Being a LRP(generic spelling Lurp). LRRP was our first designation. It
stood for Long Range Recon Patrol meaning your job was to be just that,
reconnaissance. The team usually made up of a total of four men.
However, there have been as little as two men. Only once during my tour
with the Lurps did one man get dropped in on his own, and that was John
Powers(now deceased after 3 tours in Vietnam). He wanted to do it and
Brigade
accommodate him. He was more or less to observe and if the opportunity
presented itself, to sniper. He was equipped with the M-14 and scope. He
was trained as a sniper in Recondo school. This insertion was different
than the normal Lurp team. He was dropped in by one chopper without,
gunship support. He repelled about 75 feet into the jungle below.
A normal insertion was done with five Helicopters. One was called
command and control ship(C&C). This chopper carried the two pilots, two
door gunners, the platoon leader or platoon Sargent, and at times both.
This ship had gone earlier with the teamleader and one or the other of
the platoon commanders, to make an aerial recon of the area of
operation(AO).
During this time an insertion point was selected within the AO where the
team would be dropped in. Seldom was extraction points selected in the
early concept of Lurp operations. Later however, as knowledge
increased, extractions points were selected. In the early going of the
Lurp concept, allot was put to trial and error. There had been to my
knowledge no specialized training outside of what we learned concerning
patrolling techniques in basic or advanced infantry training. The
advantage went to the ones who had served overseas and other placed
where the infantry practiced their trade, destroying. Outside of that
we learned as we went and developed training and methods of operation as
we experienced the war. Later there would be the selection of
extraction point during initial recon of the AO plus coordinated preplan
artillery concentrations in the event a team was on the move , which
meant most times the enemy were in hot pursuit. When this happens it is
easier to give a preplan number to be fired, verses trying to plot your
location on the run. Any teamleader will tell you that is close to, if
not impossible. So the sophistication of operating procedures increased
the more we ran missions. We cut our teeth on trial and error. It was
not always pretty. We, the teams not only had to learn but the
commanders also, whom we worked for , to supply them information not
otherwise obtainable. Unfamiliar with our size and capability they at
times felt we could act and perform as a rifle company.
Along with the C&C ship you had two choppers know as slicks. I guess
you might say, they got the name as to the way they would insert or
extract us. Slipping across the jungle canopy at top speed and barely
above the tree tops so as to maintain stealth. In each slick you have
two pilots and two doorgunner, which is standard. The first slick
carries the team 2, 4 or 5. Five came later in my tour as the missions
changed from just recon, (which produced much action due to contact with
the enemy), to combat missions with the intent of ambushing targets of
opportunity and at times not so opportune. Depending on who spotted who
first, or at times over zealous teams. The second slick was equipped
and man as the first slick minus, a lurp team. Then you had two
gunships equipped with pilots, gunners and rockets. They flew as support
and diversion. They also flew at tree top level to the left and right
of the insertion slicks.
The routine was the C&C ship which had the same staff and pilots, who
had made the earlier recon of the AO, were now guiding the ships below
from 3000 feet up. As the Landing Zone (LZ) appeared ahead,they would
inform the pilots below, guiding them on course. As the insertion ship
got closer, they would begin a count down. I.E., 600,500,etc., meters,
until set down. They continued this until the insertion slick cleared
the tree tops, over the LZ. Once they cleared they would say drop down.
The pilots would come as close to the ground as possible and hover. The
team was already standing in most cases on the chopper skids, ready to
jump. The teamleader was to always go first. Any hesitation by a team
member, was overcome by the knowledge that the doorgunner would give
you a little help. He had to because this was a very crucial point. The
team and the chopper were very vulnerable at this point. One well aimed
shoot from a enemy rifleman could spell disaster to the chopper and the
team. Even though the pilots tried to get as close to the ground as
possible, the height could vary according to the undergrowth. You often
tasted your boots in your mouth.
The insertion is quick and that is how we Lurps liked it. Too much
activity may draw attention. All the while this is going on the gunships
are circling the LZ and surrounding area as a cover and diversion. The
second slick follows along behind the fist slick in the event we are
dropped in a hot LZ. If this happens the gunships take the enemy
under fire while the second slick comes in for the team. This happened to
my team once. We were immediately snatched up and too my surprise we
were flown a little farther and again inserted. I can not say I liked
this idea at first but I learned quickly, it was the right thing to do.
