RIPPLE SALVO… #579… (1) Commander Carrier Air Wing TEN embarked in USS INTREPID and his bridge busting J.O.’s do it again–conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action…(2) “North Vietnamese Reflections of U.S. Political Attitudes Toward the War,” from CIA President’s TS Eyes Only Brief on 6 Oct 1967… but first…
Good Morning: Day FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY-NINE of a 1000-blog revisit to a battlefield like no other–the skies over North Vietnam…
6 OCTOBER 1967… A FEW HEAD LINES from The New York Times on a sunny, clear Friday 50 years ago in NYC…
Page 1: “RED SOX WIN, 5-0, TO EVEN SERIES–LONBERG ALLOWS CARDS ONE-HIT–YASTREMSKI’S TWO HOMERS SCORE FOUR RUNS”… Page 1: “Pentagon Orders Spending Freeze On ‘Pork Barrel’–Some Military Building Also Deferred–Officials Say They Fear funds Will Be Cut–Pressure Move Is Seen–Johnson Refuses to Propose Budget trims At Price of action On Tax Increase”… Page 1: “Poverty Program Passed by Senate–Bill Authorizes $4.65-Billion Over Two Years–Adds To Request by Johnson”... “The vote was 60 to 21…the measure faces controversy in the House and probably deep cuts.”…Page 18: “Astronaut Is Killed as T-38 Crashes in Florida”... “Marine Major Clinton J. Williams was killed today when his T-38 jet plane smashed into a wooded area near the Georgia-Florida border 20 miles northeast of Tallahassee. This is the 8th astronaut to die in the last three years, three in aircraft accidents.”… Page 35: “President’s Panel On Civil Disorders Will Speed It’s Interim Report and deliver a product on December 15 vice March 1968.”… Page 35: “Hope For The Poor Urged By Hayward Rustin, Civil Rights Leader–Tells Planners That Nation Has Encouraged Riots”…
VIETNAM: Page 1: “23 Senators Ask Asian Help in War–Senator Percy Leads Bid to Johnson to Seek Greater Support–Dirksen Calls it Mischief”… “In introducing the ‘sense of the Senate resolution,’ the Illinois Republican said the time had come to emphasize to the free nations in Asia, including south Vietnam, that the ‘American military commitment in Southeast Asia was ‘by no means open ended.’ He said they must be urged to contribute greater economic and military aid to the effort in South Vietnam. The resolution said: “The Armed Forces should not continue to bear an ever-increasing proportion of the fighting in Vietnam.”… Page 1: “Thai In U.N. Assails Calls to End “Vietnam Bombing”… “Foreign Minister Thanai Khoman of Thailand today attacked ‘would-be-pacifists and lopsided-loyalists who call for an end of the bombing of North Vietnam without demanding reciprocal action by Hanoi. He told the General Assembly that the people of Southeast Asia were amazed by what he declared disdains ‘any prospect of meaningful negotiations except on its own terms.”… NYT, 7 Oct, Page 1: “750 G.I.s Battle All Day In Delta–8 Americans and 42 of Foe Reported Dead After U.S. Sends Reinforcements”… “United States infantrymen, slogging through rice paddies and muddy beaches, clashed with a large Vietcong force in the Mekong Delta yesterday (6th) in one of the heaviest ground actions of the war in weeks. Late reports indicated that 8 Americans had been killed and 22 soldiers and a sailor wounded. A spokesman said this morning that 42 enemy soldiers had been killed. American reinforcements were rushed into the all-day fight west of Dongtan camp, about 51 miles southwest of Saigon. The jungle area in Dinbtuong Province is known to be a haven for Vietcong forces….Nearly 750 American troops were involved. Army officials declined to speculate on the size of the enemy force…
6 OCTOBER 1967… OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER…New York Times (7 Oct reporting 6 Oct ops) Page 1: “In the air war, American pilots struck deep into North Vietnam for the fourth day in a row, hitting railroad yards, petroleum dumps and a series of bridges near the Chinese border. Among the targets struck yesterday (6th) were two rail bridges, 22 and 42 miles south-southeast of Hanoi. Spokesmen said that a railroad yard and bridge 39 miles north-northeast of Hanoi had been destroyed. A spokesman said yesterday that Air Force pilots had also hit the bridge complex in the area 10 miles south-southwest of the Chinese border, in an effort to destroy the major northeast railroad artery between North Vietnam and China. American pilots also hit a major gasoline storage area six miles northwest of Haiphong. The Spokesman said it had been the first strike on the fuel dump, which exploded and sent a column of black smoke nearly two miles into the air.
“Navy pilots struck other fuel dumps north and northwest of the port city. The spokesman said that the Haiphong highway bridge, a mile and a half northwest of the heart of the city had been heavily damaged with the center span destroyed (By the Ken Burrows Bridge Removal Squad)... As the Navy Skyhawk pilots completed their strike and began flying back to the aircraft carrier Intrepid, at least six MIG’s engaged them in a series of dogfights. The spokesman said that one of the United States pilots had reported seeing bits of metal flying from an enemy plane.
