Crew Listings PCF 90 thru 99

- On 30 April 1967 boat transferred from An Thoi to Qui Nhon.

- On the night of 13 November, PCF 90 collided with an unlighted 12 foot Vietnamese sampan, about three miles southeast of Nha Trang. There were three boys on board, ages 9, 10 and 12. The 9 year old boy was recovered in good health. LCPL 46 and skimmers assisted in the search for the two missing boys with negative results. A subsequent investigation of PCF 90's hull revealed the 12 year old entangled in the screws along with an anchor and assorted nets and lines.

- On 30 April 1967 boat transferred from An Thoi to Qui Nhon.

- 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.

- At noon on 16 July 1969, PCF 91 observed an F-100 aircraft crash about 2.5 miles east of Tuy Hoa AFB. The pilot ejected; however, the parachute failed to open and no beeper was heard after the crash. While PCF 75 and HMAS Brisbane searched the area, PCF 91 ferried divers from Tuy Hoa AFB to the USS Widgeon MSC 208 . After the Widgeon discovered the main body of the wreckage with sounding gear, the divers were put into the water. The fuselage was discovered in several large pieces; however, the divers were unable to locate the pilot or cockpit section. At 1200 on 17 July the divers ceased operations and were returned to Tuy Hoa AFB.

- 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.

- On 14 May 1967, a forward air controller, under heavy automatic weapons fire from a Viet Cong position on Cape Bai Bung, received assistance from PCF 92. The swift boat destroyed one sampan and damaged several others as well as four Viet Cong structures, There were no US casualties.

- On 18 October 1968, PCF 92 transferred from An Thoi to Cam Ranh Bay.

- PCFs 73, 74 and 92 were turned over to OinC, Inshore Undersea Warfare Group One, Western Pacific Detachment, Unit Two, 7 November 1968.

- PCF 92 was returned to Coastal Squadron One, 14 May 1969.

- At 1605 on 13 May 1967, a Navy US-2C aircraft crashed five miles east of An Thoi. Thirty minutes later PCF 93 arrived on the scene and picked up the sole survivor. The bodies of the other two crew members and most of the wreckage were recovered during subsequent salvage operations.

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

- On 26 October 1968, PCF 9 and PCF 93 made the first transit of the long and dangerous Rach Gia-Ha Tien canal gathering valuable information during the trip.

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

- On 3 December 1968, PCF 10, PCF 43, PCF 88 and PCF 93 raided Viet Cong positions deep into the Cai Lon river and destroyed 15 structures, 17 sampans, 9 junks and killed 1 Viet Cong. The boats encountered hostile fire on 3 occasions when exiting the river, inflicting minor damage to PCF 10 and PCF 43.

- On 27 December 1968, PCFs 3, 5, 9, 43 and 93 raided enemy positions in the Cua Lon river and Bo De river, destroying numerous sampans and structures and killing 1 Viet Cong. Enemy fire was encountered twice during the raid and 2 USN crewmen were 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.

- On the morning of 29 September 1969, PCFs 93 and 5, while in a waterborne guard post about three miles from the mouth of the Bo De River, observed a 65-foot ocean-going junk (MT594 NTDC) proceeding slowly up the Bo De River from sea. The "Swift" boats got underway, illuminated the junk and proceeded alongside. Six males, on the bow of the junk, threw a small box over the side and were frantically trying to cut free a fishing net hanging over the side. The PCF crewmen boarded the junk and seized all males before they could cut the net. The extreme weight of the net precluded bringing it on deck and also precluded towing the junk due to its drag. The net was then cut and sank with its contents. The junk was then towed to Sea Float and while enroute one detainee offered a PCF VNN trainee 3,000 piasters to release them. The six detainees were turned over to Sea Float for interrogation.

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

- PCFs 93 and 96 came under attack by five (5) B-40 rocket and automatic weapons fire, 9 June 1970, on the west Song Cua Lon. PCF 93 was hit by one (1) rocket amidships wounding two (2) crewmen. PCF 96 was hit by one (1) rocket at the waterline, wounding the OinC. Both PCFs returned fire and evacuated the area.

- PCF 93 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 26 September 1970.

- 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 3 November 1968, PCF 94 came under intense enemy fire while probing the Duong Keo canal resulting in heavy damage to the PCF and one crewman. PCF 94 returned the fire, destroying an enemy bunker and killing 1 Viet Cong.

