APPENDIX C
Casualties, 3d Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit(Provisional), Burma Campaign, 15 February-8 June 1944
James E. T. Hopkins, M.D.
In the following pages, the variousengagements of the 3d Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), during theBurma campaign are grouped into tactical situations, and casualties aredescribed in the order in which they occurred in combat.
1.-On 28 February 1944 in the region ofNzanga Ga, the I and R (Intelligence and Reconnaissance) Platoon, 3d Battalion,was traveling 6 hours ahead of the main body of troops. The I and R Platoonconsisted of 46 men, 4 animals, 4 Browning automatic rifles, and 6 Thompsonsubmachineguns.
At 1000 hours, the platoon was on the trailwhere it crossed a rice paddy which was overgrown with tall, thick elephantgrass, and the first section made contact with the enemy at the villageboundary. Since the platoon was under orders not to engage in any fire fights,it withdrew 2 miles north to Lanem Ga where a trail block was set up, and theywaited the arrival of the battalion. The enemy force was estimated to be made upof approximately 20 men with rifles, 2 light machineguns, and 1 heavymachinegun. Reconnaissance at a later time showed that the enemy apparently leftthe area during the night. Only one American casualty was sustained.
Case 1.-Mild laceration of the leftside of the face. This man, while on patrol, was firing his Ml rifle from aprone position when he was struck by an enemy .25 caliber light machinegunbullet at an approximate 30-yard range. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
2.-On 3 March, the 3d Battalion was movingalong the north trail leading into the village of Lagang Ga. The I and R Platoonhad already passed through the village and was being followed by several rifleplatoons and the Orange and Khaki Columns. As the battalion Headquarters Companyof the column passed through the village, a group of Japanese were notedapproaching along the south trail along the river bank. Word was passed alongthe column that the enemy was approaching, and, when they were approximately 50yards from the Headquarters Company, many of the men in the column opened fire.The party of Japanese consisted of seven men, and they were carrying a litter.The enemy party was protected by a light machinegun. Five of the Japanese werekilled instantly by the American fire and two escaped. However, they were killedat a later time. There were no American casualties. The Japanese casualties hadmultiple wounds inflicted by small arm weapons, and all had died instantly. Itwas impossible to examine the bodies carefully because of the continuingengagement with the enemy.
3.-Shortly after the encounter justdescribed, the leading elements of the Orange Column contacted a small party ofJapanese approaching from the vicinity of Walawbum. A brief fire fight ensuedand several of the enemy were killed, but there were no American casualties.
Perimeters were set up, and the entire columndug in for the night. Later in the same day, the I and R Platoon was ordered toleave the area and cross the Numpyck Hka River and protect the right flank ofthe column as it proceeded toward Walawbum on the following day. The platoonhalted at dark and dug in.
At dawn the next morning, the platoon leadertook a small group forward about 300 yards and found slightly commanding groundfrom which the column could receive flank protection until it reached itsposition along the river opposite Walawbum. The entire I and R Platoon thenmoved forward and took up its new position.
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All of this movement took place atapproximately 0700 hours on 5 March. Since it was quite foggy, the visibilitywas very poor, and the Americans sustained a casualty along their perimeterbefore they realized that they had been surrounded by approximately 90 Japanese.The platoon leader had available 48 men with 3 Browning automatic rifles and 6Thompson submachineguns. The ensuing engagement lasted from 0700 hours until1100 hours when the I and R Platoon withdrew under cover of mortar fire andsmoke, leaving approximately 60 Japanese casualties. During the engagement, theplatoon had sustained three casualties.
Case 2.-Severeperforating wound of the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and multiplepenetrating wounds of the right and the left arm. This man, while on defensiveaction at the platoon perimeter, was standing gathering camouflage material whenhe was struck by enemy small arms fired at a range of approximately 50 yards.This man reached the battalion surgeon in approximately 3 hours and received 5units of plasma and was evacuated by plane 10 hours after receiving his injury.Classified as DOW, with a 10?-hour survival time. This casualty might have beenavoided if he had been more alert and had taken advantage of protective cover.
Case 3.-Severe perforating wounds ofthe left temporal region of the head. This man was on defensive action firingfrom a prone position in a shallow foxhole when he was struck by fragments froma Japanese mortar shell which had a tree burst at a 25-yard range. He was takento the battalion surgeon but died within 2 hours. Classified as DOW, with a2-hour survival time. This casualty might have been avoided if he had worn hishelmet and had taken advantage of a deeper foxhole.
Case 4.-Moderately severe penetratingwound of the left forearm. This man was in a position similar to Case 3 and waswounded under similar circumstances. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
4.-During the encounter between the I and RPlatoon and the encircling enemy force, the Orange Column, which had dug in forthe night approximately 40 yards from the river, came under enemy mortar fire.Three American casualties were sustained.
Case 5.-Severe penetrating wounds ofthe left thigh and the thorax. This man was on defensiveaction, and in charging with a mortar section he moved off the trail toconstruct a foxhole when he was struck by a fragment froma Japanese knee mortar shell which had a tree burst at a15-foot range. Classified as KIA, died instantly.
Case 6.-Mild penetrating wound of theright side of the abdomen. This man was in a prone position in a foxhole when hewas struck by a fragment from the shell which struck Case 5. Classified as WIA,immediate duty type.
Case 7.-Mild laceration of theabdomen. This man was sitting in the jungle without advantage of any protectivecover or a foxhole when he was struck by the shell which struck Case 5.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
5.-The Khaki Column remained in the vicinityof the village of Lagang Ga in order to protect the rear of the column as wellas the airstrip. No contact had been made with the enemy on 3 March, but atapproximately 0630 hours on 4 March the perimeter was struck by an enemy forceof approximately 30 men armed with 2 light machineguns, 2 knee mortars, and manyrifles. The American troops were engaged in preparing breakfast and wereconsiderably disorganized during the attack. A number of American troops wereexamining the bodies of five Japanese killed during the previous day. The entireengagement lasted approximately 20 minutes when the Japanese withdrew with atleast six KIA casualties. The Americans sustained six WIA casualties.
Case 8.-Severe penetrating wound ofthe right forearm with a compound fracture of the radius. This man was ondefensive action in a prone position with his machinegun when he was struck byan enemy .25 caliber light machinegun bullet. Classified as WIA, second echelontype.
Case 9.-Multiple, moderately severepenetrating wounds of the right and left upper and lower extremities. This manhad approximately 100 small fragments in the skin, the
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subcutaneous tissues, and the muscles of the upper and lowerextremities. He was in a prone position under the same circumstances as Case 8when he was struck by fragments of an enemy knee mortar shell which burst at arange of approximately 3 yards. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 10.-Multiple, moderately severe penetratingwounds of the right and left lower extremities. This man was wounded undercircumstances similar to those of Case 9. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 11.-Mild laceration of the left side of thethorax. This man was in a position similar to that of Case 9 when he was struckby a fragment from an enemy hand grenade which exploded at a 3-yard range.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualty might have been avoided ifhe had taken advantage of protective cover in a foxhole.
Case 12.-Mild laceration of the head and face. Thisman was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 9. Classified asWIA, immediate duty type.
