38th infantry regiment - command report - may - september 1953 · on 4 may 1953, the .38th infantry...

Korean War

38th Infantry Regiment - Command Report - May - September 1953

2nd Infantry Division

Korean War Project Record: USA-159

Folder: 060011

Box: 06

File: 11

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-00401194


~/~\\""'~~-_--'. -!""'. -•-•t..., . ..., .. ..., ... _,r·~·~i -~ \ DEQLASSIFIED I

J :L'Y·- SECRET \ ~·~·· ·. _ _... ' .. ~~~URITJ INFQRMA TION~ ~--~.! .,._/

: HEADQUARTERS 38th Intantry Reg:lment APO 248

SUBJl!XlT: CCIIIID.a.Di Report .for May 1953

THRUa Chief of .Army Field Forces Fort Monroe, Virginia

TO: The Adjutant Genera]. Department of the Army' Washington 25, D. c.

15 J~e 1953

In compliance with paragraph 4 Special .Regulations 525-45-l Department of · the Amy, Washington 25, D. c., dated 24 March 1953 the following comani report is submitted:

a. Section It Unit Activities.

A.s the period opened, the 38th Intantey Regiment was continuing the develop.. ment ar.d improvement of defensive positions on LilE KAl6.AS. On 3 May 1953 tbe Regiment moved to a new reserve position at Yami-ri (CT48.312'7), Korea, where preparations were made to conduct a vigorous ani aggressive training progr8)11. The 2rrl Infantry Division comucted a commalrl post exercise on 21 May 1953 for all headquarters down to aiX1 including battalion. One (1) rifie platoon was attached to IX Corps for a security mission at IX Corps rear. During the period necessary reconnaissame ani planning were accaaplished for the formulation or IX Corps counterattack plans "Iboker I, II, fii and IV". On 30 May 195.3 "A" Company (_) ·relieved 2tti Reconnaissance Company of their security mission at IX Corps main cormnar.d post; one (1} platoon of "A" Company assumed the security mission at IX Corps rear commatrl post. As the period erded, the Regiment remained in . .,IX .corJ1S reserve ani continued to corrluct unit and specialist training.

The work accomplished on LINE KAl'BAS consisted mainly of digging and deepening trenches ani weapons positions. A mexmum effort expetrled·by all units resulted , in gree;tly improved defensive positions. 7 During this period the Regiment acted as part' of a coverirlg force in a tactical exercise where the 2d ROK Division sim- v ulated a witl:drawal through friendly positions. Active arrl passive air defense ~ i measures . ..were. stressed during the exercise with special emphasis placed on camouflage ~ i ani dispersal of comma:rxl posts and other installations. -t

""

SECRET :.'

f • • •

SLCURITY INFO ... {MATION ...

'-

..

133822 /lt,,vJ_/-t;::;:-~ ' f N

.........


.• ;;;lEPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES f I'··~···~~,·-··· " \ ,,.___.__ ___ - ·-

·sECRET iCURITY INFOi~MA TION

-~ -Ccmnnani Report for May 1953 (Contd)

On 4 May 1953, the .38th Infantry Regiment completed a foot march to tm regimental reserve area vacated by the 27th Infantry Regiment at Yand-ri, Korea. A.fter three (.3) d~ or rehabllitation, the Regiment started a five (5) week training program, with stress being placed on the tactical training or units. Training problems were effectively planned ar.d conducted, airl a high starxla.rd or efficiemy is being reached. Unit problems, when the terrain allowEd, were con:lucted with live anmunition a.td the maximum participation of supporting weapons. At the close of the period, battalion tactical exercises were being conducted which

-, emphasized the comuct of the battalion in the approach march, the attack ani reorganization phases.

Inexperience of squad leaders which is a constant concern to commar.ders has been noted during the platoon am higher unit exercises. With the accelerated trainiz:g program, the trainizg of fire am maneuver teallls ani of squads was limited to five (5) d~. It is felt that more time slx>uld have been allocated to irdividual an:l small unit training initially. Ibwever, this weakness in the unit structure will be eliminated by additional training at the completion or the battalion problems, by emphasis on correction az:d assistame by conmamers during higher unit exercises, ani by constant supervision.

In addition to unit training, comman:l inspections, parades and athletics were imlu:led in the progralll to develop esprit, discipline ani morale or the ir.dividuel soldier. ·

The participation in the 2n:i Infantry' Division commani post exercise involved the movement of regimental ani battalion cotniDa.ni posts forward to an assembly area.. Comma.mers then conducted reconnaissa.me and fomulated plans to counter-attack an enemy penetration into the 2m ROK Division sector. This brief exercise l was highly et.f'ective toward development of smooth, efficient co1llllla.lXJ. ani staff functioning.

SpeciaJ.,ist schools were conductErl simultaneously with the sched:ul.ed unit training. The classes were organized. and presented by the various tee hnical services an::1 included mines and demolitions training for the regimental antitank ani mine atrl all the battalion pioneer and ammunition platoons.

Throughout the period covered by this report, comma.niers at all levels cont.inu~ a..p. atltive program of supply economy and constantly stressed the principles of "cost consciousness". Reports or survey were closely scrutinized. ani units were directed to turn in all excess clothing and equipment.

1 . . ~. Section II: Recommendations: _

Since training, to be effective must be progressive, the large influx of replacements during the month could be considered a training haniicap. We received over nine burrlred replacements after we had completed refresher training

·in basic subjects •

. 1; · lt ;s believed that the time of· relief for a unit on line can 'Q~ predicted, as well as the anticipated losses due to rotation during a normal. reserve period.

