Good summary. I want to know why we can't get the after-action reports from the other commanders? Or is there only one for the whole incident?
I'd bet that there are after action reports filed by each skipper.
PCF 23 joined at Cai Nuoc. PCFS with MFS [The Swift Boat with Rassman on it] departed Cai Nuoc at 1445H proceeding down Bay Hap. At VQ995772 mine detonated under PCF-3 lifting boat about 2-3 ft out of water. Very heavy blk smot [? smoke, I think] observed at same time boats rcvd heavy A/W and S/A from both banks. ..."
Therefore, the Swiftees (and the press) knew, and have known for quite awhile, of at least -one- official record that included small arms fire. In other words, this is, in a way, already old news.
I am surprised that the Swiftees did not have Thurlow's citation.