This is an overview of 3rd platoon presented by Col. (Lt.) Walt Wood covering roughly an eight-month period and ending in mid-June 1969. During this period the 3rd platoon operated in what was western South Vietnam along the Laotian border in a locale commonly referred to as the "salient." This was a portion of the Laotian territory that jutted into northern South Vietnam. Later the platoon was helolifted to general outpost 950 overlooking the Khe Sanh Combat Base. The platoon was reinforced by an 81 mm mortar section, manned the position and provided security for a radio relay station for approximately three weeks. The platoon returned to Vandegrift Combat Base immediately prior to Christmas 1968. The platoon operated around Vandegrift for a brief period of time before deploying to the vicinity of Khe Sanh for an operation that lasted some two weeks. In mid-January the platoon was helolifted to LZ Razor for an operation that came to be known as Dewey Canyon in the Ashau Valley. Upon the conclusion of the operation in early March the platoon was helolifted into Upper Cates, a position that overlooked the actual fire support base that bore the name FSB Cates and was defended by the remainder of Fox Company. In late March the company was helolifted to FSB Fuller located on Dong Ha Mt. In the course of the next few days 2nd and 3rd platoons from Fox Company swept the area around FSB Fuller.  The 1st platoon was left at FSB Fuller to provide enhanced security. After three days of sweeping the area around Dong Ha Mt.and Dong Ma Mt.the platoon ended up engaging a large NVA force on Hill 126. During the period from 26-29 March 1969 the platoon sustained seven Marines killed in action and approximately four times that number wounded in action. A number of the wounded never rejoined the platoon. After this the platoon retuned to Vandegrift to manned the perimeter all the while receiving an influx of replacements. Subsequently, the battalion participated in operations in the Ba Long Valley. Upon completion of the operations the battalion returned to Vandegrift. After some must deserved rest the 9th Marines returned to the Ashau Valley and participated in Operation Apache Snow until 29 May 1969 and lastly the platoon took part in Operation Cameron Falls. In sum, during this eight plus month period the Marines of 3rd platoon participated in operations: Scotland II Mountain, Quang Tri Province 20-25 October 1968, Scotland ll Afton, Quang Tri Province 25 October to 28 November 1968, Dawson River Afton, Quang Tri Province, 28 November to 28 December 1968, Dawson River West 2-20 January 1969, Dewey Canyon 22 January to 18 March 1969, Apache Snow 7-29 May 1969 and Cameron Falls 31 May to 19 June 1969. As to the make up of the 3rd platoon during this period, it is best described as an "All American Platoon." Its members came from both coasts with a solid representation of Southerners, Northerners, Midwesterners and the American Southwest. Racially diverse, the platoon included Hispanics and one American Indian. These Marines and Sailors (Docs) came from our nation's largest cities, the great north woods and of course included a number who had been "volunteers." The 3rd platoon included at least one draftee, who was indistinguishable from the rest of the lot. During this time period due to normal rotation and causalities some 80 to 90 Marines passed through the platoon. As to the character or temperament of the men, it can perhaps best be captured in the stereotype one associates with Marines in combat. When the going got tough they shared their rations and water with one another and on occasion cigarettes as well. And as the situation arose, they risked all for their fellow Marines and at times gave all for those they served along side. Full of swagger and bravado and ever ready to grumble about some real or imagined slight or injustice, they could always be counted upon to get the job done, no matter the risk, no matter what was required. If nothing else, the two traits that the men of the platoon exhibited were an unbelievable loyalty one to the other as well as what can only be described as an ability to endure. This is my best recollection of the vivid, yet almost unbelievable distant past of some 35 years ago, where in I had the privilege of leading and serving along side some of the Corps' finest.

Col. Walt Wood