COASTAL SQUADRON ONE

Swift Boat Crew Directory

(Last updated 1/1/2010)

Data Submission Guidelines

Site Update Log  Swiftboat Background  Swiftboat Specifications  Normal Crew

Command Lists  Staff Lists  CSCs  Advisors  Call Signs  Patrol Areas  Unknown Personnel  Unknown Crews  Casualties  Deceased

PCF 1  PCF 10  PCF 20  PCF 30  PCF 40  PCF 50  PCF 60  PCF 70  PCF 80  PCF 90  PCF 100+

Career Military Retired Swiftees      Training Documents     Swift Family Line Newsletters     Unit Awards     Individual Awards

Swift Boat History according to "Jane's Fighting Ships"     "Corky" Trinidad

"The Published Swiftboat"

Guest Book

Swift Boat History & Knowledge Tests

Testimonials

Copyright © 1998-2010   Lawrence J. Wasikowski. All rights reserved.
Any use of the information presented here, without prior written approval, is strictly prohibited.

Visitors to this site since 15 October 1998

Webpage Search Instructions

 

The U.S. Navy played a vital role in the prosecution of the conflict in South Vietnam. The importance of this contribution was probably best expressed by COMUSMACV, General William C. Westmoreland, USA, in comments he made at a Mission Council meeting held on 19 September 1967. "The United States Navy has not received due credit for the sizable contributions its forces have made to the war in South Vietnam. Market Time activities have, for all practical purposes, sealed off the coast.  Game Warden operations are increasingly denying the enemy the use of inland waterways.  Thirdly, the riverine operation has no parallel in the history of warfare.  All of these operations are unique innovations effectively adapted to the situation in South Vietnam.  The fine efforts of the Navy should not continue to go unnoticed."

Crew Listings

Return to the top of the WebSite

- PCFs 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and their crews, were transported together, in the well deck of the USS Catamount LSD 17, from Subic Bay to Phu Quoc Island (An Thoi) arriving 24 December 1965.

- 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.

- Boat was hit by a B-40 rocket and 75mm recoilless rifle fire 3 September 1969, in the Song Bo De river, where it joins the Rach Duong Keo canal. PCF 10 arrived alongside the USS Windham County LST 1170 at 1300H on 6 September 1969, and was moored alongside to starboard. There was a westerly wind, 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 40 knots and the seas were six to eight feet from the west. At 1730, PCF 10 began taking on water internally and the damage control party was called away and rigged pumps. The PCF commenced taking water over the stern faster than the pumps could remove it. At 2000H, a sudden squall occurred which negated all efforts to save the boat and it sank at 2015H in about 25 feet of water. All classified material, small arms and personal effects were removed prior to the sinking.
   PCF 10 was dewatered and afloat at 1500H on 21 September 1969; salvage operations having been delayed by heavy weather. It was intended to tow the "Swift" boat to Vung Tau; however, after inspection she was found to be totally unseaworthy for tow and was then loaded on board the USS Whetstone LSD 27 and lifted to Cat Lo for repairs on 25 September 1969. On 13 October 1969, PCF 10 was loaded aboard the USS Ajax AR 6 for transfer to the Naval Base, Yokosuka, Japan, for repairs, arriving 28 October 1969.

- PCFs 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and their crews, were transported together, in the well deck of the USS Catamount LSD 17, from Subic Bay to Phu Quoc Island (An Thoi) arriving 24 December 1965.

- 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.

- Boat departed Qui Nhon 25 October 1969 for Saigon and turnover to the Vietnamese Navy.

- In ceremonies on 31 October 1969, at the Vietnamese Naval Shipyard in Saigon, 13 PCFs were turned over to the Vietnamese Navy. The PCFs were numbers 11, 23, 42, 44, 47, 57, 58, 66, 67, 68, 91 and 100. They departed that afternoon for Qui Nhon and will commence MARKET TIME patrols in the Second Coastal Zone during November. The Coastal Surveillance Center, Qui Nhon is also scheduled for turnover to the Vietnamese Navy in early November.

- PCFs 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and their crews, were transported together, in the well deck of the USS Catamount LSD 17, from Subic Bay to Phu Quoc Island (An Thoi) arriving 24 December 1965.

- On 21 August 1969 boat transferred from DaNang to An Thoi.

- PCFs 13 thru 18 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion, LSD 22 on 23 January 1966.

- On 18 February 1966, PCF 13, while patrolling south of DaNang, was the first Swift Boat attached to DaNang to be taken under hostile fire.  PCF 13 received five (5) rounds of mortar fire from the beach about two (2) miles north of the Cua Dai river.

- MARKET TIME participation in Operation Beau Charger, which began on 19 May 1967, was terminated on 26 May 1967. During this period one member of the USCGC Point Dume's crew and two members of PCF's 13 crew were wounded slightly by enemy fire. Both craft sustained minor hull damage.