:.' SECRET· SECURITY INFO~MA TION 133822


DECLASSIFIED

SECRET -SECURITY IN FORMA TIOh

OC1DDlalli Report for Mq 1953 (Oontd)

The value of a training program would be greatly enhanced if the Infantry Regiments· were filled up to an over-strength that equaled their anticipated losses for a three (3) month period before beginning their training cycle. As the situation now stan:ls we train a large group of men who will not be with us when we go back on line. Likewise we complete our program with a large segment of our comman:l missing the fun:la.mentals of small unit training. The difficulties in implementing this program are considered negligible in comparison to the benefits that would accrue to the units in training.

·iLl 0 J.. . __ , -~,uo: :U~l;

Col Ini' Oommarxling

SECRET S~.CU1~ITY· INFORMATION 133822

~-,

I

I ' j


i

l

SECRET ~.s....,...;URITY INFORMATION · ..

HEA.DQTTA.RTERS 3Sth Infantry Regiment APO 21$

SUBJECT: Command Report for June 1953 /':--,.

THRU: Cbief of Army Field Forces Fort MOnroe, Virginia

TO: The A.d.jutl'lnt · Gener~ Department of the Army Washingtori.25, D.C. ·

i '

10 JuJ.y 1953

In compliance with paragraph 4 Special }iegUlations 525-45-1 Department of the Army, Washington 25, D.C., dnted 24 Harch 1953 the following cornmand report is submitted:

a. Secti_.,r, I: Uni..t Activities.

A.s the period opened, the 3Sth Infantr:r Re~T,imer;t remrd.ned in IX Corps reserve and conti.nued to conduct unit an:1 speciali::rl:. t.raining. "A" Company (_) continued their security mission A.t IX Corps main commarrl post; one (1) platoon of ''A." Company continued the sec.ur:tty mtssion at IX Corps rear command post. IX US Corps conducted a command post exercise on 10 June for all headquarters down to and including company. On 11 .Tune Heav;r Hortar Company '"as attached to the 955th Field Artillery BattaJ.j_on and was placed in general SUDPOrt of the 9th ROK Division. The 2d Infantry Divtsion conducted a tactical exercise, "Trainer Six'', on 17 Junel953. On 25 June the Counterfire Pl::rcoon wn.s attached to the 3Sth Fi.eld Artillery Battalion. On 27 June 11K11 Company (-) relieved ''A" Company ·. (_) of their security mission at IX Corps maln commarrl post; one (1) platoon •· of•"1tKt~w> Co!'lp.'lny relieved one (1) platoon of 11 11. 11 Company of their securi·ty mission • at IX Corps rear command pos·t. .As the perio(l ended, the Regiment remained in · IX Corps reserve and continued to conduct uni.t a:nd speci.ltilst training.

·. · · Dtl.rir>g ·the period 9-11 Jun~.J 953 the~ IX Corps regimer~tal tact:i.cal exercis was corrlucted by the 38th Infan~cy. This, _e:;<erc:tse emph'lsized the planning and .. conduct of nn Infantry Regime11t. ',in ·an ,9ffensive ,role. Upon completion of this .· exercise""the Regimen·t entered,~~l'lto a nE)."f·_:pl1ase-o:f trai.ning which stres::;ed "t;.actics and related subjt'lCtsl •,; This;p}~s13''was climaxed with a battalion in d~fe and night relief exercise conducted by Regiment jon a portion of LI!JE KI\.HSAS.

SECRET .. r"·\~ I.N·l~OR1\If A TION SECURll ~. . l'Vl.J:L •

... ·~·

i :!


~ . . .

~ j\EPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES\ l1~;., •..•. ---

~'.--~- ~. - - ··--- ________ _.,.)·

---------- ··------·-----------·-------· ·---· .......... ------------··--·--·--- ------------------

! I

I. I t

'

SECRET , ·-. ~~~FCUT<ITY rNFo: :rvr \ TJ,·~N

O~m Report for June 19)3 (Oontd)

lfoo.el ivCapons positions were built for eac l; type of cre\..r servEd weapon organ1.c to the Ri'.>gimcnt. Thny HCl:'G ber:eficif1l in Ul1wtrating to the troops the r>ropcr me tJY.~ds of' cons truct.ion, Qmplflc ernent ar:d c::lJnouflage.

Qua11.fication :firh•r; of ir.d~tvit1u0l i.JCa:po:·is and fGmiliarization n.Yicl service nractico f4 ring of crew serv-etl. vJG.":Jpons \.fOre complet;ed.

Trrcougl:t:mt the pc,ri'Y~ speciBl cr:,p '1aBis 1;-~as nlaced on activo arxJ. passive defense llK'a,stiren a.,-~a:tn:~t nir .a'"ri atomic att·1ckn. ReAl; stic ut:ilization of A~;gressor· forces ~tJYl active pru~U.d.pttti on of ba·liti:3lj on and regtmcntal in·telligcncc ::~ec~ionf..; co· trtbntcc1 t:::tcrost niid r<C:•1lism l:.o d1 batt<Jl:ioi: n:((J regimental e~.;:erch;os.

Spec·hli::d:; sc lnols \-Jere con:1ucted ::.:inrol t:J."lCC"J;3ly Hith the~ sc he1uled nni t trai.ni'cg. Tho cl.'\sr:os were organized ·1.n1 pro:Jr:ntod by t.hc various technical services o_l"¥:1 i.ncludcx1 "sr::i.per:;cop.o", flamet.1n"o1JGr 8.11:1 comrnunication train:ing.

