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Lieutenant Colonel Iceal "Gene" Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer aircraft operated under the call sign Bat 21 Bravo.
Answer: True
Explanation: The call sign Bat 21 Bravo was assigned to Lieutenant Colonel Iceal "Gene" Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer aircraft during the Vietnam War.
Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's primary role was to identify North Vietnamese troop movements, rather than signals intelligence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's expertise was in signals intelligence (ELINT) and identifying North Vietnamese anti-aircraft radar installations, not troop movements.
Hambleton's potential capture was considered critical due to his knowledge of Soviet tank models.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hambleton's capture was deemed critical due to his Top Secret clearance and expertise in SAM countermeasures and Strategic Air Command operations, not knowledge of Soviet tank models.
Hambleton's expertise was in identifying enemy artillery positions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's expertise lay in signals intelligence (ELINT) and identifying North Vietnamese radar installations, crucial for electronic warfare, rather than artillery positions.
The 1972 Easter Offensive was not a minor skirmish involving only a few hundred North Vietnamese troops.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1972 Easter Offensive represented the largest combined arms operation of the Vietnam War, involving a significant invasion by North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) forces across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
The North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) did cross the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during the Easter Offensive.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Easter Offensive, launched on March 30, 1972, saw approximately 30,000 North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) troops cross the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into South Vietnam.
Hambleton's EB-66C aircraft was configured to gather signals intelligence (ELINT).
Answer: True
Explanation: The EB-66C aircraft, on which Hambleton served as navigator, was specifically equipped for Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) gathering, tasked with locating enemy radar systems.
Hambleton's intelligence expertise included work on the Jupiter ICBM project.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's background included significant work on ballistic missile projects, such as the Jupiter ICBM, contributing to his value as an intelligence asset.
The Cam Lo Bridge was strategically important as a key crossing point for PAVN advances.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Cam Lo Bridge served as a critical crossing point along Highway QL-88, facilitating the advance of North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) forces into South Vietnam during the Easter Offensive.
Who was Bat 21 Bravo?
Answer: Lt Col Iceal "Gene" Hambleton, a navigator on an EB-66 Destroyer.
Explanation: Bat 21 Bravo was the call sign for Lieutenant Colonel Iceal "Gene" Hambleton, who served as a navigator aboard an EB-66 Destroyer aircraft.
Why was Hambleton's potential capture considered highly critical by US forces?
Answer: He possessed Top Secret clearance and expertise in SAM countermeasures, offering significant intelligence value.
Explanation: Hambleton's capture was deemed critical due to his Top Secret clearance and specialized knowledge of SAM countermeasures and Strategic Air Command operations, which would have provided a significant intelligence advantage to adversaries.
Which of the following best describes the broader military context of the 1972 Easter Offensive?
Answer: The largest combined arms operation of the Vietnam War, involving a major NVA invasion across the DMZ.
Explanation: The 1972 Easter Offensive was the largest combined arms operation of the Vietnam War, characterized by a significant invasion across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) by approximately 30,000 North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) troops.
What specific North Vietnamese military assets were concentrated near the Cam Lo and Dong Ha Bridges during the Easter Offensive?
Answer: Tank regiments, anti-aircraft vehicles, and SA-2 SAMs.
Explanation: Near the Cam Lo and Dong Ha Bridges, the PAVN concentrated significant military assets, including two tank regiments, numerous anti-aircraft vehicles, and SA-2 SAM batteries, indicating a major offensive thrust.
What was the primary function of Hambleton's EB-66C aircraft configuration?
Answer: To conduct electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering to locate North Vietnamese radar installations.
Explanation: The EB-66C aircraft, on which Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton served, was configured for Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) gathering, specifically to identify and locate North Vietnamese radar sites critical for electronic warfare.
What was the strategic importance of the Cam Lo Bridge during the Easter Offensive?
Answer: It was a key crossing point used by the PAVN to advance into South Vietnam.
Explanation: The Cam Lo Bridge was strategically vital as a key crossing point along Highway QL-88, enabling the North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) to move troops and armor into South Vietnam during their Easter Offensive.
What specific intelligence did Hambleton possess related to missile systems?