Had I and the team members had time to consider what had happened we
probably would not have been able to go in again. If I recall rightly it
was Charles Mathews, Doc, and Moui. Later as platoon Sargent, I saw the
results of pulling a team and terminating the mission. One of the best
and most courageous of my teamleader, lost it on the next mission he was
inserted on, he froze up once he hit the ground. Early extraction was
necessary.
Once the team is on the ground they move to cover, organize, and let the
pilots know, they are okay, so as to get them out of the area. After
listening for awhile the team then moves out of the area after a short
time, in the event they may have been compromised. They then set out to
perform their mission. Recon,combat, or a combination of the two.
Missions are normally set for five days.
Lurps are inserted deep in enemy territory. Often requiring relay
stations. Be it from mountain top to mountain via relay teams or forward
air coordinators (FAC), back to Brigade or Battalion command centers.
Depending on who they are working for directly.
Lurps were made up of all volunteers, due to the danger of the job. The
life expectancy was short. The men that made up the Lurps were a
special breed. Much like the Special forces or Rangers.
Rangers of whom we were eventually merged into. We often assisted the
SOG units(special operations groups), performing missions in Ban Me
Thout to beef up their productivity. Then eventually Ranger units were
employed as LRP units and we merged with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Lurps , as the Special forces and the Army ranger are an Elite group and
were and are are ready to accept the challenge that often puts then in
harms way. Each named group has paid the price for the privilege of
being different.
Hopefully this has shed light on what it is to be or have been a Lurp.
But once a Lurp. always a lurp!
Their trademark was tiger fatigues, Australian bush hat, short black
automatic weapon called the AR-15, and know to ambush enemy units of
considerable size.
It was not so much duty , honor, and country. Although, that was forever
a part of their makeup,But rather men who preferred to be different that
loved to live on the edge. They played , fought and some died, for what
they believed: all people deserve to chose their own pursuit of
happiness.
This is not all there is to tell,but it is my best recollection after 32
years. Any Lurp out their should add to this article, as they see fit.
Let this be know as article one. Hopefully others will follow, as this
was and is a proud group of men.
Our support now goes to those serving as Long Range Patrol Rangers, of
the United States Army. You have a legacy behind you. Pathfinders if
you will.
This article is authored by a former active Lurp. Formally know as SFC,
Bob Smyers,
platoon/Sgt. of the 2nd brigade LRP, 4th I.D..
It should not be used with out, the author's permission and is dedicated
to the Lurps still on patrol(i,e,,those that have not returned, but
forever remain on patrol, in a realm we do not yet understand).
May God Bless all,
Bob Smyers
ARTICLE (2)
The following vignette is a personal recall of Lrrp make up and mission. First what does LRRP mean? Well, the letters stand for Long Range Recon Patrol.
This was an Elite unit made up of all volunteer soldiers. When I was with the 2nd brigade Lrrps of the 4th infantry, it was not surprising to find men with varying military occupational skills. Besides infantry, we had clerks, mechanics, tankers, artilleryman, and probably a cook or two.
Each one of his own accord. I mean each volunteered. Volunteering was the only way to my knowledge one could become a Lrrp. The army did not assign men to a unit that faced greater danger then the average soldier would face. Such are the Airborne, Special Forces, Navy Seals, and the Lrrps.
The Lrrps in Vietnam were needed to gather much needed information about the enemy. Information the commanders could use to know what, when, where and how the enemy was employing their forces. This information could not be obtained by any other means, then to insert small unit teams deep into enemy territory.
Teams usually made up of a total of four men. This number at times during my tour did vary. I have witnessed only once a one man recon and twice a two man recon team. In each incident they were to gather information plus ambush with artillery targets of opportunity. The one man was also equipped with an M-14 plus sniper scope. He was trained in sniper techniques at Recondo school and his added duty was to harasses long range targets. The one man was not inserted n the normal fashion, but had to repel into his area of operation (AO). The two man team walked into their AO each time. So as to avoid early detection. They were being inserted into an area that was known to have much enemy activity. But were able to elude larger units sent to search them out. Large units such as platoon and company size were more easily detected. Small teams such as Lrrps, could get in close often without the enemy being aware of their presents. This is why we could often hit with hasty ambushes or even when coming up on one another by surprise, we more than not had the advantage. They had a tendency to be really lax when they thought they were alone. Often you caught them with their weapons slung or just perched on their shoulder like a hunter coming back from the hunt, having had no luck, and sorta weary from the hunt. This was often fatal for them, as we LRRP’s kept alert and our weapons were carried in the ready. Loaded, safety off, and the barrel of the rifle moving automatically in the direction the eyes were being focused. We not only looked but listened to the sounds made by the life in the jungle. The flight and cries of the birds was always to be investigated. It was not uncommon for Lrrp teams to locate enemy troops discharging their weapons while hunting for food. This occurred more often when we were inserted far away from friendly forces. Often we were out of radio range but for relay stations. This could be Lrrp teams on mountain tops or forward air coordinators (FAC) , relaying our sitreps or instructions to us. It is not an easy feeling because there are times when communications fail. I remember once in Vietcong (VC) valley this happening to SSG Tilley. I was in contact on a ridge and he was low in the valley running for his life and no one could hear his call for help but me. Had I not picked him up and relayed his dilemma, who knows what might of happened. Once I was encircled by enemy of unknown size and could not be heard by the unit I was working for. If it had not been for FAC flying over the area and hearing my call for help, I might not be telling this now. This very fact is why our unit was strictly volunteer. Life expectancy could be very short, due to the nature of our missions.