'. .

Throughout the period coverel by t.hi~; report, commarde.r~:• at. all levels continued .:1.11 active pr0gram of .supply cco'tomy 'lwl con.st'1.·~tJ.y stressed tho prin ... · ciples of 11cost consc:i.ousness". G·tatements of charges for the month amounted· to $1775.50. Reports o:f survey were qlo"soly scrutinizori ard urd.tr.l were directed to turn :i.n all excess clot 1Jin1~ )1nl cqu:i.pmont.

I·''"~ Th:ts pcrio:.-1' war; m':ll'ked bY' ·the contir:ni.ng loss of experienced officers through rota-tion an::l levies. These losses included company cOTt]U"l.i'rlers and battalion staff officers uhose l'er1lacements 1v-ere ine)..rner:i.enced SE,cond L:i.eutenants. This process has an ex-tremely debilitatiP45,. effect on ~ unit •

. b. Sec·t:ton I~: Recqmmendat.ions. __..---· r . A concerterl effor·t should be mnr1e ·to insure a continuing supply of

l:xperiencOO. Capt11ins an:l Hajors to Infantry combat unj.ts •

·""·

. ........

Comman:H11g

SECRET . .. . s.t:CUHTfY INFO~MA TION

' .:

,.


..

J ' -, .. ,~~~ ~~?. ,.,

' ',-' ",j'!EPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES \

( i,..;...-..._. ' .. -.. . . ~ ' I

~'--~--·-

... -~. SECRET · s~~:URITY lNFORMA TroN ~<

HEADQUARTERS 3Sth Infantry Regiment

~ APO 2$

10 August 1953

SUBJECT: Comroand Report for July 1953

,.., THRlh

TO:

Chief of A.rmy Field Forces Fort Nonroe, Virginia

·The .~ jutant General Department of the Army lhshi:ngton 25, D.C.

In compliryree with paragraph 4 Special Regulations 525-1+5-1 Department of the Army, HP..shington 25, D.C., dated 24 N'arch 1953 the following commarrl report ir. submitted:

a. Section I: Unit ~ctivities.

As the period opened, the 38th Infantry Regiment remained in IX Corps reserve and continued to coniluct nnit and specialist training. "K" Company continued. their security mission l'l.t IX Corps main ard rear Commard Posts. Heavy Hortar Company continued ~.ttacbment to the 955th Field A.rtillery Battr:U.ion in direct s11pport of the 29th Kore!:.l)'l Regiment. Counterfire Platoon continued atta.cltnent to the 38th Field Artillery- Battalion. On 4 July, 2nd Battalion bef<.~.n a 10 d8y ,construction and renovation progr<Un of defensive positions on tr:m: lfYDHIID. On 4 ,Tuly, the Regiment (_) commenced and terminqted operation "SKTHK BUNT" <:~.rrl, from 5 through 10 Jruy, remained in reserve posHions on an S mur .V.ert. On 13 July, 2nd Battalion was re-

•"' li .. eveii of their mission on LP]~ WlOHPU and 11K11 Compa.ny was relieved of their""mission at IX Corps Commn.nd Post, a11d both units re,joined the Regiment. On 13 ,July, the Regiment relieved elements of the 65th Inf::1.ntry a11D. elements of the 15th Infantry on the Hain Battle Positions from CT5lh408 to CT573417. ,Onrl3 .TUly, 1st Batt~ion passed operational control 2d US Division "'.nd becn.me Division reserve. lst. BattBliort was rel:teved of Division reserve · mission on 21 July and moved to a Regimental reserve area in the vicinity of C.l'5333~5. A.t 272200! July,' the Regi.ment ceased fire 11.nd commeroed operation 11PT1LI,BA.CK 11 • On 30 July, 2nq Battalion of the 23rd. Infantry passed to operation<Jl control of the 38th ~nfantry. · As the period ended" all personnel \..rere south of the STOP-KEEP OUT !:DiE and the Regiment was engaged in consol-

'liid!ltine materi.'31' salvaged from t~e old Main Battle Position.

SECRE'I~ SECURITY, INFOH.M"A TION


·.

'\::~~~:~"-' Wi .._..,.~

' DE_QLASSIFlED -~ Aislhoriiy · - · · . {'

8-;-t+-H--

;)~---·

I·

t l

SECRET SECURI1'Y INFC.2I'1 A 1,- ~N

Command Report for July 195.3 (Contd)

During operati.on 118KTPK Hr.JNI'!I, plans were formul~.ted to screen thoroughly a large P~reaoosigned to thG Regi!'lent in order to 1pprehend any unauthorized pf-'rsonnel. A1 tmugh the operation was terminated. \.rhen only 20% complete, a lA.rp;e portion of the mis:::;io11 11as accoPlplishefl due to efficient st,q_ff planY'ine and enth11si~.Rm of the troops.

The relief on tl1e Hain Battle Position Has accomplished without incident and the Regiment began a. defense of its assignM sector. Sone interdictor;r artUlery shelling occurred durine; the ntghts ·of relief brought on by the evirlent increase of friendly vehicul1r traffic in the sector. Improvement of defens1_ve positions, p~_trollii,g, a.r.d prepl'l.ration of local countera.tt~.ck plans rece:i.vecl. much emphasis during the period. The .38th and the 12th Field Artillery B.gttalions g."tve excellent fire support.

