the tug and PCF 692, neither of which caused damage. PCF 35 returned fire, cleared the ambush site, beached and commenced repairs with the OinC and a crewman jumping into the water to plug the large hole. Meanwhile, PCF 692 stopped short of the ambush site and commenced heavy machine gun and 81mm mortar suppressive fire. Believing contact was broken, PCF 692 attempted to run the kill zone and assist PCF 35. PCF 692 received two (2) rocket near misses, short and astern, before clearing the kill zone. Two nearby SEAWOLVES were directed to the area and placed strikes on the ambush area. When the battle repairs were complete, both PCFs returned to SEAFLOAT.

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- During most of May 1966, three PCFs remained under operational control of CTF 116 for patrol in the Rung Sat Special Zone. On the morning of 22 May, PCF 32 detected a sampan crossing the Dong Tranh river from east to west. An occupant opened fire with a .30 caliber weapon. PCF 32 returned fire with 400 rounds of .50 caliber fire, damaging the sampan. However, the sampan managed to beach and the occupants fled. There was no assessment of casualties.
  The morning of 27 May PCF 37 sighted a sampan with two persons embarked closing the beach near the location where an attack on PCF 41 had occurred on 22 May 1966. As PCF 37 closed, the sampan was beached and abandoned after being partially camouflaged. PCF 36, on patrol in the same area, was called to assist, and both units closed the beach to investigate. In the process an explosion, possibly a small mine, occurred thirty yards astern of PCF 36. At the same time the Viet Cong took the PCFs under small arms fire. It was evident that the Viet Cong had used the sampan as a decoy to lure the PCFs into the vicinity. The PCFs returned the fire and cleared the area. There were no casualties.

- On 30 March 1967, PCF 36 rendezvoused with the USS Maddox DD 731 ten miles south of Vung Tau and evacuated an injured sailor to the 36th Evacuation Hospital at Vung Tau.

- On 18 October 1968, PCF 38 transferred from Cat Lo to An Thoi.

- A large operation on the Cua Lon and Bo De Rivers took place on 29 October 1968. In this operation, three PCFs entered the Bo De River as four others came up the Cua Lon river. Heavy recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire was encountered by PCFs 28, 32 and 103, about 3 miles up the Bo De River. The fire was suppressed and the three craft proceeded to rendezvous with PCFs 3, 36, 50 and 94 at a point 10 miles up the Cua Lon River. Here a wounded crewman from PCF 103 was transferred to PCF 94 for evacuation out the Cua Lon in company with PCF 50. The remaining five "Swifts" returned toward the mouth of the Bo De under cover of Vietnamese Air Force A-1s, methodically destroying craft and structures found along the waterway. The results included 17 structures, 170 sampans and one large junk destroyed plus 85 structures and 74 sampans damaged. Four other "Swift" boat crewman were slightly wounded.

- On the morning of 3 November 1968, PCF 36, PCF 43 and PCF 50, along with VNN Coastal Group 41 units, with a Regional Force embarked, carried out a raid up the Ong Doc river, 65 miles south of Rach Gia on the Gulf of Thailand. While PCF 36 remained a few miles from the river mouth to support a Regional Force sweep to the south, PCF 43 and PCF 50 proceeded to a point 10 miles up river to take suspected enemy positions under fire. Sniper fire was received killing the after mount operator of PCF 50. PCF 50 spotted the sniper and killed him as he attempted to escape. During the operation USS DuPont DD 941 and USCGC Ingram WHEC 35 provided 5-inch naval gunfire support.

- On 13 November 1968, PCF 3 and PCF 36 raided enemy positions in the Cua Lon river, destroying numerous sampans and structures. One PCF crewman was wounded when PCF 36 received a recoilless rifle hit while exiting the river. PCF 36 returned the enemy fire and destroyed the enemy emplacement, observing a large fireball.

- On the morning of 6 December 1968, PCF 36 and PCF 88 were patrolling up the Rach Giang Thann when they were ambushed seven miles northeast of Ha Tien. The enemy fired on the two patrol craft from both banks of the river with small arms, 57mm recoilless rifles and B-40 rockets. Machine-gun, small arms and grenade fire from the Swift boats partially suppressed the hostile fire as they cleared the ambush area. The craft beached at Tra Pho, a short distance upriver, to care for the nine crewman wounded (three seriously). In addition, one crewman was killed in the action and one VNN lost overboard and another wounded. No B-40 or recoilless rifle rounds scored direct hits, however, both craft were damaged by numerous small arms hits. During the return downriver through the ambush area, cover was provided by Task Force 116 light helicopter fire teams that saturated the enemy positions with rockets and machine gun fire. Due to the dense cover along both banks the enemy was unseen throughout the engagement and enemy losses were unknown.