Case 13.-Moderately severe penetrating wound of thehead and severe penetrating wound of the right side of the thorax. This man wason defensive action in a prone position when he was struck by a fragment from anenemy knee mortar shell which had a tree burst. Classified as WIA, first echelontype. This casualty might have been avoided if he had worn his helmet and takenadvantage of a foxhole or of other protective cover.
6.-Later in the day on 4 March, the Khaki Column, with allmen and animals, moved from its position 200 yards south of Lagang Ga to set upa perimeter on the bank of the river opposite the village of Walawbum. Duringthe afternoon, an extensive mortar barrage was fired into the village, but theenemy force retaliated with approximately 20 mortar shells.
During 5 March, there were sporadic artillery exchanges, butthere were no American casualties. However, during the morning and earlyafternoon of 6 March, the enemy expended about 200 mortar and artillery shellsinto the Orange Combat Team area and the Americans had three minor casualties.During the late afternoon, the enemy made a sudden attack in force along theriver side of the American perimeter. It was necessary for the enemy to approachthe river by crossing 60 yards of flat, brush-covered terrain, at least 10 feetbelow the fairly flat jungle-covered terrain, occupied by the American force.Very few of the enemy troops were allowed to reach the river.
During this encounter of the Orange Combat Team with the enemyon 4 through 6 March, approximately 400 American troops were engaged and only 4slightly WIA casualties were sustained. Approximately 1,000 Japanese troops wereengaged, and it was estimated that they had at least 400 KIA casualties.
Case 14.-Slight penetrating wound of the right thigh.This man was on defensive action sitting in a foxhole when he was struck by afragment of a Japanese mortar which had a tree burst of a 20- to 30-yard range.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualty might have been avoided ifhe had taken advantage of a prone position in his foxhole.
Case 15.-Moderately severe perforating wound of theright forearm. This man was walking on patrol when he was struck by a Japaneserifle bullet. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 16.-Moderately severe perforating wound of theleft leg. This man was on defensive action in a prone position in a foxhole withhis lower extremities unprotected. He was struck by a fragment from a Japanesemortar shell which had a tree burst directly over his foxhole. Classified as WIA,first echelon type and required 1 month of hospitalization.
Case 17.-Moderately severe penetrating wound of theright side of the head. This man was in the same foxhole and was wounded underthe same circumstances as Case 16. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. Thiscasualty could have been avoided if he had taken advantage of the protectionafforded by his helmet.
7. -During the time that the Orange Combat Team wassupporting the I and R Platoon, the Khaki Combat Team rested along the trail atLagang Ga. Though no active
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fighting took place and no Japanese artillery shells landed inthe Khaki Combat Team area, one casualty was sustained.
The Khaki Column bivouacked during the night of 5 March in thearea occupied by the Orange Column. The Khaki Combat Team remained in this areacovering the Orange Column's supply trail until midafternoon on 6 March. A few77 mm. artillery shells fell in the area, and two men were wounded. Afterleaving the bivouac area, the Khaki Column attempted to reach the Orange CombatTeam by traveling through the jungle to the left of the main trail. However,this operation was unsuccessful, and the men became lost and wandered in thejungle for 8 hours. During this time, 4 men were wounded and 1 was killed bycontact with boobytraps which had been set by the Orange Combat Team. Finally,both columns were reunited, and they were relieved by Chinese troops.
Case 18.-Slight lacerations of the left side of the thorax.This man was on patrol walking along an open trail when he was struck by anenemy rifle bullet at a range of approximately 200 yards. Classified as WIA,immediate duty type.
Case 19.-Moderately severe perforating wound ofthe left hand. This man, while on defensive action guarding a supply line, wasin a prone position. He was wounded by a fragment from an enemy 77 mm. artilleryshell which fell 20 yards from his position. Classified as WIA, first echelontype, and required 30 days of hospitalization. This casualty might have beenavoided if he had taken advantage of protective cover or of a foxhole.
Case 20.-Mild lacerations of the thorax. This man waswounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 19. Classified as WIA,immediate duty type.
Case 21.-Multiple penetrating wounds of the lowerextremities. This man while on a night march through thick jungle, wasattempting to reach the Orange Combat Team when he walked into a boobytrappreviously set up by that unit. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 22.-Multiple perforating wounds of the lowerextremities. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case21. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 23.-Multiple, mild penetrating wounds of thelower extremities and of the face. This man was wounded under circumstancessimilar to those of Case 21. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 24.-Severe, multiple wounds of various bodyregions. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 21and several days elapsed before his body was found. Classified as KIA.
Case 25.-Multiple penetrating and perforatingwounds of the thorax and the upper and lower extremities. This man was woundedunder circumstances similar to those of Case 21. Classified as WIA, secondechelon type.
8.-During the period from 7 March to 31 March, the 3dBattalion was engaged in marching through very rugged and mountainous terraintoward the Japanese-held road at Inkangahtawng 12 miles north of Kamaing. On 25March, the Khaki Combat Team of the 3d Battalion and members of the 2d Battalionreached the area and set up a roadblock. The 2d Battalion became engaged withthe enemy, and after inflicting many casualties they withdrew because of athreatened encirclement. The Khaki Combat Team did not take a very active partin the fighting, and they withdrew with the 2d Battalion to Sharaw. A landingstrip was constructed here for the evacuation of U.S. wounded.
On the following day, the retreat was continued through Manpintoward Auche. The Orange Combat Team had been holding the trail open at Manpin.On 26 and 27 March, the Orange I and R Platoon fought two skirmishes with theforward elements of a Japanese battalion advancing from Kamaing toward WarawngGa by another trail. The 2d and 3d Battalions reached Auche during the afternoonof 27 March. The following casualties were sustained:
Case 26.-Mutilation of the head and traumaticamputation of the right lower extremity. This man was watching a supply drop forthe Chinese when he was struck by a case of
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mortar ammunition which had become separated from itsparachute. Classified as KIA. It had not been planned to include this casualtyin the records of this casualty survey, but unfortunately he was recorded in thetabulation of multiple wounds due to miscellaneous causes.
Case 27.-Minor, severe penetrating wounds of the leftshoulder and lacerations of the left leg. This man was on defensive actionretreating from bivouac area when he was injured by a fragment from an enemy 77mm. artillery shell at an unknown range. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 28.-Mild penetrating wound of the left buttock. Thisman was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 27. Classified asWIA, immediate duty type.
Case 29.-Multiple, severe penetrating and perforating woundsof the right lower extremity and a severe penetrating wound of the right lowerquadrant of the abdomen. This man was cleaning his Ml rifle when he was struckby a burst of fire from a rifle being cleaned by another enlisted man at a10-foot range. Classified as DOW, with a 1-hour survival. This casualty couldhave been avoided.
Case 30.-Severe perforating wound of the thorax. This manwas a member of a five-man patrol which had just come out of dense jungle alonga narrow trail into fairly open terrain. Another patrol from the 2d Battalionwas sighted 50 yards ahead on the trail. One of the men of this patrol openedfire with his rifle. Classified as KIA. This casualty could have been avoidedsince the light tan British-type coveralls which this casualty was wearingprobably confused the members of the other patrol.
Case 31.-Mild perforating wound of the right thigh. This manwas a member of a 60 mm. mortar squad and was wounded by an accidental dischargeof a defective propelling charge. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
9.-During the period from 7 March to 31 March 1944, therewere approximately 450 Americans engaged against an approximated equal number ofthe enemy. The Americans sustained a total of 6 casualties, and the Japanesesustained a total of from 95 to 145 casualties.