Work on the def'ensj_ve positions was continuous, and resulted in improved fighting positions. ~~"' prefabric11"ted fighting bunkers were constructed, trem hes were cleepenoo, comrnunic1:1.tions t-Tire dug in e.nd additional protective wir~ instAlled.

The enemy was particularly aggressive during the period, resulting in two (2) attaclr,.s 0r1 our positions. The most significant action prior to the cessation of hostilities occnrred on 17 JtQy when an estimated enemy battAlion en.g,'J_geil friendly positions in the vicinity of CT547/J.7 at 0100 hours. The action was enemy initiated against ttpt Company, commarded by 1st LieuteM.nt A.rrlrew H. tveisenfeld. Aggressive h'lrd.-t.o-hatrl. combe.t by 11 1'' Company am the timely arrivr~l of TlbtherlB.rrl reinforcements caused the enemy to break contact with 25 counted kUled in action, an estimated 190 \.roundEd aril 4 prisoners. Frierrl.ly casuAlties: 6 ki.116d in action an1 22 wourded in action. The same position, then occupied by the Netherland.s, was engaged by 2 enemy companies on 19 July. One (1) platoon of nett Company 2d Engineer (C) Battalion, ,.,orking on the position at the time, ,joined forces with the 'f\Tetherlanrls in an action th,t forced the enemy to vlithiraw vTith 17 counted kllled in action and an estin'l:ted SO ca.suP.l ties.

The last significant e.ction occurred on 26 July when a '1:;19therlands patrol l·tas sent, out on an ambush mission. The patrol con..~isted of 1 officer arrl 12 EH aT"i.i ·t-ras accompanied by an officer observer from the 1st Battalion. The patrol reported into three checkpoints 1-lith:mt. incident. At each checkpoint, \.perimeter defense and ambush was established for anproximately .30 minutes. At. the third checkpoint, the ambush had been set up for almost .30 minutes when the patrol le0der toought he detected moveme11.t to the east of his perimeter. He disp~tched two men to investignte but as they started tovarq the· source of the sourd, a group ~of 25 to .30 CCF suddenly opened fire with PPSH and h1.:rrl. grenades from that direction. The element of surprise ·

. fRvored the~eneroy and they qu:tckly advanced into the position, hurling grenades arx:lm~o.b:i.ne-gunni:rr, ill signs of life. The enemy group then moved to a nearby

, ridge and awB.ited the a:oproach of any rescue group. TJpon hearinr, the firing, ' an alert, element was disp~~tched from the Hai!' Battle Position but fa.il0..d, in

the dq_rkness, to loc[!te the patrol. Actually, the sudden effective fire of t~ CCF had. wounded or kUled ill but one member of the patrol and he was

Sl~Cl{E'T SECURITY INFOl~M1~TION

....

..

-:


F

~\-":':.""'"":'~~----

' DEyLASSIFlED ---- ·~

Au thv:ii1.£1..._'!"-~.I-Ll>i../-.s-;-+~--H-

··;. '·'~A.•···•"'"· co•~•<"·•·~'". ,_,}EPROOUCEO AT THE NAT;~NAL ARC~IVES \

l "'·--~--,·· ...... . ~

{.~••o.-,,,__._~,.... '-· - ··~ r ...... -- .,_ ~----·~---·___,.,).'

l-'

--~~;~~~~ -------- ·---··-------------, '' SECURITY IN FORMA ... f(iN I'

Comma.c1G :leport f0r July 1 q53 (r:ontd) I ,_,Torki·r~g hH:t w~:r hack, w5.t,h <1 -:,..:oa~v'Jrci T:\!11,, to the ~~r.dn Bg.tt.1c Po~d·ti0n. l The of!'icer !'>bservcr, ql thou•~h ,.rom1r1 ed, looked ~lboa!; him for other wom:ded artd, fir:d:l r.r~ a vJonn·le,·l r;CT<', killed him. He have i.Jb:tt little assistA.nce he could to other woundr-~,1 !lnrl the•! w.gflo r.;s WA.Y br1ck. The P"~~ro1 :r.·.vlio mnn, also seriously wountiefl, w~1fl qh}P to c:r:<rVTl br1.ci-( to tho pR.trol 1 n startint; point.

i-lit,h the comin:=r, of morn; n<~ 1 i.(tht, 11 second screenine: p'Jtrol Wt1.S dispatche~1 a1:r-l succeeded in loct:~tin;.t, the p~tl·ol. The reli.ef group returned with the wounded and fle~~1. Enemy C!'-'1SU.n1ties: 1 KH. Total frlendly casU!'llties: 5 KH., (; 1,fH. A.nd ?. NH.. J,essons le9.rnecl: (1) Ambush pqtrols muRt. have only a s·i ngle posi tlon 111here they ".'.re to estAblish t.he ambush; (2) a.mbush patrols should not use 11 route pardleJ. to the lf3in Battle Position but a more direct route vJhere they C9.n move directly out into the ambush and d:trect;ly back into the l-"11in Battle Position; ann (3) the perimeter flefense fornati.on used while in ambush should be ~_mffici.ently dispersed tl1At enemy fire or action against. one portion of the pedmeter will not completely involve or pin down 811 other elements of the patrol.