Answer: Expertise in SAM countermeasures and work on ICBM projects like Titan I and II.
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton possessed critical intelligence regarding Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) countermeasures and had prior experience working on Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) projects, including the Titan I and II.
What was the intelligence value of Lt Col Hambleton to the North Vietnamese and their allies?
Answer: His expertise in SAM countermeasures and SAC operations.
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's intelligence value stemmed from his expertise in Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) countermeasures and his knowledge of Strategic Air Command (SAC) operations, making his capture highly desirable for adversaries.
What was the significance of the call sign "Bat 21 Bravo"?
Answer: It was the call sign assigned to Lt Col Iceal "Gene" Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer aircraft.
Explanation: The call sign "Bat 21 Bravo" was specifically assigned to Lieutenant Colonel Iceal "Gene" Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer aircraft during his mission.
On April 2, 1972, Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer was successfully targeted and downed by a surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Answer: True
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer, designated Bat 21, was shot down by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile (SAM) on April 2, 1972, during the Easter Offensive.
Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton was the sole survivor from his downed aircraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the SAM attack that downed the EB-66 Destroyer, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton successfully ejected, becoming the only survivor from his aircraft.
The remaining six crew members of Hambleton's EB-66 successfully ejected and were rescued.
Answer: False
Explanation: The remaining six crew members of Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer were unable to eject and remain listed as missing in action (MIA).
Hambleton landed in an area with minimal enemy presence, making rescue easier.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hambleton landed in an area heavily occupied by tens of thousands of PAVN troops and equipped with substantial anti-aircraft weaponry, making rescue operations exceptionally difficult.
The crew members of Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer remain listed as missing in action (MIA).
Answer: True
Explanation: The pilot, co-pilot, and three Electronic Warfare Officers from Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer were unable to eject and are officially listed as missing in action (MIA).
Hambleton lost approximately 10 pounds during his 12 days of evasion.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his 12 days of evasion, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton experienced significant physical deterioration, losing approximately 40 pounds (18 kg) and suffering a broken arm.
What event triggered the need for the Bat 21 Bravo rescue operation?
Answer: Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer being shot down by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Explanation: The rescue operation was initiated after Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer, Bat 21, was shot down by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile (SAM) on April 2, 1972.
What happened to the other six crew members of Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer when it was hit?
Answer: They were unable to eject and remain listed as missing in action (MIA).
Explanation: The pilot, co-pilot, and three Electronic Warfare Officers aboard Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer were unable to eject after the aircraft was hit by a SAM and remain officially listed as missing in action (MIA).
What was the fate of the pilot and co-pilot of Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer?
Answer: They remain listed as missing in action (MIA) as they could not eject.
Explanation: The pilot and co-pilot of Hambleton's EB-66 Destroyer were unable to eject from the aircraft after it was hit by a SAM and are officially listed as missing in action (MIA).
What specific detail about Hambleton's physical condition during his evasion is mentioned in the source?
Answer: He lost approximately 40 pounds (18 kg) and suffered a broken arm.
Explanation: During his 12 days of evasion, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton experienced significant physical decline, losing approximately 40 pounds (18 kg) and sustaining a broken arm from a fall.
Pilots involved reported that the intensity of the ground fire and anti-aircraft fire around Hambleton's position was comparable to that experienced near Hanoi.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concentration of enemy anti-aircraft defenses in the vicinity of Hambleton's location was so severe that pilots described the intensity of fire as comparable to that encountered near Hanoi.
Forward Air Controllers (FACs) played a crucial role in providing intelligence and coordinating air strikes during the rescue.
Answer: True
Explanation: Forward Air Controllers (FACs) were instrumental in the rescue effort, providing critical intelligence on Hambleton's location, directing air support against enemy positions, and coordinating the complex rescue operations.
An innovative method using coded messages based on popular songs was used to guide Hambleton.
Answer: False
Explanation: The guidance method employed was not based on popular songs, but rather on an improvised code using golf course names and hole distances, leveraging Hambleton's known interest in golf.
