Have an immediate alarm put through to all local army and naval air commanders.

The air commander's radio was also hit, preventing communication with the other helicopters.

Their sensors detected 15 of the explosive devices in recent weeks, air commanders reported.

However, the organization was confused, with many air commanders not receiving their orders until the night of 18 January.

American air commanders adapted to the situation as it was.

"Pretzels," the air commander called us, "it looks like we're going to need you until the new guns can get on station."

The new gun team called in after we'd made a dozen passes each, and the air commander herded them toward us.

The air commander said they'd be on station within fifteen minutes.

Requests from the front lines went all the way to the top, where the air commander decided whether to act, when and how.