- PCF's 3, 13, 23 and 42 were loaded aboard the USS Belle Grove LSD 2 on 29 November 1967, and then transported to the Naval Ship Repair Facility, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. These were the first four boats, of an eventual 24, scheduled for out-of-country overhaul because of serious hull corrosion in the main cabin bilges. All PCF's scheduled for this program were to exit from and return to country from a centralized point at Cam Ranh Bay.  All ordnance equipment was off loaded at Cam Ranh Bay, prior to departure for the yards and would be overhauled by the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay personnel.  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.

- During the morning of 3 January 1969, PCF 13 carried out an effective psyops mission off the coast near two enemy controlled villages 25 miles northwest of Chu Lai. After an hour of loudspeaker operations approximately 150 Vietnamese civilians had gathered on the beach for escort to a refugee village. As the escort operation by PCFs 13 and 69 commenced an enemy ambush killed 10 and wounded 5 of the refugees as they moved from their village. The Swift boats called in Americal Division gunships to suppress the enemy fire as the Vietnamese interpreter on PCF 13 told the refugees help was on the way and sang them songs to prevent panic. By the end of the day more than 200 people had relocated, despite Viet Cong threats of death for doing so, in order to escape enemy exploitation of their food and labor.

- On 10 March 1969, PCF 13 and 99 were conducting routine familiarization with the river complex. PCF-99 exited seaward on business while PCF-13 maintained temporary single coverage of the "brown water". At dusk and not more than three kilometers from CG-14, PCF-13 was ambushed by an unknown sized enemy force. The boat received four rounds of B-40, RPG, recoilless rifle and small arms close aboard with shrapnel damage resulting. Several automatic weapons sights were also involved. The peak tank gunner was blown over the side by the impact of a large round nearby, and subsequently was recovered. Total damage to PCF-13 was several shrapnel holes, about 30-35 bullet holes, one disabled engine and one USN WIA. PCF-13 withdrew to Coastal Group FOURTEEN to await reinforcements. The injured engineman was medevaced.

- LTJG Robert Leroy Crosby, CosDiv 12 staff, wounded 24 September 1969, by an accidental discharge of the rear .50 caliber machine gun on PCF 13, while tied up to the YFNB-2 in DaNang. He died 26 September 1969, at the 3rd Army Field Hospital in Saigon.   Investigation details

- PCFs 13 thru 18 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 23 January 1966.

- Boat damaged, OinC and BM1 injured in an attack in the Cape Batangan area, 31 August 1966, south of Chu Lai, by shore positions using small arms and small automatic weapons. They were wounded by shrapnel resulting from the enemy fire hitting their boat.  These were the first two (2) DaNang based swift personnel to be wounded.

- At 0733 on 21 February 1967, PCF 14 recovered a US Marine aviator who had ejected from his A-4 aircraft 80 miles southeast of DaNang.   The PCF sighted the chute while it was still airborne and proceeded to pick up the pilot from the sea.   The Marine was unhurt and was later returned to Chu Lai by helicopter.

- At 0130 on 18 June 1967, PCF 14 stopped, searched and detained an unlighted junk 25 miles southeast of DaNang. Among the hidden items found on board by the PCF's crew were 25 vials of glucose serum, 25 vials of streptomycin, 24 vials of vitamins and seven bags of rice marked with the USAID stamp.

- PCF 14 capsized, sank and was lost while transiting heavy surf conditions, in an attempt to rescue local fisherman from several overturned sampans, at the Cua Viet river channel entrance, 30 November 1967. PCF 55 took an 85 degree roll and had all but one man washed overboard during rescue operations. The one remaining man held on and PCF 55, as well as all PCF 14's crew members and the Vietnamese personnel were rescued and returned safely to port.

Because of the continuation of deteriorating sea conditions generated by the Northeast Monsoon, the Cua Viet detachment operations were terminated on 30 November 1967.

- PCFs 13 thru 18 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 23 January 1966.

- At 1430 on 9 April 1967, PCF 15 was acting as a blocking force, along the Thu Bon River, for the US Marines Operation Canyon, when a group of Viet Cong were observed moving up to attack a Marine platoon about one quarter mile from their position. When PCF 15 closed the shoreline, the enemy opened fire with automatic weapons and small arms. PCF 15 immediately returned fire with devastating accuracy, completely silencing the enemy positions. A Marine reconnaissance patrol, searching the area after the engagement, discovered eight enemy killed, three wounded and an assortment of abandoned weapons.

- On 7 August 1967, seven MARKET TIME craft came to the assistance of Coastal Group 16 when its base, 70 miles southeast of DaNang, was assaulted by a battalion-size force of Viet Cong.

