Vietnam Veteran Series – The Battle of Dai Do
Joe Sansosti left Brevard High School at 18 to join the Marines. “My daddy told my brother, ‘that dummy doesn’t even know there’s a war going on,” he chuckled. “I just wanted to do something different.” He arrived in Vietnam on December 5, 1967. “I got to Danang and they sent me north to join the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, an infantry battalion nicknamed the Magnificent Bastards. We were sent to places that were really hot, flying in and out of Mai Xa Chanh. Then we encountered The Battle of Dai Do.”
Lt Col William Weise was the battalion commander of the Magnificent Bastards during the Battle of Dai Do (die-doe). Now a retired Brigadier General, William “Wild Bill” Weise describes the engagement as follows:
“Near the end of April 1968, one of the most fiercely fought but little-known battles of the Vietnam War pitted Marines of Battalion Landing Team 2/4 against the North Vietnamese 320th Division. It took place on a little piece of terrain approximately 1½ miles northeast of the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Division in the Dong Ha combat base. The fighting extended over a 3-day period.”
“This is the only engagement of the entire Vietnam conflict where a single reinforced battalion-sized Marine unit, with less than 1,000 fighting men, supported by intense naval gunfire, fought head-to-head with a division-sized unit of between 6,000 to 10,000 regular NVA soldiers who were augmented with 600 guerillas and who were supported by artillery on the demilitarized zone.”
The Battle of Dai Do
On the morning of April 30, 1968, a U.S. Navy utility boat motored down the Bo Dieu River, just south of Vietnam’s DMZ. North Vietnamese Army troops, well-hidden along the shoreline, fired rocket-propelled grenades at the U.S. ship. The attack was part of the NVA’s plan to demolish the 3rd Marine Division’s headquarters at Dong Ha, thus cutting off supply routes to all Marine bases near the DMZ.
After the attack, Sansosti’s Hotel Company was ordered to clear the small village of An Lac where the attack had occurred. In its attempt to cross a stream to reach An Lac, Hotel Company came under intense fire from the nearby villages of Dong Huan and Dai Do. With support from Marine artillery batteries, Hotel Company managed to secure Dong Huan.
Meanwhile, Marine Bravo, Echo, Golf, and Foxtrot companies encountered intense, close-combat activity as they attempted to secure other small villages making their way to Dai Do. “We didn’t know it at the time, but this was an enemy division of close to ten-thousand men.”
Not only were the Marines resisting the largest single enemy attack of the war, they were engaged in battle tactics similar to those employed in WWII, rather than to those used in the rice paddies, villages, and mountainous regions of Vietnam. At Dai Do, fighting was often hand-to-hand, bunker-to-bunker, often more like Normandy than anything seen in Vietnam.
Wounded in Action
“It was unreal how many NVA there were,” said Sansosti. “They were everywhere you looked. During one counterattack, my best buddy, Jerome Pryor, and I were in a trench surrounded by the enemy. We couldn’t see any of the other guys from our platoon. Our 2nd Lt. came up, grabbed us by the collars and said ‘y’all get on closer up there.’ I thought to myself, ‘I can see fine from right here.’
Above, Joe Sansosti
The Marines fought a bloody battle where they had been piecemeal into battle against a larger dug in force. Again the higher ups, screwed up. And not knowing didn’t plan and rushed understrength units, relying on firepower and mobility versus intelligence and planning.
Mr. Bredel, I am I am currently doing research from the Congressional Office of August Pfluger in San Angelo Texas, to recommend a Marine, Samuel Vasquez, from San Angelo, Texas the Purple Heart when he was wounded March 14, 1968. He was hit in his left leg with shrapnel and was wounded a second time on May 2, 2019 in his right leg. He was patched up again and sent back to fight to the end of the battle. He was a member of the Fourth Marine Regiment, Second Battalion Hotel Company “Magnificent” Bastards. His military records dated May 22, 1968 states, “his original record was damaged”, and they created a new record. The new record did not have any documentation of his wounds, so he was never awarded his Purple Heart. Do you remember Sam?
Great pics Joe. I was there also. Buck Herndon here. Finish the story after you and Pryor moved forward.
Semper Fi
Buck.
