Chapter 5Initial Accomplishments: 1966 As mentioned, the success of the HAWK EYE aircraft during the second test in RVN prompted COMUSMACV to keep it in theater beyond its scheduled time. On 11 April 1966, the HAWK EYE aquired 13 fixes in the Tay Ninh area, the largest number to date. The mark fell when the first EC-47 showed its superiority by aquiring 19 fixes on 7 June 1966, and kept up the pase with another 13 the next day. The Air Force had deployed 26 aircraft to RVN by 31 December 1966. Their effectiveness on 1,526 sorties in the May-December period was not lost on CINCPAC or the field commanders. On 29 September 1966, Maj. Gen. Grover C. Brown, Director of Intelligence, PACOM, called to the attention of CINCPAC and his staff the early work of the EC-47 in the DMZ. Without its work and that of more sensitive intelligence, "we would be completely in the dark about the enemy situation in the DMZ". On 31 October 1966, the First Infantry Division told the 460th TRW: battalions into the Cam Xe Jungle, vicinity XT6655, exclusively on the basis of intelligence provided by ARDF. The battalions made immediate contact. When the battlefield was policed, 70 bodies were found and evidence indicated numerous others had been carried away. Please pass to those responsible the compliments of the CG, 1st Infantry Division for a job well done. We need your continued support." Evidence of real-time reactin to ARDF fixes also come from the G-2, 1st Infantry Division, who, within eight minutes after a Direct Support Unit received and passed him a fix, "immediately ordered 200 to 300 rounds of artillery on the fix." Another early, but continuing dimension to the role of the EC-47 in ARDF appeared on 21 November 1967, when on of its fixes prevented an ambush in real-time. A Direct Support Unit reported:
immediately to Regt S-2. Forward Air Control Aircraft sent into the air approximately 21/0205Z to recon the area. Air strike requested in area by FAC, Convoy was notified of possible ambush. Four each UH-1D gun- ships sent to area due to approach of 11th Cavalry convoy along route 1. As Convoy reached area of fix location, helicopters began recon by fire. Fire was returned by VC and firefight began---Important point, this ARDF prevented serious ambush...."
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