The attack on the base began at 0300. PCF 20 reached the area by 0315 and began providing 81mm fire at the request of the base's naval advisor; shortly thereafter PCF 75 and the Vietnamese Navy's PCE 10 arrived to lend additional fire support. By 0345, however, an advancing enemy contingent -- approximately 300 in number -- had overrun the base. At this time USS Gallup PG 85, USS Camp DER 251 and two other Swifts (PCFs 15 and 54) were in the area, furnishing fire support and exfiltration patrols, and helping to evacuate the wounded. Thirty-two miles to the northwest, USS Widgeon MSC 208 had assumed the duty of a relay station for communications between the battle scene and the First Naval Zone's headquarters unit at DaNang. Since there was a possibility that the attack on the base might be combined with an infiltration attempt along the coastline, CTG 115.1, in DaNang, ordered Gallup to return to the southern portion of her patrol sector. Meanwhile, air and artillery strikes countered the enemy's movements within the Coastal Group base and two Vietnamese Army (ARVN) companies and one US Army company were dispatched to the scene. By 0730 the Viet Cong were forced to retreat from the heavily-damaged base. The Coastal Group commander and 13 Vietnamese sailor's had been killed. During the attack the Coastal Group's senior advisor, Lieutenant William C. Fitzgerald, USN and his three assistants joined in the effort to repel the invaders and resisted until the advisors' bunker was virtually surrounded. Lieutenant Fitzgerald then requested an artillery strike on his position and provided covering fire while his men escaped to the river. Before Lieutenant Fitzgerald could make good his own escape he was killed by small-arms fire.

During the enemy attack Swift boats evacuated three Navy advisors and approximately 40 Vietnamese to USS Camp for treatment and shelter; fifteen of the Vietnamese were subsequently transferred to the hospital at Quang Ngai by helicopter. Camp remained on station until the 11th, providing illumination fire and gunfire support as the task of rebuilding the base began.   Full Story

- On 30 September 1967, PCF15 rescued a Marine pilot whose aircraft had crashed 48 miles southeast of DaNang.

- In response to a request from the USS Valley Forge LPH 8 on the evening of 1 May 1968, PCF 15 and USCGC Point Lomas were sent to the scene of a helicopter crash at sea about 22 miles northwest of Tan My. The Market Time units arrived in the area by 2130. Four survivors were rescued after having been in the water since 2056. The search for the fifth man in the aircraft continued until 0105 when normal patrol operations were resumed.

- On the morning of 1 May 1969, CTU 115.1.0, consisting of PCFs 15, 58, 70, USN EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Team, Coastal Group 14 units, VNN Engineering Team from Quang Nam Sector and a VNN Security Force Team conducted SEA TIGER operations in the Song Cua Dai and Song Thu Bon Rivers about five miles Southeast of Hoi An. The search and destroy mission involved river penetration into a known Viet Cong concentration. Units of CTU 115.1.0 and Coastal Group 14 acted as a river blocking force while the EOD Team, VNN Engineering Team and VNN Security Force Team were inserted for a bunker destruction sweep. Two PCFs penetrated several miles upriver and fired at targets of opportunity and Viet Cong hamlets on both river banks until shallow water and man-made obstructions halted further penetration. The two PCFs received moderate hostile small arms fire which was quickly suppressed. Several people were taken under fire while running for fortified positions and firing at CTU 115.1.0 units. Heavy enemy small arms was then received from the fortified position and was immediately suppressed by the PCFs. The units ashore destroyed the bunker complexes. The operation resulted in 14 structures, 43 bunkers, nine sampans and 10 fishing weirs destroyed and 15 structures damaged. There were no friendly casualties while two Viet Cong were probably killed.

- On the night of 24 June 1969, PCFs 15 and 61, while conducting a SEA TIGER patrol on the Troung Giang River about 16 mile south-southeast of DaNang, observed a sampan moving from west to est. PCF 15 utilized proper warning procedures but the sampan continued to evade and was taken under fire and destroyed. Three bodies were recovered from the debris. Two survivors tried to evade and were killed. An elderly female, in shock, but otherwise uninjured, was taken from the water. Continuing the patrol, the PCFs received automatic weapons fire and suppressed it. Four sampans were damaged but the occupants successfully evaded. Departing the area PCF 61 struck a submerged object with it's screws and sustained minor damage. There were no friendly casualties while five VC were killed (body count) and one female was captured.

- PCF 15 holds the dubious distinction of accomplishing in a single night's action the following:
    1) Breaking up a secret Seal Team landing, near Hue, by shining their spotlight on the seal team's rubber raft.
    2) Running into a surfaced US Navy submarine while trying to come alongside, so they could go aboard and explain why they had illuminated the Seal Team and broken up the landing operation.

- PCFs 13 thru 18 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 23 January 1966.

- On 10 August 1966, PCF 16 recovered two wounded Viet Cong suspects from a damaged boat eight miles south of DaNang. The boat had been attacked by an armed helicopter during ground operations in the area.

- On 22 May 1966, PCF 16 found a junk adrift, 16 miles southeast of DaNang. The craft's engine was inoperative and the occupants, two adults and a boy, stated that they had been adrift for two weeks without food. The Swift boat's personnel gave them some food and towed the junk to the Coastal Group 14 base near DaNang for further assistance and disposition.

- On 17 January 1968, PCF 27 was called upon to search for a helicopter which had reportedly crashed approximately 11 miles north-northeast of DaNang. Slightly more than an hour after commencing the search the Swift boat sighted a light on the beach. A nearby Marine unit was directed to the scene and found two survivors out of a crew of four. PCF 27 continued to provide illumination for the search until relieved by PCF 16. PCF 16 was joined by the USS Fortify MSO 446 and the two units continued the search with negative results, although some debris and an oil slick were found.

