As in the case of the 1st Marines WAKEUP raid in November 1952, CLAMBAKE was important not so much in accomplishing its primary mission (actually, no POWs were taken) as in lessons learned. One of these was to reemphasize the fact that thorough preparation helped to ensure smooth coordination of infantry and supporting arms. In his report of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Platt wrote, “minute planning to the last detail along with carefully executed rehearsals are basic to success in actions of this type.”[343] He further noted that “confidence and enthusiasm stimulated by the rehearsals are assets which cannot be overlooked.”[344] The battalion commander also commented on the importance of planning for both troop withdrawal and maintaining a flexible schedule of fires by supporting arms. Air,[345] artillery, and tanks all employed fire plans that could be readily adjusted to meet the changing tactical situation. [343] 1/5 ComdD, Feb. 53, App. IVc, dtd 19 Feb 53, p. 5. [344] _Ibid._ [345] In order to assure better close air support during the assault; an SOP for the airborne tactical controller was proposed and drafted by MAG-12 for 1st MAW approval. The plan utilized the marking of targets by rocket and subsequent corrections to be made by the FAC. This enabled MAG-12 aircraft “to scramble, fly a CAS mission at the Division front and be back at the field at K-6 in approximately 40 minutes.” Col Wayne M. Cargill ltr to Dir MCHist, HQMC, dtd 8 Jan 70. On the ground, flame was found to be the best weapon for neutralizing the well-fortified CCF caves. From Company A, 1st Tank Battalion (Captain Hunter) came information about Chinese 3.5-inch rocket launcher teams used in antitank defense. Several of these tank-killer teams had run down the trenchline holding small bushes in front of them. The enemy then boldly advanced through a hail of bullets to within 15–20 yards of the Marine tank before opening fire with their rockets. Short bursts of flame from headquarters tanks soon caused even the most intrepid to beat a hurried retreat. Concluding his after-action report of CLAMBAKE, the regimental commander, Colonel Walt, observed: In addition to inflicting large numbers of casualties and destruction upon the enemy, the operation served a secondary purpose, none the less important. It provided excellent training and experience for the various infantry and supporting arms staffs involved, helping to develop them into a smoothly functioning infantry-air-artillery-tank team.[346] [346] 5th Mar ComdD, Feb 53, App. VI, dtd 20 Feb 53, p. 3.