2-12th Cav
12 Mar 69
To: All Men in the “FIGHTING 2-12th”.
From: The Battalion Commander.
1. This letter is to pass on to you some of my policies and to give you information about our Battalion.
2. First, I want to say that I am very proud to be a member of the 2-12th. The companies and the Battalion have proven themselves many times. Your record is tops in Vietnam.
3. I know you all want the facts about our recent actions.
On the night of 7 March the Battalion and supporting units killed 157 NVA and captured 2 POW’s. Weapons and ammo captured were: 25-AK47's, 3 HMG Type 56's, 1 HMG Type 57, 4 SKS’s, 8-RPG-2's. 1 M-20 Pistol, 2-LPO-50 Flame Throwers, 1 60mm Mortar, 225 Chicom grenades, 7 rifle grenades, 1400 heavy machinegun rounds, 2000 light machinegun rounds, 5240 AK rounds, 10 bangalore torpedoes, 15 satchel charges, 20 RPG-2 rocket rounds, 7 anti-tank grenades, 4 15 lb Chicom Claymores and 1 radio.
On the night of 10 March we killed 87 NVA, captured 2 POW’s and had 2 Chieu Hoi’s. Weapons and ammo captured were: 30 AK-47's, 1 AK 50, 4 RPG-2's 2 RPD MG’s, 1 SKS, 105 Chicom grenades, 7 bangalore torpedoes, 6 15 lb Chicom Claymore’s, 5 rifle grenades, 1200 AK rounds, 400 light machinegun rounds, 7 RPG-2 rocket rounds. The Battalion is in excellent condition and ready for more victories.
4. “All for one and One for All” is the spirit and teamwork that I see in this Battalion. We will always do well if we keep this in mind.
5. I’ve spent a good part of my life out in the field as a “grunt” and I assure you that I know what it takes to hump it in the bush. The men in the field will get first priority when possible.
6. Policies:
a. Promotions; Every effort will be made to promote all personnel who do their job properly. Outstanding personnel will be promoted as fast as possible.
b. Awards and Decorations; Personnel who deserve awards or decorations will receive them as promptly as possible. All personnel be alert to recommend men for valor awards during combat actions.
c. Information; I want all leaders to make a special effort to keep everyone informed about the situation at all times.
d. Replacements; Every leader from myself on down will make every possible effort to brief new men promptly upon their arrival. Use good common sense in deciding how soon a new man will be given the more difficult jobs, such as point man, LP’s patrols, and ambushes.
e. Departees; If possible I want to talk with every man that leaves the 2-12th to thank him for serving with us and to wish him good luck.
f. Property; We must keep proper account of our equipment and ensure that it is taken care of. Our lives depend on this. I want high standards to keep our equipment combat ready.
g. Tactical points:
(1) Keep alert at all times. With proper security you cannot be surprised. Move properly- use cover and concealment- take up firing positions when stopped.
(2) Keep equipment on and weapons ready.
(3) Wear flak jackets at base camps during all engagements. They will save your life.
(4) Use supporting fires- mortars, artillery and air - promptly and correctly. Take cover during all friendly fire, Flying shrapnel doesn’t know you from the enemy.
(5) Never stay in one location too long. The enemy knows your location at all times and will hit you when you let up.
(6) Keep cool at all times.
7. I am very proud of you. Keep up the good work.
/s/ Ivan G Boon
Ivan G Boon
LTC Infantry
Commanding
Webmaster note: This letter is from the personal collection of Jamie Smith, D 2/12th Cavalry, a veteran of the LZ Grant attacks. He retyped it from the original correspondence.
Paragraph breaks were added in paragraph #3 for the ease of readability.