Hambleton, an expert golfer, successfully deciphered the golf-course code used for navigation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Leveraging his expertise as a golfer, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton was able to decipher the coded directions based on golf course names and distances, enabling him to navigate through enemy territory.
A 27-kilometer no-fire zone was established around Hambleton's position.
Answer: True
Explanation: To facilitate rescue efforts and protect downed personnel, a significant 27-kilometer no-fire zone was established around Hambleton's location.
The no-fire zone significantly aided ARVN forces by allowing them unimpeded advances.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 27-kilometer no-fire zone, established to protect Hambleton, severely hindered ARVN operations by prohibiting friendly artillery and air support, thereby allowing PAVN forces to advance with less resistance.
The no-fire zone imposed to protect Hambleton prevented ARVN forces from receiving crucial air and artillery support.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 27-kilometer no-fire zone established around Hambleton's position significantly hampered ARVN operations by denying them essential air and artillery support, thereby facilitating PAVN advances.
The PAVN did not monitor American radio communications during the rescue attempts.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Vietnamese forces actively monitored American radio communications throughout the rescue operation, using this information to anticipate and counter American movements.
Five U.S. Navy A-4 Skyhawks from the USS *Hancock* provided crucial air support.
Answer: True
Explanation: Five U.S. Navy A-4 Skyhawks operating from the USS *Hancock* provided vital air support by engaging North Vietnamese ground forces with gunfire and explosives.
Which factor made the area where Hambleton landed particularly hazardous for rescue operations?
Answer: A heavy concentration of PAVN troops and anti-aircraft weaponry.
Explanation: The area where Hambleton landed was heavily saturated with North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) troops and a formidable array of anti-aircraft weaponry, creating an exceptionally hazardous environment for rescue operations.
How was Hambleton guided through enemy territory using an innovative method?
Answer: By deciphering directions based on golf course names and hole distances.
Explanation: An innovative guidance method was employed, utilizing Hambleton's knowledge of golf to provide directions through coded references to golf course names and hole distances.
What was the effect of the 27-kilometer no-fire zone established around Hambleton's position?
Answer: It prohibited friendly artillery and aircraft from engaging targets in the area, hindering ARVN operations.
Explanation: The establishment of a 27-kilometer no-fire zone around Hambleton's location restricted friendly fire support, which significantly impeded ARVN operations and allowed PAVN forces to advance more freely.
What type of North Vietnamese anti-aircraft weapon was encountered for the first time during the rescue efforts?
Answer: SA-7 Grail heat-seeking SAM
Explanation: During the rescue operations, American forces encountered the SA-7 Grail, a shoulder-fired, heat-seeking surface-to-air missile, for the first time.
What was the role of the USS *Hancock* in the Bat 21 rescue operation?
Answer: Its A-4 Skyhawks provided crucial air support with gunfire and explosives.
Explanation: The USS *Hancock* contributed significantly to the rescue effort by deploying its five A-4 Skyhawk aircraft, which provided vital air support through gunfire and explosives against enemy positions.
What was the primary role of Forward Air Controllers (FACs) during the Bat 21 rescue?
Answer: To suppress enemy positions with air strikes and coordinate rescue efforts.
Explanation: Forward Air Controllers (FACs) played a vital role by suppressing enemy positions with air strikes and coordinating the complex rescue efforts, ensuring the safety of downed airmen and rescue teams.
How did the North Vietnamese forces attempt to counter the American rescue efforts?
Answer: By using the downed flyers as bait and positioning anti-aircraft weapons.
Explanation: North Vietnamese forces actively countered American rescue efforts by monitoring communications, positioning anti-aircraft weapons near downed flyers, and using the rescue attempts as opportunities to engage American aircraft.
What was the initial assessment of the rescue effort's chances of success by some involved?
Answer: They initially thought it could be accomplished quickly and easily.
Explanation: Some individuals involved in the initial stages of the rescue operation held an optimistic view, believing that the extraction could be achieved relatively quickly and easily.
Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris received the Silver Star for his role in the rescue.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership in the ground rescue operation, not the Silver Star.
Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris received the Medal of Honor for his leadership in the ground rescue.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the covert ground rescue operation to extract Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton.