On the morning of 28 March, the 3d Battalion arrived atHsamshingyang with the mission of supplying the 2d Battalion at Nhpum Ga and ofkeeping the trail open for the evacuation of the wounded. On 28 March, the 2dBattalion was engaged by the enemy, and they evacuated their casualties throughthe 3d Battalion during the next 3 days.
On 31 March, patrols could not reach the 2d Battalion, and theOrange Combat Team was ordered to open the trail. During the next 6 days, theirattempts were unsuccessful, and the Khaki Combat Team was called on to take overthe job.
During the period of 1 through 6 April, while the OrangeCombat Team was engaged in attempting to lift the Japanese-held trail block, 36American casualties were sustained of which 6 were KIA, 2 were DOW, and 28 wereWIA. The enemy sustained approximately 200 casualties during this same period.
Case 32.-Severe perforating wound of the right lowerquadrant of the abdomen. This man was a member of a five-man patrol and was in akneeling position furnishing cover fire for another scout when he was struck bya Japanese rifle bullet at a 20-yard range. Classified as WIA, first echelontype, and was returned to combat duty within 7 weeks. This casualty might havebeen avoided if he had taken advantage of better cover and if he had been morecautious.
Case 33.-Severe perforating wound of the left side of theface. This man was on patrol duty advancing on a steep trail flanked by thickjungle and bamboo. He was struck by an enemy rifle bullet at a range ofapproximately 10 to 20 yards. The battalion surgeon put a tight compress overthe mutilated left side of the face, and the casualty walked 1 mile to theregimental aid station. He died during the night. Classified as DOW, with an18-hour survival.
Case 34.-Severe perforating wound of the left foot. This manwas a member of a patrol and was wounded by an enemy rifle bullet at an unknownrange. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type.
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Case 35.-Severe penetrating wound of the rightthigh. This man was on offensive action firing at the enemy from a sittingposition when he was wounded by a .25 caliber rifle bullet at a 30-yard range.Classified as WIA, second echelon type, and returned to duty within 3 months.
Case 36.-Moderately severe perforating wound ofthe right arm. This man was on patrol duty when the patrol encountered aJapanese trail block. The lead scout warned the others to take cover along theside of the trail. The enemy forces opened fire with a light and a heavymachinegun. This man was hit by an enemy light machinegun, but he continued tofire his weapon after being wounded. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. Itis noteworthy to see that this man continued in combat even after being woundedand then walked 3 to 4 miles to the airstrip before he was evacuated.
Case 37.-Severe penetrating wound of the rightthigh. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 36.Classified as KIA.
Case 38.-Severe, multiple penetrating wounds ofthe right and left lower extremities and a perforating wound of the thorax. Thisman was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 36. The first burstof fire had wounded this soldier in the legs, and as a friend was pulling him tosafety he was killed by a bullet through the chest. Classified as KIA.
Case 39.-Mild laceration of the right arm. This man was ina crawling position when he was struck by a ricochet of a .25 caliber riflebullet. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 40.-Mild laceration of the left inguinal region. Thisman was working with a mortar squad, during preparation for an infantry attack,when he was struck by a stray .25 caliber bullet. He was in a sitting positionwith no protective cover. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualtymight have been avoided if the mortar squad had taken advantage of defensivecover.
Case 41.-Severe perforating wound of the thorax.This man, while on defensive action, was a member of a group of about 10 men whowere bunched along the trail 30 yards from the enemy roadblock. An enemy kneemortar shell exploded 5 yards in back of the group on a slight elevation alongthe side of the trail. In addition to this casualty, seven others were injured.Classified as KIA. This casualty, as well as the following seven cases, couldhave been avoided if they had taken advantage of dispersion and of protectivecover.
Case 42.-Multiple penetrating and perforating wounds of theneck and of the upper and lower extremities. Classified as WIA, first echelontype.
Case 43.-Multiple perforating wounds of the upper and lowerextremities. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 44.-Multiple perforating wounds of the upper and lowerextremities. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type.
Case 45.-Mild perforating wound of the thorax. Classified asWIA, immediate duty type.
Case 46.-Mild penetrating wound of the left shoulder.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 47.-Multiple penetrating wounds of the head and thethorax. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 48.-Severe penetrating wound of the head. Classified asWIA, U.S. evacuation type.
Case 49.-Multiple, severe wounds of the thorax and theabdomen. This man was on offensive action and was walking without advantage ofprotective cover when he was struck by a burst of fire from an enemy lightmachinegun at a 10-yard range. Classified as KIA. This casualty might have beenavoided. Cases 49 and 50 were providing protective fire for a man with aflamethrower. They were at the farthest part of the advance when they becamecareless and stepped from the jungle cover onto the trail where both men wereshot.
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Case 50.-Severe perforating wounds of thethorax and the right upper extremity. This man was wounded under circumstancessimilar to those of Case 49. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type.
Case 51.-Mild lacerating wound of the rightshoulder. This man was in a prone position behind a tree when he was struck bya fragment from a Japanese hand grenade at a 5-yard range. Classified as WIA,immediate duty type.
Case 52.-Mild laceration of the leftforearm. This man was in a prone position when he was struck by a .25 caliberJapanese rifle bullet, at an unknown range. Classified as WIA, immediate dutytype.
Case 53.-Moderately severe perforating woundof the abdomen. This man was walking on defensive action when he was struck byan enemy sniper's bullet at a 60-yard range. Classified as WIA, second echelontype. This casualty might have been avoided if he had taken advantage ofprotective cover. The enemy sniper had been active in this area for some time,and the men had been warned to stay out of open areas.
Case 54.-Mild laceration of the left arm.This man was in a prone position in a foxhole when he was struck by a .50caliber machinegun bullet from a U.S. P-57 during a strafing attack. Classifiedas WIA, immediate duty type. Better air-ground communications would haveprevented this accident.
Case 55.-Severe perforating wound of theabdomen. This man was sitting in a very shallow foxhole with his upper torsoexposed when he was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 54.This man received plasma within 5 minutes after being injured and was thenevacuated 4 miles by litter carry. He died approximately 24 hours after beinginjured. Classified as DOW, with a 24-hour survival time. This casualty mighthave been avoided if he had taken advantage of more complete protection.
Case 56.-Moderately severe lacerating woundsof the left forearm. This man was in a prone position on offensive action whenhe was struck by an enemy rifle bullet. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 57.-Moderately severe penetrating woundof the right shoulder. This man was in a prone position on offensive action whenhe was struck by an enemy sniper's bullet at a range of approximately 40yards. The advance had stopped, and the man was attempting to reach an oldJapanese foxhole. He was injured as he was entering the foxhole. Classified asWIA, first echelon type. This casualty might have been avoided if he had takenadvantage of protective cover instead of exposing himself to sniper fire as hecrawled over the ground to the foxhole.
Case 58.-Moderately severe perforating woundof the right arm. This man was in a prone position on offensive action when hewas struck by a bullet from a Japanese light machinegun at a 30-yard range.Classified as WIA, first echelon type, and returned to duty within 30 days.
Case 59.-Severe penetrating wounds of thehead. This man was in a prone position in a shallow foxhole waiting for themortar barrage to lift when he was struck by a fragment from a 50 mm. U.S.mortar shell which had a tree burst at a range of approximately 15 yards.Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type. This man's helmet probably saved hislife. The mortar was being fired from a position too far back of the frontline.
