38th infantry regiment - command report - april 1951 · at 110930 april, division ordered the 38th...

Korean War

38th Infantry Regiment - Command Report - April 1951

2nd Infantry Division

Korean War Project Record: USA-133

Folder: 060004

Box: 06

File: 04

National Archives and Records Administration

College Park, Maryland

Records: United States Army

Unit Name: Second Infantry Division

Record Group: RG407

Editor: Hal Barker

Korean War Project

P.O. Box 180190

Dallas, TX 75218-0190

http://www.koreanwar.org

Korean War Project 2ID-00400398


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COMVUlliD AND UNIT HISTORICAL REPORT

38TH INFANTRY REG I:MENT

for

1 thru 30 -APril 1951

Assigned to: 2d Infantry Division APO 2li·8 US Army

Approved by: _

-$.~~ J;' HN G COUGHLIN olonel, Inf

Commanding

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Annex c of Section III to · Command Report ( CSHIS-5 ( Rl) )

Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division Period: l-30 April 1951

Command Report ( CSHIS-5 ( Rl) )

.Headquarters 38th Infantry Regiment

Section I: Command Report

A. Narrative

B. Personnel (S-1)

c. Intelligence (S-2)

D. Operations ( S-3)

E •. Logistics (S-4)

F. · EvaJ.ua.tion and Recommendations

G. Staff

Copy Number 1 Section III

Annex: C

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Korean War Project 2ID-00400401i '·

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·' !EPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES : (''·--·'•.

TABLE OF C01~ENTS

April 1951

SECTION I. COMMAND REPORT

A: Narrative Summary

B. Personnel (S-1)

c. Intellige?ce (S-2):

D. Operations (S~3)

E. Logistics (S-4)

F. Evaluation and. Recommendations

G. Staff

SECTION II. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (Appendicses) ,

A. Personnel

1. S-1 Journals

2. PDS Reports

3. General Orders

4. Miscellaneous Personnel Data

B. Intellignece

1. S-2 Jou:r,nals

2. Periodic Intelligence·Reports

3. Overlays

4·. Intelligence Memorandum

C. Operations

1. S-3 Journals

2. Periodic Operations Reports

3. Operation Orders

4 •. Miscellaneous Operations Data

D. Logistics

l. s-4 Journals

2. Periodic Logistics Reports

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E. lst Battalion

l. S-1 journals

2~.S-2 Journals

3. S-3 Journals

F. 2nd Battalion

l. S-1 Journals

2. S-2 Journals

3 ., S-3 Journals

G. 3rd Battalion

1. S-1 Journals

2. S-2 Journals

3 •. .S-3 Journals

H. Netherlands Detachment (Journals

I. Service Company (Journals

J. Heavy Mortar Company (Journals

K. Tank 'Company (Journals

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Korean War Project 2ID-00400403L

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.--lEPROOUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 1

NARRATIVE SUMMARY'

for

1 thru 30 April 5L

A'S the month of April opened, the 38th Infantry continued

on its mission of patrolling extensively to the north,, northeast:.

and northvlest, from positions a-long the IDAHO LINE •. 1

The period L thru 4 April "'ll:S devoted- to long range patroJi.-

ling ,.,ithin· the regimental sector.. Cbmpany size patrols ma-de

very little conta-ct \'lith the enemy as the patrols ranged far

forward- of the IDAHO LINE. 2 · In instances when enemy were sightred:,,

they were takenl under fire by friendly artillery,,. however,. these

sightings were very fe\'r •. 3

At 04.'0805 April,, Division ordered all_ patrols dispatched

that morni~ to be pulled in immediately in order to eliminate

possible confusion with RoK-Troops of the 5th Division that were

passing through the 38th Infantry sector.~

At'· 051405- April,. Division alerted the 38th Infantry to mov.e

one battalion and Heavy Mortar Company to the Division a·ssembly

ar.ea;·. the follo\'ring morning, 5 ,.,i th the remaining elements of the

regiment moving· 7 April.;~ however,~ at:. 052340 April,, the X C:orps·

C~ommander indicated that the 38th would not move as directed 6.

but would remain in present positions unt'il further orders •.

