1972 - Samchai Operations
During 1970-1974 the Communist Guerrillas became more violent in their operations, using both political and mili?tary offensives. They ambushed many official caravans, killed government officers in the countryside, attacked militia men in villages, and burned down public bridges. At the same time, they collected food and supplies from villagers. Those who resisted would be tortured or ki111ed. In order to protect people and maihtain peace in the region, the Thai government decided in 1971 to use forces consisting of civilians, police and military to suppress those guerrillas. The exercise called Samchai Operation, also known as Joint Exercise Year 16, took place between 1 December 1972 and 30 January 1973.
Samchai Operation differed from previous exercises in that it was the first one in which the Royal Thai Navy participated. Naval forces that took part in this Joint Exercise were: Mekong Operation Unit from Nakhon Phanom working together with forces from the First Army Area in the joint area of three provinces - Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Kalasin; Marine Task Force and Navy Aviation Task Force together with the Third Army Area forces in the joint area of Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei provinces known as Phu Hin Rong Kla. The Marines Operation Force of 1,055 officers was divided into one Headquarters and Service Company, three Rifle Batteries, one 105 mm. Artillery Battery , one Scout Platoon, one Engineering Platoon, and one Medical Platoon.
In close collaboration with designated Army and Air Force units, the Marine Task Force spent two months working towards the suppression of Communist Terrorists at Tambon Sak Tong in Lomsak District of Phetchabun Province. The mission of the task forces was to conduct search and destroy operation; to neutralize enemy's forces, operating base, supplies, and weapons.
Several direct engagement with enemy forces took place between 23 December 1972 and 8 January 1973. On 23 December 1972 while on a reconnaissance mission at Phu Lom Lo area, the 1st Rifle Platoon (1st RFL PLT) of the 2nd Infantry Company (2nd INF CO ) came into contact with a 15-man enemy patrol and was surrounded. Coming to its comrade's aid, the 2nd Rifle Company (2nd RFL PL T) maneuvered its way through hostile fusillade until it was able to join the surrounded troops. Despite intense enemy fire, the company bravely fought against the advancing enemy. They finally broke through the defensive perimeter and successfully pushed back the guerrillas.
Under such circumstances, the 2nd INF CO had no food supplies throughout the whole four days of intense fighting. The troops managed to survive by eating wild fruits and chewed on little dried rice some of them kept in their rucksacks. In spi,te of the hardships, they carried out their fights courageously and selflessly.
Members/of the 3rd INF. CO. of the MTF Battalion found a hostile force of 30 men camped at Ban Maew Phu Kee Tao on 23 December 1972. When the exact location was reported, with support from the MTF Artillery Battalion (ARTY BN), the commander ordered a delivery of suppressive fire on the enemy. The artillery rounds landed right on target. The Marines continued their fires, drove off the enemy squad, and killed no fewer than 22 terrorists.
On 25 December 1972, The 3rd INF. CO. MTF. while on a mission to dispatch a communist outpost on the north Phu Lom Lo Ridge, was attacked by a platoon-size hostile force employing automatic weapons. A personnel from the RTN Medical Corps working among the Marines was killed by gunfire.
On 8 January 1973, the 2nd INF CO MTF conducted an offensive operation at North Phu Lom Lo Airfield and the Communist Guerrillas fought back both during daytime and nighttime. After several hours of engagement, eight Marines were seriously injured and needed urgent medical assistance. However, an air evacuation could not be conducted because of enemy's heavy fire on the helicopter. The 3rd Army Region sent in support and delivered continuous suppressive gunfire to the enemy, Simultaneously, the Royal Thai ,Air Force also had the OV-10 aircraft providing machine gun fire against the enemy. Two other Rifle Platoons were also ordered to seize the area on the other side of the field. At this point, the helicopter penetrated under h_avy crossfire and was able to take the 8 wounded soldiers for medical treatment. The 2nd 1FT CO maneuvered to the back of the enemy camp and successfully seized the camp at 1600 hrs.
Steady supports, concerns and understandings of the commandes at all levels the Navy were always meaningful to the soldiers. One of the most memorable visits etched. in the memory of the Thai Marine Corps was the visit of His Majesty King, Her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn and H.R.H. Princess Chulabhorn to the MTF Operating base by helicopter. As the base was still an active: battlefield at the time, their Royal Highnesses had to walk through trenches and rough terrain to get to the camp. This impressive visit was beyond any person's expectation. All hardships the troops had undergone during their operations seemed to disappear the moment they saw their royal visitors. They were all standing with tears of happiness and gratitude in their eyes.
The Marine Task Force lost six men; one officer, four NCOs, and one seaman. There were five men injured. All war heroes who lost their lives and suffered in these heroic actions while protecting the country were promoted and rewarded in honorary manners. The casualties of the Communist Guerrillas in this operation, though believed to be heavy, had no confirmed number.
The Marine Task Force was praised for their selfless and gallant operations. Their heroic actions were in keeping with the high traditions of the Armed Forces; Evidently, the Marines never gave up.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