D'tring operation 11PHLLBACK 11 , the Regiment ma."le a tactic"l.l withirawal to the Post t\rmistice Hain Battle Pos:l.tion. OJ.d posttions were torn do•m and all timbers, b~rbed Hire, steel pickets, cor11nunica.tion ,.d_re and other sf:llVB.f!,~'>a.ble materi.U were collAr.tArl f.!t, depots south of t.he STOP-KEJi}' OUT LINE. ·1\ shortage of t:r.r:~nsportA.l.:i.on H:"!S felt. t.hrour:;hout t.b~ ent,lre operation but commanders at P.11 le'r~~ls uti1i7.er'! r-~.'rf.!il~ble vehicles to their best poR~ible ~l!~Vant.aP:e.

As the P""rior1 en·ler1, t.he 1legiment, rem:"!inec1 in defensive positi.ons on the Post .~rm1.stice Nain Ba·ttle Position. !\. nro~ram of construction \.JR.S

i~itiated and salvaged materi:Us \.Jere consolidated and distributEd.

Tht-o11f!,hout the period covered by thJs report, commanders at. all levels continued an active proF~rB.m of. su;pply economy anr1 stressed the principles of "cost consciousness". Statements of chqrges for the month amounted to ~729. 54. Repor{;s of survey were scrutinized and units were directed to turn in all excess clothing a.nd equipment.

b. Section II: R.ecommendn.t.ions.

Truck Battnlion.

(a) Discussion: The movement of this Regiment. into and out of the line during this periO\l brought out several Heaknesses of the test in wh;lch organic two a11(l one h:~1f ·ton trucks were replaced by vehicles from a tr1ick battalion. The support was noV Sl!ltisfac·tory in quR.ntity or quAlity~ The S11.vinr:; in transportation by this plan is at the expense of efficient

· e_c~ ope~~t,ion. ' '{(_ --I~~-- (b) Recotmnendation: That the plan not be a1opted,

~- ' SECRET

SECURITY INFOR1vL\ TV";l<f

...

\ .


' (

Command Report for

, .Je .. ~!E;:~;.;~7;~~:ATIONAL AR~~~~; .I .... i ' ~.i.,.J,;..- ~ •' \ ~,....__~ ·~"·' .. ..-, ~...__ __ __

SECRET , SECURITY INFOl~MATl_jtJ

July 1953 (Contcl)

lj, f __________ -------12) Officer Strength.

(a) Discussion: 1\ eon-&1 r:ninp; n hortage of capable ofncers in the graclt~ of Captain an'l '·fajor ex; sts A.t. this level t-~ith no foresee3.ble relief.

.... .... .

.....

11 .••

(b) ReccmrHendn.tion: Th'J.t ·th:ts con:lition be given immedi~J:~e

tffL OLTVER O. Gol Commaming

SECRET 4 •

SEGUIUTY INFO:<.MATION . ~ .....

i.


'-~~~~-~""""'-~~,-~;,. ,,, '

_ j!EP:ROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES \

l~--.. -~-" ""~----~ ·---- ---- ____ _______,... .

.t --~ ..... ~- SECRET ~- · .... ~~ -~-, j,L:::~CtUTY INFORMATION A~ .. ~

HEAP t;IJ A.R'I:i:RS J8th Infantry Regiment ~0 2$

CSGP0-2g (Rl)

SUBJECT: Comm-s.ni Report for .'l .. ugust 1953

THRU: Chief of Army Field Forces Fort Ponroe, · Virgin.i..a

TO: The Mjutant General Department of the Army Washington 25, D. C.

14 September 1953

In compliance with paragr~'>:n h 3, SR 52 5-45-1, Department of the A.rmy, Wr:~.shi:ngto:n 25, D.C., d#3.ted 24 Ha.rch 1953, the follm-rtng command report is submitted.

a. Section I: Unit 1\ctivities.

A.s the period opPner1_, the 38th Infa~1try Regiment cont:i.nued defense of its aHsigned sector of the post armistice '1A_in battle position from CT478332 to CT5603g3 with the 2r:d Battalion, ~3rd. Infantry ·Regiment attached. On 5 August, 1nt Brtttr-Uion (-) relieved Jn1 Brtttalion, 23rd Infantry, on the outnost li11e from CT5l()JRR t.o CT56~3~2 -9'-:fl. the 2nd Batt":llioro, 2'3!':'1 Infan_try, revertr:r-1 to contt'o1 o·r itn rv:,r<'F\t u:1i t.. On 11 .'hgnst, Tf'l.nk Cornpqny mo,red to 1'1. ne•T nre"l. in th:-' '\r:i_cinity of CT55134'7. On 17 \11gu~t, 3n1 Batt3lion relieved. e).ements 0·f' th:" Jst ~n-'1 T\hthorl"1.1Y'h: Bn·l~tf:11ions, 11.n"l a.::mumed. rr:;snonsibility of assign0"1 sector from CT516.37!1 t0 CT534J65. Comp.::tny 11C" became regimentAl re:rerv¥l -i "Q. .tho vicinity of CT5:?J.J20. On 17 Augur.t, Tbn.v;r Hortsr Cornpqny moved to the vici11i ty or- CT552_35r:~.

The rPlie:' cor:d.'lcteil on the ma.in battle position 1.rrl on the o·1tpost line ·occUIWed. with011t i11eident. Ha,ximum cooperation from the '23rd Infantry Reg~ ment W8.S received during these ope~~tions.

fl.". the pr:;ri0:1 ended, the reg1.~ent was engaged in snlvar:e operations in , the Demilitt~_rized Zone arrl continued to defend aril. improve its assigned secf. tor of the post armistice mRin battle position.

