Col. Milia Remembers the 1/77th

It's been over 33 years since the young men of the "First of the Fifth" left Ft. Carson to land in Danang and Wonder Beach on the DMZ in Viet Nam. Our mission was to help the marines who were being attrited with heavy casualties. On the DMZ, the war was relatively conventional. We knew that if we went north, we could always find an NVA regiment and if we went west, we could get into a scrap in a Viet Cong base camp. Our terrain ran the spectrum of mountains, piedmont, rice paddies, coast land and a major highway running through civilian villages. As contrasted with the experiences of other U.S. units, we did not have all the problems associated with fighting a faceless foe in civilian villages.

As the second battalion commander of the 1/77 Armor during the early days, permit me to make some observations from a historical perspective.
--The battalion performed its mission superbly and professionally. Like any other marine infantry or army maneuver battalion, we occupied and pacified an area of operations that we finally turned over to the Vietnamese Army. The tank companies fought over 2800 square kilometers of the DMZ with only a handful of casualties during the period 1968-69.
--The 1/77 Armor fought as a classic combined arms team. We attached our tank companies routinely to the 1/11 Infantry and the 1/61 Mech Infantry and in return were supported by their rifle and mech companies. We pulled our weight doing the unsavory tasks associated with patrols, ambushes, mine sweeps, convoy escort and civic action projects. Our parent brigade always provided for artillery, air and naval gunfire support.
--Without a doubt, the tank companies did the heavy lifting in the fighting. Tank companies (A, B, and C)
all had their own character and personality. One was

steady; one was flashy; and one was a plodder.
(I'll leave it to you old soldiers to determine which was which.) But they were all dependable, professional and successful. But after all these
years, four other platoons are stuck in my memory---the scouts, mortarmen, medics and mechanics.
--The scout platoon was like a fourth line company. With 50 good men mounted in 10 M113 ACVs, the scouts drew all the odd missions, mounted or dismounted. And they did their jobs superbly. The mortars were our organic artillery. We didn't move until they were in position. They were so good, other mortar platoons came to them for gunnery training.
--Of the 12 KIA that we suffered in our first year, the majority were our mechanics and medics. That fact will be a lasting testimonial to their dedication and presence under the worst of situations. They were there when they were needed.

The highlight of my tour with the 1/77 was, of course, Task Force Remagen. History remembers it as a resounding success. We operated for nearly two months, 40 kilometers behind the lines and independent of land lines of communications. The terrain was so rugged that wheeled vehicles were not permitted. The operation was such a classic of an independent task force that it was taught as an example of a reconnaissance in force at the Marine Corps School at Quantico.

In summary, I quote from a chapter in the history book "Nam-the Viet Nam Experience 1965-1975" about our battalion---"In spite of it all, when the US Army was given a real task to fulfill, it responded magnificently-even when that task involved taking tanks over ravines and moving an armoured column into the NVA heartland without any ground supply."


The following letter from Col. Pickarts, deploying commander of the 1/77th Armor, was read at the 2001 reunion:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades of The First Tank Battalion,
I am disappointed that we will not be able to attend this year's reunion. However, a year ago, I attended our battalion reunion and had a most enjoyable, exciting, and fun filled time. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect, as with one exception, I hadn't seen a First Tank comrade for over thirty years. However, the moment I entered the reception area, it was as if we had never parted. Our lives picked up exactly where we had left off…further, it was most pleasing to note how well all had matured over the years and what happy wives accompanied these old soldiers. In summary, I found a very handsome group of people, of which I was honored to be a part. I suspect some are experiencing similar thoughts today. I wish I could be there. Next time I will.
As known, my years with the First Tank Battalion were the most interesting, challenging and gratifying of my career. I was proud that I was honored to be the commander of such a fine organization, filled with such dedicated and honorable men. Men who worked hard, knew what their responsibilities were, and accomplished them superbly. Some units are good, others aren't so good. The First Tank was always good, with a reputation all of us can be proud of… even to this day.
The battalion served several years in Vietnam, and no doubt there are many present tonight that joined later and have different experiences to recall. Although we didn't serve together, it is easy to tell the battalion never let down as it's reputation never went down. This reinforces the fact; veterans of later time had the same confident and proud bearing about their duties as those before them.
As with all conflicts, Vietnam brought forth many different emotions and concerns. The war wasn't fought perfectly, we knew that, but we didn't have much influence in the political matters that directed how the war was carried out. Even so, we should be extremely proud of our actions, each of you carried out your duties well, and the units you were part of performed assigned missions in a superb manner. Our country called and we performed. I have nothing but respect for each of you. May God bless all of you and your families.