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of dropping napalm was only used on specific targets where tactical air could not be effectively used.

Another version of the CH-47 which was unique to the 1st Cavalry Division was the so-called "Go-Go Bird." The "Go-Go Bird," as it was called by the Infantry, was a heavily armed Chinook which the 1st Cavalry Division was asked to test in combat. Three test models were received arms with twin 20-mm Gatling guns, 40-mm grenade launchers, and .50-caliber machine guns, along with other assorted ordnance. Though anything but graceful, it had a tremendous morale effect on the friendly troops which constantly asked for its support.

From the infantryman's viewpoint, when the "Go-Go Bird" came, the enemy disappeared. The pilots who flew these test aircraft performed some incredibly heroic deeds to prove the worth of the machine. However, from the overall viewpoint of the Division, these special machines required an inordinate amount of support and, if we had kept them as part of our formal organization, we would have been required to give up three of our essential lift Chinooks. Army Concept Team in Vietnam monitored the tests of the "Go-Go Birds" and flew many of the missions. After two of the test vehicles were lost through attrition, the final armed Chinook was transferred to the 1st Aviation Brigade. Much debate would continue about the effectiveness and vulnerability of such a large armed helicopter, but the individual trooper who enjoyed its support would never forget it.

To deal more effectively on a continuing basis with the enemy fortifications on the coastal plains of Binh Dinh, the Division had requested and received one tank company from the 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Division, at Pleiku. On the surface one of the most unlikely additions to an airmobile division would appear to be heavy armor. The tank with all its implications of ponderousness seems to be the antithesis of what one looks for in a "lean and mean" light fighting unit. In many circumstances, this would be true. But, I had always wanted to explore the possibility of a combination of the surprise of air cavalry and the shock of armor. Binh Dinh seemed the appropriate place.

The 90-mm gun of the M-48 tank was found to be one of the best weapons in dealing with the enemy fortifications. In 24 to 48 hours, a determined enemy could prepare an elaborate perimeter affording him excellent cover and concealment around an entire