'·1t S:'ll vage operations in the Demilitarized Zone advanced to 98% c~mpletion a::~ of 31 luff1H;t. \11 sl'!lvag;qble materials were consolidated 1'l.t battalion collecting noints A.m prep1'l.rec1. for use on the nest armistice !iln.in b"ttle nositio~s. SECRET

... . SECU:1ITY r<TFO J.-1.\TIC.t·.:


l.

~.~--~~~-.. . ·. OE_QlASSIFlE~ I Alllho:ilt-4 · .

1 B'j_,..,..-H-

....----~-----~ .. -.. --.. --..

1{\) ' 1 I

' '

' '

SECRET L~URITY lNFORtviATION

Comm::tn:i Report for 1\.ugust 1953 (Contd)

The regiment 1 n\3ngur.qted ant'l conti..nues to operate a concnrrent trai.ning program th<:>.t permits troops 1-10rki1'1g on position to receive the equivalent o.f one h:mr' s formal instructinn in tho breRJc periods of the workil"',g day. This enables the regiment to maintain rt high degree of combat reB.r1iness. without detrB.cting from the 1.·mrk on the post 1rmistice main b:;tttle positions.

. . Regiment13l TA-Ylk Oom!)any bega'l a formal six week training program on 24

,\ugust .. l953. Tho trqinine in tho·,vTeek prior to tho close of the period stresseii communications Hi.th part.icu1~r errrohasis ·on communic,qtions bet,o~een tanks ard infryntry.

On 12 A.ugust, IX Corps in"'uguratod A .. policy req,llring a. 50% a/l.ministra.tive dead line on veb:i.cles. Strict a.r~here.r>ce to thtr; policy h9.mpered operations to some extent. Ihwever, on 17 •\11gust the problen1 Hn.r-: grcr~.tly nllev:i.!'l.ted when the 90 day field tent of tP,.e 69th Transport11t'i.on Truck Ba.tta1 i..on W"lS completed.' At this tirnc Service Comp::tr>y per~onne1 )jrrl equi..pment, attache.d to the 69th Transnortat:ton Truck Ba.tt!3lion for the test, re-..rerted to regimentnl control reRtU tine in more ar1vantageou~ use of A.VA.i.lable tr::tnsport'3.tion.

Throughout tho period covered by thi~ renort, commnn:iers Rt. 13.11 levels continued n.n active progrA.rn of supply economy r-1.r:d constar>tly stressa:l the principles of "cost consciousness". Statements of ch'lrges for the month nmounttit to ~1062.0~. Reports of .survey i.fe:re closely scr,ltinized arr1 units were nir~cterl to tnrn in nll excess clothi.ng '3.ril. equipment.

b. .Sectlon II: R0commcril~~tions.

(1) In cornnli8.nce ;,dth inst.rnctions of a sniperscope instructor team from Fort Belvoir, V:!.rginh. a survey 'W8.S ma-~e rogar<ling use, -ts~lle .'l.I'd possible improvement of sniperscopefl. Based 'lflOD the neriod the regiment was on line during July 1953, it 'W<'~,S determ:tned th"!.t:

(a) J'atntenn.nce nt batt1lion level would provide 8. higher level of maintenance by better trrdnec1 personnel. N.aintenance at this level wo1ud tenrl to roouce the mi.nor ope:r~:~.tionAl f<J.ib1res .Hhich now give diffic1u ty.

(b) To provide the re;:J;i.ments w:i.th suf:f'icient sn:iperscope8 to mel:Jji continr;encie;:; i·rh:i.c h may norm..,lly be expected, thirty-five (35) sniperscopes,. s hduld be isflued to e:qc h regiment. ·rhese· to be issued on a basis of .ten (10) to each bA.ttnJ.:i.on nm. five (5) to RegimentAJ. lbf\Clqua.rters Compr:tny. This wo'Jld provide ench nnit j_,, the r0giment ~- suf·Picient l)umber to meet most ell}ergenc iee .•

··~

, . . (c) .r.l\s gre3.tor numbers of sni..pe:rscopes may be ncer'!.cd in some opern:tte~, it·is consi.dered nRcess.,.ry to rnr:1Jce them readily B.val:lable. This C01:ud• be best achieved by Tn-'3Jcing the S11iperscope rt Class IV item of issue. Thus co~m1.r:d~rs co,tld plan .for, ~hf'ir use in contemp~ated (')perations or secure them. for E>nergerciefl or rormal 'ppfrl'l.tions. · , .

. \

\', -\ ... ' : ' .

SECRET SECURITY INFOIUvl~\. TION .


" '. DE_QlASSIFlED

~------\

~,,. ~ SECRET S1:..CURITY INFORl\1ATION

. i . Comm~trrl Report for 1\.ugu~ 1953 (Conti!)

(d) The 11resent sniperscope i_fl heavy arr1 cumbersome. These are t'l.isadvantf-l.ges in themselves, r>.1Y1 lend to f.l. care and mA.intenqnce problem which is diff:'i.c~11 t to overcome. If, hovnwer, a common light. source were nrovi.deii, the i r:rHvidu.:'l]_ soldier \vO'lld be relieved of the b11lky equipn~ent , he no.w must carry A:"cl mai_ntaJn. It wo,JJJl be possible to pro~icle ex:pert Cl'!_re al'1C1 mai ntenr:~nce of .q cr:mt.r:1l light so,Irce. J·1orp,over, :tt vton1d te:rrl to make the 1lS8 of the \.Jer:mon more flexible r~x~~ mobile, l'!.s only the viewi<1c~ screen

oulcl_ be A.ttqched to H. .