At'.06120o·· April,~ the 38th Infantry assumed the status of

an RCT.,vTi th the 38th FA\ Bh,, "tJ"" Btry ,, 82 .A:A:.K. Bfi, and '"0.1111 Company,,

2nd Engineer En-attached· •. Simultaneously,, Division directed

that the RCT'-·\'rould move to an~ a·ssembly area in the vicinity of

KUSONGPO-RI (:os· 069780):,. being certain that all. elements of the

RCT'had cleared· the roads by 071230 April •. T

1: :8•1 2 B•3 3· B;..2 4'· c··L 5 c.-1. 6 c~;..l

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5:;...2 summary l. Apr 51 .. also see o/1 B;.._3 overlays· PIR' s 1-4• Apr 5L S-3· journal J32· 4 Apr 51 B.;_2 PIR 5 Apr 5L S-3 Journal J45 5' Apr 5L S.;.3 journal J7L 5· Apr 51. 8-3 journal J34- 6~ Apr 51-

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(Pa-ge #2 of Narrative Summary 1 thru 30 Apr 51);

Later in the day,, Division directed that upon arrival of

the 38th RCTn in its. assembly area:,. 111C"11 Company,, 2nd Engineer

Bh' vrould revert to control of parent organi·zation •. 1

At'· 07000L_ April,, the motorized elements of the RCT ·began

movement to the assembly area··._ B~cause of the shortage of

transportation and because the ROT':' had been· ordered to clear a--11.

road·e by 071230 April,, personnel of front line battalions moved·

out on foot at· 070215 April.. By 1030 hours,, th~ RCT c'losed into·

the assembly area- in its entirety.. Upon arrival-,, the three

battalions established air spotter stations as ordered by

DiviSion •. 2

During the day,, the Netherlands Detachment·,, located in

CHECHON~, was relieved' from c·orps Reserve and reverted to oper·-

at'ional. control. of the 38th RCT~3

At 081525 At)r:i.l ,, tbe .Netherlana.s Detachment closed into'

its a-ssembly area' wlthihc the RCT sector •. A't ·approximately the

same time,. the lst Ranger c·bmpany vras relieved· from attachment

to 38'th RCT, and alerted to move to YOJU- for jump training •.

Upon arrival,. at YOJU~, the 1st'· Ranger c·ompany vra;a detached· from Lj:r·

38th RCT1l and attached to 8th A'r'my •. ·

On 9'April,. the 2nd and 3rd Ens dispatched platoon-size

patrol to sweep asigned sectors~. This vias ac·complished vri thout·

enemy contact.. In addition,, the. 3rd Bh' was ordered to establish

a· patrol base in the vicinity of DS9891 with the Regimental ROK

Ranger Company furnishine; two platoons to augment the company ..

Both units v1ere directed to patrol aggressivel:'r north to the

SOH RIVER.?

The Regimental S-3 initiated an intensified training program

for all battalions, placing specia.l emphasis on squad, platoon

and company tactics. In addition,; firing ranges were set-up in

l'_ C-1. S-3 journal J38 T Apr 51 C;_3 o/L dtd 7;' Apr 2 01-l S~ journaL JlL 7· Apr 51-3 · C;_L s~3 journal~. J13 7:' Apr 51_ 4': C"-22 POR #84' 0915001.. 5 E-3 o/L 9· Apr 51- c~2 POR #81.f. 0915001..

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(Pae;e tf3 of Narrative Summary 1 thru 30. Apr 51)1

ord.er to give all personnel of the RCT the opportunity of further

improving their proficiency vrith cre'tv served '\'leapons •.

At 110930 April, Division ordered the 38th RCT ·to alert one

battalion to move on 12 A:priL to the vicinity of the 23rd In

fantry cp· and upon arrival to be att'ached to the 23rd- and subjec·t.

to employment only 'tfi th the approval of the C'l:nnmanding General_,. ·

2nd Division.. Irti tially,. the lst Bn was alerted. for movement· •.

However, on 112100 April,: the Regimental C.ommander Stl.bstituted'

1 the Netherlands Detachment •. I

At 120600 hours,, the Netherlands Detachment departed for.

their nevr sec·tor ·and subsequent at tac.hment to . the 23rd' Infantry., 2

Th0 period lZ thru ·15 ApriL was devoted' to patrolling and. i:n:

tensifiedo training.. Ratrols operating_ ·out of the patrol. base

continued to scour our forward area of responsibility vri thout:.

enemy contac-t •. 3

The Netherlands Detachment departed· the 23rd· Infantry

sector and· at 161130 April, reverted to operational controL of"'

the 38th RCT~.4·

At 161130.· Aj;)ril,, one squad;..siz.e patrol from 11 'E11" Company

working out of the patroL base reported receiving small arms

fire and·· hand· grenades. from two or three enemy in the vicinity

of HilL 781.. T.he patrol suffered two WI!;\ and withdrew to the

patrol base. . Ililmediately upon return to the base,: two squad;...