Case 60.-Mild penetrating wound of the rightleg. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 59.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 61.-Mild laceration of the left leg.This man was walking on offensive action when he was struck by an enemy riflebullet at a range of approximately 30 to 100 yards. Classified as WIA, immediateduty type.
Case 62.-Mild laceration of the leftshoulder. This man was sitting in a shallow foxhole near the air station when hewas struck by a fragment from a Japanese knee mortar which had a tree burstdirectly overhead. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualty mighthave been avoided if he had taken advantage of a prone position in the foxhole.
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Case 63.-Multiple, moderately severe woundsof the head. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case62. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualty might have beenavoided if he had worn his helmet and had been in a prone position.
Case 64.-Mild penetrating wounds of theright upper extremity. This man was in a prone position in a foxhole when he waswounded by fragments from a U.S. 60 mm. mortar shell which exploded at adistance of 3 feet from the edge of the hole. Classified as WIA, first echelontype.
Case 65.-Mild penetrating wound of the head.This man was in a prone position on offensive action when he was wounded byfragments from a Japanese hand grenade which exploded at a 2- to 3-yard range.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 66.-Severe penetrating wound of thethorax. This man, while on defensive action, was standing on a trail in a knownprevious line of fire near the front perimeter when he was hit by a .25 caliberrifle bullet at a range of approximately 200 yards. Classified as KIA. Thiscasualty might have been avoided if the man had not engaged in sightseeing andif he had heeded the warning about the enemy's line of fire.
Case 67.-Severe perforating wound of thehead. During the change of guard at night, this man sat up in his foxhole. Thebattalion veterinarian, thinking the soldier was a Japanese, shot him with his.45 caliber pistol. Classified as KIA. This casualty could have been avoided.
10.-On 4 April, the Khaki Combat Team wasordered to bypass the Japanese resistance on the Nhpum Ga trail and to make aright flank attack on the Japanese at the northeast sector of the village whereanother trail led into the area. After considerable difficulty in passingthrough the jungle, the combat team arrived in the vicinity of the village atapproximately 1600 hours. While advancing up the trail, the three lead scoutswere wounded by a burst of Japanese machinegun fire. These men advanced into anambush without proper reconnaissance or preparation. All other attempts of theAmericans to advance were repulsed.
On 5 April, after a quiet night without attackfrom the Japanese, the combat team advanced along the trail. However, heavy firefrom the enemy light machinegun prevented any flanking movement, and the combatteam retired from the area.
Case 68.-Severeperforating wound of the head. This man was a lead scout on patrol and waswalking up a trail when he was struck by a bullet from an enemy lightmachinegun. Classified as KIA. This casualty might have been avoided ifdifferent tactics had been adopted.
Case 69.-Moderately severe penetrating woundof the left thigh. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those ofCase 68. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 70.-Severe perforatingwoundof the neck. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case68. Classified as DOW, with a 7-hour survival time. This casualty might havebeen avoided if he had not attempted to reach Case 69. He should have takenadvantage of protective cover until the offensive action could have beenproperly organized.
Case 71.-Traumatic amputation of the rightthird finger. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case68. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 72.-Moderately severe laceration of theright thigh. This man was on offensive action and advancing through thick junglein a low crouched position when he was struck by an enemy light machinegunbullet at a range of approximately 40 yards. Classified as WIA, firstechelon type.
Case 73.-Moderatelysevere perforating wound of the right leg. This man was advancing in a crouchedposition through thick jungle cover when he was struck by an enemy lightmachinegun bullet. This man was seen by the battalion surgeon 15 minutes afterhe was injured, but before that time he had not received any first aid nor had atourniquet been
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applied to his leg. Classified as DOW, with a 40-minutesurvival time. This casualty could have been avoided if a tourniquet had beenapplied to his leg.
Case 74.-Minor laceration of the right shoulder. This manwas advancing in a crouched position on offensive action when he was struck byan enemy light machinegun bullet. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
11.-On 7 April, the Khaki Combat Team took over theperimeter of the Orange Combat Team. The latter team was dispatched on a wideflanking movement to the left of the main trail. Their mission was to cut theJapanese supply line south of Nhpum Ga. This maneuver was not successful becauseof difficult terrain and supply shortages.
During the period of 7 through 9 April, the Khaki Combat Teamhad numerous contacts with the enemy forces. The heaviest part of the offensiveduring 8 April was carried out by the I and R Platoon of Headquarters Companyand the 2d Platoon of I Company. All of the positions taken on 7 April weregiven up because of the high ground held by the Japanese. Five separate attackswere organized during the day. Both 60 and 81 mm. mortars were used to give abarrage of about 400 shells preceding each attack. Much of the fighting tookplace with only a few yards separating the advance elements of the approachingforces. The fighting throughout most of the day was up steep terrain throughclosely growing bamboo and thick jungle growth.
Case 75.-Severe penetrating wound of the left forearm with acompound fracture of the left radius. This man, while on offensive action in aprone position, crawled into the fire lane of a Japanese light machinegun. Hewas wounded at an approximate 60-yard range. Classified as WIA, second echelontype. This casualty might have been avoided if he had stayed out of the knownmachinegun lane.
Case 76.-Mild penetrating wound of the right arm andmultiple penetrating wounds of the left lower extremity. This man was woundedunder circumstances similar to those of Case 74. Classified as WIA, firstechelon type.
Case 77.-Mild laceration of the left hand. This man waswounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 75. Classified as WIA,immediate duty type.
Case 78.-Severe perforating wound of the thorax. This manwas on offensive action and in a crawling position during advancement againstthe enemy when he was hit by a burst of fire from a Japanese light machinegun ata 100-yard range. Classified as DOW, with a 1?-hour survival time.
Case 79.-Moderately severe penetrating wound of the righthand. This man was on offensive action and was standing throwing a grenade whenhe was struck by a fragment from a Japanese hand grenade at a range ofapproximately 10 feet. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 80.-Severe penetrating wound of the right side of thehead. This man was on offensive action and was carrying a radio. The platoonleader informed him that they were entering a danger zone, and, as the soldierwas attempting to assume the prone position, he was struck by a bullet from aJapanese .25 caliber rifle at a 40-yard range. Classified as KIA.
Case 81.-Severe penetrating wound of the right side of thehead. This man was walking to the left of the trail toward the enemy line in aknown fire lane when he was struck by an enemy light machinegun bullet at a50-yard range. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type. This casualty might havebeen avoided if he had taken advantage of protective cover and if he had heededthe previous warning in regard to the fire lane.
Case 82.-Mild laceration of theleft hand. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 81.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 83.-Severe perforating wound of the thorax. This manwas on offensive action and his platoon had just been relieved and was goinginto position for flank protection when he was struck by a .25 caliber bullet ata 75- to 100-yard range. He was in a prone position. Classified as DOW, with a2-hour survival time.
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Case 84.-Severe perforating wound of the thorax.This man was on offensive action advancing in a crouched position when he wasstruck by a .25 caliber rifle bullet at a 20-yard range. Classified as WIA,second echelon type.