- On 9 December 1968, PCF 36 transferred from An Thoi to Cam Ranh Bay.

- PCFs 36 and 47, PT Banks and Spooky 61 provided continuous, intense covering fire, while evacuating nine (9) VS Army personnel, surrounded by Viet Cong, 20/21 January 1969.  (after action report)

- PCFs 36 and 68, WPB in area 5D and Spooky 61 provided covering fire and assisted in the covert waterline extraction of a Popular Recon Unit, under heavy fire by a Viet Cong platoon, 21/22 January 1969.  (after action report)

- At 0700 on 10 May 1969, Coastal Group 26 inserted an ambush team just north of Ap My Hoi. At 0830, PCF 88 on normal MARKET TIME patrol received an urgent request from Coastal Group 26 for gunfire support and a dustoff aircraft to MEDEVAC two wounded, who were pinned down by heavy enemy fire. PCF 88 arrived on the scene at 0845 and after calling for a Dustoff aircraft immediately began gunfire support. PCF 42 arrived on the scene 10 minutes later and provided additional cover fire. Air cover and spotter planes were called from Phan Rang to join the battle and drop smoke flares to mark friendly and enemy positions. Enemy fire was sufficiently suppressed to allow Coastal Group 26 elements to begin withdrawing. PCF 36, patrolling area 4F, was called in to join the fight. By 0930 PCF 42 and Yabuta junks began taking Coastal Group 26 elements aboard as they were out of ammunition and unable to defend themselves while being taken under enemy fire from the tree line beyond the beach. PCF 42 again supplied cover fire while Coastal Group 27 began inserting troops just to the north to assist in evacuating troops. At 0930 Coastal Group 27 troops came under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire from dug in positions as PCF 36 arrived on scene and immediately began suppression fire. PCF 36's aggressive attack was so continuous and accurate it halted all enemy fire; this was credited as a significant factor in reducing friendly casualties. Throughout the day PCF 36 organized and coordinated simultaneous strikes by five PCFs in column formation along the kill zone, attacking and then withdrawing to allow air strikes between attacks. At 1700 Coastal Group 26 concluded the mission and all Coastal Group 26 and 27 troops were withdrawn. PCF 36 ordered all PCFs to normal MARKET TIME patrols leaving PCF 82 and PCF 42 on station to provide continuous H & I fire throughout the night.
  From 0830 to 1700 the PCFs provided uninterrupted coordinated attacks utilizing continuous arms resupply by PCFs from Cam Ranh Bay. Coordination with strike aircraft was outstanding resulting in continuous heavy bombardment for the entire eight and one-half hour operation. The PCFs expended 13,559 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition and 544 rounds of 81mm mortars. There were two Vietnamese killed and four wounded while six enemy were killed (body count). Due to complete and overwhelming bombardment of the entire area, enemy casualties were probably far greater than actually counted.

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- During most of May 1966, three PCFs remained under operational control of CTF 116 for patrol in the Rung Sat Special Zone. On the morning of 22 May, PCF 32 detected a sampan crossing the Dong Tranh river from east to west. An occupant opened fire with a .30 caliber weapon. PCF 32 returned fire with 400 rounds of .50 caliber fire, damaging the sampan. However, the sampan managed to beach and the occupants fled. There was no assessment of casualties.
  The morning of 27 May PCF 37 sighted a sampan with two persons embarked closing the beach near the location where an attack on PCF 41 had occurred on 22 May 1966. As PCF 37 closed, the sampan was beached and abandoned after being partially camouflaged. PCF 36, on patrol in the same area, was called to assist, and both units closed the beach to investigate. In the process an explosion, possibly a small mine, occurred thirty yards astern of PCF 36. At the same time the Viet Cong took the PCFs under small arms fire. It was evident that the Viet Cong had used the sampan as a decoy to lure the PCFs into the vicinity. The PCFs returned the fire and cleared the area. There were no casualties.

