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This would have allowed the parachute force to secure a landing zone and construct a hasty airstrip. Fixed-wing aircraft would have air-dropped or airlanded essential fuel and supplies. Then the helicopters could have married up with this force, refueled, and immediately given them tactical mobility out of the airhead. These circumstances never came about.

Every man with jump wings was eager to prove his particular mettle in Vietnam. However, this special talent was not often suited for that enemy, that terrain, and that situation. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that there is a continuing requirement for an airborne capability in the U.S. Army structure.

On 1 April 1967 I assumed command of the 1st Cavalry Division from Major General John Norton. I was fortunate in inheriting an outstanding team of senior commanders. My two assistant division commanders were Brigadier Generals George S. Blanchard, Jr. and Edward De Saussure. My chief of staff was Colonel George W. Casey, and the three brigade commanders were Colonel James C. Smith, to be replaced in a few weeks by Colonel Donald V. ("Snapper") Rattan, Lieutenant Colonel Fred E. Karhohs, and Colonel Jonathan R. Burton. My division artillery was commanded by Colonel George W. Putnam, Jr., and Colonel Howard I. Lukens had the 11th Aviation Group. Colonel Charles D. Daniel had the Support Command, to be shortly replaced by Colonel Hubert S. ("Bill") Campbell. These officers, along with many others too numerous to mention, enhanced the pleasure of commanding the "First Team." For the next nine months my tactical command post would be in Binh Dinh Province at a location with the unpretentious name of Landing Zone TWO BITS. Division Rear would remain at An Khe.

In preparing this section of the study, there was a temptation to view all problems from the vantage point of the division commander. The 1st Cavalry Division was not unique in having many incidental day-to-day problems—problems that were typical of every division in Vietnam. For example, as any commander, I was concerned that we averaged over fifty cases of malaria per month. Again, the 1st Cavalry is fundamentally an infantry division and we had all the problems of booby traps, mines, ambushes, and base security that one would find with any division, plus those additional problems that go with taking care of over 400 helicopters. I have tried to focus on the airmobility aspects of my experience