(2) Recor'tl11eJ'ilR.tions: In v·i.C\-I of the n.hove it is reeonTlH?nderl that:

(b) The vrenpO'l be is::;uerl on !l bads of thtrty-flve (35) nor re~?,il"lent.

(c) The eq11:tpment be mndo 8 CJa;-s IV item of j_ssue.

(d) ~ centrf-l1 light source be nrovideO for the sniporscope, l.Jlth o""J.:r the vi.c,-rtllg screen qtta.ched to the 1-:eapon.

.....

.....

fL-OLIVERO. Col CommA.rrl ing

SECRET SECURITY INFORM1~ TION

l


l ·,,

~ ...

. ~--:.:;r.~;,;J •.•. ~ ... -~ ... .,. .. ,0>

.. ,J!EPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES l l ·t.r--·--~":·····.--·~ \~ ... ____ ·~ __ ' ...

'< ·- ~ ---~------~·

.---------~--------·--------·---- -------------·-----· .,.~ )' '·' (,

~ ~ ,.• \I

........

·· DBCC 314.7 (14 Sept S3) 1st Ind SUBJECT: Co:mm.and Report for August 1953

(Reports Control Symbol CSGF0-28 (Rl))

HEADQU.AJ_'lTERS 2D TI{F.AliTRY DIVISIOU, .Aro 248, US A:nny, 27 September 1953

TO: cc;munanding Ge~eral, JX US Corps, APO 264, US .A:rrny, ATTN: Historian

1. Forwarded.

2. There is no objection to 1st and 2d echelon maintenance of sniperscopes at.battalion level.

3. Lateat information from higher headquarters indicates that, pending revision of appropriate T/O&E~ one hundred seventy three (173) sniperscopes per Infantry Division will be the authorized issue of this item. This com.es to more than thirty five (35) per regiment.

4. It is not·considered practical or uecessary to issue sniperscopes as Class N supply, any more than any other weapon such as 105 Howitzers or Ml Rifles.

5~ No advantage can be seen in a "central light source" for sniperscopes. Consider the follov1ing:

a. To provide light (infra-red) for up to thir·ty five (35) weapons, an infra-red generator would be too huge to transport.

b. How would control of the source be maintained? Would all 35 weapons fire on the same target at once? Would it burn continuously to illuminate a wide portion of the battlefield?

c. If so, the enemy could put all the weapons out of ac·tion with one shot of a pistol, by locating the light source with in.fra-red detecting devices.

FOR THE COl.iM:AHDING GENERAL:

"''·

'·-.;

·•Ji. •

L '~

' I I ;


'il' .

\

·:;.;c, ,,.,t,,,._;.. ,,_.,, '" .... _ ,1/~EPROOUCEO AT THE NATIONAL ARC~VES \

'Lt.~ \, ,...._*_._

f '';i

CNCS-H 314 .• 7 2nd Ind (14 s t 5'3) ' ' ,, '' ,.... ,. '••' ' ~: Command Report for the month of Au~st 19?'3

Reports Control Symbol CSGP0-28 (Rl)

Headquarters 1X Corps, APO 264, U.s .• Army, 14 October 195'3

TO: Commanding General, Eighth United States Army, APO 301, Attn: KMH

1. Forwarded herewith is the Command Report of the 38th Infantry Regiment for the month of August 19;3.

2. The recommendations contained in the basic communication are not considered feasible for the following reasons:

a. Maintenance of the sniperscope requires technically qualified personnel and equipment which can not be made available at battalion level.

b. A revised T/O&E now under consideration will provide more than 35 sniperscopes per regiment. ·

c. Availability of additional sniperseopes for s~me operations would not be improved by changing the weapon from a Class II'item to a Class IV item. Items of the nature of sniperscopes are within the Class II category and it is believed that this is a proper classification.

d. While a central light source might relieve the tndividual soldier of an additional burden, the disadvantages of such a method including mechanical require~nts, restrictions on operation and limitations of fields ef observation appear to outweigh the advantages.

FOR- THE CO'.M.M.A]lDDiG GENERAL:·

...

' . . ,


~· ..

._ __ - ----------------)·

.~~~~, ,. ~-SECRET ~~tLUR~TY lNFORMATIO/.,.'

AG 314.7 KMH-A (14 Sep 53) 3d Ind SUBJECT: Command Report of ,38th Infantry Regiment for month of August 53

· Hq, Eighth US Army, APO 301,! 10. NOV.1953

TO: Chief, Army Field Forces, Fort Monroe, Virginia

1. Reference is made to Section II, basic communication and preceeding indorsements.

2. This headquarters concurs with the comments presented in the second indorsement.

3. This indorsement is regraded unclassified when separated from basic communication.

Copy furnished:

.....

Hq, 38th Inf Regt APO 248

t.,

~-· '

SECRliT · RffY INFORMATH '',

·----

~ ), .~: i J"''.i .

:ti,' ~

' ~~· ..


. I l

CSGPO - 2S (Rl)

SJ~CRET __ -~ ~SECURITY n;·Fo~~f\1ATION

IEADQUARTl!.'RS 38th Infantry Re girre nt APO 24S US Army

SUBJECT: Connnan:l Report for September 1953

THRU: Chief of Army Field Forces Fort Monroe, Virginia

'ID; The Adjutant General Iepartment of the Amy Washington 25, D.C.

14 October 1953

In compliaooe with paragraph 3, SR 525-45-1, Department of tm !rmy, Washington 25, D.C.,· dated 24 March 1953, too· following contnan:l report is submitted.

Section I: Unit Activities.