Trying to find out if Joseph sansosti is still living him and my brother Jerome Pryor was good friends in the war of Vietnam I am the sister of Jerome Pryor and would like to know if you can’t get in touch with me my name is Dorothy Pryor we have been looking for information for years my telephone number is 567-312-0583 or 419-283-1046
Hi buck my name is Dorothy Pryor and I found Joe santosa and he talked to me about my brother Jerome Pryor all these years and we finally complete the story and thank you so much bye-bye
It’s sadly that you have to be indured all that hardships! May god bless you for your services! But at that time I was in Vietnam and working for USAF Base Exchange in Phang Rang! I do appreciate all of you for your service! I am thankful for your services and servise through the war. Thank you
You for saving me! With out you me and my family would be here today!
I lost all those (KIA) I served in combat during the siege of Con Thien in September October 1967, This while serving in Echo 2/4. Those not killed at Con Thien, died at Dai Do, or the run up to Dai Do. If the Marine Corps did anything right at this time, it is USMC trained its Marines to calmly overcome fear with professionalism. Lastly — The whole of the U.S. military should, or should learn from Ukrainians taking back their land-from Russia. The lesson is this; professionalism, not grand talk; not machismo; machismo does not win wars or makes good soldiers. It also is the ability to calmly overcome fear when all seems lost. I am very impressed with the way Ukrainian soldiers calmly handle themselves.
1/3 was in the fight also and lost many Marines and Corpsman.
hay joe in march 16 1968 I was wounded at the hamlet dong Xuan my name is l/cpl paul Rosales radio man with HOTEL 2/4 MY BEST friend was cpl Larry Ruiz also a radio man my L/T was Vic Taylor Captan james william
Mr. Rosales, I am I am currently doing research from the Congressional Office of August Pfluger in San Angelo Texas, to recommend a Marine, Samuel Vasquez, from San Angelo, Texas, the Purple Heart when he was wounded March 14, 1968. He was hit in his left leg with shrapnel and was wounded a second time on May 2, 2019 in his right leg. He was patched up again and sent back to fight to the end of the battle. He was a member of the Fourth Marine Regiment, Second Battalion Hotel Company “Magnificent” Bastards. His military records dated May 22, 1968 states, “his original record was damaged”, and they created a new record. The new record did not have any documentation of his wounds, so he was never awarded his Purple Heart. Do you remember Sam?
Hi, I am Bob Herndon I was a Lcpl at Dai Do. If you go to the 2/4 association web site you will be able to get info to Vic Taylor and Jim Williams. Both stayed in the Marines. Vic retired a LtCol and Jim retired a Col.
Did you ever get in touch with Vic Taylor?
EchoDoc
Did you know lt Jim luken?
He was a friend of mine and I’m pretty sure he was there also
. I read Vic passed away. I am sad at his passing. My procrastination and avoidance of attendance at the 2/4 get together, was a mistake, I regret. I understand he is buried at the cemetery at Quantico. In a month I will be in Stafford Va. I will visit his grave. I will also visit the Lance Corporal Jehd Barker building on the base. I was there when he died on the 21st September 1967. Many unknown Magnificent Bastards are on my mind, and in my prayers. Semper Fi.
Are you in touch with Vic?
Good to know you still with us – 2nd platoon Echo 2/4
Gentlemen, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I relay that B. Victor “Vic” Taylor died on Monday. I was a company commander for him at Marine Barracks NSB Bangor.
MY brother Pfc Gary Lawyer was a radioman Hotel Co 1st Platoon 67-68 and was at Dai Do, survived but later wounded badly outside Khe Sahn July 21, 1968. Anyone on here remember him? He passed away in 1995, mortar frags still in his chest. Thanks to all who served over there.
I have my brother died in the battle of the Son in 1968!
Paul Rosales: My brother Gary Lawyer was a radioman in Hotel 1st platoon ‘68, was at Dai Do and others. Later 7-21-68 badly wounded near Khe Sahn by a mortar round. He barely survived after being flown to the hospital ship USS Sanctuary. He retired CWO4 in’90, died in ‘95. Did you know him?
Paul I was with 2/4 Golf same time frame..Capt Vargas was the C.O.
My dad is John A Crow he was in the 2/4 hotel company. He passed away in 2010. I have photos of hotel company and others.