- On 24 August 1967, PCFs 32 and 96 joined a search for two special services boats overdue at Vung Tau. The search was called off when it was learned that the two boats and their occupants had been captured by the Viet Cong near Mui Ky Van. Although the two American servicemen were able to escape from their captors and make their way safely back to an ARVN outpost, the two special services boats were left on the beach near Mui Ky Van. On 25 August, PCFs 25 and 35 participated in a Coastal Group operation in an attempt to recover the two boats. Unfortunately, the landing forces met with heavy Viet Cong resistance when they attempted to retrieve the two boats. All units came under fire from well fortified VC positions. Both PCF 25 and 35 were hit by automatic weapons fire but no personnel casualties were reported. The operation was later aborted when heavy enemy fire could not be suppressed. The next day PCF 35 again came under automatic fire from Mui Ky Van, but was able to successfully suppress the enemy fire.
  On 28 August, PCFs 37 and 96 again engaged the enemy forces in this area when they destroyed a Vietnamese coastal junk which had broached on the beach. Enemy losses following that engagement were unknown.

- While exiting a canal in the Song Lan The area, 17 October 1969, PCF 37 received two (2) B-40 rocket hits close aboard, resulting in the wounding of the OinC and three (3) crewmen, and causing numerous shrapnel holes in the hull.

- PCF's 5, 37, 44, and an unknown fourth PCF, were loaded aboard a US Navy LSD on 20 December 1967, and then transported to the Naval Ship Repair Facility, Sasebo, Japan for out-of-country overhaul because of serious hull corrosion in the main cabin bilges. These were the first boats to be overhauled at the Sasebo, Japan Naval Ship Repair Facility. PCF's going through the out-of-country overhauls were programmed to receive design improvements, in addition to the refurbishing of the existing equipment. Some of the more significant improvements to be implemented included a more reliable 24 volt electrical system, a higher capacity drainage system and installation of a more powerful AC generator. In the attempt to stop, or at least slow down the rate of hull corrosion in the remaining 62 PCF's not scheduled for these overhauls, a program was initiated involving the application of special anti-corrosive paint and placement of magnesium anodes throughout the bilges.

- PCF's 5, 37 and 44 returned to Cam Ranh Bay on 30 April 1968, from out-of-country overhaul on in Sasebo, Japan on board the USS Comstock LSD 19.

- On the night of 1 November 1969, a US Army OH-6A helicopter was reported down about two miles southwest of Sa Dec. PCFs 37, 59 and 102 proceeded to search the area with PCF 102 locating the helo partially submerged at the waters edge. The three US occupants were dead. The PCFs stood by to assist in the removal of the bodies and to provide security for the ordnance on board the helo. A Vietnamese stated that the helo was burning at the time of the crash. PCF 59 remained on the scene until relieved by US Army personnel.

- PCFs 17, 37 and 59 entered the Rach Eo Lon about 15 miles east of Tra Vinh taking targets of opportunity under fire on the morning of 11 November 1969. All units beached and destroyed various bunkers and structures near the river bank and fired 81mm fire into the surrounding area. As the units proceeded out of the canal, PCF 17 was hit by a B-40 or B-41 rocket, above the waterline. The rocket penetrated through the port engine and slightly damaged the starboard engine. One VNN crewman was thrown into the water and was picked up by PCF 37. While PCF 17 exited the canal, the other "Swift" boats saturated the ambush site with heavy suppressive fire. There were five structures, six bunkers and two sampans destroyed in the operation. One US sailor was slightly and one VNN crewman suffered a severe back injury, enemy casualties are unknown.

- On 1 December 1969, PCF 37 while conducting a routine patrol on the lower Co Chien river, received a request for assistance from a PRU unit being overrun by a larger VC force. PCF 37 brought in reinforcements, called in Black Pony air strikes and medevac helos. PCF 37 remained in the contact area for over six hours, occasionally coming under enemy fire, as it coordinated air and ground forces. PCF 37 was finally able to extract the friendly ground forces and return them to their base.

- While patrolling the Vinh Te canal, 3 March 1970, PCF 37 was rocked by an underwater explosion which damaged the screws, rudders and blew off one (1) strut.

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- On the afternoon of 12 July 1966, PCFs 35 and 38, operating on the western shore of the tip of the Ca Mau Peninsula, received three rounds of recoilless rifle fire. The two boats were approximately 1100 yards from the beach when fired upon. Both PCFs cleared the area, expending 1200 rounds of .50 caliber machine gun ammunition and ten rounds of 81mm mortar suppression fire.
  Two rounds were fired at PCF 38 and one round at PCF 35. PCF 35 sustained a direct hit on her starboard quarter resulting in a one foot hole in her hull and severe damage to the starboard fuel tank. In addition, PCF 38 received minor shrapnel damage in the pilot house area with one crewman receiving minor shrapnel wounds. Viet Cong casualties were unknown.