- PCFs 16 and 78, and other Market Time units, intercepted a North Vietnamese arms trawler and forced it to beach near Cape Batangan, 14 March 1967.  The trawler destroyed itself, to prevent capture of its contraband cargo by friendly forces   (Full Story)

- PCFs 13 thru 18 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 23 January 1966.

- On the afternoon of 7 July 1969, PCF 17 observed a junk ablaze near the mouth of the Bassac River, 43 miles southeast of Can Tho. Upon approaching the junk, a woman on the bow was trying to extinguish the flames while three children were on the stern. Due to the intensity of the fire, the "Swift" boat was unable to immediately extinguish the fire and proceeded to rescue the people on board. While taking the children on board, the woman jumped into the water and started swimming toward the PCF, but the strong current dragged her under, and she drowned. PCF 54 was then called to the scene, and after an hour and a half, the fire was finally extinguished. The junk was totally consumed by the fire, except for the hull. The crew stated that the junk apparently contained a large quantity of gasoline or oil. PCF 17 then towed the hull out of the Bassac River, where it and the occupants were taken under tow by an accompanying junk.

- On 7 September 1969, PCFs 17 and 28 inserted PRU, National Police Field Forces, and PF forces about 40 miles southeast of Can Tho, on the Bassac River. The "Swift" boats then withdrew to provide a blocking force and gunfire support. The ground forces, led by Hoi Chanhs, found an abandoned VC prison camp. Sweeping to the west, another POW camp was found and six prisoners were liberated. The troops were then extracted, and on the return trip, PCF 17 conducted a psyops mission. The ground forces killed two VC and captured 15 pounds of documents. As a result of the psyops broadcast, two Hoi Chanhs rallied to the "Swift" boats. There were no friendly casualties.

- On 11 September 1969, PCF 17 transferred from Cat Lo to Sea Float.

- 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. 

- PCFs 13 thru 18 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 23 January 1966.

- PCFs 18 and 20 participated in a running fire fight with an infiltrating North Vietnamese arms trawler, scoring one direct hit with a white phosphorus round, and out gunned the trawler into the beach south of Duc Pho (southern I Corps), resulting in the destruction of the trawler, 1 March 1968.

- 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 21 August 1969 boat transferred from DaNang to An Thoi.

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 19 February 1966, became the first DaNang Swift Boat to engage and sink a junk that had been attempting to evade being boarded and searched.

- On the evening of 1 May 1967, a CH-46 helicopter enroute to the USS Sanctuary AH 17 with 13 patients aboard crashed 31 miles south of DaNang. USCGC Point Orient and PCF 19 joined a number of US Seventh Fleet units in an all-night search for survivors. Nine of the helicopter's 17 occupants were rescued.

- On 14 May 1967, PCF 99 received automatic weapons fire from the shore while conducting a "psywar" loudspeaker mission 67 miles south of DaNang PCF 19 joined to assist and provided cover as PCF 99 engaged the enemy positions. During the encounter, PCF 99 sustained eight hits which wounded four of the crew and forced the Swift boat to withdraw. PCF 75 then arrived on the scene and, together with PCF 19, conducted ten firing runs against the ambush area while a fourth Swift boat, PCF 76, provided covering mortar fire. During the action, PCFs 19 and 76 each were struck six times by enemy fire and PCF 75 sustained the loss of an antenna. The extent of Viet Cong casualties was undetermined..  Full Story

- On 11 October 1967, while closing the beach approximately five miles northeast of Cape Batangan to investigate a small junk, PCF 79 received approximately 100 round of automatic-weapons fire from three positions. PCF 79 sustained on hit at the waterline and was subsequently joined by PCFs 19 and 54 and the USS New DD 818. All hostile fire, which came from a total of six different positions, was suppressed as the various craft completely saturated the area with their weapons.

- At approximately 0100, 15 or 16 June 1968, the date is disputed, PCF 19 came under attack by ??enemy?? aircraft ??helicopters and/or fixed wing??, in the vicinity of the Cua Viet river.  In the ensuing attack, PCF 19 was sunk, by rocket fire, after taking at least five (5) hits, and with the loss of four (4) crewmen and the VNN rider.
The OinC and gunners mate were rescued, from the water, by the USCG Point Dume.  PCF 19 was completely destroyed, 19 June 1968, by personnel from the USS Acme MSO 508.  Story

Return to the top of the WebSite

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 25 July 1966, PCF 20, operating 110 miles north of Qui Nhon, collided with a 20 foot, sail only junk in choppy seas and heavy rain. The junk was unlighted and not held on radar. The junk sank immediately, but the two occupants and all their gear were saved. There was no damage to the PCF.

- On 7 August 1967, seven MARKET TIME craft came to the assistance of Coastal Group 16 when its base, 70 miles southeast of DaNang, was assaulted by a battalion-size force of Viet Cong.

