FSB Schroeder bordered on the eastern edge of the Plain of Reeds along Route QL-4 between FSB Moore and FSB Danger. The base straddled the highway with fortifications on one side and helicopter pads on the other.

The base was constructed on plantation land irrigated with unusually wide canals. When the Army engineers constructed the base they left the canals in place to provide drainage. This physically distinguished FSB Schroeder from other bases.

FSB Dirk was renamed Schroeder during March 1969 in honor of the 2/39th Battalion's fallen commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Donald B. Schroeder, KIA February 13, 1969. The base was situated WEST OF Cai Lay at the gentle curve in Route QL-4.

The layout of FSB Schroeder was unusual in that Route QL-4 passed through part of it. The mess hall was a tent erected over a wood platform. Food was prepared in a field kitchen. The 2/39 Infantry Battalion arrived in Vietnam on January 3, 1967, and departed on August 3, 1969. During their 31 months in-country they suffered 256 fatalities and distinguished themselves with two of the Division's ten Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients.

In November 1968 LTC Donald B. Schroeder redesigned the 1st Brigade arrowhead pin to distinguish his battalion as the FIRST RECONDO BATTALION. Because the 2/39 were experts at night ambushes and dropped from the sky, the arrow was black and pointed down.

A small ARVN compound  lay southwest of FSB Schroeder's west perimeter. The ARVN base provided security for the Rach Ong Ve bridge. Once during an ARVN ceremony, when I had soloed as a loaner bugler, the small outpost guard opened fire, shooting into the reeds. I emptied three magazines over the top of the berm, cowering behind the dirt parapet, along with other ARVNs until word came from Schroeder to cease firing. Papa-san lost one of his water buffalo that evening. The ARVN's could be a bit jumpy at times. And you know, so could I!

The 9th Infantry Division Band played in concert at FSB Schroeder in the First Recondo Religious Center. The music wasn't heavenly but it was good.

 INDICATED MONTHS OF COMMAND ARE APPROXIMATE

      2/39 INFANTRY BATTALION COMMANDERS

JAN 1967

MAY 1967