Our support was mostly the artillery and the choppers. Too often we were too far away for line units to help us. Although it may be possible for a mechanized unit to assist if not too far away. Units on foot, with the load of equipment they carried, and the difficult terrain, were unable to assist us. Once in heavy contact late in the day, during monsoon season, plus in the line of fire of artillery due to our position, and the direction of the attack, we almost ran out of ammunition. Our only alternative was to fire our claymore’s to break contact and hope the artillery could bring it on our last known position to open the gap between us and them. It did but we had to use evasive tactics all night long, plus into the following day, as we had two grenade and two magazines between us. This illustrates our dire need for the slicks and gunships. They could get to us quickly but in the monsoon they too could not help. Low ceilings makes flying almost impossible. One might think. If I am going to be out that far and only a few of us, I am really going to carry allot of munitions. In theory, that is good. However, the more equipment, the more weight to tire you and slow you down. Plus the bulkiness makes it hard to move quietly and it is apt to damage the foliage, which would tell of our presents.
We were not equipped to dig in and have a sustained battle. We had to inflict as much damage as possible and make our exit. Your adrenaline is high at the time of contact and stays that way during the fight. But once it is concluded, it begins to wan, and your knees get a little weak and your hands get a little shaky, as does your insides. At least it did for me, as things happen quickly.
Even though the firing has stopped and you may be towering over the dead bodies, the unknown of the next seconds hounds you. How much ammo do we have left, are there more, did we stir up a hornets nest, will we be able to get choppers, which way do we go, should I take time to search the bodies? Many things go through your head in seconds.
Procrastination can not be part of the make up for a Lrrp, that is a luxury you can not afford.
I will close this as article number two, with the invite for other lrrp’s to expand on these topics. That the unlearned may get a working knowledge, of a Lrrp team on mission.
Should not be used without the author’s permission.
Bob Smyers
2ndBde Lrrps, 4 I. D.
67-68
ARTICLE (3)
Subject: VIGNETTES OF MEN OF 2ND BDE LRRPS
Captain Thomas H. Garnett Jr.....was from Virginia. When I met him I believe he was working for S-2 orS-3. He was debriefing our team after extraction from our area of operation. It was a mission where we found a large North Vietnamese bunker complex. Plus we had been compromised and had contact with an enemy soldier. We withdrew from the complex and set a hasty ambush in the event the soldier followed. He did and John Powers took him out. After linking with a rifle company and leading them to the complex, we were extracted back to brigade. Captain Garnett was a wise and cautious man. One who was always after the truth. I would have to describe him as; gentle, kind, caring, concerned, open minded, and generous. One who would support you when your in the right but would not long condone untruth or deceit. This was evident in his method of questioning. He later became the Lrrp platoon leader and I had the privilege of showing him the ropes. I cherish the time I was able to serve under his command. We became friends but I never forgot his authority. We worked well together. He gave me one of the highest compliments I ever received in the military and he was sincere. He told me in private, that he had never met a man, with such influence with other men. That the guys in the platoon had a great respect for me. He also stated; I may be the platoon leader but I know who the men considered the leader. He was a man of faith and he practiced it. Only one I ever really seen reading his Bible and making notes of what he read. After I left, he wrote as did others. Robert P. McCarthy in one of his letters, told me that Captain Garnett risk his life coming in during contact to pull out a wounded Lrrp. It was not surprising to me. He is forever a Lrrp and friend. I as many will always remember him.