- On 5 November 1968, boat sailed to Cat Lo for in country overhaul

- On 29 January 1969, PCFs 5, 72, 93 and 94, together with units of COSDIV 13, conducted operations in the Cua Lon river. PCFs 72 and 94 came under fire while probing a side canal resulting in 3 USN WIA and light damage to PCF 94.

- 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.

- 30 December 1969, several rounds of 60mm mortar fire fell in the vicinity of the PCF pontoons at Ha Tien. PCF 94 received minor shrapnel damage.

- PCF 94, in company with PCFs 22, 35 and VNN PCF 3806, 14 January 1970, were supporting a troop sweep when PCF 94 was hit by a claymore mine resulting in two (2) friendly WIA and damage to the hull and one engine.

- While patrolling on the c Giang Thanh, 25 April 1970, PCFs 3 and 94 came under heavy AK-47 and B-40 rocket attack. Three (3) B-40 rockets detonated close aboard PCF 94, causing shrapnel damage, the starboard bow was also hit by 9 AK-47 rounds. One crewman on PCF 3 was also wounded when a probable recoilless round passed through the boat, from starboard to port, just aft of the cabin and exploded when it hit the water. Flack jackets hanging over the cable lines around the rear deck likely saved his life. The PCFs suppressed the fire and then spotted for a SEAWOLF strike on the surrounding area.

- On 2 July 1967, Team 5 of Harbor Clearance Unit ONE, together with PCF 95 and the Seventh Fleet's USS Oak Hill LSD 7, successfully completed the salvage of PCF 97. The 22 ton MARKET TIME craft had been sunk by enemy fire on 25 June during a routine patrol off the Ca Mau Peninsula. Working from PCF 95, the Team 5 divers hooked up the sunken craft to Oak Hill's 35-ton crane. The Swift boat was then lifted clear of the surface, dewatered, and lowered into the LSD's well deck. Seven hours after the recovery operation had begun, PCF 97 was on its way to Subic for repairs.

- On 25 July 1967, PCF 95 collided with a cargo junk.

- 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.

- On 27 July 1968, PCFs 95 and 102 teamed with USCGC Winona WHEC 65 to engage enemy recoilless rifle positions at the mouth of the Bo De river. The Swift boats acted as decoys proceeding up the river firing their .50 caliber machine guns into both banks following a pre-entry barrage by Winona. As they turned back toward the sea the enemy opened fire with three recoilless rifle rounds. One round hit PCF 95 making a 2 foot by 1 1/2 foot hole just above the water line on the starboard side. The Swift boats opened fire with their mortars and machine guns to suppress the enemy fire and Winona joined the action with five-inch gunfire. The enemy lost four killed plus an estimated one wounded, In addition, three weapons positions and a bunker were destroyed and one sampan sunk. Effective damage control stopped the flooding on PCF 95 allowing the two craft to return up river emptying their magazines against the enemy positions with the aid of an airborne spotter. Only two minor wounds were received by crewmen of PCF 95.

- 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 26 August 1969, PCF 95 was hailed while passing the LSCO Balintawak Y45 in the Bassac River about 45 miles southeast of Can Tho. The ship, of Philippine registry, was enroute from Vinh Long to Long Xuyen and then to USS Hunterdon County LST 838 at Chau Doc. The Philippine ship had sustained a B-40 rocket hit in the pilot house killing the first officer and a seaman while wounding the 2nd officer. The wounded man was given first aid and medevaced by dustoff helo to the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Binh Tuy. The Swift boat then passed through the area of the sapper attack without incident, finding only a populated area.

- On 17 October 1969, PCF 95 was on patrol of the Lang River when the boat was attacked by heavy enemy automatic weapons and rocket fire. One rocket round detonated near the pilot house, wounding three crewmen and causing serious damage to the boat. Under a barrage of suppressive fire the boat was maneuvered away from the kill zone. Upon reaching safety, the wounded were administered first aid and damage control actions were initiated.

- PCF 96 was hit by a B-40 rocket while transiting the Ganh Hao river in May 1967. It sank in 12' of water, offshore, lazarette up!

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

- Shortly after noon on 12 July 1968, PCF 96 was damaged by an enemy rocket 8 miles south-southwest of Tan My. As the Swift boat was investigating the mouth of a small river the Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons and one rocket round which hit the starboard side of the patrol craft. No personnel casualties were incurred, however, the round made a 12 by 18 inch hole in the main cabin about six inches above the water line. Temporary repairs were made by USS Page County LST 1076. Four of the enemy were estimated to have been killed by PCF 96 as 600 rounds of .50 caliber suppressive fire was directed at the Viet Cong positions.

