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Operation PEGASUS-LAM SON 207A from its imposition to its final extraction from the area of operations will long stand as a classic example of airmobile operations. The operation dramatically illustrated the speed and effectiveness with which a large force can be employed in combat during airmobile tactics and techniques. The enemy's repeated failure to quickly comprehend the quick reaction time and capabilities of the 1st Cavalry Division led to his defeat, forced withdrawal, and eventual rout from the battlefield. The enemy was helpless and confused, suffered great losses of men and equipment, and failed in his mission to block and delay the relief of Khe Sanh.
No summation of Operation PEGASUS would be complete without mention of the great team effort of all the Services—Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. The operation was an ideal example of the synchronization of massive B-52 strikes, tactical air support and artillery firepower with ground maneuver. The South Vietnamese troops gave a splendid performance. The fact that we were able to co-ordinate all of these operations in a single headquarters was a commander's dream. There was no question of command or who was calling the signals. Equally important, I had the full support of General Rosson, who commanded the Provisional Corps Vietnam, and of General Cushman, Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force.
The success of the PEGASUS operation can largely be attributed to the detailed planning and preparation that occurred prior to D-day and the effective reconnaissance and surveillance of the area of operations provided by the air cavalry squadron. This reconnaissance and its ability to develop hard targets for the tactical air and B-52 Arc Light strikes cannot be overestimated. The concept of building landing zone STUD as a pivot point for the entire operation proved sound. This base provided a continuous flow of needed supplies and equipment to forward elements of the division. The success of the initial battalion air assaults was rapidly exploited by aggressive company and even platoon-size air assaults, all supported by artillery and air. The enemy, although well dug in, well supplied, and with an initial determination to deter the relief of Khe Sanh, found himself surrounded with no choice but to retreat in rout order back into Laos, leaving behind 1,304 dead and much valuable equipment strewn over the battlefield.
The total success of the operation can be best measured by the mission accomplished. For the first time, the Cavalry had made an air assault as a division entity; every committed battalion came into combat by helicopter. In fifteen days, the division had entered