size patrols were dispatc:hed to the area·,. apprehending fnur

suspec.ts who were evacuated· through Bl' chann~ls •. 5

':Che period of 17 thru 19 ApriL was devoted· to patrolling and

training.. Urii ts continued to take advantage of this training

period to mold their men into teams.. Leaders at all levels

stressed· team work,, coqrdination and the necessity for being fulLy

prepared· to meet the anticipated· enemy offensive.. Pep talks by

company commanders and platoon leaders did·much to get the men

·mentally adjus.ted· to the point where they underst'ood· exactly vthat~

l C.-l S-3 journal J49 ll Apr 51 2 • C-2 FOR: r¥37 121500 Apr 51 . ,.. 3 B;..3 P/1 12 - 15 Apr_ 15 SECRr, 4 C-l s~ 3 summary 16 Apr 51 \ r · 5 B;..1 S-2 journal J-5 _ 16 Apr 51

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"'as expected of them and the reasons therefore.. I\t. was· felt:.

that· at this time,, the 38th RCT'was ready to meet any situation

'\vhich· might arise •.

At. 201500~: A:priL the 2nd Division, minus one Cli)) RCT~ wa-s ].

placed' ih· Corps Reserve... The 38th RCT~ assumed thi's status

without·: change ilr location•. During the day all: members af> the

E.egiinent attended, a' demonstration' of enemy weapons conduc:ted' ey·

BJ1.x- c·orps- Ordb:anc.e team •. 2

· Inl add:tti·on,, "'n''' Company,, on one hours .

notice,, was gi v.en· a c:ommand i·nspecti·on by the Regi·mental.. c:ommandett·

and' his· s.taff~. The purpose of thls irtspectiorr: was· to chec:k the

read'iness of· any given· unit for c.ombat· operations •. Y

At.· 210700.· April,, the 38th FA\ Bh',, atta:chea· to the 38th RC'T;~,

was ordered' to move to the vicinity of the. 23rd- lJnfantry to-;

relieve the 15th FA:~ Bn~. Upon arrival,, at the 23rd" rnfantry area

at 1426. hours,. the 38th FK~ Btl was· attached' to the 23rd .. Infantry .. 4

Upon relief the 15th FA\ Bit.·. departed· from the 23rd' are13;1 and1

a.-t·: 221130 At>ril arrived" in 38th RCT ·area at which time the unit~

was· attached to the 38th RCT~.s· Kt ··.23101.8 A);>ril,, the N.etherlandS Detachment was relea-sed:

to the. 23rd· ReT·' for operational. control .. With:. instruc.tlons· to

move on· c·orps order .. 6) At· 231232~ A!Jril,, clearance was· obtained'

for movement through IA C:orps· area'.. At· 1'-'00' hours, following

c:learanc·e by X~ <rorps,, the Netherlands Detachment moved- out to

joiir the 23ra· Infantry • .'7 DUring the day,, a: practic·e air alert·· wa-s held by al~ e:Le

·ment's of the RCT 'wi-th satisfac:·t'ory ·results·~.

On:· 24' Apri~- orders v1ere rec.eiv.ed' from Division to c.ancel..

a-lL training involving· firing, the reason being that' the enemy

offensive had started· and" it '\va;s- felt that· guerill13;1 activity

ll C!i-2~ POR #95 .. 201500II: Apr 5li 2) C~-L s:;..y journal J3lJ: 20 Apr 5li 3 · C'-1 s~3 journal. J35 · 20' Apr 5l. 4' 01-2~ EOR #97- 221.500 Apr 51-5. c-~1. S-0 journa-L J4·3 22: Apr 5lc. 5: c·..._r:_ s~-3; journal #36: 23. A);)r 51. 7 C'-L S.~' journaL #-36 23 Apr 51 .

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SECF<E~f (P.age #s·· of Narrative Summary 1. thru· 30. Apr 51):

in the rear areas would be intensified".. Consequently,. any /

firing· heard~ in· the area~ c·ould. be attributed to enemy infil~

trators and not passed· off as training by friendly units.. Small.

units ta-ctics orgina..-lly scheduled for this period were carried:

on without the use of live ammunit1on •. 1·

At. 250800 April,, 111011'' Btry, 82nd · J.(I;J;}_ Bh;~ was relieved' from

attachment'.38th RCT"and attached to the 9th Infantry •.

At 25121 T April,, the 1st En·,, (~lert battalion):. was: ordered'

by D;tvision to prepa-re to move on· a~. moments. notice,, however,,

this· order was later changed to a' two-hour alert status. 2 ·

At 261130 April,, Division ordered: the 38th RCT.' to occupy

defensive positions along the old "'OA:IRo· LINE"'' by 27·1200; April.?