“Although the Hanoi Government said that eight United States planes had been downed during the strikes, the American spokesman reported that one F-105 Thunderchief had been lost and the pilot was listed as missing. A total of 688 American planes have been downed so far in the North.
“With the bombing of the highway bridge from Haiphong to Hanoi–each of the four known bridges leading from the port have been cut in at least one spot (span)”…
“Vietnam: Air Losses” (Chris Hobson) There were three fixed wing aircraft lost in Southeast Asia on 6 October 1967...
(1) 1LT J.I. FULLER and 1LT J.E. NICHOLSON were flying an F-4C of the 433rd TFS and 8th TFW at Ubon and crashed on takeoff. Both young aviators survived to fly, fight and love again…
(2) An F-105F of the 44th TFS and 388th TFW at Korat ran off the runway after landing when the drag chute failed to deploy… The two Wild Weasel aviators survived but the aircraft was a strike…
(3) MAJOR FRANK ALTON ARMSTRONG was flying an A-1E of the 1st ACS and 14th ACW out of Pleiku and leading a flight of two Skyraider against a troop target near the intersection of the borders of Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam when downed by enemy ground fire. MAJOR ARMSTRONG was rolling in for his attack when hit and the aircraft rolled over and went into the ground close-by his intended target. MAJOR ARMSTRONG PERISHED, KILLED IN ACTION, BODY INEXPLICABLY NOT RECOVERED, FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS DAY…. Remembered, but left behind…
RIPPLE SALVO… #579… TIMES TWO… (1) The Haiphong Highway Bridge (JCS7) in downtown Haiphong goes down…
On 5 October 1967, Commander Ken Burrows, Commander Carrier air Wing TEN embarked in USS INTREPID, planned, briefed and led a twenty-eight aircraft strike against the Haiphong Highway Bridge (BE 616-000068). The bridge is located in the central area of the port city of Haiphong, North Vietnam was an exceptionally vital link in the enemy lines of communication. It connected the docks and transshipment points i Haiphong with Hai Duong, Hanoi, and the Route 5 highway network, the northern end of the “funnel” for the movement of men and material southward to support the war in South Vietnam. Only one mile south of the targeted bridge, Route 5 joins Route 10 over which supplies could be shipped direct to Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh on their way to enemy forces in South Vietnam. The target is located in the second most heavily defended area in North Vietnam. The strike was part of the operation to seal off Haiphong and reduce the flow into the funnel. Because of widespread discussion of Haiphong targets carried in international and American news media, enemy defenses guarding the “last bridge standing” in Haiphong, were exceptionally ready. There would be no surprise attack.
The formidable target defenses included: forty-six known 85mm AAA sites; over seventy-five 37/57 AAA; and, sixteen possible surface-to-air missile sites within ten miles of the center of the city. The target was also within easy range of two MIG bases and covered by both early warning radar and ground control intercept radar. About half the AAA guns are radar controlled and half are aim fire.
STRIKE MISSION PLANNING. Selection and coordination of units comprising the Strike Group was paramount to achieve the maximum destructive power with the limited number of aircraft available to the Air Wing. The construction of the bridge required the use of 2000-pound bombs. The Strike Leader, Commander Burrows, calculated that the minimum amount of fuel for each A-4 attack division so that maximum ordnance could be carried consistent with catapult launching limitations. Each of the strike aircraft in the lead division carried one ANM66 2000-pound bomb and two MK-83 1000-pound bombs, and had 1000-pounds less fuel than the other strike aircraft. Each aircraft in the second division carried four M117 750-pound bombs and each aircraft in the third division carried four Mk-82 500-pound and two Mk-81 250-pound bombs (“Lady Fingers”). The second and third bomber divisions were fueled 1000-pounds less than their full capacity to allow the heavy bomb loads. Launch and recovery position of the INTREPID was carefully determined to eliminate the necessity of inflight refueling if the Strike Group complied with the strict procedures of the flight. Humble Host includes the detailed planning of CAG Burrows to make it a matter of record that the margins for error flying old A-4s off 27C carriers in hot weather and light winds leaves very small margins for safe operation.
FLAK SUPPRESSION. The heavy antiaircraft defenses required eight flak suppressor aircraft, two divisions dedicated to countering the AAA. These eight aircraft were armed with a mix of CBU-24s, LAU-10 rockets and LA-U60 rocket pods. Each section of flak suppressors was assigned a sector and specific sites as targets. Recent operations in the Haiphong area and current photography combined to enable the flak suppressors to have a good idea from whence the opposing fire would be coming.
STRIKE EXECUTION. The Strike Group coasted in fifteen miles south of the target while accelerating in a descent from twenty thousand feet. This simple but effective procedure increased the speed and maneuverability of the heavily bomb laden aircraft. The bombers were in a left echelon of finger four divisions which afforded each aircraft freedom of independent jinking to lessen the probability of losing two aircraft with a single flak or missile burst yet permitting flight in close enough proximity to ensure section, division and group integrity.