Case 85.-Severe penetrating wound of the rightleg with a compound comminuted fracture of the right tibia. This man was a radiooperator and was occupying a shallow foxhole 50 yards in front of the perimeterand 100 yards in back of the advancing troops. The foxhole had been dug by theJapanese and had a log in front and in back. A light machinegun bullet passedthrough the log and wounded this man. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.This casualty might have been avoided if he had not occupied this foxhole whichwas in a known lane of machinegun fire.
Case 86.-Mild penetrating wound ofthe right thigh. This man was the lead scout of his platoon and in a crouchedposition when he was struck by a fragment from an enemy hand grenade which had atree burst of a 5-foot range. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 87.-Mild laceration of the head and face. This man wasin a prone position behind a tree when he was struck by a fragment from an enemyhand grenade which exploded at a range of approximately 5 feet. Classified asWIA, immediate duty type.
Case 88.-Mild laceration of the upper part of the left leg.This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 86. Classifiedas WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 89.-Mild penetrating wound of the left side of theface. This squad leader was standing behind a tree when he was struck bynumerous fragments from a Japanese hand grenade which exploded at a 2-yardrange. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualty might have beenavoided if he had taken advantage of a prone position.
Case 90.-Moderately severe penetrating wound ofthe left hand. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case89. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 91.-Mild laceration of the right hand. This man was ina prone position of a shellhole when he was struck by a fragment from a Japanesehand grenade at a 5- to 10-yard range. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 92.-Severe penetrating wound of the left arm with acompound comminuted fracture of the elbow region. This man was in a proneposition firing at a Japanese light machinegun crew when he was struck by anenemy machinegun bullet at a range of approximately 30 yards. Classified as WIA,U.S. evacuation type. This casualty might have been avoided if he had notoccupied a known lane of machinegun fire.
Case 93.-Multiple, moderately severe penetrating wounds ofthe head and the right upper and lower extremities. This man was on offensiveaction and delivering Browning automatic rifle fire from a shellhole when aJapanese hand grenade burst at a 2-yard range. Despite his multiple wounds, thisman continued to deliver effective fire against the enemy light machinegun crew.Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type.
Case 94.-Multiple penetrating wounds of the leftlower extremity. This man was in a prone position when he was struck by afragment from an enemy hand grenade at a 2-yard range. Classified as WIA, firstechelon type.
Case 95.-Moderately severe perforating wound ofthe abdomen, posteriorly. This man was on offensive action and was crawlingforward when he exposed himself to enemy rifle fire by crawling over a slightelevation on the ground. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. This casualtymight have been avoided if he had circled around, rather than crawled over, theelevation on the ground.
Case 96.-Moderately severe penetrating wound ofthe right forearm. This man was on offensive action and was talking in acrouched position into attack when he made an excessive amount of noise in goingthrough a clump of bamboo. He was wounded by fire from a Japanese sniper'srifle. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. This casualty might have beenavoided.
Case 97.-Mild penetrating wound of the right side of theneck. This man was crawling back to the command post for ammunition when he waswounded by fragments from an enemy hand grenade which exploded within a few feetof his position. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
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Case 98.-Mild penetrating wound of the righthand. This squad leader was crawling toward the enemy lines when he was struckby a fragment from an enemy hand grenade at a 5-yard range. Classified as WIA,immediate duty type.
Case 99.-Severe perforating wound of theabdomen and a moderately severe penetrating wound of the thorax. This man was onoffensive action and was scouting about in a dense clump of bamboo when he wasstruck by the first burst of Japanese heavy machinegun fire at a 25- to 30-yardrange. Classified as DOW, with a 24-hour survival time.
12.-On 8 April, an unfortunate accidentoccurred. A 60 mm. mortar shell scored a direct hit on a headquarters companyheavy machinegun crew. One man survived, two died of wounds, and a fourth waskilled instantly. A prior air and artillery barrage had cleared away the bambooand jungle growth for approximately 100 yards along the trail, and the U.S.mortars were set up in this area. The frontline of the perimeter was 200 yardsin front of the mortars. At this distance on the left of the trail, there was alarge hole in which was placed a heavy machinegun squad. Across the trail wasanother hole occupied by the battalion commander and the officer directing fire.A mortar barrage was planned and the 81 mm. mortars were zeroed in. It was thendecided to add the 60 mm. mortars to the barrage. The initial range was 350 to400 yards. Following the primary zeroing round, a second round was requested,and subsequent investigation revealed that despite the usual precaution thisround fell short and landed on the machinegun emplacement. After this accident,the 60 mm. mortar was used only as a frontline weapon.
Case 100.-Multiple, moderately severepenetrating wounds of the neck, thorax, and upper and lower extremities. Thisman was crouched in a left posterior corner of the machinegun hole when the 60mm. mortar shell exploded at an approximate 4-foot range. Classified as WIA,second echelon type.
Case 101.-Multiple penetrating andperforating wounds of the abdomen and lower extremity. This man was woundedunder circumstances similar to those of Case 100. Classified as DOW, with a12-hour survival time.
Case 102.-Multiple penetrating wounds of theface, abdomen, and upper and lower extremities. This man was wounded undercircumstances similar to those of Case 100. Classified as DOW, with a 2-monthsurvival time.
Case 103.-Large mutilating wounds of theright side of head and body with compound comminuted fractures of right arm andleg. This man was in very close proximity to the 60 mm. mortar shell when itexploded. Classified as KIA.
13.-On 9 April 1944, an early morning patrolwas sent forward from the Khaki Combat Team perimeter. In the area where theresistance had been the strongest, the patrol encountered only one liveJapanese. He appeared to be in a dazed condition and was wandering aboutcarrying the arm of another soldier which had been cleanly cut off below theelbow. In his attempt to escape, he was killed.
The Khaki Combat Team Rifle Platoon soon movedinto the area and made contact with the 2d Battalion without meeting any enemyresistance. The 2d Battalion had been surrounded by elements of one Japanesebattalion reinforced with a heavy weapons company which had opposed all rescueattempts. The 2d Battalion had been subjected to 11 days of fanatical rushes bythe enemy from all sides of their perimeter and daily pointblank artillery firefrom two mountain artillery pieces (nicknamed "whiz bangs") and mortarfire. A combat team from the 1st Battalion, which had been on a flankingmission, entered the village somewhat later. The long train of wounded men wasquickly moved to the airstrip, 5 miles away.
The Orange Combat Team arrived from itsunsuccessful flanking movement, and a strong perimeter was set up about thevillage. Strong points were placed along the trail to keep the 5-mile supplyroute open.
Elements of the 5307th Composite Unit(Provisional) remained in this area until 24 April, when the entire area wasturned over to the Chinese troops. Constant patrol action
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was carried out during this period. The Japanese had withdrawnsouth along the trail to Auche and Warawng.
Case 104.-Severe penetrating wound of the leftleg. This man was sitting on the edge of a previous Japanese foxhole when he wasstruck by a fragment from an enemy artillery shell which exploded at a 5-yardrange. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 105.-Multiple penetrating wounds of the right and leftlower extremities and the thorax. This man was on patrol activity when he walkedinto a U.S. boobytrap armed with a hand grenade. Classified as WIA, secondechelon type. This casualty could have been avoided.
Case 106.-Moderately severeperforating wound of the left arm and penetrating wound of the thorax. This man,a member of a five-man patrol, had moved from the protective cover of the tallgrass onto the trail. He was struck by fire from an enemy machinegun at a rangeof approximately 75 yards. Classified as KIA. This casualty could have beenavoided if he had refrained from stepping into the trail in this close proximityto the enemy.