First Lieutenant Mark Clark was rescued by the same team that rescued Hambleton.
Answer: True
Explanation: First Lieutenant Mark Clark, who was also shot down during the rescue operations, was successfully rescued by Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris and his ground team.
Nguyễn Văn Khiết was the only South Vietnamese sailor to receive the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Petty Officer Third Class Nguyễn Văn Khiết, a Republic of Vietnam Navy commando, received the Navy Cross for his critical role in assisting Lt. Thomas R. Norris during the rescue, making him the only South Vietnamese sailor to receive this award during the war.
Jose Astorga, the door gunner from the UH-1H Blue Ghost 39, was killed when the helicopter crashed.
Answer: False
Explanation: SP5 Jose Astorga, the door gunner on the UH-1H Blue Ghost 39, survived the helicopter crash and was subsequently captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, later being released.
Which individual received the Medal of Honor for his role in the Bat 21 rescue?
Answer: Lt Thomas R. Norris
Explanation: Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the ground rescue operation to extract Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton.
What was the outcome for SP5 Jose Astorga, the door gunner on the UH-1H Blue Ghost 39?
Answer: He was captured by North Vietnamese soldiers and later released.
Explanation: SP5 Jose Astorga, the door gunner on the downed UH-1H Blue Ghost 39 helicopter, was captured by North Vietnamese forces and subsequently released during Operation Homecoming.
What was the significance of Nguyễn Văn Khiết's Navy Cross award?
Answer: It was awarded for his heroic actions assisting Lt. Thomas R. Norris in rescuing Hambleton.
Explanation: Petty Officer Third Class Nguyễn Văn Khiết received the Navy Cross for his critical assistance to Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris during the ground rescue of Hambleton, making him the only South Vietnamese sailor to receive this honor during the war.
What was the fate of Lt Bruce C. Walker and Lt Larry F. Potts from the FAC aircraft 'Covey 282'?
Answer: Walker was captured and released; Potts was captured and died in prison.
Explanation: The crew of 'Covey 282', Lt Bruce C. Walker and Lt Larry F. Potts, were shot down; Walker was captured and later released, while Potts was captured and died in captivity.
What was the fate of Captain William J. Henderson, the FAC pilot of Nail 38?
Answer: He was captured and later released during Operation Homecoming.
Explanation: Captain William J. Henderson, piloting the FAC aircraft 'Nail 38', was shot down and captured by North Vietnamese forces, subsequently being released during Operation Homecoming in March 1973.
What was the role of Lt Thomas R. Norris in the rescue?
Answer: He led a covert ground rescue operation to extract Hambleton.
Explanation: Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris, a Navy SEAL, led a critical covert ground rescue operation, navigating heavily contested territory to extract Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton, an action for which he received the Medal of Honor.
The rescue operation for Bat 21 Bravo was not the smallest Search and Rescue (SAR) operation conducted during the Vietnam War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion that it was the smallest, the rescue of Bat 21 Bravo is widely recognized as the largest, longest, and most complex SAR operation undertaken during the Vietnam War.
The initial rescue attempts resulted in the loss of only one additional aircraft besides Hambleton's.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial rescue attempts were extremely costly, leading to the loss of five additional aircraft, in addition to Hambleton's EB-66.
The Bat 21 rescue operation did not directly result in the loss of seven aircraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: While the rescue was costly, the total number of aircraft lost directly attributed to the Bat 21 operation was five, not seven.
The Air Force prioritized rescuing downed aircrews primarily to gather intelligence from them.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary rationale cited for the Air Force's commitment to rescuing downed aircrews was to maintain crew morale and ensure airmen felt valued and protected, rather than solely for intelligence gathering.
The Bat 21 rescue led the USAF to conclude that SAR missions predestined to fail should not be attempted.
Answer: True
Explanation: The extensive losses and complexities of the Bat 21 rescue prompted the USAF to re-evaluate its approach to high-threat SAR missions, leading to a conclusion that missions with a high probability of failure should be reconsidered.
After rescue, Hambleton was initially transported to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his rescue, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton was initially transported to a hospital in Da Nang, South Vietnam, before being evacuated to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.