Sargaent Lloyd Lee.....Sgt. Lee was from Atlanta Georgia. We first met in the LRRP’s. He and I came at the same time, May 1967. We were both Staff Sargents but though he had more time in the army, I had more time in grade As a Ssgt. He did not like that and we tried to avoid each other when not on mission. But this ended when we were put in the same tent and bunked next to one each other. We got to talking and paling around and got into mischief together. We became close friend and confided in one another.
I eventually became platoon sargeant but he never tried to take advantage of our friendship. He was one of the best and most courageous teamleaders I had and was liked by the men. He would take chances that at times seemed reckless but he always came out on top. He liked the reputation of being a little crazy. Guys on mission with him said he, would get up in the morning and holler "hey charlie", where in the hell are you?" He gave a tough guy appearance but he was a man of great compassion. This was evident during contact with the enemy, who were using women and children as shield. A little girl got her heal shot off and he carried her out on extraction. He was grieved by this. After this he did not seem right and ask to be transferred from the Lrrps. He only had a couple of months so he was given a job in base camp as an instructor for prerecondo school. After he left I never seen or heard from him again. I often thought of him and even tried locating him, all to no avail. Then as fate would have it, I learned 32 years later that he died just three month after returning from Vietnam. He had a brain tumor that had gone undiagnosed, and it was to late, and he died. SSG. Tilley attended his funeral. We who served with him, will always remember him.
Sp/4 John Powers...was from Texas. He came to the platoon the same time I did. I believe he was a Private first class. John was a handsome sort of man with a strong build. He was always anxious to go on patrol and was always ready to engage the enemy. We were on two or three missions together. Of those three, we made contact twice with the North Vietnamese regulars.
The second of these contacts was the heaviest. Though we were out numbered the team fought into the night and again the next day. John was my assistant team leader and his contribution, impute, and courage helped us to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy before we had to be extracted or face annihilation due to the numbers against us. Once in contact, John took a piece of sharpnel in the throat from a grenade. It went in, he spite it out and continued to fight. Thank God it was so small it left little, if any scare and no damage. I learned John made a career of the army, serving three tours in Vietnam. I also learned that he died a few months after retiring. Thanks John. Those of us who knew you will keep you in our hearts.
Sargeant first class Charlie Britt was from Maryland. This man was a soldier of soldiers. Anyone who knew him will confirm this. He was tall and lanky, and carried himself with great humility and confidence. He knew himself and his job. One who needed not to pound his chest to gain attention. He was noticeable on his own merit. Being a teamleader myself we never pulled missions together and I can not say we had more than a professional relationship in Vietnam. That changed state side, but that is another story. I do know as platoon sargeant I always felt secure in any assignment given to Charlie. He was invaluable in the training of new Lrrps. He was killed on his second tour in Vietnam in 1972. Charlie it was short but you left your foot prints on our hearts. Rest from your labor my friend.
Staff sargeant Sherman (Tom) Tilley...from Savannah, Georgia was our kid sargeant. Being only 19 years old and a staff sargeant was unheard of. He was truly a field soldier. His motor never seemed to shut off. On mission he was content. But when off mission he seemed restless, full of energy, always ready to pack up a team and go. He was always in contact with the enemy. He must have had a guardian Angle, as some of the situations he got out of was miraculous. He is a highly decorated soldier. Having spent a total of three tours. He was always with Britt as if Britt was his big brother. Thank God he is alive and has raised a son and has his own business today. Our teenage sargeant stands among the best. Once a Lrrp always a Lrrp. Welcome home brother.
Sp/4 Ron Coon....this guy is still active in the army reserves....Ron was already with the platoon when I got there and almost bought the farm on his 5th or 6th mission. He was with Sgt. Bonnert and Sp/4 Harmon, when they got ambushed, while being extracted on tanks, They were completely surrounded by North Vietnamese regulars at the time of the ambush. Ron says, Harmon saved his life and was trying to save Bonnert’s life when he took the fatal rounds that ended his life. Later while Ron was out of country recovering from his wounds he learned that Bonnert also died. Ron was a ready soldier. Even after having been wounded, once released from the hospital, he was back in the Lrrps for more. He was very active with the teams. He seemed to come in and go right on the next team going out. I only had him once on my team. My teams were mostly the Montagnards or Vietnamese. Ron covered our backs as he was our rear security and with him there you felt comfortable. Our time on this mission was quiet, as there was no contact. But had there been , Ron was one I would not of had to worry about. Ron now lives in Cook, Mn. Welcome home Ron and thanks...
