Operation Pipestone Canyon, 1969

Pfc. Richard C. Black (without hat) and Intelligence Officer Lt. Charles L. Dundas inspect a well concealed enemy hooch and bunker. Black first spotted the bunker door when the Amtrac (LTV) he was riding on nearly hit it. The small thatched A-frame hooch was open at one end to a cooking fire, and at the other end to a door to a bunker. Dishes and cooking ware found in the area, coals of fire were still warm. Black and Dundas are with the 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division, taking part in Operation Pipestone Canyon. The operation is aimed at clearing the Communists off their haven, Go Noi Island, 10 miles south of Da Nang and five miles inland from Hoi An. 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.