- On 4 September 1968, PCF 96 closed the shoreline 18 miles southwest of Tan An for a harassment and interdiction mission; heavy automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire was received. The fire was returned killing an estimated five of the enemy as the swift boat cleared the area. One crewman died of wounds received in the action.

- PCFs 96 and 9 came under heavy B-40 rocket attack, 6 March 1970, while patrolling the Rach Giang Thanh. PCF 96 took three (3) hits and PCF 9 received one (1) hit. One (1) VNN crewmember was slightly wounded.

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

- PCFs 93 and 96 came under attack by five (5) B-40 rocket and automatic weapons fire, 9 June 1970, on the west Song Cua Lon. PCF 93 was hit by one (1) rocket amidships wounding two (2) crewmen. PCF 96 was hit by one (1) rocket at the waterline, wounding the OinC. Both PCFs returned fire and evacuated the area.

- 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 out to cover the Canon. The VNN PCF 3816 was hit in the pilothouse with B-40 rockets three (3) times, wounding five (5) VNN personnel. Biet Hai troops were inserted by PCF 96, to secure the area.

- On 24 June 1967, PCF 97 received automatic weapons fire off the Ganh Hao River, 45 miles northeast of Ca Mau Point, while investigating a suspicious junk. PCF 97 was able to suppress the fire without casualties. However, several hours later, PCF 97 again engaged enemy forces off the Ganh Hao River and intercepted an obvious infiltration.

- On 25 June, at 0500, PCF 97 again detected a suspicious sampan in the mouth of the Ganh Hao River and proceeded to investigate. Finding the enemy boat unoccupied, PCF 97 was preparing to get sector permission to take the suspicious vessel under fire when she was ambushed by two Viet Cong units hiding near the mouth of the river. A CHICOM 75mm recoilless rifle round tore a four foot hole in the bow of PCF 97 before her crew was able to suppress the enemy fire. The exploding shell injured two men, including serious injury to the the officer in charge, stationed in the pilot house. The PCF flooded rapidly as it turned seaward in order to concentrate efforts on the damaged area. However, all attempts to arrest the flooding failed and she sank in 35 feet of water. PCF 26 was quick to respond to PCF 97's distress and sucessfully rescued all hands shortly after they had abandoned the sinking boat. The injured officer was medevaced, and planning for the salvage operation of PCF 97 got underway.

- Salvage operations began the next day. Team 5 of Harbor Clearance Unit 1 was dispatched to the scene from Vung Tau. However, the team's light lift craft was unable to raise the PCF clear of the water. The team then stripped the sunken boat of all removable equipment, and remained on the scene to await the arrival of the SEVENTH Fleet's USS Oak Hill LSD 7, which had a crane capable of lifting the PCF.

- On 2 July, Team 5, onboard PCF 95 and the USS Oak Hill LSD 7, hooked up the sunken craft to Oak Hill's 35-ton crane. PCF 97 was then lifted clear of the surface, dewatered, and lowered into the LSD's well-deck. Seven hours after the recovery operation had begun, PCF 97 was on its way to Subic Bay, PI for repairs. (Photo shows PCF 95 alongside PCF 97 as the USS Oak Hill lifts it ; deck is just clear of the water.)

- The repaired and completely refurbished PCF 97 was returned to service at Cam Ranh Bay on 29 December 1967.

- At 0200 on 17 May 1969, Commander Task Group 115.2 directed PCF 97 to provide gunfire support for Popular Forces in contact with the enemy about 12 miles northeast of Phan Rang. The enemy attempted imitative deception when they used a Vietnamese Navy frequency and the PCF 52 call sign. The enemy attempted to give false coordinates for the gunfire support mission. Normal procedures were to use the VNN frequency for coordination with VNN forces through the use of an interpreter. The enemy attempt at luring PCF 97 away from the scene of the action was unsuccessful. Popular Forces sweeping the area reported 20 enemy killed (body count) while Popular Force casualties were one killed and two wounded.

- On 26 June 1970, PCF 97 inserted 120 Rough Puff troops for a sweep of "Football Field", NW of Linh Long. The troops made contact, and PCF 97 was called upon to MEDEVAC one (1) RF soldier, while under heavy fire. When PCF 97 returned, it took aboard two (2) additional RF troops for MEDEVAC and proceeded to extract the rest of the RF troops, while suppressing incoming fire.