I know your father
Did you know my dad, Herb Johnson?
I am L/CPL Robert A. Pittenger #2405001. On April 10th, 1968 I arrived in Vietnam as a combat engineer (MOS 1371), when I got off the plane from Oki, a Lt. Col. read my orders, then said that I was needed else where and directed me to stand with a small group of Marines a short distance from the disembarkation area. Later, without being told anything, that group (including myself) were told to board a C130. We did, it took us to Dong Ha. Upon landing we were told the base was taking incoming and were directed to slit trenches. Soon after, I was approached by another L/Cpl (Grady Swink) who told me he was sent to take me to a bulk fuel unit. He did where I met a short timer Lt (cannot recall his name) and a S/Sgt, who I believe was Bill Steigner. The Lt. read my orders and went raging mad cursing and yelling at the top of his lungs. The Lt. was unhappy because I was to replace Patrick “Mike” Berwert who had been killed (March 25th) at that compound (and 4 others Maines serious wounded). The Lt was outraged that I was a combat engineer who knew nothing about fuel. In his words I was no good to him or the unit. The S/Sgt cooled him down and started my indoctrination to Bravo Co. 3rd Platoon.
Because I knew nothing of fuel, I was used for security on fuel escorts all over I Corps, perimeter duty, and security at a Naval fuel ramp at the Cua Viet river, adjacent to the Dong Ha bridge about a mile or so from Dong Ha Combat Base.
On April 30, 1968, myself (as security) 2 Marines (fuelies) from 3rd platoon were at that location when we noticed there was no civilian boat traffic on the river (when nornmally there would be boats loaded with people going back and forth all day). The Marines, Ray Ingram of Houston, TX and a short timer from NYC (cannot recall his name) had finished the unloading process while I kept watch, and a Navy barge-tender read a magazine. A Navy patrol arrived and informed us that the river had been shut down do to a fire-fight not too far away. We had been hearing intermittent gunfire for quite some time, but that was not unusual. Suddenly, air support (2 jets) appeared and strapped the jungle across the river, then made passes dropping napalm. This was followed by 2 more and 2 more and 2 more, what seemed like forever and continued for the next3 days. Early on were received radio communication from our Hdqtr that it was deemed too dangerous for us to return to the combat base at Dong Ha and were told to “hold tight.” Myself, 2 marines, a barge-tender and a Naval river boat crew did so for the next 71 hours. Soon after the fighting stopped, a squad from 2/4 brought 2 VC prisoners to our location and we were asked to hold them until Marine MPs arrived to take them. I took a photo of of those 2. I would learn later that this was in fact the Battle of DaiDo.
Hey Robert those napalm runs were A-4s…I was with 2/4 and we were waiting to go back into the hedge row when they started their initial strafing runs prior to the napalm drops and every time the birddog directed them in high off my right shoulder they would come charging down and you could see the white smoke coming off their guns but no sound..you only heard the rapid fire of the guns after they pulled out as they were coming in faster than the sound and every time they pulled out after their run they would circle high to the left waiting for the FAC to station them back in on another would but as they pulled up you would hear this god awful automatic fire sound and I kept thinking “shit they’re not getting them..there dug in” but that wasn’t the case…what I was hearing was their own fire which because they were coming in so fast was after the run.
The Marines nicknamed me : Nasty” I served with Joe Sansosti
The first day in the afternoon…we got in line.and walked across 50 yards or so of open ground into the-fortified trench line of the village where the NVA had knocked out that Navy boat that Joe. Mentioned….
I was an S-2 scout with a Vietnamese partner… they had us next to capt Williamson the CO
The NVA in the trench line open up on us as we got closer and we opened up with all we had at point blank range!! But through the chaos smoke noise of all the gunfire I heard capt williamson yelling !! Get em’ Hotel!! Get em tigers!!! Get em!! Then as we hit the trench line something exploded wounding the capt, gunny and a radioman! All survived ! Rankin the radioman lives in Hawaii we keep in touch…
Hi Alm, I am Buck Herndon 3rd Plt Hotel Guns.
We we traversed a lot of ground together.
I remember the Duck you had at CamLo District Hq.
What ever happen to Vulkovitch?
DaiDo was a fierce battle. I remember it every day.
