In the Spring of 1968, the U.S. Army made the decision to add a fifth infantry company, designated as Echo Company, to support each infantry battalion. In the 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, this newly formed company was created as a special-duty unit made up of three Platoons - Reconnaissance,  Mortar, and Radar. Echo Company 1-5 became operational in May 1968, however, only the Recon Platoon turned out to be fully operational during the entire time the company was in existence. The Radar and the Mortar Platoons were only partially manned and operated as base defense units for just a few months, from summer through early winter of 1968.

                   1) conduct daytime reconnaissance and sweeps through suspected enemy areas to  

                       provide valuable information about the enemy for the battalion, and, at times,

                       to engage smaller enemy units that were encountered

                  2) conduct night-time reconnaissance and squad size combat ambushes

 

                  3) serve as a ready-reaction unit when one of the line companies needed reinforcements

 

    

This new strategy of using a small reconnaissance unit for recon sweeps, ambushes, and as a ready-reaction force turned out to be a major success. The Recon Platoon traveled light, quietly, and was capable of covering long distances quickly, often traveling 12-15 kilometers a day, versus the 1-3 kilometers a day by the line units. Quite often, the platoon was inserted into, and extracted from, enemy territory by Huey helicopters, adding to its abilities to act quickly and effectively within enemy territory.      

Vietnam Service Medal          Combat Infantry Badge                   Air Medal