Case 107.-Mild laceration of the thorax. This man was amember of the same patrol as Case 106 and became very nervous after the patrolleader was struck. In his attempt to crawl to the rear, he was struck by firefrom a Japanese sniper's rifle. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. Thiscasualty could have been avoided if he had remained at his post.
Case 108.-Moderately severe penetrating wound ofthe left lower extremity. This squad leader, becoming very excited when theenemy contact was made, was struck by fire from an enemy sniper's rifle bulletat a 60-yard range. Classified as WIA, first echelon type.
Case 109.-Severe perforating wound of the right leg. Thisman was cleaning his Ml rifle and forgot to remove the cartridge in the clip;the gun was accidentally discharged. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type.His wound necessitated amputation of the leg. This casualty could have beenavoided.
Case 110.-Severe perforating wound of the left leg. This manwas on patrol and thought he heard a noise. He then proceeded to arm his pistolbut forgot to release it to safety after placing it in his holster. A fewminutes later, there was an accidental discharge of the weapon. Classified asWIA, second echelon type. This casualty could have been avoided.
14.-The entire regiment (5307th Composite Unit(Provisional)) was in the vicinity of Naubum on the Tanai Hka River from 25 to30 April. After reorganization at Hsamshingyang, plans were drawn up for thecapture of the airfield at Myitkyina. Because of its reduced strength, the 2dBattalion was to be held in regimental reserve. The 3d Battalion withapproximately 350 men in the Orange Combat Team and 250 men in the Khaki CombatTeam was to work with the 88th Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, with the150th Infantry Regiment of the Chinese Army. The Chinese troops had been trainedby Americans and were equipped with American weapons. The majority of Americantroops were in very poor physical condition after their 3 months' stay inBurma. Many had medical conditions which under ordinary circumstances would haverequired hospitalization.
The 3d Battalion followed by the Chinese 88th InfantryRegiment left Naubum on 30 April for the very difficult trek over the 6,034-foothigh Jaupadu Bum mountain range leading to the Myitkyina Valley. In spite ofmany alarms, no contact was made with the enemy by the King Force (the 3dBattalion plus the Chinese 88th Infantry Regiment) until it reached Ritpong, atypica1 Kachin hill valley 50 miles north of Myitkyina. The north trail into thevillage rises 500 feet within 500 yards, and the south trail runs over a gentleridge with steep sides. Therefore, the terrain presented an ideal defensiveposition for the enemy.
On 6 May, the 3d Battalion cut a trail through the jungle tothe left of the village and blocked the south trail. The Chinese closed in onthe north trail and attacked on 7 May, finally entering the village on 10 May.The Japanese garrison of one company had been destroyed, and one woundedJapanese who remained described a small party of about 30 men who escaped.
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Between 7 and 10 May 1944, about 700 U.S.troops were engaged in the action described, though never more than 3 platoonswere involved at any one time. Of the approximately 3,000 Chinese troopsengaged, never more than 500 were used at one time. There were between 200 and300 Japanese in the opposing forces. They sustained about 185 casualties, andthe Chinese sustained 30 KIA and 100 WIA.1
The details of the five U.S. troops WIA, oneof whom later died of his wounds, are as follows:
Case 111.-Severe penetrating wound of theright side of the thorax. This man was on defensive action in a prone positionin a foxhole when he was struck by a stray Japanese bullet at a 100-yard range.Classified as DOW, with a 4-day survival time.
Case 112.-Severe perforating wound of theright side of the neck. This man was on offensive action and was bringing upseveral men to support the light machinegun which his platoon leader had set up.He knew that snipers had been shooting into this general area for the past 15minutes. While moving just to the right of the trail with very poor junglecover, he turned to give a command and was struck by a .25 caliber rifle bulletat a 70-yard range. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuation type. This casualtymight have been avoided if he had taken advantage of protective cover andconcealment.
Case 113.-Moderately severe perforatingwound of the thorax. This man was on offensive action and advancing in acrouched position when he was struck by a .25 caliber rifle bullet at a 100-yardrange. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. This casualty might have beenavoided if he had taken advantage of protective cover and concealment.
Case 114.-Moderately severe perforatingwound of the right thigh. This man was in a prone position in the midst ofjungle cover firing at the enemy when he was struck by a heavy machinegun bulletat a 75-yard range. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 115.-Penetrating wound of the left footand multiple penetrating wounds of the left leg. This man was on defensiveaction and was withdrawing from contact with the enemy when he was struck byfragments from 90 mm. Japanese mortar shell which burst 1 yard in front of him.Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
15.-After leaving Ritpong, the I and RPlatoon of the Orange Combat Team managed to cover 12 miles in approximately 24hours and approached Tingkrukawng on 13 May 1944. Their route had led up a steephill on a razorback trail which threaded its way through thick
1During this 4-day engagement, the Chinese,according to their regimental surgeon, sustained between 25 and 30 casualties (KIA).It was never possible to obtain any further information.
No records are available on the Chinesewounded, but the writer of this chapter saw the 100 who were treated in the 42dPortable Surgical Hospital located 400 yards north of the village and can make afairly accurate statement concerning them.
Mortar and grenade fragments accounted for atleast 80 percent of the casualties and machinegun and rifle bullets for theremainder. About half of the mortar casualties seemed caused by Chinese fire.
Local anesthesia was used in all cases,supplemented by Penthothal sodium (thiopental sodium) in two abdominaloperations.
No skull fractures or brain wounds weretreated, though 10 percent of the casualties had head injuries. One casualty hada severe perforating mortar wound of the right side of the neck, laterally, withthe exit wound through the distal third of the tongue. This man died in 72hours, without surgical intervention, and with uremia as the most prominentfeature. The entire end of the tongue was necrotic before his death.
No sucking thoracic wounds and very fewpenetrating wounds were seen, though thoracic wounds were found in 20 percent ofthe casualties. One casualty with a wound 6 cm. in diameter over the rightscapula had no evidence of penetration of the thoracic cavity. He died afterdebridement.
Three casualties with abdominal wounds died ofhemorrhage and shock a few minutes after they arrived at the aid station, andtwo others, apparently with penetrating wounds, were operated on, but noperforations were found. A sixth casualty survived severe peritonitis withoutsurgical intervention; treatment consisted of sulfadiazine and a liquid diet. Hehad a foul wound of the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, in which thedescending colon was visible. No other penetrating wounds were observed. Twentypercent of the casualties had abdominal wounds.
No amputations of the lower extremities wereperformed, and only one hand and one arm were removed. Extremity wounds werefound in 50 percent of the casualties, and at least 15 compound fractures of thelower extremities were observed.
Of the 100 Chinese wounded in action, 47 wereconsidered litter cases. They were carried 30 miles to a jungle strip at Arang,whence they were evacuated by plane. The majority had been on some form ofsulfonamide therapy for 3 days.