. Inc add'i tion;, "'Gttu Company,, in position at the patrol base

(00~0395):,, was orderedl to move to the vicinity of Hill 54-5 prior

to darkness on 26 April and make contact .vrith the 1st Marine

Division on' our left.. The 1st·. and 2nd Bhs were alerted and made

preparations to move out·,, prepare defensive positions and: occupy

an· OPLR south of the SOM RIVER by 271200 April •. LJ::

At .1440; hours,. on 26 ·April, the 2nd Bh,, moving on foot:,,

started for their assembly area' with the lst Btl following closely

behind.. Tlle 3rd· Bir was alerted· to mov.e the follo1>ring morning •.

The let Bh closed~ into its area., at 261750 A'pril with "'A'tr and:

"rl3'111 c·bmpanfes continuing forward'' tb the vicinfty of DS0788·.. The

2nd Bfl;. minus· 11 G11" c·ompany ,, cl..osed' into its area" at 26205~ April.s:.

Information was received from Division that sometime during

the night or the following day,, the lst Ranger Company,, in· posi

'J tion· forward' of the 2nd- Bh,, would withdraw to the area· occupied:

by "a.":: Company.. 11'G11" Cbmpany was notified· of the wi thdrawa..-1 and

a'ieo ordered'· to dispatch local security patrols· to their front·-.

and flanks~. Later that evening,, the 38th RCT 'vra-s· notified that::

the let Rang~r Company would be attached to our organlzation upon

1 C:O.L S.;..3 journal J36) 24 A~r 51. 2 C"'-1:.. s.;...3 journal J28,, J3St~: ' . --51. 3 B--0 o/1. dtd· 26· Apr 51 i\_ \ 4 C''-2' EDR #lOJL 26: Apr 51L \ --5 C'l..L s:.3 journal J-4-9, J52' 26, Apr 51.

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p·age #6 SECRET

of Narrative, s·Umn1ary 1. thru 30 Apr 51)) /

arrival at 11 ~11" Company positions •.

At 262335 April,, Division-· ordered' one battalion. to move to

positions south of t]+e·SOM RIVER with the mission of·patrolling

· extensively to the north,, northeast:. and- northi'Test-.. Accordingly,

the 2nd' Bh: was ordered to move at first light:. the following

morning to est'ablish this patrol. ba:se •. Simultaneously,~ the 3rd ..

Btl· was ordered" t'o move the following morning and' occupy positions:

vacated· by the 2nd. Bn: and assume their mission-.~

Informatiom was receivea.·· from Division' that· upon the move

ment'· of the 23rd" Infantry from posi ti·ons on the QUEEN LINE ,,2::. the

Netherlands Detachment'· would. be released' to the control of'' the

38th· ROT~. A'cc.~ordingly ,, instructions· were dispa:tc.hed' to the

Netherlands· Detachment that when· released;,, they would join. the

38th RCT by traveling cross ... e·ountry to an a;s.sembly area· in the

rear of lst Bh •.

With the 2nd Bh -moving forward· to establish the forward~

patrol base,, the lst·· En·· a:nd· the 3rd· Bl'l were ordered'~ to occupy

a;-, .. combat. outpost as previously ordered' but to oc.c.upy a:' combat

outpost·~·line just fonrard of· the MAINE LINE._3:

The 1st Btl moved~ forward· at 270600:· April to organize,. occupy,

and·'' defend their portion· of the LITTLE NO:..NAME LINE,, and by 27l400:

April,. were in position·~. Ifr the meantime, the 2nd' En· had cl.osed!

into their patrol base and immediately dispatched·pa:trols to the

front ·while the remainder of the Bh• commenced' digging ih operations·.

During this period;, the 1st Ranger Company joined' the 2nd Bh and'

were given: orders to rema'in with the 2nd BI'L '\'Tith the mission of

patrolling.!f' DUring the day,, the 38th F&1. wa1:1: attached' to the 38-th

Infantry •.

Effective 272200 April,, "':D11'1 Btry,, 82hd ~ Bb:,, was a-tt·ached'

1.. 0"-1 s~3 journal· 26 Apr 51 J63 2· C'-2.. o/JJ. dtd" 2T APr 51. 3 c·~2· o/l.c d td~ 2T. Apr 51.. 4· 0''-L 5";..3 journal. J5 ,6 ,,'1:',,12 27/ Apr 51!.

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the F.ield.