My phone is 503-559-3665 if you want to talk.
Semper Fi.
Just asking since you knew Joe did you know my brother his friend Jerome Pryor who got killed May 2nd 1968 in that d a i do war if you do I like some information about my brother my phone number is 567-312-0583 my name is Dorothy Pryor
Nasty Alm – before reading this, I have not heard that name in 50+ years. I served with you as S-2 Sgt at Dai Do. I reported to Capt Dick Murphy and SSgt Flavio Canale’s. Dick Murphy took command of Fox Company on May 1. Dai Do a hell hole of battle. Capt Livingston, Echo Company and Capt Vargas, Golf Company received Medal of Honor. I returned to Dai Do in 1997 with BGEN Weiss. Major Fritz Warren also on 1997 tour.
2/4 lost 81 KIA and 350+ WIA … only the Lord knows how many NVA were killed over those 3 days. Dai Do, An Loc, Ding Tho and others have all returned to peaceful hamlets.
Very happy that my fellow S-2 Scout survived the war. It made me happy to read your name – “Nasty Alm.” Semper Fi, my friend.
I lost my brother, Edward L. Mann, on April 30th 1968, at the battle of Dai Do.
He was in the 2nd battalion, 4th Marines.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I was engaged to be married to Francis Stanley Devine II who died at DaiDo. I was the “girl back home”.
He was a change-of-life baby so his parents were in their mid 60s when he died. He had one sister 10 years older.
I spent a lot of time visiting at his parents. Fran asked me to stay overnight with his parents on Mother’s Day weekend that year. They were always happy to compare letters we received from Viet Nam. He would be coming home in a few weeks and we would be married in October. We couldn’t wait to see him.
Early that weekend morning when the piercing knock came at the door down the hall, Fran’s mom was making coffee and getting breakfast ready before church.
As she shuffled down the hallway to open the door, I stood at the other end holding my breath. When she opened the door she gasped at the two men standing there on the 3rd floor landing.
I could see their feet and legs as she stood there between us, and I knew they were Marines.
I am so sorry Jeannie. Your words make me very sad. I was a Marine helicopter gunner aboard the USS Iwo Jima during the battle of Dai Do. we flew medevacs and resupply to your boyfriends unit. I can never forget what I saw. I can only imagine how terrible it was for you and Fran’s parents. Your life was torn apart and words can’t express how devastating that had to be. I can only hope you were able to get beyond losing Fran.
I WAS with Bravo 1/3 at Battle the Battle of Dai Do.We were on top of Amtracs when crossed the Bo Dieu River.There was 6000 NVA that Massacred our company.It was like a Turkey shoot. I dont think Colonel Weise had Intel what was happening 🤔. We were over run and fighting hand to hand I was one of 11 still standing at Dai Do from Bravo 1/3. Living with the guilt. Still have night mares from Dai Do. Semper-Fi
Thank you for your courageous service. May the nightmares and guilt be vanquished by the understanding that you did all you could and helped save others. God bless you.
I was with Charlie 1/3, my buddy Doug Urban was with Bravo 1/3.
Jim were you HMM – 363?
My name is Mike Dadabo.. I was with Frank when he died. We became friends real fast. I was wounded the same day.our girlfriends had the same name Jean. and the fun we had comparing letters from them. he died on grave mound we believe that’s what it was.he was shot 3 times. I always thing of him and go to the wall when ever I get the chance. I am sorry I never contacted his family. because I could have told them alot about Frank he will always be in my heart I love you Frank.if anyone cares to contact me my #845-621-5575 family welcome. Jean if you see this call never for get him. your letters he enjoyed getting.please call. (I found this note on the Vietnam Wall memorial. Thought it was important for the family. Roger Pittman Corpsman Ist Platoon Fox Co. Later Fox Co. senior corpsman
Proud to have been there and survived, Lost my best friends Cpl. Terry Allen and Pvt. Dennis Zwardzick om April 30th 1968. I was wounded four times but stayed until I was Medevacked to the USS Iwo Jima. I have since visited the Marine Corp Museum in Quantico Virginia and seen the monument dedicated to the Magnificent Bastards on the hill next to the Chapel. To all my brothers that w served in Dia Do and still around I send my deepest thank you for being there with me especially Hotel Company. I was with 0331 guns.
