Using a paint brush a U.S. Marine cleans his rifle from sand and debris. The Marine is a member of the 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division, taking part in Operation Pipestone Canyon. Operation Pipestone Canyon is aimed at clearing the Communists off of their haven, Go Noi Island, 10 miles south of Da Nang and five miles inland from Hoi An. The area is fertile and was once heavily populated, but is now a free fire zone. ARVNs and Korean Marines are also taking part in the operation.