Movement to Albany

A B-52 strike of 800 500-pound bombs (200 tons) is headed for the near slopes of Chu Pong Mountain above X-Ray early on 17 November and is scheduled to drop at 11:17 AM.

Both Cavalry Battalions are ordered out of X-Ray to escape the danger zone. 2/5 CAV leads en route to the Artillery position at LZ Columbus. 2/7 CAV follows with orders to break off shy of Columbus and head for a small clearing 1.5 miles to the Northwest. 2/5 CAV reaches Columbus and goes into position without any problems.

The head of the 2/7 CAV column captures two PAVN soldiers at 11:57 AM 100 yards east of Albany. The battalion column stops while the prisoners are interrogated. The lead Company Commander, A/2/7, puts out observation posts. Weary troopers in the column sit down and take a break after over 50 hours without decent rest or sleep. Some light up cigarettes, some remove packs, radios, mortars, etc. Others lie down. Visibility in the 3-5 foot high grass is extremely limited.