Page:Airmobility 1961-1971.pdf/187

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MAJOR OPERATIONS, 1968
171


A BLUE TEAM RIFLE SQUAD FROM THE 1ST SQUADRON, 9TH CAVALRY EXITING FROM A HUEY HELICOPTER


USMC, initiated construction of the C-7A airfield and parking ramp, logistical facilities, and a bunker complex at landing zone STUD on 14 March. By D-6 they had finished an airstrip 1500 feet long by 600 feet wide, ammunition storage areas, aircraft and vehicle refueling facilities, and extensive road nets into the vicinity of landing zone STUD. The Seabees, which had been augmented with very heavy equipment, accomplished the lion's share of the work on the airfield.

Having established a forward base of operations, the second key element to the success of this plan was the closely integrated reconnaissance and fire support element of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, under the brilliant leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Richard W. Diller, and air, artillery, and B-52 Arc Light strikes, during the period D-6 to D-day. This was almost a flawless demonstration of properly preparing a battlefield when tactical intelligence was not available.

This is not to say there was not a tremendous intelligence effort focused around Khe Sanh Combat Base itself. In addition to the

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