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bamboo and jungle growth. As the platoon camedown the trail to where it gave a view of the village, the first scout motionedfor his platoon to come to a halt. He saw about 40 men bunched on the trail 50yards distant on the far side of the village. Their helmets were decorated withparachute cloth, such as the Chinese troops often wore. One of these Japanesegave the Chinese greeting and the American scout replied. Therefore, theAmerican troops thought that they had encountered a group of Chinese. However,the Japanese soon began to deploy and take cover and opened fire on the Americantroops. The Americans did not disperse properly since they were on a very narrowridge, and a fire fight developed. Four American casualties were sustained, andnumerous casualties were inflicted on the enemy.
Case 116.-Severe penetrating wound of theoccipital region of the head and a bayonet wound of the neck. The latter woundwas probably inflicted after the man was killed by the head wound. This man wasattempting to take cover from the enemy when he was struck by a bullet from aJapanese light machinegun at a 75-yard range. Classified as KIA. This casualtymight have been avoided if some distinction had been made between Japanese andChinese uniforms.
Case 117.-Moderately severelacerating wound of the right side of the head and the right eye. This man wasin a prone position firing his M1 rifle when he was struck by a .25 caliberrifle bullet at a 75-yard range. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 118.-Severe perforatingwound of the thorax. This man was in a standing position attempting to put alight machinegun into operation when he was struck by a Japanese lightmachinegun bullet at a 100-yard range. Classified as KIA. Notwithstanding thefact that this man sustained a perforating wound of the left lung and the heart,he was conscious for approximately 3 minutes before he died.
Case 119.-Moderately severe penetratingwounds of the abdomen. This man was attempting to reach the body of Case 116when he was struck by an enemy light machinegun bullet. The bullet perforatedhis canteen before entering his abdomen. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.This casualty might have been avoided if the battalion commander had been awareof the true tactical situation.
16.-The first platoon of Company L wasengaged in setting up a perimeter for the night in the vicinity of a somewhatprotected ridge to the left of the trail near the entrance to the village. Twomen who had been assigned a sector in back of a small ridge which offeredexcellent protection became casualties when they carelessly exposed themselves.
Case 120.-Severe perforatingwound of the thorax. This man was on defensive action and was standing on asmall ridge 70 yards from a Japanese-held village when he was struck by a sniper'sbullet. Classified as KIA. This casualty could have been avoided.
Case 121.-Moderately severelaceration of the left buttock. This man was standing near Case 120 and wasattempting to assume a prone position when he was struck by an enemy sniper'sbullet at a 70-yard range. Classified as WIA, first echelon type. This casualtycould have been avoided.
17.-On 13 May 1944, the KhakiCombat Team was sent on a flanking movement to the left of the village in orderto form a trail block on a trail leading north from the village. At the sametime, two Chinese companies were to form trail blocks on two trails enteringfrom the south. The entire combat team dug in on the sides of the razorbackridge over which the trail led. During the rest of the day, numerous casualtieswere sustained.
Case 122.-Multiple, severe penetratingwounds of the abdomen and the right lower extremity. This man was on offensiveaction and was walking up the trail in attempt to locate a Japanese sniper whenhe was struck by a .25 caliber bullet at a 100-yard range. The bullet hit andexploded a U.S. grenade which was carried in his belt. Classified as DOW, with a4-hour survival time. This casualty might have been avoided if he had takenadvantage of protective cover and concealment.
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Case 123.-Mild penetrating wound of thethorax. This man was in a kneeling position administering blood plasma to Case122 when he was struck by a fragment from a Japanese knee mortar which had atree burst at a 10-yard range. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 124.-Mild penetrating wound of theright thigh. This man was on offensive action and was walking by the aid stationwhen a knee mortar exploded at a 10-yard range. Classified as WIA, immediateduty type.
Case 125.-Mild penetrating wound of the leftleg. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 124.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 126.-Moderately severe perforatingwound of the left thigh. This man was a member of a squad which was being movedacross a trail which was exposed to enemy fire. While running across the trail,he was hit by a sniper's bullet at a 75-yard range. Classified as WIA, secondechelon type. This casualty might have been avoided if he had taken properprecaution in crossing the trail.
Case 127.-Mild laceration of the face. Thisman, while on offensive action sitting in back of a bank, was preparing to crossthe trail when fragments from a sniper's bullet struck him in the face.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 128.-Moderately severe penetratingwounds of the occipital region of the head. This man was on defensive actionsitting on the edge of the trail when he was struck by fragments from a kneemortar shell which had a tree burst at a 3-yard range. Classified as WIA, firstechelon type. This casualty could have been avoided if he had worn his helmetand if he had attempted to take advantage of protective cover.
Case 129.-Moderately severe penetratingwounds of the head and of the thorax. This man was wounded under circumstancessimilar to those of Case 128. Classified as WIA, first echelon type. Thiscasualty could have been avoided.
Case 130.-Mild penetrating wound of the leftleg. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 128.Classified as WIA, immediate duty type.
Case 131.-Moderately severe penetratingwound of the right foot. This man was wounded under circumstances similar tothose of Case 128. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 132.-Severe penetrating wound of thehead with compound fracture of the skull. This man was on defensive action andwas sitting in a rather well protected spot. When he removed his helmet to lookover the small ridge which was protecting him, he was struck by a .25 calibersniper's bullet at a range of approximately 100 yards. He was attended by asurgeon but did not arrive at a main aid station until 14 hours later.Classified as DOW, with a 40-hour survival time. He died while being carried ona litter to the evacuation point. This casualty might have been avoided if hehad worn his helmet.
Case 133.-Moderately severe penetratingwound of the right arm. This man was wounded in the same vicinity as Case 132.He was struck by a .25 caliber bullet at a 70-yard range. Classified as WIA,first echelon type.
Case 134.-Severe penetrating wound of thethorax. This man was on offensive action and was advancing in a crouchedposition when he was struck by the first burst of a Japanese light machinegun ata range of approximately 50 yards. Classified as KIA. This casualty might havebeen avoided if he had taken advantage of protective cover and of a proneposition.
Case 135.-Multiple penetrating andperforating wounds of the right thigh. This man was wounded under circumstancessimilar to those of Case 134. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. Thiscasualty, which might have been avoided, occurred because the man was attemptingto reach Case 134 while the enemy was still firing.
Case 136.-Mild laceration of the leftshoulder. This man was on defensive action walking down a trail when he waswounded by an enemy light machinegun bullet at a range of approximately 70yards. Classified as WIA, immediate duty type. This casualty could have beenavoided if he had taken advantage of protective cover.
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18.-During the afternoon of 13 May, theChinese casualties began to filter back to the 42d Portable Surgical Hospital. They left anestimated 5 dead in the jungle and sent out approximately 25 WIA. At least 90percent of the wounds had been caused by mortar fire. In this group ofcasualties, no brain or penetrating abdominal wounds were seen. Surgeryconsisted of simple debridement only.
On 13 May, the Khaki Combat Team was orderedto the right flank, and a Chinese company took over the defense of the maintrail for 300 or 400 yards in back of the Orange Combat Team which was workingup the trail toward the village. The Chinese troops neglected to make a strongpoint of the high ground to the left of the trail and put inadequate defensealong the small trail which ran over into the main trail. Five Japanese with alight machinegun set up on this ground and commanded the entire main trail. TheChinese were unable to cope with the situation and in attempting to knock outthe machinegun one of the American muleskinners was killed and one wounded.Later in the day, a heavy machinegun was brought up from the Orange CombatTeam, and the Japanese gun was soon knocked out.
