Patrol to Contact: A squad vs. The 2nd NVA Div. HQ

A Common Virtue
A Common Virtue
308,844
0
Published 2024-02-17
During the Tet Offensive Mike Co., 3/7 Marines was assigned as a reactionary company for the 1st Marine Div. They moved around in the field from day to day following reports of enemy concentrations or to assist units in contact. For 2 weeks The NVA had caused all sorts of problems and stubborn resistance in the cities they attacked. By Feb 12, they were spent and beginning to pull back relocating outside of the cities in rural villages. After a Mike Co. patrol apprehended 3 NVA nurses in Dodge City on Feb 12, 1968, a squad patrol was sent out into the area to investigate further. Cpl. Jerry Chong and his squad from the 3rd platoon set out into Dodge City on the 13th. What they would discover after engaging a group of NVA was that they had actually stumbled into the base area for the 2nd NVA division and its HQ element.
As their fellow Marines rushed to their aid, they were ambushed on a road and some of the most experienced leaders in the Company would be killed or wounded trying to save one man, shot, wounded, and used as bait to draw the Marines out from cover to save their friend.

Jerry Chong, Paul Grimala, Jim Hastings, and Burnell Sumpter share their perspective on the fight.
All Comments (21)
  • @LesterMoore
    I look at the pictures of me and my Marine mates in Vietnam and wonder where did the years go? The physical tasks I did then ... now but a memory. Only vivid things are the memories. Semper Fidelis forever.
  • @Thomas-oo9lu
    Every time I see one of these shows I am duty honored to listen, and witness your stories and say thank you for your service on behalf of my father 1st Lt. J.E. Scribner, U.S.M.C., 3/3 DONG HOA. '67-'68, 1930-1969. I never really knew my father, I was only 3 1/5 when he came home and passed away suddenly, 5 weeks after his return home to SC. I pay homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to those that fought with them and would not leave them behind 🙏
  • @qssneaky
    I'll never forget my solo trip to the Vietnam Memorial in DC when I was 23 years old. It was just starting to get dark and the place was almost empty but there was a gentleman sitting alone in a booth near the wall. I asked him how I could find my uncle's name and he pulled out this massive book and asked for his name. There were three men in this huge book who literally had the same first and last name as my uncle and so after he asked me a few questions he figure out the correct location. Next thing I know he was escorting me all the way across to the other end of the dimly lit wall and took me right to his name. He gave me a small piece of paper and some charcoal and I scratched my uncles name onto the small piece of paper. When I got home, I gave it to my dad and it was one of the most emotional events ever to happen in my life.
  • @garyluck8502
    Thanks for your service! Everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!!! I was there all of 67 but I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t have it that bad. Thanks fellas!
  • @markshaw3219
    Two words come to mind as I watched this, "Honor and Respect"!!
  • @robertbates6057
    You guys were badass and make me proud of the young men who served in Nam!
  • @heavensfugitive6447
    Proud to be a 3rd Generation US Marine and too carry on the tradition of those who went before me. Semper Fi Brothers!
  • @thomasberg8179
    We don’t have really MEN like them anymore. All 6 of my uncles went to Vietnam only 3 came back. They were the reason I joined the Army. God Bless them all.
  • @randallbroadus3213
    God bless the three warriors that lost there lives to save others.may you RIP and to be received into gods arms.you are truly heros.My brother did either two or three tours in NAM.I just lost my brother now going on three years due to agent orange.He served 23 1/2 years and retired as a senior master sergeant.
  • @MarkusBracey-cs5rm
    I CORPS SYLVESTER BRACEY SR 3RD DIV 2ND BATTALION 9TH MARINE RECON THE HILLS. THE JAN 19TH 1968 RECON PATROL THAT STARTED KHE SANH 77 DAY BATTLE. My Pops I'm a vet as well GREAT STORY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
  • @dsbmwhacker
    God bless these Marines. RIP for those who sacrificed. I lost friends and relatives there. A Cousin remains MIA to this day.
  • @huck69
    Welcome home guys, and rip to all those fallen
  • @bradparker9664
    A very effective and powerful film telling a story of epic heroism. I am grateful not only to the film maker, but to the Marines who told their stories.
  • @popcornhead3479
    Thank you! You mentioned along with many others are true American heros!
  • @PS-gg2rd
    Lost my Uncle to a battle with Cancer . The VA said it was not due to agent orange . He Made it back and lived a productive life . He rarely yelled or got excited . He loved to Sail the open ocean . He was at Paris Island when I graduated. He was a loving Uncle and never spoke a word about Vietnam. Not a word . God Bless you Warriors ! Thank you . Semper Fi Devil Dogs !
  • @MFKR696
    Mortars were no joke in that conflict. One of my Uncles got wounded 3 times in Vietnam; All 3 were from mortar impacts. Say what you will about the NVA's overall capabilities, but they had their FOs and mortars absolutely dialed in (pun intended). If you didn't get off the X quickly, there was a good chance you'd become a casualty.
  • @chillymoe0331
    God Bless you gents and welcome home. I'm sorry about your friends. My older brother was with H 2/7. I went in in 1981...Semper Fidelis.
  • @dalewilson8476
    I arrived in nhu bey Vietnam in 1968 , thank God I made it home in one piece.