I was reading your history of the 1st CAV in Viet Nam.  I could not help but
notice a very grave error in the text.  I the narrative section for May 01,
1970, the following is stated:

       

 

 2nd Brigade "...found an enemy munitions base that was dubbed
        'ROCK ISLAND EAST'..."

This is totally incorrect!  It is true that 2nd Brigade fought their way
into the the largest cache ever found in the Viet Nam war;

 

 

however, they did not find it!

 

3 days prior to the elements of 2nd Brigade closing in on "ROCK ISLAND EAST"

a Hunter / Killer team form Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron / 9th Cavalry , 1st

CAV DIV turned in the official 6 digit grid co-ordinates: reporting
"...stacked rifles, stated pallets of ammunition, Headquarters size tents,
and NVA Regular Army clean uniforms on troops in the open." 

 

 I know this to
be true because I sent in the spot report to Brigade Headquarters myself.

 

The 5 member Pink Team that found "Rock Island East" each received a Chinese
7.62 CKC Chicom Mauser from that cache with an ARCOM presented in the Squadron Headquarters area at Phouc Vihn (Camp Gorvad)
about 3 weeks later.

 

 

A/Cs aware of the find are:  CW-2 Poindexter; CW-2 LaMont: PILOTS aware of
the find are: WO-1 Rager; WO-1 Zahn;.  The entire Troop knew of "ROCK ISLAND
EAST"; and, that

 

 2nd Brigade was taking credit for the find.

I thought you might like to read a different perspective of that event. 

You see, our Hunter/Killer Team was assigned to 2nd Brigade that day; however,

 

we were assigned to the Division, who in turn gave us our daily assignments
as the field units needed us.  The day "ROCK ISLAND EAST" was found, we were
on our way to FSB at O'Rang on their request.  We were VRing the whole
way..., and ran the as the spot report shows above.  Brigade put a 16 ship
[8 and 8] assault in on the Grid co-ordinates the next day AGAINST OUR RECOMMENDATION.

 

  Yes, they got themselves shot up.  The following day,
Brigade place 1 BN North, and 1 BN South of "ROCK ISLAND EAST" and worked a pincher action to secure the sight. 
"ROCK ISLAND EAST" was named by a
Charlie Troop pilot;

however, I cannot remember who it was.  Mr. Zahn or Mr.
Rager may remember if you wish to follow up on this tid-bit.

Thanks for your time. 

 

 I read your E-Mail every time I get them.  Please keep them coming.

Vaughn H. Caine
C-Troop 1st/9th & E-Troop 1st/9th 1970-1971
Call Sign: El Lobo-29 E-Troop
BUDMAN