19.-On 14 May 1944, the King Force receivedorders to break off contact with the enemy and proceed toward Myitkyina. The 1stBattalion, with the 150th Chinese Infantry Regiment, had already proceeded onthe way to the airfield. The King Force was disbanded on 24 May. After 18 May,the 3d Battalion had little contact with the enemy, and the men were graduallyreplaced by the 236th Engineer Combat Battalion. Most of the original unit wasevacuated by 1 June, but approximately 150 men remained and fought in variouscapacities during the next 2 months.
The Orange Combat Team sustained one casualtyon the afternoon of 18 May.
Case 137.-Severe penetrating wound of theright thigh. This man was on offensive action in a prone position and wasprotected by a small ground elevation when he was struck by a .25 caliber riflebullet at a range of approximately 150 yards. Classified as WIA, second echelontype.
While the 3d Battalion was working its waydown the Mogaung-Myitkyina Road toward its junction with the Sumprabum Road, twocasualties were sustained during patrol activity.
Case 138.-Severe perforatingwound of the abdomen. This man, on patrol activity, had located an enemyautomatic weapon emplacement. Instead of taking advantage of protective coverand waiting for the remainder of his patrol to reach him, he continued toadvance in a standing position and was struck by a Japanese light machinegunbullet at a range of approximately 100 yards. Despite his wound, he managed towalk 60 yards to an aid station. He was then evacuated by litter 5 miles toMyitkyina where a laparotomy was performed. Classified as WIA, U.S. evacuationtype. This casualty might have been avoided if he had used better judgment.
Case 139.-Severe perforating wound of thethorax. This man was on defensive action and at 2300 hours stood up in hisfoxhole. A guard who was located 5 yards in front of him mistook him for aJapanese and shot him with his M1 rifle. Classified as KIA. This casualty couldhave been avoided.
On 23 May 1944, while holding a roadblock nearCharparte, the Orange Combat Team had several five-man outposts. Case 140 was inan outpost 400 yards from the perimeter and had been informed that the Japanesewould be through the area during the day. The outpost was in a well-protectedposition and was armed with one Browning automatic rifle and four M1 rifles.Case 140 saw a man approaching the outpost and instead of waiting for positiveidentification went to meet him. The American soldier was mortally woundedbefore the Japanese soldier was killed.
Case 140.-Severe perforating wounds of thethorax. This man was hit by a .25 caliber rifle bullet at a 50-yard range. Thiscasualty was carried 400 yards to an aid station where he was given plasma. Nolitter planes were available so the man could not be evacuated.
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He died 14 hours later. Classified as DOW,with a 14-hour survival time. This casualty could have been avoided.
During the night of 23 May, the 3d Battalioncontinued to hold the Mogaung-Myitkyina Road as it passed through the village ofCharparte. It was the feeling of the majority of the officers that the perimeterwas too large and that the defensive plan was poor. The Charparte region wasquite flat and most of the area occupied open terrain. Early in the evening, 20Chinese had passed a 5-man American outpost 400 yards west of the perimeter andhad continued through the U.S. lines. The night was very dark and it was rainingand at 2300 hours a company of Japanese passed by the outpost before theAmericans realized what was happening. The outpost did not have anycommunication with the perimeter, and the men left the outpost and started backtoward the perimeter by way of the jungle. The Japanese were first to reach theperimeter, and since they were mistaken for Chinese approximately 30 enemytroops entered the area before they were challenged. The remainder of the enemydeployed about the area. During the fight which followed, the 3d Battalionsustained five KIA and five WIA casualties. It was estimated that the Japanesehad approximately 50 casualties with 15 dead. Hand grenade fragments killed twoAmericans and wounded two others. One man had a bayonet wound, and the rest ofthe casualties were due to small arms fire.
Case 141.-Multiple penetrating andperforating wounds of the anterior surface of the thorax and abdomen. Inaddition, there were numerous bayonet wounds inflicted after death. This man wasa member of the outpost attempting to reach the perimeter when he ran into themidst of a group of Japanese. An enemy hand grenade exploded a few inches fromthe center of his chest. Classified as KIA.
Case 142.-This man was killed undercircumstances similar to those of Case 141.
Case 143.-Multiple penetrating wounds of thehead and thorax. This man was on defensive action in a prone position in afoxhole when he was struck by fragments from an enemy hand grenade. Classifiedas WIA, first echelon type.
Case 144.-Multiple penetrating wounds of thethorax. This man was wounded under circumstances similar to those of Case 143.Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 145.-Severe penetrating wound of theright forearm and a compound comminuted fracture of the radius. This man was indefensive action in a prone position in a foxhole when he was struck by an enemyrifle bullet at a 10-yard range. Classified as WIA, second echelon type.
Case 146.-Multiple penetrating wounds of thethorax, the right upper extremity, and the left buttock. This man was ondefensive action and was a member of a machinegun section which had becomedisorganized. In attempting to find the company command post, he walked into thecenter of a group of Japanese. He did not have any weapon and was bayoneted bythe enemy. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. This casualty could have beenavoided.
Case 147.-Severe perforating wound of theneck. This man, on defensive action in a prone position under a shelter half,became excited and attempted to crawl away. He was shot by another American withan M1 rifle. Classified as KIA. This casualty could have been avoided. This man'scompanion continued to stay under the shelter and killed several Japanese withhis pistol.
Case 148.-Severe perforating wound of theleft side of the thorax. This man, while on defensive action, had taken coverunder a shelter half without the protection of a foxhole. He left the shelterhalf and was in a standing position calling over the radio when he was struck byan enemy rifle bullet at a close range. Classified as KIA. This casualty couldhave been avoided.
Case 149.-Severe perforating wound of thethorax. This man was in a prone position in a foxhole but assumed a kneelingposition in order to use the telephone. He was killed instantly by an enemyrifle bullet at a 20-yard range. This casualty could have been avoided.
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Case 150.-Moderately severe penetratingwound of the abdomen. This man had left the protection of his foxhole in anattempt to aid Case 148. He was struck by an enemy rifle bullet at a 25-yardrange. Classified as WIA, second echelon type. This casualty could have beenavoided.
On 24 May, the 3d Battalion formed a perimeteracross the Myitkyina railroad. Numerous night skirmishes took place with theJapanese. Two days later, a 10-man American patrol, armed with 4 Browningautomatic rifles, 1 Thompson submachinegun, and 5 M1 rifles encountered 45Japanese armed with 4 light machineguns and 1 knee mortar. Twenty Japanese werekilled and a large number were wounded. There were no American casualties.
On 26 May, Case 151 was told to lead a patrolto the east beyond the advance outpost. He was aware that Japanese troops werein the area but advanced alone to the designated spot and was wounded by anenemy hand grenade.
Case 151.-Multiple penetrating wounds of theface, thorax, and abdomen. All the wounds seemed to involve soft tissue only.This man had advanced 100 yards from the outpost when he was struck by fragmentsfrom a Japanese hand grenade which exploded a few feet in front of him.Classified as WIA, second echelon type. This casualty might have been avoided ifhe had taken advantage of protective cover. In addition, it was felt that thiswas an unnecessary patrol.
In the period from 18 to 26 May, there wereapproximately 541 American troops and 276 Japanese troops involved in thefighting. The Americans sustained a total of 15 casualties (5 KIA, 1 DOW, and 9WIA). The Japanese sustained approximately 83 casualties.