- On 26 April 1967 an unfortunate accident placed PCF 38 out of commission when the topping lift on YD 220 failed and the boom dropped on the PCF, crushing the PCF's mast and main cabin. At the time YD 220 was lifting the Swift to cradle it for routine maintenance. The damage done to PCF 38 was beyond the capability of the local repair facilities so it will be necessary to send the damaged PCF to the naval station at Subic Bay, PI  for extensive repairs. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

- On 21 April 1968 boat transferred from Cam Ranh Bay to An Thoi.

- On 5 April 1968, PCF 38 received hostile fire from the beach while investigating a contact in Area 9H, wounding the VNN liaison aboard and damaging the PCF slightly.

- On 15 April 1968, a special PCF naval gunfire element consisting of PCFs 6, 11, 38 and 74 conducted an intensive gunfire mission in an area northwest of Rach Gia on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The area, which had been the scene of numerous hostile fire incidents in recent weeks, was saturated with 81mm mortars and .50 caliber machine gun fire. An airborne spotter reported all rounds on target, destroying 45 structures and killing one Viet Cong (probable). During the mission, the Swift boats received heavy hostile fire with PCF's 38 and 74 taking a number of hits.

- On 4 October 1968, PCF 38 transited the Viet Cong controlled Cua Lon and Bo De rivers taking targets of opportunity under fire. The daring transit resulted in 2 Viet Cong KIA and a number of sampans and structures destroyed or damaged. PCF 38 came under intense hostile fire while exiting the Bo De river, wounding the OinC and Leading Petty Officer and slightly damaging the boat.

- On 17 October 1968, PCF 11, PCF 38 and PCF 93 conducted a raid into the Viet Cong controlled lake south of the Ong Doc river and were credited with 3 Viet Cong WIA, 64 structures destroyed, 15 sampans destroyed and numerous livestock destroyed. The OinCs of PCF 38 and PCF 93 and one crewman were wounded during the raid when the PCFs came under light fire.

- On 24 November 1968, PCF 31, 38, 72, 82, and 93, entered the Bo De river in an attempt to fire on a suspected Viet Cong General's plantation near the adjoining Dam Doi river. Shortly after entering, the PCFs encountered extreme enemy fire from both banks of the river, and were forced to abort the mission. Four of the PCFs received heavy damage and several crewmen were seriously wounded during the ensuing battle. Three Viet Cong were killed during the exchange of fire.  Stars and Stripes story

- On the afternoon of 8 March 1969, PCFs 9 and 38, with MSF embarked, entered the Cua Lon River, 90 miles south of Rach Gia. The craft moved up river to the mouths of the Nhung Mien and Bien Nhan rivers where the troops were landed to investigate reports of enemy mines along the banks of these rivers. All units probed 1,000 yards south along the rivers with no contact or signs of mines. "Swift" boat gunfire destroyed four structures and one bunker before the troops were re-embarked. While enroute up river to the Cai Nhap the craft were taken under heavy enemy fire from both banks. All craft received hits, however, PCF 38 was the most seriously damaged as it lost one engine and took water into the engine compartment. After clearing the area the craft stopped and set up a defensive perimeter to wait for a medevac helicopter to pick up two USN and one MSF who were seriously wounded. Five other crewmen received minor wounds. After PCF 38 made temporary repairs the craft got underway and cleared the river late that night.

- On the morning of 9 April 1969, PCFs 21, 23, 31, 93 and 103 entered the Song Ong Doc with Mobile Strike Force (MSF) troops embarked. As they proceeded up river, light small arms fire was received from the river bank. At a point seven miles up river, the force came under small arms, automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire. One recoilless rifle round hit PCF 31 but failed to detonate causing only a small hole at the waterline. After suppressing the enemy fire and clearing the area , PCF 31 was escorted back to sea by two additional Swift boats sent up river. Strikes by Army LHFT and naval gunfire from USCGC Mendota WHEC 69 were placed on the enemy position. More small arms was encountered by the PCFs still on the river and the LHFT without friendly casualties. After leaving the river to rearm, the Swift boats proceeded 5 miles up river and put the MSF ashore on the south bank in mid-afternoon. Following the departure of these units from the river at the completion of the ground sweep, PCFs 22, 67 and 94 entered the river to establish night blocking patrols. The purpose of the operation was to intercept Viet Cong which might attempt to head north across the river as they evaded the forces of SILVER MACE II operating to the south. Early on the 10th, PCFs 31, 38, 43 and 71 took over the continuing blocking patrol. At a point 6 miles up river PCF 71 received minor damage from a recoilless rifle hit and one MSF was wounded. Other than light small arms fire the patrols continued without incident until termination that evening. In addition to suppressing hostile fire, the Swift boats, MSF, LHFT and fixed wing aircraft took targets of opportunity under fire in what local authorities had declared a totally restricted zone along the river. Results included 17 structures and nine sampans destroyed, 15 structures and two sampans damaged and one Viet Cong killed in action.