Sargeant Robert Crawford....Bob came to the Lrrps the same time I did. We pulled a few missions together. He was the other American, as the Montagnards made up most of my team, The reason was I spoke Vietnamese. I will never forget our last mission together. On one of those nights of the mission after dark, and we were in our night location, a bug crawled in Bob’s ear. When it did he popped up and was shaking his head. He said I have a bug in my ear. I tried pouring water in the ear in the dark in hopes of drowning it. This never worked and it kept buzzing and moving in the ear. I felt so helpless and felt for Bob. We called in but no way could get extracted. This continued for a long time. Bob was at wits end. It got so bad, he could not contain the screams of agony. I had to literally press his face into my stomach to muffle the sound. Finally it stopped. The next day we extracted and he was sent to the hospital. I will always remember how he endured the suffering. Had he not been determined to endure the agony, we could have been easily compromised and who knows what the ended might have been for the team. On his second tour, he lost part of his leg. He is now living in West Fargo, N. D. A true Lrrp! Welcome home Bob and thanks.
Sargeant Mallon West...... a true American, Lrrp, and friend. West was from the northeast....later moving to Florida. Last known residence was Deerfield Beach, Florida. He came to the platoon in May 1967 also, and was a draftee, so he called all regular army, lifers. He was one of the most dependable and trustworthy I have known. He made sargeant as a Lrrp and turned out to be a good teamleader and a wonderful friend. I realized his value to me as friend in Ban Me Thout, Vietnam. We were supplying our teamleaders and teams to assist the special forces in their area of operation. Our guys were acting as advisors to the Vietnamese army commanders. Company size units. I had flown out to meet with West in their night location. He was on top of the world and was having a ball. Telling me how they had roasted a monkey and he was getting native. I was proud of him for his accomplishments. I met a private first class and now I am witnessing a confident leader. As a flew off he was smiling and waving, I thought, we are America’s best. We do what we have to, when it seems totally against our make up. West, you draftee, you could have passed for a lifer! Welcome home and may God smile on you...
Sargeant John Fournier......was from Vermont. He came as many of us did in May 1967. I think he was a private but left a sargeant. John was a Frenchman if I recall. He was a quiet person but knowledgeable. I do not think he ever commanded a team but was sought out by teamleaders to be on their team. He did anything you ask and gave it his all. I needed a trustworthy man to handle our supply room, so I took John off missions and gave him full responsibility for our supplies. I made the right choice. Back in the states I met John at Fort Benning and he was a drill sargeant and had been promoted to staff sargeant E-6. He however finished his duty and left the army. I have not heard from him but hope all is well. Welcome home John and thanks.
Sargeant Chester Mundy....came in July 1967... he was from California and still resides there today and is in business for himself. Chester I learned gave up a gravy job to be a Lrrp. Before that he was assigned as a jeep driver. He was alert and a good team member. Never did I have any problems with him. His trustworthiness was one of the many traits he demonstrated, that caused me to want him as unit supply sargeant. I think he replaced John Fournier around late December 1967 or in January 1968. He stayed in Vietnam until January 1969. He spent nearly his entire time in the army in Vietnam. He was indispensable and very resourceful in getting things we needed. He and I bunked in the back of the supply tent and became friends. He always gave me an ear when I needed to let things out. Welcome home Chester and thanks.
Sargeant Gary Robinson...(Robby)...from Baton Rouge, La....I think he came a little after I did. I remember him shaving his head. It made him look like a bad #$@#!
We became close friend and pulled some really risky missions together. We hung together allot when not on mission. We just jelled. I remember once in the village, as we were helping the economy, a Vietnamese came out from a make shift bar, and hit me over the head with a beer bottle. It was a glancing blow so it did not really hurt. But man did Robby ever get pissed. He took off into the bar after the guy with the rest of us in pursuit. The guy got away out the back. The bar suffered. Since we had not provoked the attack and they would not tell us where to find him, we leveled the bar. Literally to the ground! Robby always watched out for me and this time was no different. Thanks Robby for the memory and welcome home brother.
These are but a few of the guys. In order to tell about each one would take some time. These vignettes should give you a picture of the caliber of men we call Lrrps, friends, and Americans, who served their country with honor. These and all the rest who fought this war, wars of the past, and those serving today, who carry on the proud heritage of the "American Fighting Men and Women". As a famous patriot once said;
"Give me liberty or give me death". Those were the sentiments of the ones I knew. Welcome home and thanks to all that has ever dawned a uniform of the American armed forces.
Consider this article three and feel free to expand.
Bob Smyers
2Bde Lrrp 4th I.D.