Artillery.. Simultaneously,, the 38th F~- B:n,. v1as detached from the

38th Infantry and· placed in· direct supportt..

At:·. 272300 April,~ orders v.rere received from Division authoriz

ing the withdrawal. of the 2nd' at 280800 A'pril to an assembly area

in ~ear of the 3rd·· Bh.. Upon the completion· of the withdrawal,. the

2nd" En would. assume the status of regimental res.erve •. :L

At 280800 April,, regiment ordered the 1st Bn to dispatch

guides fiorward· of the };lLR to guide the Netherlands Detachment

through the mine fielder to its area·· in rear of the lst Bn.. At

280630 APril,. the Netherlands Detachment reverted· to the contra~

of the 38th ROT .concurrent vlith the withdrawal of the 23rd Infantry

from the Q,UEEN LINE.. The Netherlands Detachment completed it's

wi thdra'\'ral cross-country without incident and by 1900 hours,, vTas

in a.- perimeter defense in the vicinity of DS 0688:lf7 •. 2

In the meantime,. due to communications difficulties,. the 2nd

Bn "'as not informed· of their 'tV"i thdrawal until 1000 hours~ rmmed·:t-

ately ,. leading elements of .the En started movement to 1 ts new arew,,

c·losing in the vicinity of DS' 053797 at approximately 2820.lf-O ApriJ., ..

TX?-e lst Bn was having difficulty obtaining supplies because

of the mountainous terrain.. Accordingly,, the Regimental Commander

di:t>ected the Tank Company Commander to make a·reconnaissance of

the area leading to the 1st Bn for possible employment of 11I-39t s

as supply carriers to alleviate this situation.. .After a- thorough

reconnaissance,. the Tank Commander reported that:- this type vehicle

could not be used· becaus.e of the mountainous terrain and non-ex-

tent roads •.

'\'lhile these units Y'Te re ·va thdraw ing the ls t and 3 rd Bn''s were.

improving their defensive pos-itions on the NO NAME LINE._3· . Contact:.

was made with the 7th Marines on our left and· 31st Infantry on·

our right· and in addition,. plan::s· v:ere made for direct lateraL

communications lines betvTeen these adjacent units.~·

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At approximately 2818~ Aj:>ril,. Division noUfied the 38th Rel!ll:

that the LITTLE NO N&~ LINE \vould be the main defense line with

the 38th RCT employing three battalions on line and utili~ing AE-·

mine and 'barbed \·Tire to the maximum extent possible. Ih order ta

lay the maximum amount of mines and barbed·wire in the minimum

amount of time,. the Regimental Commander directed· the AT'& M

Platoon,. 38th RCT';, to work the area- in front of 111K11' ·crompa.ny while

half of "'0~111 Cbmpany ,, 2:hd Engineers· operated· in the 3rd· Bh area:. and

the remaining half of the company in front of the 1st Bb. area-.~

On 29 April,. plans were placed in effect to have the Nether-·

lands·· Detachment and the lst and 3rd· Battalio~s occupy and defend'

the LITTLE NO NAME LINE while the 2:hd Bh remained' in regimental.

reserve;: however,. instructions were received from Division that

the, 38th' RCT ·would e'stablish a.· battalion size forward patrol base

1>-Ti th the miSe-ion of patrolling north as far as the SOM RIVER and·

northeast to the 11 '0011 nhorizonta:l grid line •. :Accordingly,, the. 2nd:

Bh·wa;s- relieved·from reserve status. and given the mission of ea.-

tabliShing thiS patrol base.. In the meantime,, the NetherlandS

Detachment closed' into their area and was· ordered' to move.the

follovling morning to posi tiona on the NO N.Alv1E LINE •. 2 ·

A"f:.I300500April, the NetherlandsDetachment started its mov.e

ana· by 301030 April had completed" the relief of "ttc't.: Company and7

began: improving their defensive positions.. In addition,, prepara.~

tions ·were made to dispatch reconnaissance patrols to their front.::,

and a·· c·onta:ct patrol to their left fla:hk to make conta-ct· with the

7th Marines •.

The 2nd Bn departed· at 300500 April and after sweeping the

area; as they· moved",, closed· into the vicinity of· DS018903 where they

itnmedlately set ·UJ!-"·the forward patrol base •. ·Patrols were dispat:ched~

during the af'ternoon hours with "'F"" and 11 \:1 1111 Compa.nie s makiug liglii:t

enemy contact.. FrHmdly artille!"'J was called in to disperse the

3 enemy with good results •.

L c~ o/1 dtd 28 Apr 5J.:_ 2 c;;.3 o/1 dtd~ 29 Apr 51 3 . C:'-2. P.DR' #106 L May 51.