The flak suppressor divisions assumed positions on either side and one mile ahead of the Strike Group. The first Iron Hand section maintained a position above and between the flak suppressors while the second section covered the flanks of the three bomber divisions. The F-8 fighter target CAP remained high and monitored the progress of the entire Strike Group.
The monitoring of enemy radar emissions disclosed a substantial threat from radar controlled AAA. 85mm fire commenced ten miles south of the target and steadily increased in intensity during the approach. Aided by accurate calls of concentrated flak areas by Lieutenant (JG) Phil Mall and the others in the lead flak suppressor divisions, Commander Burrows increased the jinking of the Strike Group as he skillfully maneuvered the twelve bombers into the target area and pre-planned roll-in points.
Over the city of Haiphong, the Strike Group was subjected to barrages of 37mm and 57mm fire as well as 85mm fire. Lieutenant (JG) Mall crossed the city and conducted devastating attacks on two fiercely firing sites in his assigned sector on the northern banks of the Cua Cam River. His CBU-24 bombs were observed to impact directly upon an 85mm site and a 57mm site, both of which ceased firing immediately.
Commander Burrows, led the bomber divisions precisely to the required roll-in points through bursting flak and into hails of automatic weapon fire from the well warned and ever ready and experienced gunners defending the last intact bridge in Haiphong, to deliver his full bomb load directly on the center of the bridge. as the bombs delivered by Lieutenant (JG) John Newman, CAG’s wingman, struck, the center span was blown completely away. Moments later Lieutenant John Pedisich’s bombs were observed to collapse the western span. Lieutenant (JG) Merlin Hollinger, although carrying considerably smaller bombs, was able to dislodge the eastern span with direct hits. The rest of the Strike Group contributed to the substantial damage sustained by the remainder of the heavily damaged and useless bridge and its approaches. Duty done.
RETIREMENT. Opposition during the retirement was greater than the approach because the Strike Group was at low altitude and more vulnerable to the AAA fire. Automatic weapons fire was particularly intense. Despite the opposition, all 28 aircraft in the Strike Group returned safely to INTREPID.
MISSION SUCCESS. The bridge was rendered unserviceable, including the complete destruction of the center span, and twelve flak sites sustained sufficient damage to substantially reduce the amount of AAA fire on subsequent strikes into the Haiphong area. Commander Task Force 77 cabled: “Your successful strike this morning against the Haiphong Bridge… again closes the vital roadway leading from the Haiphong docks along Highway 5 to Hanoi. The aggressiveness and professional performance displayed during this strike exemplifies the outstanding performance that has become a hallmark of INTREPID/CVW-10 operations.”… and Commander Seventh Fleet followed with: “A severe blow was dealt to the enemy’ effort to reopen Haiphong to vehicular traffic when the enterprising INTREPID/CVW-10 team dropped the vital center span of the Haiphong Highway Bridge. the fine performance of the courageous participants in accomplishing this feat is a source of satisfaction and pride.” Humble Host adds: it was a precision removal amidst a plethora of civilians and civilian buildings. I hope the dead-eye JOs on this strike got the DFCs they deserved.
RIPPLE SALVO Extra: Please bear with me… this page from the President’s 6 October 1967 belongs on this day’s blog…
“North Vietnamese Reflections of U.S. Political Attitudes Toward the War”
“A Hanoi broadcast on 4 October in English to American servicemen in South Vietnam has used some critical remarks on the war made at a recent Democratic gathering in California in an attempt to demonstrate that ‘Johnson’s war in Vietnam is the most unpopular in US history and is being opposed by increasing numbers of his party members’
“The article recounted that on 1 October ‘33,000 Democrats’ of California gathered at Long Beach and adopted a resolution expressing disagreement with ‘Johnson’s policy in Vietnam.’ The broadcast noted that the resolution demands ‘unconditional end to the US bombing of North Vietnam, and a withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam.’ Additionally, the broadcast stated that the Democrats declared they would support any candidate for the 1968 presidential election who approves of an end to the US war in Vietnam, and declared their opposition to President Johnson’s candidacy. The broadcast closed with the question, ‘Is there any valid reason for American GI’s like you to continue fighting this war?’
“On 2 October a Hanoi broadcast described the actions of ‘people in many countries’ who are demanding an end to the US aggressive war’ in Vietnam. The broadcast notes that some 320 prominent Americans, including Linus Pauling and poets Robert Lowell and Allen Ginsberg, recently signed a statement condemning ‘Johnson’s war’ and supporting ‘the anti-draft movement among the American youth.’ The broadcast also states that Women’s Strike for Peace has decided to launch ‘a drive of broad mass mobilization’ to demand that the US government stop the war and bring the troops home.”
War fighting requires a nation possess an abundance of POWER, POSITION and RESOLVE… Ho Chi Minh conceded POWER and POSITION, but was reminded every day that the United States never possessed the RESOLVE, the WILL TO WIN in Vietnam… A nation divided against itself cannot stand… We were divided then, and we fell… We are divided now, and……. ????
RTR Quote for 6 October: SMOLLETT: “Hearts resolved and hands prepared.”
Lest we forget… Bear