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[popu]lated rice-growing area. Forty percent of the Province consisted of forested mountains, which supplied some of the best timber in Vietnam. These woodlands also provided clandestine bases and rest areas for the Viet Cong. Operation BYRD was an economy of force effort, using a minimum involvement of United States ground combat forces, aiming to upgrade capabilities of the armed forces of South Vietnam in that area.

In order to protect the vital port of Phan Thiet and surrounding areas, the Commanding General of I Field Force, Vietnam gave the 1st Cavalry Division the mission of defeating the enemy forces in the BYRD area, in close coordination with South Vietnam forces. The battalion was to assist in opening National Highway #1 as it ran along the coast through this area. Of the approximately 1,600 personnel in the average daily task force strength, 650 were organic to a battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division, 500 were from other 1st Cavalry assets, and 450 were from I Field Force. Although the composition of the task force varied, the nucleus was the airmobile battalion. The small force contained all the elements essential to sustain independent operations and could take advantage of available support.

Initially, the task force established a fire base and command post on the Phan Thiet airfield from which infantry rifle companies were air assaulted into landing zones within the range of the direct support of the artillery battery. The first operations relieved pressure on Phan Thiet and the nearby district capitals. The task force began combined operations with the South Vietnamese, taking advantage of U.S. Navy ships and U.S. Air Force fighters for fire support. The area of influence of the task force was broadened by the establishment of fire bases at steadily increasing distances from Phan Thiet.

The operation, as it continued, isolated the enemy in the heavily-forested areas, away from the populated zones. In the close-in areas, the task force concentrated on the Viet Cong infrastructure and took action to build confidence in the population and in the friendly armed forces. Revolutionary development activities extended from the city toward the outlying parts of the province. All of these phases took place simultaneously. Initially, the task force operated with regional and popular forces of the South Vietnamese. Later, it conducted combined operations with two Vietnamese Army battalions of the 23d Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division.

The Task Force ended up with an amazing record. During the 17 months of Operation BYRD, the 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry had