Crew Listings for PCF 60 thru 69

- PCF 60 and PCFs 62 thru 66 were delivered to Qui Nhon, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Colonial LSD 18 on 2 June 1966.

- On 20 June 1967, an explosion on board a US landing craft unloading ammunition at Duc Pho blew crew members into the water and started a fire which spread to the nearby ammunition supply point. Four MARKET TIME craft -- PCFs 49, 51, 54 and 60 -- were dispatched to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations. Despite a series of secondary explosions which hurtled shrapnel as far as 1.500 yards from the beach, the PCFs moved in and rescued 11 persons from the water. PCF 49 sustained minor hull damage during the mission, and two of the crew were wounded, one seriously.

- Just before noon on 3 August 1967, 43 miles south of Qui Nhon, PCF 60 rescued a junk containing seven South Vietnamese; the craft had become disabled in heavy seas. The Swift boat provided the occupants with first aid and food, then towed the junk a distance of four miles to the Coastal Group 24 base at Tuy Hoa. in a similar incident on the 13th, PCF 57 towed a disabled junk with four persons on board to Qui Nhon.

- On 5 March 1968 boat transferred from Qui Nhon to Cam Ranh Bay.

- On 23 May 1968 boat transferred from Cam Ranh Bay to An Thoi for utilization in the VNN training program.

- On 15 July 1968 boat transferred from An Thoi to Cam Ranh Bay.

- 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.

- About noon on 11 June 1969, PCFs 102, 95 and 60, Coastal Group 34 junks with RF troops embarked, entered the Rach Bang Cung to probe small canals and fire at targets of opportunity. An enemy initiated fire fight occurred about five miles up the canal. One Yabuta junk received a direct B-40 rocket hit, starting a fire. After suppressing the enemy fire, the units exited the canal without further enemy contact. Enemy losses were 20 structures and two bunkers damaged and nine sampans destroyed. Friendly casualties included two US sailors and eight VN troops wounded. PCF 102 suffered two holes in the hull above the waterline.

- On 15 May 1966 PCFs 55 thru 59 and PCF 61 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard a US Navy LSD. PCFs 55 and 56 remained in DaNang while the remaining boats transited to Qui Nhon, on 16 May 1966, forming the nucleus of the new PCF Division 105.

- In a significant CTF 115 action on 23 May 1966, PCF 61 while on a routine night patrol sighted a fifty foot junk near Song Cau, 20 miles south of Qui Nhon. When PCF 61 approached for a routine inspection, she found that the junk was overloaded with 157 passengers and that it was swamping due to the overload, heavy seas and high winds. Because of the conditions it was felt that any attempt to tow the boat would be futile, and the PCF went alongside to take aboard the passengers. Although a slightly larger load than the normal crew of six, 157 persons left the sinking junk and boarded the PCF. All were taken off safely, and the junk soon went down.
   PCF 61 then proceeded to USS VANCE DER 387, also patrolling in the same area and transferred all the refugees to her. VANCE then proceeded to Qui Nhon to turn them over to Vietnamese authorities. It was later learned that the refugees were fleeing their homes to escape the Viet Cong.   (story)

- Rapid reaction and NGFS, provided by PCFs 61 and 91, from CosDiv 15, 28 August 1967, prevented the loss of an entire Popular Forces outpost located off Song Cau, during a Viet Cong attack.

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

- 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.

- Early on the morning of 20 August 1969, PCF 61 responded to a request from an AC-119 aircraft for a SAR operation for a downed aircraft about 33 miles southeast of DaNang. A systematic search of the area and questioning of Vietnamese civilians fishing in the area failed to reveal any trace of the aircraft and the mission was terminated.

- On the afternoon of 26 September 1969, a helo gunship escorting two PBRs, during a probe of the Truong Giang River received automatic weapons fire from the vicinity of BT 168 497, about 18 miles southeast of DaNang. The helo's gas tank was hit and it was forced to land. PCFs 61 and 65 along with the two PBRs returned the fire immediately and effectively suppressed it. As the units were closing the area PCF 61 received one incoming M-79 round which caused no damage. There were no friendly casualties while one bunker, three structures, one sampan and two fish traps were destroyed. Two structures were damaged and one sampan captured. Enemy casualties are unknown.

- On the afternoon of 7 October 1969, while on normal Sea Tiger patrol, PCFs 61 and 69 were destroying fishing wiers on the Truong Giang River, about 17 miles southeast of DaNang, when they received heavy automatic weapons fire. The "Swift" boats withdrew to the northeast and saturated the area with 81mm mortars and then made a .50 caliber strafing run on the enemy positions. After rearming, both units proceeded north to exit the Truong Giang River, when they received heavy automatic weapons, semi-automatic and 57mm recoilless rifle fire from bunker positions. In the general hail of fire, the helmsman, Officer-in-Charge of PCF 61, LTJG Kenneth Dean Norton, USN, was killed and PCF 61 ran hard aground while traveling at full speed. At the same time, both "Swift" boats received 57mm recoilless rocket rounds close aboard, resulting in minor damage to PCF 69 and punctured the port fuel tank of PCF 61, causing minor flooding. Both units suppressed the enemy fire. PCF 101, helo gunships and a dustoff helo arrived on the scene at 1310H. The helo gunships saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while LTJG Norton was medevaced. PCFs 69 and 101 pulled PCF 61 free at 1600H and proceeded, without further incident, to Coastal Group 14 headquarters, with the helo gunships providing cover. There were 20 structures destroyed in the operation. One other US sailor received minor wounds, was treated and returned to duty. Enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCF 60 and PCFs 62 thru 66 were delivered to Qui Nhon, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Colonial LSD 18 on 2 June 1966.

- On 29 January 1968, PCF 62, on a routine MARKET TIME patrol along the coast of Binh Dinh province, eight miles south of Qui Nhon, sighted an unlighted sampan heading toward the beach. The Swift boat illuminated the sampan and one man was observed manning the tiller. As the Swift boat drew closer to the sampan five or six persons in green and khaki uniforms were observed lying in the bottom of the craft. The sampan failed to heed the signals from the Swift to stop, and as the patrol boat drew still closer, one of the sampan's occupants stood up and threw a grenade which exploded on the forecastle of the PCF, wounding the Officer in Charge. Two more grenades were thrown, one bouncing down into the Swift boat's cabin and then continuing to roll down into the lower crew sleeping quarters, where it exploded, causing very little damage except to the commode which literally vanished! The third grenade landed on the starboard side main deck, wounding another crewman. The Swift then opened up on the sampan with .50 caliber machine gun fire, destroyed the sampan and killed the occupants (probable). Although moderately damaged, PCF 62 proceeded to Qui Nhon under her own power after being relieved on station by another Swift boat.

- On 4 July 1968, PCF 62 encountered hostile fire in the afternoon upon entering the Dan Gai Lagoon, 48 miles south-southeast of Quang Ngai (BS9502). The "Swift" boat found itself under automatic weapons fire from two positions in the line on the western shore of the lagoon. Returning the enemy fire with her .50 caliber machine guns PCF 62 cleared the area at top speed. One crewman was wounded by an enemy round which penetrated the gun tub plating. Fire was suppressed and the wounded man was transferred to the USS Carronade IFS 1 for transfer to Qui Nhon. Enemy casualties were unknown.

- Boat transferred from DaNang to Cat Lo, 28 October 1968.

- Boat transferred from Cat Lo to An Thoi, 28 July 1969.

- At 1150 on 31 August 1969, while enroute from An Thoi to Ha Tien, PCF 62 on a heading of 035 degrees magnetic crossed into Cambodian waters. Small arms fire was received but was not returned. As soon as the officer in charge realized he was in Cambodian waters he altered course to 140 degrees magnetic to clear the area as soon as possible and entered South Vietnamese waters. The PCF penetrated approximately six miles inside Cambodian territory.

- 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.

- Boat transferred from Cam Ranh to DaNang, 11 February 1970, with a completely Vietnamese crew, for turnover to the South Vietnamese Navy.

- PCF 63 and 5 other swifts were delivered to Qui Nhon, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Colonial LSD 18 on 2 June 1966.

- On 29 March 1967, a Swift boat crewman, Seaman D.R. PUCKETT, USN, was fatally injured when he fell overboard and was struck by the screws of PCF 63 while the Swift boat was relieving PCF 60 on station, 50 miles northwest of Qui Nhon. After he was pulled from the water, with deep lacerations about the head and chest, PCF 63 rushed him to the USS McCaffery DD 860 for aid. From the McCaffery, Seaman PUCKETT was evacuated to the First Cavalry Aid Station at Bon Son by helicopter. He died enroute.

- On the night of 25-26 September 1967, PCF 63 was involved in retrieving a severely wounded Vietnamese Navy “Junky” Petty Officer and were trying to pass him to a US Air Force Dust Off helicopter at night and on a choppy sea. The USAF pilot was nervous and had to be told that swift boats routinely made transfers to Army UH1's with one skid riding on the top of the ready service locker. It wasn't mentioned to him that this only happened in calm seas and during daylight hours. Just as the RVN Junky was about to be transferred, the pilot lost it and swooped away. Unfortunately, everyone had let go and into the sea went the Vietnamese Petty Officer! Needless to say, expletives flew and the OinC of PCF 63 dove in to retrieve the poor guy. Despite trying to drown the Junky, the USAF Dustoff ultimately completed the transfer and the RVN PO went on to eventual recovery. Afterwards the USAF pilot put the OinC of PCF 63 in for a lifesavings award.

- PCF 60 and PCFs 62 thru 66 were delivered to Qui Nhon, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Colonial LSD 18 on 2 June 1966.

- On the evening of 24 July 1969, a US Army PBR 40 from Vung Tau Bay, requested assistance from PCF 64. PBR 40 had detained three Vietnamese, in a sampan, who were acting suspicious and had over 9,000 piasters in their possession, which they were trying to hide. One of the detainees had been caught in June attempting to haul something out of the water, which was believed to be a cache, but it was not recovered due to the extreme depth of the water. The sampan, which had a false bottom, was detained in a restricted zone. The detainees were transferred to PCF 64 and the sampan taken in tow. En route to Tuy Hoa the tow line sheared and the sampan flooded and sank. After a through search the PCF was unable to recover the sampan or any flotsam. The detainees were turned over to the Tuy Hoa Sector representative for disposition.

- On 16 May 1970, PCFs 50, 64 and 692 were proceeding east on the Song Dam Doi, when all units were taken under heavy automatic weapons fire and rocket attack. PCF 50 was hit amidships, by 125mm launch bomb, and suffered a 5'x6' hole. PCF 64, astern, was hit by a B-40 rocket on the fantail, killing two (2) US Navy personnel and wounding three (3) US Navy and four (4) Kit Carson Scouts. All units returned fire and spotted for SEAWOLVES and BLACK PONIES as they placed strikes. PCF 50 was stripped of all weapons and most of its gear, and then left in the river, because of the extensive amount of damage suffered.

- PCF 60 and PCFs 62 thru 66 were delivered to Qui Nhon, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Colonial LSD 18 on 2 June 1966.

- On 7 February 1968, PCF 65 was fired upon by an unknown rifleman while at anchor for a possible illumination mission approximately two miles northeast of Qui Nhon. The craft sustained minor damage as a result of the three shots received and one crewmember suffered a superficial wound of the left thigh.

- On the afternoon of 26 September 1969, a helo gunship escorting two PBRs, during a probe of the Truong Giang River received automatic weapons fire from the vicinity of BT 168 497, about 18 miles southeast of DaNang. The helo's gas tank was hit and it was forced to land. PCFs 61 and 65 along with the two PBRs returned the fire immediately and effectively suppressed it. As the units were closing the area PCF 61 received one incoming M-79 round which caused no damage. There were no friendly casualties while one bunker, three structures, one sampan and two fish traps were destroyed. Two structures were damaged and one sampan captured. Enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCF 60 and PCFs 62 thru 66 were delivered to Qui Nhon, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Colonial LSD 18 on 2 June 1966.

- On 24 October 1968, PCF 66 transferred from Qui Nhon to An Thoi.

- On 18 December 1968, PCF 66 and PCF 71 raided enemy positions in the Dong Cung river and adjoining lake, destroying numerous sampans and structures. The PCFs encountered enemy fire during the operation, resulting in light damage to both boats and minor wounds to the OinC of PCF 66.

- On 29 December 1968, PCFs 9, 21, 66 and 72 raided enemy positions in the Bay Hap river-Dong Cung canal destroying nugmerous sampans and structures, several bunkers and killing 1 Viet Cong. Enemy fire was encountered on 3 occasions, wounding 5 USN crewmembers and 1 USCG man.

- 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 67 thru 71 and their crews, traveled together, in the well deck of the USS Gunston Hall LSD 5, from Subic Bay to Cat Lo, arriving 28 July 1966.

- From 1915, 2 November until 0900 3 November 1966, PCF 67, USCGC Point Gammon, units of Coastal Group 37 and Vietnamese Sea Force ships, assisted by helicopters and a C-47 flareship, conducted Search and Rescue operations 18 miles southwest of Vung Tau for a Coastal Group 37 junk which had capsized in heavy seas enroute to it base at Tiem Ton.
   All but three of the junk's crew were rescued by an accompanying junk. Despite extensive searches of the area, one Vietnamese officer and two enlisted men were not recovered and were presumed to have been lost in the heavy seas.

- At 1405 on 8 December 1966, USS Blanco County LST 344 reported the crash of a US Air Force B-57 140 miles southwest of Vung Tau. Local MARKET TIME units began immediate search and rescue operations. PCF 67 recovered both the pilot and co-pilot in good condition. The rescued crewmen were transferred to Blanco County for subsequent helicopter lift.

- 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.

- 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 67 thru 71 and their crews, traveled together, in the well deck of the USS Gunston Hall LSD 5, from Subic Bay to Cat Lo, arriving on 28 July 1966.

- At 2115 on 1 January 1967, PCF 71 operating a few miles south of the Bo De River, detected an unidentified and unlighted steel hulled contact ten miles off the coast, all challenges directed towards the vessel were ignored. When PCF 71 closed the unmarked vessel and illuminated her, she was taken under fire by the enemy ship. After taking several hits at point blank range from the enemy's automatic weapons, PCF 71 cleared the area to assess her damage. Unfortunately, by the time PCF 71 was able to resume the battle, contact with the enemy trawler had been lost. However, alerted by radio traffic from PCF 71, PCF 68 and the USCGC Point Gammon correctly diagnosed the intentions of the enemy trawler and intercepted her before she was able to make the beach. Pressing home the attack, PCF 68, with LTJG Alex BASS in charge, engaged the trawler in a fierce firefight. Employing white phosphorus mortar rounds, PCF 68 successfully set the enemy vessel afire before she could reach the safety of the river mouth less than one half mile away. However, before the trawler disappeared following a violent explosion, PCF 68 began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire from the beach and it became necessary for her to suppress the enemy fire from the beach as well as continue prosecution of the enemy vessel. No trace was ever found of the stricken trawler and increasing seas the next few days prevented SEAL teamsfrom assessing the area of action. During the major action, a junk was sunk by PCF 71 when it was mistakenly believed to have been part of the infiltration attempt. All hands on board this innocent vessel were saved.
   During the action both PCF 71 and PCF 68 were damaged by the automatic weapons fire and six members of the two crews were wounded-in-action, none seriously.
  At about 2245, Point Gammon illuminated and identified the contact to be a trawler with a blue-green hull and a cream-colored superstructure. At this time, in a position 10 miles from the point the trawler was first detected, PCF 68 closed the trawler directing .50 caliber and 81mm mortar fire against it. Several direct hits were scored as the trawler ran aground with her stern engulfed in flames. Five secondary explosions were observed as the fires spread to the pilot house area. Shortly after midnight the vessel disappeared. Subsequent analysis and evaluation of the incident concluded that, although heavily damaged, the trawler possibly could have escaped into a nearby stream, Six MARKET TIME personnel received minor wounds in the action.

On 12 August 1967, PCF 68 was ambushed off the Tanh Phu Secret Zone by a Viet Cong unit while she was proceeding to investigate a suspicious fishing junk. Two recoilless rifle rounds exploded near the PCF followed by heavy automatic weapons fire, but PCF 68 was able to maneuver clear of the ambush area without injuries.

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

- While on MARKET TIME patrol, PCF 68 sighted an explosion at 0420 on 28 June 1969, and sped to the location, which was approximately 63 miles southeast of Phan Thiet. The PCF arrived at the scene of a mid air collision between a US Ai Force F-100 and a H-43B rescue helicopter, found debris, and immediately began a search of the area for survivors, but with negative results. At 0500, the wingman of the downed aircraft, reported five persons in the water to all units participating in the search and rescue operation. PCF 68 proceeded immediately to the position some 2.5 miles northeast of the wreckage and recovered one airman, while rescue helos from Cam Ranh Bay recovered four others. All personnel involved in the collision were saved; and were in apparent good health. The survivor aboard the Swift was taken to Phan Rang for further transfer to his unit.

- 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 67 thru 71and their crews, traveled together, in the well deck of the USS Gunston Hall LSD 5, from Subic Bay to Cat Lo, arriving on 28 July 1966.

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

- 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 the afternoon of 8 May 1969, PCF 69 and PCF 70, with UDT 13 Detachment "F" embarked, proceeded about three and one half miles up the Truong Giang River south-southeast of Hoi An to conduct SEA TIGER operations. The UDT team was inserted to destroy bunkers while PCF 69 and PCF 70 provided security and destroyed bunkers and structures along the river bank with M-79 mortars and concussion and thermite grenades. After four hours of operations the UDT team was extracted without any contact with the enemy. Enemy losses were 28 bunkers and 17 structures destroyed, 14 structures damaged and 150 pounds of rice destroyed.

- On the afternoon of 7 October 1969, while on normal Sea Tiger patrol, PCFs 61 and 69 were destroying fishing wiers on the Truong Giang River, about 17 miles southeast of DaNang, when they received heavy automatic weapons fire. The "Swift" boats withdrew to the northeast and saturated the area with 81mm mortars and then made a .50 caliber strafing run on the enemy positions. After rearming, both units proceeded north to exit the Truong Giang River, when they received heavy automatic weapons, semi-automatic and 57mm recoilless rifle fire from bunker positions. In the general hail of fire, the helmsman, Officer-in-Charge of PCF 61, LTJG Kenneth Dean Norton, USN, was killed and PCF 61 ran hard aground while traveling at full speed. At the same time, both "Swift" boats received 57mm recoilless rocket rounds close aboard, resulting in minor damage to PCF 69 and punctured the port fuel tank of PCF 61, causing minor flooding. Both units suppressed the enemy fire. PCF 101, helo gunships and a dustoff helo arrived on the scene at 1310H. The helo gunships saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while LTJG Norton was medevaced. PCFs 69 and 101 pulled PCF 61 free at 1600H and proceeded, without further incident, to Coastal Group 14 headquarters, with the helo gunships providing cover. There were 20 structures destroyed in the operation. One other US sailor received minor wounds, was treated and returned to duty. Enemy casualties are unknown.

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