- PCFs 38, 93, 96 and 691 were assigned to extract 115 Mike Strike Force troops from the coast of the South China Sea, 13 April 1970. The troops proceeded 1,500 yards into the water for an at sea extraction, but the incoming tide caught many in surf above their heads. PCF crewmen dove into the water and swam to many with life lines and life rings. Two (2) of the MSF troops had stopped breathing, but PCF crewmen were able to revive them. The extraction required six (6) hours and removed all 115 MSF troops successfully.

- While assisting in the setting up of a WaterBorneGuardPost in a canal on Dung island, PCF 38 was hit by a claymore mine, 10 October 1970. PCF 38 cleared the area and MEDEVACED one (1) seriously wounded crewman. Two (2) other slightly wounded crewmen were treated on the boat. The boat sustained moderate hull and flooding damage.

- On 2 April 1966, PCF 31, 32 and 35 thru 41 arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Catamount LSD 17 and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- Late in the afternoon of 11 March 1967, the 81-mm mortar aboard PCF 39 exploded, killing one crewman and seriously wounding another. At the time, the PCF was conducting a gunfire exercise in Ganh Ria Bay, eight miles from Vung Tau. The boat's gunner, Seaman Gary Wayne FRIEDMAN, USN, was blown over the side by the explosion. When his body was recovered two days later it was determined that Seaman FRIEDMAN had died from multiple shrapnel wounds in the face and chest. Until the cause could be determined, MARKET TIME forces were directed to fire 81-mm mortars only in the drop-fire mode.

- On 14 August 1967, PCFs 39 and 70 participated in a SAR operation for a crewman lost when a helicopter crashed into Vung Tau Harbor. The man was not found.

- On 21 April 1968 boat transferred from Cat Lo to DaNang.

- On the morning of 10 December 1968, PCF 39 and another swift boat entered the Cua Dai River, 12 miles southeast of DaNang, to take enemy bunkers upriver under fire. As the two craft were proceeding back out to sea after destroying seven bunkers, heavy automatic weapons fire was received from three sites at very close range. The enemy fire was returned killing at least one Viet Cong. After clearing the area, the craft proceeded to the Coastal Group 14 base for treatment of five wounded crewmen. A naval gunfire support mission was fired on the ambush site by USS Oklahoma CLG-5 with unknown results.

- On 12 February 1969, PCFs 18, 39 and 99 entered the Cua Dai river and proceeded to Hoi An in company with Three Yabuta junks of Coastal Group 14. At Hoi An a pre-Tet concert was performed by the Third Marine Amphibious Force Drum and Bugle Corps in the market place. Other psyops activities were carried out as tapes were broadcast and numerous materials were passed out. On the transit back to sea targets of opportunity were taken under fire and light hostile fire encountered causing no damage or casualties.

- On the morning of 3 May 1969, PCFs 61, 58, 39, Coastal Group 14, a Regional Force Unit from Quang Nam, 2 OV-10A, an Underwater Demolition Team and the TG 115.1 EOD Team conducted SEA TIGER operations along the Song Thu Bon and Truong Giang Rivers about 3 miles southeast of Hoi An. PCFs 61, 58 and 39 prepped the beach and inserted UDT and EOD teams near the mouth of the Truong Giang River to destroy bunkers and structures, while Coastal Group 14 inserted the Quang Nam RF units to provide perimeter defense. PCF 39 and Coastal Group units provided a river blocking force while PCF 61 and PCF 58 proceeded about one mile up the Truong Giang River to destroy bunkers and structures. Upon completion of the initial mission Coastal Group 14 extracted the Quang Nam RF units while PCFs 61 and 39 withdrew the EOD and UDT teams and reinserted them about three miles up the Truong Giang River to continue bunker destruction. There was no hostile fire encountered during the entire operation which lasted about six hours. Enemy losses were four sampans, 16 structures and 42 bunkers destroyed and 16 structures and 8 bunkers damaged. Seven large fires continued to burn as SEA TIGER units withdrew from the area. The Quang Nam Regional Forces received two Hoi Chanh as a direct result of the operation. There were no friendly casualties.

*** To continue exploring this site, click on any of the links below ***

PCFs 1-9    PCFs 10-19     PCFs 20-29     PCFs 30-39      PCFs 40-49     PCFs 50-59     PCFs 60-69      PCFs 70-79     PCFs 80-89     PCFs 90-99      PCFs 100+

Go back to the start of the Website