Hambleton expressed satisfaction with the rescue, regardless of the cost in lives.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton expressed deep remorse for the lives lost during his rescue, stating it was a 'hell of a price to pay for one life'.
The HH-53C helicopter 'Jolly Green 67' was not recovered after being critically damaged during the rescue.
Answer: True
Explanation: The HH-53C helicopter 'Jolly Green 67' suffered critical damage and crashed during the rescue attempt, resulting in the loss of its entire crew; it was not recovered intact.
The rescue operation diverted fewer than 20 air sorties per day from other combat missions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The intense focus on the Bat 21 rescue diverted a substantial number of air resources, with reports indicating as many as 90 sorties per day were utilized, significantly impacting other combat missions.
The film *Bat*21* starring Gene Hackman was based on the rescue operation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film *Bat*21*, starring Gene Hackman and Danny Glover, is a dramatization based on the events of the Bat 21 Bravo rescue operation.
The USAF adopted the Navy's A-7 Corsair partly due to lessons learned from the Bat 21 rescue.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lessons learned from the Bat 21 rescue operation, particularly concerning close air support needs, contributed to the USAF's decision to adopt the Navy's A-7 Corsair aircraft.
What was the primary significance of the Bat 21 Bravo rescue operation?
Answer: It involved the largest, longest, and most complex search-and-rescue effort during the Vietnam War.
Explanation: The rescue of Bat 21 Bravo is historically significant as the largest, longest, and most complex search-and-rescue operation conducted during the Vietnam War, marked by extensive losses and challenges.
What was a direct consequence of the initial rescue attempts for US aircraft?
Answer: Five additional aircraft were shot down, resulting in 11 airmen killed and 2 captured.
Explanation: The initial rescue efforts were extremely costly, leading to the loss of five additional aircraft, the deaths of 11 airmen, and the capture of two others, highlighting the intense danger involved.
What was the stated rationale for the Air Force's commitment to rescuing downed aircrews?
Answer: To maintain morale and ensure aircrew felt valued and protected.
Explanation: The Air Force's unwavering commitment to rescuing downed aircrews was primarily driven by the need to maintain crew morale, ensuring that airmen felt protected and valued, which was considered essential for operational effectiveness.
After his rescue, where was Lt Col Hambleton initially transported for recovery?
Answer: To a hospital in Da Nang, South Vietnam.
Explanation: Upon his successful rescue, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton was initially transported to a hospital in Da Nang, South Vietnam, for immediate medical attention and recovery.
Which of the following literary or cinematic works was inspired by the Bat 21 Bravo rescue?
Answer: The book *The Rescue of Bat 21* and the film *Bat*21*
Explanation: The Bat 21 Bravo rescue operation inspired both the book *The Rescue of Bat 21* by William C. Anderson and Darrel D. Whitcomb, and the subsequent film adaptation titled *Bat*21*.
Which of the following improvements were made by the USAF following the Bat 21 rescue?
Answer: Adoption of the Navy's A-7 Corsair and enhanced helicopter night capabilities.
Explanation: Following the Bat 21 rescue, the USAF implemented improvements including the adoption of the Navy's A-7 Corsair for close air support and enhancements to helicopter night operational capabilities.
What was the outcome for the crew of the HH-53C 'Jolly Green 67' helicopter?
Answer: They were critically damaged and crashed, resulting in the deaths of the entire crew.
Explanation: The HH-53C helicopter, 'Jolly Green 67', suffered critical damage during the rescue attempt and subsequently crashed, tragically resulting in the deaths of its entire crew.
Which aircraft type was adopted by the USAF after the Bat 21 rescue for improved close air support?
Answer: A-7 Corsair
Explanation: Following the lessons learned during the Bat 21 rescue, the USAF adopted the A-7 Corsair aircraft, known for its close air support capabilities.
What did Hambleton express remorse for after his rescue?
Answer: For the lives lost during his rescue operation.
Explanation: Following his rescue, Lieutenant Colonel Hambleton expressed profound remorse for the lives lost during the extensive operation undertaken to save him, acknowledging the high cost.