- On 12 November 1970, PCFs 45, 87, 97 and 692 entered the southern mouth of the Rach Eo Lon and inserted KCS troops. The PCFs fired H&I at suspected enemy positions. At least two (2) tons of ammo was captured and destroyed. PCFs 692 and 45 were taken under fire with B-40 and small arms. Black Ponies were scrambled to assist. KCS captured one B-40 shoulder launcher. PCF 87 was ambushed while proceeding out of the Eo Lon canal when one (1) B-40 rocket hit the after conning station killing two (2) KCS troops and wounding two (2) US sailors (one was medevaced to the 23rd BVAC hospital), one (1) VNN crewmember (also medevaced) and one (1) KCS.
   This was the last incident, of the Vietnam conflict, where a US Navy swift boat was damaged or a crewman was injured.

- 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 12 May 1968, PCF 102 and PCF 98 were proceeding to investigate a small radar contact near the mouth of the Bo De River, 10 miles east on Tan An, in the evening when they received heavy automatic weapons fire from the tree line. PCF 98 was hit by one 57mm recoilless rifle round in the gun tub that wounded three men; one was seriously injured. Another round passed through the pilot house without detonating. The "Swift" boats evaded out of range as they could not match the heavy volume of fire directed at them. During the brief engagement two mortar rounds were observed to hit the recoilless rifle position apparently putting at least that enemy weapon out of action.  Story

- On 7 September 1968, BM2 John P. McDermott was killed by an accidental detonation of a partial mortar round in the barrel of the 81mm mortar. McDermott was inspecting the muzzle of the mortar when the bad round exploded.

PCF 98, HIGH&DRY after entering the rice paddy.	PCF 98, about to be refloated in the new channel dug by TF 117 forces.
3 April 1969 --- These pictures are definitely worth a thousand words ... and here is the story behind the pictures! While on patrol in the Mekong on Good Friday, 3 April 1969, at about 0500, my boat spotted a radar blip which appeared to be in the water about 150 yards off the starboard bow. We accelerated to 'attack' only to discover that the higher then normal tide had over-run the riverbank and our radar took the tree line, about 500 yards inland, to be the end of the river! We hit the mud at full speed and literally slid inland about 75 feet. As it turned out, the 'blip' was a random tree in the middle of a partially submerged rice patty. My crew consoled me, claiming that when the tide came back in we would just float back off, that is until I verified it was a full high tide at the time we went inland. We were ankle deep in water all around the boat, which was listing to port on the "V" bottom. As the sun rose, the tide went out and there we were, HIGH and DRY! Fortunately, the repair ship USS Phoenix AG 172, was on station in the river about 1 click downstream. I radioed for assistance and a small mike boat was dispatched with several enlisted men, who made disparaging remarks as they approached. I was taken back to the Phoenix and escorted to the CO's stateroom, he was busy shaving and when I told my story he just shook his head in disbelief. He promised to help and when I returned to my boat I found my crew had commandeered several shovels from the peasants, who had came to work in the rice patty, and were now busily attempting to dig us out! I sent a 100 word "FLASH Message," in code, to SEPIA, trying not sound like a complete idiot for what I had done. The CO of the Phoenix was great - he coordinated with the Army and had one of the Riverine boats, that was equipped with high pressure water pumps, intended to wash away bunkers, travel overnight to our location and it dug a channel behind us. When the tide came back in, we were pulled off. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to our boat. The Phoenix laundered our uniforms, feed us Easter Sunday Dinner and we then returned to Cat Lo, after having been aground for about 36 hours, during which time we spent one very nervous night with local RUFF PUFF's, who stood watch around us in that muddy rice paddy. Douglas S. Martin, OinC, PCF 98

- On 5 November 1966, PCFs 99 and PCF 100 were delivered to DaNang. The following day, PCF 100 transited down the coast to the Qui Nhon swift base where it was assigned for duty.

- 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

- PCF 99 was the second boat in line, trying to enter the Cua Viet river, when PCF 14 capsized, sank and was lost, while transiting the heavy surf conditions, in an attempt to rescue local fisherman from several overturned sampans, 30 November 1967. PCF 99 then became part of the rescue team, along with some of the NSA detachment mike boats, for both the fisherman and the crew of PCF 14. All crewmembers were successfully rescued.

- 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 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.

- 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.

- While returning from an exploratory transit of the Kinh Xang canal, near My Tho, 1 August 1970, PCF 99 received multiple B-40 rocket and small arms fire hits. The OinC was moderately wounded and MEDEVACED. All five US crewmen and the VNN crewman were slightly wounded, but remained aboard and returned the boat to Cat Lo.

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