3rd Battalion 26th Marines (Vietnam)

Jan 1-31

AP NAM O Bridge
Hill 190
ELEPHANT VALLEY

During the month of January 1970, 3/26 continued as it has in previous months to conduct aggressive small unit patrolling and numerous ambushes to locate, interdict and deny the enemy the use of their avenues of approach to the many hamlets in the eastern portion of the Battalion TAOR.

KIA 0
WIA 1

Feb 1-28

AP NAM O Bridge
Hill 190
ELEPHANT VALLEY

During the month of February 1970, 3/26 continued as it has in previous months to conduct aggressive small unit patrolling and numerous ambushes to locate, interdict and deny the enemy the use of their avenues of approach to the many hamlets in the eastern portion of the Battalion TAOR.
     In late February liaison was made with 3/1 in preparation of that Battalion reliving 3/26 of its responsibilities within the TAOR.
     On 28 February 1300H 2 squads of 3/1 reported to 3/26 CP for assignment to NAM O Bridge, OP RENO and for sensor training.
     On 28 February 1400H "Keystone Bluejay" personnel were taken to 1st Shore Party Battalion beginning the first phase of the 3/26 redeployment activities.

KIA 2
WIA 4

Mar 1-19

Standdown Process

On 1 March 1970, at 1635H the 3/26 stooddown as a result of the effective relief in place by 3/1.  At 1830H the Battalion displaced it's Command Post from AT979782 to the 1st Shore Party Battalion cantonment at AT983746 to effect the completion of the Battalian's standdown activities.  The Battalion was not assigned any combat missions during the period  and all letter companies were reduced to zero balance.
     The Battalian's Ceremonial detail participated in the 1st Mar Div farewell ceremony for the 26th Marine Regiment held on 18 March 1970 at the DA NANG Aiport.
     On 19 March 1970, the Battalion's Ceremonial detail, 4 officers and 77 enlisted Marines left the DA NANG TAOR enroute to CONUS.  The Ceremonial detail arrived at EL TORO, California on 19 March, 1000, and was greeted by the Commandant of The Marine Corps.