The attack on the base began at 0300. PCF 20 reached the area by 0315 and began providing 81mm fire at the request of the base's naval advisor; shortly thereafter PCF 75 and the Vietnamese Navy's PCE 10 arrived to lend additional fire support. By 0345, however, an advancing enemy contingent -- approximately 300 in number -- had overrun the base. At this time USS Gallup PG 85, USS Camp DER 251 and two other Swifts (PCFs 15 and 54) were in the area, furnishing fire support and exfiltration patrols, and helping to evacuate the wounded. Thirty-two miles to the northwest, USS Widgeon MSC 208 had assumed the duty of a relay station for communications between the battle scene and the First Naval Zone's headquarters unit at DaNang. Since there was a possibility that the attack on the base might be combined with an infiltration attempt along the coastline, CTG 115.1, in DaNang, ordered Gallup to return to the southern portion of her patrol sector. Meanwhile, air and artillery strikes countered the enemy's movements within the Coastal Group base and two Vietnamese Army (ARVN) companies and one US Army company were dispatched to the scene. By 0730 the Viet Cong were forced to retreat from the heavily-damaged base. The Coastal Group commander and 13 Vietnamese sailor's had been killed. During the attack the Coastal Group's senior advisor, Lieutenant William C. Fitzgerald, USN and his three assistants joined in the effort to repel the invaders and resisted until the advisors' bunker was virtually surrounded. Lieutenant Fitzgerald then requested an artillery strike on his position and provided covering fire while his men escaped to the river. Before Lieutenant Fitzgerald could make good his own escape he was killed by small-arms fire.

During the enemy attack Swift boats evacuated three Navy advisors and approximately 40 Vietnamese to USS Camp for treatment and shelter; fifteen of the Vietnamese were subsequently transferred to the hospital at Quang Ngai by helicopter. Camp remained on station until the 11th, providing illumination fire and gunfire support as the task of rebuilding the base began.   Full Story

- On 20 January 1968, PCF 20 received a report of a downed helicopter approximately six miles north of Chu Lai. The Swift boat, aided by helicopters, recovered three of the four crewmembers, and the PCF located the wreckage and provided cover for divers who recovered the ammunition from the downed helicopter.

- PCFs 18 and 20 participated in a running fire fight with an infiltrating North Vietnamese arms trawler, scoring one direct hit with a white phosphorus round, and out gunned the trawler into the beach south of Duc Pho (southern I Corps), resulting in the destruction of the trawler, 1 March 1968.

- PCFs 3904 and 3907 were lost on 2 November 1970, in the vicinity of  XR 645160, while transiting the Vietnamese coast, as part of a group of six Vietnamese PCFs en route to Cat Lo for repairs, they were overtaken by tropical storm NORA and sank.   Both crews were rescued without loss of life and the remaining swifts arrived at a safe haven off Coastal Group 36 at Long Phu.

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 30 March 1968, PCFs 21 and 22 provided blocking patrols for a sweep by units of the US Army 1st Cavalry Division near the mouth of the Cua Viet River. Both Swift boats received intense automatic weapons fire from the beach and one PCF 22 crewmember suffered a minor wound.

- September 1968 --- During one 24-hour period of poor weather when Swift boats were unable to remain on some patrol stations, PCF 21 earned special recognition. While operating in extremely poor weather PCF 21 engaged four evading sampans, sinking one, killing three of the evaders and probably killing two others with her accurate mortar and machine-gun fire.

- 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.

- On the afternoon of 24 June 1969, PCFs 21, 52 and 40 with VNN PSYOPS team embarked, patrolled west on the Cua Lon River. Upon reaching the Rach Ong Trang, two VC flags were sighted and PCF 40 entered the canal while the other units provided cover. Two B-40 rockets passed over PCF 40 and only one detonated. The Swifts suppressed the fire with unknown results. Two VC propaganda signs were later sighted which read "We kill Americans. Vietnamese soldiers stay out."
   An incident on 29 June 1969, marred the otherwise uneventful four days of psyops campaigns as Operation SEA FLOAT continued. A command detonated mine exploded in an abandoned sampan which PCF 52 was investigating, about six miles northeast of Nam Can. There were no personnel casualties but the Swift sustained five broken windows and minor damage to it's fathometer.

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 15 November 1966, PCF 77 capsized and broke up at the entrance to Hue Harbor as it moved in to assist PCF 22 in rescuing a man overboard. Three members of the crew of PCF 77 were lost. Five survivors of PCF 77 and the man overboard from PCF 22 were rescued.

- On 30 March 1968, PCFs 21 and 22 provided blocking patrols for a sweep by units of the US Army 1st Cavalry Division near the mouth of the Cua Viet River. Both Swift boats received intense automatic weapons fire from the beach and one PCF 22 crewmember suffered a minor wound.