Simper Fi, all you Bastards. Hope to see you all at the reunion March 30th to April 3rd in San Clemente California.
Max,
I have passed on your comment to Joe Sansosti. Thank you for your service. May we never again forget to tell our warriors, “Welcome Home, Brother.”
Michel Robertson
Author, “Welcome Home, Brother.”
Max,
I don’t know if you remember me. I am James Chaney I was a LCpl in 2nd platoon with SSgt Ward. I got hit in Dong Huan the first day. I remember when Sugar Bear and Stretch vanished during a fire fight later to be found KIA. Originally Michael Bolling (AKA Moose) was my squad leader. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of that battle.
I was in Hotel 2/4 2nd squad with sgt. Enedy, sugar bear. Can’t remember names of anyone else except a tall black guy l think his nickname was snake. Who else was in the squad?
Greg,
I was in Hotel 2/4. I knew the guy you are talking a “snake”. I carried the radio for a while
then went back to being a rifleman. (radio was to heavy and a bullet magnet) Other guys I knew were Thomas Bennet “Flea”
Harry Thompson, Charles Thompson, (not related) A guy in rockets we called “Jessie James”
I don’t remember his given name, Larry Shrewsberry He had a similar wound to mine that I got
a month later near Lam Xuan. I remember when Sgt. Enedy got hit, didn’t see it I just heard it along the line. Also I saw Bucky McPherson who was KIA that day I didn’t see him get hit either
I saw him after we had assaulted thru he was firing an M-14 on auto into a wooded area.
Staff Sgt Ward was the Platoon commander. We had nothing but admiration for SSgt Ward
He was one tough dude. I got a grenade shrapnel wound in the neck got med-evaced to
Iwo Jima. Everything was pretty much over by the time I got back to the field.
But there was still plenty of action in that area I got wounded again up near Lam Xuan.
James Chaney MGySgt USMCR (Retired)
Sgt John Enedy was my great uncle. I have learned so much about who he was through those who knew him. Thank you for your service
Hi Alm, I am Buck Herndon 3rd Plt Hotel Guns.
We we traversed a lot of ground together.
I remember the Duck you had at CamLo District Hq.
What ever happen to Vulkovitch?
DaiDo was a fierce battle. I remember it every day.
My phone is 503-559-3665 if you want to talk.
Semper Fi.
Hi my name is Dorothy Pryor and I was trying to find out where you in Vietnam in Quan tri between 1967 to 1968 I had a brother named Jerome Pryor a black brother a Marine got killed May 2nd 1968 probably got caught up in that big battle in dai do just trying to see if you knew him and I’m trying to find a way to get a hold of Joe sansosti he stated at Jerome Pryor was his best buddy and they was there together
Dear Dorothy, I am Buck Herndon. I knew Pryor well. We were in the same platoon. I see Joe at some of our reunions. He talks about Pryor all the time. I remember after the battle when we crossed the battle fields to collect our dead Marines. We found your brother last. He had advanced farther than anyone else into that village.
He was a devoted Marine and a wonderful person. I stayed in the Corps and became a SgtMaj and retired. I am so proud of the Marines I served with at Dai Do.
Joes phone is 828-577-7938.
Hi buck that was my brother’s nickname also Jerome Pryor I am so glad to hear from you thank you so much for the telephone number of Joe but he won’t answer probably think I’m one of them scams if you ever talk to him again will you please tell him I have been trying to get in touch with him I know he’s up in age now but is there anything else you can tell me about my brother I surely will appreciate it to tell the rest of the family thanks again
I was privileged to command and proud to serve the Magnificent Bastards of Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 4th Marines (BLT 2/4) during the Battle of Dai Do, 30 April–3 May 1968. Our success against incredible odds was due to the courage and performance of our individual Marines and Sailors and their small unit leaders.
, April 30=May 3, 1968. Our success against incredible odds was due
I was in Hotel Company 2nd Platoon. I got hit with some grenade shrapnel in my neck the first day of the battle.
We were assaulting through Dong Huan. There were concentric trenches with mortar pits and communication trenches
and crew served weapon positions. After we (hastily) swept though Dong Huan we noticed a bunch of directional fragmentation mines hung from bamboo tripods. I got medevaced back to the Iwo Jima for the neck wound.
