Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines
photos from F.O.'s
 |
Alpha 1/11 forward observers like Michael E. Singer were responsible for bringing the battery's lethal fire power to bear on enemy targets. The success of each fire mission depended on their skill and ability to assess the situation. Mike Singer was one of the best. On 7 July 1968 he gave his life while attempting to assist his fellow Marines during the battle for Hill 689, outside Khe Sanh. |
 |
Alpha Company F.O. Team members Randy Toi, left, and Pete Barnes radio in information to Alpha Battery while coordinating fire support for 1/1. - photo from Randy Toi |
 |
On Operation Meade River,
Mick Enochs requests fire from Alpha Battery in support of 1/1 in the Dodge
City area, 1968. -photo from Mike Enochs |
 |
This picture shows an Alpha 1/11 105 Howitzer firing in support of 1/1 operations in the hills around Khe Sanh in June of 1968. The high angle of the gun’s trajectory illustrates both the close proximity of the target, and the need to shoot over hills. The gun crews always seemed to provide what was needed. -photo from Mike Enochs |
 |
The morning after the battle for hill 689 near Khe Sanh in July of 1968, the FSCC team takes a break, and counts their blessings. Shortly after this the Battalion was sent to Phu Bai for a rest. Left to right in foreground are Mike Enochs, Tony Fraini, Lt. Dennis Curtin, Rodney Harrelson and Dex Canen. The guy in the background on the radio we called Ralph, with the Air Support team. -photo from Mike Enochs |
 |
On occasion, when forward observers would request the "heavy stuff", usually 175 mm or 8 inch guns, the fire mission would be referred over to the 16 inch guns of off shore Naval gunfire. This was both a welcome, and awesome sight. The crater in this photo was made by one of those rounds from the USS New Jersey, sounding like an airborne freight train in the night sky. This area was clear of any signs of the enemy when we moved in the next morning. -photo from Mike Enochs |
 |
Adjusting a fire mission into a tree line on Operation Mead River. -photo from Mike Enochs |
 |
Battery position (inside 1/1 perimeter) south of
DaNang on 15Nov68. It was improved dramatically within a month. The
officer on the left edge is Lt. Harry Elliot the battery XO. -photo from Joe Fulginiti |
 |
Lcpl Brown in the foreground ( C Co. Battalion Radio operator) and in
the background Lcpl Barnes of Alpha Company FO team. They are in the
command bunker at A-3 in August of 68. -photo from Joe Fulginiti |
 |
Gunny Bryant, A 1/11 comm chief, and GySgt Conrad, battery gunny, in
March of 69 at 1/11 Headquarters. -photo from Joe Fulginiti |
 |
Charlie Company FO team (less the picture taker Fugi) on Operation Meade
River. Seated L-R is Lcpl Rivers, Scout Observer, Lcpl Baumel, Radio
Operator. Standing behind them is Lcpl Gaylord Company Radio Operator and
lying down in background is GySgt Johnson, company gunny. December 68. -photo from Joe Fulginiti |
 |
March of 69 at the battalion headquarters (1/11) L-R GySgt Bryant, comm
chief, 1Lt Elliot, XO, 1Lt Newlin, liason officer, 1Lt Morris, CO, GySgt
Conrad, battery gunny, and 1st Sgt Lashley, battery 1st Sgt. -photo from Joe Fulginiti |
 |
In order to Forward Observe, sometimes you must get up in the air. Lcpl
Rivers on the left and Fugi on the right spotting on Operation Meade River
in November 1968. We got a few from here. -photo from Joe Fulginiti |
 |
Where the arty rounds started. Great picture, you can see the 105mm
round in the smoke. -photo from Lee Hodge |