-  On 24 February 1969, PCF 67, while on the Co Chien River, received a request to provide transportation for the Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer, Tra Vinh. After proceeding about 2 miles up the Tra Vinh Canal from the river the "Swift" boat's stern was lifted out of the water and two crewmen thrown overboard by a command detonated mine. After recovering the two men from the canal PCF 67 proceeded back to the Co Chien where PCF 22 arrived to provide assistance. After the flooding could not be controlled PCF 67 was beached at Coastal Group 35. Three of the six men wounded were placed on PCF 22 and the other three went to Coastal Group 35 for medevac. After the flooding was brought under control PCF 71 made temporary repairs and proceeded to Vinh Long escorted by PCF 57.   Note: The keel of PCF 67 had been broken by the 300 pound mine. It was amassing that the injured crewmen were able to keep PCF 67 afloat ... a GREAT FEAT of SEAMANSHIP by these "Brown Water Navymen."

- 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.

- On 5 May 1969, seven PCFs encountered heavy enemy fire while operating in the Rach Duong Keo.  MSF troops countered with a sweep, killing ten (10) of the enemy attackers. One US Navy KIA and several wounded.  PCF 22 suffered heavy damage when it was hit by three (3) rockets and sank up to the gunwales. After approximately 12 hours the boat was temporarily patched with DC plugs, pumped out and then towed from the river ... first to an LST for additional patching and then on to An Thoi for repairs.

- While escorting the USS Brule AKL 28, on 14 July 1970, PCFs 22, 89, 96 and VNN PCF 3816 in company with USS Canon PG 90, came under heavy B-40 rocket and automatic weapons fire.  The Canon was hit twice, by rocket fire, in the engine room, causing a loss of maneuverability in the kill zone.  PCF 96 and VNN PCF 3816 beached in the ambush area, and began placing heavy suppressive fire to cover the Canon.   The VNN PCF 3816 was hit in the pilothouse by B-40 rockets three (3) times, wounding five (5) VNN personnel.  Biet Hai troops were inserted by PCF 96, to secure the area.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- PCF's 3, 13, 23 and 42 were loaded aboard the USS Belle Grove (LSD 2) on 29 November 1967, and then transported to the Naval Ship Repair Facility, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. These were the first four boats, of an eventual 24, scheduled for out-of-country overhaul because of serious hull corrosion in the main cabin bilges. All PCF's scheduled for this program were to exit from and return to country from a centralized point at Cam Ranh Bay.  All ordnance equipment was off loaded at Cam Ranh Bay, prior to departure for the yards and would be overhauled by the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay personnel.  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.

- A three PCF operation encountered intense hostile rocket and automatic weapons fire from positions three miles from the river mouth of the Bay Hap on the evening of 27 February 1969, wounding one crewman on PCF 23.

- On the morning of 28 February 1969, PCFs 23, 43 and 94 entered the Bay Hap and embarked RF/PF's from Cai Nuoc for a probe of the enemy positions. Landing parties from PCFs 23 and 94 discovered fresh spider holes and much brass in the area as PCF 43 provided cover from the river. After EOD personnel destroyed two bunkers the landing parties were re-embarked for another probe three miles further up the river. Heavy small arms fire was met as the planned landing area was neared. With 30 troops on board each craft the three "Swift" boats responded immediately by turning toward and beaching opposite the enemy positions. This surprise maneuver caused the Viet Cong to stand and run, followed closely by the RF/PFs. As the action moved up river PCFs 23 and 43 followed and again came under hostile fire. Again the enemy positions were charged with PCF 93 joining in the action. With the RF/PFs already ashore this time PCF crewmen went ashore in pursuit of the enemy. During this phase of the action one Viet Cong was killed and his still loaded rocket launcher captured. Total results of the day's action included 30 sampans, 15 structures, 7 bunkers, 12 tons of rice, 1 still and 50 gallons of liquor destroyed; 2 sewing machines, 6 individual weapons, one rocket launcher, small arms ammunition, enemy psyops material, a man, a woman and a child captured; and 10 Viet Cong killed (4 by PCFs and 6 by RF/PFs). There were no friendly casualties and the "Swift" boats received only minor damage.

- The Cua Lon River was the scene of a raid that encountered hostile fire on 12 March 1969. PCFs 23 and 94 took MSF troops up river, where they were landed without incident and began moving to the west. At the same time PCFs 43 and 51 stood by to provide cover. As the sweep progressed PCF 51 probed north of the Cai Nhap Canal and PCFs 23 and 94 probed up the Cai Ngai River. Following these probes light small arms fire was received from the beach and was immediately suppressed. The three Swifts then headed up the Cai Nhap Canal where two of three water mines detonated, one throwing up a 50-foot column of mud and water. Heavy enemy fire was taken from both canal banks and could not be suppressed. The PCFs cleared to the south and picked up the MSF unit. The enemy positions were taken under mortar and artillery fire and air support was called in. A group of 20 additional MSF were brought to the mouth of the Cua Lon from the USS Washtenaw County LST 1166 by LCVP. They were taken by PCFs 43 and 94 up river to where a sweep lasting one hour sighted nine Viet Cong and detained one female suspect. Other results included five structures, 14 sampans and a large junk destroyed. Three of the PCFs received minor damage and one crewman was slightly 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.

- PCF 23 was the only boat ever designated an "RPCF" (Riverine Patrol Craft Fast), and then only for a two week period, when ComNavForV, not to politely, told them to change the stern numbering back to the authorized designation.