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(Page #9 of Narrative -summary 1 thru 30: Apr 511; ~·

The April period. closed· with the 38th RCT utilizing alL time

in improvihg their positions on the NO NA.I~IE LINE and with the 2nd'

Eft digging in at its· patrol base •.

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HEAD~UARTERS 38TH I}~ANTRY APO 248 c/o Postmaster

~an Francisco, California

5 May 1951

SUBJECT: S-1 Evaluation for period of 1 thru 30 April 1951

TO: Commanding Officer 38th Infantry

SECTION I REORGANIZATION AriD RECEil:tr OF REPLt-~C}:irviENTS:

Except for the first six (6) days of the month, the

regiment was in reserve and yet the regiment had a ~otal of

204 non-battle casualties. This being an excessive number

for a period of this type. ~ study-was made and it was found

that over 100 of the non-battle casualty cases were men who

joined the regiment since the February 12 action and as pointed

out in the March evaluation report,. the majority of these replace-

.:

ments came from ordinance units, quartermaster units, engineer· · ;·'.

units and truck companies located in the .rear areas from Pusan

forward. Although these recent replacements made up only

approximately 30% of the regimental strength they accounted for

5o% of the non-battle casualties. Also during .the month the

regiment had seven (7) self inflicted wound's, five of which were

men who also had joined the regiment since 12 February. Stragglers

were also numerous during the first six {6) day~ of the month

and the main cause was also traced to new men who had become ex-

austed and lost or w11o had never received infantry training

before and became confused, lacked confidence in themselves and

consequently became stragglers.

Based on above facts, it is recommended that replacements

be more carefully screened physically, mentally and from a train

ing standpoint that just "bodies" not be procured and assigned to

infantry regiments as happened during months of February, March

and April.

;\lso during month of /~pril, a great number of cases

came up where enlisted men had physical defects such as bad eye-

sight not corrected by wearing glasses, severe flat feet, dis-


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(Continued, S-1 Evaluation for Apr 51)

turbances from old wounds, and other similar defects that ren-

de red the men unfit for duty in an infc·ntry regiment. These

men were given a new profile but still remained in the reg-

iment after several attempts to have them reassigned to jobs

in rear areas. Insofar as practicable, they were reassigned

to Service Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Company and

Heavy Mortar Company of the regiment but still there were only

enough jobs to absorb a small percentage of these individuals.

They could not keep up with thei'r various companies in combat

and therefore were left behind in the kitchen areas to perform

what odd jobs they could, not particualrly being of uny benefit

to the service.

Again recommend more aggressive notion be taken to screen

these individunls out; prior to. assignmE;nt to an inf;::ntry regiment V' and further that. regulations be written that will allow transfer

of such persons from an infantry regiment if and when they cannot

perform their regular d~ties. Medical channels would not handle

such cases as individuals were not sick but .only had physical

defects which made them unable to keep up with other individuals

in their company and consequently became a burden rather thc:ill an

asset.

/ne.ed for

could be

During the period that the regiment was in reserve a

athletic equipment was prevalent. Only a small amount

procured from division. It is recommended that the

division special service officer procure as much athletic equip

ment as possible during the periods that the regiments are active

and as they go into reserve issue it to them and have it turned

back in when the units go back into the line.

ANIEL F. HUGBJ~S Capt. , In fan try Ass't Adjutant


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•" !EPROOUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES · (' :;·:.,_.,. ___ ~, ! --- I

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HEADQ,UARTERS,. 38TH INFANTRY .APO 24·8 c/o Pos.tmaster

. San Francisco, California

23 !-'lay 195L

SUBJECT: Evaluation for S-2 period of 1 thru 30 April 51

TO • • Commanding Officer 38th Infantry

The enemy resorted to natural an<:l manufactured sn:Ol{e to

conceal his. movements. AOP counted hundreds of fires in the

ffilACHON Reservoir area Vlhich,, acting as smoke screens, greatly

covered· the movement of enemy in that area •.

Civilians continue to present a serious problem to front

line units. \'lhenever an enemy attack is imminent,, refugees in

large numbers attempt to come south into friendly lines.. This

action,. in ad.di tion to furnishing a means for enemy infiltrators,,

also requires many checlc :points to be initiated thereby vJ'asting

manpov1er ',vhich could be more advantageously used· in the lines •.

On several occasions, both Chinese and NK ·broad.casts vTere ~-

~, .......

intercepted by friendly patrols •.

