Squadron History, August 1970

2nd Squadron, 17 Cavalry (Airmobile), Unit History for 1970.

Until 21 July the Squadron conducted routine first and last light reconnaissance missions, bomb damage assessments, and visual reconnaissance missions. On 21 July, near the FSB Bradley area, a LOH spotted 20 NVA in the open. Immediately the Cobra gunships engaged the target resulting in seven NVA/KIA. Additional airstrikes, and CS drops were employed in the area. A base was uncovered with 50 assorted sized bunkers. Two NVA were spotted in the bunkers and engaged with gunships. Both NVA were killed.

On 23 July the 3rd Brigade evacuated FSB Ripcord. The Squadron provided a screening force to west for the operation. Upon completion of the extraction, of all troops, the 2/17th Cav assumed control of the Ripcord area. For the remainder of that day and all of the next, A, B, and C Troops employed a steady flow of airstrikes and artillery concentrations, into the same infested area.

On 26 July, the Squadron assaulted the FSB Ripcord area with a platoon from D Troop to extract the US bodies left behind by the 3rd Brigade.

The month of August, the Squadron continued surveillance along the Laotian Border to the DMZ. B Troop continued direct support to the 1st Bde as well as visual reconnaissance and first and last light missions throughout the AO.

A and C Troops continued to assist the rangers and the ARVN's in the northern AO. Delta Troop remained IRF for Camp Eagle and acted as back up force for the major ARVN insertions. Delta also continued armed jeep convoy escorts for the 1st Bde.

A Troop provided aerial and ground reconnaissance; provided screening and security for various brigade elements; and support numerous ranger insertions and extractions. The Troop reacted to numerous contact missions of both U.S. and ARVN elements and supported numerous air mobile operations involving D Troop and the ARVN Hac Bao Company, and the A Troop aero-rifle platoon. BDA's were also conducted and marked increase of 51 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun positions were noted and engaged.

B Troop was utilized in direct support of both the 1st Bde and the 1st ARVN Division. The Troop continued it's visual reconnaissance missions and provided security for downed aircraft in the division area of operation. BDA's were conducted of B-52 strikes; sky spots; artillery; tactical air strikes; and gunship attacks employed by the Troop.

C Troop conducted aerial VR's, BDA's and supported the rangers. The rangers support included insertion of the ARP as security for ranger radio relay teams. In addition, the ARP was used as a security force for engineer LZ cutting teams and provided reaction force for downed aircraft in the Division AO.