As t:OO period opered, tl:e 33th Infantry Regiment continued to occUpy and defen:i its assigood sector of tm post armistice main battle position frOin CT51935S to .CT56~S2. 1st Battalion (_) continued occupation atrl defense of the outpost lim from CT5103SS to CT563397. Company ncn remaimd in regimental reserve in the vicinity of CT521.320. On 9 September, the regi:mental outpost lim was exterded to CT566397, as too right limiting point was adjusted betv1een tha 9th ani 33th Infantry Regiments. On 12 September, 1st Battalion (_) was relieved on the outpost line by t~ 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment. · 1st Battalion closecl in its new are~J. 122310I September and assumed resnonsibility :c f.or ,_<lec,t;or CT5()5343 to C't'522363 at 130()171 September. 2d Ba.ttTil.ion was relieved ;-.·1'

by elements of l::;t rtnd 71:0ther1ariis Battalions on 130017I September, and closed in the regimental reserve area vicinity CT51~325 on 130540I at which time too ·'j battAlion assuroed tb:l mission of regi~mntal reserve. Company "C" was relieved · ·.··! of. it.s regimental reserve mission ani rpvarted to control of parent organization · ;~~~·effectiw 121935I September. Company "C" 2d Engineer (C) Battalion was relieved · ·. :;&{

1

of i. ts direct support mission of tre J~th Infantry Regiment effective 13 Septembe~. X:' . Om (1) p:tatonn Battery ttD 11 , SM, A.U (SP) Battalion was relieved of its direct ·

~, support mission of th::l J~th Infantry Ragiment 13 September.

The relief of tte outpost lil'Yl an:l tm readjustment of the main battle pQ;Si tion was cor:rlucted without incident. ..

I~


.\

I· !

I.

f

~ I' I·

. DE_CLASSIFIED,-·- •... . . .ilEPROOUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES \

AU\horiiy .4: ........ .,._.........,~......,...- ~ ::·~- ,__, '

"~ .... "'!.--..- ~

By NAHA Da:e +-1-','o-/+.V'

... .

"' '

-:1;0'- ...

·--··~------·---·-·-----

SECRET ci?crr·,.,.,.p-:r IN.""' " ,) ,J JLJd; 'r I· jf(J.T?MATION

Oomrnan:1 Report for September 1953 (Contd)

Salvage operatiOi'1S were cond.ucttld by the regiment through 13 September.

On 262000I September, Company 110 11 , 72d Tank Battalion was attadlild to th:t 3ath Itlfantry Regin:.ent for· opera:tional control and roliowd Tank Company, 3~th Infantry Regiment on position at :262245I September. .L:;ffective upon relief, T1}.n.1{ Company, 3?1th Infantry Regi~nt came un1er onerational control of 72d Tank Bnttalion, for trAi.ning. At 022oonr October, Tank Company, 3~th Infantry Regi~nt completed relief of Conqntny 110 11 , 72d Tank Battalion, <tnd both companies reverted to control of parent units.

As thcl period en:led tl1J regint.:>nt continued t.o dt~fen::l and 1.mprove its assignJd sector o.l' !:.le post armistice main battle r-os~ ti.on and began an inwnsive w:i.nteri?.r-d:.ion prcgrnm. Tent; ki !:. construction 11.11(1 cponsut. hut const.t•uction .schools 1.,.rera COJJ1ucted by thil l"eeiment to facilftate iJ~ w1nt(;Jrization proeram.

Tw stl~P,gth of tl~ regiment as of 1 September 1953 WA.S 107. 7:,~ and at the close ()f too r'ericd t~ strength was 1013.6%. Tl:ese figures 1nclu.de asr~igood J\iTtT37t. nersom):?ll which, at tl"P close of th,;.l noriod, nunibe1':ld 396 •

. U JGJ'lf~ c1os0 of tbe T'<Hio£1 th3 strength of th3 attacl~d 7'\Jtherlands Battalion was 45 officers ard 743 unl1.st.ec1 men, plus 1 officer And 120 enlisted KA.TUSA personnel attached to tm battlllicn.

Thl follo'~>d.ng awnrch and docoratioi~\S \,;ere awanled nr recommended during the period:

Legion of l'eri t . • • • • · • • • . Bronze Star (N) • • • • • • • • Army Gomrileniation Ribbon ••••

. . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

Awarded

0 37 33

Recommen:led

2 50 42

During trn period. too reg1.ri)':;:nt suffered 42 non-battle casual ties.

Replacements during th3 period totaled 16 officers, 213 erD.J.stec1 men, US, arrl 64 erQisted KtlTUSA.

..... ... .... Tre regiment continuod its excellent showing in Soldier's Deposits, a

total of $54,315.00 havtng boen deY'ositec1 for the month.

· l~rale rlur:tng tl~ period waf3 excelient.

On 21~ September, th3 50% administraM.ve deadl1.ro was temporarily lifted on 2~ tOn vehicles. This alleviawd to some extent the 'transportation problems

:1of the regiment which had. been increased by tl:e requirement for many vehicles to haul wtnter clo·thing, equiprront, tent kits A.nd quonset huts as woll as large qu~n,tities a.r fortification materials. Transportation facH:i.ties ha.,ye becore mo~ critical ilue to tm severe shortage of spare parts for the lLseries vehicles.

SEiCRET . 6 •

SECURITY II\fFO~Uv1ATION .. v L. . ).-

.•.

38th infantry regiment - command report - may - september 1953 · on 4 may 1953, the .38th infantry...

Documents