- In ceremonies on 31 October 1969, at the Vietnamese Naval Shipyard in Saigon, 13 PCFs were turned over to the Vietnamese Navy. The PCFs were numbers 11, 23, 42, 44, 47, 57, 58, 66, 67, 68, 91 and 100. They departed that afternoon for Qui Nhon and will commence MARKET TIME patrols in the Second Coastal Zone during November. The Coastal Surveillance Center, Qui Nhon is also scheduled for turnover to the Vietnamese Navy in early November.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- At 0600 on 11 December 1966, PCF 24 ran aground 55 miles southwest of Vung Tau in the mouth of the Co Chien River. Protection and assistance were requested and received from Coastal Group 35 units, PBRs and a helicopter fire team from Vinh Long. USCGC Point Slocum  also arrived to assist. At 1200 PCF 24 was freed and was towed into the channel by Coastal Group 35 junks.

- On 3 March 1968 boat transferred from Cat Lo to DaNang

- On a Cua Dai River patrol, PCF 24 was firing on evading swimmers when it was hit by a 75mm recoilless rifle round at about 1830 on 21 March 1969. A second hit was received 30 seconds later, as the PCF was speeding up to clear the area. The hostile fire was returned by PCF 24 and PCF 99, which had been patrolling with the now damaged boat. PCF 24 ran aground, on a sandbar, where the fires were put out and damage evaluated. PCF 99 immediately ran through the ambush zone to assist the stricken craft, taking several small arms hits. It was soon discovered that the shallow water precluded a hand passed tow line. While under continuing small arms fire, a crewman from PCF 99 then swam a tow line to PCF 24, allowing the "Swift" boat to be pulled free. It was then then lashed the to port side of PCF 99, and together they transited, through the still active enemy firing positions towards CG 14, arriving some one hour later and with no casualties to either crew. Artillery and air strikes were placed on the enemy positions. Of note was the fact that all three evading enemy swimmers were all hit by .50 caliber fire and killed.

- On the afternoon of 19 April 1969, PCFs 24 and 79, on SEA TIGER patrols, were headed east about miles from the river mouth when they came under rocket and automatic weapons fire from the shore about 30 yards away. One 82mm recoilless rifle round penetrated the engine compartment of PCF 79 causing minor damage and both craft were hit by numerous small caliber rounds. Three navy men suffered minor wounds and one Viet Cong was killed by return fire from the patrol craft.

- On 3 July 1969, while on routine Market Time patrol, PCF 55 was directed to investigate a downed aircraft about 45 miles southeast of DaNang. The wreckage was located at the reported position and was identified as a UH-1H helicopter, tail number 17694. Divers on board the PCF were immediately sent over the side in an attempt to recover the bodies trapped in the wreckage. A floating body spotted by an Army Americal Division helo was recovered by the scuba divers along with one M-16 rifle, one M-60 machine gun and one survival kit. PCF 55 returned to Chu Lai with the bodies while PCF 24, which was ordered to the scene, towed the wreckage to a salvable position.

- On 21 August 1969 boat transferred from DaNang to Cat Lo.

- On 21 November 1969, PCFs 24, 25, 53 & 63 and Coastal Group 36 junks, inserted 100 troops from the Long Phu District in four positions on Cu Lao Dung Island, about 10 miles east of Soc Trang. Following the insertion the "Swift" boats acted as a blocking force. Two OV-10s provided overhead cover and took designated targets under fire resulting in five large secondary explosions. The PCF's destroyed five motorized sampans, and then troops destroyed one large weapons cache. There was one US sailor slightly wounded and enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- at 0915 on 2 December 1966, PCF 25 rescued ten persons and recovered one body after a junk had sunk 60 miles northeast of Vung Tau. Of the 22 persons who had been on board, 18 were rescued, one body was recovered and three were missing and presumed drowned. The survivors were taken to the Coastal Group 31 base.

- In August 1969, a ceramic gunshield was installed on mount 52 for evaluation.  The disadvantages of restricting the movement of the .50 caliber mount, with the after pin removed, the restricted viewing area, due to the height of the shield, and the fact that it was a one shot item, that would have to be replaced after any damage, ruled out any further installations.

- On 11 September 1969, PCF 25 transferred from Cat Lo to Sea Float.

- On 21 November 1969, PCFs 24, 25, 53 & 63 and Coastal Group 36 junks, inserted 100 troops from the Long Phu District in four positions on Cu Lao Dung Island, about 10 miles east of Soc Trang. Following the insertion the "Swift" boats acted as a blocking force. Two OV-10s provided overhead cover and took designated targets under fire resulting in five large secondary explosions. The PCF's destroyed five motorized sampans, and then troops destroyed one large weapons cache. There was one US sailor slightly wounded and enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCF 25, while on normal Market Time patrol, on the night of 25 November 1969, sighted a small unlighted sampan about 10 miles north of Soc Trang. When the sampan was illuminated, three persons jumped over the side and were taken under fire. One US sailor fell overboard while throwing concussion grenades and was recovered after the strong current had carried him approximately 150 yards. The "Swift" boat recovered numerous documents, 100 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and several items of personal clothing before the sampan sank. The documents indicated that one of the VC killed was a doctor.