The period offere_d · intellic,ence personnel the opportunity

to ad just themselves to nevr positions.. Intelligence officers

continued.to train their personnel during the period.

The map supply, 1-Jhich has been excellent, was improved as

the rigiment received some aerial photographs giving an up-to-

date picture of the area in which the regiment was currently

employed. · .

Patrols made extensive use of control by liaison plane •.

In many instances, patrols shov,•ed lack of proper training in . I

transmitting information by radio.

\~lvll-lENDAT_ION:

}.Y" Recommend that enphasis be placed on training patrol

leaders and assistant patrol radio transmission •.

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, !EPROOUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES .

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HEADQU.~TERS 38TH INFill~TRY APO 24-8'c/o Postmaster

San Francis~o, California

15 June 1951

SUBJECT: S-3 Evaluation For Period Of 1 Thru 30 April 1951

To·: Commanding Officer 3,8th Infantry

1. The period 1 thru 30 APril was· spent in patrolling, train~

ing, .. rehabilitation and. resupply. The latter part of the month

was spent in occupying e.n.d improving a defensive position.

2~ It \<las during the period that the regiment ';;as in reserve

that a number of replacements were received.- On questioning sev- ·

eral of the replacements it was discovered that theee replacements~"

came from evBry other branch of service but the infantry. Some

•of the men from ordnance, truck companies, engine·sr units, etc., \:.

had. not had any traininc; '"'i th the infantry Bince their basic train-~ ine; days two or three yearB ago. In addition, many of the new

replacements vrere unfit physically for assignment in an infantry

outfit. Ae a result these individuals vTere a·· "arag"" on the· rest

of the outfit. Also a number of these neyz replacements had to

have personalized training in or•ler to keep up vlith the rest of

the men.

It is recommendecl ·that in the future the replacement

stream be ecreoner1. more thoroughly physically, mentally and for

J/' background if they are to be assi.sned to an infantry unit. The

type of replacement received determines the combat efficiency

of aunit.

3. During a traininc; period 1·rl1ich has the purpose of improv-

. ing and. maintaining a unit' E! com'bat efficiency an allm·:ance of

trainin3 ammunition should he made availablE' to tb.~:: unit before·

it goes in a rese_rve status •. Knm·.ring hoirt much ammunition is

allotted for tra.inine;, a unit can schedule its live firing to

best advantage.

4. During the period of patrolling many air reports '.-lere


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,!EPROOUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES ; 1 .... ·_ i,_

(Con'd S-3 Evaluation I<,or Periocl Of 1 Thru 30 April 51)

received concernins the friend.ly patrols not displaying any

Air-ground Recognition Panels. In some instances, the Artillery

Liaison Plane vras ready to ca+l fire dovm on the moving troops,

after flying over them and not r?ceiving any friendly identifi-

cation. Only by their asking for clearance and if friendly

troops were in the general area vias fire averted. As a result,

all patrols \·.rere instructed that as soon as a plane fle1:1 over

their location and 1 t .,,.:as det.ermined to be friend.ly, they v!ere

to dj_splay their Air-ground Recoe;ni tion Panel. They did not

necessarily have to .stop but just unroll the panel and carry 1 t

until the plane a.cknmlledf5ed recognition and flevr away.

~ viiLLIA1Jl Capt S-3


:/ , !EPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES ;

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\ .· HEADQ"'OARTERS, 38TH INFANTRY

APO 248, % Postmaster San Francisco, California.

SU~JECT: Evaluation

TO: Commanding Officer 38th Infantry Regiment APO 248, % Postmaster San Francisco, California

~\ \

1. During the early part of April, very few supplies were re-

ceived. Shower point was in operation and battalions were bathed

and given. changes of clothing.

2. This unit moved into a.rear area on 6 April 1951 and sup

plies began to come in more regularly and in larger quantities.

During the latter part of the month, all unit requisitions for in

dividual clothing and equipment were filled with the exception of

very few items. Boots in wide widths were issued in large quantities.

Up until this time, boots size E and EE widths were in very critical

supply. This unit has, at present a critical shortage of 13 pr of

7 EE boots.

3. Checl-;;: sheets, showing allowances of all major items of T/0 & E

property, were mimeographed and distributed to units and inventories

were completed, battle-field loss certificates were submitted to the

Regimental CO for approval and all shortages of T/0 & E items were

requisitioned.

4. Camouflage nets were issued for CP tents and thirty-one were

issued for jeeps and gun implacements. More nets are expected to be

available in the near future.

5. CTC companies were assigned to the regiment when battalions ~

went on the line during the latter part of April. These units have

been very efficient in carrying supplies to forward elements where

there are no roads.