I went back to the field a few days later after I was cleared.
Before and after the Dai Do battle the Cua Viet area was no joke. There were some pretty lively fire fights before and
after Dai Do.
I got hit again a month later in the vicinity of Lam Xuan. This time I took a round through my shoulder and was evacuated to USNH Yokosuka Japan. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about the fighting and how lucky I was to survive.
If there is ever a movie made about this battle I would like to give some perspective.
Sir, I’m writing about this battle and would love to talk with you. I’m compiling info from multiple sources right now. Please write me at e.jeffrey@comcast.net. My work is in the early stages, but I’m hurrying because I want all Marines who took part at Dai Do and are still with us to see the completed project.
My dad was John A Crow he was in hotel company I have photos that are from hotel company I don’t know who marine is but welcome to it.
My dad passed in 2010
at the time i was a cpl. 2/4 2nd. plt i’m victor johnson and we lost our complete plt. on the last day lt.morgan sgt.greene cpl. pless and i johnson standing looking down at our dead marines. . sgt greene was kia in nov.1968 and cpl.pless reduced to l/cpl was kia 1/4/68. it seemed like the complete world was comming to a end.we went in with 39 marines and on may 3,68 only 4 alive.
I’m Gary Upton. I was a sergeant and a short timer when I got to Vietnam. I remember Cpl Pless. He and I were at Camp Lejeune together. Sorry to hear he was kia. I got to 2/4 2nd platoon March 4th I believe. Was one of the replacements. Lt Morgan was the platoon commander. Luckily I missed the battle. Pless showed me the ropes, helped me a lot. He was a good friend.
Props to 2/4 at Dai Do, but 2/4 weren’t the only Marine unit fighting at Dai Do. My unit 3rd Marines 1/3 was locking horns with the NVA also. All companies of 1/3 were involved in the fighting and we chased the 320th NVA division back across the DMZ so the fighting wasn’t over for us in just 3 days. I read book after book on Dai Do and some of them never as much mention One Threes contribution. 1/3 lost a lot of Marines and Corpsmen also and to not mention their sacrifices along with 2/4 is a slap in the face to the families of loved ones lost in that terrible battle.
Semper Fidelis
My name is l/cpl Anthony Genova … I got wounded on 30 April 1968 while in a fire fight in the D.M.Z…. I was with 3/9/3 at the time …. Luckily I was kneeling helping to treat a wounded marine and still had my flack jacket and helmet on , or things would have been a lot worst …. My wounds where enough to get me out of country for 5 weeks to get medical treatment .. I was promoted to corporal, then back to the Nam to finish my tour on duty …. It’s my understanding that was listed as a second tour ….
My Gunnery Sergeant , Kearns wasn’t as lucky … He was doing his job , standing over us monitoring what we where doing, and took the full impact of the same blast that wounded me …. He passed away the day later May 1 , 1968 …. Rest in peace ……
Tony, I was with the3/9 1968, got wounded April 30, 1968, 81 Motors, my best friend in Nam was killed that day, not far from me.
My brother Pfc Gary Lawyer, a redhead, was also there at Dai Do, 2/4 Hotel, 1st plt, radioman. He survived it with a few nicks he said, but later was severely wounded outside Khe Sahn 7-21’68. He weighed just 110lb when he got to Fitzsimmons Military Hospital in Denver 3 months later. The medevacs saved him with the corpsman also, they took him to hospital ship USS REPOSE, he was drowning in his own blood, collapsed lung and the other had mortar frags in it too. I was home when the Marine pulled up and walked up the driveway, mom fell to her knees sobbing, then it hit me! She said open the door, I did and his 1st words were he’s alive, he’s alive and then read the telegram to us. So we were the lucky ones, for many it was the worst. He remained in the Corps and retired a CWO4 in about ‘89, he died in ‘95 leaving behind his 3 teenage sons. His name is in the back of the book by Keith Nolan the Magnificent Bastards, I was in the 1st draft lottery in ‘69 and got a high number, he said don’t enlist, I did enough for both of us. Yes he did. Thank you to all who served, welcome home. I still have that telegram. God Bless you all!