- In December 1969, the only Market Time craft receiving damages was PCF 28 when it received minor damage due to a B-40 rocket strike..

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- On the Dong Tranh River, in the Rung Sat Special Zone, PCF 26 ran into an intense ambush by .50 and .30 caliber machine gun fire on 26 March 1966. Pcf 26 suppressed the attack with machine gun and mortar fir, but suffered two personnel wounded and light material damage.     Jackstaff Story

- On the morning of 25 June 1967, PCF 97, patrolling 500 yards off the mouth of the Ganh Hao River, 45 miles northeast of Ca Mau Point, came under heavy automatic-weapons fire and recoilless-rifle fire from Viet Cong shore positions. While returning the intense enemy fire, the Swift boat was struck at the waterline by a recoilless-rifle round which tore a three-by-four foot hole in the hull and wounded the Officer in Charge. The PCF flooded rapidly and turned seaward in order to concentrate on the damaged area. However, all attempts to arrest the flooding failed, and the Swift boat eventually sank in 27 feet of water. The entire crew was rescued by PCF 26. Salvage operations to recover PCF 97 began the next day. The boat was subsequently salvaged and sent to Subic Bay, PI, for repair and overhaul.

Later on that same day, in two separate incidents, gunfire from PCFs 26 and 98 coordinated by spotter aircraft struck the Viet Cong shore positions which had attacked PCF 97. The aircraft subsequently reported that the gunfire killed 12 Viet Cong, and destroyed several bunkers and sampans. There were no US casualties.

- On 1 August 1968, PCF 26 commenced an 8 week in-country overhaul at the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay, RVN.  This was the first PCF to participate in this new program.

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

- On 17 January 1968, PCF 27 was called upon to search for a helicopter which had reportedly crashed approximately 11 miles north-northeast of DaNang. Slightly more than an hour after commencing the search the Swift boat sighted a light on the beach. A nearby Marine unit was directed to the scene and found two survivors out of a crew of four. PCF 27 continued to provide illumination for the search until relieved by PCF 16. PCF 16 was joined by the USS Fortify MSO 446 and the two units continued the search with negative results, although some debris and an oil slick were found.

- On the morning of 31 July 1969, PCFs, with RF troops embarked, conducted a sweep west of the Kinh Ba Kheo, about 18 miles northwest of New Nam Can. When the "Swift" boats neared the insertion point, they were ambushed by an estimated two squads of VC. PCF 27 received two B-40 rocket hits, causing only minor damage and no personnel casualties. The fire was quickly suppressed by the PCF's and Seawolf fire team. In addition, the "Swift" boats and Seawolves placed suppressive fire in the area. After sweeping only 100 meters inland and1,500 meters along the canal's east bank, the remainder of the mission was cancelled; the troops re-embarked, and the "Swifts" exited via the Song Ong Doc without further incident.

- At 0245 on 23 July 1968, movement along the beach was observed, in an area known for Viet Cong Activity, by PCF 28 at a position approximately one mile up stream from the Bo De river east of Tan My. PCF 28 was soon joined by PCF 95 and the two craft each fired ten 81mm mortar rounds into the area. Both banks were then taken under .50 caliber machine-gun fire as the Swift boats turned and headed for open seas. At this time, approximately 0315, heavy automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire was received from both banks of the river. The officer in charge of PCF 28 was severely wounded in the action. The two patrol craft  each received minor damage. PCF 95 resumed normal patrol duties and PCF 28 rendezvoused with the support LST for evacuation of the wounded officer. The OinC of PCF 28 had received shrapnel wounds to the head.

- 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.

- PCF 28 repelled two enemy attacks on Ham Luong River outposts, 31 January and 1 February 1969.     Navy News Release

- 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 7 September 1969, PCFs 17 and 28 inserted PRU, National Police Field Forces, and PF forces about 40 miles southeast of Can Tho, on the Bassac River. The "Swift" boats then withdrew to provide a blocking force and gunfire support. The ground forces, led by Hoi Chanhs, found an abandoned VC prison camp. Sweeping to the west, another POW camp was found and six prisoners were liberated. The troops were then extracted, and on the return trip, PCF 17 conducted a psyops mission. The ground forces killed two VC and captured 15 pounds of documents. As a result of the psyops broadcast, two Hoi Chanhs rallied to the "Swift" boats. There were no friendly casualties.

- While exiting a small canal, 9 December 1969, in company with PCF 64, PCF 28 received a B-40 near miss, that wounded three (3) crewmen.

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

Return to the top of the WebSite

***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, and the following day made the 170 mile transit to Vung Tau to become part of the new Boat Division 103 at Cat Lo.

- Five boat flotilla of swifts, PCF 31, 38, 72, 82, and 93, ambushed in Bo De River sweep, 24 November 1968.    Stars and Stripes story

- 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 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, 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.

- 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.