6. While in the rest area, the maintenance section had ample

time to perform proper maintenance on all vehicles. Supply points

were all relatively close and required less time on the road for all


... _ ..

,r-C: Ltr, Hq, 38th -- f Regt., dtd 14 May 195~ --~ysubj: Evaluation.

supply vehicles allowing more time for drivers to perform their

maintenance. Roads improved considerably during the month of April.

The following items are still in critical supply:

a. Tires, 7.50 X 20.

b. Grease Seals, 1/4-ton truc1~.

. c. Seal beam units, 1/4-ton truck.

d. Rotors, 1/4-ton truck.

e. Rear wheel cylinders, 1/4 and'2-l/2-ton trucks.

'I .. I


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';EPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES ; ~-· ~ ........... -·- ._., . "·

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HEAW,UARTERS. 38TH INFANTRY APO 24-8' c/o Postmaster

San Francisco,·. California'

17 June 1951

SUBJECT: Comniandex•' s Report for period of 1 thru 30 April 5L

TO Commanding General 2nd Infantry Division

1. It is sincerly believed that e;reater empha~is should

be placed on the physical profile. A vrarm body is not enough in

~combat unit and is frequently a handicap rather than a help,

Soldiers lackine; in stamina and/or courage are best employed

elsewhere.

2. A·pool of athletic equipment under Army or Corps con-

trol, available for use by a U..'1i t in Army or Corps rese 1~ve

v.rhile in that status, would fac ill tate the early is eue of

sufficient equipment. The result would more tha.n justify the

overhead a.nd equipment involved.

3. The hand.ling of civilians has improved but continues

a problem. The complete clearing of the area is the goal. In

addition to the spy and·guerrilla·capability, the females pro-

vide the basis for criminal charges •.

Jt .• The reorga.nization and use of the Civilian Transport

Corps (CTC) has been most effective. Some units failed to

obtain the maximum assistance by ne3lecting these organizations •.

Their continued use is recommended~

OHN G COUGHLIN Colonel, . Inf Commanding


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!EPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES . I :_, ___ _ '· '. \ f->.._ __ ,_. 8f'fSL~ S_ ~-------------~-

·- .. --· --

38TH INFANTRY STAFF.

CO :-:.- _- - - - - - - - - - - - John G. COUGHLIN Col - 18898 - Inf

Ex Off - - - - - - - - - - - -1-111 ton G •. NORUM Lt C.ol - 0397867 - Inf

S-1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jolmnie C •. BRINK

S-2 - -

S-3 - -

s-4 - -

Maj - 034668 - Inf - - Rizalito ABru~TO

Capt - 01301590 - Inf -------Warren D •. HODGES .

Maj - 037869 - Inf - - - Lawrence R. PETRICK

Maj - 01291512 - Inf

1ST BN

CO - - - - - - - - - -Harold V. MAIXNER Lt Col -024439 - Inf

Ex Off- - - -- - - - -- --Jack W •. RODAm•m Maj - 01297950 - Inf

S-2 - - - - - - - - - Hebert L. LEIBERT Capt - 01291298 - Inf

S-3 - - - - - - - Leornard. LOWRY Maj - 01302026~ - Inf

2ND BN

CO - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\'Tallace W •. '\'1ILKINS :to.iaj - 0387709 - Inf

Ex Off - - - - - - - - - - - -James J. CASEY . Capt - 0396693 - Inf

5~2 ---- --- --Jason E •. FORNEY Capt- 01286268-- Inf

S-3 - - - - - - - Alden·: D •. ALLEN~ Capt - 01316820 - Inf

3RD" BN

CO - - - - - ··- - - - - "'ii iHlace ].1 •. HANES Lt Col - 033384 - Inf

Ex Off.- - - -Robert C~ DE VOS :to.1aj ---0128L:-836. - Inf'

s~z - - - Louie L. TO~H l.rlaj - 01288468: - Inf

S-3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert H. ~rARDEN Capt - 01302910 - Inf

NE.TH DET

CO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lt Col ECKHOUT

ATTACHEJT UNITS'

SERVICE CO

CO---- - ----- - - --Thomas K •. VOORHIS Capt - 0104-9005 - Inf

~AVY MORTAR CO ·

co - - - - - - - - -Jack D •. ER.Oi1N 1st'Lt - 0537506 - Inf

TANK CO 38TH

CO------------- -Regisnald J •. HINTON: Capt - · 01313094· - Inf

SECRE·r

38th infantry regiment - command report - april 1951 · at 110930 april, division ordered the 38th...

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