by Kenneth Sams. 1966. 24p

Operation Hawthorne, conducted from June 2-21, 1966, in Kontum Province, Vietnam, involved the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Air Cavalry Division, ARVN, and CIDG forces aimed at relieving ARVN troops and engaging Viet Cong. The operation showcased the effectiveness of tactical air power, with 250 immediate air sorties and 39 B-52 missions, resulting in significant enemy casualties (479 killed) compared to U.S. losses (48 killed, 239 wounded). Key lessons learned included the importance of air-ground coordination and the critical role of B-52 strikes in emergency situations, highlighting the need for improved communication and mission flexibility.